Verbally Challenged

I figured that if ever there were an appropriate time to post a photo of me, just me on the site – it would be now. Today I turn 31, fun stuff!

I had an awesome day. I woke up to Liam singing Happy Birthday to me…HUGE accomplishment after being in speech therapy for a year. Love that little dude. Got a stellar gift from my hubs – two tickets here for a night out on the town. I get to dress up…need to go shopping big time for an outfit.

I had an excellent dinner at Willow – with the entire family, kids an all. It was not only good food and company, but tantrum free and can I just say that they have the best coconut lemon cake! YUM!

And I got the best card from my friend in Montana. A gal that I met less than two years ago and have only seen in person once. She’s a super gal, one that tells you how she feels and what’s on her mind. Thanks Becky!

So this Birthday, one of the best ones yet. And thanks to everyone for making it such an incredible day!!! Oh, here I am!

Liam and I had a playdate today with Miss Tina and Emily. We went to a cool little place in Squirrel Hill called “Color Me Mine” where the kids could pick a piece of pottery and paint. I love doing anything artistic and it was fun watching Liam’s little mind be free. Kids have no fear when they’re “working” – no sense of right or wrong and I’m trying to keep a little bit of that for myself. Apply it to my scrapbooking world. It sounds strange, but to move forward in this field (I know you’re thinking to yourself, the scrapbookin field?) you have to be innovative – be a leader. And while I try to stay one step ahead, there are times when you just lose your mojo and you have to blend right in. If you quit, you’re doomed.

So a playdate with the kiddos reminded me that it’s ok to be free, not conform, and try something different. And needeless to say, Liam had a ball – a messy ball.

Today was a good day, a family day. Lot’s of time together and that’s what I love. We went to Penn’s Colony and just enjoyed the scene. The smell of fires burning, popcorn popping, music playing – it’s comforting. The beginning of fall is always nice for me…it’s the fall to winter transition that I’m not too fond of.

So they had something there that I found interesting – and yummy:

Fresh rootbeer! And being the plain folks that we are, we tried the plain ol’ rootbeer and it was darn good!

And Liam had a good day running around and being two. I need to enjoy that you know – the whole two thing because in another month it’ll be gone!

I can hear him giggling in this next photo….love it when you capture that!

I had a fun surprise today..check it out (look in the finalist section):

Memory Makers Finalist

This coming after another success earlier in the year (look in the Honorable Mention Section):

Honorable Mention

So what does this all mean? Not much really, I didn’t win any money or prizes for placing where I did (I needed the big win for that). But, I did make myself proud since I worked my butt off on those entries and I got this layout published in the Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame book:

Here are a few more entries from those contests. I’m already working on next years!

This one was publised in Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbooks Etc. – September/October Issue

First off, do you know what SWAK stands for? Off the top of your head, no looking it up or asking someone…do you know? When I created my banner along the top, I added it in the corner of the photo and Nate didn’t have a clue – looked at me like I had three heads actually. So I’m wondering, is this common knowledge or am I just wise beyond my years (had to say that). Leave me a comment; let me know what you think.

Now about that photo…cute isn’t it? My mom will swear up and down that Liam just got every single disease known to man with that one lick, but Liam enjoyed himself! And don’t worry, I used antibacterial wipes and Purell (this is for my brother-in-law Michael) after we were finished…I even rubbed some on Liam’s head.

We met these deer, Shadow and Mail, at the Pittsburgh Zoo today. They have an awesome space in Kid’s Kingdom for the deer to roam and the rule is that if they’re on the path you can touch them. It’s a controlled environment and these deer are beyond tame. They’re used to humans and by this point; probably think that they are one. Liam and I were the only ones in there (love back to school time) so he had lots of bonding time with Shadow. The deer was so tolerant as Liam hugged and leaned in for a kiss. I think that they really like the attention. I know that Liam did!!!

Happy Easter…well not really. It’s a Labor Day celebration with an Easter theme. A final family gathering in the old Kress homestead. A gathering that usually takes place at Easter. I guess this could be considered the last big hurrah before the big move…a little sad if you think about it. We’ll just all have to relocate the festivities next season.

In the meantime, here are some party photos.

Noni and Poppy with Liam.

Auntie Lib and Mommy with Liam.

Grammie and Ma with Liam.

Emphasis on the Easter theme!

Daddy steals his Liam moment!

Uncle Caulen and Shar – aren’t they cute!

Don’t forget party drinks…and studying…a classic combo!

What has this world come to? A self-admitted blog hater who then stooped so low as to get her own blog (so that sentence sounds funny). Scary. But I feel the need to justify. It’s selfish really. It’s a place to keep track on my days and events. Add a few photos and most important, link family. They’ll be able to follow the scrap world and even more important, Liam. It’s all about Liam isn’t it?

So enjoy reading and watching and just know that I’m am grammatically challenged (and my spelling stinks too).