Cute little story

Every once in a while this summer Claire would mention that she wanted to try to learn to ride her bike without training wheels. Unfortunately, she usually said this while we were in the car or at the grocery store or unavailable in some other way. Never while we were at home, with nothing to do. So it just didn't happen.

A couple of weeks ago, September 16th to be exact, we were at the barn for Jessica's riding lesson and Claire was with me (of course). Macy wasn't around so Claire had to entertain herself. I was sitting down at the ring watching the lesson that was just starting. I looked up (the arena sits down a hill from the barn) to see what Claire was doing and saw her riding Macy's bike across the grass. I knew Macy didn't have training wheels. And I knew there was NO ONE up there helping her. And I also knew we had never tried it. Not once.

SHE JUST TAUGHT HERSELF!

I looked over at Michelle, Jessica's instructor, and said "I think Claire just taught herself how to ride a bike.". We both looked up and Claire was setting the bike down and running down the hill. She said she wanted to show me something and she was SO proud. I went up the hill with her and watched her get on the bike and just take off. Just like that!

She rode all around the barn that night. And when we got home, Jonathan took the training wheels off of her bike and off she went. JUST LIKE THAT!

Have a great weekend!

We (almost) have a horse!

Isn't she beautiful!?! Jess rode her Saturday and we both knew right away that she was THE ONE. Dawn looked at the video last night and said we should go for it. Now I just have to coordinate the vet check and transportation (not that that part is easy) and we're home free. It's so exciting! And for the horse people out there - she's a 16 hand 6 yo Thoroughbred. Bred for racing, her Sire won the Preakness, but due to some difficult owner circumstances only had one start. The lady we're buying her from has had her since she was 4 and has been training her ever since. She's got the sweetest disposition and goes RIGHT in a frame as soon as you start. I just can't wait to get her home.

Whew. Once that's all settled life can get back to normal around here. I've been pretty wrapped up in the process and it will be nice to get back to SCRAPPING for one thing! And not a moment too soon either...I've got a box on the way from AllyScraps that I just know is filled with yummy new stuff. Can't wait!

And now I must get to the laundry. The one true constant! ;)

Have a good one!

Back to Blogging

With no excuse other than I had a busy summer and didn't feel like it. Nothing like a little honesty. And since the blogging is mostly for me, it shouldn't matter that I didn't feel like it. But apparently the mood has struck again and here I am. And since there's no way possible to "catch up", I'm just going to start with today.

Horses, horses, horses. This shopping for one for Jess is keeping me busy. I made a ton of calls yesterday about new ads I've found and today I'm calling back to schedule appointments. We're combining a camping trip this weekend with seeing horses. I found 3 I think might be good in the same area and booked a campsite close by. I think Jess is getting a bit burned out with the whole process but there isn't much I can do about it. I know a part of her is just hoping that Boo (that's Dawn's horse dealer) will find one for her and she wont have to work so hard at it. But he doesn't usually bring the higher level horses so the chances are pretty slim. And so we just keep plugging away. I'm getting better at it though so hopefully we wont be wasting time seeing horses that just aren't right.

Today I'm scrapping. Assuming I remember how. I've got some really pretty Crate Paper to work with from The Scrapbook Stand so hopefully the mojo will flow. I've even given myself permission to let the laundry sit and the dog hair accumulate. Imagine that!

Be good!

Adhesive Source

I just can't keep up with all the requests for peamail so I'm doing it this way. Should have thought of it sooner.

And how sad is it that this is the only post to my blog in over a month??!!

Anyway, here's the link:

Get your adhesive here!

Be back next month ;)

My poor neglected blog

The end of the school year has been non stop craziness. And it's not over yet. Jess has a horse show tomorrow. I'll be driving up to Newark on Saturday. Sunday we're busy all day with Father's Day things. Maybe by Monday I'll have some time to spend here. Until then....

be good!

Good Sunday Morning!

Had a great day yesterday.

Went to a family style birthday party for one of Claire's friends in Rehoboth. The grandparents live on the boardwalk and had the party at their house. We hung out in the yard, complete with moonbounce, snow cone machine and lots of food, then all went to the beach together. It was chilly but the kids all had a blast.

We came home for a while and when Hannah got home from work we headed to the campground at the State Park. The Quinns are down and had a cookout at their site. Being in the campground reminded us how much we love to camp and that we need to set aside some time to get out in our camper. Claire had a blast with the big kids and climbing her tree.

Today looks to be a quieter day. We're going to head out to the grocery store soon. Jonathan has some work to do. I have some scrapping to do. Hannah will come home (hopefully soon) from camping and study for exams. I'm picking up Jess a bit early to take her shopping. She needs clothes desperately. And that's it.

The sun is shining, the house is (fairly) clean. It's a good day.

A Week of June is Gone Already!

How did that happen?

The dance recital went well last weekend. Very well actually. These girls are so fun to watch dance.

Unfortunately, the horse show didn't go as well. Skittles was not behaving and Jess did her best to control him but he tossed her on the cross country course putting her out of the running for a ribbon. She got back on though and finished the course...after he finished his 10 minute bucking bronco show and allowed himself to be caught. Crazy pony! I think it might be time to get her a horse of her own.

She didn't get hurt and still had a blast. And that's all that matters.

Now we're grinding out the last week of school. Then SUMMERTIME! Wheeeee :D

Here are some photos...I still don't know how to arrange them pretty like within the post. I'll put it on my list of things to do.

Have a good one!

A Bit of Everything

We're gearing up for the dance recital this weekend. It's the last week of classes, we're making sure we have the costumes ready (I still need to sew a couple things) and I'm cleaning house for Mary's visit (mother in law). Add the fact that Jess has a horse show on Sunday and you've got another busy week for us.

But I guess you've heard that from me before.

School's almost out. Not sure who's more excited; the kids or me. No more packing lunches. No more driving to Georgetown every day. Lots of time at the pool. I do know one thing though....I will be the only one excited about the FIRST day of school in September.

Still need to lose weight. Not going up, but not going down either. Haven't managed to do the treadmill thing more than twice a week. What will it take for me to get off my butt and JUST DO THIS?!?

I'm super excited about the October Scrapbook Getaway that Pat/Peg/Dar (and others I guess) put on (through TwoPeas). With no scrap buddies and no LSS for crops, I never get to do scrappy things with other people. It's going to be a blast!

I'm also excited about getting the first monthly layout contest up and running at AllyScraps. I had it listed on the Pub Calls Blog (thank you PCP) so I'm hoping it draws a bunch of people to the site.

Got a great big headache today. Must be a low pressure system sitting right on top of my house. Wish it would go away.

I'm off...have a good one!

The Unofficial Start of Summer

That's right it's Memorial Day Weekend! And when you live at the beach, the tourists and traffic make it feel all that much more summery. Fortunately, this year the weather makes it feel like summer too. In fact, we're off to the beach in a few.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Live chat tonight with Lisa from Crate Paper!

Stop by the message board at The Scrapbook Stand and check it out. It starts at 8:00 pm Central time. Hope to see you there!

A Great Prize and a New Page

This is the awesome prize you could win just for completing a few challenge pages with us at AllyScraps.

That's an entire SEI album kit!

Check out this thread and see how easy and fun it is for a chance to win!

And this is my latest page completed for AllyScraps.

Some of my favorite new products are on this page...those to die for Lil Davis chipboard letters, the yummy Fancy Pants paper and my new Primas!

You like?

Claire's party was a success!!

All the kids, and even the parents, had a great time. They loved the moon bounce - I was a little worried they would get tired of it. Seems 6+ is the perfect age for jumping. The food was good and the ice cream sundae bar was wildly popular. I'm so glad she had a memorable party.

This photo was almost impossible to get. No one wanted to sit still, sit close or look at the camera. This is the best one I got and I took about 10 shots. But what's important is the picture...I'm so happy to have a group shot from her party. (and for those that don't know her, Claire is second from the left with the heart on her cheek)

Back to the grind today...Claire has dance and Hannah has her choir concert tonight. Luckily, Jessica's lesson was cancelled otherwise I'd have to clone myself to get it all done.

Looking forward to Memorial weekend. We have NO plans. That's a first in MONTHS!

Happy Monday, have a good one.

Did I mention that I won a prize?

Because I did!

Karen Russell did a fabulous thing and put together a fundraiser for Women for Women through her blog with prizes donated by famous scrappers and Scrapbook Companies. Long story short, I made a donation and won a page by Rhonna Farrer!!

Can you believe it?!? This rivals the trip to the Olympics for "Coolest Prize I've Ever Won". Seriously. And Rhonna is on top of it. I got my email from her a few days after the drawing, sent her my photos (which I labored over choosing) and she's done the page already. Already.

And have I mentioned how completely gorgeous it is? Holy smoke it's fabulous. I'm still giddy every time I look at it. I can't wait to actually have it in my hands. It's going on the wall. I've thought about framing layouts and hanging them up but never done it. This will be the first.

Do you want to see this marvelous creation? I've posted it in my gallery at The Scrapbook Stand. Check it out! And while you're there...have a look around. It's a great site with super kits and a fun message board.

Thank you Rhonna. I'm totally in love with it!

ps - I tried to make all those links pretty but I just don't have the skills. If anyone cares to enlighten me it would be much appreciated. :D

*edited to fix links! Wheeeeee! Thanks so much for the help!*

ME on the treadmill?

You've got to be kidding!

But I did it. Finally. I've had this plan in my head for weeks, maybe months, to turn myself into a runner. Don't laugh. It's true.

I'm not the gym type. At least not now. Too fat. Silly I know, you don't have to be fit to go to the gym. But I'm not going, if ever, until I'm not embarrasing in work out clothes. So that leaves exercising at home. And luckily we have a treadmill.

So my plan has been this: start slow. I'm in the worst shape I've ever been in. Really. I think I would enjoy being a runner but when I go outside and try I get about 3 houses before my lungs are burning. So I came up with a plan (or did I read it somewhere) to walk for 2 minutes, run for 30 seconds, repeat. For 10 minutes. Doesn't sound like much but when you've done nothing for as long as I have it's a start.

And today I finally did it. It's only 3 bursts of running but I made the last one a full minute. And I enjoyed it. I'm going to do this for a week or so and when my lungs feel better I'll add 5 minutes. Then another 5. Then make the running parts all a minute. And just keep going and going until maybe I can run a full 10 minutes. The last part is vague I know. I'll work it out (no pun intended) as I go.

So anyway. I'm proud of myself. It was only 10 minutes but it's a start.

More of the same

So this weekend is Claire's birthday party. Doing the whole moon bounce in the yard party and cooking out. I messed up the invitations and put March instead of May so I'm not really sure anyone is going to show up. I need to make some calls today. I realized my mistake (thanks Julie) on the way to school that morning and wrote the correction on the envelopes (while driving) but it seems most of the kids opened them at school and only took home the card. Ugh. I feel like such an idiot. And it's my own fault for being behind schedule and not having time to mail them. Ah well, next year I'll get it right.

So anyway, that makes for another busy week. Party prep. I am together on the important things though. The moon bounce is booked and the gifts are bought. The rest will fall together easily enough.

Jessica's band concert is tonight. She hasn't mentioned anything about a solo but after the Christmas concert I told her to ask for one when Mr. Bennett was looking for volunteers. We'll see.

Got the weekly challenges started at http://www.allyscraps.com/ . There's going to be a fun prize every 4 weeks for one lucky participant. Check it out...you never know, YOU could be the winner. More about the prize later. Must get busy!

Have a good one.

more photos...

The Prom Report

She was GORGEOUS!

Definate model material.

She had a blast and I managed to get some decent pictures. I did learn a few things about my camera and lenses, my skills (or lack of) and photo shoots in general. Luckily, I didn't screw it up so bad that it's a total loss. And I wish I could get more than 2 photos to post at a time....can't seem to get them to load.

I'll try to post more...

Prom Picture Pressure

It's all I can think about today. I've been to the nail salon, the barn, the florist and through it all, in the back of my mind, are thoughts about taking pictures tonight.

You don't have to be a scrapbooker to want fabulous photos of your daughter's first prom. Just a Mom. But combine the two and you've got a great NEED for the perfect artitistic photographs.

Most of my problem lies in the fact that we have no good spots to take photos in the house or yard. There are no cool columns, no picturesque benches, no shimmering ponds. Inside is white walls or unattractive (for photo backgrounds) furniture. The rest lies in my lack of confidence to use my camera properly.

It's too much pressure.

But I'm going to do the only thing I can...take a BUNCH and hope for the best.

Wish me luck!

I scrapped again!

I've been sick all week and just now able to actually do some projects. Started and finished a page today for http://www.allyscraps.com . Love these papers from Fancy Pants!

Playing Bunco tonight.

Tomorrow is the Prom, among other keep us busy things.

And then Mother's Day.

Not a bad weekend ahead.

Hope you enjoy yours!

it's Monday again

another week zipped by. There were a few different things in there....

Let's Dish. http://www.letsdish.com/ If you haven't tried it and there's one near you. GO! After a fun (honest) 2 hour session I left with 12 yummy meals ready to freeze. Now when I'm pressed for time or let's face it, just don't feel like planning dinner, I just defrost and follow the simple instructions. Sound like a commercial? I'd do one for free...this is brilliant. No Let's Dish near you? Do a search using "prepare meal session" and you'll find LOTS of options.

FIL. For those of you not familiar with net speak that's Father-in-Law. Jonathan's Dad and his wife Mae were here for the weekend. Had a good visit despite my allergy induced chest cold.

Little League. Jessica's boyfriend (still can't get over this one) plays and the whole family went to his game. Jess must have really wanted to go to tolerate all of us there with her. ;)

But the BEST NEWS (do you hear the bells and whistles) I had was when I found out I made the design team at The Scrapbook Stand http://www.thescrapbookstand.com/ !!! I was really shocked to see my name on the list. I'm surrounded by some amazing talent and so honored to be included. Their kits are fantastic and I can't wait to get started! Stop by, check it out.

And now I have to play catch up. Claire's birthday party invitations should have gone in the mail Saturday. Probably I should start them. The mother's day gifts I had (and still do) planned to make should be almost done by now and in the mail tomorrow. Probably I should start them. And I haven't scrapped a page in DAYS. Not only am I going through withdrawals but I've gotten some awesome new products from AllyScraps http://www.allyscraps.com/index.asp to play with and I want to get started. And then there's the laundry...but for today...I'm not going there!

Much to do, much to do....I'm off. Have a good one!