An Organizational Challenge

I am joining the organizational challenge on  A bowel full of lemons. 

I am hoping this challenge will keep me on track as far as the homefront goes!

My scrappy projects 2011

There are so many cool projects going on that I thought I would give a few of them a try.

1. Project Life. I was planning on ordering the kit from Amazon, however after reading several complaints about the quality of the kit being really bad I am just going to do my own thing.  I have tons of divided sheet protectors so I should be good to go. Started yesterday.
2. One little word.  I have picked a word several times before haven't really done much with it.  I thought about doing the class with Ali on Big Picture, but I have several other classes I need to finish first. So my plan is to make 2 small canvases one for upstairs and one for downstairs.  
3. Us right now.  This is a combo of several projects found here us right now .   I am thinking more as a part of a monthly thing?  Will have to see how this works out.
4. Write every day WED in combination with daily Gratitudes.
5. Monthly round up, similar to Katie the Scrapbook lady round up

I am the queen of finding and starting projects....let's see how I do with the follow through!  lol

October 2010 roundup

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?

creating keepsakes and cooking light

What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?

Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are the only 2 must watches on my list.  Of course I have watched or listened to tons of kid tv.  

What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?

This month was full of fun stuff.  We went to the pumpkin patch with my Mom.  Scrapbooked with Vickie up at the farm.  Went trick or treating in downtown Washington with Mom, Sarah and the kids.  Had a Halloween party at our house for Sarah's kids plus Amber, Emma and of course Mom.  Halloween night we went and saw Diane and Kenny at the "new house".  

What gifts did I give and/or receive?

Gave  mom a card, lunch at 3Margaritas and a bottle of Pumpkin Pie wine from a Bland, MO winery.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?

bought tons of stuff for the Halloween Bash.  Bought Josh a pirate costume that he didn't wear.  

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?

My right wrist has really been bothering me...I am not sure if it is just arthritis or if something else is up.

What were my accomplishments this month?

Got six months of 2 calenders done for Christmas presents.

What were my disappointments this month?

Still haven't cleaned up my scrap crap

Anything else noteworthy to include?

Jason took a week off and power washed the house, patched a hole in the drywall and went hunting.  

Andrew has learned to climb on the small chairs, stools and it is just a matter of time before he is swinging from the "chandeliers".

August Monthly Roundup

From katie the scrapbook lady blog

Here are the questions:


What books and/or magazines did I read this month? 
I am once again a blog hog.  I did pull out my Photo Freedom by Stacey Julian to actually read (still haven't...maybe September?)

What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?

Have been loving the new TNT shows, Covert Affairs, Izzy & Isolde and of course the kid shows...this month we are all about Dora, Diego, Backyardigans, Wonder Pets and Little Einstiens and Mickey Mouse Club House.






What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?



Tons of stuff again this month...
Helped Mom & Dad move...down the street!  YEAH!!!!!!
The Washington Town & Country Fair (Josh & Jason went)
Kara's Bachlorette Party and the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game (we WON!)


What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Found a mail holder to alter for Sarah

Made cupcakes of Uncle Mike's Birthday

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Both of the boys got some new clothes for summer...growing up too fast!
New cheetah print Dansko clogs for work 

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?

pinched nerve in my shoulder made picking up the boys horribly painful...much better now



What were my accomplishments this month?
Started the reorganization/clean up of my scrap stuff   AGAIN!  lol
Andrew is now walking with baby frankenstien steps...almost all the time!
Josh  is picking up on things like cRaZy...have to watch what we say even closer now...

What were my disappointments this month?
Healthy eating...um not so much.

How did I do on my goals for the month? (Or any current short or long term goals)
insert eyeroll and groan here...

Anything else noteworthy to include?
Totally unmotivated...possible hangover from wedding craziness.  Hope to get on track for September.

Organization tip

So here is my super simple tip for planning your 2011

Maybe everyone else already did this...but I thought I would share for anyone else who isn't such a forward thinker!
Pick up a cheap pocket calender (I got mine from Michael's dollar bin) and throw it in your bag now. I already have several commitments that I know of in the new year (examples: teeth cleaning, family weddings, annual fall festivals plus all of the stuff on school & church calenders).  As things come up you can add them on the fly.  When you go to set up your planner or family calender at the start of the new year you will already have everything in one place! 
  
I used to write this stuff on the last few pages of my planner...but would always miss stuff.

BEST GIVEAWAY!!!

birthday giveaway

Go check out this awesome giveaway...and comfy living room!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Target card giveaway

One of the home decor blogs that I love!  Go check it out...you could win a Target card!

August 2, 2010

Just a few facts about August 2, 2010

The high today was 100 with 86% humidity...so it felt like 107 degrees per the weather.

A gallon of gas is $2.59.

A gallon of milk is $2.35.

Minimum wage is $7.25.

Top movie this past weekend was Inception, it made $27.5 million dollars.

Top Billboard song is Undo it by Carrie Underwood.

Barack Obama is the President of the United States of America.

Matt Blunt is the Governor of Missouri.

The national dept is approximately $13.5 trillion.

AWESOME giveaway!!

Found a great new blog...and she is doing a giveaway!

Becca's Giveaway!

July round-up

July 2010

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?

scrapbooking tips & tricks

What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?

I have been watching a lot of DIY and HGTV this month thanks to Sarah.  New episodes the Glades, The Closer, Royal Pains and Covert Affairs.  Plus all of the kid shows...Word World, Little Einstiens and Clifford.

What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?

OMG...so much going on this month.  Josh's birthday, the zoo, Josh's Birthday party at the farm, Sarah and I hit the Restore and thrift shops, Mike & Amber's Wedding, BBQ with Bobby, Kenny and Diane.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?

I got an Ipod touch!!!  Woo Woo!!!  Got a gift card to itunes, a tote bag, etched glasses and jewlery.  

Gave Mike and Ber platter.  Josh got a ton of Toy Story 3 stuff for his birthday.  

What special or unusual purchases did I make?

Got my hair done, bought a strapless bra and a $300 dress (bridesmaid), pedicure and fake bake (a self tanner)

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?

I had a hangover...does that count?  Andrew had thrush and an ear infection, plus got his top four front teeth.

What were my accomplishments this month?

Finish all wedding stuff.  Cleaned out the kitchen junk closet and found the kitchen table!  

What were my disappointments this month?

Horrible eating and sleeping habits this month!!!

How did I do on my goals for the month? (Or any current short or long term goals)

No real progress on anything this month...but made it through.

Anything else noteworthy to include?

Andrew is almost walking.  Josh is potty trained!  

The things they say

Until the last few days the only thing Andrew really said was Da, Da, Da and Haa.  Today he said Baa Ba (like bye bye).  I almost cried...they grow up too fast!

Sarah inherited a six month old pit bull from her ex.  His name is Chico and he is the SWEETEST dog ever.  Josh says his name...Teeco.  

While watching Chugginton (a Disney show about trains) they talked about nurses and what they do to help sick people.  I told Josh, "I am a nurse."

Josh said "No your not.  You are Mommy!"  I tried to explain that when I went to work it was to help sick people and that I was a nurse...."no, you are just a mommy."  

Almost anyone else in the world telling me I am "just a mommy" would get a lecture...Josh got a hug.  I told him he was cute....he said, "I know I am funny and smart too!"

I love being a mom....nothing else is even close to being as great!

20 Questions

20 Questions:

1) Dressing up or casual?


CASUAL
2) Most original Halloween costume?


ABBY FROM NCIS
3) What would your talent be if you were participating in a beauty pageant?


LMAO....THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN
4) What do the words retro boutique design mean to you?


I HAVE NO CLUE
5) What do you see as your greatest achievement?


BEING A MOM
6) What household chore pacifies you?


CLEAN COUNTERS/TABLE
7) Favorite type of weather?


LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER...BEFORE THE HUMIDITY KICKS IN (LIKE RIGHT NOW)

8) Do you sleep with the sheets tucked in or out?


I DON'T USE A SHEET, JUST MY COMFORTER 
9) Do you have freckles?


NOPE, DARN IT...ALWAYS WANTED SOME THOUGH

10) Favorite kind of sandwich?


TURKEY OR PBJ
11) Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?


YES
12) What’s your name spelt backwards?


NIRE
13) What message is on your voicemail machine?


NOT SURE, I DON'T USUALLY LEAVE MYSELF MESSAGES

14) What was the name of your first pet?


BO
15) Do you believe in karma?


YES IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER 
16) Do you believe in luck?


TO A POINT, BUT I ALSO THINK THAT YOUR ATTITUDE MAKES UP A BIG PART OF YOUR OUTLOOK, THEREFORE YOU "LUCK"
17) Do you have a nickname?


ERNIE
18) Are you a shopping addict?


YES, YES AND YES!
19) Favorite superhero?


MY MOM
20) Chocolate or vanilla?


GIVE A CHOICE BETWEEN 31 FLAVORS....AND I WILL STILL PICK VANILLA

a giveaway

Go check it out....a giveaway
http://mibargainmom.blogspot.com/2010/07/25-visa-gift-card-to-one-lucky-reader.html

Just another day?

So today was just another day...except...

• Hubby's birthday today, turned 35.
• Josh went all day without having an accident...then peed on the floor while he was telling me he didn't have to go potty
• Andrew is pulling himself up on everything, and will even stand up on his own now
• I commited to being healthier...um I had a candy bar for breakfast, chips and a REAL soda for lunch and a mini pizza for dinner...I am pretty sure this is the worst I have eaten in MONTHS....
• I got not 1 but 2 parking tickets
• I got a jury duty summons (2nd one this year)

Yep just another day!  LMAO  (otherwise I might just cry!!!)

Commit to loosing it!

I crack myself up!  Commit to loosing it?  As if...I need any help loosing it!  Well I do when it comes to weight.  I need to drop the 35 extra pounds that I am STILL lugging around with me.

I was doing really well until summer time hit.  I have literally had something going on every weekend since May.  The weekdays haven't been much better.  In all honesty I have just gotten lazy.  It is so much easier to eat junk!  

I am commiting to loosing it....the WEIGHT that is!  I am joining the girls over at the "How to" Homemaker blog
http://www.howtohomemaker.com/2010/07/how-to-healthy-living-do-you-want-to.html#comment-form

I am hoping that the added accountability helps!

10 tasks in 10 days challenge!

Ten tasks to complete in 10 DAYS!!!

1. Paint shelf for Josh's room
2. inspiration cork/magnet board
3. Josh art board
4. prep 365 
5. clean up craft area
6. embellish t-shirts
7. family name sign
8. photo jars/cans
9. photo collage for living room
10. burlap sign for wedding gift

Round up time!

This idea is lifted form round up time

1. What books and/or magazines did I read this month?

          We have started reading more books again (Josh & I) he loves to bring me a book to read him.  Leslie              

          cleaned out her room so we have lots of beginner reading books we have read in the last few weeks.

     2  What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?

         Lots of finales this month.  Bones, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice,  and House to name a few.  Josh

         has become a fan of Dora and Diego and Team Umizoomie...

     3.  What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?

           May was full of fun stuff...we had a bbq for mothers day at Sarah's house, a bbq at our house for             

           Memorial day, a trip to the zoo with Gemaw, Sarah, Leslie, James and Bella. 

     4.  What gifts did I give and/or receive?

          

           Mothers day came with a card and some chocolate.  

     5.  What special or unusual purchases did I make?

          I have bought several things for Mike & Ambers wedding

     6.  What illnesses or health concerns did I have?

           I think this month was pretty health except for a 24 hour virus the boys had which included a fever and    

           sleeping all day.

     7.  What were my accomplishments this month?

           Josh went potty on the big boy potty for the first time on Friday May 28, 2010.

           Andrew sits up and now CRAWLS..and pulls him self half way up into the kneeling position. 

     8.  What were my disappointments this month?

           Haven't seen my scrappy friends since April retreat, my spring cleaning still isn't done and I still haven't

           made exercise a part of my weekly routine.

     9.  Anything else noteworthy to include?

          Work was crazy busy the last few days.  I have lost a few more pounds.  I did do some MAJOR 

          reorganization in several areas of the house...need to keep going!

The important thing is to just take a few minutes to record the memories of the month before they are forgotten!

Me and the hubby

How long have you been together?

since November 1997

How long did you know each other before you started dating?

about 2 weeks?

Are you from the same home town?

No, I am from the city and he is from a small town about 55 minutes west

Who is the smartest?

Depends.  Book stuff probably me, because I love school and reading.  He is just really smart!  

Who majored in what?

He has a degree in computer networking.  I have mine in nursing.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?

I am not sure if Pizza Hut counts? Applebee's or Gable's 

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?

Hawaii

Where was your first date?

We went to the movies and then roadtriping.

Who has the bigger family?

HIM!  

Do you get flowers often?

No, not since I had my wisdom teeth out...8 or 9 years ago?

How do you spend the holidays?

We try to see both our families.

Who is more jealous?

???

How long did it take to get serious?

6-8 months?

Who eats more?

Him.

What do you do for a living?

Him= installer.  Me= nurse.

Who does the laundry?

Both

Who’s better with the computer?

Him

Who drives when you are together?

depends.  usually me, cause I don't drink much since having kids.

What is "your" song?

"I can love you like that" John Michael Montgomery

Who is the oldest?

Him

Dog or cat people?

Dog

Who cooks?

Both

10 little things that make me happy

( I will skip the bad blogger part...already done that post several times)

1. scrapbooking
2. shopping
3. finishing crafty projects
4. doing things for my friends
5. clean counters and kitchen table
6. getting my hair done
7. being able to wear my "too tight" jeans
8. diet pepsi from fountain
9. flip flops and pretty pedi toes
10. hoodies and jeans

Confession challenge

Cathy Z challenged readers to write a list of confessions related to motherhood...

• I always hated when my mom and my sister said I didn't really understand, because I didn't have kids...but it is true.
• I can't imagine my life without my boys.
• My biggest fear is loosing one or both of my boys.  
• I love baking cupcakes with Josh, even though it makes a huge mess in the kitchen.
• Watching my boys build a bond as brothers makes me sad for the fact that my sister and I didn't like each other growing up...and blessed to have her as my best friend now.
• I love my time alone...and DON'T feel guilty about it!
• When my sons learn something new I am so proud, each thing makes me want to do the happy dance!
• I will never understand how my kids got so smart, seriously Josh is crazy smart!
• I wish I was better at making healthy meals, saying no to poor food choices and building life long exercise habits for my kids.