Lucky Number 13

For a change it looks like 13 is lucky...

skyviewstamper said...
I'm so NOT organized this time of year!!! That's why this would be perfect for me!!!!
November 27, 2007 8:20 PM

So shoot me an email at spazzgirl555 at yahoo dot com with your address and I will get it out to ya ASAP.
The Basic Grey Papers I used for this project as well as the great letter stickers come in a kit, available in Noel's shoppe. I know sometimes it is hard to find the older lines, so I thought that would help.
A little basic book info/mini tutorial coming if you wanted to create your own Xmas list book this weekend. Stay Tuned.

Making a List...

And definitely checking it more than twice.

I am a total nutjob this time of year.
With the huge ass family to shop for, plus the multitude of calls from an endless swarm of grandparents, "What does Max want? What size does he wear? Does he like boxers or briefs?"...a girl could seriously lose her mind!
So, the one thing I have been doing for the past four years is making a little pocket Xmas list to keep me on track and organized.
It is carefully sorted by groups...Family, Friends, My List, and the kid of course.

I can easily flip to the appropriate section and see what everybody wants, who's buying Max what and what still needs to be purchased.
Plus, I like to use little paper clips to hold pictures of items if I have them, makes it so much easier for the grandparents to find Spawn action figures when they know what they look like as opposed to their super long stupid names and series numbers.

Each section in this year's list has looseleaf paper cut to size, so that next year I can just replace the paper if I want to reuse the book.
I should have thought of that years ago.
Plus, I can easily add paper to a section or rip something out without feeling like I ruined the whole thing.

There is also a section for coupons, of course.
And a section for receipts.
I like to keep the "real" receipts seperate from the gift ones because lord knows I will lose one or someone will lose the gift receipt promptly after opening the box.

So, the lists are made, for the most part.
I'm still missing a few people I need and I still need to get Max info to one set of grandparents.
At least I am an organized procrastinator though.

This is my little list.
Hey, wait....This list looks different than the last.
It's another Xmas list book people!
I finally got my act together and made two at the same time, I always say I should and I finally did!

Want your very own Xmas list book???
Just leave a comment here about how you keep organized during the madness of the season and I will draw a name Thurday at noon and mail it out ASAP.

The book featured in this post could be yours!

Not this one, although they are almost identical.
There's just one minor difference in mine.

Sad Little Tree

Saw this cute little tree over at 2 peas a couple weeks ago and thought it would be a great use for some scraps I have had for a while.
I'm not the best person for following directions.
I am more of a see-and-make person.
So, unforunately I didn't follow these instructions when I made mine, but if anyone else wanted to make it, I would highly recommend them!

My tree is Ok.

The paper is too wide and I took the cheater's way out and used a coned piece of paper instead of buying the foam cone.

And as I reached the top of the tree, I started to run out of paper, which made it even more challenging.

I put this little wonky, Charlie Brown Christmas tree on the little side table in my dining room with a sign...Don't touch!

If someone looks at it too hard it will fall apart I'm sure.

In fact a couple strips already fell off on their own because it is a little dry in the apartment these days, so by Christmas it should be bare.

But I made it.

And I used up my Stampin Up paper scraps from last year.

And if you don't look too closely, you might actually think it is cute.

No Leftovers

We had a very small Thanksgiving this year.
Only me and one other sibling, so it was not only way less crowded but quieter as well.
Weird.
And my parent's only made a 10 lb. turkey!
I didn't even know they had turkeys that small, it looked like a big chicken.
It was delicious, but there were no leftovers for turkey sandwiches, total bummer.
Guess they didn't get my memo that I would need those leftovers to top my toasted white bread and slather with mayo for snacks all weekend.

I made this apple pie and not only was it the prettiest pie I have ever baked, it was the yummiest as well.
Looks like I am now the official pie maker.
I combined three recipes to create this Super Pie.
I used the apple cooking method from America's Test Kitchen, the measurements for the filling from Martha and the topping from this one, which was really everyone's favorite part.
Friday we headed to Indiana for the services for my grandma and it was good to see family we only visit with every 10 years.
Such a shame that we all only get together for occasions like this one but still good to see everyone.
My great aunt was there and the woman was 72 and didn't look a day over 55...man I hope I got some of those genes.

We stayed in Indiana the night.
I bunked with my sister and baby brother so it was like a mini sleepover, which was fun to spend time with them.
Then a brief prayer service and trip to the cemetry on Saturday morning.
I held it together most of the weekend and simply walked out of the room when I needed to and there were enough people there that no one noticed.
Seeing other people get upset just upsets me so much and Saturday was the hardest.

Whenever I am at a wake or funeral, I always start to plan my own funeral and start talking to people around me about what I want.
I know...totally insane.
So I was doing a lot of that last weekend, so people will know in advance.
Especially because my uncle kept saying how hard it was to plan the services for my grandma not knowing what she would want, what was best but he did a great job.
So...morbid perhaps, but I kinda know what I want when I go.
Plus, I would hate for the pressure to fall on anyone I love, like it did my uncle last week.
And after this weekend, I know for sure I don't want to be in a coffin, absolutely don't want any Amazing Grace to be played and no talk about walking through any valley of the shadow of darkness.
Plus, someone who knows me should definitely talk about me, not some pastor who never met me who will make generalizations about me based on the fact that I am a mother, sister, daughter...so annoying.
And no talk about how saintly I was....because lord knows that ain't true!

Yep, even from my grave I'll be complaining, apparently.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are just a few Thanksgiving cards that will probably arrive on Friday knowing my luck to people who also deserve some huge thanks from me that has been long awaited.

Most of these cards use my TAC stamps and all are colored with the Copic Markers.

Happiest of Thanksgiving Everyone!

Thank You

Just wanted to give a huge Thanks to everyone for your sweet words and wonderful emails.
I am always touched by the kindness of people I don't even know in real life.

It will be a long trying weekend for me.
I don't do well with wakes or funerals.
Never have.
Even if I don't know the person and am just attending out of "obligation" (aka. the boss' mother), I am still a wreck.
I have a sort of panic attack at these kind of things.
I just sorta freak out.
Seriously.
And it ain't pretty.

I'm sure I will spend most of the weekend with my steady flask at my side.
My grandma would have appreciated that anyways.
And I'm not taking the kid with me because I don't need him seeing his mother flip out in public, I'll have plenty of family there to remember and recall the tale for him when he is older.

I think what will be most difficult is that years ago I lost my "real grandma" on Thanksgiving and it has always been a hard time for me.
So the most recent events, at a similar time and another grandma is stirring memories that I would rather keep buried.

Make sure you hug those you love extra tight this holiday season and tell 'em you love them, you never know when it could be the last time.
And for christ's sake, if you're a smoker....quit already!
My grandma never smoked a day in her life but got lung cancer from secondhand smoke, waiting tables for years.
If it can kill someone just standing near you, it will definitely kill YOU!
Doesn't your family deserve to have you for as long as they can?

Goodbye Grandma

So glad I drove to Indiana for my grandma's 80th birthday in July.
Even if she was only turning 79, or so she said.
Because that will be my very last memory of her.
She passed away yesterday afternoon.

When I saw her in July, I actually thought that it was her farewell tour.
I had never seen her look so old, so weak.
And I thought that regardless of her telling everyone all day that she wanted "everyone to see her and see that she was still kickin'" and that she "had beaten cancer", I had a feeling it was all talk.
This is the same woman who had cancer a year before she told anyone.
It's the way our family is, sadly.
In fact both sides of my family, sadly.
So, I'm glad I spent real time with her that day.
Had my camera in her face constantly.
Told her I loved her.

My grandma was never really a conventional grandma in any sense of the word.
My mother never referred to her as "your grandma" she always said, "my mom".
It was almost as if my mother didn't want to use a word that didn't fit.
I had a grandma, a full fledged, love-ya-to-death grandma already.
For years as a child she would literally be guessing which grandkid I was because she saw us so infrequently.
"Colleen? No, wait...Simone?" (and my sister and I never looked alike)

I think the thing that is most upsetting is that my mother's mother died.
And even though she was never really a mother except for giving birth to my mother, I could tell by my mother's voice last night when she called she was feeling sad.
And I never see my mother upset.
Ever.
So, that is sad.

I had this picture sitting on my desk for about 2 months now.
In fact I had a lot of pictures from that trip to Indiana in July just sitting there.
And last night I just had to hurry and scrap it while I remember it so clearly.

I remember very well what she was like that last day I spent with her and I like to remember her for all the things she was before she got sick.

She bought a Trans Am when she turned 50 and sold it because she got too many speeding tickets.
She was the life of any party.
She loved turquoise jewlery.
She was a big fan of the box 'o wine.
She made incredible salsa.
And she was a tiny little lady with the biggest personality I've ever seen.

I'll miss ya grandma.

It's Noon....It's Monday....

So I guess I should pick a winner.
Was going to let the kid pick for me, but we are still working on a Science Fair project, so let's just say he is not one of my favorite people right now.
So I just used random.org...

Said #23
That would be:

Linda SS said...
I love Amuse!!! Thanks for the chance to win such awesome blog candy:) I love any type of stamp but I'm developing a real liking for unmounted rubber.

So shoot me your address via email at spazzgirl555 at yahoo dot com and I will send it out tomorrow.
Wanted to also thank A muse, especially Linda, who sent me these little freebies!

Stay tuned, another giveaway on Wednesday.

An Amusing Freebie!

Anybody want this?

2 A muse stamps
Assorted A muse papers
Assorted A muse cards
Pack of A muse cards and envelopes
A plethora of stamped A muse images from my collection

Just let me know what kinda stamps you prefer....rubber? clear? unmounted? mounted?
What's your fav?

This is open to ANYONE.
A winner will be picked Monday at noon central time.

The Life Artist....A Review

Yes, even after my talk about the disdain I have for the title "life artist" I bought this book.

I had to really.
In my opinion, the Ali Edwards books, A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking with Patterned Paper and A Designer's Eye for Scrapbooking are the two best scrapbooking guides I own.
They are filled to the brim with amazing ideas and suggestions.
Even 3 1/2 years later, I can go to my original Ali Edwards book and find inspiration.
I figured, even though I am not a fan of the whole life artist movement, there would be tons of great layouts for inspiration that I could easily use as inspiration.
There are some LOs that are wonderful, like this one.
But there are WAY less layouts and way more writing than any of her other books...problem one.

The book reads like a self help book guised as a scrapbooking book.
If I wanted to figure out Who I Am, I wouldn't buy this book, I'd buy the "Living Life and Loving It" book.
The back of the book reads..."Here you'll find hundreds of new ideas to incorporate into your scrapbooking lifestyle."
Wha?????
My scrapbooking lifestyle???
Really?
I would NEVER describe my lifestyle as scrapbooking, would you?
Maybe I would if I was getting paid to scrap and write books about scrapping.
The multitude of pages about "It is OK" just made me want to gag.
Again, if I wanted to read "I'm Ok, You're Ok", I woulda bought that book....problem two.

And there is WAY too much writing and not enough scrapping in this book.
Some of the pictures of the projects are small and the writing just consumes the pages.
Way too much reading....problem three.

This book, unlike her other books contains projects all done by Ali herself.
That may explain for the lack of more projects.
It also gives one style of scrapbooking, one way of doing it...her way.
Over the years Ali has gotten more "artsy", more "grundgy", more "dirty a scrapbooker than she was before and all the pages are in that style.
At least with the other books, she had other talented scrappers work, so the styles varied and anyone could find soemthing in the book that they loved.
This book is primarily the artistic form of scrapbooking and I have to say not really my style....problem four.

Some of this book is like reading some of her blog all over again.
I swear I read half of this book before.
I think the reason you buy a book is because you can't read it online for free, right?
It's just a shame that I have seen these projects and heard a lot of this before but I still paid the $19.95 for this book....problem five.

What I like about the book....
Some of the challenges are great. I don't think she needed all the back story on every challenge and the intense detail to the process, but all in all some of them are good.
Some of the layouts are wonderful.
I have said that before, but just wanted to reitterate that point.
The detailed descriptions and how to on some of the projects is wonderful.
I know I use my books many times to scraplift something quick and get back into the flow of it all and this book has a couple projects that are so easy for that.
And in the back of the book are some great links.
The book itself is gorgeous, the layout, the colors, the fonts...all beautiful.

Now the important part....
Would I recommend this book?
When I think about this, I ask myself, would I tell my bestest scrappin pal to shell out $20 for this baby?
No way.
Unless you are a die hard life artist or want to get into that lifestyle, this book is not for you.
And for the $20 there are other books with plenty more ideas and inspiration out there, like Ali's previous 2 books.
If you don't own those....you should!

So...No, don't buy this.
If you want to read it, I will lend it to ya.
It's worth a glance and a little read one night in bed but won't be something I refer to on a regular basis for my scrapbooking.

Fall Has Arrived

Yep, somehow we sped right through September and October and now I find myself a week from Thanksgiving just dewildered that it is here already.
Seems like the years are speeding up as I get older or maybe I am just forgetting more and more.
But Fall is definitely here.
The leaves are falling like mad.
The air is brisk, love that.
The heat is on in the apartment.
I hear the Gingerbread latte is back at Starbucks.
And the 'ol door is sporting it's fall look.

It seems that the cool weather is what is bringing in those Asian ladybugs, thanks for the 411 everyone.
I didn't even know there were the Asian breed and now that I think about it, I don't know the last time I actually saw a true ladybug, they all look like these now.
They are truly infesting my craft room and I am sure I will be squealing all winter when I pull out paper and these little critters come out as well.

I'm getting ready for my low key Thanksgiving.
Everyone is going to be away this year, so it is just a few people as opposed to a circus.
May be nice to actually have a calm holiday for once.
And I only have to bring dessert which is perfect because I love to bake.
Now I just have to think of something to make.
Any ideas?
Nothing pumpking...Blech!

Stay tuned, posting a little giveaway when I get home this afternoon, I'm sure you will find it a tad amusing, for sure!

Lady Bugs ATTACK!

Does anyone else have a multitude of ladybugs infesting there house?
We have them in the back room mostly, don't know how they are getting in, but they are everywhere!

Anyone have any ladybug solutions....please pass them on.

They don't eat paper do they?
Oh no.

Overheard at my house

Over the weekend, had you been a fly on my wall, you probably woulda heard some of this...

"If you don't let me play guitar, not bass, I'm not playing with you anymore."

"What's a neo maxi zune dweebie?"

"Let's not get dressed today, we're not going anywhere."

"I love pot roast. Come, smell the pot roast with me."

"I can't write the paper for you. You are actually going to have to do some of this work ya know!"

"Man, I am really hating science right now."

"Oh look Space Jam's on...wait, I hate Space Jam."

"You are a major weirdo."
"I know."

"What's a grilled cheese?"
"Really?"
"Yeah, what is it?"
"Where exactly is this rock you live under?"

"I love the 80s."

Funniest thing is it is hard to tell which were me and which were the kid.
And seriously, what 10 year old has never had or seen a grilled cheese before? Besides the kid I babysit for?
I am eyeball deep in Science Fair and I swear I am soooooo done with it, I actually ran away last night to the store just to avoid it as much as possible. And now I don't want to go home because it is just waiting for me.
I feel like I am in 6th grade all over again.
My worst nightmare!

Randomness

It's Friday.
Here's what's on my mind...

1. Max got a silver star on the 'ol report card.
Honor roll baby!! Woo Hoo!
It's always his goal to get amazing grades and he actually stresses way too much about it for a kid his age.
I never did that, I just wanted to pass.
He's the kid that wants to be the smartest in class, funniest too, but smartest first.
All the teachers raved about him, as usual, and seem to be happy with him in class, no problems at all...YEAH!
And the baby's daddy met with the gym teacher.
We had to get to the bottom of this "gym situation" once and for all. (who gets a "C" in gym?)
Turns out that her and Max have been butting heads since she made claim that Dodgeball is illegal in our state, which it is not.
Max knows this, he's on a league at our park and it's not a secret underground league that people in the 'hood whisper about.
So she lost credibility with him way back in the beginning of the year, so he likes to challenge her, make her crazy.
Now she did raise his grade from the progress report, so he got a "B" on the report card but I think some of that was because I had requested (unsuccessfully) to meet with her and discuss the criterias for grading in a Chicago Public School gym class.
Baby's daddy did not like the teacher either and instantly understood where Max is coming from with her, not that it makes arguing with your teacher acceptable.
Apparently she is quite righteous and enjoys her power as leader of the school's physical education.
So hopefully now that we have "made our presence known" and Max has been instructed to lay off said teacher or bear our wrathe...things will calm down.
We just can't let gym keep us from a perfect honor roll year, ain't gonna happen.

2. Made one scrapbook page last weekend.
Was in a total scrappin mood, but the 'ol adult ADD took all my creative energy and dispersed it all over the place, so I got a ton of things only 1/2 done.
I like this LO, totally reminds me that no matter how hard I try to get pictures of me and the sibs together, there is always someone missing...Always!

3. I saw these new Gina K stamps and I can't help but think...ewwwww.
I am the first to admit that I have a totally warped sense of humor.
Totally.
I am the first person to start giggling if someone says, "balls".
But bathroom humor is just not funny to me, it's gross.
Too bad too, because they would probably be hysterical to any man.

4. I think I NEED to buy one of these dresses.
So cute and for only $10.50, it seems a crime not to buy it, right?
The red would be perfect for the holidays and it looks light enough to carry over into the warmer seasons, should I need a cocktail dress.
Although, I will probably buy it and then it will sit in the closet with the tag still on like most other things I buy with great intention and no where to go.
Or I will decide I don't like that it's sleeveless.
OR suddenly won't like the red.
Or it won't fit when I actually want to wear it.
We've all done it...admit it!

5. Craft Fair this weekend at my high school.
I'm not working the craft fair circuit this year, decided just to craft for fun, no pressure this season.
But my buddy Connie will be there.
May have to just go to have a looksee at what people are making these days, I'm so outta the loop.

6. I really need to remember how to crochet.
I really only do the needle type crafts in the winter time, seems like a cold weather activity...drink cocoa, watch movies and knit!
Somehow every summer I forget how to do it and need like a mini crash course.
And one of these days I am totally learning how to actually follow a pattern and make something other than a blanket or scarf.
Like one of these or these or maybe even this, if I get really good.

7. I want to make an advent calendar, instead of buying the one filled with chocolate, maybe I could fill it with better chocolates?
But I know the kid won't care, unless it's filled with money.
But I have seen so many great ones, like this one, and this, and this, and this, and this....does anybody else make an advent calendar?
I'd love to see it!

It's Friday...Woo Hoo!
No school Monday, which means no work and I can finally get some pictures of all my goodies with the good daytime light.
Hope everyone has a restfully wonderful weekend.

Report Card Day

So today's the big day.
The grades are in.
Typed on the form with permanent ink.

The kid is slightly worried.
He's already laid down a couple preliminary excuses, "Mom, none of the kids understand that. That teacher doesn't like me. This math is like harder than grownups can do."

I'm slightly worried too.
This is the first time in 9 years of his formal educational career that I am not the one on trial, I mean going to meet with the teachers.

Granted, the meetings are much easier than his early years.
In preschool..."I am so sorry he gets a whole room worked into a frenzy."
In pre-K..."You're right, he shouldn't be hitting or licking people."
In kindergarten..."He just doesn't like wearing shoes, sorry."
In first grade..."Well, do mind if he does his working running in place at his desk?"
I always felt like I was apologizing for everything.

Over the years, as he's gotten older and his hyperactive side is mellowing (thank god!), he has actually become one of the "nice kids" in a classroom.
Nowadays I hear, "He's such a polite boy."
"He's so smart."
"Your son cracks me up."

Although, I know my son.
And I am sure there will be mention of how he tries to talk the teacher out of something or argue about how he knows better than her.
It's just his nature...he is a challenger.
An arguer.
A kid who is always looking to prove what is "fair" or not.
And he enjoys it, which just makes it worse.
We're hoping this is just a glimpse of what he will be like as a lawyer.

So my baby daddy is going to handle it this time.
And I am grateful, but a little freaked.
I'm a control freak by nature, especially when it comes to the kid.
I'm his wrangler, his handler.
Everything Max goes through me, I'm the CEO of MaxCo.
So, I'm letting go. For my own sanity.
And I am going to try and enjoy not being the parent this time.

And I am going to keep my fingers and toes crossed until the meeting is over.
Did I mention that Max is very similar to his father?
He's a little bit of a challenger himself.
And I am praying that things go "smoothly", especially because he is deadset on finding out why Max thinks the gym teacher has it in for him.
Hopefully it will be all, "Max is a delight" and then followed with a "Thank you" and that's it!

Here's hoping that we are going with the flow these days and that all you other parents are surviving your own conferences and you teachers are coping as well!

The Blogger Who Stole Xmas

If you know me, you know at this time of the year I turn into a total scrooge.
A Grinch.
Bah Humbug!

Yep, I'm not a fan of Xmas, not a fan in the least.

Every year around this time, as the stores, radios and really the whole city start to Christmatize everything, I just wanna plug my ears and hide.
It's just a warning of things to come really.
"Just hear those sleigh bells ringing"..... Crowds of angry shoppers.
"Siiiiilent Night, Hooooooly Night"....Masses of rude retail workers.
"Up on the housetop"....Terrible cases of the "I wants" from people you love.
"With his corn cob pipe"....Shopping stress trying to find the one thing the kid absolutely wants and no one has in stock.

Yep, that's Xmas to me.
My most hated holiday.

I usually procrastinate on everything Xmas, the cards, the shopping, the wrapping, the baking...it all waits til the last minute.
And I don't dare take out anything Christmassy either until I hear the inevitable, "Are we ever gonna put up a tree this year?"

But I saw the little square of plaid and couldn't resist putting this ONE little card together.

I love the star on this card so much, it may be featured on this year's card.
It is layered with a tiny little star on top and a little twine right on top.

It's stamped on a chipboard coaster and then cut with my Sizzix.
(thanks Michele for making me pull that old thing outta my ebay pile!)
Those cork letters are from the Target $1 spot.

Now I know I am in the minority about this whole holiday thing.
I do realize that.
And I am sure that all you strong holiday supporters (greta) are cursing me out right now and hitting unsubscribe faster than cockroaches when the light comes on...
But I'm just speaking the truth about me.
What I like.
Or in this case dislike.
And letting everyone know upfront that I am sure this is not the last of the anti-Xmas posts for the season.
And there won't be as many holiday themed projects as you might expect.

Bah humbug!

BlogRoll Week

So, I have single-handedly decided that this week is the official.....
Update Your Blogroll Week!

I am such a slacker when it comes to this whole blogging universe sometimes and have kicked myself many, many times for not adding someone to my list.
I rarely open up the 'ol bloglines midday and add someone.
Ok, I never do it.

So, this week, I have made a promise to myself to add all those fabulous blogger buddies that I love but can only find when you make a comment.
So, of all the weeks, in all the months....Please make a comment this week!!!
Even just a little "Hi!", would be totally cool with me.

But I can't find ya and I definitely can't add ya if you don't speak up!
And some of you, I have been unable to "find" in quite a while.

So, it is official....Comment So I Can Find Ya Week!
Thanks!

Oh Flock!!

These are two more stamps that I borrowed from Sarah Moore at the SIS crop last month.
Not a clue who makes them, at all.
If you do, pipe up and share, someone may want to know and I definitely haven't a clue.

I was eager to check out the new white flocking powder I got at the TAC party quite a while back.
I envisioned using this amazing powder to create a fluffy frosting on all my cupcake images.
I thought the billowy cloudlike texture would make for a cupcake that you would want to eat right off the card.
I was wrong.
It wasn't nearly as foofy (it's a technical term) as I had hoped.
It covered evenly, but was way flattered than I thought it would be.
Maybe there is a secret to using flock and I don't know it?
Maybe I used it wrong?
(I used a glue pen and the flock alone.)
Maybe there is a different poofier brand I could get?

If you know the secrets of the flock, do tell.
Until then, I have to prompt anyone who sees this card..."Go ahead, touch it, it's soft, right???!"
It may have to be the greeting inside if I don't figure this out.

Card details: Patterned paper: KI Memories, Colored with Copic Markers and Prisma Pencils, Flock: TAC, Stickles.

Tags

So I got tagged by Noel, actually twice.
I always kinda cringe when I get tagged because I tend to think, who really reads this kinda stuff and actually cares.
But alas, much of my blog is for me, to remember, reflect and jot down ideas about life, experiences. So I do them.
Or at least some of them.

This one is all about your first born experience and as a mommy, I think it is a good look back because although I am not one of those women who pretend they don't remember the pain and agony of birth, the details kinda become a blur after about 10 or so years.

1)Were you married at the time? Nope...I know, so scandalous!
2) What were your reactions? Wha?!!!
3) How old were you? 23
4) How did you find out your were pregnant? Home test, then doc
5) Who did you tell first? My sis
6) Did you want to find out the sex? Absolutely
7) Did you deliver early or late? A week early, the baby wanted to party for New Years Eve
8) Did you have morning sickness? Nighttime sickness
9) What did you crave? Peanut butter and baked clams, but not together
10) Who irritated you the most? No one really irritated me...odd.
11) What was your first child’s sex? boy
12) How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? 35 lbs (10 in the last 2 weeks!)
13) Did you have any complications? Had some wackiness right at the end and after delivery, kinda scary but I was on drugs most of the time, good thing!
14) Where did you give birth? Hospital
15) How many hours were you in labor? 24 hours
16) Who drove you to the hospital? My baby daddy who drove like a maniac
17) Was it natural or c-section? C-section, the kid has an enormous head!
18) Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Got an epidural in hour 16, they figured I had suffered enough and they wanted to start the 'ol pitocin.
18) How much did your child weigh? 8lbs, even.
19) Did your child have any complications? Nope.
20) What did you name him? Maxwell Patrick
21) How old is your first born today? Almost 12! Yikes!!

So there ya go, lots of facts about the start of "the kid".
Miss those days of no talking back, but not the diapers.

Noel and somebody else....Who was it???, also tagged me to name 7 random things about myself and I have done this many times before, so I had to look back to make sure I didn't repeat myself.

1. I have an old school Schwinn bicycle with rims and all, I just need the perfect vintage basket for the front and I am a ringer for the wicked witch of the west.
2. Hallmark commercials at Xmas time make me cry, especially the teacher ones.
3. Saw 1408 over the weekend and I liked it. (john cusack is my secret boyfriend)
4. Dreamt last week that someone called me and asked if I would like to work at the Scrapbook helpline. I would have to answer calls from people with crafting questions and answer them....kinda like a crafty Time Life operator.
5. I hate Butterfingers and Cheetos.
6. Bought Guitar Hero 3 last week and I play with the kid, but only a little because it is murder on my carpal tunnel.
7. Made a GIANT pot of Chicken Noodle Soup yesterday and want a bowl right now!

So, there ya have it.
More useless information about me.
I do find it funny though when I read some randomness about other bloggers and think to myself...I thought I was the only one who liked that.
So, if you haven't posted a little bit about yourself on your blog in a while, only showing off all your amazing skillz, why not add a little YOU to the blog this week.
TAG...You're it!

Hey Gnomies!

I was so lucky to stamp a few of these little guys at the SIS Crop last month.
They are great stamps.
Deeply etched and stamp beautifully.
Not to mention that the designs are too cute!
Who wouldn't want this little gnome?

Stamps are designed by Elly, one of my sisters over at SIS.
And you can get them HERE.
They are umounted rubber, if you like that sort of thing.
I do.

I colored this little guy with the Copic markers and added liquid applique for his little beard.
The patterned paper is actually Michael Miller fabric paper which I got a sample of at CHA like 3 years ago, I don't even know if they make that anymore.
Added miscellaneous buttons.

Later gnomies!

Keep on Cluckin'

I finally picked up a piece of cardstock after being sick and I swear it was like crafting for the first time all over again.
I think I forgot how to use my paper trimmer.

I had to visit the Vortex to Hell, aka Walmart, the other day and I picked up some white cardstock.
I think I am the last person on the planet to know that the Georgia Pacific 110 lb cardstock at Walmart is exactly like the SU stuff but better because it does not smear when you use your Copics. And at $5.50 for 150 sheets it is seriously the best crafty buy I have made in a long time.

I used the newly found amazing cardstock to create this card and finally inked up the TAC stamps I got like 6 weeks ago.
If you haven't checked out the TAC stamps or tried them, they are awesome.
They stamp well and the price is unbelievable.
Plus, the shipping took less than a week!!


Wanna know more about TAC stamps or get your hands on some?
Don't have a demo? Don't know where to go?
Just check out my TAC demo and friend, Kimberly, she's got all the info and some amazing projects too!

Card details: Patterned Paper - KI Memories, Stamps - TAC, Scallop punches- Marvy and SU!, Colored with Copic Markers, Stamped with Brilliance Ink.

Happy Post Halloween

Well, the brat kid decided to go beg for candy last night afterall.
I didn't even have to beg as I had planned all day, he had his mind made up when he got home from school.
"Was thinking mom, I think I should go trick-or-treating, free candy is better than paying."
I think it was all the hype at school with kids talking about the boatload of sweets they were going to collect that made him suddenly change his mind.
Although, if you ask him, he just decided himself.
RRRRRIIIIGGGHHHHTTTT!

So I was his candy pimp, sending him to as many houses as I could in as short a period of time because it was only 45 degrees last night and momma was cold.
I had the camera in tow.
But the brat kid, wouldn't let me take any pictures.
I snuck this one in when he wasn't paying attention and wasn't explaining to me why he didn't want any photos.
"You see mom, sometimes a kid...."
"If you keep taking pictures then the fun is..."

Whatever.
We didn't hit nearly as many houses as we did last year.
He wasn't in the marathon mode that he once was.
So we didn't beat last year's record of 11 lbs, but we still had plenty.

And he actually let me take this picture of him because grandma was getting a picture at her super-duper decked out house.
He would never say no to the lady who handed him a bag of candy and $10.
Just me.

And it is Science Fair season once again in the Chicagoland area.
So we've been experimenting and researching and working on our project.
I have never been a fan of Science and definitely not a fan of anything that comes home from school with the word PROJECT typed on the top.
But I have been trying to make the best of it and make it seem like Science is the funnest thing ever!
WOO HOO SCIENCE!!!

Just don't tell the kid I almost failed all my Science classes in high school and the highest grade I ever got was a 'D'.
Shhhhh...he thinks I know what I am doing, although I hooked up this battery wrong 3 times and blamed it on the colors of the wires.