The Christmas Program

This is the program Amy and I had to throw together in 3 weeks time. We worked really hard on this! Sadly, I only have these pics; I was directing and Bruce was on sound.



And here is my little angel

November Student of the Month!

I know, I am so behind on posts here. Had to share this one, we are so proud!!!

Twirls For Girls

"Twirls for Girls" Campaign to Provide Handmade Clothing for Donated
Dollies

Salt Lake City, Utah. November 16, 2007 -- As part of their ongoing
mission to "make" a difference, a team of crafters/authors from
YouCanMakeThis. com have come together to launch "Twirls for Girls."
This month-long drive is set up to encourage the creation and
donation of handmade doll clothes to Toys for Tots during the holiday
season.

The "Twirls for Girls" website provides free, downloadable patterns
for making simple, yet adorable, doll clothes. The patterns, written
in "eBook" format, include step-by-step instructions so that even
those who are new to sewing will have success with these projects.
The completed items can be taken to any of the 601 Toys for Tots
donation centers nationwide, where they will be matched up with
donated dolls and plush toys. The children who receive the little
pieces of clothing will no doubt have hours of fun playing dress-up
with their new friends.

In addition to the free patterns, YouCanMakeThis. com has specially
priced a selection of patterns for the duration of the drive, and
100% of the proceeds from these patterns will be donated directly to
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The organization will use this
monetary gift to bring Christmas joy to needy girls and boys across
the country.

Participants in this effort are encouraged to share photographs of
their creations on the website. For each item donated, they will
receive an entry into a drawing that will be held at the end of the
drive. YCMT customers who purchase the selected patterns will be
automatically entered as well. So far, 24 sponsors have donated over
$1500 worth of gift certificates as prizes.

The Toys for Tots organization actually started with a handmade rag
doll. In 1947, Diane Hendricks crafted the doll as a Christmas gift
for a needy child. She asked her husband, Marine Corps Reserve
Officer Bill Hendricks, to find a charity that would facilitate the
donation. No such organization existed, so Bill founded one. Toys
for Tots was born out of a spirit of giving of oneself, and today
brings the joy of Christmas to millions of children across the
country. The name of this supplementary drive comes from a skirt
style that has become very popular in DIY sewing circles. "Twirls"
are full, multi-tiered skirts that are usually made from pieces of
fun fabrics. With the free pattern, crafters will be able to create
dolly-sized twirls skirts not only for this cause, but also for the
special little girls in their own lives and communities.

Mrs. O'Malley's Rx

Mrs. O'Malley went into the pharmacy, walked right up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes, and said, "I would like to buy some cyanide." The pharmacist asked, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?" Mrs. O'Malley replied calmly, "I need it to poison my husband."
The pharmacist's eyes almost popped as he exclaimed,
"Lord have mercy, Mrs. O'Malley! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband! That's against the law! I'll lose my license! They'll throw both of us in jail!
All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!"
Mrs. O'Malley reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife. The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, "Well now. That's
different. You didn't tell me you had a prescription."

Cold Nights, Warm Hearts

Just search BLB boutique on ebay!!!

Hello Out There!!!!!!

I am getting close to 2,000 hits, but rarely a comment! If you visit, I would love for you to say Hi! Just click on the comment word and start typing! Very easy!!!

We went to our church's first ever trunk-or-treat and it was a very good time! Randi even won the costume contest for the little kids! I will post pics as soon as I get them loaded!!!

Bear-y Cute, Ready to ship size 3/4/5

Here is my current auction!

My Birthday!

My birthday was the 6th and it was a great one! My hubby planned a "surprise" b-day outing with 3 other couples to a very nice restaurant and then over to the comedy club right next door to it. This took place on the 5th; hubby arranged for a sitter and planned the whole thing, I didn't have to do any of it!!! Yippee! That's all I have ever really wanted was to not have to plan my own b-day and get the babysitter too!!! Well, it didn't stop there! On Saturday morning, I awoke to 4 little voices saying "Happy Birthday Mama" and then summoned downstairs where they had made me breakfast.

Yep, lemonade, soggy cereal, and chocolate pudding for dessert!!! It was too stinkin' cute!!!! And you can see the card, signed by all, including a $. How precious is that?!

Then, my hubby had arranged for a sitter to come at noon and he took me out on the Scenic Drive along the Spoon River. It takes place the first 2 weekends in October, and all of the little towns along the Spoon River have arts & crafts, farmer's markets, flea markets, yard sales, etc. It was so much fun and we were out for 6 whole hours!!!! We brought home pizza and had a lovely dinner with the kids. It was such a wonderful birthday and I wouldn't have changed a thing! (Well, maybe I would have made the temps in the 60's instead of the 90's).

Breast Cancer Awareness

5% of all sales go to breast cancer research! I have mine, compliments of my sister, and I cannot tell you how many compliments I received while wearing it!!! Go and get one for yourself and anyone who will wear it with pride!!! I am not big into wearing political, racial, or religious graphic tees, but this is definitely a good cause to support!!!

Crabby Tote

I love this tote! I think this is so creative and cute! I just had to share it! You can find the auction here.

Purple Sunglasses

Last Friday I had to drop off drinks to darling Rianna's
classroom for snacks. The room was empty~they were at PE. Randi and I
just left the sack on her desk and proceeded to leave when we stopped
to admire their artwork all around their lockers. Her teacher had just
come down the hall and I had a moment to chat with her. I wondered how Rianna was doing in class,etc. We got to talking about how Rianna is such a good story-teller and has a phenomenal memory. Well, apparently last Wednesday Rianna
showed up to class wearing purple sunglasses. No, I did not let her
take them to school, she is just so sneaky (I believe she snatches
things on her way out the door to catch the bus)! Anyway, she tried to
convince Mrs. J that she had just had eye surgery and her mom (me)
insisted she wear them to school. Of course, Mrs. J didn't believe a
word of it (I don't know how she kept a straight face telling me about
it~I nearly wet myself listening to this)! Rianna can be so convincing!!
To the point, I think she nearly convinces herself of her own story!
Ah, my little free spirit will always keep us on our toes!!!

My first ebook is for sale!!!!

I am excited to announce that my very first ebook is officially on the web and for sale!!!! Click here to be taken to my link on the site!!

Fall Fleurish

This is my latest set that I have made and I just listed it this evening. It is ready to ship and best fits a 5/6/7. Super low starting bid and BIN! I just love this line of fabrics and the colors fit right in with my favorite season!!

My baby's 1st day of preschool ever!

Monday was Randi's first day of preschool. I cannot believe my little baby is old enough to go to school! She was more than ready, she says she is a "beeg goal" now!!! She had 2 great classes this week. Only twice per week for 2 hours at a time. I guess 3 is the magical age for little ones. Now that she is 3 and potty-trained, she is in dance, CCD (religious ed), and preschool. While the kids are waiting for class to start, they get a little play time.

Well, since I have a lot of comments on her shoes, I will let you all know where I purchased them, Little Monkey Toes

The Cutest Clown Ever!!

Oh, boy, if Randi didn't already have a plethora of princess costumes
to choose from this year, I would be having this!!! It is up for auction right now.
Made from gorgeous, high quality, soft cotton fabrics, it
makes it nearly irresistible!!!! Definitely a fav this week!!

I am in love with

this! It is just gorgeous!!! Here is the auction.

God Is Watching

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. A nun made a note and posted it on the apple tray: "Take only ONE……God is watching."

Further along the line, at the other end of the table, was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note: "Take all you want……God is watching the apples."

Mistakes & Regrets

Sorry, this one is more like a journal entry than a fun, upbeat post. Read no further if you were expecting that.

Why, oh why, do hubby and I keep making such costly, life altering mistakes??? Will we ever get it right?? I am so ready to say 'I give'. (This is just me regurgitating "out loud" the week we've had:( )

I just want to be. Period. No one telling me I need to be friends with their snobby wives, no unheard of bugs invading my home, no one watching every move I make. Anonymous. That is the word I am looking for. Can one live, even temporarily, as just anonymous? How 'bout neighborly neighbors, cordial, expecting nothing more? Being able to run to the grocery store in your pj's? Drive out of your driveway without wonder of what the neighbors are saying as they stare, mustering up the slightest wave? When will that happen? I want to be Anonymous. Just if even for a day. I often wonder if life ever really does get fun. Did I miss it? Is there a certain age or stage in one's life when you can really say you are having fun? What happened? With all of our costly mistakes, did we get skipped in that group? Don't get me wrong, I love my kids with all of my heart and they are a joy to be around (and yes, they do have their moments, believe me). I let them have a bubble bath, with every single bath toy, in our jacuzzi tub tonight and I just stared at those 4 beautiful children and wonder how we got lucky enough to have them. I want their lives to be fun. Will we even be able to make that a possibility? What if they miss out on the fun too? I feel that we have made so many mistakes that we have really messed up things for them too. I really hope not. I am at a loss tonight. I just don't know what to do anymore. This stage we are at is exhausting. I can't tell you how many times a day I just want to pack us all up and get out of dodge. At this point, I don't think that will ever even be a possibility. We are just plain stuck. Like Sydney used to say, "stuck on bubble gum". LOL! I needed that little chuckle! So sorry for being such a drag. I needed to vent all of that. I don't want to drive, what few friends we have, away with all of our whining and venting.

I promise, I will find and post, something much more fun and exciting within the next 24 hours!!!!!

The Grocery Store

This is it. This sums it all up. I despise going to the grocery store, let alone taking my kids with me. This auction was a hoot! It perfectly describes what taking all 4 of my kiddos with me is like! I couldn't have written it better myself!

First official day of school

Aah, the first day of school. The kids were so excited. Mom and Dad are just as excited! Rianna and Jaden starting Kindergarten. It doesn't seem real! Where did the time go? Sydney in 2nd grade? Wow, the glamour of cursive writing is finally here! I just don't remember the excitement of learning to write in cursive. I am so glad my kids love school. I am just anxiously awaiting the phone call that my crazy little Rianna has detention. In Kindergarten, they have these "color card changes", instead of checkmarks. If you stay on green, you are doing well; if it turns yellow, you lose 5 minutes of recess; orange you lose 10 minutes of recess; if you are the minority and hit red, you lose all recesses and snack. After that, you get detention. It will be soon. I can almost guarantee it. Both Jaden and Rianna take snack on Friday for their birthdays. I would bet money that Rianna takes cupcakes, but doesn't get to eat one! Say a prayer for Rianna's ADD not to interfere with her school work.

Invisible

A friend emailed me this and it brought tears to my eyes. Had to share...

I'm invisible.
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of
response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while
I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm
thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No
one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the
floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix
this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being.
I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to
answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order,
"Right around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and
the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa
cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter,
never to be seen again. She's going she's going . she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return
of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a
fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she
stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all
put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for
myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the
only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled
up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut
butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me
with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this."
It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't
exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her
inscription: "To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of
what you are building when no one sees."In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing
truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who
built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.
These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would
never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no
credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith
that the eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to
visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a
workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was
puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time
carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof?
No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees."
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It
was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you,
Charlotte . I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no
one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin
you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to
notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but
you can't see right now what it will become." At times, my
invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease
that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my
own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn
pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great
builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they
will never see finished, to work on something that their name
will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say
that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because
there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the
friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom
gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then
she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the
linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a
monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And
then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add,
"You're gonna love it there."
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen
if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that
the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at
the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of

invisible women,

reat Job, MOM

Wow!!! Check this out!!!

Back to school embellishment e-book. Lots of different ways to personalize your child's notebook and binder (among other things). So cool!!

Being Nice Matters!

Well, my good friend, Cheryl, nominated me for a "nice matters" award thingy! I am so honored, and now I must go and nominate 5 others to receive this recognition! First, I would love to nominate Karen, of Growing Up With Rosy, she is so genuine and sweet! You must check out her creations!!
Second, I will give a shout out to Sarah, Marvellous Mouse, for being there when someone needs a hand. She has quite a way with words so her blog is a must-see!
Megan of Creative Outlet Designs is a sweet and helpful gal. She was so helpful when I had questions about her wonderful e-book on making decoupage jeans.
Robyn of Absolutely Charming for donating her time and lovely graphics to our fun design group, Blossom Leigh Boutique. Her work is amazing!!!
I think I will just have to stick with 4 nominees, let's face it, I am still "green" at blogging!!!!

My baby is turning 3!

I cannot believe my baby is going to be 3 years old! Where has the time gone? It's such a fun age, but I will admit I am a little sad too. Her first friend party is this weekend. I will post pics from that when I get a chance.

WHY MEN ARE RARELY DEPRESSED

> >>Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple
> >>creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding
> >>plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be
> >>President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a
> >>water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you
> >>the truth.. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another
> >>gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to
> >>stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay.
> >>Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never
> >>stare at your chest when you're talking to them. The occasional
> >>well-rendered belch is practically expected. New shoes don't cut, blister,
> >>or mangle your feet. One mood all the time.
> >>
> >>Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about
> >>tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all
> >>your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of
> >>thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be
> >>your friend.
> >>
> >>Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Three pairs of shoes are more
> >>than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public. You are
> >>unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its
> >>original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You
> >>only have to shave your face and neck.
> >>
> >>You can play with toys all your life. Your belly usually hides your big
> >>hips. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons. You
> >>can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can 'do' your nails with
> >>a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.
> >>
> >>You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25
> >>minutes
> >>
> >>No wonder men are happier.

Trendy Tadpole

A friend of mine pointed a few of us in the right direction for back to school shopping! Any fans of AC/DC out there??!! Thought so! I grew up listening to that group and I know many of you will appreciate this tee! I just ordered Rianna and Jaden each one of them!!! Check it out: Trendy Tadpole

Important Announcement!

Until further notice, I am not accepting any custom sewing projects! I am so behind, that I cannot see the light of day! I even have projects from this spring I have not been able to tend to. That combined with 3 of my kids' birthdays are in the coming month, I need to make them special birthday sets as well as first day of school outfits. I don't want to feel like I am neglecting my kids for the sake of sewing for others. I know all of you moms out there understand that. I just don't make enough profit to even justify it a little bit. Once school starts and we are back into a routine, I will have more time. Thanks so much for understanding.

Coming Soon!!!

We are cleaning out the closets! Everything from sample sets, resells, gently used boutique brands (Gymboree), etc. Find great deals starting August 5th; search BLB boutique on ebay.

My Favorite Products!

I love the Shout Color Catchers!! I think I throw one (or at least a 1/2 of one) in every washload with colors! I have saved so many garments and such with them!

I also love Johnson's Head To Toe Baby Wash! I still use it on all of my kids and myself if in a pinch(forget to bring a new bar into the bath or shower).

Bare Escentuals make-up. I will wear nothing else after using this! Very natural and lightweight. And it is "safe" to sleep in if you forget to wash it off or are too tired, like me. It may seem a bit pricey at first, but it does last quite a long time.

Method cleaning supplies.

I am sure I have many more that I cannot think of now. I would love to hear what your favorites are!

A sweet friend of mine said to me the other day, "I don't know what I'd do if I had 3-5 days without the kids". My response was that I only pray for some wonderful relative to out-of-the-blue show up, living in a house about 4 miles down the road, volunteer to take our kids for even just a weekend! Actually, just taking them overnight one time would be a dream come true! I am constantly trying to remind others, who have the luxury of family within an hour or so, how lucky they are. All of you who have a mom to pick up the kids from school/daycare, a sister to watch the kids while you make a Walmart run, grandparents who beg to let the little ones spend the night, an aunt who offers to take the kids so you and hubby can have a night out (without spending a King's ransom on a sitter)~~~You have no idea how fortunate you all are!!!! We do not have any of those options. Anyway, my point being, take advantage of the opportunity to have some alone time, some "date nights" with hubby, etc. Those moments are so precious and valuable, don't waste it!

What I want to know is: What would you do if you had 3-5 days without kids (knowing they were safe and happy with grandma or some other trusting relative or friend)? Here's what I would do (and in no particular order, just typing as they come to mind):

~Sew
~take a nap
~go shopping
~get my hair done
~clean
~spring clean the kitchen, closets, etc
~take a craft class like one at JoAnns or something
~read a book (not a children's storybook either;))
~have a romantic date with hubby
~get out that "to-do" list and start working
~get a massage
~go grocery shopping, no kids, no rushing
~surf the net
~blog hop
~ebay
~plant a tree
~have lunch with a friend
~call someone without any interruptions
~watch a movie and actually hear everything
~spend quality time with hubby, doesn't matter what you do
~use the restroom without interruptions or kids crying or pounding on the door
~go for a walk
~make wonderful, delicious, healthy meals for the weeks ahead and freeze them
~start a new project at home (re-decorate a room, paint a room, etc)


Anyway, those are just a few ideas of what I would do, what would you do???

A Prom Dress Only a Father Would Design!

I sure hope this doesn't offend anyone, but I got such a kick out of this picture!!! I believe it was for some design competition, but you get the point! Very clever!!

Icy Blue Wonder

Check out this blogspot~it is my sister and her boys!!! The ones with the incredible blue eyes.....http://photosbylissa.blogspot.com/

Bardigans, Patricks, & Chunge-obs

That is what my baby girl said when asked what she would like for her birthday coming up!!! To translate~Backyardigans, Patrick (from Sponge Bob Square Pants), and Sponge Bob. Well, she will be getting her Backyardigans birthday party, her first "friend" party!! I think she will be getting a Leapster (just like her brother and sisters) from us, or maybe a scooter so she can ride with the "big dogs" seeing as she already thinks she is "one of them". LOL!!! This morning she asked if she could have an ife with her fruit. I just love this age, so innocent while trying to be so grown up!

Answer: 6 hours

The question is: How long does it take my family to eat an entire pan of Rice Krispie Bars?

Seriously, they are like wild animals!! I cannot keep up with feeding the kids! I didn't realize how much they ate until this summer break. Jaden eats 3 waffles and 2 glasses of milk for breakfast and within 1-2 hours, he is begging for more! The kid obviously needs the nourishment, you can see ribs on front and back so I know I am not over-feeding him. I cannot even begin to imagine how much he will be eating when he is 15!!

Save the ta tas!!

5% of all sales go to breast cancer research! I have mine, compliments of my sister, and I cannot tell you how many compliments I received while wearing it!!! Go and get one for yourself and anyone who will wear it with pride!!! I am not big into wearing political, racial, or religious graphic tees, but this is definitely a good cause to support!!!

Well, Bruce has call from now until Monday morning (actually he is on call 13 days this month), so the kids and I are heading up north for a couple of days. I finally get to meet my new nephew!!!! It's been a while since we have been up, Christmas I think, so it will be lots of fun! Thank goodness for the invention of the dvd player in vehicles!! The kids will be occupied with movies for the 7+ hours we will be in the van! We had a nice 4th, watched fireworks from our backyard~I think we have the best view in town~and good company!! That was the best part!

The doggy set that Rianna is wearing will be up for auction next week (fits sizes 4/5/6). Randi is keeping hers, we wouldn't dare make her give up her doggy set!!!

My baby is so grown up!

Oh, my, I cannot believe how my baby has grown up! Well, ok, she is my oldest baby, but still. How is it possible that she is 7 already? We got her pictures done last night and we shopped a bit too. Mom and Sydney time is always fun.

Too Funny!!!!.........But so true!!!!

AAADD - KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.....PLEASE READ!

Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow I feel better,even though I have it!!
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder. This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.

I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:
the car isn't washed
the bills aren't paid
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
the flowers don't have enough water,
there is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all freaking day, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it.

But first I'll check my e-mail....

Father's Day pics

MIL sent some pics from Sunday. The kids were dressed for the occasion!

The Big Recital

Oh, the recital was unbelievable, once again! I was very emotional! I am so very proud of Sydney, Rianna, and Jaden!!! Sydney did ballet to "I Am Love" and tap to "Happy Feet"! She did such a wonderful job!!! Rianna and Jaden were in the class together and did "Candy Man" and I am sure you can guess who the Candy Man was?! He knew his moves!!!! Rianna did well, too, and in true Rianna form, decided (since another girl shoved her out of her spot) that she wasn't going to finish the performance! She turned around, crossed her arms, and hung her head. As soon as I saw that, I flew (picture me on a broomstick) down 5 flights of stairs to the basement to intercept one curly blonde, who I was pretty sure was going to be in pieces, only to find out that the director had kept Jaden and Rianna behind the curtain so Jaden could take Rianna out for a bow. Now isn't that sweet?! I cannot wait to get the DVD of the whole recital. The moms miss most of the performances (getting kids ready, supervising, etc). I am told that Jaden left the stage, not skipping and waving like they all were supposed to, but hanging his head along side of disgruntled sister. Regardless, I am still so proud!!! I look so forward to the next dance season. We will have a 4th dancer this next season!!!!

Big Weekend Ahead!

We will be very busy this weekend! Dance rehearsal tonight, recital tomorrow night, then of course, Father's Day on Sunday. We have all of our parents coming in today to share the weekend with us. I will be posting pictures after the weekend is over!! I am so excited to see the show~I have goose bumps just thinking about it!!!!

The Beast that took 4 days to build!

Well here it is! This thing was no picnic to put up! We started on Memorial Day, something I thought would be fairly quick to begin, took hours. Do you see the 6 vertical green posts? Well, it took 3-4 hours to get them up, connected, and level!!!! Can you guess who got to hold them in place during this scientifically calculated process??? Yep~me! I felt like I was crucified on the cross with my arms extended to either side for hours; long, hot, thirsty hours. By late Monday evening, we were only on step 12 of 87. At that point, I would have said "forget it" and paid someone an obscene amount of money to do it for us. Bruce said he would work on it on Tuesday while I took Rianna and Jaden to dance class. He ended up working on it all day. Wednesday, both Bruce and I chaperoned the 1st graders picnic day at the park and bowling alley. It was a long, half day, but much easier than I had anticipated. He went right to work on the play set when we got home. Cut to the end~by Thursday evening, the kids could swing. They just love it!!! But I have to give Bruce a lot of credit, he did nearly all of it by himself.

Pre-K Graduation and 1st grade Spelling Bee

Well, on Tuesday, we attended Rianna and Jaden's graduation from Pre-K. It was short & sweet & both hubby and I got a bit choked up. They are officially on summer break as of last evening.

Sydney came home from school yesterday having won her class spelling bee. You can imagine how proud we are of her. Her last day is June 1st. Hubby has all of next week off so we plan on building the jungle gym that we've had for over 2 years now.

T Ball

Well, this is my first year as a t-ball mom. I have to say it is highly entertaining! I really have no idea what is going on myself. All 3 of our oldest are on the same team. Sydney has quite the arm and the coach said she has much potential. Jaden is very serious about t-ball, or any kind of ball sport for that matter! I truly believe Rianna is just out there to make the uniform (hat & tee) look cute:) She is oblivious to what is going on at all times, LOL! Most of the time, you will find her with her back to the game. Poor thing, she has her mama's coordination. Cannot hit, catch, or throw:( The only thing we can really do is dance. Good thing she is enrolled in dance class, huh? Both hubby and I have a blast watching their practices/games. I must admit, it was one of the best things I have done in a long time~sign them up for t-ball!

Oh my! I just started my own blog!

I cannot believe I did this! I guess I have to "keep up with the Jones's", huh?

I want this blog to incorporate my family, friends, my indie designing business~basically keep everyone up to speed all in one shot, LOL! Please bear with me as I navigate my way through this!