Our Crazy Fun Life

Ellie lost another tooth today!!!

2012-02-09T19:12:00.000-08:00

#4 is going to come out very soon!

Happy February

2012-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

We've been busy like always

Ellie:

started swimming lessons

got all S's on her report card

has lost two teeth with two more wiggly ones

Emily:

knows her colors

can count to 10 in english and spanish

is 3 feet tall and 31 pounds

Today Emily turns two.

2012-01-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

she is getting so big and smart! Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday I was just a mom of one! Crazy!

And look at this one! How did she get so big? Ellie is no longer a baby at all. she is a kid who starts big kid school in the fall!

How did this happen so quick!?!?

Mom...this is cool.

2012-01-09T15:30:00.001-08:00

"yarning..."

2012-01-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

just a few of the things made this winter...

2012-01-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-27T20:06:00.001-08:00

A couple hubby took of me on our date day in November ♥

2011-12-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Big E's shorter hair

2011-12-15T19:16:00.000-08:00

Check it out...she is bowing after her song!!!

2011-12-14T20:33:00.001-08:00

"Fleece Nodding Off"

2011-12-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

ho ho ho...it is begining to feel a lot like christmas.

2011-12-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

San Fransisco Fun!

2011-11-15T19:07:00.000-08:00

happy fall.

2011-11-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Race for the Cure 2011

2011-10-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

It went really well! I didn't run at all. I hope I don't have to carry Ellie the whole way next year!

Ellie and Beaker at the PeaceHealth booth after the race.

a pre-race banana.

Ellie and I before the race!

a short break...one of many...but who's counting...

Ellie and Grandma just before the finish line!

fall

2011-10-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad at blogging...

2011-10-07T19:14:00.000-07:00

Amber took the girls pictures when we were in K Falls to meet Royce. Here are a few of them. I will send some out to all the Grandmas soon!

Ellie's new tooth is starting to come in already! She is having a blast at school! Swimming starts soon! She is getting very tall and she is super smart!

Emily is starting to jabber a lot of words. She says No, Momma, Daddy, Ellie, Parker, Milk, Chalk, Teddy, Blankie, Bye Bye, Yes, Cheese, Cup, Yo Gabba Gabba, Dora...and a few more I am sure I am missing. She is going through another not sleeping phase. She is almost 2! She needs to sleep all night! Yikes!

Brad and I are good...you know same ol same ol...working, playing and being parents :)

Summer is offically over :(

2011-09-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

We ate the last watermelon.

We have been to Autzen.

It was foggy here this morning.

And the girls both have runny noses...yuck!

Thank you Kelly, for the most fantastic hair clips! The girls were over the moon with them today! I almost stole one! They are super cute!

My kiddos

2011-09-15T18:44:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...the week we have had,,,

2011-09-14T23:32:00.000-07:00

we went to the beach...

the girls had a blast...

so did we.

Ellie started school...her teacher is Mrs. Brooks and all of her friends are in her class again this year!

Ellie got a new hat...

She likes it but would rather play than get her picture taken.

And the big one...Ellie lost her tooth today! After a face plant last weekend, she loosened it, took a trip to the dentist, got x-rays and the OK to let it fall out. Her permanent tooth will poke through in the next couple of months...she is so excited about the tooth fairy coming tonight. She wrote the tooth fairy a note about how many coins she would like, 5. She is so cute!

2011-09-09T12:19:00.001-07:00

What's up with you?

2011-09-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

Meet Royce, my handsome little nephew! I got to spend a whole week with him. So cute and cuddly!

I went on a date with Brad, I had a beer...

...and a chocolate torte! I also had some food too...but really...does that count?

I made some pretty things with some pretty flowers.

Work is going well. Nice after a week off that I am not crazy busy.

I bought this barrette from Vintage Wanna Bee. I love her shop...so much cute stuff!

Oh yeah...while I was gone Brad painted our kitchen blue! It looks good and the girls love it too!

My week :)

2011-08-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

a lot of work...

Some random acts of kindness courtesy of Shauna at Lemon Kissed!

Helping with crafts...Thanks Marie :)

Wine :) Thanks Alex!

Fun in the backyard :)

Playing with my new/old cameras with fun friends

Fabulous earrings in the mail. Thanks Wendy!!!

Blackberries Galore!

2011-08-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

Warning...one of these photos has a bad word :) oops...

2011-08-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

A few from the photo booth at Ashley & Calvin's wedding

A day at the fair :)

2011-08-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Emily had blackberries for dinner...

2011-08-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

...after playing dress-up...

Mom...this is for you.

2011-08-14T12:56:00.001-07:00

it made me giggle...

Nap time crafting.

2011-08-12T09:56:00.001-07:00

Ellie loved these! I see a lot of melting plastic beads in our future :)

Hi there...

2011-08-10T08:07:00.001-07:00

Busy summer. Lots of playing, eating and goofing around. I'm canning a lot. I'm working a bunch and just having fun.

Ellie likes to play outside :)

2011-08-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

A beachy weekend

2011-08-01T10:22:00.001-07:00

We went to Florence on Saturday. It was beautiful.

The girls love the beach!

Ellie was teaching Emily all about sand castles.

I took my Kodak Motormatic. It was fun to shoot film! I think I need to do this more!

An old guy said to his wife it was nice to see a kid with a "real" camera.

Emily kinda likes the backpack...but really loves the sand!

She kept burying her legs!

Ellie collected a lot of shells for a craft project she is planning!

Brad took the "not film" camera too so we have some better shots of the places we always go.

I crocheted a scarf...I'll list it in the shop this week.

We went to Mo's.

Ellie had chocolate milk and mac & cheese. We all had chowder :) yumm good!

Happy birthday Brad!!!

2011-07-26T22:27:00.001-07:00

Brad got glasses for his birthday! Dang he looks good for 34!

We went to see Harry Potter in 3D IMAX. It was pretty good.

We had hamburgers and birthday cake. It was a pretty good day!

Life...

2011-07-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

How is she this big already?

Is she mine or what? I love her so much!

She has been my big helper a lot this last week!

Emily got a new hair pretty! She even left it in for most of the day!

Ellie bought a nutcracker today. She loves it and was so excited to bring it home to crack nuts. I'm really surprised she didn't take it to bed with her! This makes me giggle.

An evening stroll

2011-07-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Ellie was in a mood...but these days she is most of the time...

Emily was too...

I told them to smile and this is what they did...

Then I said "Touchdown" and Emily was happy!

Ellie did a little dance and Emily clapped.

It was pretty...Brad took a lot of pictures.

Hi there...

2011-07-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

We have been busy people the past few weeks!

I've been working out a lot trying to get back into shape!

I took my last walk down this hallway into work

We packed it up and moved it out.

This is my new desk...

And after the movers came...

After moving my office we went on a road trip to Klamath Falls for my sisters baby shower for Royce John.

Oh and it has been rainy here the past few days...

Summer fun...and stuff...

2011-07-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Emily loves this playhouse! She had ice cream in there the other day...it was chocolate!

I got a helmet so I can ride my bike to work! Yay!

Speaking of work...we are all packed up and ready to move!

Good thing...we are moving tomorrow at 8:00 sharp...

This was yesterday before I boxed up the Mac. Sad and happy all at the same time!

Ellie has turned into quite the little girl. She is having a blast this summer...

Yesterday we went to the car wash...she loved it!

Just because...everybody loves a good Mr Potato Head photo...

Oh and this was my dinner...diet fail. Although I split it with Ellie...so I am not too bad. Dang Cold Stone and their deliciousness

Happy 4th of July...a few days late!

2011-07-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

We went hiking and then to dinner, Emily fell asleep at 7:00 so we stayed home and did sparklers. It was fun. Ellie had a blast and kept woo whoing! Maybe next year we will be able to go watch the firework show at the park.

We went to a birthday party on Saturday

2011-07-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

It was a ton of fun! The girls had a blast playing dress up and eating cupcakes!

I enjoyed a cupcake as well!

This one is just cute...Ellie learned how to wink. She is a fantastic winker...I look like a crazy pirate Momma!

Farewell June...It's been real!

2011-07-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

OK...maybe Brad is right...I might look a little creepy in photos!

Emily is a fan of food...all types!

And likes to feed herself!

Both the kiddos love to color!

I am running out of things for them to color!

I think I am going to have to make some coloring book pages for them!

Meet Simon...He is my left hand man helping me out with all things shop and silly related.

He likes to rock!

He is a sort of peaceful dude who just likes to lend a hand.

This one is for my sister...xoxo...have a great weekend!

Aunt Ashley & Uncle Calvin get married!

2011-06-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

It was a really beautiful wedding! Ellie did really awesome! We had so much fun!

I love my kiddos!

2011-06-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

Wow...I am sorry! I need to do a way better job blogging!

2011-06-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

Yep...I am a total blog slacker! I am sorry! I will try to do a better job!

Emily is teething...again! Goodness how many teeth can a baby have?!?! Other than that she is doing pretty well. She has added "down" to her vocabulary. She doesn't say it very much but hey...at least she knows it is a word and she knows how to say it!

Ellie and I went to Portland for a Lemon Kissed open house and to take photos of her new cousin Baily...she painted her fingers and toes with Jade her 2 year old cousin...with no help or knowledge from grown ups. Nice. Other than the little bit of naughty she is doing pretty well.

I am super busy making things for the shop. Marie of MarieLou and I are going to have an open house of our very own on July 23rd if you would like to come on down/over/up and check it out. Let me know if you would like to and I will send out directions and all that good stuff.

I am working hard and my schedule is undergoing a change...

...we are also very close to moving across town...this is my new office. Fancy huh?!?! Once all my stuff is in there it will be cozy and just like home :)

Bees in our backyard!

2011-06-14T21:53:00.001-07:00

Bees in our backyard!, originally uploaded by Mandy Sloan.

Yes! That is what you think it is! A huge ball of bees! We got a beekeeper to come out and get them...twice. They are gone for the most part now!

the past few...ok more than a few days.

2011-06-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

We went to Mom and Dad's for Memorial Day weekend.

Ellie learned how to peddle. Now we are on the lookout for an Ellie size bike!

We ate so (SO) much really good food!

My kiddos loved playing the piano and making a lot of noise!

Our shop, prints & things is doing pretty well. Brad has sold a few prints and I have sold a few blankets and some mustache crayons.

The owl hats seem to be pretty popular :)

These are next to be posted for summer! Happy little produce bags!

The girls are doing well! They are a kick in the pants and are so much fun! Everyday!

2011-05-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

My awesome gal pal Siovhan says to me the other day…you should make these owl hats into little pencil/makeup pouches.

I think to myself, heck yeah! That is a great idea!

So I sat down today during nap time and made one. It closes in the back with buttons nice and neat.

I love it, and am now going to make a few!

Ellie gets some fun mail!

2011-05-23T17:21:00.001-07:00

For my Momma...because she wanted to see my poor face.

2011-05-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Going in on Tuesday morning...for surgery.

Tuesday evening...I felt bad.

Wednesday afternoon. Feeling a bit better.

This morning...a bit swollen but not too bad.

This afternoon. Just stuffy and sleepy with a really bad headache.

Me...

2011-05-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

I had my surgery today. It went really well. No complications and it was quicker than Dr Sorom thought it was going to be. I had a Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction. Fun stuff let me tell ya! OK...it really isn't that bad. I am really sore and I am bleeding quite a bit but really it is no worse than when Emily broke my nose again last week. I'm going to be pretty stuffy for the next week. I go back on Tuesday to get my stitches and splint out, which will be nice. Right now I don't have black eyes...but they are starting to get a bit puffy...I think I am going to ice them a bit that might help. If I lay still it is almost like I didn't even have surgery...but if I move at all I start to bleed and I get a headache. A few more days of taking it easy and I'll be just fine.

On the plus side while I am just laying here doing really nothing I have time to make stuff like this little birds nest. I can't decide whether to make it into a bracelet or into a pin? I just don't know.
I'll work on some more goodies tomorrow if I fee up to it :)

For now it is off to ice my face and get some more rest.

lots o stuff

2011-05-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have been crocheting like a mad lady. I finished this green and white granny square blankie. It is for sale in my shop. If it doesn't go by fall I know who is getting it :)

Oh and I have been making crayons in the shape of a mustache...also in the shop.

And some more face scrubbies...yeah...you guessed it...in the shop.

I am also getting rid of some crafting supplies. These stamps are up for grabs. If you want them just let me know. I really need to par down on my craft stuff! It is taking over!

Brad's surgery went well. No complications. He was in bed for a few days but is back to normal now. The girls missed jumping all over him for a few days and still can't get enough daddy time...although I don't thing he minds all that much. They really are Daddy's girls ♥

Ellie has been my big helper the past few days. She has helped pick up toys and make mustache crayons, although she did steal all the purple ones! I guess a girl has just got to have her purple mustaches!

It seems that Emily is just about done teething! I know she is cutting two more on the bottom but they are almost all the way in now. She has been sleeping better...not all the way great but better. She has really started to love dancing! It is so stinkin cute! It is a great really because she can dance to all the songs Ellie makes up! Really they are playing really well together and get along fairly well...they have their moments...but what sisters don't?

Me...I'm good. I go in for surgery to fix my noes on Tuesday. I went in for my pre-op appointment today to go over all the things I will need to know about the day of and recovery. It sounds like it isn't going to be really really awful...just kind of awful. I have started comparing hurt to a c-section. It can't be as bad as that so I should be fine! I'll have to take it easy for a few days but should be back to my old self within a week. Other than work, the shop and kids I haven't really had time for much else. We have been pretty busy around here. And it really isn't going to slow down anytime soon. I'll try to keep up...

Our crazy fun (kinda...and kinda not) May

2011-05-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th of May! Today is the day 6 years ago Brad and I bought our house! Wow has it really been that long?!?! Fun stuff, being home owners.

Anyway back to May goings on...Brad and I are both getting surgery this month. Nothing huge just some stuff getting fixed. But we will both be laid up for a few days apiece and that is hard with the kiddos. blah...

Happy Mother's Day! Here is my Momma and I at my wedding. It was one of the best days ever. It was one big ol huge party and my Momma helped me tons that day just like she does everyday! Thanks Mom for being so awesome, teaching me so much stuff and taking care of me always! I love you!!!

Ellie has been cracking me up lately! She is a dancing singing fool! She did really well at her spring program! Watch her videos here! It was a blast! She was so excited and loved waving to us! Next year Ellie will go to three day a week preschool...she is really looking forward to that! Last week she learned all about the hula dance and has been doing the hula all week...it is too cute!

Emily is starting to get a real stubborn personality. She is very serious about what she wants and very cranky when she doesn't get it! I think part of it is her teething...all 6 are almost all the way through...then I think we are done for a little while...I hope at least! She is pretty fearless when it comes to jumping off things which scares the you know what out of me. But other than the jumping she is pretty calm :) Her hair is getting super big and very curly...it is too cute for words!

Ellie's Spring Program!

2011-05-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Ellie!

She hits the high note at the end :)

My kiddos

2011-04-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

Emily is getting so big! She is such a handful lately! She is cutting 6...yes I said 6 teeth! 4 on top and 2 on the bottom. My gosh! She still doesn't sleep much but is getting better. Her hair is so curly and out of control...I am really trying to tame it with clips but she takes them out and I am scared she will put them in her mouth and choke. I guess we will jsut have to live with big hair for right now! She is still a serious monkey and loves to cuddle with Momma but is doing much better with strangers.

Ellie is my grown up girl! She has her ears pierced, can snap, whistle and dress herself. She makes up stories and has quite the imagination. She is so smart and very beautiful! I am endlessly surprised by her. She loves animals, singing and dancing. I am going to have my hands full with her when she gets bigger...

The Laws of Simplicity

2011-04-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

“
1. Reduce: The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction.
2. Organize: Organization makes a system of many appear fewer.
3. Time: Savings in time feel like simplicity.
4. Learn. Knowledge makes everything simpler.
5. Differences: Simplicity and complexity need each other.
6. Context: What lies in the periphery of simplicity is definitely not peripheral.
7. Emotion: More emotions are better than less.
8. Trust: In simplicity we trust.
9. Failure: Some things can never be made simple.
10. The One: Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.
”

—	From John Maeda’s book,The Laws of Simplicity

You know you live in Oregon...

2011-04-24T00:37:00.001-07:00

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Oregon.

If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Oregon.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Oregon.

If you measure distance in hours, you live in Oregon.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Oregon.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Oregon.

If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both doors unlocked, you live in Oregon.

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Central, Southern or Eastern Oregon.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Oregon.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow and ice, you live in Oregon.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Oregon.

If you feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash, you live in Oregon.

If you know more than 10 ways to order coffee, you live in Oregon.

If you know more people who own boats than air conditioners, you live in Oregon.

If you stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal, you live in Oregon.

If you consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain, you live in Oregon.

If you can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Dutch Bros, you live in Oregon.

If you know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon, you live in Oregon.

If you know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Clatskanie, Issaquah, Oregon, Umpqua, Yakima and Willamette, you live in Oregon.

If you consider swimming an indoor sport, you live in Oregon.

If you know that Boring is a city and not just a feeling, you live in Oregon.

If you can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, you live in Oregon.

If you never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho, you live in Oregon.

If you have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain, you live in Oregon.

If you think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists, you live in Oregon.

If you buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time, you live in Oregon.

If you actually understand these jokes you live or have lived in Oregon

More singing from my kiddo

2011-04-21T21:28:00.001-07:00

Ellie sings the dinner song

2011-04-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

Ouch revisited...

2011-04-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

Remember last fall when I broke my face? I do. Anyway since then I have had chronic sinus infections. It is aweful...so aweful I went to see an Otolaryngologis. He looked up my noes and said I have deviated septum. I am going tomorrow to have a CT scan. depending on what it shows I am most likely going to have surgery. I'm not really nervous about any of this. I'm more upset I have to use my hard earned Paid Time Off for something so silly! I wanted to go on a rockin' awesome vacation this summer! I will be happy to be able to breath again and feel so much better!

Lets play catch up...

2011-04-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this weekend! My sister and her BFF came up to play this weekend. We went to the Saturday market, hung out and did a lot of shopping! Ellie loves Jessica and Jodi! She was so sad to see them leave!

Jodi had her ultrasound this afternoon! She is having a boy!!! Yippee!!! A boy!!! I can not wait to meet Little Roy! I am an going to start on his quilt set and a few other goodies this week. It is going to be so awesome to make things for a little boy. I don't get to do that very often! Here are a few photos of Jodi at 20 weeks :)

I have been a crocheting fool! I made a pink and gray granny square baby blanket and a purple and green one. I am going to make the next one for little Roy then a few more to put in the shop. By the way...have you checked out the shop lately? We have put a few new prints in there the past few days.

The girls are stoked...

2011-04-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

...to see Aunt Jodi and Jessica!

Way busy...

2011-04-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

...working on new things for the shop...

...playing peek a boo...

...getting into trouble...

...I'll be back with more words soon...

Promise.

2011-03-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

8 years ago we were married.

We have been through a lot.

Been a few places.

Had 2 beautiful daughters.

And are still going strong.

prints & things

2011-03-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

It is official…you can now buy some of Brad’s artwork! Along with a few of my things :) After a little bit of coaxing hubby agreed to let me open an etsy shop and put some of his AMAZING landscapes in there. If you have any requests just let one of us know and we will post it for you.

The fun we have...

2011-03-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

been busy with everyday life...

2011-03-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Emily can talk!

2011-03-20T21:36:00.001-07:00

"tickle tickle tickle" :)

I will take a better video tomorrow...

Just a few of my favorite things...

2011-03-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

In no particular order...

Amazon Prime Shipping!

Freshly Painted Toenails.

Ellie and the earring adventure...

2011-03-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

It started last night with this statement...

Ellie "Mom can I go get my ears poked tomorrow after school and popcorn so I can wear pretty poking earrings like yours?!?!"

Me "Are you sure...it will hurt."

Ellie "Yes Mom...it will hurt just a little and I will be brave!"

Before...

Becky was really nice and explained everything to Ellie just how a 4 year old would like to hear it.

I held her hands...it was quick...Ellie cried just a little bit...

Then she stuck her tongue out...

And then looked in a mirror...and grinned!

Ellie and Becky. The Ear Poking Lady!

At home showing off her new jewels!

OMG! It is so cool!

I am smart and strong and beautiful Momma.

Ellie and the wedding...

2011-03-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

Ellie is going to be the flower girl in her Aunt Ashley's wedding in June. The things she comes up with are cracking me up. Here are just a few things from the mind of a 4 year old about weddings:

1) This hat she got in Disneyland is so beautiful she just knows Ashley and Calvin will want her to wear it...it is pink and black and will match her dress perfectly...

2) She is going to get married too...to Cole...her cousin and the Ring Bearer.

3)Oh and you know Ring Bearers don't carry rings on a pillow...

...They "ring" bells all the way down the "island"!

4) She is so excited to wear Ballet Slippers she can hardly control herself!

5) She is going to have so much fun being the flower holder...she loves the way flowers smell and they are so pretty...

6) She is going to wear beautiful earrings and a necklace...She even wants to go get her ears poked so she can wear poking earrings like me!

These are from Lemon Kissed. My earring provider of choice :)

7) She also can't wait to "Shimmy, slide, snap and shake it all around"!!!

Brown Baggin' it...

2011-03-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

Why would you brown bag it when you could pack your lunch in one of these? Want one...how about two? They could be yours...just click here http://ourcrazyfunlife.bigcartel.com/product/lunch-bag

What have you been up to???

2011-03-11T20:03:00.000-08:00

I have been crafting...

...and drinking espresso...

More stuff will be in the shop soon :)

Camera Strap Cover

2011-03-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

I will...if it is the last thing I do...use all of my fabric scraps to make cute things! Starting with these. I made a few...I only need one. The rest are here: http://ourcrazyfunlife.bigcartel.com/product/camera-strap-cover

Stuff in the shop

2011-03-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

http://ourcrazyfunlife.bigcartel.com/

I have put a few things in the shop. I am cleaning out my craft/guest/office room and trying to get rid of some of my stash...it is taking over...just ask the last three people who have stayed over :-| Sorry!

Anyway once it is gone it is gone. If it doesn't sell soonish I am putting it in my gift closet. Sorry again :)

I am sick...I can't even pull off "The Mom Voice" anymore tonight. Off to take some cough medicine and go to bed.

Yay!!!

2011-03-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

The House Rules - Christian Kane - Christian Kane Videos

Going to see Christin Kane in a couple of weeks!!!

Things You Probably Never Needed to Know About Me But Now Will

2011-03-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

{one} what was your favorite sitcom growing up?
The Cosby Show

{two} what song always makes you happy when you hear it?
Al Green's Lets Stay Together

{three} do you still have your wisdom teeth?
Some...but not for too much longer

{four} what is your go to way to relax?
A lazy boy and a good movie

{five} do you play any instruments?
a long time ago

{six} nude beaches: yes or no?
Not for me...

{seven} do you chew your pens/pencils?
No...I do put them in my mouth to hold them if needed

{eight} can you change the oil in your car?
If I need to...my daddy was a mechanic so I learned how to do more car stuff than the average girl

{nine} can you curl your tongue?
Yes...

{ten} can you knit or crochet?
I can crochet...but I can't knit to save my freaking life.

{eleven} have you ever been on tv?
Uh...yeah...a few times. That is what I get for working at a TV station for 11+ years...and now in the media department for the Hospital.

{twelve} what was the best movie you saw last year?
Eclipse...don't make fun of me...I am a big twihard :)

{thirteen} do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I don’t sleep with a top sheet. They are yucky.

{fourteen} do you cut coupons?
I try...really hard

{fifteen} do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Sometimes. It just depends on what else I am thinking about...

{sixteen} what sauce do you dip your chicken nuggets in?
Ranch and BBQ.

{seventeen} do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Real Simple and Runners World (thanks Alex)

{eighteen} when was the last time you wrote a letter on paper?
I write letters all the time...today I wrote notes to mail to the grandparents with Ellie's school picture.

{nineteen} what’s your favorite fruit pie?
Berry...of any kind. I LOVE PIE!

{twenty} black olives or green olives?
Black

By the way this was stolen from Siovhan.

Ellie's Spring Picture!

2011-03-03T23:05:00.000-08:00

At least she is smiling in this one! Such a cutie! They will be out in the mail to all you grandmas soon. xoxo

Made.

2011-03-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

I have seen these on Etsy and a few blogs...thought I would give making one a try...I really like it...I just cannot for the life of me tie it one handed. I am going to have to figure out a better way to clasp it...Or call this the "not so single gal bracelet"

Ouch!

2011-03-02T23:23:00.000-08:00

My baby's very first Ouchy! Breaks a Mommas heart!!! Plus she has a cold and is cutting two top teeth. No wonder she is a big grouch!

My Cupcake Adventure

2011-03-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

My lovely friend Sabina turned 25 on Saturday. She asked me to make the cupcakes for her party. Me being me said Heck yeah. I didn't have any idea what I was in for. She said she would need 6 or 7 dozen. I thought wow...that is a lot but pretty doable. I ended up making 10 dozen...yes...120 vegan cupcakes. 72 chocolate and 48 vanilla. Oh boy what an adventure that was. It was the first time I have ever baked that much of anything at one time...ever. And the frosting...it was a task all on its own. I had so much fun making them! I have no illusions that I will become a master baker...or that I will even ever be asked to bake cupcakes for anyone ever again...but dang it was fun. It was fun to bake, to frost, to go to her party and see people enjoy something that I worked hard making.

I have learned a few things if I ever do this again : 1. I need another kitchen Aid mixer bowl. 2. I need more than two cupcake pans. 3. I need to use better cupcake papers. 4. I am also going to take the day off work.

Quiet...

2011-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

It is very quiet this afternoon in the Sloan home. Both girls are napping (yes still at 4:35 in the afternoon)! The only noise I can here are the clicking of the keyboard keys...and little snores coming from Emily. Brad cleaned up the house and put dinner in the crock pot so I am sitting here typing. It is nice really. I don't get to just sit during the week very much so I am taking advantage of this! I know I should be vacuuming or mopping but I want to be quiet and not wake them up.
Ellie started gymnastics today...it is part of school for the next 4 weeks. She had a blast at "Plastics" today! We will work on the name of it! She said she jumped on the trampoline so much she almost peed her pants! Hilarious! Not the peeing of one's pants...but that she would even say such a thing!
Emily took a tumble down the steps this morning and has a wicked nasty bruise on her eye/temple :( She is not hurt to bad and was even up laughing a few minutes later...but boy oh boy it breaks my heart to see her all banged up!
We picked a paint color for the kitchen...it is called Rainy Season. A gray blue with a hint of green. I like it...I guess it is as close to "sky blue" as we see for 9 months out of the year. I think it will look really nice once we get some of our new art up on the walls and the floor in...oh and paint the cabinets a crisp new clean white. I can't wait! I'm trying to talk Brad into painting this weekend...what do you think my odds are?

What a winter this has been!

2011-02-28T22:53:00.001-08:00

This winter has been crazy! Lots has gone on. We had a fantastic Christmas. The kids got everything they wanted! We gave more homemade gifts than store bought and had a wonderful time with friends and family.
January started off with a great visit with Jodi and Jessica...fun times! I love you two! My sister told us she was gonna be a momma! And Emily turned 1! Started walking and is quite the little gal. January was an awesome month!
February was a blur! We had a normal week...there was a great Valentine's Day, a trip to Medford, lots of working, Ellie net to Disneyland with Grandma and Grandpa and I mad 108 cupcakes for a beautiful birthday girl.
Spring is looking very busy...photo shoots, family get togethers, a vacation, doctors appointments and an 8 year anniversary :)

More From Disneyland

2011-02-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

Disneyland Fun!!!

2011-02-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

She is having a blast!

2011-02-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

I miss Ellie so very much!!!! But I am really glad she is having so much fun!

Dont Bite your friends!

2011-02-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

I love this video from Yo Gabba Gabba!

Elton John!

2011-02-18T15:17:00.001-08:00

4 more days until Disneyland!!!

2011-02-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

Awe....

2011-02-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

The girls have been a little wound up this week. I think they are starting to get cabin fever. I let them play outside a few times but it was really pretty cold so we didn't get to stay out for as long as I would have liked before they wanted to go back in. Even though they have been crazy they have been good and played together way more than they ever have. It is nice!
Emily has slept in her own room every night this week...two nights were a little rocky but not bad the last few. She will get used to it. Ellie has decided it is much better to share a room with Emily and not a boy like I have to. Good to know.
Ellie was the super star student at school this week and when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up said "Tall like Geandma!" Grandma is 5'2''!!!! Ellie is almost that tall right now!
Emily has finally pushed 2 more teeth through! This makes 10 in all. 10 teeth at 12 months and a few weeks! This is just down right crazy! The kid could eat a steak if I gave her one! She is talking a lot and walking everywhere! She hardly ever crawls anymore. She says Mama, Dada, noes, eyes, what's that, baba and baby. She waves goodbye and signals touchdown. So smart!
Me...I've been working like a mad woman this week. Lots of hours at the hospital and lots of stuff at home. It has been a busy week. I am booked pretty solid for the next three at least. March is quickly becoming busy as well. Lots of photo happenings and work work stuff too. Plus...Brad and I celebrate 8 years of togetherness. Hard to believe we have been married that long! I miss my hubby! By Friday night we have been away from each other 4 days! With my work schedule this week and basketball for him we only get to see each other a couple of hours during the week. Blah!
This weekend should be pretty good...although I won't be at home hanging with the hubby at all either...I am working tomorrow taking some photos and then going to get beautified. Sunday I am running in the truffle shuffle...just a little 2 miler...nothing big...long or fast! I am so tired...I hope I can run that far! I haven't run in a while I have been so busy...I will just have to keep telling myself...it is only 2 miles...it is only 2 miles...it is only 2 miles! Just 20 minutes of running...anyone could swing that...right? Yeah...it will be nice to lace up the tennies and get out there!

I need this...

2011-02-10T15:29:00.001-08:00

Buy the Keep Calm and Snap On at the Photojojo Store!

Or this one too:

Buy the The Camera Lens Mug at the Photojojo Store!
~~If you want to buy it for me I'll jump up and down and sing a song :)~~ Hubby is the best...I have one of these now :D

Playing outside...

2011-02-09T18:51:00.001-08:00

It was nice(ish) out today so we played in the backyard.

We need to do some serious spring cleaning back there! It is crazy! Add it to the list of stuff to clean...

The girls had fun but got cold pretty quick so we cam in and had hot chocolate.

My colorful group of friends...

2011-02-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

We have had such an emotional roller coaster over the past few (or more) months. I think everyone has really. With all of the daily busyness of working and being parents it has been really hard to balance everything. I have been thinking about my support system of family and friends...and you all are a colorful bunch! Some of you are new friends and some of you are old (not just in age...ha ha ha...). Some of you I work with...or have worked with, some of you have never seen me with a camera in hand before (weird!). I am thankful for all of you who have let me vent, cry, laugh, hug and love. I really don't know how I would have made it this last year without all of you.

Thanks for

Inspiring me to create pretty things.

Helping me to be a better mom.

Telling me to take care of myself.

Making me get up early to run.

Showing me how to crochet.

Loving my kids.

Not judging me.

Introducing me to new music and food.

Wearing the things that I make.

Hanging pictures I have taken on your walls.

Really I love you all and couldn't ask for a better more colorful group of friends.

Um yeah...

2011-02-08T07:56:00.001-08:00

Ellie is getting so excited to go to Disneyland. I mean beyond excited! She packs just about every day and talks about it non stop.
Emily is walking around getting into things now...she is a big handful at the moment! She likes to put on her sisters dress up dresses an follow her around :)
Brad and I are so busy with work and stuff. It has been a pretty crazy three weeks with really no end in site.

...

2011-02-03T19:04:00.001-08:00

Ellie being Ellie...

2011-02-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

Need Focus

2011-01-31T20:40:00.000-08:00

Now that the counters are done in the kitchen it is hard not to think about all that needs to still need to be done. We need to stop looking at the huge whole project in front of us and start focusing on one small project at a time.
We went for a walk with the girls today...it was nice to get them out of the house for a bit. They are a little cooped up. I hope it is nice again tomorrow...I'll let them run in the backyard.
I am going to have to find Emily some shoes. She is quite the little walker now. She can stand up all on her own now. She doesn't even need to hold onto anything. She will have a blast running behind her big sister. She loves to follow her around and jabber. It is so darn cute.
Ellie is getting excited to go to Disneyland! She packs her backpack almost everyday. It is hilarious to see what she packs. Everyday it is something different and funny. I have not emptied her backpack yet today but I can see it is all the way full.

Kitchen Remodel: Part One the tile and sink

2011-01-29T23:54:00.000-08:00

We still have a little bit (ok...a lot) of grout to do, the electrical and cleaning but you get the idea. I love it! Cabinets and floor are next...

Emily Can Walk!

2011-01-28T20:04:00.001-08:00

Kitchen Remodel: Part One

2011-01-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Sink before.

Kitchen before.

Backsplash tile layer one.

Backsplash tile.

One more look at it. It is greener in real life.

As silly as it may be to cover up Green counters with green tile I still love it! I am a green girl :) Part one starts Saturday. I am stoked.

A big epiphany...

2011-01-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have felt really stressed lately. I have had a ton to do and it seems like no time to get it all done. I haven't been sleeping very well and the kids are going a little stir crazy. I have a million and one projects going at work and just as many at home. I keep thinking that things might slow down after the next big thing...but then something else big gets planned. Don't get me wrong...I am enjoying all of the family, fun, crafts, work....It is just that I am tired. I feel like I take on too much.
On to the big epiphany part of this. I met a guy at work today. He woke up in the middle of the night with the worst headache he has ever felt. He was rushed to the hospital with a brain aneurysm. One of the doctors there saved his life. I got to hear his story today and all about his life before and after, it is truly amazing at how a life can change...how you discover what is important in life. He told me that now he takes his time, he doesn't worry about the things that don't matter, he knows the people in his life not the things in life are what count. He said it is amazing how the people you neglected in life before are the people who you depend on to get you through the hard times, and are the ones who sometimes love you the most. He had a 3% chance of ever walking again, now just short of a month after his trip to the ER in the middle of the night he is back to 98%. He can do just about everything he could before.
It just made me think today...my problems are small. Not getting much sleep isn't that huge. Having crazy kids...not so bad. Work is buys...who cares? I need to start taking time for the more important people and things in life and just let go of the things that don't matter.