Life in the Junction

scrapping up a storm!

2012-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

A long weekend meant lots of time to scrap--I finished 8 pages. I finally dug into the Holiday Class I was taking from Tiffany Tillman and fleshed out an idea for recording the words Elle knows.

I scrapped our fabulous family pictures from Lynette, using 2 templates from Tiffany's Holiday class and the Oh Joy kit by Paislee Press for the class. I loved being able to use some of the funny shots that we didn't frame but still definitely tell the story of that photo shoot!

I scrapped some of our holiday traditions--the visit to Santa(with the picture by Casey Dittmer) and our Christmas card for this year. Again templates from the class and the Oh Joy kit by Creashen that we got for the class.

Some more of our holiday traditions--Christmas morning--with both sets of Grandparents--even in the same outfit!!

And finally catching up with her 18 month page, again a template by Tiffany and a kit by Misty Cato called Skip with Me (part of a DigiFiles release). I wanted to make an alphabet page and record her words so far and then hopefully add to it every 6 months or so..

I love scrapping with templates, there is no way I could have gotten all this done without locking myself in a room for hours which is impossible with a toddler. My scrapping was broken up with meals, blocks, baby play, naps, snacks, mini temper tantrums, and all that jazz!

Pinterest to Reality {Spice Rack Bookshelves}

2012-01-05T07:22:00.000-08:00

ohhdeedoh via pinterest

Reality:

we love them! I had my sister buy me 6 and we only hung 2 due to our space and we also found that in order to pull books out you have to have a significant amount of space between them and she isn't that tall yet. And they are like 4 bucks a piece!
because this is a frequent sight at our house--now she can find books easily and her favorites are in easy access. And yes my 18 month old still fits in her Bumpo chair and loves to sit in it.

And when we build our dream house and have a family room like this

source

part of the walls will be our book display using these shelves!

From Pinterest to Reality {Bucket Lists}

2011-12-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

Family adventures ahead!

katieballa via pinterest

Reality: I just printed these out instead of making our own. I think I will make our own next year so it has things we would actually do. Like the winter one, has shuck oysters--maybe this is a Christmas tradition in other parts of the country but here on the west--not so much. And no I do not want Rocky Mountain Oysters either. It was fun though to do things together as a family instead of just our usual.

from pinterest to reality {Our 2011 Christmas Card}

2011-12-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

I love sending Christmas cards--and I love ours to be a little unique and fun for our family and friends. So this year I wanted to try...
My pinterest inspirations:

minted via pinterest

designworklife via pinterest

the reality google docs plus some basic digi scrapping skills:

Thanks to the work of the fabulous Lynette, a great Christmas kit from the Holiday Templates class I am taking, Google Docs, and Persnickety Prints here is our card.
I used a Google Doc template and edited the colors and facts to fit our family rather than write the year end newsletter this year. Plus I talked to Persnickety Prints who was one of the few companies that did 2 sided cards(and even though I couldn't upload both sides they took my file over email--and didn't even charge me for the second side!). Their pearl cardstock makes our card so pretty and sparkly and I had them in my hands Tuesday night after submitting my design Sunday night.
The picture on the front was from our very recent family pictures--and trying to get a decent shot of our very active toddler was a a riot. But Lynette is a trooper and got some beautiful shots--more to come later. If you live on the Front Range--get in touch with her for any of your photography needs!!

Favorite Books of 2011

2011-12-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

I am interrupting my Pinterest to Reality series for a couple posts.
My goal this year was to read 100 books, and I have read 108 with a couple weeks to go in December but I think it is safe to post my favorite books of 2011. An eclectic list for sure, heavy on the Young Adult literature. But 2 non-fiction selections made it on--if you haven't read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks you should! Thanks to my book clubs I have read some books I never would have picked up and many friends suggestions ending up being my favorites!

my read shelf:

pinterest to reality {hot cocoa cookies}

2011-12-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

Ahh cookie exchanges...

rachael ray recipe on pipandebby via pinterest

Reality:TIME CONSUMING but worth it! The dough had to chill for an hour--and they should tell you to cover it--the top and sides of mine hardened and made it hard to get it into scooped out balls. Plus since you had to bake, then remove and add the marshmallows and chocolate, you had to stand around. I used a cookie scoop rather than making the balls with my hands--cocoa stains!! And I didn't grate chocolate over them, I just wanted to be done by that point.

pinterest to reality {rocky road crockpot cake}

2011-12-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

An adult birthday is a chance to spoil your friends and make their day special. To make a dessert they wouldn't make for themselves. To spoil them. So in the midst of a crazy morning, I managed to get all the ingredients and supplies to school and mixed together to make this cake!!

Bless this Food via Pinterest

Reality: soooo good. I had to make this recipe for a friend who loves chocolate as at home my hubby would have declared this too rich and be done. This is a dessert to savor. I wish I had had the time to get the ice cream to serve with it to cut down the richness a little, and it is one of those warm gooey desserts. Definitely on the make again. It is pretty easy and I followed her changes.

from pinterest to reality {a boho bun}

2011-12-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

I have never been one to do much with my hair, I have a great stylist and I keep up with my cuts and highlights. And I pretty much blowdry it and wear it down one day and then put it in a bun or a twist for the next day. My biggest leap in hairstyling was to get bangs a couple months ago. So I have been wanting to do something different. And do you ever notice that those messy carefree styles take way more time than they should?
From Pinterest

bellaMUMMA via Pinterest
Reality: yes my bathroom lighting still sucks and this isn't the best picture. I had tried this hairdo yesterday and it didn't quite work--I needed slightly dirtier hair and some more bobby pins--and time without Elle hanging on my legs. It wasn't that hard to do--I tried the backcombing, I just can't seem to make that work for me; so I stuck a small bumpit in and used some bobby pins to make the top poof. Then I rolled the sides and pinned them in and then used my SpinPins to make the bun. I am out of hairspray so I am just hoping I have enough pins stuck in there to make everything stay put.

from pinterest to reality {skinny crockpot italian meatballs]

2011-12-05T06:20:00.001-08:00

snow was in the forecast, football was on TV, so we were staying in. I fired up the crockpot to try these meatballs...
From Pinterest:

SkinnyTaste via Pinterest

Reality: my picture isn't all that great, a couple of the meatballs disintegrated in the crockpot into the sauce. But we all liked it, even Elle who mostly ate noodles and refused the meatballs, but she got some protein from the broken up pieces in the sauce. Also very easy to make, and made the kitchen smell wonderful.

From Pinterest to Reality {Coral and Turquoise}

2011-11-21T13:19:00.001-08:00

Outfits on pinterest are deadly--inevitably I fall in love with an expensive piece of the outfit, but I am starting to learn to use them as inspiration for stuff I have or too find things that have the same color or feel...

polyvore via pinterest

Reality: I am in love with this lightweight flyaway sweater. I plan on wearing it again in the spring with a tank and jean shorts. This necklace is one of my faves--I bought it a few years ago from Stella and Dot. And I want to be brave enough to use this color combo in my house!

Scrapping our Fall Adventures

2011-11-20T05:33:00.001-08:00

Simply Tiffany 52 Templates Template 15 and Meredith Cardall's Farewell to Summer Kit

Simply Tiffany 52 Templates Template 17 and Wicked Alpha from Monster Mash Blog Hop

Simply Tiffany Templates Template 31 and Meredith Cardall Falling Into You Kit

From Pinterest to Reality {Autumn Chopped Salad}

2011-11-20T05:20:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love a good salad? I mean the kind you order in a restaurant because everything is chopped so nicely and there is a plethora of veggies(where as at home I usually stop after one because I am tired). When I saw this salad on Pinterest I knew I had to try it.

espresso and cream via pinterest

Reality: very tasty and not too hard to put together. I added some chicken to mine for protein and also cut up a granny smith apple in with the pears. Very filling for lunch--and I ate it for a week. I loved the dressing and the tartness of the cheese with the cranberries. And still those dang pecans are expensive but I am hoping better for you than croutons! I never did get a picture of my own salad, so you will just have to take my word on it!

from Pinterest to Reality {wearing a scarf}

2011-11-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

So I have been slacking on my posts or forgetting to take pictures of what I have done, and I realized the point was just to try the things that I like, so here is today's--a scarf upgrade!

basicravings via pinterest

Reality: again I have proved that bathroom lighting is not all that great. I didn't feel any different, but just wanted to try wearing the scarf this way. Perhaps it would have been better if I had a nice sparkly pin or something to add!

From Pinterest to Reality {A book Based Baby Shower}

2011-11-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

What is better than a baby shower? 8 people at my school right now are expecting, I am staying away from the water. A colleague and mine threw a joint shower for 2 of the mamas this week.
From Pinterest:

Sources: decor, invites, cake

Reality:

I can't take all the credit on this! For the invite, I took a jpg of a library card and put it through photoshop to write on it. For the decor, I raided the home depot for paint chips, traced a sippy cup lid ad cut out circles and glued them on a piece of silver ribbon. I bought a 2" punch but it was defective and didn't work so I improvised. I ordered some monogrammed cookies from a local bakery for each of the mommas. And a dear and talented friend made the cake just looking at the picture I sent her!

from pinterest to reality {lasagna soup}

2011-11-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Ahh soup...
From Pinterest:

deen brothers via pinterest

Reality: Very tasty for a soup--does not really have the comfort food level of lasagna but this is probably better for you. Even elle liked slurping up the tomatoes, broth, and cheese--sausage and peppers not so much! And there is no way they only used 1/2 cup of cheese for the batch in their picture--I used over a cup and it still wasn't cheesy.

from pinterest to reality {roasted potatoes, peppers, and sausage dinner}

2011-11-07T06:21:00.001-08:00

Ah daylight savings time and a cold rainy weekend conspired to keep us mostly homebound and looking for some comfort food. So I dug out this recipe...
From Pinterest:

skinnytaste via pinterest

Reality: perfect cold weather dinner, easy to make, tasty, and fairly light--8 points for a dinner is pretty good in my book. And while my hubby turned his nose up orginally at chicken sausage--I don't think he noticed in the finished product!

from pinterest to reality {southwestern egg rolls}

2011-11-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes appetizers just make better dinners...I have had these on my mind for awhile and so glad we tried it
From Pinterest:

tatertotsandjello via pinterest

To reality: very tasty. I ran out of cheese so used some queso dip we had--actually made it a little easier since then everything kind of stuck together in the wrapper. They were very filling and a fun way to get in some veggies(I will keep this in mind when Elle is older, she just picked things out and ate individual corn kernels). I also skipped making the dressing--a toddler climbing on you while you try to cook means meals need to be quick and easy to put together. Hill Valley makes a great spicy ranch that went with these beautifully!

From Pinterest to Reality {Baby Shower}

2011-11-01T17:44:00.001-07:00

I am going to be an auntie again!! My sister who has been trying so hard for a baby and had an awful beginning to her pregnancy is finally almost enjoying being pregnant. Elle and I flew together out to CA to throw my sister a shower. Of course her baby has been uncooperative and her ultrasounds have been rescheduled(hopefully today we will find out if Baby Lopez is a boy or a girl). So we decided on a neutral jungle theme to match her nursery plans. My sister is not one for shower games or a big fuss so my co-host and I decided on...
From Pinterest

lilsugar via Pinterest

To Reality:

After searching etsy for cute designs that would fit our neutral jungle theme, I figured I could digi-scrap everything to coordinate much better. I bought this baby zoo kit from craft-tastrophic and had most things printed through Persnickety Prints(who I love!!). Plus I am thinking when my sister's baby finally makes an appearance I can use the kit to make a birthdate poster that can coordinate!

of course elle wore a theme dress!

From Pinterest to Reality {Taco Salad}

2011-10-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

A few days behind due to my whirlwind trip to CA--but I have not abandoned my plan of 30 projects!!
From Pinterest:

100daysofrealfood via pinterest

To Reality

This salad was tasty. I did not spring for grass fed beef or whole grain tortillas or organic produce--we belong to a food co-op and we got tortillas and lettuce and tomatoes etc. It felt less heavy than my traditional taco salad and Elle loved being able to pick off the platter--mostly cheese for her!

Pinterest to Reality {Pumpkin Dump Cake}

2011-10-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah fall is here in Western CO and pumpkin is finally in the grocery store--for weeks I have hunted for it and compliled a bunch of recipes to try. Especially this one because I have a sweet tooth to indulge!
From Pinterest:

the picky apple via pinterest

To Reality:

While my pictures do not do it justice--Umm yummy--the kind of cake that has you smushing your fork into the pan to get all the crumbs--a perfect cross between a pumpkin pie and a cake. And dang pecans are expensive and this recipe calls for a cup and a half(a 2 cup bag was 8 bucks at my store). My colleagues loved it, my hubby loved it, and it is super easy to put together!!

Pinterest to Reality {Pumpkin Spice Outfit}

2011-10-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

It seems the morning hours fly by so fast; the time between waking up at 5:15 and having to be out the door at 6:20 seem to go by in the blink of an eye. But the time before Elle's bedtime drags by like molasses. This morning was no exception, but the arrival of some cooler weather means breaking out my boots and scarves!! And it was a morning that needed a pumpkin spice latte as I rushed to daycare and my early morning meeting at school.

From Pinterest

Polyvore via Jenn Riggs via Pinterest

To Reality

Please excuse the mess that is our hall entry way--our toddler's favorite game is empty out the bag--be it her diaper bag, my purse, my gym bag, our swim bag etc--so everything usually ends up in a pile in our entry way.
Elle of course couldn't resist being in a picture and my hubby was trying to show the boots in the picture(they are hard to see). I got this infinity scarf from jannysGirl on etsy--and you know what they are much harder to style than I thought. No outfit like this is complete without a pumpkin spice latte as an accessory(and they are much cheaper than the purse I want). The boots are from Lands End(again much cheaper than the Frye Veronica I am in lust with!)

Pinterest to Reality {Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup}

2011-10-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

Still not quite fall here yet, but sometimes a good bowl of soup is all you need to make a day better!
From Pinterest:

Mama Loves Food Blog via Pinterest

To Reality:

Very tasty! I only ended up using about half the cream cheese in the recipe. I also threw some cauliflower in my slow cooker, since we had some from our co-op. I also used broth instead of stock. I mixed some salsa in mine and it was excellent. Plus it is just nice to throw things together in the am and come home to a cooked meal!

From Pinterest to Reality {A dress}

2011-10-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why I am not a math teacher but measuring just might be one fo them. I was so excited to drag out my sewing machine from its long hiatus in the hall closet and work on a project for Elle. Plus the pospect of some baby free time thanks to my inlaws I knew I could whip out a couple dresses. My 15 month old is just now fitting into 12 month clothing so I followed the 12 month guide on my pattern cutting a fabric length of 19 inches knowing I would hem an inch off the bottom and an inch of the top for the ties. That makes 17 inches give or take and my baby is 29 inches tall so her dress should be knee length right...
From Pinterest:

ShwinandShwin Blog via Pinterest

To Reality:

Her picture is a dress from the Gap and then a link to a tutorial for a dress, I knew I couldn't tackle sleeves so I decided just to add tulle to the bottom of my pillowcase dress which I can do with my eyes closed. I just tacked pleats on and decided another row was needed for fullness. They came out so cute--even if they are evening gown length!

From Pinterest to Reality {Italian Style Apps}

2011-10-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

Today another recipe sharing day, thuthfully I made these a couple weeks ago, but hadn't shared them yet so here we go!
From Pinterest:

Lick the Bowl good via Pinterest

Recipe Diaries(link is not longer there) via Jill Tekin via Pinterest

To Reality:

Both very tasty and easy to make, perfect for Sundays sitting around watching football! My cheese sticks didn't turn out as crispy looking as the ones on Pinterest and they tasted OK--sometimes nothing replaces that fried fat taste! The Pepperoni Puffs are awesome, they didn't reheat well so we will only make them when we can eat all of them And I used my regular muffin tin since that is all I had, and the recipe made 12 with some batter left over.

Pinterest to Reality {Broccoli}

2011-10-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes you do things for your family? Like things you don't like to do but you want them to see you doing it? Well I do not like broccoli, I don't think I ever have; but my hubby loves it. And I don't want to raise a picky eater, so I decided to eat some broccoli. Alos because we got a ton of it from our food co-op and I don't want it to go to waste.
So from Pinterest--the best broccoli of your life!

via Pinterest
To Reality:

I apologize that the original link doesn't work anymore. It was linked to a recipe from the Barefoot Contessa. You basically season and roast the broccoli and serve it with some parmesan. It was OK, not my favorite veggie but I would make this again. And it just so happens we got even more broccoli this week...

From Pinterest to Reality {Halloween Decor}

2011-10-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

Although our daytime temperatures have been near 80 most days the calendar says it is fall and it is even close to Halloween. So I decided it is time to get in gear.

From Pinterest:
I was totally inspired by this first picture but we don't have a mantle and I couldn't find the lighted branches. So I turned instead to another pinterest fave--subway art.

SewEllen via Chelsey Miller via Pinterest

eighteen25 via Pinterest

To Reality:
I printed and framed my subway art print--choosing the purple option. We don't ahve a Costco but I got a coupon from Walgreens so it wasn't too bad and Hobby Lobby was having a sale. I made these countdown blocks last Halloween and we put up my hubby's favorite--Peanuts! This time the Great Pumpkin scene! Bring on the candy!!

From Pinterest to Reality {Teacher's Gift}

2011-10-18T05:58:00.001-07:00

On a morning quite like this a year ago, we all drove crying to our first day of daycare--OK I was doing the crying. I knew I couldn't hack the stay at home mom thing and stay sane and I really like my job as a middle school teacher and yet I couldn't quite get comfortable with the idea of leaving my baby with someone else. But truthfully, I haven't looked back since that first morning and that is because of Miss Jen. Elle's teacher loves her and cares for her all day long, and Elle loves her back. She has been part of our family and helped us with eating struggles, napping struggles, and now the great sippy cup stalemate. She was even the one who pointed out the ear infection signs I was missing. So I knew I had to honor her somehow. And I have many things pinned to get me started. I kept coming back to these crayon letters.

From Pinterest:

testosteronetimesthree via Pinterest

To Reality:

This craft is actually quite easy to make. And truthfully I made it months ago when crayons were on sale for back to school. I bought a wooden letter and got out my glue gun and exacto knife and went to work. It is a little messy while making it--as you will have crayon shavings everywhere. And I couldn't quite get my finished letter to lay flat in my shadow box--an open frame might work better but I wanted stability. Since I had a black background, I jist wrote on a wooden tag and pinned that in there as well.

From Pinterest to Reality {Pumpkin Pie Smoothie}

2011-10-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

It was a rough weekend around our house. We decided that our 15 month old is too old for the bottle and tried to wean her cold turkety, well she showed us. She is currently on strike and won't touch a drop of milk, which she loves, from a sippy cup. It is a stalemate similar to the Cuban Missle Crisis--so far neither side has given in, but it is safe to say we are all miserable. So in an effort to please somebody, I tried these pumpkin pie smoothies for my hubby.

From Pinterest:

RedheadRecipes.com via Kara O'Bryan via Pinterest

To Reality:

Umm, I probably wouldn't make it again. It had a too sweet fruity aftertaste--from what I don't know. It didn't really taste like pumpkin pie to me or to my hubby. Neither of us finished it. But we tried. I think I will stick to some other pumpkin recipes to help me live in the "fall" moment.

From Pinterest to Reality {Another hair style attempt}

2011-10-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

I realized this morning that another hair post might be in order(after waking up to my typically messy second day hair). I also realized that my bathroom lighting is atrocious and not owning a full length mirror is an issue. So excuse my horribly lit self portraits!

From Pinterest:

Nordstrom via Ashley McCaffey via Pinterest

To reality: I used by Goody Spin Pins to create a messy bun and added my jeweled headbands. The headbands definitely dress up the messy bun look and make you look pulled together. I bought these jeweled headbands on clearance at Ann Taylor LOFT for my brother's wedding so I am glad I got to use them again! And the compliments from my female students have been rolling in.

From Pinterest to Reality {A Hair Do}

2011-10-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

Note to self, perhaps trying a new hair style on the morning where your baby has been waking every 2 hours and you spent the early evening on the couch in pain is not the best idea. But that being said, my hair has 2 styles--blown out and down, or twisted up with a clip--nothing in between...

From Pinterest: totally in love with this easy yet put together style:

Its The Small Things Blog via Pinterest

To Reality:

Please excuse the awful lighting in our school's faculty restroom, I forgot to take pics at home, and my bangs decided not to cooperate today.

Her tutorial is awesome, video and pictures and easy to follow directions. I didn't get as much volume as she did and I am sure the back of my hair isn't as clean as hers. But overall I am pleased with how it turned out and will definitely try it again when I am not so rushed.

From Pinterest to Reality {Sketch Scrapbook Page}

2011-10-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

I think I need another board for my pins...I love Digital Scrapbooking, almost as much as I love Pinterest!! I am a huge fan of templates, it allows me to focus on my pictures and my journaling. I am not the best photographer, but I love using my pictures to tell a story. I am pretty much self taught--following tutorials here and there. I made a book for Elle last year documenting her first year(I am a little behind this year)... And when I pinned this, I knew I had to try it.

From Pinterest:

Via Daily Digi via Pinterest

To Reality:

... a page from our mini vacay to Ouray. I downloaded the free action mentioned on the tutorial and read the other tutorials, I still haven't figured out the blending mask(I used a template that had one) and coloring the background of my original picture so it looks like a sketch directly onto the page. But I like the effect. It definitely adds something to a page! It took me about 30 minutes playing with the action and sketch picture and then another 30 minutes using the template to make my page.
Materials: Jenn Lindsay Temp Blends 3 plus 1 template, Ronna Penner's Express Yourself Kit(part of Digi Files)

From Pinterest to Reality {Big Chocolate Chip Cookie}

2011-10-10T17:39:00.001-07:00

I have a thing for sweets, OK perhaps more than a thing, you might characterize it as a love affair. And my Pinterest recipe board proves it, as it is mostly dessert recipes! And there simply isn't a better dessert sometimes than a chocolate chip cookie, unless you happen to have a cast iron skillet and want to make a big chocolate chip cookie!

Pinterest:

Sophistimom via Sarah Devore via Pinterest

Reality: I have used the more expensive Guittard Chocolate Chips and regular old Nestle Tollhouse Chips--both equally as good! This is a very quick easy dessert to throw together! Even my hubby who isn't a sweets person likes this dessert!

From Pinterest to Reality: Halloween Crafts

2011-10-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to Pinterest!
In case you don't know what it is, it is a social networking site that allows you to "pin" pictures instead of bookmarking a website. You "pin" to boards to categorize your ideas.
I spend a lot of time "pinning" and not so much doing, so I decided to dedicate the next 30 days to trying to do some of my pins. So here we go...

My PIN via eighteen25 via Pinterest

My Reality! Pretty inexpensive, the tags are a free printable and I already had the ribbon and distressing ink. The small hand sanitizers were 8 for $5 and the larger soaps were on sale for $2.85! A lovely surprise for my coworkers this am!!

Scrapping Our SD Trip

2011-09-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Months later...Our South Dakota Trip!

SimplyTiffanyStudios_52_Template_19 and A Perfect Day Kit by designs by Anita

deep musings at 3 am

2011-09-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Let me set the scene...3:45 am and a piercing cry rings out through our slumber filled quiet apartment. The type of cry that sets adrenaline and cortisol racing through my bloodstream as I stumble around trying not to wake my husband and trying to find the orajel and the baby motrin and the dropper thingee all the while that scream keeps ringing out. The scream that tells me Elle needs me desperately and is not going to soothe herself back to sleep as she normally would. So we take up residence on the glider--blanket, orajel, and a bottle in hand. In the dark we rock, trying to calm down. I think to myself wow babies are heavy--physically and emotionally. As Elle digs her face into my collarbone, trying to find that perfect comfort place, as I try to balance her on one arm and get comfortable enough to sleep on a rocker, she is heavy physically. As I feel her relax back to sleep but instantly tense if I make any move, she is heavy emotionally. I want so desperately to go back to sleep, as I watch the minutes tick closer to the point where sleep will be meaningless as my ridiculously early alarm will be going off; I think who am I to deny her this comfort of being cuddled and rocked. Should I put her back in her crib when she obviously will cry for awhile so I can try to sleep for 40 minutes more or do I stay on the rocker for awhile giving my baby the comfort she is seeking? It is a lot to handle emotionally, especially at 4 in the morning.

Fit Friday!

2011-08-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Via Pinterest

It has been a hard week, my vacation eating was not good and the stress of being on vacation(and having a baby who decided that vacation means not sleeping) led me to more bad eating and no gym time to deal with the stress led me into a downward spiral. And the bad part is that I knew it was coming and I knew what was happening and I was well aware of my choices and made them anyway. I think that is the hard part of weight loss/maintaining for me. My head. But I am back and actually gained only just over 3 pounds(which I was shocked to see this morning). So back on plan--eating my points and working out. It is my last week to try to hit the gym 2 times a day or at least hit classes when I can. So I am in. I am hoping just to lose what I gained back and then work from there. I am beginning to think my body hit a set point at 170--I just seem to jump around it but not really get below it. And I am not sure I am willing to make drastic diet choices and spend my downtime in the gym instead of with my family for those last 5 pounds. I am having a body fat test done Monday and plan on talking to my doctor about it.

But I think I am happy there. Some friends of mine started a blog called Cut The Crap, they post about their honest and realistic weight loss journeys. It is really inspiring--I remember being there and all their struggles strike a chord with me. But my friend Amanda's post yesterday made me think: she writes "I will be a stronger version of her, one who appreciates what she has when she has it. I can be skinny and fit into that dress, but I will do it with much more self-confidence than she ever did." And I so agree, I look at older and sometimes skinnier pictures of myself and think, "Why didn't I love myself more?" I am loving what my body has accomplished, I have had a beautiful baby and now have lived up to my commitment of 6 months of weight lifting class. And have self confidence that I never had when I was younger--I just need to remember that!

Fit Friday!

2011-07-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Via Pinterest

In the craze of post birthday party/company visiting and prepping for our now postponed CA trip, I managed to get to the gym 3 days this week. Monday I went to a killer kickboxing class and then later for a weights class, Tuesday I went to Spin, and Wednesday I went to Body Pump(I slept through my alarm for early kickboxing though). According to my heart monitor I burned over 1800 calories. And according to my scale I am down 2 pounds. I am still 6 pounds from my "goal weight". But I am lower than my pre-pregnancy weight and have stayed below that since March. But these last 10 to my goal have been killer. Any advice?

Scrapping Elle's Birthday

2011-07-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

I clipped images of people's birthday wishes from my facebook page and then used a picture of her as a background.
The second one is using SimplyTiffany's 52 Templates 19 and Meredith Cardall's What a Hoot Kit. I really like how much space I had to journal and use 6 pictures from the day--I think it really tells the story of her party!

Scrapping 12 Months!!

2011-07-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the free kit on Design House Digital Today--Kate Teague's Just Circles. I could make this page in about 30 minutes. The papers and elements are from Meredith Cardall's What a Hoot!

What a Difference a Year Makes

2011-07-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

To my beautiful daughter Elle,
A year ago I couldn't wait to hear your cry(it made me cry tears of joy), now I can't wait for your laughter(it makes me smile).
A year ago I couldn't wait to see your face, now I still can't wait to see your face!
A year ago I couldn't wait to cuddle you, now I can't wait for you to settle down to cuddle again!

In the past year, I wondered if I would ever get a full nights sleep again, now I love waking up(in the morning after several hours of sleep) to see what today will bring for us.
In the past year, I wondered if I could be a good mommy, now I try to accept the doubt and make our own way with everything.
In the past year, I have wondered and worried about every milestone, now I try to remember that you are your own person and are doing it your way.

I always knew I wanted to be a mom, I never knew it would be so amazing.
I always knew I wanted a family, I never knew it would be so full of love.
I always knew it would be hard, I never knew how hard.(BUT SO WORTH IT!!)

I love you with all my heart and beyond, Elle Belle!

A video recap of year 1

2011-07-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

A more reflective post to come later...

look what I made

2011-07-07T12:44:00.001-07:00

Using this tutorial, I tried my hand at some subway art for Elle's party this weekend. I matched the colors to her invite and the fonts are Hoswer, Crazy Milktop Girl, and Chewy Stewie!

Favorite Baby Gear

2011-07-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Another birthday week post! Since I know several people who will be having babies soon and might need some recommendations on what pieces of baby gear we used.

We love our Chicco Key Fit Travel System--I know a lot of people are down on travel systems but I think it is the way to go. The stroller is the highest handles we found so we aren't stooping over to walk with the stroller. It is easy to open one handed and although it takes up room in our Prius, we have plenty of space for suitcases, groceries, etc. And Elle still fits in the infant seat! We also bought a jogger from a friend, which we use for 5Ks and hikes and stuff but it is not as good as the Chicco in my opinion.

(ours is the red color Fuego)

The Bumbo chair was one of the best things we bought. I even bought it at a second hand store so we saved some. Elle wanted to sit up but needed support so this worked well. We could put her on the table while we ate and she could see everyone and she could sit up and play.

We were really lucky that Elle loved the swing. She spent many hours in it and even napped in it at the beginning. The reason we chose this one is because it plugged in, so we could leave it on for hours! Fisher Price iGlide--it even has 2 modes--swinging and gliding.

This high chair, the Fisher Price Space Saver. We have a pub style table and there aren't high chairs that tall. Plus this is easy to clean and put away if we need to. It is comfortable for Elle.

We did have a bouncer seat for her when she was little, I used it mostly when I was in the shower but Elle didn't care for it much.

What I have learned about being a mom

2011-07-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

It is Elle's Birthday week so I have a lot of fun and sentimental posts planned.

One year ago today I was trying to rest and relax in preparation for Elle to arrive but we moved into a new apartment the week before so there was so much to do.

Which is the first thing I learned--moving the weeks before your baby arrives is not ideal but I am glad we didn't wait because I imagine moving with a newborn would be worse.

2. I was not able to really decorate the nursery of my dreams(and in fact most of the crafts and decorations I made are still not hung) but the reality is we don't spend much time in her room at all. She sleeps in there and we change her and get her dressed. It isn't big enough to have a rocker in there so I am glad we didn't really spend a lot of money or time in that room. As she gets older, I think she will appreciate a decorated room a lot more.

3. I am a working, formula feeding, disposable diaper using mom. And proud of my choices because they are right for my family. But as a mom it seems every choice you make opens you up to a lot of criticism and side looks when other moms don't agree. You will answer a million questions about your baby and what they are doing and not doing and how much they weigh. And if you are a mom, you know what I mean and will get a chuckle out of this video...

4. Baby advice books are 100% right and 100% wrong depending on your kiddo and you and your family. The only 1 I used was The Happiest Baby on the Block. In the end, you decide what works for you and what doesn't. So look at a bunch but don't feel bad if it doesn't work or don't agree.

5. Your life will change but it is a good change. We do a lot of the same things we used to do prebaby we just do them with Elle and with a lot more equipment. I think our ability to eat out in restaurants may be ending as she is now mobile and not a fan of staying in the high chair. We have traveled in the car and flown several times. We have hiked. That being said I do miss being able to read on the plane or airport and going to the movies.

6. Your marriage/relationship will change. In good ways, but it is an adjustment and you have to make your marriage a priority too. It is easy to get lost when you are so focused on taking care of a baby and suffering from lack of sleep. Days when you just hope for a shower mean romance is on the back burner, but you have to be there as a spouse not just a parent.

7. Having a baby can be isolating. I spend a lot of time in my apartment with her, especially in the beginning but even now when it is 100 degrees and a park play date is just not going to happen. You have to ask for help; you will be amazed at what people will do for you--cook, clean, hold the baby so you can shower or sleep, babysit so you can get a pedicure, let you cry and tell you it will be alright.

8. Baby stuff takes over your house. Elle doesn't even have that many toys but our apartment looks like 1 big toystore/playground. And some days the most interesting toys are tags and empty boxes.

9. You will get excited and cheer some pretty unusual things; swallowing food, poopy diapers, sitting up, "words" they say, taking a nap.

10. You can't imagine how much you will love being a mom.

June Reads

2011-06-30T14:49:00.001-07:00

My goal is 100 for the year, I have read 61 so far(15 this month)! My favorites this month Divergent and The Midwife's Confession

Amy's june-11 book montage

Amy's favorite books »

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What I learned from Swim Lessons

2011-06-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

1. The indoor pool in Fruita rocks: no sun, warm water, and big enough for a lot to be going on and we still had our own area for the babies.

2. It is important to have many cute bathing suits when you have 8 classes in a row!

3. There is an apparent mommy dress code that does not include bikinis--every other mom was wearing a tankini or long sports bras and jogging shorts. I didn't get the memo, and rocked my bikini. In no way do I have a great bikini body but it took me 30 years to gain the confidence to wear one so I do. And felt great, until the teenage older sisters started joining our class...looks like I need a little more time in the gym.

4. My irregularly napping baby did not like class scheduled during her "nap" time. Of course every other day she would fight sleep.

5. My girl is a social animal, she much preferred looking at other babies,getting the lifeguards to hold her, and smiling at everyone than working on her kicks and floats.

6. She is definitely her father's daughter, she is fascinated by how everything works--the rope with floats, the splash pad, the sprinklers, the lights--again way more interesting than learning to blow bubbles.

I wish I had more pictures, but I was by myself so just imagine...

Eating your fruits and veggies

2011-06-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

Who knew that Grand Junction had a produce coop? I didn't until a couple weeks ago. This Saturday we got our first basket from Bountiful Baskets(They have locations in a lot of places, so check 'em out!) We got apples, mangos, bananas, plums, strawberries, blackberries, 3 heads of lettuce, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, and green onions--all for $15! My husband was like how are we going to eat all of this! But that is a good problem to have--especially since I am doing Weight Watchers(almost everything we got is 0 points!!)

So I have made some salads--this Raspberry Walnut dressing is awesome--I throw in some blue cheese crumbles, green apple, and top with walnuts! And I had made some Buffalo Chicken Tenders and homemade Blue cheese Dressing--we just chopped these into a salad with tomatoes and chopped carrots.

And some yogurt parfaits with our berries!

And some smoothies--found this in Fitness Magazine--1 cup of mango, 1 cup of pineapple, 1 cup of yogurt, and 2 cups of ice--YUMM!!

Plus on their facebook pages, people trade recipes for the week's baskets.

wanna win a smart trike?

2011-06-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

My trendy tykes is giving one away! Head on over there and enter!!

House Hunting Disapointment

2011-06-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

So I blogged about the beginning of our house hunting adventure here. Well we found a house, exactly what we wanted and for a great price. It seemed too good to be true. We knew there were multiple offers but we still thought ours would win.(You should know I get emotionally invested easily). Well it didn't. There was an all cash offer, which we can't compete with. After our realtor called and told me and then said I know there is a better one out there for you, I still cried. And cried. And was bummed the whole evening(and truthfully still bummed). It may have been compounded by Grandmaster Bass neighbors blasting their music which meant Elle did not get a good nap and neither did mommy. (I am scared of them now so I didn't go down and ask them to turn it down--apartment life is getting old).

I know that things don't work out the first time and I know there may be a better house out there. But it is kind of like when I was waiting for Kevin to propose. I "knew" it was going to happen, but every birthday or holiday or anniversary that went by with no ring was hard. It is kind of like when we were trying to have Elle and seeing the negative tests, we knew it would happen eventually but it is still disappointing each time you see no. And of course in both these cases, things worked out. I wish I could be as confident as our realtor and friends, who say your house is still out there; but I am not there yet. I need a little more time to mope. On the plus side, I didn't turn to ice cream or chocolate to mope!

Food Issues

2011-06-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

And they aren't mine!

Elle is almost a year old, and could care less about eating food. At daycare she will eat stage 2 fruits and veggies and sometimes more than 1. With me, I am lucky to get her to finish a stage 1. I offer her whatever we are eating, is possible. I offer her puffs, cheese crumbles, beans, tortillas, pizza crusts, bananas, pastas. And nothing. I know I shouldn't compare her to others, I just see many babies eating way more than my little one. It causes me anxiety, which she can probably sense which is why she probably doesn't eat for me. We have finally found a sippy cup that works, if only it wasn't so fun to spit out the water all over herself! Any advice or resources?

Pinnable Me--On my Craft List

2011-06-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Etsy via me via Pinterest
i want to use this fabric to make these

Sewing in No man's Land via me via Pinterest

and I would love to try these
JameeHomemakerBlog via Kelly Rogers via Pinterest

Join the link up party at paw prints and pastry bags

Elle's Year 1 Book!!

2011-06-22T19:36:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Cover: Sweet Little Birdies Announcement from Hello Love Designs (etsy)

Page 6-7: Template: Tiffany Tillman LeftyRighty 5
Papers and Elements: Bella Gypsy Sunshine Sorbet

Page 8: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 10
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 9: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates 25DaysTemplate_001
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 10: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 10
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 11: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 4
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 12: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Scrappable Template
Papers and Elements: Golden Girls Little Spooks

Page 13: Layout inspired by desktop download from Golden Girls Blog
Papers and Elements Golden Girls Little Spooks and Custom Cutie

Page 14: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 24
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 15: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 24
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 16: Template: AN Quirky Tags (DHD)
Papers and Elements: Jennifer Labre Designs A Touch of Spice

Page 17: Template: Jenn Lindsey Temp Blends 3 Plus 1
Papers and Elements: Shabby Princess The Promise Collection

Page 18: Layout inspired by Desktop download
Papers and Elements: Santa’s Grotto Collab Kit (After 5 designs)

Page 19: Template: Jenn Lindsey Temp Blends
Papers and Elements: Santa’s Grotto Collab Kit

Page 20: Template: Kwresh tdd 22
Papers and Elements: Ellie Lash Jolly Holiday

Page 21: Template: Jenn Lindsey DAY3_tempblends_holidays2010(free download from her blog)
Papers and Elements: ellie Lash Jolly Holiday

Page 22: Template: Jenn Lindsey Temp Blends 2 plus 1
Papers and Elements: Santa’s Grotto Collab Kit

Page 23: Christmas Card—Shutterfly

Page 24: Template: Splendid Fiins
Papers and Elements: And Everything Nice

Page 25: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 24
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 26: Template and Papers and Elements: Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday #15

Page 27: Template: Tiffany Tillman Holiday Templates 11
Papers and Elements: Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday #15

Page 33 : Template: Tiffany Tillman Simply Tiffany Studios 52 Template 7

Papers and Elements: Tiffany Tillman Pink Snow
Fonts: Smiley Monster and Pea Alesea

Page 34 : Template: Simply Tiffany Studios Template 9
Papers and Elements: Golden Girls Bunny Trails
Fonts: Futura Medium and Hula Skirt Girl

Page 35: Template: SimplyTiffany Studios 52 Template 8
Papers and Elements: Golden Girls Bunny Trails Kit
Fonts: Howser and Futura

Page 36: Quickpage from DHD international Scrapbooking Day Blog Hop (Shannon Dombkowski)

Page 37: Quickpage from DHD international Scrapboking Day Blog Hop ( Jen Papadimitriou)

Page 38: Template: Tiffany Tillman Holiday Templates 17
Papers and Elements: As Sweet As Can Be
Fonts: Annoying Kettle

Page 39: Template: Simply Tiffany Studios 52 Template 12
Papers and Elements: Meredith Cardall Designs Poppy Kit

Page 40: Template: Tiffany Tillman Holiday Templates 17
Papers and Elements: As Sweet As Can Be

Garden Photo Shoot

2011-06-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

I was so lucky to find Casey of Legacy Photography 11 months ago after Elle was born. She has a special for babies, we get pictures taken about every 3 months and then at the year she will put together a collage of your baby growing. I couldn't believe the great price and when we go in we don't just take a couple pictures and go--we do full on ohoto shoots with outfit changes and "sets" and this time we hit the Botanical Gardens for this series. If you live in the Grand Valley, check her out you won't regret it. Plus if you like her page on Facebook, she is doing a Winning Wednesday giveaway!!

home is where the heart is

2011-06-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

So this weekend we headed over the mountains to Denver to attend a graduation party and Father's Day with the inlaws and it really got me thinking how much I miss Denver. At the party, I saw many of my favorite former students, students who I was very close to--girls that I coached who would hang out after practice and even after the season to talk with me, girls(now young women) who still email and text me. I am not that same teacher anymore. Moving to Grand Junction and starting a new teaching job gave me some distance--I did not have to be the hyper involved new teacher anymore, I could take time to find my place. Having a baby gave me even more distance, I love my job but my priorities are different--I don't take everything so life or death stress level serious. I am still connected to my students but in a more measured way. But part of me misses the teacher that I was.

And I miss the big city life. On Sunday, I met a friend at a great park playground to play--a playground that was close to a pond that we could have paddle boated on, a playground with SHADE!, a playground surrounded by miles of walking paths and gardens. And I chose that over the zoo. I miss the funky little restaurants and fun things to do that Denver has. And I miss the network of friends that I had. In 7 years, I had built up a network that was more than just the people I teach with. I know that making friends and building that back up takes time--and I love my friends here--it is just different.

I miss being close to family, we chose to move away and live away from both sets of parents. But it would be really nice to get a couple of hours, a night, or even a weekend away together without a baby. And without family around that seems next to impossible.

I thought I would be over this move by now, it has been over 3 years. Maybe it was just a lack of sleep on vacation, or getting to eat at some favorite restaurants, or driving by old haunts? (And I didn't even have time to shop!) Anyone else ever feel this way?

Now that we are looking into buying a home, it seems more permanent. And I fully believe in the sentiment that home is where the heart is. And I know I love our life here and want to raise Elle here, but sometimes I just wish for a little more.

Pinnable Me--1st Birthday Inspiration

2011-06-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

We are in the midst of party planning for the Elle Belle, here are pictures I have "pinned" to help me plan the party.

Party Invite Picture(we did one in the botanical gardens today!!)
Source

Cake Idea(former student is going to make for me!)
Source

Would love to do a dessert buffet!
Source

Join the link up party at paw prints and pastry bags

Read this Book!!

2011-06-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome book. I read it in a day and a half and if I didn't have a baby crawling all over totally interested in my books I would have read it nonstop! In the vein of Hunger Games, it takes place in a dystopian future where young people have to choose a faction to belong to for the rest of their lives. The factions are coolly named for the personality trait that they believe is most important: abnegation, amity, candor, erudite, dauntless. But the main character's test proves she is something different--a divergent. The story of her choice, its implications, and the results of a segregated society provide intrigue and end in a war. I believe this is going to be a series...

If I could choose again...

2011-06-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

...I would still choose you!

Happy Anniversary Kevin!

I created this cool Google search story for our anniversary, but they only give you 7 searches and our 3 years encompassed way more than those. And since my husband is kind of shy--I will share what I think his search terms were.
He searched: finding rational women in Denver, CO
He searched: OK so she is a little emotional, now what
I searched: dating an engineer
I searched: what is Formula 1
He searched: first Valentine's Day Gifts
I searched:airfares to California
He searched: installing and finishing drywall
I searched:paint colors
He searched: engagement rings
He searched: Custer, South Dakota
I searched: surviving the end of the school year
I searched: wedding venues, photographers, DJs, dresses, bridesmaid dresses,flowers, dresses, first dance songs, dresses
He searched: Catholic wedding requirements
He searched: job openings in CDOT
He searched: cheap apartments in Grand Junction
I searched: long distance relationships
He searched: rental cars(almost every weekend)
I searched: apartments in Grand Junction
I searched: any job in Grand Junction
He searched: honeymoons
He searched: shady beaches
I searched: packing for mystery honeymoon
He searched: surprising your wife with honeymoon
I searched: pregnancy symptoms
He searched: hybrid cars
I searched: nursery ideas for apartments
He searched: nicer apartments in Grand Junction
I searched:recovering from a c-section
He searched: panic attacks
I searched: weaning your baby
He searched: getting your baby to sleep
I searched: daycares
He searched: daycares
I searched: workout plans for getting your prebaby body back
He searched: workout wear to reward wife
Together we are searching: new homes!
You can make your own Google search story here!

House Hunting

2011-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

I am sure I am not the first to make this comparison, but house hunting is a lot like dating.

You do your research, you look at tons of "profiles" and pictures or you have someone do that for you like a matchmaker. We have been lucky to find a great one, I emailed her all our little things we look for and look to avoid and she would point them out when we look at houses.

You figure out your dealbreakers and your "can live withs". For us, the dealbreaker is space and openness(much like height was for me in dating--hey I am a tall girl and I don't live in flats!). It is really important that our house feel open and have space--we want to always be a part of the action even when we are in the kitchen. We also want space for all our stuff--our living room has become toy central and there is nowhere else to put it--in fact we have a storage unit and use Elle's room as a storage stash(because she is too young to care). We are learning things we can live with as we start to look at houses.

We are finding in our area, alot of short sales. Which we are learning are anything but "short" timeline wise. It must be due to the oil and gas boom and bust cycles in our area.

I guess we continue to date around awhile before we really find "the one." We are definitely ready to settle down and spread out, so wish us luck!

ambitious results

2011-06-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I posted my proposed workout schedule for the week:

with a few changes, like Wednesday's early am kickboxing didn't happen so I swapped in a spin class and Thursday morning's early spin class didn't happen and I planned on going to a kickboxing class in the afternoon but that didn't happen--due to nap time. And Saturday morning's kickboxing didn't happen due to an asthma attack--but it was a good week. I burned 2245 calories--1 hour and 45 minutes in the moderate heart rate zone(fat burning), 1hour and 18 minutes in the high zone(shooting for more there next week), and a little over an hour in the light zone. I lost 3.2 pounds. Counting points definitely helped.

Here is what I am shooting for this week:
I maybe able to do more on Tuesday and Thursday when Elle goes to daycare, but I need to finish one book and one paper for grad school. I want to get really ahead of the exercise before we leave for a weekend in Denver that I know will be all eating out--and although I am capable of making good choices--3 meals out is never good for the weight loss.

What motherhood means to me this morning

2011-06-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have a heavy heart this week. 2 friends have lost their babies way too early, another close friend is having a miserable start to her pregnancy, and a couple others have had disappointing cycles again with no results.
I feel blessed to have my Elle Belle. So with my night with the monitor I awoke at 3 for that space between sleep and awakeness to wait for the inevitable crying. Elle has been waking around 3 am for some reason this week(I am attributing it to a growth spurt since she is starving or to the fact that she has started cruising and I read somewhere when they are going through developmental changes it affects their sleep and will pass). so I laid awake until the monitor went off--I thought I got off scott free until 3 fire trucks went roaring past our apartment with lights and sirens blazing. And up Elle went.
So I took an extra few minutes in the glider early this morning. A few extra quiet cuddle moments and kisses when she wasn't squirming away. I guess I should thank God for the kick in the pants to be grateful and still.

Scrapping 11 Months

2011-06-10T06:04:00.001-07:00

11 Months Old

2011-06-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Another early morning Elle Belle--you don't seem to understand that summer vacation means you can sleep in. Of course you were able to go back to sleep while Mommy wasn't.

You are now almost 18 pounds(according the scale at the doctor's after our ER visits). This month saw you really getting a hang of the crawling thing, you come home from daycare with dirty feet and red knees from your explorations.

You also pull yourself up on almost anything, in fact I caught you climbing on your play kitchen the other day. One foot on the stove, one on the trashcan, climbing to the TV. Just today, I watched you hang onto your play table, the TV stand, and the ottoman to "walk" 5 feet over and over again.

As you can tell, you won't sit still for my monthly pictures anymore, and you could care less about my blocks. You have grown so fast, in fact this is the last one, because next month you will be a year old! AHHHH!!

You also talk all the time, you have quite the stories and so many expressions. You "yell" to emphasize things and clap and wave your hands when you want attention.

But I think the best of all is that when one of us comes into the room, you reach up with your arms to us. I love being your mommy!
Off to scrap this!!

Scapping Elle's Discovery of a Mirror

2011-06-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

Simply Tiffany Template 12(from her blog) and Meredith Cardall Designs Poppy Kit

ambitious much?

2011-06-05T07:20:00.001-07:00

So the end of the school year and its stress and my unhealthy ways of dealing with it resulted in a few more pounds on the scale then I want. And its summer and I have a wedding to attend and I want to look great, so here is my workout schedule for this upcoming week. It may be a tad over ambitious--but I am an overachiever, wish me luck!

I cook/bake because I love

2011-05-22T17:41:00.001-07:00

And so today I spent 3 hours in my kitchen
I made this for later this week and to bring to a friend who will appreciate it

credit

and these for fun

credit

and this and this for dinner tonight

and because my husband asked a cocktail--3 parts margarita mix 1 part rum--blend with ice!

A new obsession

2011-05-20T10:37:00.001-07:00

Do you have a Pinterest account?
I do. For years I have kept binders of inspiration pictures, bookmarked sites, and starred blog posts that had ideas for someday, but this is so much better! You "pin" pictures you love and it creates a virtual inspiration board with the links!

I have boards for style, for our someday home, for the elle belle,and a couple more.

You can follow people and repin thinsg you like, I admit I get on several times a day and pin around.
You can follow me if you want...if you need an invite, let me know.

Spring Loves!

2011-05-18T19:32:00.001-07:00

Spring Loves! by amybyrd featuring knee length denim skirts

Ann Taylor LOFT flower print dress
$69 - anntaylorloft.com

Ann Taylor LOFT animal print top
$44 - anntaylorloft.com

Top
$40 - anthropologie.com

Ann Taylor LOFT knee length denim skirt
$49 - anntaylorloft.com

Ann Taylor loft
$69 - anntaylorloft.com

Ann Taylor LOFT seersucker pants
$69 - anntaylorloft.com

scrapping {sleeping beauty}

2011-05-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to another awesome quickpage from DHD International Scrapbooking Day's Blog Hop. I was inspired by Shannon Dombkowski's layout and I had almost the exact picture that I had snapped of Elle's unusual naptime!

wow 10 months old!

2011-05-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

So Elle is 10 months old--a whole school year old! She is 17 and half pounds according to our scientific system at home of weighing ourselves with her and subtracting our weight--hey we'll take it! Love you sweet pea!!

Template: Tiffany Tillman Holiday Templates 17
Papers and Elements: As Sweet As Can Be
Fonts: Annoying Kettle

scrapping our {mother's day}

2011-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jen Papadimitriou for this awesome quick page for interNational Scrapbooking Day, I was able to get this page done in no time and with the perfect saying!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

Source

I have been a very lucky mom, to have so many examples from all my angel mothers!

April Reads

2011-05-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Amy's april-11 book montage

Amy's favorite books »

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Scrapping our {Easter} Part 2

2011-04-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

SimplyTiffany Studios 52 Template 8--free download from her blog expired 4/21
Golden Girls Bunny Trails Kit
Fonts: Howser and Futura

Not totally sure of my colors and papers here, recolored the stitching and brush strokes but not sure if it all works together. If you have any feedback, let me know!

Scrapping our {Easter} Part 1

2011-04-25T16:58:00.001-07:00

Template: Simply Tiffany Studios Template 9(Free on her blog til Thurs 4/28)
Kit: Golden Girls Bunny Trails
Fonts: Futura Medium and Hula Skirt Girl

Crafting for Easter

2011-04-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

So I have bookmarks and pins galore on crafts I was going to make for Easter. This is the one I have actually got done so far...
and it took me less than 5 minutes!

Here was my inspiration...

Credit

I bought some peanut M and M's, Hershey's Eggs, Peeps, and Easter Marshmallows at the store. I had this cool vase from my Birthday flowers. I poured in a layer of M and Ms, chocolate eggs, more M and M's, more eggs than the marshmallows and created a place for the peeps to stand up in. Tied a ribbon around it and put it on my table! I found some printable tags I liked but haven't used them yet!

Scrapping our Durango Trip

2011-04-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Template: Tiffany Tillman Simply Tiffany Studios 52 Template 7
Papers and Elements: Tiffany Tillman Pink Snow
Fonts: Smiley Monster and Pea Alesea

9 Months and a couple days...

2011-04-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

A Weekend Getaway

2011-04-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

So we all headed to Durango, CO this past this weekend. We left in the afternoon, so luckily Elle slept through most of the drive--which involves some beautiful scenery but 3 mountain passes where there is too little guardrail for my comfort. I was worried that I would have to come up with ways occupy an increasingly mobile 9 month old in a hotel room most of the day but it was a great weekend. Here is what we did...

we got up and got dressed (in one of our many Auntie shirts) and headed out for breakfast. Elle then crashed for a morning nap (an hour and a half!!) which allowed me to finish 1 book and start another and then grab some zzz's myself. We then bundled up and headed out to walk around town. We got some books and book recommendations at a cute book store, wandered through a baby boutique, and then hit the candy store for my favorite...

Non-pariels, which I can't find anywhere in Grand Junction(if anyone knows where I can find some let me know, or more importantly let my husband know!) Unfortunately, the drive back over the previously mentioned 3 mountain passes was a white knuckle, blizzardy experience in which we had the heater blasting and my candy melted into one soupy mess:(.

We headed back to our hotel room where we made some calls...

we played with Sally the Seal...

and then crashed for an afternoon nap..

and so did mommy. I can never seem to nap at home, my mind races with all the things around the apartment that need to be done or put away or finished, the recipes to file, the papers to write, the outgrown clothes to go through, etc--so much so that I sometimes get paralyzed and do nothing. My husband of course can fall asleep at the drop of a hat and is always after me to nap. When I told him I took 2 naps that day, he cheered. Mini-vacations are so calming--my mind doesn't race because there is nothing I can do but nap!

Moms Worth Mentioning

2011-04-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to my friend and colleague Allison. Allison just started what she calls her therapy blog about her "new world of raising a handicapped child". Her posts make you think about the world we live in and how she and her family will navigate it all.

And yes I stole your facebook profile pic!

Allison was one of the first people I talked to when it felt like my world was crashing down with Elle. She was born so small and then kept losing weight and then we found out I wasn't really producing milk. And I felt like a failure. I happened to be on Facebook in a rare moment of being alone as a new mom--dad and baby both napping. And up popped Allison on my chat. I don't remember what we talked about or the advice she gave me. I remember sitting there crying and thinking woe is me, when she said "I never thought my second baby would have any problems after having a "normal" first." And it snapped me right back. I had known things were going on with her second, but I really had no idea. We talked some more and I left with a lighter heart.

She is just an amazing woman. She is a mom that loves with all her heart and has accepted this angel and just plans on running with it. I know she has hard days and days when she probably just cries. I wish you all had a chance to meet her in person. I fall apart over sniffles and ear infections, and she faces a much bigger challenge with grace. She asks why, she talks about her feelings after Lucy was born and the challenge to just be happy. Check out her blog, I know you will admire Allison as much as I do.

March Reads

2011-04-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Amy's mar-11 book montage

Amy's favorite books »

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My Husband Rocks Friday!

2011-04-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this in awhile, but my hubby does rock!
Why does he rock this week? Well I was able to get up and hit my favorite gym class--Body Pump at 5:15 this am(I know a little crazy--but it is me time and worth it!) because he is going to get Elle up and off for daycare--maybe not a big deal to some people--but that is usually my job in the morning because of our schedules. So thanks honey, you rock!
Does your hubby rock?--Write a blog post and link up I would love to read some!

A Legacy

2011-03-31T06:18:00.001-07:00

So yesterday was a tough teaching day. I teach a class called AVID(Advancement via Individual Determination). It is a class meant to address kids in the middle, kids who would be first generation college students, kids who need to develop the skills to go to college because they want to but don't have the resources to do it on their own. I work with my students on note taking, critical reading skills, working in tutorials, leadership skills, and advocacy skills. The program is a huge success in a lot of schools with most AVID students going to college and completing degrees. So you have an idea of what it means to some students I found this video some kids in CA made... Anyways, yesterday we got word that the high school our students go on to is dropping AVID--leaving the kids we have been working with for 2 years without a place. At the most critical point in their academic careers. So I was feeling pretty low about teaching and what I can do for kids last night, when my phone beeped. It was a text from a former student. I had coached her for 3 years in basketball and got to have her in class for a memorable 8th grade year. She was texting me for advice on college and life and making decisions. I didn't have any answers for her, I could just tell her what I thought and that really life is about not knowing what was going to happen and doing it anyway. I haven't had this young lady in class for almost 5 years and here she was reaching out to me. Now this is a special young woman. I used to pour a ton of energy into my teaching and relationships with my students. The girls I coached became my surrogate daughters for awhile. We laughed and cried together, experienced a lot of highs and some lows. They taught me a lot about myself and how to be a good teacher. Now a lot of my energy goes into my own family and not my relatiosnhips with students. I am still a good teacher, I still are for my students but it isn't the same as those years in Denver(and that's OK there is only so much of me to go around).

All of a sudden it made sense. This is why I love my job, this is why I do what I do. Love you Layla--thanks for giving me a reminder of the impact I have had.

Food Issues

2011-03-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Image from here!
I have always struggled with weight always. I went through a period in high school where I worked out compulsively every morning in our garage and ate one meal a day. I gained the Freshman 15(maybe more like 40), hid my body in men's clothes and smiled like it didn't bother me. I gained even more after graduating and working my first real job with time and money to eat lunch out and go out for dinner and drinks with friends. All though that time I worked out, I lifted, I did cardio, I even hired and worked out with a trainer. But I never dealt with my food issues.

After I picked up and moved to Denver, I just decided enough was enough and went to Weight Watchers. After weighing in at a shocking 230 pounds, I started the program. I eventually lost 60 pounds and kept it off. I went through periods where I gained a little more than I would like, and I would renew my commitment to counting points and the weight would come off. I always knew when this happened that there was something else behind the eating, some feelings I wasn't dealing with--stress and unhappiness at my job, moving to a new town after getting married, something that had I really talked about and addressed instead of eating my way through it wouldn't have resulted in a gain at all.

So after having a baby, one of my biggest concerns was my weight. After 8 months, 3 really where I focused on my eating and working out, I was back to my prepregnancy healthy weight. Until today. I have studiously avoided my scale for 3 weeks. I have been feeling down in the dumps and have been eating my way through these feelings--a handful of chocolate chips here, a handful of pretzels there, way too many meals out, a morning mocha latte, a sundae at the end of the day, birthday celebrations that I rationalized having multiple treats at. And so today I stepped on the scale.

I have gained 5 pounds back. 5 pounds that I fought for, skipped dessert for, did extra cardio for, got up at 4:30 to go to the gym before work for. I know its not much and my friends would tell you they can't tell but I can. It represents sadness and stress and a belief that I wasn't worth fighting for.

So today I start anew...

Surviving Turning 35

2011-03-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Remember when birthdays were all about blowing out the candles on your cake and diving into a pile of presents?

This weekend I turned 35. It was an important birthday to me, I feel like this is a turning point age. The age at which we must decide if we are going to have another baby since I will be labeled with the scary "Advanced Maternal Age" and be tested numerous times since its more dangerous to be pregnant at this age. I think it should be relabeled Mature Mom or something. I didn't meet the man of my dreams since I was 30 and we married when we were 32 and had our first when we were 34. I think that is a Mature choice not an Advanced one. Although in high stakes testing land, Advanced is good. Most days I would be happy to get a Partially Proficient score as a Mom.

I expected fireworks and balloons, and cake and candles and singing.

I got a low key celebration at home and a bigger one at school the next day.

I was feeling pretty disappointed and brought it up to my husband about how I had wanted him to make it a bigger deal and put some more thought into it--a very mature thing to do! And then I thought about the non material gifts I got. I mean how can you not be happy with this face!

i have a wonderful husband, a beautiful and happy baby, a supportive family, a job and collegues I love. life is good--even at 35!

Sleep like a baby

2011-03-28T04:40:00.000-07:00

who made up this saying, really? Because they are not the deep quiet sleepers that this phrase calls to mind.

First, let me say I know many moms who have it much worse than me and will roll their eyes with this woe is me post. Elle is normally a good through the night sleeper.

But that being said, every once in awhile...

She wakes up at 2 or 3(which is really the worst time for mama--I think that is my deepest sleep time). SO I drag myself out of bed, feed her 2 ounces(I know THEY say don't feed them in the middle of the night, but THEY don't worry about every ounce my baby has to gain). And put her back down, I don't play with her, I don't turn on lights, I try to make it as business like as possible. I turn on her light and sound machine that is supposed to lull her back to sleep, and the crying begins.

I let it go 15 minutes and I know I am not going back to sleep and neither is she. I know THEY say let them cry, she is fed, warm, safe, etc. But I can't. SO I drag in m big pillow and a blanket and put her on the floor of her room with me. As I watch my baby fight sleep, I fight the clock in my brain that is calculating that if I fall asleep now I can get X minutes of sleep before getting up for the day. Finally with her face smashed against mine we both fall asleep. On the floor, on the giant pillow, with loose blankets(report me now). And then I awake with a start(after what only seems like 10 minutes of glorious sleep which was hopefully 40-60 minutes) realizing I don't have my phone/alarm and I need to wash my hair today. Luckily it is only 10 minutes past my alarm which my husband has graciously turned off and rolled back to sleep.

I rush through my morning routine--making our lunches, breakfasts, sterilizing the bottles, getting ready for the day--while my baby blissfully sleeps on the big pillow in her room. And so does my husband. Now tonight is his night, but she will probably sleep through, saving these early morning floor campouts for mommy!

Scrapping Valentines Day(finally!)

2011-03-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

I have had this awesome template from Jenn Lindsay for awhile and I had pictures, I just haven't had time! This was a picture I took of Elle Belle for Kevin's Valentine's present. It works nicely with this cute template and this Love mini kit from Sara Schmutz.

Book Worm Date

2011-03-16T08:34:00.001-07:00

Inspired by The Dating Diva's date. My sister is in town so we had free babysitting service!! I whipped up an invite, attached it to some sour gummy worms and off we went.

I made up 6 tasks and had Kevin pick a number and off we went! We hunted down crazy book and magazine titles, dream vacation spots, children's books we loved, recipes to try, and future birthday gifts(although my husband picked JWoww's book for me--saying I needed an easy read).

We had so much fun and thanks to a Groupon had 20 bucks to spend. We bought some books for Elle and some of my guilty pleasures(magazines!!)

Crafting for Elle: The alphabet!

2011-03-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

So I sent my friend Shelley of SingleStoneStudios this picture

and explained that I wanted to do something like it, but I didn't have the wall space for all the individual squares and I needed some help with the vinyl. I had previously made this on a canvas for Elle's room(Nursery Tour Video), so I swapped the colors and made this alphabet canvas

--now I just need Kevin to put some wire on the back and actually hang it up!
Thanks Shelley for making my vision a reality!

A somewhat political post

2011-02-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

Many of you may know I am a teacher. You may not know I am a member of a teacher's union. And although I don't always agree with them, I have walked in rallies, stood on street corners with signs, passed petitions, and asked voters to support school bonds. I have been watching the news in Wisconsin and other states unfold this week. I watched the Governors of Wisconsin and New Jersey interviewed on Morning Joe and listened to what they have to say. And it is scary, states are in the hole, public employees cost a lot of money and cuts have to come from somewhere, but breaking unions?

Now here in CO, my district currently pays 75% of my pension deduction each month and they would cover the premium payment on my health insurance if I chose to be in their plan. I am not planning on the state pension plan being around when I retire since I know now that there are 4-5 retirees for every 1 state worker, there is no way that plan can remain solvent. Yet I don't have a choice about contributing. I am not expecting the school district or the state to support me in my retirement. I know that the amount I am contributing will probably have to go up in this next contract.

Now health insurance, I am lucky that I can opt out of our school district's plan. They would cover the cost of my individual premium, which is a great benefit to most people looking in from the outside. Our current plan is a $4000 individual deductible before the plan kicks in--which is a 10% or more paycut for most teachers. If you are covering your family, it is an $8000 deductible and way more out of pocket to pay for the premium. We cover our premiums on dental and vision and any supplemental insurance we choose(like short term disability for example so that you could get some money for say maternity leave). This is what our union negotiated for us last year, I believe it was in exchange for saving jobs for teachers.

Unions and collective bargaining are not the big evil people are trying to make it out. They try to get the best for their members, of course. But they have to look at the same budgets the school district is looking at, otherwise I have to believe my colleagues wouldn't have to choose between antiviral flu medicines and food and gas for their family. I am not expecting the teacher's union to be able to preserve my pay and benefits when the district has to cut $8-$12 million, but I do expect them to try and to fight for teacher's jobs as well as what is best for students--decent class sizes, good teachers, and a fair evaluation system. That is what collective bargaining does--looks at the situation and tries to do the best with it.

What do you think?

7 Months!

2011-02-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

Simply Tiffany Holiday Template 16
Sweet as Can Be Kit
Not His Angel(Fonts for Peas) on date

Elle's Valentine's Present for Daddy!

2011-02-02T17:28:00.001-08:00

Blank Project Canvas Print

Unique party invitations and announcements by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Love in the Air

2011-02-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

I made a Valentine's countdown and last night Kevin and I had to make and exchange Valentines for under a dollar. Well thanks to the girls over at eighteen25, I had this download and made this!

Elle's Year 1 Book so far...

2011-01-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Page 1: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 10
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 2: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Scrappable Template
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 3: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 10
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Page 4-5: Template: Tiffany Tillman LeftyRighty 5
Papers and Elements: Bella Gypsy Sunshine Sorbet(Unavailable now)

Page 6-7: Template: Tiffany Tillman LeftyRighty 5
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Page 11: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 4
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 12: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Scrappable Template
Papers and Elements: Golden Girls Little Spooks

Page 13: Layout inspired by desktop download from Golden Girls Blog
Papers and Elements Golden Girls Little Spooks and Custom Cutie

Page 14: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 24
Papers and Elements: Sweet As Can Be

Page 15: Template: Tiffany Tillman Templates Summer Album 24
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Page 16: Template: Audrey Neal Quirky Tags
Papers and Elements: Jennifer Labre Designs A Touch of Spice Part of the Digi Files 22

Page 17: Template: Jenn Lindsey Temp Blends 3 Plus 1
Papers and Elements: Shabby Princess The Promise Collection

Page 18: Layout inspired by Desktop download
Papers and Elements: Santa’s Grotto Collab Kit (No longer available)After 5 Designs

Page 19: Template: Jenn Lindsey Temp Blends
Papers and Elements: Santa’s Grotto Collab Kit

Page 20: Template: Karen Wresh Part of the DigiFiles 22(no longer available)
Papers and Elements: Ellie Lash Jolly Holiday

Page 21: Template: Jenn Lindsey DAY3_tempblends_holidays2010(free download from her blog)
Papers and Elements: Ellie Lash Jolly Holiday

Page 22: Template: Jenn Lindsey Temp Blends 2 plus 1
Papers and Elements: Santa’s Grotto Collab Kit

Page 23: Christmas Card—Shutterfly

Page 24: Template: Splendid Fiins
Papers and Elements: And Everything Nice

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Page 26: Template and Papers and Elements: Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday #15

Page 27: Template: Tiffany Tillman Holiday Templates 11
Papers and Elements: Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday #15

My sister--AKA Auntie Karen

2011-01-09T16:06:00.000-08:00

My daughter is so lucky to have an Aunt like Aunt Karen. Who spoils her beyond belief but who I also know will be an amazing influence, confidante, and girlfriend to her later in life. She so deserves her own scrapbook layout in Elle's Book...

I took a Photoshop Friday class from Jessica Sprague--Lesson 15 and got the first template and all the papers(I learned how to make a brush into a clipping mask and a sticker. The second page I used a template from Simply Tiffany--Holidays 2010 Template 11. And I used Fonts for Peas--PeaAngeDawn. If you are just starting out I recommend both Jessica's site for mini lessons and Tiffany's Templates for ease and beautiful simple design with a focus on journaling. Tiffany has a great blog--and does giveaways and discount codes!

Oh and Auntie Karen, you may want to hit that Aaron Brother's Sale for some 12 by 12 frames!

2010 in Pictures

2011-01-07T15:28:00.001-08:00

Found this very cool template by Splendid Fiins and added a paper from the And Everything Nice Kit.

Family Session at Olivas Adobe

2011-01-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Family Session at Olivas Adobe Click and see our gorgeous pictures from the talented Katie Moos!

Fun Resolutions!

2011-01-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

I of course have some serious resolutions but I am going to focus on my fun ones!
I have a serious addiction to shopping--I love it, the high of finding the perfect outfit that looks amazing, the thrill of the hunt, the fun of a sale--and the result is I have a closet full of amazing clothes. I resolve to wear everything in my closet this year(with the exception of the bridesmaid dress from my sister's wedding). If something doesn't fit or doesn't look great--it is getting donated. And I will try to buy nothing new until I have gone through everything. One exception is pants and jeans--I will have to wear them more than once(especially when our winter highs are in the teens). And I will try to do a monthly recap in a picture montage.
My other fun resolution is to plan a fun date for my husband each month. His Christmas present from me was a Date of the Month club so I can't really back out. But I want to focus on planning and having fun with him. I will make invites and take pictures so I can give him a little album of what fun we had this year!

What are your fun resolutions?

2010

2011-01-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite years so far:

JANUARY: A few days before January we announced our big news! I had the blog redesigned and posted about this book--one of my favorites of the year.
FEBRUARY: Made some Valentine's crafts, and hosted a Lost Season premier party! We also found out that Baby Byrd was a girl!
MARCH: Wrote this brain dump about all that was going on with me. And read a lot, took a spring break trip to Vegas at the last minute to visit my sister who was also there, and tried to survive the cold that seemed to stick around forever here in Western CO.
APRIL: Found my inspiration for Elle's nursery and the perfect birth announcement. My mother in law threw me a great baby shower.
MAY: Finished the school year, had another great baby shower thrown by my friends and sister, finished the nursery--of course we then decided to move as well. Had another triage visit, and basically had to take it easy which meant I missed field trips and some fun stuff with my students.
JUNE: Read a lot, went to a great week long class in Denver, crafted my heart out (1, 2,3) and wished my parents a happy 35th Anniversary and celebrated 2 years with my wonderful husband!
JULY: Elle was born! And we survived and thrived during some challenges!
AUGUST: Learned to be a mommy!
SEPTEMBER: Adjusted to maternity leave when all my visitors left and Kevin went back to work. Found a play group and made some new friends, and missed school more than I expected.
OCTOBER: Starting to learn how to digital scrapbook, prepared to go back to work, visited a pumpkin patch and dressed Elle up as a sweet pea
NOVEMBER:Started(but never finished) the 30 Day Blog Challenge and went to Moab, UT for Thanksgiving!
DECEMBER: Elle met Santa Claus, I finished my first quarter back at work, and we went to CA for the break!! Christmas was so much more meaningful with the Elle Belle in our lives!

Books of 2010

2010-12-30T19:47:00.000-08:00

Wow it's been awhile since I blogged--the holidays, and school ending, and a more awake and playful baby have kept my attention. I managed to read 147 books this year, 3 short of my goal--and here are my favorite reads from this year. I read a lot of young adult literature this year and they were so good.

5 Months old today!

2010-12-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

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