Verbally Challenged

Yesterday we got to do something really cool with Liam – Ice Skating! Well, Nate and I didn’t ice skate but we got to watch Liam take his very first lesson! Check him out!

Nate and I were AMAZED! I don’t know if you’ve ever gone ice skating but it’s tough! Walking in skates OFF of the ice is difficult but Liam was a champ! The little dude was ready to take the ice, learned how to fall in his first class and really seemed to enjoy the whole experience! Check out the little walkers that they get! It was SO FUNNY! Nate has a video that he’s editing and hopefully I’ll be able to link it here. Oh, and excuse the photos. Apparently the owners of the arena just don’t get the whole photography thing. There was only one little opportunity to take a photo and I was still trying to figure out my light! I’m such a dork. Ah well, there is always next week!

TODAY – I’m dealing with a sick little dude. He has a cold and is just really juicy. We did a lot of sitting around today…and a little work. Check it out:

Do you think that I maybe work a little too much on my laptop? The little dude came running over to me screaming “open my fiderman poo-coo-ter.” Translation – open my spiderman computer! He then squeezed beside me in the chair and worked right along with me. Nate found us sitting there just before lunch. The ONLY good thing about a sick boy is the cuddle factor.

And finally, I completed a project quickly this afternoon. It’s rare that I start AND finish something in one day. Check it out:

I’ve been doing some work for Pink Martini and I’m hoping they’ll use this for one of their retailer kits. I used some of the new Basic Grey on this!

That’s all for now! Happy Wednesday…well almost.

Well I’ve gone seven days without an update but I have a very good reason! Check this out:

Pretty dorky eh? My lovely husband snapped this earlier in the week while I was TRYING to read the computer screen (the withdrawal was just too fierce to go through). And before you think that I’m having fashion issues and really need to splurge on a new pair of sunglasses – these are special ones that Nate wore after his Lasik surgery (they’re super dark). I’m wearing them because I have a corneal ulcer in my right eye – nice. Last weekend I could barely keep my eyes open to have a conversation with someone and during the week while remaining open, was terribly light sensitive – making driving, TV watching and computer work extremely difficult. So there you have it. I have an excuse…this time.

So let’s talk photos. On Wednesday I did a photo shoot in my home studio with Liam and my nephew. Liam is three and Nico is one so I knew that this would be a challenge – it went way beyond what I ever imagined! Can I just tell you that while I love photography – I could never do little kids (I mean 1 or 2) all of the time. NEVER!!!! I need some serious tips and maybe better camera knowledge to help me go faster. I was getting so frustrated because I have one area in the studio where the kids need to be (notice that I didn’t say sit) – otherwise there are hot spots and shadows and my light meter is thrown off on my camera. UGH!!!! I ALMOST went into auto mode to shoot but knew that I’d kick myself in the end! While Liam would stay in the area (remember he’s three), Nico REFUSED (even with toys and food)! And if he did it was maybe for one second and Liam wasn’t even close. UGH!!! It was pure insanity. Oh, and the reason that I was trying to get a photo of the kids together was for my gram. We celebrate her 80th birthday yesterday and my sister and I wanted to give her a framed photo. Can you believe that this is the only thing that I got with the kids even remotely together, in focus, without stuff in their mouth and not glowing? And trust me, this photo is WAY flawed as well!

I’m hoping that over Easter I can catch them outside in more of a natural setting. Right now, that’s not an option without 10 layers of clothing!

So back to my gram turning 80. I can’t even believe that she is REALLY 80. Seriously, this gal is spry! AND she has a killer social life and travels all over the place. I want to be her when I grow up!!! Check her out at the party blowing out 80 CANDLES!!! She enjoyed every minute!

Gotta love gram! And so do her boys…

In addition to the framed photo I also whipped up this little booklet yesterday morning. It’s almost like a proof book but in story form since the photoshoot really does tell a story.

It super super simple!!!

And since I’m in photo sharing mode, here are a few layouts that I’ve done over the past month or so. The first two are for my online design team. I have to use a kit and this one was tough for me because the papers felt really traditional – I’m a little more bold and bright! I was pleased with the layouts though. The last one was for a summer page call that I created for the heck of it. It’s pretty safe but got my butt moving again at least!

Enjoy your Sunday!

I don’t have too much excitement to report on today. I’m EXHAUSTED for some odd reason – perhaps it’s from Liam and I traveling all over town this week! I felt like a tourist in my own city! And now I’m suffering – heck…I need a nap!!!

So instead of attempting to be interesting and entertaining I’ve decided to direct the focus elsewhere.

Oh but first let me tell you about a movie that Nate and I watched last night – Murderball! It was released last summer but we missed it. The movie is a documentary about quadriplegic rugby players training for the Olympics (Paralympics actually) – is AWESOME! And now that I’ve learned about the sport and some of the people playing, I’m looking forward to see how USA ranks in the 2008 (I think) Paralympics! Have I mentioned that I LOVE documentaries? There is always something that I take away from each one. And while this one is obviously NOT a documentary, we have “Corpse Bride” to watch tonight – that should be visually pleasing, eh?

And now since I have some actual time on my hands to play in the Internet, here are a few fun sites to check out that will be much more interesting than my tired butt on the WAY TOO COLD Friday! What IS it with Pennsylvania weather lately anyway? I was at the zoo on Thursday walking around without a coat and now I’m leaving my house with no less than 12 layers – 24 hours later! UGH

For the folks who love color and patterns in their home, check this out. These rooms are painted geometrically and change depending on where you’re standing. I was trying to figure out how they did it and started getting a serious headache!

Anyone who knows me knows my obsession with funky t-shirts. Whether they’re artistic, whimsical or witty – I love them! And finding this site made me happy! Love some of the designs!

Another thing that is totally me are lists. I have sticky notes for sticky notes and would be quite efficient if I didn’t lose them! I am a serious lister – a word that I just made up meaning one who makes lists. Like that? I’ll have a layout coming in the near future with more detail (once I figure it out). Anyway – I’m intrigued by this site – and can I just say that the name is perfect! I can’t say that I’ve tested it out…yet. I’ll keep you posted!

So that’s all I’ve got today. Have a great weekend!

This past weekend we watched a couple of movies. Last night (after posting my blog entry) we finished watching one of the movies that we had started the night before. It was a documentary called “Touching the Void” – about two mountain climbers in 1985 who climbed Siula Grande Mountain in the Peruvian Andes. Let’s just say that there are some problems encountered along the way and they had an AMAZING story to tell! My only complaint was with the ending – it just ended. I had too many questions that were left unanswered – there was no closure and that just bugs the CRAP out of me! We were able to find the answers on other areas of the DVD but I really felt like they should have been included with the movie. Ah well. It’s still worth seeing – but I’d make sure that you have a hot cup of tea and a blanket with you because you’re cold just watching the dang movie!

The other movie we got (YAY Netflix) was Palindromes. This was another one that just ended without any closure. I can guess or maybe assume what would happen next but I don’t really KNOW – I WANT TO KNOW!!! But even with the ending I liked this rather disturbing movie. I’m not really selling this one well am I?

On a completely unrelated note – I didn’t leave my house today!!! AND I even managed to not do a dang thing housework wise! I’m drowning in laundry but with the cleaning gal coming tomorrow, I figured that I’d wait and do it after she left. That way I don’t have to rush around to get things folded and put away – I AM LAZY!!! You can say it, I don’t mind.

I DID get to spend quality time with my little dude. We completed a TON of jigsaw puzzles (still one of his favorite things to do) AND we played in the snow for a bit. I’ve been waiting for the snow to come back since Christmas! Before then, Liam didn’t have any boots or gloves so we couldn’t go out. NOW he has boots, gloves AND a sled and we haven’t been able to use them! Poor guy – UNTIL TODAY!!!

Anyway – we had some fun today. Check it out!

Always eating the snow….makes me nervous since we have Audrey (our dog) out there with him!

Testing out the new tube – he’s like a lump sledding along!

He insists on walking to the bridge in our woods everytime we play outside. Thank goodness it’s not that high!!!

Tomorrow we’re off to the Children’s museum! And I promise to post more artwork once I do something that I CAN share!!!

My weekend is OVER!!!! Man was that EVER quick!!! BUT – I have to admit that it was one of those really good weekends. A weekend that feels really productive and good inside…I LOVE those weekends!

Yesterday (Saturday) we did a whole lot of nothing. Well not really, I had to collect a lovely urine specimen from my cat and take it to the Vet. Is that too much information? Anyway – we went to lunch afterwards and met Pappy – that’s always a fun thing. After lunch Liam took a KILLER nap – THREE HOURS!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE that!!! I was able to completely clean up my studio which was a TOTAL disaster. Every time I purchased something, or got a goodie box or ANYTHING in the mail I’d just stack it in the middle of the room. Really efficient eh? But honestly with all of the work and deadlines piling up on me I couldn’t find the time to organize myself and put things away. But now – my studio looks good (not perfect) and I’m more than inspired to start working again!!!

So AFTER cleaning up my studio I made dinner – ON A SATURDAY! This is BIG for me! On the weekends we go out and usually do a big lunch and “snackie” sort of dinner. Not this time! I made yummy quesadillas – 2 kinds – roasted garlic and mushroom AND black bean chipotle with corn. OH AND we made homemade Valentine’s so that Liam could give them to his friends. It was a family moment – good stuff – awesome memories (and hopefully decent photos).

And TODAY (thanks for my most fantastic hubby) was a ME day. A day of relaxation and pampering – a day at the spa. For the first time EVER, I had a pedicure, facial and hot stone massage – ALL in ONE day. It was 3.5 hours of bliss and I loved every minute! I felt the stress just melt away, my mind open up and was itching for creativity. It’s funny how that happens. Thanks MOM for the gift certificate!!!

And because I’m just maybe keeping score, I cooked AGAIN tonight. Ah heck, I just want the credit! I made “cream” of Asparagus soup that we had with big ol’ hearty Swiss cheese sandwiches – YUM!!!!

So that was my weekend. Nothing too exciting or earth shattering to report – but good for me. Hope YOU had a good one too!

I’m feeling really good again today! My Hall of Fame contest entry is GONE…mailed on Monday actually. It arrived on Tuesday morning so let the waiting begin! The good thing is that I don’t obsess over this stuff. I put my all into the entry if it works out, wonderful. If not than it wasn’t meant to be. It’s so subjective and you never know what a company is looking for. If it’s my style so be it, if not, life will continue.

I had another deadline to meet on Tuesday. I worked on the assignment, Monday. That is SO NOT ME!!! I’m usually more on the ball but Hall of Fame (and the Superbowl) really interfered with everything. The good news is that I did complete the assignment and it was well received. WHEW!!!!

So NOW what am I doing? CLEANING UP MY CRAP! My studio is a complete and total disaster!!! And perhaps that’s putting it mildly. I have stuff covering stuff – it’s never ending. I have three HUGE boxes of old product that I need to really get up on eBay but heck, that takes time and organization (which I’m obviously lacking at the moment)! After I start cleaning and purging even more tomorrow, I’ll probably even get yet another box…..to put in my hallway. It’s getting out of control people!!!!!

I’ve also been enjoying some stress free Internet time. That simply means tons of surfing and reading and enjoying until I run out of stuff to look at! Nate and I refer to that as “the end of the Internet.” It happens people and it feels good. You feel caught up on things and more in touch with the world around you. Does that sound pathetic? Like I live in an little Internet bubble? Really, I’m not that lame!

Now for a little LOVE list since I have the warm fuzzy thing going on right now. See what happens when a little stress is removed?

Right now, I love watching U2 on the Grammy’s singing One…LIVE. LOVE IT! Oh Heck…Paul McCartney is rocking the house big time now!!! Man oh man – he’s singing a little Helter Skelter and it is AWESOME!!! Nothing like a few good tunes to get that warm and happy feeling!

I love hearing Liam belly laugh and giggle whenever I say the word “bum”…funny stuff. And you know, when he really gets a good chuckle going he sounds like Snoopy from the peanuts – it’s the cutest thing!!! I love that boy to pieces!

I love sitting here on my couch, eating the most delicious piece of chocolate log from my most favorite bakery and drinking a perfectly warm cup of green tea – from this mug!

Mmmmmm…chocolate, tea, relaxation and wireless Internet – loving it right now!!!

And since I brought up this mug (created in October with Liam’s hand print) – I love this plate that we made last week when we went to Color Me Mine. Liam painted his name on this ALL BY HIMSELF!!! He also stamped the hearts – I did the date and the dots.

Right now I’m loving the kids show Go Diego Go and what Liam is learning from it. He’s constantly taking about Pygmy Marmosets, Blue morpho butterfly’s and three toed sloths (and many other animals). Maybe he’ll fulfill my long time dream of becoming a vet!!! Televisions shows teaching kids really cool stuff is awesome!

Something that I saw a Target over the weekend that I LOVE: The Brady Bunch on DVD – something like four seasons! Far out! I need these!

And another cool educational thing for kids, these Brain Quest cards. Liam got these from his grammy and he LOVES them! I LOVE them because he learns so much from them! He has already mastered the 4-5 age range – so cool!

I’m loving the $1.00 notebooks that I bought from target (dollar spot baby) and placed throughout the house over the weekend. I FINALLY got my act together because I want to catch all of the super funny (and cute) things that Liam is saying right now. This morning he told me for the first time that I was “pretty” – that was after I whipped off a pajama top and put on a Vespa t-shirt. The kiddo has good taste already!

And finally – I’m loving this book – Art of Modern Rock. It’s a collection of many different rock posters and they are SUPER inspirational! So many clever ideas all in one place!

Now for photos. I took this one of Liam today after his bath. He’s loving on his Macaw – giving him big hugs.

And because I never had the time to post these earlier, here are some photos from our trip to the National Pittsburgh Aviary where we purchased that Macaw. The little girl is Emily – isn’t she super cute!!!

So that’s PLENTY from my lovin’ self tonight! And I’m starting to think that I should have waited another seven days for this post. Ah well.

Enjoy!

I’m back after yet another bit of time off. I’d like to ask where January went but I was so dang busy that month that I felt it this time. I felt the time dragging and I felt as if I still had so much to do – strange isn’t it? But I’m happy to report that I can see the light. I have an entry to get into the mail on Monday (aka no rest for me this weekend) and then an assignment turned in by Wednesday. THEN I can relax as far as scrapping is concerned.

So today is Groundhog Day – I wonder what we’ll learn? With this mega mild winter you’d think an early spring but you just never know. I know that I’m ready for spring and all things colorful and warm, long walks again with my family outside and playing in the grass with Liam. I can open the doors to my studio and get fresh air! Gosh that gets me all giddy!

On the music front (I’m rambling today aren’t I) – I just ordered this Celtic Women CD.

It’s so beautiful and relaxing – hopefully inspiring. In the commercial they were singing an Enya song (who I just adore) so that’s probably what sold me. I’m embracing my red hair people! And in case you’re wondering, I DO NOT make it a habit to order off of the television. I rationalized this one because it’s not really an infomercial (that word makes me cringe), it’s an ad from Public Television and THAT, I will support. It’s kind of like NPR – can’t go without it!

On yet another front I’ve decided to join a new gym. My old gym is now too far and I can no longer justify it. And even though I work out daily at home (or running outside) I need something different. I want to go to spinning classes and intense training aerobic classes (boot camp stuff) – I’m ready for a boost. I’m doing it baby – it’s a new year.

And finally, here are a few photos of my little dude. He is really getting goofy (and that’s on top of his already super goofy self). They aren’t the best photos but they capture Liam and sometimes I can’t do without perfect – sometimes. LOL

This is how I found Nate and Liam one Nate after my shower sitting on the couch and reading a book. Liam just had a bath and is in his pajamas but managed to locate his hat and scarf. The little dude LOVES hats – STILL!!!!! I love it! Anyway – he was mad because he couldn’t wear it all to bed.

And this is how I found Liam one morning while preparing breakfast. Sitting square in the center of the coffee table (we have really low stuff) reading his own book, happy as can be.

Cute stuff these kiddos!