Pieces of Me

Too Good To Last

2011-04-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

Well, you had to know that it would come to an end...but at least it hasn't been that long since I blogged last. Alright...let's get back to the 30 day thing...

Day 27 Pets

Well, right now we have 2 cats...Simba and Kiara. But we (meaning the kiddos and I) are all anxiously awaiting the time when we have our own place and can get a dog. I have been waiting forever to get a Bernese Mountain Dog. And I'm so jealous because my sister's boyfriend just got one...and he's SO cute...and just makes me that much more impatient!!

Isn't he just adorable?! Soon...one will be mine!! Muahahahahahaha!!!

Day 28 Something The Stresses Me Out

Well, I try not to let too much get to me...what's the point in being stressed out about every little thing? But one thing that does wear on me is clutter and mess...especially my kid's bedroom...man, that room just can't stay clean!! So yes...I have to admit, that my stress level does go up when it's messy...although, I have to say that my room was really messy when I was growing up...but I don't tell them that! ;)

Day 29 3 Wishes

Well...my first wish would be to finally be licensed as a PT here in Canada...really, I cannot wait for that to happen...everything else will just start falling in to place after that.
My second wish would be to have my kiddos happy.
My last wish would be for my happiness...in life, love...everything. I just want to be happy.

That's it...I'm simple like that...

Day 30 A Picture

Hmmm...don't really feel like posting another picture of me...so I'll just go with one that I've taken recently that I love.

In honour of my little sister and best friend's 28th birthday today...

Well...you now have 30 days (kinda) worth of blogging from me...let's see where this goes from here...

Tata, for now!!

3 in a row!!

2011-04-06T19:43:00.001-07:00

Woah...I must be coming down with something...3 days in a row!! Oh wait...I am sick with a cold, maybe it's the fact that I'm sitting at home all day with nothing to do that is making me feel obligated to blog...

Whatever it is, here we go...

Day 21 A Picture of Myself

Well since I don't get many pictures taken of me...I had to go with this one, and crop a certain ex-boyfriend out...I think it turned out pretty good ;)

Day 22 What's In My Makeup Bag

Well, here's a picture of what's in my makeup bag at this moment...

...it almost always has my mineral powder foundation, bronzer, blush, eye shadow (both powder and wet), mascara, eye liner, eye lash curler, tweezers and always hair ties. I often have an extra set of earrings and maybe a bracelet thrown in there as well...depending on the night.

Day 23 Favourite Vacation

Seeing as I haven't really had too many chances to travel I'm going to give 2 answers here. My favourite vacation...to date would have to be my last trip down to Disneyland. The reason why I loved it so much was because it was totally impromptu...I'm talking, it kinda came up and 3 hours later I had bought the tickets, had our bags packed and was trying to get a little bit of sleep before heading down. Another reason it rocked was because the kids had NO idea where we were going...I was able to keep it a secret the whole way down!! And the last reason it was awesome was because we were able to spend 3 days in the happiest place on earth with Lynn, Ray and their kiddos...I think that was the best part...being able to spend it with family.

Now my favourite vacation of choice would be either a trip through Asia or somewhere tropical...like the Cayman Islands. I have always dreamed of taking a trip through Asia, and after my little brother and his girlfriend spent 6 months traveling through there...it just makes me want to go even more. And really, who wouldn't want to vacation in the Cayman Islands...it's just paradise.

Day 24 Something I've Learned

Haha...I would have to say that I have hit a milestone...in terms of relationships. I have learned that I don't have to settle...that I deserve to be happy and I deserve to be treated like gold. And what's more important is that I have learned that I am strong enough to stand up for it...and that is what's gold to me!!

Day 25 First 10 Songs on my iPod

1. Duffy - Stepping Stone
2. Jaheim - Til It Happens To You
3. Nelly - Nothing Without Her
4. Garth Brooks - In Another's Eyes
5. David Guetta - One Love
6. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are
7. Jay Sean - 2012
8. Miguel - Sure Thing
9. Bob Marley - Could You Be Loved
10. John Mayer - Vultures

Lol...wow...could that playlist really be any more random?! Now you KNOW I didn't fake that!!

Day 26 Picture of My Family

As of right now...this is my little family...these guys mean the world to me...I would do anything for them...

It's always hard to get a picture of my whole family...there are just too many of us, and we're hardly all together at the same time...so here are a couple pics just to give you all an idea...

Here is one of most of the family, minus Darren and Auria, who were traveling through China at the time. Plus there are a couple extra friends in here...

And here is one of the 5 Johnson kids...this doesn't happen very often, where all of us are in the same place at the same time...so I love it when it does happen...I love my sisters and my brother...I would not be the woman that I am today, if not for them!!

Anyway, that's all the catching up for today!! Maybe, if you're lucky...I'll be back tomorrow again!!

Haha...2 Days in a Row!!

2011-04-05T14:10:00.001-07:00

Wow...I think hell froze over, or pigs are flying...yes, I'm actually back 2 days in a row...
Ok...let's keep this catch up blogging on a roll...

Day 11 My Favourite TV Shows

Definitely my #1 right now is Glee...LOVE IT!!! I am totally a gleek, and proud of it!!

A close 2nd is Fringe...oooohhhh...the weird science...love it!!

But I also love watching Criminal Minds, Bones, NCIS, So You Think You Can Dance and the Sing Off.

Day 12 What I believe

Again, another loaded prompt...but after this past year...this is what I believe...

I believe that I have the right to be happy...this was a tough one for me...for a long time, I thought that it was my fault that my marriage fell apart...and I punished myself for it. But I eventually came to the realization that he was going to act the way that he acted, no matter what I did. And I have the right to be truly happy in my life, and more importantly, I don't have to settle for anything less.

Day 13 Goals

First and foremost...it is my goal to be licensed as a physiotherapist in Canada...and believe me, I'm doing all that I can...it's been almost a year, waiting on the Canadian PT Board to verify everything. BLAH!!!

After I get licensed, I think all my other goals will start falling in to place...getting my own place, buying a new car, traveling...so I'm gonna leave it at getting licensed as a PT.

Day 14 A Picture I Love

I have so many pictures that I love...but right now, this is one of my favourites...

Day 15 A Favourite Quote

I am a quote collecting fiend...seriously, I have quotes that I wrote down when I was in high school
One of my favourites at that time was one that my provincial team coach gave to me...

"Always shoot for the moon, cause if you miss and land amongst the stars...that's still not a bad place to be."

I also love this quote from the movie Broken Arrow...lol...it's so cute...

"I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave."

Day 16 Dream House

Hmmm...I would have to say that my dream house would be on acreage, I love having land...I grew up on a lot with acreage, and being in a house with neighbours that are so close makes me feel almost claustrophobic. I need that acreage because I plan on having horses and dogs. I also would love to have a wrap around porch with a porch swing...I love the thought of going out to my porch swing as the sun is setting, a drink in my hand and watching the kids play in the yard. It would have to have at least 4 rooms (one for each of my kids and me) and a finished basement where the kids can go and hang out.

I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of anything right now...

Day 17 Something I'm Looking Forward To

Despite the obvious of being licensed as a PT in Canada...I'm totally looking forward to the summer...seriously, I'm getting tired of winter...I love it, but I'm done with it as of now. I'm looking forward to day trips to the lake and river, running through the sprinkler, living in bikinis and shorts, camping with friends and family, tubing...I just want it to be sunny and warm!!

Day 18 Something I Regret

Wow...I would have to say that the thing that I regret the most is not telling certain people how I truly feel about them...at the time that I felt it. I have decided that it is in my best interest to let people know how I truly feel...because I know for sure that I will regret it later if I don't let them know.

Day 19 Something I Miss

I was spoiled when I lived in Marina, CA...I totally miss being able to jump in my car and end up at this beach in 5 minutes...

But more than the beach...I totally miss my family from down south...Lynn and Ray and the kiddos over in Arizona, Jay and Jen and little miss Z (who I still haven't met!!), Gail and Brian and their kiddos, Arlene and Nick and their 2 munchkins...I miss you guys so much!!

Day 20 Nicknames

Well, I have the typical run of the mill nicknames with friends and acquaintances...Tash, Tasha, Natty, Nat...but the one that I go by with my family and close loved ones is Ting. And that comes from my Chinese middle name that my grandfather chose for me...Guy Ting...all my siblings have a Chinese middle name picked by my grandfather, and in fact...all our kiddos have Chinese middle names as well...kind of a tradition. But for some unknown reason, I'm the only one who goes by their middle name in our family.

Anyway...I think I did a pretty awesome job with this catch up...so I'm gonna leave it there for now.

Who knows...maybe hell will freeze over again tomorrow!! ;)

Catching Up...

2011-04-04T22:40:00.001-07:00

Well, I'll just keep going with the blogging challenge...even though I have clearly not kept up with the 30 days in a row...in fact, I'm pretty sure the 30 days is over and I've only blogged about 4 days...what can I say...

Here's my excuses...I've been sick with a chest cold for almost 2 weeks...not so horrible that I couldn't function, but horrible enough that it really takes something out of me at the end of the day. Actually, it has totally caused my asthma to act up...so I've felt very short of breath for the better part of the last week and a bit...not a fun feeling :P

And...my fantastic new boyfriend and I have broken up...guess he wasn't so fantastic and perfect for me after all...man, am I ever glad I didn't blog very much about him yet...lol. It actually wasn't that bad...I mean, he started questioning his feelings about me and whether or not he was ready for a relationship so soon...but he also started talking to another girl...so it just had to end. And as soon as I realized that I deserved better and that I didn't have to tolerate less...it was easy to end it. So I'm doing good, and I think that this was a turning point for me, in terms of knowing what I want and what I won't tolerate in relationships.

Ok...so here's some catch up days...

Day 5 Favourite Recipes

Well, I have to say that right now, my favourite recipes are for Laksa and a Shrimp Pesto Pizza.
I don't really have true recipes...because we just kinda figure them out as we go along...so I'm sorry to disappoint those who got really excited about these dishes.

Erika and I have made Laksa a few times now, and I have to say that I LOVE it...it's a Malasian curry soup, and it is heaven in a bowl...really, it is. All I know is that we use Tikka Masala, coconut milk, Tamarind soup base, fish sauce, prawns, baby corn, pineapple, red peppers, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, boiled eggs, rice noodles and cilantro.
We make a soup base out of the Tikka Masala, coconut milk and fish sauce...and it really is to taste for us.
In another pot we make the tamarind soup base then we add it to the Tikka Masala. Once that is boiling, we add all the vegetables and simmer until they are tender. Then in go the prawns and pineapple. Then we just add it over the rice noodles, and top it with bean sprouts, cilantro and sliced boiled eggs.
I know...not the greatest recipe...but yummy!! If you really want me to figure out how we really make it, feel free to email me at bcnatty22@hotmail.com

And my other recipe is for Shrimp Pesto Pizza...and literally I just take cooked shrimp, chopped fresh tomatoes, feta cheese and mix it with a greek salad dressing, salt and pepper. Spread pesto sauce over your pizza bread (I use pita bread), then take your shrimp mix and spread it on top of the pesto...and put it in the oven to cook...literally...that easy...but SOOOOO delicious!!!

Day 6 A picture of something that makes me happy...

It would definitely have to be my kiddos...just beings kiddos, and enjoying themselves...they crack me up, make me crazy, keep me sane, and fill my life with joy...I love them

Day 7 Favourite Movies

I actually just answered this for someone today...so I don't have to do as much thinking about it. As I told him...I have many different favourite movies, depending on the genre...
For suspense movies I love Shawkshank Redemption, The Usual Suspects, Taken, Signs
For romantic comedies I love 50 First Dates, Never Been Kissed, A Walk To Remember, Princess Bride
For romance I love Pride & Prejudice, Shakespeare In Love
For comedy I love Tommy Boy, Due Date, Old School
For action I love martial arts movies, especially ones like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Hero, House of Flying Daggers
and I love musicals...Moulin Rouge (awesome!!) and Burlesque...I just love the singing and dancing...

Day 8 A Place I've Traveled To

Well, I actually haven't had the opportunity to travel too much...oh, the places that I want to go...someday...

I have been able to travel to Hawaii a few times (since the conference that I played basketball in had the University of Hawaii in it) and I was able to take a trip to the Philippines while I was still with my ex-husband. I'll have to scan some pictures in and post them...I loved going to Hawaii...it was so beautiful, but I had the best time with my teammates. The last year that we were there our whole team rented mopeds and went all over the island...SO much fun!!

Day 9 A Picture of my Friends

Here is "The wolf pack"...as we are referred to in our hometown...lol

Actually, all these fabulous girls are my little sister, Erika's, friends...but seeing as she is my best friend, I have become really good friends with these girls as well. They are amazing...beautiful, strong, independent women...and they have helped me to realize that I am as well, and that I don't have to settle...in the words of Tammy..."it'll be your turn when you finally decide you're worth your own weight in gold and then disallow anyone to treat you otherwise"...I love them for that.

Day 10 Something that I'm afraid of...

Wow...what a loaded prompt...there are a lot of things that I'm afraid of...nothing really tangible though.

I am afraid of not finding someone that will love me for who I am...I have found that I really don't like to be alone, and not because I don't like being by myself...but I really love spending those everyday moments with someone I love.

I am afraid that I'm not going to be able to give my kiddos everything that they need...being a single parent is hard, and I still have so much help from my parents since my licensing hasn't come through yet...I'm afraid that once I am out on my own, that I won't be able to provide for them the way that I want to.

Ok...that's all the catch up I'm doing today...I've got to get to bed and try to get rid of this cold...

Until next time...peace!!

I Suck at this Blogging Thing...

2011-03-07T23:42:00.000-08:00

LOL...I just realized today that I have missed the last 4 days of my 30 day blog challenge...and that was only after the first day!! You see? I told you that I suck at this blogging thing...

Well, here's my attempt to catch up...but I have to warn you that I'm probably going to be catching up throughout this whole 30 day thing.

Just a note...I'm writing this up on a computer, other than my own...so I don't have any pictures here, so when I get a chance (hopefully tomorrow...when I'm writing up the next part of the challenge) I will post pictures.

Day 2 - The meaning behind my blog

Pieces of Me...well, it doesn't really take a whole lot of explanation...this blog is where I can keep track of the pieces that make up my life, that make up who I am. It's a place where I can ramble about nothing, show off what I've accomplished and at the end of it all, have something written down about who and what I was.

Day 3 - My first love

Well, I would have to say that my first love was Chris Foucher...we dated on and off for about 3 years in high school. And I have to admit, that if I had stayed in town after high school, I probably would have ended up with him. He was just one of those people who I could relate to. We always had a really easy relationship, it was always so easy to talk to him...actually, it still is. He is one of those guys that I don't have to see or talk to for months, and we can pick up right where we left off. We figured out a little too late, what exactly we meant to each other, and by that time, our lives had taken such different paths...but he still is, and will always be a good friend.

Day 4 - My parents

Well, what can a girl say about her parents...when I was growing up, my mom was the enforcer...she was the lawmaker...and I, along with all my friends and boyfriends were scared to death of her. On top of that, she was, and still is a teacher...so she knew all my teachers - yeah, there was no way that I ever skipped a class in high school!! I wasn't really close with her, being scared to death of someone kinda puts a damper on being able to confide in her. I do remember very clearly the day that we actually became closer. It was after my first year of college and I was lying in my bed and she was trying to talk with me...something that was very new to me, so I was kinda blowing her off...well, she actually started crying and told me how upset she was that we weren't close enough for me to tell her what was going on in my life...and from that point on...I've been able to confide in her. My relationship with her has changed so much...and I realize that she loves me...unconditionally. And that no matter what happens.. .she has got my back...and that's all I can ask for.

My dad, on the other hand...he was kind of the pushover...if there was ever something that I wanted, I made sure that I asked my dad...because at least with him, I knew that there may be a chance that he would say yes. He was the one who introduced me to basketball and coached me for the first few years of my basketball career. He was actually gone for most of my high school years (he was transferred 8 hours away), but he came home every other weekend...and the night before he left, he always came down to sit beside my bed and catch up with my life. He was actually down there for my last college basketball game...and I remember how proud he looked when they were listing all my accomplishments. I was so happy that I could make him feel that way...it is something that I will never forget. And despite the fact that he is 65, we still play basketball together...it's awesome!!

Okay, that's all that I'm going to catch up on now...the next day is about recipes...and I have to give a little bit more thought that I can give at midnight. Now I'm not going to keep any promises...except the promise to catch up when I've finally realized that it's been days since I blogged!! LOL!!

On another note...I feel like bragging for a bit...my women's basketball team just won the league championship last week. And I have to say that I played pretty fan-frickin-tastic!! I was unstoppable...really, I hit 8 three's, I posted up, I was hitting pull-up jumpers...I had 43 points...the most that I've ever had in a game. It was just one of those games where everything was going in, I didn't even realize how much I had scored...anyway...just wanted to brag for a bit.

Take care, I'll be in...when I'm in ;)

Day 1 - Introduce, Recent Picture, 15 Interesting Facts

2011-03-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to admit...my blog is severely neglected...and I have resolved to fix this!! I am a little late in joining the crowd over at ScrapMatters...but I figure that I don't really have anything to lose. Heather (Haynay) has started this blogging challenge (actually, it started about a month ago) and I figured that I'd just jump in now...if nothing else, at least my blog will be updated more often!!

So here goes:

I'm Natasha Cruz...soon to be Johnson again...long story, that you can read earlier in my blog. I am a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, lover, scrapper, baller and physio. I am a Canadian, through and through...and although I'm tired of winter as of this moment...I have to say that I love being back home!! That's all I'm going to say in my introduction...otherwise, I might not have any interesting facts to add later...

I took this picture of myself about 2 weeks ago...this is often the only way that I actually have proof that I do exist, as I'm usually the picture taker...

Now 15 interesting facts...hmmm...well, at least I think that they're kind of interesting...

1. I am the second child of a family of 5...there are 4 girls and then my little brother (often called the forgotten brother in our posts...sorry Darren, we really don't forget you!!). And I have to say that my family is really close, I mean, we love getting together as often as we can...and I know for a fact that any one of my siblings has my back whenever I need it...for whatever...and they know that I would be there for them in a heartbeat if they ever needed me.

2. I am a single mom of 3...I separated from my husband of 10 years about a year ago (hence the last name going back to Johnson). At that time I didn't think that I would be able to make it...but that close family that I talked about before? They were there to pick me up...literally...3 weeks after we decided to split, my older sister, her husband and my brother drove from Vancouver to Monterey, California...helped me pack up my house and brought me back home.

3. After 15 years of living in sunny, warm California...I moved back home to Northern British Columbia with my 3 kiddos. People call me crazy...but I call this home. As I said before, I am a Canadian, through and through...I have ALWAYS wanted to move back here...just didn't have the opportunity until recently. And although I do have to wear a parka, winter boots, mitts, scarves and toques for half of the year...there is NO WAY that I would ever consider moving back down to California...you can keep your year round sunshine and +40 degree weather...I'll take the snow and cold if it means that I get to be with my family again :)

4. I got a full-ride basketball scholarship to play down in San Jose State University, NCAA Div 1. That's how this girl from small town PG ended up in the big Silicon Valley. My team didn't do very well, but I rocked it...when I left school, I was 7th on the all time scoring list...and I believe that I am still in the top ten for most of the scoring records...plus I got a free education...really, how can you top that?!

5. After 5 years and 3 kiddos...I decided to go back to school to get my Masters of Physical Therapy. Yup, that's right...I had 3 kids all under the age of 5 when I went back to that crazy program called Physical Therapy...and I mean CRAZY!!! Plus, my husband at the time was working and living 3 hours away...so he was only there during the weekends. So I was a single mom of 3, going through PT school...and I am proud to say that I rocked it again!!! I'm talking a 3.96 GPA...yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself for that.

6. I'm in love...again...I know, I'm a sucker for love!! For those of you who know me, or follow this blog...you know that after I split with my husband, I had a BF last year...and that he dumped me on New Years - yeah...he was a real winner. Well, one thing that I didn't do was sit around and mope and wait for him to come back (at least not for long). Erika and Rachel (my 2 younger sisters) made sure of that...they absolutely would not even let me think of getting back together with my ex...plus I had the wolf pack to help carry me through...LOL!!! And it didn't take long to find someone new...and can I say that he is FABULOUS!!! I'll have to introduce him later on...keep you coming back for more...LOL!!

7. I love sports...basketball mostly...but I will watch any sporting event...and I have to admit, that I'm pretty knowledgeable about most sports. Funny story...one of the first times that I stayed over at my new BF's place was during NFL playoffs. Well, we were snoozing and all of a sudden I sat straight up in bed, asked what time it was and then loudly stated that I had to leave because I had to go watch a football game. My new guy was like "What?! You're leaving to go watch football?!" And we ended up spending the day snuggling on the couch, watching playoff games...I think that I had him hooked from that point ;)

8. I still play basketball...and what's even better is that I get to play with my 2 sisters that live in PG with me. I have to admit, that our team rocks...because us Johnson girls are pretty damn awesome...and we're competitive...we will do anything it takes to win. We are actually trying to put together a team of all the Johnson girls to go over to Torino, Italy to play in the World Master Games in 2013...I think that would just be awesome...playing against teams from around the world with my sisters...I can't wait!!!

9. I love March!!! And it truly is only because of March Madness...I'm talking the single best sporting event to watch of the year!! Forget the NFL, NBA, NHL...NCAA March Madness is where my heart truly lies!!! It is true madness and I love it...so many upsets, so many incredible games, so much blood, guts and most of all...heart being left on the hardwood...it truly is a magical time for me...Duke all the way baby!!!

10. I am a Disney lover...I will go and watch any Disney cartoon that is made...even if I didn't have kids, I would totally be there!!! If I could, I would be at Disneyland every single year...and make no mistake about it...that is on my list of 50 things that I'm going to do. I get giddy when I know that a new cartoon is coming out...I hide it from my kids...but I'm just as excited to go as they are.

11. I love to scrapbook...as most of you probably know already. I've always loved taking pictures, and when I looked back at my pictures I could tell stories about what we were doing, where we were, and why it was important to me to take that picture. When I found scrapbooking...it was just a perfect match for me. What better way is there to record all those memories and pictures...and to make it so beautiful...I love it. I'm so excited to be able to keep all these little tidbits about my kiddos lives as they are growing up, I can't wait for them to look back at my pages when they are grown and remember...that's why I really do it.

12. I am a classically trained pianist...although I haven't played competitively in years and years and years. My piano teacher forced me to choose between piano and basketball when I was in grade 9...and I chose basketball without even stopping to think. I do miss playing piano though, and I find myself tickling the ivories every now and then. I would like to get back to playing more often, I'm actually really glad that I do know how to play. I have to admit...I was a really good pianist...I mean good to the point that I would win all my competition categories...and that other people would drop out if they saw my name in the same competition as them.

13. My best friend is my little sister, Erika...has been since 2000. We decided that we would be best friends when my family was all sitting around one day a couple weeks before I got married. Rachel informed us that none of us was going to be her maid of honour because her best friend would be...and Erika and I looked at each other and said...I don't even have a best friend to do that...and right then and there, we decided that we would be each other's best friend. I love her to pieces...she is the most beautiful, funny, loving girl in the world...I'm so lucky to not only call her my best friend, but my sister.

14. I'm a licensed PT in California...yup...not a lot of good that does me when I'm living in Canada!! Currently I have been waiting for almost 11 months to hear back from the PT Board of Canada about when I can take my licensing exam up here...I cannot wait to be able to actually work here!!!

15. I can honestly say that I am at a point in my life where I am truly happy. I am surrounded by people who love and support me, I am soon going to be able to work as a PT, I'm playing basketball with my sisters, I have my kiddos with me, I'm in love with an absolutely fantastic man...life is great for me right now. I look at myself and am starting to see the beautiful, happy, confident woman that I used to be...I've been looking for her for a long time...and it feels awesome!!!

Well, that's it for the first post...hopefully I'll be back for the next 30 days... ;) We'll see how that works out!!

Babypalooza!!!

2011-02-11T01:31:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...and welcome to Babypalooza!!! I hope that you've enjoyed to stops along the way so far. You should have been directed here from Kat's blog.

If you've gotten lost along the way and want to start over, you can begin at Britt's blog.

My family has been hit hard with baby fever...in just the past 6 months, I have welcomed 4 new nieces in to my life. There is Zoey, Amelia, Penny and Reiko...I feel so very blessed and cannot wait to meet my south of the border girls!! In fact, everyone around here has gotten a bit of baby fever, what with Britt's little bundle of joy coming soon...and just look at this beautiful new baby kit that she has whipped up for all of us to play with!! Isn't it just amazing?!

Now, I was lucky enough to be able to play with it ahead of time and I know that most of you are here for the freebies...so without further ado...here is the quickpage that I've made for you all.

*** ETA. This download is no longer available...look for this and the rest of the blog train goodies at Britt-ish Designs ***

For those of you who weren't able to download this because of a lack of bandwidth, and if you left a comment about it...please email me at bcnatty22@hotmail.com!!

Make sure you let all your friends know about this blog hop...these freebies will only be available until Thursday February 17th.

The next stop on your hop is Krista's blog.

Enjoy the rest of the ride!!

A New Year...Another New Beginning

2011-01-04T11:09:00.001-08:00

Well...2011 hasn't exactly started off like I expected it to. Rich, my BF of 9 months decided to end it on New Years...so I'm hoping that this year can only get better. No, it's not his fault...so don't start hating him right away...well, he did end it, but he just wasn't feeling it anymore. And no matter how much I want to, I just can't change how someone feels...so it's for the best, I guess...even if it does feel like my heart has broken in to a thousand pieces again.

So here I am again, brokenhearted at the start of a new year...and, again, I will make the commitment to myself...to find what truly makes me happy, to find what makes me tick...to find me. So here's to a year of self discovery...

So, besides that...the rest of my holidays was awesome...it always is when I get to spend time with my whole family. As always, it was chaotic, with everyone around, but it was fun:)
The kiddos had their Christmas concert...they were all so cute. Erika and I were lucky enough to get seats front and center and unfortunately, I don't have a proper video camera yet, so my iPhone just had to do.

Logan was a little shy, I don't know why because she sings and sings and sings at home...and if I do say so myself, she is pretty good.

And Tanner...well, let's just say that he LOVES the camera!!! Such a little ham:) He, of course is front and center...and did he ever put on a show. It didn't quite catch it all, but at the end of his performance he did a couple bows and thank yous.

And Payton was just as sweet as can be...she was sick with tonsillitis the whole week before the concert, and at first she wasn't going to go...but she cried and cried...and in the end, she got her way. She was so happy that she was able to go, and fortunately, she was able to make it through the entire show.

Then the whole family came up for the Christmas holiday. It was the first time that I've seen Darren and Auria since they left for their Asia trip, almost 8 months ago. And I finally got a picture of the 5 of us...which I will totally have to scrapbook, and then give to Darren, so he doesn't feel like the "Forgotten Brother" anymore ;)

We also got to spend some time with Grandma, which is always a delight:)

And I think that Kong Kong loved having all his grandkids and great grandkids there with him.

We had our traditional "Frank" Christmas breakfast of crepes, eggs benedict and deli meats and cheeses. We had a traditional Christmas dinner...with some crab legs thrown in and we also had our Mongolian Hot Pot...so much good food!! Hopefully it didn't all go to my thighs;)

The kiddos all got along surprisingly well...I barely heard any fighting between the 5 of them...which was a treat for Tanya and I.

The kiddos all got their favorite presents...and then a lot more!! Seriously, the amount of gifts under the tree is getting a little ridiculous...but the kids love it, and so do I!!

The siblings all get together and do a Secret Santa, which seriously cuts down on the cost for us...and it's always fun to find out what you get. This year I had Erika, and I decided to do a little theme for her. We were all in to the movie and book "Eat, Pray, Love" so I went off of that and got her a cookbook, a little jade Buddha statue and and little book of zen sayings and some lacy underwear...along with the movie. And Tanya was my Secret Santa...I ended up getting a pretty sweet sweater and a GC to Shutterfly...now I have NO excuses to not put a book together!! AND we all got some hand knitted Christmas socks from Mom :)

So, although, it ended up pretty crappy for me...I can't really complain...because I was able to spend the holidays surrounded by people who love and support me. And the way I figure it...it can only get better.

So here's to 2011...may it be filled with love and happiness for everyone!!

SM 3rd Birthday Blog Train

2010-08-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!!

First let me say Happy Birthday SM!! I have had the wonderful priviledge of being a part of the SM CT for a while...and I love it, I consider it part of my digital family.

I hope everyone has been enjoying all the wonderful freebies that the CT and designers have created for you all!!

You should have found your way here from Amy's Blog. If for some reason, you get lost along the way, or found your way here without following the train, you can start over at ScrapMatter's Blog.

Your next stop should be Trixie Scraps' Blog.

I have a few memorable birthdays that I want to share with you all. When I was growing up, my Grandma always made these amazing birthday cakes. I mean, these are ones that you would pay good money for at a bakery...but my favorites were always her Black Forest Cakes. I would look forward to my birthday every year just for her cakes. I have been priviledged enough to have been taught by my Grandma how to bake her special Black Forest Cakes, and it was my honour this year with my younger sister, Erika, to surprise her on her birthday (the first one that I have been here for in 15 years) with her own Black Forest Cake.

My family has a birthday season...it runs from the middle of April through the end of May. During that time we have 9 birthdays in just 5 weeks. I have totally missed out on our birthday season during the 15 years that I was living in the States, but now that I'm back home in Canada...this year I was in heaven. It gets a little hectic, planning that many birthdays, but I loved it. I made a LO of all the birthdays we celebrated this year...

The other birthday that I want to share with you is my last birthday, which I celebrated in May. This is the first one in 15 years that I have been able to celebrate with my immediate family, it really meant a lot to me to have everyone that loved me and that has helped me through some really tough personal times there with me this year. And just knowing that this is the first one of a lot to come makes it even better!! I love my family so much, and I'm so glad that I am home with them again!

So now on to what you have all been waiting for...my freebie!! I hope you enjoy these cluster frames that I have made for you all. Just click on the preview to download!!

***ETA: This download is no longer available. Please check out ScrapMatters for the add on to the Cupcakes & Candles kit for all the blog train freebies!!***

Enjoy the rest of the train, and have a wonderful time during this amazing week at ScrapMatters!!

2010-08-04T09:01:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to quickly pop in here and mention a couple things that are going on at ScrapMatters.

First of all...I'm hosting a Speed Scrap...so if speed is your vice, check out the ad below.

And for playing along...you will get this fabulous Participation Prize!! Isn't is awesome?!

Also...ScrapMatters is turning 3 next week!!!!! So you have to make sure that you check it out...we will be having games, chats, speed scraps and sales all week long!! Make sure you're there for some fabulous fun and prizes!!

I Miss(ed) June...

2010-07-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

This title has 2 meanings to me. First of all, June (the month) just seemed to fly by...and I will get to everything that me and the kiddos went through a bit later.

First I need to get to the next major tragedy that happened in our lives. My Mama (my mom's mother) passed away this June very quickly after a brief battle with cancer. On a side note, her name is also June...hence the second meaning to my blog title.

We found out just after Mother's Day that she had brain cancer, after going in to get more diagnostic testing, we found that she also had Stage 4 (the last stage) lung cancer. So my mom, Mama and Kong Kong (my mom's father) quickly flew down to Vancouver for almost 4 weeks to undergo radiation treatment. While they were down in Vancouver, the did some bone scans and found that she also had bone cancer in her back and hips.They flew home on a Tuesday afternoon, and early Thursday morning, just after I had helped her reposition in bed to be more comfortable, she stopped breathing and passed away. I performed CPR on her for 5 minutes before the paramedics came and worked on her for another 20 minutes. Just when they were going to call it in, they found a very tenous heart beat...but she didn't last the ride to the hospital.
I just happened so quickly...but in a way, I'm glad that it did. Although I am SO grateful that my kiddos and I were able to spend these last few months with her...she was not the Mama that I once knew. She has always been this fiesty, on the move woman...and these past months were so hard to watch as she deteriorated so quickly. I'm so glad that I was there for her in her last days and moments to help her be more comfortable, I just wish that I could have done more.

June Sek Kiam Tseng January 26, 1926- June 17, 2010
You will be dearly missed.

Everyone, except Darren and Auria (who are in China) came home for her services. We all had a great time reminiscing about Mama, we had amazing food and despite the sad occasion, we had a lot of laughs. I think that we, as a family, became stronger and closer that weekend.

As for the rest of June, the Pumpkin and Monkey finished their school year. And despite only being there for half the school year, Pumpkin won the Principle's Award for the Best All Around Grade 3 Student...isn't that awesome?!

She also participated in the Track & Field day at Massey Place Stadium (man, did being there for a track & field event ever bring back some memories for me!). Monkey was very proud of his big sister and how awesome she did.

The kiddos also finished off their soccer games for the summer, much to Sweet Pea's excitement (she enjoyed soccer about as much as she enjoyed it last year). But, unfortunately, they have 3-4 more games when they return for school.

So, I think that I'm ready to let everyone in on what's been happening in my life. I told you all earlier that my husband of almost 10 years decided that he needed time apart from us, and that I decided to move back to Canada because of it. I spent at least 2 months depressed...I wasn't able to do anything other than get the kids to school and pick them up. It was sometime around mid-March that I realized that I didn't want to wait around for him anymore, and that he wasn't the person that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I thought about it long and hard, and I realized that there was no way that I could trust or love him wholeheartedly again, how was I ever going to trust that he wouldn't just up and walk away from us again when things got tough. And I decided to move forward, not on...I just needed to start living again. So it was tough, but I got out playing basketball again, and started going out with my sisters and hanging out with my friends. And I realized that life up in good ole Prince George was just as awesome as it always was...I just needed to change my mindset.

So I told Mike in April that I wanted a divorce. It hasn't happened yet, but at least it's been put out there...unfortunately, Mike has realized that he made a terrible mistake and is trying to fight for us. But it's way too little, way too late.

I have since met someone new and amazing and perfect for me. He makes me smile, helps me put things in perspective, worries about my well-being and how everything affects my family and most importantly makes my heart happy. From the beginning things between us have just been so natural and easy. Now don't get me wrong...things aren't perfect, and we are still figuring a lot of stuff out...but I can't wait to figure things out together, and I'm excited to have him in my life. So, to all my readers out there...here is the new man in my life...meet Rich.
So that's about it for June...I'll be back soon to update everyone on what's been going on in July with our family.

The Party Never Ends at SM!!

2010-05-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

In case you guys didn't get enough of ScrapMatters this past iNSD...get ready for more excitement, challenges, prizes, chats and fun!!

It Just Keeps Getting Better

2010-05-04T12:37:00.001-07:00

Because of continued issues with the ScrapMatter's site (it must be because their designers are SO AWESOME!!) they have decided to extend their iNSD sale through Thursday May 6th!! Take advantage of these awesome prices because after Thursday, they go back:(
Have a great week and Happy Scrapping!!

This Just In...

2010-05-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Due to some issues with the ScrapMatter's site over the weekend, they're extending our 40% off personal use, and 30% off Commerical Use sale through Monday, May 3rd.

And as planned, the sale will continue through the rest of the week at 30% Personal Use, 20% Commerical Use Tues thru Thur 5/4 - 5/6!

Take advantage of this extended sale to grab those goodies that you weren't able to grab this weekend!! Happy Scrapping!!

Happy {Inter} National Scrapbooking Day from ScrapMatters!!!

2010-05-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Hi all!!

Welcome to your next stop on the ScrapMatters [inter]National Scrapbooking Day blog train. This train has stops ALL OVER THE WORLD and is absolutely HUGE!!! You have probably just come from the Krista's blog. That's the stop before this one. And now you've arrived in beautiful Northern British Columbia!

Our NSD mega-collab at SM this weekend is called "Moments that Matter" and the whole theme of our celebration is all about those moments in our lives that really matter. At each stop you'll find a story about a Moment that Matters along with a freebie!! There are TONS of stops on this blog train, so you can pick up a LOT of goodies!!

So the 'moment that matters' I've chosen to share is with you. . . the birth of my first child!

My first pregnancy was a dream pregnancy. I was never sick, I barely gained any weight (I actually was able to wear my normal wardrobe throughout my entire prenancy!), and I didn't have any crazy cravings...I know...you all hate me! But really, I had a wonderful pregnancy.

So throughout my dream pregnancy my doctor never once had any worries with me or my child, medically. That is until a week and a half before it (and I say it, because we chose not to find out the gender) was born. At that time I went for one of my very last weekly checkups. My doctor was a little worried because I had a large weight fluctuation between the two weeks (I honestly thought that the doctor's scale was a little off the week before, but they didn't believe me). So it sent them in a little bit of a tizzy...and my doctor then decided to mention that he was a little worried that I wasn't very big. Not the coolest thing to say to someone who is 37 1/2 weeks pregnant. So anyway, he sent me off for an emergency ultrasound.

I spent 5 hours in that ultrasound office, with the nurses speaking in hushed tones...then sending me off for fetal stress tests, then bringing me back to recheck...and calling the doctor in and speaking in more hushed tones. What the doctor finally told me was that he was worried that he thought that one of my baby's arteries in the heart was closing prematurely....which meant that my baby could go in to heart failure. I needed to get that baby out as soon as possible. I asked the doctor if my baby would be okay once it was delivered and all he could tell me was "I can't say for sure." SERIOUSLY?! After a dream pregnancy...a week and a half left and this doctor tells me that my baby may go in to heart failure, so I need to be induced, and he isn't sure whether or not it will help?!

So needless to say, I start panicking and majorly stressing. Oh, and I forgot to mention that this was the day before Thanksgiving...and he wanted me to deliver in a bigger hospital that had a NICU, in case something did go wrong with my baby's heart. So that meant that my regular OB wouldn't be able to deliver me...new hospital, new doctor, emergency induction, possible heart failure...this was all wrong!!

Well, after a few hours of labour, one well placed epidural and hours of stressing...I had delivered a perfectly healthy baby girl...with absolutely NO heart problems!! It was the most amazing and stressful moment in my life...but I will never forget when they placed her in my arms and said that she was perfectly healthy.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing one of my moments that matter. Here is your freebie you've patiently waited for!! Click image to download...

This link will be active until midnight Thursday night 5/6. Then all these blog train goodies are getting gathered up and put into the store!

Your next stop is...

Amber L's (jeffsamber) blog.

Remember, if you ever get lost along the way, you can always start over at the ScrapMatter's Blog

Be sure to stop by ScrapMatters this weekend for amazing sales, challenges and chats. It's going to be amazing!! Just check out the ads below!!

And of top of all the amazing things going on for {i}NSD...we are also hosting the 3rd Annual Queen of Scrap challenge!! These participants are absolutely LO cranking machines!! Stop by the forums for more details...

A New Year...A New Beginning

2010-01-18T14:06:00.000-08:00

Well, what can I say...so much has happened...changed, in my life in the last 2 months (has it really only been 2 months?!). I have a new home, a new country, a new climate, a new job (or at least I will once I get licensed)...a new family structure. Let's see...how do I really fill you, whoever you are, in on my life? My husband and I have been having a rough go of our relationship for the past 3-4 years. And I am not placing entire blame on him, but this is not where I wanted to be or how I wanted our relationship to be at this time...this was his choice, and I could do nothing more than to accept it and try to move on. On December 9th, my world was rocked, my safe little life was shaken to the core...and as I went about my life in the days following, I realized that it was not going to ever go back to the way it was before. That was the day that my husband of 9 years, my partner of 13, decided that he needed to "step away" from our life together, try to make sense of his life and then decide if he truly wanted to be a part of our family, in the sense that we need him to be, again. Now, I need to say that we both have not been happy together in a very long time. But we were finally in marriage counselling, he finally had the help he needed to become a more understanding, less angry, more loving person...and now...when we finally had these tools to work with...he decided to leave. I was so angry, hurt, confused...I didn't, and still don't quite understand how he could just decide to leave me...leave the kids. I have since tried to come to terms with his decision...he just wants us to be happy, and if that is apart...then it has to be apart, and only time will tell if it will be with us together in the end. In the end...I just want to be with him, I love him, I miss him...I just want to be with him. Of course I want us to be happy, but I truly think that we can work on that and come out together in the end...he just needs to be open to that possibility.

Needless to say the kiddos are having a rough time dealing with this. And I feel so bad for them, I want to take away their pain, make it all better for them. It kills me to see their tears, hear their cries of anguish, and answer their unending questions about why daddy can't live with them in Canada. But I've been told by our counsellor that I need to acknowledge their feelings. I can't just try to make everything better and take away their pain...they need to live through this and come out on the other end. Take for instance tonight, they really wanted to talk to dad...but it was too late and he wasn't available. So I had to acknowledge the fact that they were all really sad and missing their dad, then I reassured them that Dad will call as soon as he can and that he still loves them...they were heartbroken, falling asleep with tears in their eyes. It kills me...every time. Sweet Pea asked me today if we could pack up tonight and drive back to our "regular home" because she misses daddy. I tried to explain to her that we couldn't go back to that home, that daddy wasn't there, that other people were living there...but she just wanted to go back where she knew that dad was, or at least where he used to be. It is so hard to not try to make them feel better...I mean, that's what mom's do!! They take away their kid's pain...but in this case, I can't...and it is so very hard to see them hurting this much.

So here I am, living back at home with my parents ( I am SO thankful to have such a supporting family!). I can't even work as a PT because I'm not licensed in Canada - a process which could take up to 6-8 months. I feel like the biggest loser, the biggest idiot, the biggest leech...I can't even provide for my kiddos...but it can only get better right? Despite all of this, I am actually looking forward to "doing it on my own." For so long I have been so dependent on Mike, not because he asked or wanted me to be, but because it was just so much easier to ask him what he wanted or how he wanted it done, rather than dealing with his anger after the fact. I am looking forward to rediscovering how truly amazing I can be...I miss the person everyone knew as Natasha Johnson...what happened to her when I became Natasha Cruz? How did I let myself get so lost that I don't even know where to start to find her again? I am looking forward to having my own first place and decorating it the way that I want it decorated, to buying my own first vehicle, to knowing exactly what I have in the bank and not having to worry about whether or not my card will be accepted...to proving to myself that I am a damn good mom.

I have taken on a challenge from a post on Ali Edwards blog about your one special word for the year. To quote her:

"Essentially the idea is to choose a word (or let it choose you) that has the potential to make an impact on your life.
Maybe you want to invite something or maybe you are hoping to subtract something. Maybe your word will be practical or hopeful or creative or fanciful. Maybe you need a big word, something in-your-face that will challenge you everyday. Maybe you need something smaller and quieter that will whisper gentle tidings as you make your way throughout the year."

My word for 2010 is happiness

I am looking forward to a year filled with happiness...it is something that I have been dearly missing for quite a while. It is my goal this year to rediscover me...the real me...to find out what makes me truly happy...and then do it!! I have been putting my desires and goals and happiness on the back burner for too many years...I am too important to do that anymore. My kiddos, and me for that matter, need to see that being happy is a good thing, that doing things that make you happy is good for the soul...that no matter what happens after all of this drama plays out...that as long as I am happy, as long as we are happy...that it will be okay.

And so, with that...here is to a new beginning...one filled with love and support and most of all...happiness.

Can I Say...

2009-09-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

that I still hate math!! Sorry mom...but it still drives me bonkers!! I know my mom is cringing right now...she was a high school math teacher when I was going to school. I can remember endless nights of me sitting beside my mom, in tears, trying to figure out my math homework...getting so frustrated because she made it seem so easy and it was SO stinkin hard for me!! And now...after spending the last 2 1/2 hours working with Pumpkin on 7 pages of her grade 3 math homework (which...I found stuffed in her bag the night before it was due) I am having very realistic flashbacks...I hope that I am explaining this to her the right way. I hope that I'm not making it totally complicated for her. I hope that I'm at least making it a little easier to understand. But sometimes I can't help but get totally and utterly frustrated with her. I'd say about 2 weeks ago I almost lost it with rounding...I mean, really...rounding to the nearest tenth or hundredth? Doesn't sound too hard, does it? I mean the whole, if the number after is 5 or above, you round up...easy peasy!! Well let me just tell you...it is NOT easy peasy to someone who is just learning that. I can't tell you how many times I had to remind her of that rule...and then explain to her that she doesn't actually round up that number after...I mean, problem after problem I had to remind her!! And I became so frustrated that we had to take a break...I just couldn't understand how she couldn't remember that simple rule from one problem to the next. I thought that this would be one LONG year of math. (By the way...my mom thinks that we are being WAY too hard on her...this coming from the woman who drove me to tears almost every single night...I guess she's learned better...and from the looks of things, I haven't...yet). But then tonight...she was just breezing through the rounding...I was SO freaking proud of her!! I mean, my heart swelled...literally swelled!! She is so smart...she just rushes through things and has no confidence in herself...but then again, I can remember being in that position; with your mother sitting over you, wondering if you are writing down the right number...checking her face, desperately seeking that look of satisfaction, and hoping that it's not disappointment...I vividly recall that. And I have to remind myself that I hated being in that position...I don't know about everyone else, but for me it's so easy to fall into that role - the one my mom played; leaning over her shoulder, getting frustrated when she doesn't get it the hundredth time...and I have to take a step back and remind myself that being in her position sucks...and maybe, just maybe, she needs that hundred and oneth time to remember that stupid rule.

I love you so much Pumpkin!! You are so smart and you totally ROCK!! And don't you forget that!!

Anyway, you know that I can't let a post pass without something scrapping related being mentioned. So first of all...I wanted to inform the whole 2 people (if I'm lucky) who read this blog that ScrapMatters is starting up it's Daily Download again!! Beginning Oct 1, you can stop by the SM forums and download a piece of this amazing kit...for FREE!! Check out the ad below:

And, for all you thrill seekers...there's a Speed Scrap this weekend...you totally need to check it out!! It is SO much fun!!

And not only do you have tonnes of fun...but you get this amazing prize...just for finishing it!!

Aren't our designers just awesomely generous?!

And now on to my latest LOs. This first one has some pictures of my Pumpkin in a pumpkin patch 3 years ago when she was in kindergarten...I can't believe how young she looks. Wow...how quickly times flies!! I used Chelle's Creations Midnight Crow kit for this...love the colours in here!

And this next one is a pic of my kiddos with their friends. We took this at the Monterey Bay Aquarium...I totally love this picture...and I LOVE this LO!! I just loved using Britt-ish Designs "Fish Are Friends" kit...it worked perfectly!!

Anyway, that's all for now...I'm off to dream about rounding!!

Fabulous Collabs

2009-09-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone...I know, I know...you can get up off the floor..it's really me popping in here before a month's end since my last post!! But I just had to pop in here and blog about some fabulous collaborations that I have had the amazing opportunity to work with before they were released to the public (man I love being on creative teams)!!

First off, let me show you a little sneaky peaky of Fei-fei's Stuff's collab with the one and only Liz from Paislee Press!!

Doesn't that just look amazing?! The colours are so me right now (I'm totally in love with greys and yellows), I just loved playing with this kit. And here is a LO I made with it...

You totally need to pick this one up!! Also, make sure you stop by Shaui's and Liz's blogs for a chance to win this beauty on Sept 17th!!

So, if that last collab wasn't enough...TaylorMade Designs also did a collaboration with Paislee Press!! And the result...was just a fabulous!!

Seriously...I have been in heaven these past 2 weeks working with these amazing collaborations with Paislee Press...have I mentioned that I TOTALLY LOVE Paislee Press?! Anyway, here is a LO I made with this beautiful kit

But not to worry...I have been hard at work with my ScrapMatters CT!! I'll just show you a couple of LO's I've done recently with the amazing kits found at ScrapMatters!!

I made this LO using Sahlin Studio's beautiful Blessed kit

Awwww...Aren't my little kiddos just amazingly sweet?! I love these pictures of them, they are all 1 day old here and wrapped up in their hospital blankets with the little knitted toques (for those of you who are unfortunate enough to not be from Canada...a toque is equivalent to a beanie) on their head.

Next I made this LO using Erica Zane's Underwater Escape

This is from our latest trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium...and yes, that is a Great White!! Isn't it totally amazing...and scary?! They recently acquired this little girl when she was accidently caught in Southern California. It isn't too often that a Great White is kept successfully in captivity, but the Monterey Bay Aquarium has this incredible knack for being able to do this and release them successfully as well. I was so excited, probably more so than the kiddos...but hopefully they will look back on this LO and remember that they were this close to a Great White and didn't get bitten!! ;)

So other than that...we've been caught up in the world of youth soccer!! And I would have posted some pics of my kiddos playing...but...my little Monkey was looking at my pics on my camera, and accidently deleted all of them. Now, I was upset...but actually, it didn't bother me too long. And for anyone who knows me at all....knows I love my pictures. But it really bothered Monkey...he was upstairs crying under his blanket. I went upstairs and told him it was alright, but he was convinced that he had erased all the pictures...including his baby pictures. Poor kiddo, thought that he had erased all the pictures that I had ever taken...bless his soul!! So anyway...I'll be back next week to post some pictures of this weekend's soccer games.

A Day For My Little Sister...

2009-08-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

So I'm back down in California, have been for about 3 weeks. And I already, totally miss my family...okay...I actually started missing them the minute I passed through the border patrol into the US. It was so nice to have the whole family together...even if it was for just a few days. I wish that we could do this more often, and not just because someone is celebrating something, I wish that it could be on a day to day basis. It's not the big celebrations that I miss, it's the little everyday things...like going shopping with my sisters or hanging out with them after one of my mom's delicious dinners. Man, I miss my family!!

So, you're asking what the big celebration that caused us all to be together this summer? Well, my little sister got married...yup, she married her cowboy/chef/border collie breeder and trainer. Now, if that isn't a catch...I don't know what is!! I was able to take some pictures of them before the big day, I had this grand idea to take some pictures of them and make a guest book with the pictures where people could sign the pages...and I have to admit...it turned out AWESOME!!! Anyway, here are a couple of my fave pics from the photo shoot.

I just love the cabin they are leaning against...and I have to say that Joel built this cabin himself (a fact he is VERY proud of!)

I love my sister's smile here. She is so happy with him, so of course, I'm happy for them!!

I told you he was a border collie breeder!! SO jealous of her right now!!

And here is the beautiful spot where they had their ceremony. It was in a field on the ranch where Joel works overlooking this lake. Just beautiful!!

So anyway, the first night I flew in to town I had to go to Rachel's bachelorette party...and I have to admit that Erika (my youngest sister) did a very good job in setting it up. We all had a blast, and most importantly, Rachel had a great time too! I can't post any pictures from that night, because, well...this is a kid friendly blog!!

Then the rest of the week before Rachel's wedding was spent getting all the last minute little details taken care of. And let's just say that there was more than one time that Erika and I were ready to throw in the towel!! But it was all to see this smile on my sister's face...

And can I say how stinkin' cute my kiddos were!?! I love their little angel wings! Funny story about Monkey...he was over on the guys' side during the ceremony, with no one that he knew. So when Rachel came up with my parents and the Father walked forward...Monkey went right up there with him. Yup, he was just standing right there beside the Father as he started the ceremony. Too cute!!

So, here's the whole wedding party...I have to admit...we're a pretty good looking bunch, eh?!

And here's one of my family. I wish that my grandma (my Dad's mom) could have been there, but she just wasn't physically able to make it up to the wedding site.

I just wish all the best for these two!! I love them so much!

So, not only was their ceremony site beautiful, but then they had their reception on the lawn of this beautiful lake. They had an awesome wine tasting and hor d'oeuvre hour(s)...did I mention that Joel was a chef...therefore, half of his friends were chefs too...and they catered the reception?! Yah....deliciousness!!

This picture means SO much to me. It just looks like a group of people talking...but the important thing is that they are talking. This is my dad, his sister and her daughter...and my family back home has been fighting with them for years. Some stupid family feud...it totally sucks, and it completely destroyed our family. We used to hang out all the time, and now, until this day, we barely talked to each other. It was so amazing to be together and having fun...I hope that this is a sign of good times to come...I really miss hanging out with them.

So, here are a couple of pictures of me and the men that made my day during Rachel's wedding...

This is my cousin Jared, from the same family that we're supposedly feuding with...although, we have both managed to stay out of the fight and still remain pretty close. Although, we haven't seen each other in years...it was so good to see him again! I can't wait until he comes down to visit me in California!! And yes...that's me...I was there, and looking pretty darn good...I have to admit!! ;)

This was my "date" for the night. Markus is the groomsman that escorted me down the aisle. He was totally funny, and cracked me up the whole night.

Of course, my dad...handsome man, isn't he?

My "little man" totally stole the spotlight on the dance floor!! He was so cute! Stayed with us until past midnight!!

And last, but certainly not least, the most important guy in my life...

That's it for now...man, that took me a long time to upload and arrange all those pictures!! I'll stop by later to catch you up on the kiddos going back to school, soccer games and our other day to day lives!!

Until next time...

Happy Birthday SM!! Blog Train Freebie Alert!!

2009-08-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone and welcome to the ScrapMatters Birthday Bash Blog Train!!

Well, it's that time of year again, it is ScrapMatter's 2nd birthday and do we have a great weekend in store for all of you!! Just check out the ad below!! We have chats, tons of speed scraps and of course a huge sale!!

And on top of all this, we also have this amazing blog train!!

One of my favorite summer time activities growing up was camping with my family and friends. Now, I grew up in Central British Columbia so there was always somewhere to go camping and fishing. And to tell you the truth, that's one of the biggest things that I miss now that I live down in California. Now, I'm sure that there are plenty of places to go camping down here, but it's just not the same. I mean, I'm talking about deciding to go camping and then heading out a few hours later and being able to find a perfect spot on a gorgeous lake. And for the most part, there weren't very many people around. The same can't be said around here, if you want a great campsite, you pretty much have to book it months in advance...and there's always people around. I miss being able to get away from people and just being able to spend quality time with my family and friends.

But now that I do live along the beautiful Monterey Peninsula I have to admit that I have a new barbecue tradition that is quickly becoming a favorite. And that is throwing a barbecue on Carmel beach. I was first introduced to this wonderful outing through my co-workers and the parties that they throw on the beach, and my family has quickly integrated this into our holidays. In fact, we threw my son's latest birthday party on the beach, and it was amazing. I mean, how could you really go wrong with the gorgeous blue Pacific Ocean, white sandy beaches, a great barbecue and friends to share it with? If you haven't tried it yet, and you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend it!!

Anyway, enough babbling about my favorite summer and barbecue memories. I know that you are all here for the blog train. If you happened to come across my little blog through the SM blog train, you should have come from Melanie's blog. So without further ado, here is the freebie I came up with for all of you!

Here is the link for Our Favorite Spot word art.

And here is the link for the Perfect Day word art.

**I'm not sure why the previews look so odd on my 4shared account, but I assure you they are just like they look on the preview shown above.**

Okay, so I hope you enjoy these little goodies...make sure you follow this blog train all the way to the end because the CT and Design Team have some amazing goodies for you!!

Your next stop on the train is Stefanie!!

If you get lost, you can always start over at Andrea's blog.

Enjoy this wonderful weekend that SM has in store for you and make sure you stop by the store to take advantage of the wonderful sales, speed scraps and chats we have in store for you!!

2009-07-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to quickly pop in here and let everyone know that there is an amazing sale going on at ScrapMatters!! We are having Christmas in July!! You definitely need to check it out!

I would love to stay and chat longer, but I am spending the weekend in Vancouver with my family!! This doesn't happen too often, so I'm not going to miss out on anything! I'll check back in later when I don't have my kiddos for the rest of the summer! My parents are taking them up to my hometown for a few weeks until my sister's wedding.

June Recap

2009-06-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Okay...where do I start? Let's see...since Mother's Day...

I went to San Francisco with Erica (a friend from work) and our kids. We had a great time checking out Pier 39 and China Town. Our kiddos get along so well, so the trip was a success.

I finished my hellish women's basketball league...with a big fat donut hole!! I have NEVER gone o-fer...ever!! It totally sucks! The team just got worse and worse as the season went on...it was so hard to get excited to play...but as I am trying to teach my kiddos, if you join...you finish. And so, I finished...and man, was I ever glad when that last horn sounded!!

A great uplifting experience for my basketball soul happened halfway through my terrible donut hole season. I played in an Asian tournament in Sacramento with my usual team...man, did it ever feel awesome to play with girls who actually know how to play!! Anyway, we ended up coming 2nd...AND I got an all-star!! I was worried that since it had been so long since I had played...that I was actually as bad as the rest of my team...but this tournament breathed some new life in to me. It was nice to win again!!

The kiddos finished school...

We obtained the third pet of our family...Scrambler...a blue bellied lizard. The poor guy ended up getting caught in a bin in our backyard. He was originally supposed to be an end of the year present for Monkey's teacher, but then his teacher informed him that he was going to release him with the other lizards and bugs...and Monkey's heart just about broke. So...he became a part of our family.

Logan learned how to ride without training wheels...I know...we don't get out on the bikes much. But she was totally stoked!!

The kiddos and I took an impromptu trip down to Disneyland...I mean, Mike asked me if I wanted to go down at 8:30 on Thursday night, I bought the tickets by 10:30, packed everything up, took a little nap and headed out by 5:00am. The kiddos didn't know where we were going, and when they finally figured out that we were going to Disneyland, this was the shot I captured.
The second surprise of the trip was that we were going to be spending the weekend in Disneyland with these guys...

Wait...of course we were going to see this guy there...I meant these guys...

That's right...the Barnes were spending the week in Disneyland for my neices' birthdays and we were going to meet them there!! I was totally excited...I mean, how could you not be excited...we were going to be in Disneyland for the weekend!! AND we were spending it with the Barnes!!

So we did the usual meet and greet with some of the characters. Although, I have to say that we didn't spend too much time waiting in lines to meet characters. But, we did have to meet the fairies and the princesses. The girls were SO excited and TOTALLY stoked to meet these girls, as well as some other ones.

But Monkey wasn't as easily impressed...

That is...until he was chosen to be a Padawan and got to fight Darth Vadar himself!!

And just some pics to actually prove that I was there!!

We had such a great time with these guys!! This trip really made me miss having supportive family around! It made me re-think my decision about moving to Arizona. Yeah, it's damn hot...but at least we'll be by family who cares. I wish that it was by my family...but I don't think that will be happening any time soon...so, until then...Arizona might be sooner in my future than I had originally planned.

Anyway, during our trip to Disneyland, Pumpkin had been complaining about her leg being itchy. I passed it off on bug bites, because it originally looked like bug bites around her ankle. But it ended up being, what the doctor thinks, is poison oak. Now, I have never had a run in with poison plants of any kind...it's just too cold up in Canada, and I have to say that I hope I never do!! And I hope that my kiddos never have a run in with it again...it's horrible!! I felt SO bad, and there was nothing I could do for them except give them Benadryl and apply some Tea Tree Oil.

Doesn't that just look so horrible and painful and itchy?! I felt terrible for her. She was actually prescribed some steroids to help get over this. I'm just glad that Monkey and Sweet Pea didn't get it AS bad...but they are still trying to get over this...almost 2 weeks later. Now we have to make sure that this never happens again!!

And last but not least...we celebrated Father's Day. And I feel terrible admitting that it was nowhere near as extravagant as what Mike planned for me. But it was awesome. The kids wanted to bring Daddy breakfast in bed so we woke up early and made him banana pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, eggs, sausages and bacon. Then we just hung around the house all day...we haven't done that together in a long time...it was refreshing, to not have anything to do except spend time together. Then we grilled some steaks for dinner. It was a perfect day for us as a family. And looking back at things...isn't that what's important?!

Oh yeah...one more thing...as of today, my little Monkey is now riding his bike without training wheels too!! Apparently, all the motivation he needed was to see a video of his cousin, 3 weeks younger, riding her bike without training wheels. It only took a couple of times with me running behind him before he was taking off by himself!! I'll be back with pictures later!!

So, that is all that's happened in my life in the last month...I'll try to keep more up to date, not only for you guys (if there is anyone out there reading this blog) but for me as well...it takes a long time to catch up a month at a time!! ;)

Mother's Day Recap

2009-05-17T22:29:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that a week has flown by since Mother's Day!! Anyway, I just wanted to catch you up on what my litle family did for me. Mike and the kids "kidnapped" me on Saturday night and took me to the Hyatt in Monterey. We stayed overnight and then the next morning ate brunch there. Oh my goodness...can you say deliciousness?! Especially the dessert...I think that between Mike and I we tasted every single dessert...and they were all fantastic!!! Anyway, after stuffing ourselves at brunch, we hung around the pool. Well, the kiddos played in the pool and I lounged around. I got some fantastic pictures, the lighting in the room where we ate was fantastic. So without further ado...

Sweet Pea kept trying to sneek off and "acquire" one of these roses that were lying around...but she got scared every time one of the servers walked by.

Well, one of the servers finally gave her one. This is her running back to me, I just love this completely happy look on her face. I thought that she was going to give it to me...but I was dead wrong.

She wanted to enjoy if for herself...and that she did!!

I just love this picture of my two girls...they look like angels in their white dresses.

And you can't forget Monkey, who was just so happy to eat all that awesome food.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful, beautiful kids!!

Then, they go ahead and give me one of these!! Oh well, at least they keep me smiling! :)

My wonderful Mother's Day was all thanks to the planning of my man!!

Man, I LOVE my little clan!!

I hope everyone had as wonderful a day as I did. What did you get to do for mother's day?

Happy {Inter} National Scrapbooking Day from ScrapMatters!!!

2009-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the ScrapMatters blog train!!

Yes...it's finally here...the day all you scrapbookers have been waiting for!! And does ScrapMatters have a big weekend in store for all of you!!! Check out this flyer below...

And yes, you read it right...the 2009 Queen of Scrap contest is now in full swing!! Denise (neeceebee) is looking for the next mega scrapper to take over her spot as the Queen...she is reluctantly willing to pass the crown...check out scrapmatters.com for more info!!

And now on the the part the brought you here...the SM Blog Train.

You should have come here from Cyndi's blog

I have 2 ideas of paradise...one is more practical for me, and the other is more of a dream waiting to be fulfilled.

For my practical one...my idea of paradise is a relaxing day with my family. Yes, you read that right...I love spending time with my crazy little clan here. Now, most of the time, we are busy running around whether it be to different sporting events or errands or work...but every so often, we get to really spend a day relaxing together with nothing on our agenda. On these days we often spend most of the morning laying around and giggling in our California King bed, then we eat a late fancy breakfast and spend most of the afternoon playing around quietly and hanging out (usually I like to sneak off to my laptop and scrap a little), we usually end the day off watching a family movie together all snuggled up on our couch. It's days like this that really make me satisfied to be a mother...it just couldn't get any better than this.

Now for my dream idea of paradise...honestly I can't choose just one. And that's probably because I haven't travelled very much...but it's something I'm totally looking forward too. I can't wait to travel to some remote part of the world with my husband; we missed out on our honeymoon because of a little green card issue, and we're still waiting to take our trip together...almost 9 years later. Topping off my list would be China, Australia, the Caribbean and Europe. I would also like to go on an African safari and on several cruises (including the Disney Caribbean cruise!!) My sister and I also have a little horseback trip through the rural parts of France stashed away as a trip to come. I have so many dreams to fulfill...I can't wait to get started!!!

Although, I do have to admit...that I think that I currently live in a little piece of Paradise right now. I live in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula along the central coast of California. I can't complain right now...beautiful rugged coastlines, great hiking/outdoor venues and beautiful beaches. Just take a look at these pictures and you'll see what I'm talking about!!

Now I know you can't deny that I am one lucky lady!!!

But, the real reason why you are here is posted below (the image is linked).

I hope you enjoy this little quick page I made using the SM Collab kit - Happy Hawaiian Hour -created especially for this {Inter}National Scrapbooking Day!!

Your next stop on this blog train is Stefanie's blog

If you find yourself lost or have missed a step...you can start over at Andrea's blog!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend of scrapping!! Can't wait to see what you all come up with!!

Yes...it's me...no really...it is!!

2009-04-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

Yes...I'm actually back and I'm sorry...actually, I'm really surprised if anyone is even reading this!! I have been gone so long, and I really don't have a great excuse, except that every time I came to actually blog...I thought about how much work it would be to catch everything up...and I suddenly became very lazy. I know, terrible excuse...but at least it's true!! So I figure, I'm not going to try to catch you up on everything...just kinda start over from right around now.

We celebrated Easter up in Sacramento with Mike's family. And we had a pretty good time, the kids weren't too impressed with the little easter egg hunt that they threw, but I was pretty happy that they only came away with a little bit of candy!! Sweet Pea ended up finding the golden egg and was given this huge marshmallow lollipop as the grand prize. Pumpkin and Monkey were really bummed that they didn't get one too, but Sweet Pea was kind enough to share it with them.

I just celebrated my 1 year anniversary at CHOMP (stands for Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula) and I guess almost a year as being a licensed PT. I can't believe that it's already been a year...it has just flown by!! And except for a few little scheduling headaches and 3 weeks of light duty because of a neck and back injury...it's been really awesome working there!! I love my co-workers, my supervisor is totally awesome (especially when it comes to having to take off because of your kids), and I have to admit...the hospital is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful place to work!! So I have to admit that I am happy with my career right now:)

Monkey has started t-ball, and I have to say that I didn't think that I would enjoy it so much. I had never grown up around t-ball or softball or baseball (except watching the Blue Jays on tv with my Dad). But I have to admit...that it is so much fun to watch when it's your own kid!! It is just SO cute to watch them at bat and playing around in the field. And I have to admit that Monkey is actually quite a little t-ball player. I mean, I'm not having dreams of being a MLB mom, but he does enjoy playing it, and he's pretty good for a 5 year old. He's actually not using the tee anymore, he can hit some pretty good liners off a pitch. And you guessed it...here are some pictures of him!!

And yes, that is Mike giving him a hi-five...Mike is actually the assistant coach of Monkey's team, and I think he really likes it:)

And believe it or not...I'm actually playing basketball again!! I haven't played in about a year because of a partially torn MCL (in my knee). But I decided to start up again, partially because I really need to get in some sort of shape and partially because I really miss playing!! Also, I have a tournament with my asian women's team this weekend in Sacramento...and I badly needed to get out on the court again. So, after talking to a nurse at my job, I decided to join the Women's League in Salinas...and ended up on a team made up of all the people on the wait list. At first I thought that we were going to be pretty good...but now I have realized that we have a lot of work to do. It is really frustrating to play with people who don't really know how to play, at least up to the level (or part way) that I'm used to playing at. And I'm not talking Div 1 level, I'm talking a fairly decent women's league level. I mean, let's face it...I'm 30...I don't expect to be keeping up to the college kids anymore...sad to admit, but it's true. Anyway, for some reason, we keep practicing plays and these complicated zone defenses during our practices. Now first of all...plays? In a women's league? I mean, even this asian team that I've been playing with for years doesn't run plays...and really, who runs plays with a team with no coach?! But not only that...we have a player who has never played ball before and 3 others that I'm pretty sure have only played high school ball, and then have been playing in women's leagues since then. And when almost half of your team just doesn't get it...running a play during a game is impossible. And yet...we've wasted about 3 practices learning plays...and part of it is my fault...I haven't spoken up...yet. But it's come to the point, and I'm frustrated enough to finally speak my mind. I don't think that we should be running plays, I don't think that we should be running complicated zone defenses...we need to get back to basics people!!! I'm talking give and go's, pass and screen away, pick and roll, how to use a screen, how to cut, how to block out, shell drill...basics!!! It's so frustrating that I'm not even that excited to play with this team...sad, but true!! I mean, I am by no means playing up to the level that I should be playing at...and my shot is just ugly right now...but it's hard to get in to any sort of rhythm when you run down on offense, just to turn right around and have to run back on defense because your team just can't help but turn it over!! I'm just hoping that this weekend, with my normal team will build up my spirits about playing ball again...then maybe I can stop playing down to this women's league level...and start bringing them up to mine.

We just celebrated Sweet Pea's 4th birthday...I can't believe that my baby is actually 4!! We had a birthday party for her at a park by our house. And it actually wasn't too bad. What made all the craziness totally worthwhile was when she ran across the field and threw herself into my arms and whispered in my ear "Mom, thank you SO much for my birthday party!" This was the first birthday party where we invited people outside of our immediate family, and she was so excited that everyone was there just for her. So I wanted to share a few pictures with you...and I have to thank our friend Ron for the majority of the pictures...I was busy making sure everything was moving along smoothly and he just took over as photographer!!

And now to my favorite hobby...scrapbooking!!! I have been a busy bee working for all the creative teams I am on. I'm not going to post all my LOs that I have made since my last post...you can check them out at my Scrapbook Gallery. But here are a few ones that I really like.

Nina Scraps Designs - Live & Love

Sue Cummings - Happy Thoughts

Leiko Beck Designs - Grow

Erica Zane - Backyard Buddies

TaylorMade Designs - Heartstrings

(available exclusively in the April issue of BellaScraps magazine)

WM Squared Designs - Honeydew

Designs by Tater & Mickey B Designs - So Totally Teen

Erica Zane - Woodland Fantasy

Britt-ish Designs - Love Bytes

Erica Zane - Josh of the Jungle

Fei-Fei's Stuff - Explore The Jungle

Juno Designs - Soft N Purty

Jennifer Barrette - Lady Bugga

Anyway, that's all the catching up I have time for right now...I promise...it won't take me 3 1/2 months to get back here!!!

Latest Layouts

2009-01-17T19:43:00.001-08:00

Okay, whew...I made it back!! Let's see...I was busy scrapping a bit...catching up on some awesome new kits that my favorite designers have been creating. Here are a few of my latest LOs.

First off, a LO, featuring my little Sweet Pea on New Year's Eve twirling around and around in her party dress which was sent to her by her Pau Pau. I love this picture of her, and this kit was so perfect for it!!

Made with Leiko Beck Designs Date Night kit, found at Two Little Pixels

I just love these pics that I took of Sweet Pea and her cousin from Arizona. I was SO glad that we got to spend a week with them over the holidays...I wish that they lived closer, because our kiddos get along so well...and I really miss having them around!!

I used this beautiful kit by TaylorMade Designs, available at Oscraps. I know that it's a "Christmas-y" kit...but the colours are absolutely beautiful!!

Man...would you look at this face?! So beautiful...it's perfection...and SO my look!!! I know my family is cracking up at this pic!!

I used TaylorMade's newest kit - Tender-Hearted...available at Oscraps...you also need to check out her blog for goodies and some amazing tutorials!!

I am so happy that we were able to catch a pretty good shot of all of the cousins together in Vegas...it was hard to get mostly everyone smiling at the camera...but I love it just the same.

I created it with Simply Sweet Designs Carpe Diem kit available at ScrapMatters.

I think that this is just the sweetest pic of all the little girls sitting there looking out at the lights of Vegas. I love that it's a pic of their backs.

I used this beautiful kit by NinaScraps - SO stoked that I'm a guest CT this month!! And it's also available at Oscraps.

LOVE this pic of Sweet Pea and Pau Pau...there's just SO much love in this pic!

And I used this newest kit by NinaScraps available at Oscraps. Isn't it just beautiful?!

And I've been working on a few others...but I can't post them yet...I'll be back when I can. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and a great Martin Luther King day...make sure you stop and reflect on what a great man he was!!

Scrapping News

2009-01-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

So I just needed to drop in to tell everyone that I have been asked to be a guest CT in January for the wonderful, amazingly talented Nina Scraps of Oscraps!!
If you haven't had the opportunity to see her work, check out her store here.
Also, feel free to drop by her blog and leave her some love!!
I'm so excited to be able to work with her, if only for a month!!

In other scrapping news in my life...

ScrapMatters is about to start it's new daily download, check out the add below!!

I feel like I'm going through scrapping withdrawals...my laptop is in the shop, and I have to wait until I can sneak on to Mike's laptop in order to scrap. And for some reason, I'm always asleep when he's off it!! LOL!! So, I can't wait to get my laptop back...but there is no ETA yet:(

So keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Catching Up

2009-01-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I said that I'd be back soon...but if you follow this blog, you probably already knew that I was lying, unintentionally, of course;) So here I am...it's already in the 2nd week of January, and I've got SO much to catch up on!! So where did I leave off? Oh yes...Christmas morning...

Well that came and went...and the Mongolian Hot Pot dinner turned out EXCELLENT...I have to admit that I did pretty darn good for my first Hot Pot without Mom!! Here are some pics of the dinner and the kiddos enjoying the food.

We didn't have fondue for dessert that night...we were just WAY too stuffed...but we did have it the next night...mmmmm...SO yummy!!!

And we actually ended up finding a Wii...yes, we found a Wii during the holidays!! We actually were at Best Buy on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas for all you non-Canadians!) asking when they would be getting a new shipment in, and were very sadden by the fact that we would not be able to get one until after New Years...and then the gods smiled upon us!! Someone was oddly enough returning one!! Don't know why, but we weren't asking any questions!! So that was our big ticket item...and I have to admit...it's AWESOME!!! We have had SO much fun with it...whoever invented this is just amazing!! I did end up totally hurting my shoulder the first night I played with it, but it was all worth it!!

So I worked for a couple of days while Daddy and the kiddos rested and played the Wii...and then we were off to Vegas for New Years!! Now don't get all excited that I was in Vegas for New Years...truth be told...I hate Vegas...shhhhh!!! Don't tell anyone...they'll think that I'm completely nuts! But I honestly don't like it at all...not only is it WAY overpriced, but there's too many people, too much smoke, and I hate gambling. Pretty much everything that I would hate in a city is bundled in to Vegas. So why did I go, you ask? Well...this is why...

We haven't gotten to hang out together like this since Logan was just over a year old...man I miss hanging out together!! The kiddos had a BLAST with their cousins!!

If this isn't just the cutest bunch of little kiddos...I don't know what is!!

Yes, we were picture taking goddesses!!

Hanging with the girls...looking so fine!!!

And we are fierce!!

Brought to you by this moment...

On New Year's Day, the cousins left all the kids at home with the grandparents (thank you!!) and went to this amazing Brazillian buffet...oh...my...god...SO good!!! I think I ate the meat equivalent of an entire cow (sorry to all you cow lovers out there). It was AWESOME!!! I'm talking filet mignon, roast beef, top sirloin, turkey, chicken, lamb, sausages, shrimp, scallops, salmon...and a few other meats. All brought to you like this...

It was crazy, noisy, messy, loud and SO much fun!! And I would do it all over again...JUST for this picture!!! Gotta love Ray!!

And even more so for this one!!

Christmas Morning Festivities

2008-12-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh...I finally feel like I can rest for at least a couple of hours. The Christmas madness is over. I apologize for being MIA for the last few weeks, but honestly...it's been a madhouse around here. We actually moved in to a new place...much bigger than our tiny 2 bedroom apartment that felt like it was falling in on us. And let me tell you...the holidays is NOT the time that you want to be moving!!! It just adds to the craziness! Although, it was an opportunity that we just couldn't pass up. Now we actually feel like we have room to move...and my parents and sister can attest to how small our little place actually was...I'm sorry you ever had to see us there!! And the very best part about our new place (at least to me) is that we have our own washer and dryer!! You would not believe how grateful I am to have my own laundry room...I will never move to a place that doesn't have a washer and dryer again!!

In the midst of this chaos we call Christmas, we actually were able to get a tree up...thanks to moi...Mike was out of town and I just needed to get one up. Monkey actually called me out and told one of my co-workers that we weren't celebrating Christmas this year...we couldn't be because we didn't have any decorations up...we didn't even have a tree! Now he knew very well that we were celebrating Christmas and had been talking about getting a tree. So, we got a tree, and let me tell you...getting a tree into a stand is not so easy when you're being directed by a 7 year old!! But we prevailed, and got the tree up and decorated. And Christmas would indeed be happening at the Cruz residence...at least in Monkey's eyes it would be!

So here is what the tree looked like before I began paying attention to where the ornaments were being hung by my kiddos...

And yes, that is 10 items hanging in roughly the same place!!

And here is what the tree looked like last night after I had finally finished wrapping all the presents.

I have to admit...it turned out pretty good. I actually was able to find all our ornaments in that storage place we call a garage. (Keep in mind, we actually had a storage unit, and now that we just moved, all of our stuff from the house and the storage unit is in our garage - so finding something in there is a HUGE feat!!)

So every year I say the same thing...I will NOT leave all the wrapping to Christmas Eve...and every year? Up until 2 in the morning, wrapping those presents that will take 15 minutes to unwrap...there has GOT to be a better solution!! So here's to next year...I will NOT leave the wrapping to Christmas Eve!! There, now it's written down, so I have to do it!!

I love Christmas as a mom...I would have to say about as much as I loved it as a kid. I had to chuckle a couple of times last night...I was being very nostalgic, maybe because this is the first year in a while that I would not be with any of my family. Anyway, I was remembering how I would sneak up to the tree when no one else was around and find my presents and try to figure out what they were...it worked for some of them, but others just had me stumped until I opened them. I also was remembering how my younger sister Rachel, and I, would "train" ourselves to stay up all night so we could catch Santa. We would start out staying up until midnight, then 1 am, 2am...and so on...we never did catch Santa. I can only hope that I am helping to create memories that my kids will always remember.

The best part about Christmas as a mom? This look...I would do anything to get this look from each of my kiddos at least once on Christmas morning.

Although, a close second to that look would be the little gifts that the kids come home with every year. This year, their school had a program where I could send them to school with some money (ultimately for the PTA) and fill out a form saying who they could buy for and how much they could spend on them. Then, they were able to go to a little "store" they had set up in the cafeteria and buy presents for everyone. I made out with quite a stash...

A frame, two necklaces - a turtle from Pumpkin and a pearl/heart one from Monkey. And yes...that is a tye-die shirt from none other than my little Monkey. When Daddy asked him how he knew how big Mommy was he said "This big..." and did this...

He is such a little comic!!

So here are some other pictures from this morning's events...

Man, I love my little clan...

I have to brag here...I think that I have the world's fastest outfit changing kid!! This happened in under a minute...

Daddy was not left out of the presents from the kiddos...he was very surprised with his gifts from the kids. He ended up with a Dad Frame (much like mine pictured above) and a "hammer-shaped" tool kit from Monkey. And a stuffed "fire dragon/snake" and this Dad you're my Hero figurine from Pumpkin.

And this has got to be the best pic of the morning. This is Sweet Pea giving her kuya some love after her gift from him.

My little fashion model here, wearing my Emu's from Daddy and striking her little pose!

My other little model here...her Daddy's gonna have a tough time with this one!!

And the two of them together...just too cute!!

So, that was this morning. We are planning on making a Mongolian Hot Pot for dinner...first time doing one on my own (keep your fingers crossed Mom!). I'll post pics of how that went at a later date. We are also going to break out our fondue set, that we got for our wedding...8 years ago!! Yeah...this will be the first time using it...pics to come later too!!

I also need to upload and post how the kiddo's Christmas concerts went this year...too funny, you're gonna want to check back for that!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas morning...I'll check in with you all later!!

Happy Black Friday!!

2008-11-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you were able to spend time with your loved ones. You may have stumbled upon my little blog if you were following the ScrapMatters Black Friday Blog Train. If you did you probably came from Mary's blog.

Thanks for spending time with ScrapMatters instead of trying to get through those crazy early shoppers!! Or maybe, you've already gone and have managed to come back in one piece...either way, welcome to the Monterey Peninsula in CA!! The holiday season, to me, means being able to spend quality time with my loved ones. Usually, it's the only time I get to spend it with my family back home in Canada. Unfortunately, we aren't going to be able to make it up there this year:( But that's okay, because we get to spend it with my DH's side in Vegas!! We don't have a tradition, so to speak...but now that my kiddos are getting to be old enough, I think that it's time that we start one...or a few!! Any suggestions?

I guess my "tradition" would be that I get an ornament for my kiddos and my DH every year. I try to make it special, something that pertains to something that happened during the year. I think that I'll have to get soccer ones for my kiddos this year!! Decorating the tree was one of the most exciting times of the holiday season for me when I was growing up. I loved our tree...it wasn't the prettiest...but it had the best memories attached to it. Usually we would head out with my Dad and my cousins and trek through the snow to find and cut down that perfect tree. Then, we would spend the night decorating it with our family. I loved our ornaments...our tree was never one that would be found in a department store...but every ornament had a special memory...and that's what I want for my kids!

There are a few things going on over at ScrapMatters.

First, ScrapMatters is having a SALE!!!

Also, the Daily Downloading is starting again...today!!

And last, but certainly not least, there will be a Speed Scrap today at 9pm Eastern, 8pm Central, 7pm Mountain and 6pm Pacific. Hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled Black Friday!!

So, I know that you are here to see what goody I have in store for you...and without further ado...here it is!! The image is clickable...I hope you like it!! I had a blast making it!

The next stop on your trip should be Dawn's blog. If you ever get lost or have missed a stop, try to start at the ScrapMatter's blog or Andilynn's blog.

I hope you enjoy your trip and that you have a wonderful and safe holiday season!!

Cheers:)

Man, do I feel old!!

2008-11-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is 7 years old today. Can you believe that? I certainly can't, it doesn't seem like it's been that long! I swear it hasn't!! So today was Pumpkin's special day, and in this time of recession...we tried to make it as special as possible. We started out the day with apple pancakes, strawberries and whipped cream. Then we headed over to WalMart and picked out a bike. And let me tell you about Pumpkin and her bike...she has been bugging us for months about getting her a bike, I mean months!! Every time her friends are out there riding, she bugs us. So we finally take her out to get a bike, and she happily picked out a blue bike and was riding along in the store. She was happy, we were happy, and then...she passed the toy aisle...and something caught her eye. It was Tinkerbell and all her fairy friends from her newest movie. And suddenly...her bike didn't look so good. And so went almost 30 minutes of whining and begging for this tiny little toy. She was willing to give up her brand new bike, for an $8 fairy!! Sometimes, I just don't get it!! To me, it was plain as can be...but to Pumpkin, it was the hardest decision of her 7 year life!! In the end, she made the right decision (at least it was the right decision to me)...but she was not happy to leave that fairy in the store.

So anyway, we left WalMart and headed over to the stores. Now, I had asked Pumpkin for the last year and a half about piercing her ears...and she was finally ready...at least that's what she thought. So there she was sitting in the chair, all brave...the lady told her that it just felt like a hard pinch and then it would be fine. Well, apparently...she was wrong!! So here she is waiting for that pinch...and let me tell you, it hurt her

...and she tried her best to keep it together...but it was just too much.

So we tried for about 20-25 minutes to get her to pierce her other ear...but she was freaking out...there was absolutely NO way that gun was getting near her again!! So we decided to go watch our movie. And she agreed to go back and get her other ear pierced after the movie. The movie was pretty funny, we watched Madagascar 2...and the kids really enjoyed it. And after the movie we went back to the store to get her ear pierced...but I guess the memory of that pain hadn't quite faded, and the closer we got to the store, the more she started freaking out again. And so goes another 20-25 minutes...and the end result?

And yes...that's her earring...focus on the singular word, because she only ended up getting 1! She just wasn't ready to get the other one done. So, when she's ready, we'll go back. The lady said that one girl actually took 2 years to get her other ear pierced!! So here's keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn't take her 2 years to go back!! So for now, she's our 1 ear pierced little girl!!

So anyway...we went to Bubba Gump's for dinner, which she always loves...and for the life of me I don't know why. Bubba Gump, from the movie Forrest Gump, is mainly a seafood restaurant. And this little girl will NOT eat seafood (we can thank The Little Mermaid for that!)...but for some reason, every time we ask her where she wants to eat...she will, the majority of the time, will answer with Bubba Gump.

And if it gets these smiles from her on her birthday...then I will keep bringing her there...even though she doesn't eat seafood.

So after that yummy meal, we headed back home to have some birthday cake that yours truly made. And I have to admit, that it turned out pretty good...much better than some store bought cake!!

And Pumpkin was pretty pleased with it...especially because it had raspberries on it!!

Did you notice the bare left earlobe?

September...November...

2008-11-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

Where the heck did October go?! No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I just have been kinda busy lately. Let's see...what happened in October? Lots of work, lots of scrapbooking and lots of kids. My parents came down for a week...and we had a great time!! I haven't been out around here since I moved, and I'm glad that I got to experience it all with my parents. I hope that they had as good a time as I did. We went to Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Moss Landing...and I got some awesome pics!! The kiddos LOVED having them here!! We were all sad to see them go...I have GOT to move closer to home so it's not more than 6 months before I get to see someone from my family! I hate living so far away:(

Anyway, here are some pics of their little vacation here. I tried to condense them down so it wouldn't take forever to load...hope it helped.

These were taken their first day here after Monkey's soccer game. We went for a walk on the dunes in Marina...weather wasn't the best, but we still had fun! My Dad was in love with all of the beautiful colours from the native plants growing on the dunes.

These next ones were taken in Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur, CA. We tried to find an easy day hike because Sweet Pea was tagging along. She actually did really well...she was our map girl!! The trail was really easy, Sweet Pea found some great trees to climb on, there were butterflies and even a snake...Dad almost stepped on it!!

The hike ended up at the ocean here. Dad and I ended up hiking up this steep rock face to get some great pics of the ocean from a bird's eye view. It was beautiful there and my parents really enjoyed it.

The next day we tried to find some tide pools for my mom...she's a sucker for a good tide pool! We ended up walking along the rocks in Pacific Grove...there wasn't too much to see, I think we got there a little late because the tide was starting to come in again...but we did find some crabs, and Sweet Pea ended up being a great rock climber!!

After the tide pools, we decided to go along 17 Mile Drive and Pebble Beach. We didn't have too long because we needed to get back in time to pick up Monkey and Pumpkin from school...but we did have enough time to make some rock statues. My mom was intent on making her little man...and Sweet Pea figured out how to stack the rocks up without having them fall...she actually got the hang of it really quick! The we continued our drive, stopping a few times along the way for the sights. Came across the "Lone Cypress Tree" and took some pictures, I guess the very first time my mom came to North America, her cousin brought her here and they took some pictures in front of this tree. And Sweet Pea befriended a squirrel by sharing her snacks.

The next day we waited until the kids were out of school, then headed over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium...that place is always amazing...no matter how many times you go there. They had some great new exhibits, and the kids had a blast!!

But my favorite exhibit was a coming attraction...they just had a little aquarium with these guys in it...but will be opening up a big one to show them in all their glory. They really are amazing little creatures...these Sea Dragons stole the show for me and my parents!! I can't wait to see their new exhibit!! Aren't they just amazing?!

The last full day that my parents were here we went for a little walk along the Elkhorn Slough (pronounced slew). And it was HOT!!! and DRY!!! The kids didn't last very long because it was so hot, but we did get to see some fish, crabs and birds.

After our little walk we ended up heading over to Moss Landing to have lunch and play in the surf a bit. On our drive over there we ended up spotting some otters and seals playing in the water and got some cool close up pics!!

So we did ALOT of sight seeing while my parents were here...but it was great to finally get out and see them. Can you believe that I've been here for a year, and haven't seen most of this?! We also went up to the Bay Area for a day for some great Dim Sum with my mom's aunt and uncle and some awesome Malaysian food with Jay and Jenn!! AND, my parents got to see Pumpkin and Monkey play 2 soccer games!! AND Monkey actually scored his first goal EVER while they were watching...it was so awesome!! And we were SO proud of him! I'll never forget that smile on his face...unfortunately...I didn't catch it on film because there was too many kids in front of him...but we'll never forget it:)

I was SO happy to have my parents here for a week...I really miss them and the rest of my family. I'm still working on Mike to move closer to Canada...and you know what? I think that I may have done it...it's still a work in progress...but he actually agreed to move closer to my family!! I just don't know when that will happen, but I'm happy just the same! :)

I love you guys!! Thank you SO much for making the trip down here to see us!! I can't wait to see you again in the summer!!

This post was a couple days in the making because of all the pics I put together...but I'll try to be back within the next couple days to post some of the scrapbook LOs I've made in the last month!!

Thanks for coming!

ScrapMatters Birthday Train Blog

2008-09-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all, and welcome to stop #36 of the ScrapMatters Birthday Train Blog!!! Yes, you did read that right...36!!

In celebration of ScrapMatters 1st birthday, us gals from the SM Design Team, Creative Team and Scrap Gang have created another FABULOUS brag book!!! It was created from our new Mega Kit "You Say It's Your Birthday." All you need to do is follow the links to collect a beautiful, HUGE, new brag book!! Make sure you stick around ALL week...we have some great freebies to give away, chats, daily downloads and just all around FUN!!!

In my family, we don't have huge celebrations. Birthdays are special days to spend with our family and loved ones. Because the majority of our birthdays are in the spring and summer we usually just end up having a big barbecue, with my mom being the grill master. But the best part of our birthdays, and I guess you could call it a tradition, is the birthday cake. My grandma makes THE BEST black forest cakes ever!!! I always know that I'm celebrating a birthday back home when I can have a slice of my grandma's black forest cake!! And let me tell you...since I've moved out of the country, I don't nearly get as many slices of that cake as I would like:) So I wanted to share a pic of my wonderfully talented Grandma...baking her famous black forest cake!!

Isn't she cute? Love ya Grandma!!

Here is my brag book page I created just for you!! Hope you like it!!

The next stop on your train is Krista's blog

***If you have been stuck here because I messed up the link...I'm SO SORRY!!! It should be fixed now!!***

Did you miss a stop? So far the ScrapMatters Blog Train has stopped at the following stations:

1. www.scrapmatters.com/wordpress (Team Blog)

2. http://www.andilynn.wordpress.com/ (Andrea)

3. http://www.brittishdesigns.blogspot.com/ (Britt)

4. http://www.scrapmuss.blogspot.com/ (Maria)

5. http://www.chiascraps.blogspot.com/ (Andrea)

6. http://www.digitalcreations.typepad.com/ (Sharon)

7. http://www.mommaholly.blogspot.com/ (Holly)

8. http://www.stacysbackdoor.blogspot.com/ (Stacy)

9. http://www.scrappykate.blogspot.com/ (Kate S.)

10. http://www.scrap-stuff.blogspot.com/ (Sya)

11. http://www.kimbytx.blogspot.com/ (Kim)

12. http://www.zane-escraps.blogspot.com/ (Erica)

13. http://www.kandykanekreations.blogspot.com/ (Lisa)

14. http://www.neeceebeedesigns.blogspot.com/ (Denise)

15. http://www.geekydiva.wordpress.com/ (Kim - tgmousechick)

16. http://www.plumdumplingdesigns.blogspot.com/ (Mary)

17. http://www.joyrevisited.blogspot.com/ (Heather L.)

18. http://www.taterscraps.blogspot.com/ (Tater)

19. http://www.raisingmygirls.blogspot.com/ (Kathleen)

20. http://www.haynay.blogspot.com/ (Heather N.)

21. http://www.jenuineartistry.blogspot.com/ (Jen - virginiajen)

22. http://www.designsbyarisu.blogspot.com/ (Alice - fallenan9e1)

23. http://www.karistamps.blogspot.com/ (Kari)

24. http://www.jaimeward.blogspot.com/ (Jaime)

25. http://www.jenlindesigns.wordpress.com/ (Jenn)

26. http://www.simplysweetdesigns.blogspot.com/ (Kim)

27. http://www.winkasheartscraps.blogspot.com/ (Dawn)

28. http://www.jeniscraftyblog.blogspot.com/ (Jeni)

29. http://www.ggdigitaldesigns.blogspot.com/ (Leslie)

30. http://www.pressedpetals.blogspot.com/ (Christine - alamama)

31. http://www.cyndi146.blogspot.com/ (Cyndi)

32. http://www.wendys-craftycreations.blogspot.com/ (Wendy)

33. http://www.ldragdesigns.blogspot.com/ (Lina)

34. http://www.inspirationscreations.blogspot.com/ (Sandy)

35. http://www.digikeepsakesbymonica.blogspot.com/ (Monica)

Thanks for stopping by...hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!!

A parade and Round 2...

2008-09-08T23:48:00.001-07:00

So, during the Labour Day weekend, the kiddos didn't have any soccer games...but they did have the chance to walk in the city parade. It was...okay...or to put it in Monkey's words "this is boring!" Haha...leave it to the kids to tell the truth:) They mainly just walked about 3/4 of a mile and then watched everyone else walk. But I wanted to post some pics...because that's what I do!!

Here was a cool Chinese Dragon for some Chinese club...Sweet Pea was in love with it, and was pretty disappointed after it passed.

And of course, I had to snap this pic...love the Canadian flag!!

This was the kiddos little group...$5 for anyone who can spot Mike!! LOL...just joking, he's pretty easy to spot here.

So Pumpkin wasn't too enthusiatic about meeting people...but Monkey LOVED it!! He wouldn't stop waving at everyone.

And of course...there had to be food after...and the kiddo's thoroughly enjoyed themselves!! See for yourself...

And you know that there had to be a petting zoo there!!

Wait...that's not a bunny!!! Yup...Sweet Pea wasn't interested in the bunnies...she just wanted the food!! LOL:)

And what's a city celebration without face painting? Pumpkin's turned out beautiful...

But Sweet Pea wasn't too sure about hers...

Anyway...on to Round 2 of soccer games, from the next weekend.

Monkey was getting the hang of the game...

Or was he? Yes...this was in the middle of him running for the ball...you can see his teammate kicking the ball to his right...don't know exactly what he was cheering for here...

Then, in the second half, he played goalie...which always seems like a good idea...until you have to play it. He got bored...

REALLY bored...

And yes, he was scored on, once...and he was okay with it for a quick minute...but then we had this...and Mike had to go over and convince him that it was okay. He still wasn't okay with it...but he wasn't pouting in the goal.

And then there was Pumpkin's game...she's still working on controlling her body.

But I was really proud of her when she took this guy on...he did beat her to the ball...but at least she's competing now...hopefully she'll be keeping this up!!

So...there's a quick update for you...I'll be back again!!

How well do you know your colours?

2008-09-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

A fun link from the girls at Sweet Shoppe Designs...

The Crayola website has a quiz to see how well you know your colours. You can take the quiz here. It's a little fun, takes me back to when I was a kid...I definitely knew my blues and greens, my fave colours...had a little bit of trouble with the browns. But, after making my choices for the 64 crayons, I was dubbed a "Colour Genius" with 23 mistakes. So I'm feeling pretty good about myself...although, it may help that I have 3 kiddos using crayola crayons right now...but don't tell anyone;)

Anyway, on to some LOs!! I didn't miss a beat when I was chosen to be on the CT for ScrapMatters. I quickly made 2 LOs for them, well, one is also for Erica Zane, who I CT for as well...but it counts just the same. So without further ado...

This one was created for the Speed Scrap that ScrapMatters holds every week or so...you definitely have to check them out. You are given 6-7 instructions/rules over the course of an hour, then have an additional hour to create your LO and upload it to the gallery. I'm totally addicted...it's SO much fun!!!

It's funny, because even though I grew up totally immersed in sports, and was hoping that my kids would be too. I never, in my wildest dreams, pictured myself as a "soccer mom." You know, driving all her kids around to their different practices and games in a minivan...but that is exactly what I've become...and to tell you the truth...I don't mind it a bit. In fact, I love it!!! I love watching my kids get out and play, and to see the joy on their face when they finally learn how to do a certain skill right. Anyway, enough babbling...here's the LO. I totally love how it turned out!!

{Credits}

And here is the LO I created using Erica Zane's kit called Magical Escape. The whole kit is just perfect for your little princess' in your life...and I have two of them. I blended a couple papers together to get this one that perfectly matched Pumpkin's costume from Halloween last year. I can hardly believe that it's already been a year since this pic was taken!! Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing around with all the fun elements and sparkles.

{Credits}

I also created this beautiful Autumn LO with Amanda Kay's newest kit called Autumn Breeze. I absolutely adore this pic of Pumpkin...yup, that's her, alright...that was taken back in 2003. We had the chance to spend about a month up in my hometown during the Fall...and she was in love with all of the colours. The 4 seasons is definitely something that I miss...we don't get much of a fall or winter here in California. Anyway, I love her little squishy face here!!

{Credits}

Thanks for sticking around this long!!

I've been keeping my fingers crossed...

2008-09-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

and I finally found out!!! I am part of the newest CT for ScrapMatters...yup...the entire store!!! This is just HUGE for me! I love that place, I'm relatively new there, and everyone is just so amazingly talented and nice!! I'm so excited, I can't wait to see what they have in store for us:)

So, I wanted to share some of my latest LOs I've created.

Here are the LOs I created for Scrap It Designs by Bree using her About a Girl Kit while I was her guest CT for August.

Here You Come Again {credits}

Keep Smiling {credits}

Here are some LOs that I created for Erica Zane using her latest releases: Serenity Now and EZ Dreams:

Just the Two of Us {credits}

Better Together {credits}

Here's a LO I made for Leiko Beck Designs using her Retro Summer Kit

Love.Peace.Happiness {credits}

Here's a LO I made using Britt-ish Designs Mermaid Lagoon Kit and Template and Sue Cummings Word Art:

This Moment {credits}

And finally, here's a LO I created for a challenge at Shabby Pickle Designs. I used Coffelicious from Kasia Designs and {Fall}ing for Retro from Paislee Press and Leora Sanford

More Every Day {credits}

I've had a lot of fun creating these LOs. Most of them were for challenges at different sites. Take care and thanks for hanging around!!

I can finally tell you...

2008-08-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

that I am a guest CT member for Amanda Kay!!! She finally made the announcement on her blog, and I can now tell you here:) I am so excited to be working with her and creating for her!! You totally need to check out her store at Sunshine Studio Scraps!
This is the 1st LO I created using her After the Rain kit...SO love the bright colours here, it went perfectly with these pics of my oldest DD hammin' it up for the camera!!

Also...I was asked to be part of Sue Cummings CT!! She's an awesome designer at Oscraps. I've been eyeing her designs since I began scrapping...I love her simplicity, and her designs give me just the right final touch for my LOs. Man...I went through so many rejections from creative teams...and now...they are just piling up!! I'm just glad that so many of them are really relaxed about what they expect, otherwise I wouldn't be able to keep up with all of them!!
I'm really excited about everything that's happening with me in the scrapping world!! Keep an eye out for some new LOs from me with all these new designs I get to play with!!

Let the games begin!!

2008-08-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

So the kids survived their first games...barely. I had to work, but was allowed to skip out for a while to catch their games...I'm so lucky my work is cool like that because I was totally bummed that I would miss their first games. I'm so glad that I got to see them dressed like this for the first time!!

So, I caught Monkey's game about half way through...and all I can say is that he just seems happy to be out there running around with his friends. He gets to the ball...when he wants to...but most of the time he's flipping around on the ground...such a boy!! He's happy, so I'm happy...I'm hoping that someday he'll catch on to the whole concept of the sport and competition, but right now, he's only 5...and it's cool that he's having fun out there. So without further ado, here's some pics...

LOL!!! You can't even see his legs!!

Tried to get him #6...for nostalgia sake...but it was already handed out...so he's #8, and quite frankly he doesn't care. And with him looking this cute, I don't really either!!

Remember what I said about him flipping around on the ground? Well, this is him caught in the act...at least, just before it...let me tell you that he won't be wearing a white long sleeve during a game again:)

And now on to some action shots!!

At the end of the game, cheering for the other team...he really had a great time and can't wait to play again...I'm glad he had such a fun time and that I was there to watch it.

Pumpkin, on the other hand, didn't have as fun a time...but I'll get back to that later. The day started out well...and she even got #6!! She was even excited that she had my number from when I was a kid:)

So...remember my previous post about her being a drama queen during her first season, well...it surfaced again in the first game. Although, not in the same manner...she had fun, and she still wants to play, but she was tired, and it made her throat hurt. So there was a lot of this face during the game...even some tears, but surprisingly she still wants to play.

When she wasn't making that face, she actually did quite well...she definitely has a competitive nature, and to be honest...she's too tough on herself and gets frustrated really easily.

And I know that my family is laughing right now...because this is SO my look!!

So after the games were over I had to run back to work, but I'm so glad I was able to watch their first games...and I can't wait to see more!!! I will definitely keep you updated on Monkey's flipping around and Pumpkin's endurance progression!! :)

I am officially a....

2008-08-20T21:47:00.001-07:00

SOCCER MOM!!! I now have 2 kiddos in soccer, and am rushing home from work to drive them back and forth between practices...I don't know how my Mom ever did it with 5 kids, AND most of us played 3 or more sports. She was crazy!!! She was SUPERMOM!!!

I was a little leary of putting Pumpkin back in to soccer, this was the girl, who, halfway through her first soccer game 2 years ago, came running up to me and said breathlessly to me ~sigh~"I can't play soccer!!" I questioned why and she wiped her brow and said "Uhh, I'm sweating!!!" OMGOSH!!! I have a girly girl!!! I freaked...what am I supposed to do with a girly girl?! Well, she finished out the season, groaning and moaning the whole time, but I wouldn't let her quit because this was something that she agreed to try, and she had made a commitment to her team, and she was going to fulfill that commitment. And believe me...threatening her that I would MAKE her play the next season got her through many a practice...and even a game!!! I know...I'm terrible...threatening to make her play soccer!! Teehee...worked like magic!!

So, anyway...sign-ups came around this year and I posted the question to her...and after an initial refusal, she quickly agreed.

"Are you sure? You remember the last time you played soccer, you wanted to quit half way through the season."

"I know Mom...but I want to play."

"Okay..."

And so we went to her first practice...and it was okay, there were no major dramatics, her coach was really cool and she made some friends...AND I even got some cute pics.

~sigh~ She even LOOKS like she can play soccer here!!!

And then...there's this...REALLY gotta work on that kick!!

Her coach was SO cool...he totally made everything fun and the kids loved him!

Hahaha...it TOTALLY looks like she's beating everyone on the run...shhhh...don't tell her I told you, but she didn't run out as far as everyone. DEFINITELY need to work on her endurance!!

So she enjoyed her first day of practice...that's a good start!! Let's see how long it lasts...first game is this Saturday.

So, I did say that I had 2 kiddos in soccer...Monkey had his very first taste of soccer as well...and he was SO cute...I think the soccer ball came up to his knees!! :)

Let's just say that I am SO glad that someone is willing to put up with him for about 30 minutes, twice a week and run him to the ground!! He literally fell asleep an hour early...AND didn't wake up until everyone else was already awake...it's a MIRACLE!!!

And of course I got so totally cute pics of him!!

I just LOVE the mean look on his face here as he's trying to run as fast as he can...

Ah, my poor son, whom I love very much...is just SO not coordinated enough to do a jumping jack...I was ROLLING on the field watching him!!

So cute, holding up his hand to ask a question...such good manners;)

Gotta work on keeping that head up when he dribbles...

Just totally LOVE this pic for some reason!!

And so begins a new stage of my life...the soccer mom...I just hope that I can do it as well as my mom did!!

Check This Out!!!

2008-08-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

Okay...everyone needs to head over to Sunshine Studio to check out Monica mgl Scraps' latest and greatest kit!!! It's a bit funky, a bit grungy, but yet perfect for just about any type of layout. I'm totally in love with the colours...and there's SO much included...I'm keeping my fingers crossed to win this!! Could you cross yours too?! LOL!!

You can grab this awesome kit here!!

You also have to check these albums out by TaylorMade Designs

You could totally get 2 albums, or more done in an evening...just plug in those pictures and you're done!!! It's SO cool, when it's this easy:)

Get these albums...plus many more amazing designs from TaylorMade here!!

I'm Zanee, a guest and SO happy!!!

2008-08-13T22:36:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I have some totally HOLY COW AWESOME news!!! I have been invited to create for Erica Zane!! I'm so excited about this, and I can't wait to start playing with her designs! She has some seriously cute designs. You can check out her amazing designs here

And here's a LO that I created with her newest kit EZ Shrubberies

{Credits}

And some other really AWESOME news!! I'm a guest CT member for Brianna Cox of Scrap It Designs!! I was on her CT when she first started designing, but unfortunately, I became swamped with studying for my licensing exam and life in general and regretfully had to back out. She has done some amazing stuff since then, and I'm so excited to be working with her again...even if it is for a short while!! You can check out her stuff here

And then to top off one awesome day...my mom called and told me that they were planning on heading down this way for a visit in October during the kid's fall vacation.

Awwww...I love my Mom and Dad!! I can't wait to see them, we missed going up to their place this summer...I hope that never happens again!! This day has been just awesome...except for the fact that my kids are all sick...nothing major though! This day ended with my being extremely happy:)

Missing My Friends

2008-08-09T21:29:00.001-07:00

Well, it's only been a week...and I'm SO missing my friends!! A little background info, I've been working for the last few months with 2 great friends, but August 1st was their last day...and I'm totally left ALL alone!! Well, not all alone, but it's sure different without Jess and Marie not there!! I miss my working baller on Main East!!! Jess, you made working on the ortho floor SO much fun!! I have to say that I was NOT gonna work there 5 days a week, until I started working with you, and now that you're gone...I don't know how I'm gonna survive!! We are still trying to recruit someone as worthy as you for the Dream Team...but to be honest...I don't think that there is one!! Although, we have a couple of imposters trying to work their way in there;) And Marie, I know that you didn't really enjoy your time there as a student...but I loved having you around! You are free to come over and spend time with us any time!! My kiddos miss their Auntie Marie;) Anyway, here are some pics of my awesome, long gone co-workers!!

Ah Jess...you kept work fun:)

The Dream Team!!

...and bench:) Poor Howard!!

Oh yeah...August 1st was the last day on Main East for Marilyn too...the funniest discharge planner. So I was triple slammed that Monday!! Although, Marilyn is still working in the hospital, just on another floor.

And then, there was Marie:( I'm so glad that I got to know you while you were interning here!! And to think that we went to the same school, and I barely knew you!! I loved having you here, and I'm glad that I was able to help you out a bit through "the rough times." I hope that your time here didn't scar you so much that you won't come back to visit!! You are always welcome at my home!!

Marie and Jess...my two friends...who left me with the likes of a pug!!

Ah, we had some great times together!!

I will truly miss you guys. I hope you keep in touch!!

Fun Family Times

2008-08-05T07:35:00.001-07:00

So Mike and I went to a family wedding this weekend...and I have to say that I had a great time. We actually had friends (thank you SO much Lou and C!!) that offered to watch our kiddos for the night! WOW...we haven't had a night to ourselves in...how old is Pumpkin again? LOL!! Seriously...it's been a LONG time. We barely left the dance floor all night. So, here are some pics from the special day for Emily and Bo.

The kids were there during the ceremony and for a little bit afterwards...I couldn't resist taking some pics of them with this gorgeous lighting!! I could just melt in my little Monkey's eyes...they're just big brown pools of chocolate!!

My beautiful Pumpkin...she's just growing up too fast!

I TOTALLY wish that I had thought of this for my flower girl!!! I SO LOVE those pixie wings!!

Isn't that view just gorgeous?! Beautiful venue!

You may kiss the bride...

Pumpkin and one of her cousins...two little cuties!!

Just a beautiful pic of my little Sweet Pea in front of an absolutely beautiful backdrop!

Yes...sometimes they can be this sweet to each other:)

Me and my baby!!

Some pics of my kiddos being their goofy selves!! And after the snacks, the kiddos left:)

Cutting and eating the cake...

Now aren't we two hot little mamas?!

The first dance...now I have to say that it started out as a typical slow first dance, but then they sped it up and did a whole Saturday Night Fever thing...so totally hilarious!!

My sis-in-law, mom-in-law and me...

We had a blast!! Love this pic!

So we spent the night at Jay and Jenn's...and when the kids woke up...Auntie Jenn had a surprise for them...a princess castle cake!!

This made her #1 Auntie (for the time being) in Sweet Pea's book:)

My cute little Monkey!

Lounging on the couch with Uncle Jay...

Then we headed over to the day after party...just another day spent with the relatives. This is the newest kiddo on the block...

We had a "parade of cakes" for all the birthdays around this time...so Monkey got another TMNT cake...

Sweet Pea and her cousin enjoying each other's company...

Hanging out with cousins from Down Under...

Uncle Tom and Tita Girlie from Las Vegas...love spending time with them!!

And our newest favorite relative...the fabulous Mark from NYC!!! We are SO totally going over there to get the Sex and the City tour:)

So that was our weekend...lots of time with relatives...fun times had...and memories made...could it get any better? Well...maybe if it was with my relatives...but Mike's were a good substitute;)

Another contest and LO!!

2008-07-24T23:58:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, just wanted to jump in here quickly and showcase the LO I made tonight for a challenge that is being hosted by one of my favorite designers at Oscraps!!

The Queen of Quirk designed this totally cute kit called Monkey See, Monkey Do and is hosting this totally cute challenge at her blog...you definitely need to check it out!!

So here's the LO I made for the challenge...thanks for looking!!

Credits

On another scrapbooking note...TaylorMade Designs just put out some totally cute new items in her store at Oscraps. Click on the images for a direct link!!

Now if that doesn't make you want to go out and scrap...what will?! LOL!!

A Turning Point

2008-07-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

For some reason I just think that turning 5 is a HUGE turning point...and my little boy has reached that point. I cannot believe that it's already been 5 years!! And I'm sure that every mother goes through this...but my baby boy is growing up!

And to commemorate this special day...here's a quick sum up of his 5 years in the only way I know how...through pictures:) Hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane...

My baby boy on his first day in this world...

His first Christmas...

1 Year Old

2 Years Old

3 Years Old

4 Years Old

And 5 Years Old!

Isn't that just the coolest card ever? Can you believe that Pumpkin made that? She drew out all the ninja turtles and decorated the background...so creative, that girl...and needless to say, Monkey LOVED it!!

So, we're having a little celebration with a cake and presents on Saturday...and Monkey sweetly said "I'm 5 today, but when we have my party on Saturday, I'll be 6!!" Too cute!!

Challenges and Freebies!!

2008-07-23T18:44:00.001-07:00

Hold on to your hats guys...it's going to be a wild and crazy week at Oscraps and Fei-fei's Stuff's blog!! Here's a little sneak peak of the fun to come...

And this is just a little sample of a LO I made with the freebie!!

Make sure you check it out!!
Oscraps
Fei-fei's Stuff Blog

4th of July Celebrations!!

2008-07-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little late, but I swear I've worked on this before and had trouble uploading pics...and I can't have a post without pics!! So, the 4th of July was great...a very, very, extremely nice co-worker offered to work for me...which was SO awesome, not only because it gave me the day off...but because it allowed me to spend a whole day with my sister and her family AND it gave me 2 days off in a row during a 12 out of 14 days work shift. So I am EXTREMELY grateful to her...I love her to bits!! So, we finally headed out to the beach around 1:30...Carmel beach was packed...as expected, but we found a cozy little spot by the wall in a little cove. And we set up camp...and I have to admit...that Mike and I overpacked...a bit. And I know that Tanya is totally scoffing at that last statement. So let me explain...Mike tends to totally overpack...and I mean TOTALLY!!! He figures that he wants to be ready for anything and everything...so he brings everything!! And I have to say that over the 12 years that I've been with him, it's just normal to me now...although I have to say that I was a tad bit embarassed when Tanya and Frank showed up with 2 backpacks...and Mike drove up with a truckload. Oh well, we overpacked...but at least we didn't get there and find out that we forgot something. I'm trying to work on the whole "simplify" process with Mike....and let me just say...it's a work in progress...and it's not progressing very fast:)

Anyways...on to the pictures!!

This is the beautiful spot where we spent the day... Carmel Beach, with golf courses in the distance, white sand, beautiful blue-green waters, pelicans flying in the bright blue sky, and kids and adults alike enjoying the surf and sand...what more could you ask for?

I snapped this picture of Tanya as we were walking to the beach...I don't think she knew that I took it, but I loved it...seeing her dress blowing in the breeze with that beautiful ocean in front of her and the white sand behind her...love it!

Even Tuck enjoyed the ocean this day...that dog would do anything for his ball...including braving the waves pounding against him...can you spot the ball in this picture?

Yes...

...was here!!

My cutie patootie, Sweet Pea, kept building her princess castles too close to the water...

...and it kept getting washed away, but that didn't stop her from building it again...and totally enjoying the process!!

Although, that didn't last too long...she got tired of building castles and went looking for cookies...and she found them!!

So like I said, we made camp by this wall...that was a really cool backdrop for some pictures. I snapped a pic of the girls as they were walking in front of it.

Then I asked them to pose...and THIS is what I got!! Is that really a 10 year old and a 6 year old?!

And then Mac wanted to get in on the poses in front of the wall...and for the life of her WOULD NOT stop eating that chip!!

And again...that chip!!

And what were "the boys" doing all this time? Why, enjoying that water of course!! Yes, Mike did brave the cold Northern California waters to boogie board! And Frank laughed at him most of the time because of the faces and sounds he made when the cold waves hit him.

And Tanner was facing his own waves...I have to admit that I'm REALLY proud of him...he started out deathly afraid of water, and now he's letting waves up past his stomach wash over him!!

And as it usually does this time of year down here...the weather changed from sunshiney and warm to overcast and a little chilly...you can see the clouds rolling in here.

So, Mike retired from boogie boarding, for the time being, and started up the grill. Sweet set-up, eh?

Mac and Pumpkin retired to a little cozy shelter we set up, to warm their little buns...

Ace and Sweet Pea went off to build sand castles...

As did Monkey...

And apparently, Sweet Pea was very...VERY impressed by his sandcastle building talents!!

Dinner turned out AWESOME!!! Mike always does a great job on the grill!!

Pumpkin got a little smoke in her eye...

And what's a beach party without watermelon?

It got a little colder...

Sweet Pea made a cute little friend her age...he totally followed her around all over the place!! Ah, young love;)

And Mike, for some reason, braved the cold Northern California waters again to ride the waves...although, I must admit, there were some good waves out there.

And since there were no fireworks allowed on the beach, or most of the other areas in Monterey County because of all the crazy wildfires...we had to make do. Or actually, our neighbours on the beach helped out. They brought these glow sticks...you know you remember wearing them around your neck:) and they all took turns throwing them up in the air and then running around after them...fun times, fun times!!

So, that was pretty much it. The kids were OUT within 2 minutes of getting in the car, a good time was had by all...and we didn't get to the beach and think of anything that we forgot:)

I LOVE FAMILY!!!

2008-07-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right!! I LOVE my family...especially when I get to spend time with them. My older sista, Tanya and her family came down to spend a few days in sunny California with us. And, surprisingly...the weather cooperated, for the most part. The weather system that had been holding in the smoke from the wildfires around Big Sur changed and we had beautiful blue skies!! So...what did we do while they were here? Why, go the beach...OF COURSE!!! After all, that's what they came down to do...lay out on the beach, get sunburned...what else is there to do in Cali? So the kids had a blast, and we had a great time just catching up, and lounging in the sand. Here are some pics from the beach:

Cousins, and best friends...together, where they're supposed to be!

There was a lot of shrieking and running away from the waves

My super cute niece, Mac! And yes, she is cuter in real life:)

Even their family dog, Tuck, made the trip down...Monkey had a blast playing fetch with him.

Although, there was a lot of pleading for the ball on Monkey's part

Just a cutie pic of my two guys...

And a pic of the odd concoction that Pumpkin put together...yes, she did want to bring it home...and NO she didn't!!

So what's there to do after a few hours on the beach?! Why, head out to your favorite Mexican restaurant in town...Turtle Bay...mmmmmm, DE-licious!!

And that was the end of Day 1.

On Day 2, it was more of the same...the rest of the family spent the entire afternoon at the beach...while I worked:( But we ended up heading into downtown Monterey. Had a nice little walk around, then ate at a not-so-good restaurant...if you're even in downtown Monterey, I wouldn't recommend Willy's Smokehouse...just FYI.

BUT...of course...I did get some pics!!

Monkey...riding the waves where he could...on the beach. One day he'll graduate to real waves:)

My older sista, Tanya...looking gorgeous!!

And my bro-in-law...unfortunately I got to him too late, and he was already sunburnt!

My other cutie niece...Ace.

And my Pumpkin...striking a pose!

Ace, Pumpkin and Monkey pretending to surf...

Totally cute pic of the kiddos posing for the camera:)

Some pics of our walk...

See...I told ya she was a cutie!!

And probably my favorite pic of the whole trip...

I think I'll end this post for now...stay tuned for more pics from our 4th of July day at the beach. Although, it felt kinda weird...celebrating Independence Day when there was only 1 American out of the 9 of us...would've been kinda cool if they coulda made it down for Canada Day on July 1st!!

And of course I had to make some LOs from my favorite pictures!!

Credits

And I think that I love this picture even more when it's cropped and enlarged...

Credits

Thanks for sticking around!!

Finally...

2008-06-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

a weekend at home!!! I have to say that I was SO nice to spend an entire weekend at home, unfortunately, Mike couldn't be here with us...so we had to make do with Uncle Stu!!! (note: not really an uncle, just my best friend from PT school. But he's like an uncle to my kids!) And a new friend...Auntie Marie (she's not an aunt either...but since we had Uncle Stu, we had to have an aunt:) She actually is graduating from PT school too...she was a year behind me and Stu, and she's an intern at the hospital that I work at!! So it was SO awesome to spend some time with them...getting to catch up with Stu and getting to know Marie. To get ready for their visit, I spent the entire morning cleaning house...being away 5 weekends in a row, and working full time does NOT do wonders for your house!!! So nice to have a clean house again!! Anyway, so when Stu got here we headed down to the beach...thankfully the weather was cooperating (we had weird thundershowers about an hour and a half before he arrived). And I got some AWESOME pictures...I think that I took almost 250 shots...but I ended up keeping about 150 (and I could probably delete some others too). So here's just a few:

Heading to the beach with Uncle Stu leading the way!!

A couple of pics of Pumpkin enjoying the ocean...

And some of Monkey playing in the surf...

And last, but not least, my Sweet Pea. It took her a while to warm up to the ocean, at first she wouldn't get near it...didn't even want to touch it...

Then, slowly, she gained a little confidence...and would run up to the water's edge...

But quickly run away!!

Then, being the gutsy girl that she is...she allowed the sea to swallow her legs up!!

But still wasn't quite sure she wanted to lose her legs...

Then decided that it really wasn't all that bad...

And really rather enjoyed it!!

And by the end of the day...was basking in all the glory of the ocean!!

Auntie Marie made a quick friend out of Sweet Pea by sharing in her newfound joy of the sea!!

And Uncle Stu was just a great place to rest a weary body!! :)

By the end of the day...a great time was had by all...

Especially when the kids got to walk "Pippy" the Doberman!!

And yes...I WAS actually there...who do you think was taking all the pictures?!

Daddy's Day!!

2008-06-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend, yet again...we went up to the Bay Area. But it wasn't as bad as the other weekends because we are finally done with our never-ending garage sale. We have an out...one of Mike's aunts has graciously offered to sell our items...over in Saipan. So, we just have to box it up and ship it over there...and it's not as expensive as it sounds because the in-laws ship a container over there every other month or so...so it's off our hands...FINALLY!!! I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to finally be done with that!

And on Sunday, we went to brunch...the usual for the in-laws, to celebrate Daddy's day and my father-in-law's birthday. The great thing about is it that I got some really great pictures!

Finally, a picture that I want to print out and frame of my entire little clan!!

Auntie Jenn and Uncle Jay are always a big hit with the kiddos!!

and this is probably my favorite picture of me and Sweet Pea recently...a picture that I actually like of myself...go figure!!

The food was okay, I got really, really stuffed off of waffles with strawberries and whipped cream...as Sweet Pea would say "mmmmmmm, DElicious!!!"

On another note...I started running again...if you can call what I do running:) I decided that I really need to start getting back in to some sort of shape and I was completely stressed out, so I needed a natural high...or so I thought I would get a natural high. But what I actually got was burning lungs and screaming muscles. I think that my leg muscles went on strike after that because the next day I couldn't even walk properly...there was no ninja here...all you could here was plop, plop, plop!! I couldn't even cushion my walk because my muscles were SO SORE!!! It sucks to be 30!! Nah...it just sucks to be out of shape! So, I made it on 2 runs, Wednesday and Friday. Then, I took the weekend off with every intention of going for a run early this morning...but I've been battling some sort of cold or allergies or something that has had me feeling really run down with a sore throat and a headache...and I did NOT feel like running at 5:30 this morning. So I thought, "okay, when can I make up my missed run?" and I ran into a co-worker who mentioned that they're playing basketball tonight..."SWEET", I thought, "this will make up for my run!!" So I go to this church at 7:00, and no-one is there...I take that back, there is a Bible Camp for kids there...but no basketball. TOTAL BUMMER!!! I was actually REALLY looking forward to playing again. So, I guess that I have to wake up early again for a run:( Just a note...I would MUCH rather play basketball to get in shape than run!! I totally need to find a place where I can play basketball!!

I just wanted to take this moment to thank my big sis...Tanya...she just totally bailed me out...again!!! I was so stressed and emotional, and she stepped in and was my sister...thank you for what you did...thank you for being there for me!!! I LOVE YOU!!! This is NOT the greatest picture of us...but, unfortunately, it's the most recent...I think that we're a little tipsy here...after all, it was taken on Christmas Eve!!!

So, not much else to relay here...just some cute pictures that I took this weekend!!

Gotta love it when the girls are playing together nicely AND cooperate with you when you want to take their picture!! And you KNOW you remember those My Little Ponies!!! They were a HUGE hit with me and my younger sister, Rachel! I was SO excited when they started coming out with them again...and now Sweet Pea has developed a love for them...thankfully, Pumpkin has...a...few, that she is willing to share:)

Okay...now this is just the sweetest little picture!!

And I just LOVE getting a picture of a natural smile...or laugh...whatever...it just looks SO much better than a posed one!! I must say that he's a pretty nice looking guy...and he's mine:)

My two guys!!! So cute!

So, that's all for now...got it? GOOD!!!

What a Weekend!!

2008-06-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

So we had a pretty fun Sunday. We went up to Tita Vickie's in Sacramento and the kiddos basically spent the entire day in the pool...no kidding, I think that Monkey was out of the pool...maybe an hour out of the 9 hours we were there. The great thing about it was that I finally got some great summer pictures!! There's nothing better than spending a day with people you love!! Here are a few LOs that I made of our day there:

Monkey had a blast...for someone who just a month ago was totally freaked out about taking showers and baths (trust me, this fear came out of nowhere...I'm talking mid-shower, he develops this insane fear of water!!) he didn't show any fear of the water today!!! I just love the smiles on his face...he just makes you want to smile, he just exudes happiness:)

Credits:

Template & Word Art by Sue Cummings available at Oscraps

And Sweet Pea, after a few hours of playing around on the stairs, found the dessert table...and from the moment she spied the chocolate cookies the negotiating began! She wanted 4, I said 2...and she reluctantly agreed to 3. And let me tell you, she knows when I'm trying to cheat her...she made sure I gave her 3!! And she just enjoyed them SO much...look at the enjoyment on her face!! She's in heaven:)

Credits:

Template & Word Art by Sue Cummings available at Oscraps

And not to worry...I am going to make a LO about Pumpkin, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. She didn't have as much fun as the others. Apparently while I was out buying my new swimsuit, she was knocked down to the ground by my ever-so-graceful Payton, and she hit her forehead. So she was sporting a small headache for most of the day. But I did manage to get some great shots of Auntie Jenn giving her some swimming lessons. I have to say, and Auntie Jenn will agree, that Pumpkin picked up the frog kick pretty quickly!! So, stay tuned...a swimming lesson with Auntie Jenn LO will soon be gracing this blog:)

On another note...I had the opportunity to see "Sex and the City - The Movie" this weekend with Jenn. It was a totally last minute thought, at dinner she mentioned to me that she had already seen it, I told her that I didn't have anyone to watch it with, since my best friend (my little sister - who got me started on SATC) lives in Canada...and I can't wait until I go up there to see it. So she told me whenever I want, just ask and she'll see it with me...so I asked!! We had a blast!! First a cocktail at Outback Steakhouse...mmmm, yummy Kiwi Margarita!!

Unfortunately, this picture is out of focus...but thanks to TaylorMade Designs designer spotlight challenge I know just what to do to save this picture!!!

Then it was off to see Carrie and the gang!! I have to say that this was an AMAZING movie!! And I'm not just saying that because I'm a Sex and the City fan, it really was great. It had it all, I laughed, cried, felt the heartache & pain, felt hope and happiness...it was an amazing rollercoaster!! I really recommend it for everyone!! MUST GO SEE!!!

And today, I got off work a little early, so as a surprise, Mike and I took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda. Cute movie, the kids loved it, especially Monkey...I was entertained just listening to him laugh. Then the kids put on their own little kung fu show after the movie outside the theatres...that, I think was better than the movie. I wouldn't say that it's been as good as some of the other Dreamwork cartoons (ie. Shrek and Madagascar), but it was cute and entertaining.

Monkey's favorite character was of course Po, the Panda.

And Pumpkin's was Tigress, the female tiger! You go girl!!!

This totally makes me want to get the kiddos in to martial arts, I think that they would love it. And I would love to see them be able to have the confidence in themselves and be able to defend themselves, if need be. Just the mom in me wanting her kids to be safe!!

And Sweet Pea? Well, she was just happy to be watching a movie with Mom while eating popcorn and candy. On that note...can you believe that a large popcorn, a bottled water and a package of Goobers cost over $13?! I think that it's just crazy how much they are charging for snacks!!! Shhhh...don't tell anyone, but I snuck in some drinks and snacks of my own...I mean, come on...if what I bought cost that much, can you imagine what it would cost for snacks for 5?

Anyway, that's it for now...it's nighty night for me!!

I'm So Excited!!

2008-06-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

and honoured to have been chosen as one of the winner's of The Queen of Quirk's contest that she had on her blog, there were some amazing entries. We had to make a LO of the special guy in our life...and this is the LO that I entered:

Credits:

TaylorMade Designs Blending In Paper Pack available at Oscraps

I just love this pic of my DH holding up all of my kids, the title just came so easily. And I don't make very many LO's of me or my DH, so it was fun to do one where the main subject was him. I can't wait to see what I win!!

Coming this Monday, June 9th, one of my favorite designers - TaylorMade Designs - is in the designer's spotlight at Oscraps!! She is going to have some amazing challenges, freebies and prizes to give away...you MUST come check it out. You can get info about it and some amazing tutorials, at her blog.

Well, that's it for now...aren't you proud that I updated this in only a week?! I certainly am...maybe this is a new trend for me...we'll see.

End of the Year Ceremonies

2008-05-30T22:12:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I said that I would try to update this more often than every two weeks...and it looks like I've lied, it's now been almost 3 weeks, but for some reason I just feel like I've been slammed lately.

Anyway, today was a jam packed day...my DS graduated from preschool today, and they put on the cutest little concert...I have to say that my DS was not shy at all!! And you'll have to pardon the shakey video recording...my DH was having a little too much fun listening to them sing:)

You can view a clip of one of their songs here...

And here are a few pictures that I took during the graduation ceremony...

In the middle of one of his songs he knocked off his cap, but being the professional singer that he is he just smiled and kept singing along...then picked it up and placed it back on.

Here he's receiving his "diploma"

Monkey and his teachers...

Monkey with the happy and very proud parents...

So, not to be outdone by my DS...my oldest DD, who is just finishing up grade 1 was nominated as the student of the quarter for her class...so she had little ceremony and ice cream celebration today as well. I was running between classrooms trying to make sure that I didn't miss anything...oh, what I would have done for a DH with an eye for a picture!! Fortunately, I made it to the gym just as her class was being called up, so I got a few pics...not the best lighting, but I had to make do. So here's a picture of her award...

And here's a picture of her doing her "ice cream dance"

Then I had to sneak back in to Pumpkin's classroom to snap a few pictures of her and her classmates because I haven't gotten any this year:(

Pumpkin and one of her best friends...

And finally one of Pumpkin and her teacher

Wow...this post ended up having a lot more pictures that I had thought it would. But anyway, that was my day. I was happy with the pictures that I got, and my kiddos had a great time. I couldn't be a prouder momma!!

Terrible at this!

2008-05-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not as good at this as I had hoped I would be...but who am I trying to kid, I work full-time, then rush home to take care of my kids, cook, clean (which often gets pushed to the side), wash the kiddos and get them in bed. And by the time that's all done, I just want to sit and relax/regroup before going to bed. So, here's to trying to keep this blog updated a little better...keep your fingers crossed for me!!

So, I had a pretty good Mother's Day. The best present that I got? Well, all 8 handmade cards were very sweet, and the pictures were beautiful...but Monkey's "borrowed" roses were the best. While I was taking a shower at my MIL's house, he apparently, climbed the fence and picked off the biggest and most beautiful roses for me. Yeah, my MIL's garden is looking a little barren, but it put the biggest smile on my face. Unfortunately, the roses wouldn't last the trip home, so they had to be left at MIL's house for her to enjoy a little longer. Here's a picture of them...love the yellow one!! I'm a sucker for yellow roses.

On another note...I passed my licensing exam!!! Yes, you are looking at the newest PT on the block!! Let's just say that I'm so totally excited, mostly because I don't have to take that exam again! But also because this is just the biggest turning point for me, I've been working towards this for almost 16 years...and it is SO sweet to finally be here!
So, hopefully it won't take me 2 weeks to update this again...until next time!

Might as Well

2008-04-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems like everyone else is doing it...so why not me? Yes, it's true, I probably would jump off a bridge if all my friends did it. Actually, I'm just reflecting on my upcoming 30th birthday next month, and I realized that I haven't told my story. I mean, "I" know my story, at least I remember the big important parts...but it's the little daily things that seem to slip away. And those are the things that I most desperately want to remember...the way my oldest daughter, Pumpkin loves to sing, and truly does make every song her own...the way my son, Monkey, is this sweet little soul wrapped up in a non-stop ball of energy, the way my youngest daughter, Sweet Pea, crawls in to my bed every night around 3:00am with a smile, a hug and a kiss, how excited I get when I hear Mike's keys in the door after he's been away for a couple days, and just about every other little detail of my day to day life that otherwise I would forget by the time I turn 31. My DH, Mike, keeps telling me that I need to write things down because I have a terrible memory...so here I am!! And there's also this standing argument between Mike and I about things that were done or said between us...so now I'll have written proof!! :)

So, what is it today that I want to remember? Well, I just finished taking the biggest, most important exams of my life!! I graduated with a Master's of Physical Therapy in January...which only means that I finished all the academic requirements. Unfortunately, I can't actually work as a PT until I pass the National Board Licensing Exam...and yes...it is as terrible as it sounds!! I'm talking a 5 hour multiple choice exam on everything that you've learned over 2 1/2 years in school...and to top it off, another 1 hour long MC exam on the laws and regulations of CA. It was nervewracking and LONG!!! I was totally freaking out the day before because I felt like I didn't remember anything...and now, I have to wait...yes, there is no automatic gratification or depression...you have to wait for the results. Hopefully it'll only take a week or so, but still, I was really looking forward to just knowing one way or the other. So, until next week I'll be this nervous, anxious wreck of a mother/wife. So keep your fingers crossed!

Just yesterday Sweet Pea said the sweetest thing to me!! I just have to share it with everyone!!

Sweet Pea: Mommy...are you my mommy?

Me: Yes.

Sweet Pea: Ummm...am me your sweet pea?

Isn't that just the cutest little thing? She just melts my heart!! Anyway, enough rambling for my first post...I've probably bored everyone to the point where they don't ever want to come back! I have to say before I sign off today, for people who don't know me too well...I am a scrapbooker at heart. I love taking pictures and I love the little stories of our day to day life, so it was just natural that I would love scrapbooking. I am fortunate to be a part of several creative teams and I have to mention them here:

TaylorMade Designs

Leiko Beck Designs

Fei-fei's Stuff by Sharon Bobis

So without further ado...I'll post a few scrapbook LO's that I've done recently.

This is one that I had to do about a daily ritual that Sweet Pea used to do with me....unfortunately, it doesn't happen that often anymore...which is why I'm SO glad that I was able to scrap it and remember it forever!!

Here are the credits for this LO:

Papers & Word Art- Paislee Press (oscraps) Happy As a Lark

Alpha - Zoe Pearn (scrapartist) Fuzzy Knitted Alpha

Frames - Katie Pertiet (designerdigitals)

Brush - Obsidian Dawn

Font - Century Gothic

This second one is of a series of snapshots...that I took (sidenote: the majority of the picture that include me are taken by me...yes I've become a pro at holding the camera out in front of me with my hand contorted just to say that "Yes! I really was here!!". Anyway, it's a series of pictures of how Sweet Pea gives me "Eskimo Kisses".

Here are the credits for this LO:

Papers - TaylorMade Designs & Paislee Press (oscraps) B-Side Collab Kit (recoloured)

Brush & Fabric Template - Leiko Beck Designs (leikobeckdesigns.blogspot.com)

Tag - Katie Pertiet (designerdigitals) Tailed Frames (altered)

Design Inspiration from Kellie Mize's (designerdigitals) Tortuga Template #85

And lastly, a LO of Monkey. I just love this picture of him...his sweet little smile, the tilt of his head...this is so him!! I LOVE how this turned out. If you like it too...and would like to get the same effect, check out the credits for how to!!

Here are the credits for this LO:

Paper - Touch Of Grey Paper Pack - Slate

Word Art Overlay - Fading Emotions Vol2 - Spirit

Heart Brush - From The Heart Brush

All from TaylorMade Designs available at Oscraps!!

Like the look of this picture? Visit TaylorMade Designs Blog for step-by-step instructions on how to achieve it!!http://www.taylormadedigidesigns.blogspot.com/

Journaling Word Art - I am so motivated by your spirit.

So, that's it for now...until next time!!