This Kalil Life

Our Dog: Cash

2012-02-10T20:09:00.003-07:00

It's hard getting used to Cassius not being around. I'm surprised each time I walk through the door and he doesn't run to greet me. It feels so weird not to have him underfoot as I cook dinner, as he tried to catch whatever I might drop. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed having him around during the day while I worked ... it's so quiet here without him (no one is barking at the UPS Man or the neighbors). Wednesday was possibly the hardest day I've had in a very long time. Gut wrenching. Taking Cassius to the vet was horrible, yet necessary. And though we miss him terribly, we know he's in better place.

Today Shelby didn't tear up at all and was even able to talk about Cash with a smile on her face. That's progress. Huge progress. I decided to make another scrapbook page, and will probably frame this one as well (Shelby asked me if I would).

Journaling reads:

Cassius and Shelby were both born in 2004. They spent most of their lives together, from the blue house in Las Vegas to our current home in Arizona. Being a big dog, he scared a lot of kids (and adults), but Shelby never flinched. He was a big softy and he loved his Shelby. After they got used to each other, it wasn’t uncommon to see Shelby bossing him around, tugging at his chops or using him as a pillow. Their love and connection was epic.

When Shelby was super little, maybe about 19-months-old, she had a fascination with Cassius’ tail and heiny hole (that’s what we call it). I know, gross. But with his clipped tail, the heiny hole was in clear view of her curious toddler eyes and hands.

One day, she was playing with Cassius and her attention turned to his rear end. It was split second, I couldn’t have stopped it. She got super close, checked out his heiny hole and then proceeded to stick her little finger in it. Ewww. Cassius whimpered and ran off, and surprisingly, he didn’t snap at her or even bark.

Fast forward to when she’s 2 and a half. Her fascination with Cassius’ buns hadn’t worn off. Again she became fixated on his heiny hole. Before I could stop her, she poked him. This time I told her she was hurting Cassius and she replied “I sorry. I no hurt Khaki.”

Every, single time I tell Shelby this story, she doubles over in laughter. She thinks it’s hilarious. It reminds me how sweet, gentle and tolerant Cassius always was with Shelby and then with Cooper. What a great dog Cassius was. We are so lucky that have had him for as long as we did.

Round up: January 2012

2012-02-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

Books I read or started reading in January.

What books and/or magazines did I readthis month?

TheHappiness Project

SteveJobs

Stiff

poemcrazy(though I’m not done with this one)

Shadowof the Titanic (not done with this one either)

I’m alittle behind on my book-a-week goal, but since Steve Jobs was quite a bitlonger, I figure it’s okay.

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

TV Shows:

Parenthood

ModernFamily

Movies:

WeBought a Zoo
I Don't Known How She Does It
The Way
The Help
What's Your Number?
One Day

WarHorse

The Descendants

ExtremelyLoud, Incredibly Close

TheIron Lady

Inever, ever see this many movies in a single month. I've been on a moviewatching binge. This is what happens when I spend a lot of time by myself.

Shelby ready for adventure.

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

Lotsof park time with the kids

Lotsof walks with Coop’s new tryke and Shelby’s scooter

A tripwith Shelby to Frogs, a French bakery, for macaroons and baguettes.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?

Mikebought me a new pair of running shoes, a pair that are Nike+ enabled and waybetter looking than the pair I have been using and worn out! I have already putthem to good use and managed to log 81.55 miles in January. My goal forFebruary is 100 miles.

What special or unusual purchases didI make?

Ibought two pairs of size 6 trousers for work. None of my work pants fit, theyare all too big. And after less than a month these are big for me too. It feelsso rewarding to lose the weight and make regular progress.

What illnesses or health concerns didI have?

Myblood pressure has been an issue for more than a year. We’ve tried a diuretic,diet and exercise, but nothing seems to work. My doctor had to put me on adifferent medication, which seems to be doing the trick. Also, I have anabnormally swollen lymph node in my groin. My doctor had blood tests done andthe good news is I don’t have lymphoma. The bad news is they don’t know why mynode is swollen. It went down for a few days and it’s swollen again. Accordingto my doctor, the next step is surgery and removal.

Out exercising one morning in January.

What were my accomplishments thismonth?

Eventraveling three weeks of the month, I stayed on track with my fitness goals andgot 81.55 miles in. This is in spite of late hours, staying in hotels, supercold temperatures, and full days of travel. I also managed to lose some weight each and every week. The numbers aregetting smaller, but I’m still making progress. I’m just four pounds from mygoal.

What were my disappointments thismonth?

I wasaway from home way too much on business. I really hate being away so much andfor some long.

Cassius’cancer is back. Three tumors have replaced the one we have removed in December.He’s having trouble keeping food down and is losing weight fast. It’sheartbreaking to watch.

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

Domore. (DONE)

Createa weekly printable. (DONE)

80miles. (DONE)

Blogregularly. (DONE)

This roundup was inspired by Katie: The Scrapbook Lady, who has been doing such roundups since January 2006!

Me heart is breaking

2012-02-06T12:51:00.005-07:00

The best dog. EVER.

Journaling reads:

"Cassius is my best friend and he's been my best friend my whole life."

-- Shelby, Feb. 6, 2012

Our beloved boxer, Cassius, is terminally ill with cancer that has left him with uncomfortable tumors, the inability to digest food and a generally depressed disposition. He'll be euthanized on Wednesday. We're all heartbroken, most especially Shelby. So, I decided to make this scrapbook page for her, because that's what I do :) I'm going to print it out and frame it so she can put it up in her room. She's so sad and I hope this helps her, even if just a little bit ...

I have kept it together until today. It's suddenly so real and since the kids are at school and can't see me ... the tears have just been pouring down my cheeks. Last night, Shelby said to me "A girl shouldn't have to go through this." And she's right. If I could have stopped this or protected her (and him) from this, I would have. But I can't. I couldn't. And now, as my heart breaks, I have to figure out the answer to her latest question, "Mom, what's it going to be like without Cassius?"

I just don't know.

Free Printable: Week 6

2012-02-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to try something different this week, which I guess is going to be the theme of all my creative endeavors this year. Try new things. Just do. For this print, I decided to incorporate my own handwriting. I've been doodling on my iPad and I transferred my doodles (the word sweet and the hearts in this case) to Illustrator and tweaked them a bit. I totally love modern technology. I can doodle with my own hand and then immediately transfer onto my computer and make something cool with it.

My favorite color is red, so I often find myself picking red as a main color or even an accent color. And since it's February and red seems to be everywhere, I couldn't resist.

Download your free, high resolution printable here.

If you've missed any of my previous printables, you can find them here.

Some new layouts

2012-02-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. I've been quite a slacker when it comes to posting my layouts. I've been making all sorts of layouts, many for projects and assignments for The Daily Digi, PxlCafe and Layout a Day ... and many of them I can't share just yet. But, I'm still creating. And I'm super happy with the progress of my Project Life album, so my scrappy heart is singing.

Created for the Daily Digi using the February 2012 Digi Files
Love Is Kit and template (modified) Vrinda and CK Ali fonts;
and Coffee Shop Sunkissed Photoshop Action

For this layout, I used some of my favorite photos of Shelby ... ones I took at the zoo on January 1. Shelby was more than willing to pose for me while I played with my new lens. She's quite the little model (or ham, whichever you'd like to call her!).

A Day at the Park kit from PxlCafe

Journaling reads:

Cooper has playground radar. If there’s a park close by, he knows it; and he wants to stop and play. Once you’re there, he never wants to leave. This kid can play!

The photo was taken at the park Jan, 2nd. Mike and I both have been trying to take the kids to the park more since the love it. They love being outside and since the weather in Arizona is so good, why not? Isn't Cooper adorable? He's such a character right now. I just adore him.

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Music to my Ears Kit from PxlCafe

Journaling reads:

Cooper love music.He doesn’t care what what song or genre you might be playing,
he loves it all. And the louder the better. If I try and turn it down, he protests. “Turn it up Mama,” he’ll yell. And at the end of each song he proclaims, with his head nodding, “Good song. Good song.” Each night, we play him a song on our iPhones. We used to sing to him, but he prefers to listen to a new tune each night. You are my little music man.

Credits: Hero Font, CK Ali Font, Anna Aspnes Girl Craze Kit, Letters (modified): Genia Beana
Word strip (girl): Not sure, super old!

Journaling reads:

When I was little, I thought I’d have at least six babies, all before I was 30.

I didn’t. I have two and didn’t have them until my 30th and 35th years (respectively).

I always thought I’d be a stay-at-home mom.

I’m not. In fact, I work and travel for business, a lot.

I never fathomed being in the Army, thought never crossed my mind.

But when I was 18 it piqued my interest, and in a moment of insanity I joined the Army and spent four year active duty and 10 years in the Reserves.

I always assumed I wouldn’t go to college, since I’d be busy having and taking care of babies.

But I did go to college (Brigham Young University), where I studied journalism and started my newspaper career.

I never thought about writing as a career, in fact I couldn’t imagine anyone paying me to tell a story.

Yet I’ve written countless stories, have been published in many newspapers and have even won national level writing awards. Oh yeah, and I’ve been paid to do it all along the way.

I planned on getting married young; getting married once; and living happily ever after.

That didn’t happen. I did get married young (19) and then got divorced young (21). But I went on to marry again; we’re still married; and we have two previous children.

My life hasn’t turned out anything like I thought it would, but exactly as it should. I’m grateful I found my path, even if it wasn’t what l expected or planned – it’s my path. And I’m me.

LOAD: Day 2

2012-02-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

The first of 10 layouts I created for Lain and Layout a Day was featured today as part of the prompt: Your Favorite Photo. As I had oldphotos spread across my floor (photo above), working on Past Perfect pages,this photo jumped out at me. I love my little brother. He’s always held aspecial place in my heart. It’s a story I wanted to tell, a story I wanted topreserve.

Journaling reads:

My little brother was and is more than a little brother to me. I was 7 when he was born; he was like my own, real, live baby doll. I fed him. I played with him. I pushed him in a stroller around the house. I did anything my mom would let me! Chris was my mom’s 6th baby, so she was grateful for any help she could get. As Chris grew, we only got even closer. He came to me when he was sad. He slept under my bed when was scared. I fixed his boo-boos. He’s 30 now, but in my mind he’s still the lil’ boy hiding in the pantry.

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And now here's the layout I created today for the same prompt ... the photo it self isn't the most technically perfect perfect, but it's sweet and I love the happy looks on all of our faces. I took the photo on my iPhone when I was doing FaceTime with Mike and Shelby, something we do each night when I'm traveling.

Journaling reads:

I won’t lie: traveling and being the mom of two small kids can be tough. There are a lot of perks -- airline miles, nearly free trips to Disneyland, flexible schedules -- but sometimes “perks” don’t matter to a 7-year-old who wants her mama. We’ve been using FaceTime and Skype a lot lately and that seems to ease some of the sadness and frustration that comes when Shelby is missing Mama and I’m missing Shelby (it’s tough on all of us, even me). This particular FT session Shelby declared “Mom, it’s like you’re here. It’s a lot easier when we video chat all the time, it’s like you’re with us. I don’t miss you as much when we do this.” Hallelujah! I’ll take any help I can get and modern technology is a HUGE help. I’m grateful to add FaceTime into our nightly routine and see the faces I love so much, even when I’m on the other side of the country.

Project Life: Week 8

2012-02-02T00:49:00.000-07:00

I'm still traveling. I left for this business trip on at the beginning of Week 8 and will arrive home at the end of Week 9. So all my pages are purely digital at this point. I'm going to upload them to Costco on Sunday and then assemble the hybrid versions of the pages as soon as possible. I'm itching to get all the pieces in the pockets and call them done. I haven't created any inserts for this particular week. My plan is to just stick Shelby's spelling test from the week (she got 100% after a few weeks of struggling) in a 6x12 page protector. I'm going to check their back packs for some artwork to put on the opposite side.

Left side: I'll be uploading this file to Costco, printing it there and then
cutting it all up to place in the traditional photo pocket pages. I'll also
embellish as needed.

Using the templates and creating my pages digitally has been a lifesaver. There is no way I could keep up while traveling if I didn't do it this way. I really love that I'm staying on top of things. I did a lot of my journaling on the computer this week. I'd sort of prefer to hand write the journaling, but I'm also being realistic -- if I'm not home and don't have my physical Project Life supplies with me, I should just bite the bullet, stay ahead of things and use my computer for journaling.


Right side: I left a spot on this side for my hotel room key. And I saved my movie tickets, so I'll add those as well.

My new sewing machine is waiting at home for me, so I plan on using it for these pages once I have the prints in my hands! I have also been picking up little supplies along the way, like these adorable journaling cards:

Too be honest, I ended up buying four different sets of journaling cards from Splendid Fiins (all available here). I like variety, so I keep picking up journaling cards when I see them. I got these too:

I need to stop shopping for a few weeks and just use what I have and then decide if I need anything more. But it's SO hard. And they are SO cute. And for $2 here and $1 here ... it seems like I'm hardly shopping at all.

Well that's about it for this week. I'm two months into Project Life and I'm still loving. And most telling is the fact that I'm still loving it even as I travel and have to be more creative in how I keep up and tell my family's story. How are you doing?

Do: The Rochester Edition

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Self pity has always been an issue for me. Lots of people who know me would never, ever have any idea how often I wallow in self pity. I hide it well. But if you ask my husband or my very best friend, they will tell you I have fairly regular bouts with self pity. Some are worse than others and if left unchecked I can get rather depressed, angry and turn into someone you don't want to be around.

This is one of the major reasons I chose DO as my word for 2012. I want to force myself to take action before I fall into a pit of despair. I want to pay closer attention to my moods and take action early rather than having to repair the situation once I've gone too far down the path of self pity.

Rather than going home this weekend, I stayed over in Rochester. Most of the time, I go home each and every weekend. Even if that means I have to fly across the country. Even if that means I spend more time traveling than resting at home. Even if that means I only see my family for 12 hours. I have always felt the sacrifice is worth it. But last year, after doing this for 5 weekends straight, I got sick. Super sick. So sick I didn't go into work even though I was on site and I've never missed a day of work when on site, with a customer. When planning this particular business trip, I knew the turn around would be tight (18 hours), so I made the hard choice of staying the weekend and getting some rest rather than running myself ragged. And as soon as I made the decision I started to feel sad. I knew I was going to struggle with being away from the kids over the weekend and I was plummeting. Enter my husband.

Before I had a chance to feel all too sorry for myself and host the most pathetic pity party in my hotel room ... Mike urged me to make a plan and get out and do something. And boy, did I do something. On Friday night I decided I wanted to see as many of the Best Picture Nominees as possible. I don't always have the time to do something like this when I'm at home, so I was going to force myself to take advantage of the me time I had been given.

The first of three movie theaters I visited this weekend.

On Saturday, I walked a little more than 4 miles, saw three movies, had a fancy dinner, took 2 cab rides .... but that's nothing compared to Sunday. On Sunday I walked 12.31 miles. I decided to go to a movie theater 6 miles from my hotel. I could have taken a cab, but I had a whole day to fill and I needed to get my exercise in, so I walked. When I go there, I had a yummy lunch, saw my movie and then walked back to the hotel. I felt so strong, powerful and busy.

By the end of the weekend, I saw these movies.

The more I DO, the better I feel. The more I DO the things I like -- the things that make me happy -- the more peace that fills my soul. I'm quite proud of myself. Finding ways to do more and create joy in my life is incredibly fulfilling and gives me hope for brighter days and less self pity.

LOAD Day 1: The Red Birthday Plate

2012-02-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

I'm still awake (I worked a late shift at the newspaper today), so when my first prompt for LOAD (Layout a Day) came, I jumped right on it. I had a secret desire to be the very first person to post a layout in the gallery. I was! Woo hoo for me.

The prompt for today is/was "You've Got Good Taste." As the prompt would suggest, you could scrap about anything related to food. I immediately thought of a special plate my mom made when we were kids. It only came out on our birthdays and it made the birthday kiddo feel so special. The plate we had looked exactly like the one on my page. I'm not sure if my mom still has it. I hope she does. I'd love to get my hands on it!

I love that scrapbooking reminded me of this red plate and I was able to capture this story and save it forever. I also love that in remembering the plate I am reminded of the childhood tradtions I loved so much and want to share with my own children.

Journaling reads:

As a child, my family had a tradition of “the special birthday plate.”It was a shiny red plate my mom had made and painted herself. And onour birthday it came down from a high cupboard and the guest of honorgot to eat his or her dinner on the fancy, beautiful plate. I loved itwhen it was my turn and I was the one with the red plate at my seat. Ifelt SO special. I’m not even sure if my mom still has this plate.,but I think it’s time I made a plate of my own and started the sametradition with my kids.

6 Months: Healthier

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-07:00


Me: as I jogged in freezing downtown Rochester this week.

It's been six whole months since I got off my butt, put on my running shoes and started my journey to get healthy.

So how's it going? Some days: good. Some days: not so good.

The good news is I've lost a little more than 30 pounds. I've gone from a size 12 to a six ... almost a four. I've walked or ran more than 300 miles. I have totally changed the way I live. I'm making better choices for my body and that makes me happy. Just this weekend I (power) walked 12.31 miles in a single day. I can feel my muscles tightening and I'm stronger than I've ever been.

Mike: hiking this past weekend

Mike too has embraced healthy living. He's lost more than 20 pounds (I think it's closer to 30, but we're not quite sure of his highest weight); and in January alone he's run or walked just over a 100 miles. He's discovered he loves to hike, something he couldn't do 20 or 30 pounds ago. He's had to toss not one, but two belts that no longer do him any good ... even on the last, tightest notch they won't keep his pants up.

But I did say there was some bad ... even with all this diet and exercise, my blood pressure has not come down. I have bad genes when it comes to blood pressure and it looks like I'll have to take medication for the rest of my life. But thank goodness there is such medication.

The worst part is ... six months into this process and it's not easy. Eating right is hard. I want junk. I like junk. Every single day I have to convince myself I need to make better choices. Running, walking, and any sort of exercise are never my first choice of activity. I have to talk myself into working out, each and every day. I read an article recently that the older you get the harder it is to change your eating habits. You teach your body what to crave, what it likes ... and if you wait too long you can't reteach your body. There are days I feel like I've waited too long, and that I'll always crave an ice cream sundae and chili-cheese dog. But I've been pushing trough it and I hope at some point it will get a little easier.

Me: this week. Check out my arms -- less flab, more muscle.

BUT. I'm determined to focus on the good. I do feel better. And I look better. Mike keeps telling me that this is the skinniest he's ever seen me. I'm not really going for skinny (though I'm happy to be a smaller size) ... I'm going for healthier, less achy and more mobile. I also want to build a life that teaches my children to live healthy lives. In a world of iPads, video games, in demand everything, I want to teach my kids to get out, get moving and take care of themselves. And the best way to do that is through example.

I can't wait to see what the next 6 months hold -- half marathon, toning, size four -- whatever it holds will be good for me, good for my body and good for my soul.

Free Printable: Week 5

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Here's this week's free printable. I came across the quote when reading an email from the web site Tiny Buddha. I'm not so good with idea of forgiveness ... I hold onto anger and then it eats at me. I've been trying to remember that though I can't change the past, I can change the future. I am planning on framing and hanging this printable in a place I can see it -- every single day.

Download your free, high resolution printable here.

If you've missed any of my previous printables, you can find them here.

Free Valentine's Day Printable

2012-01-28T08:56:00.003-07:00

Good morning! Just a quick post to let you know that two new {free} printables I created are being featured over on The Daily Digi today. You can check it out here. I created them specifically for The Daily Digi and they are perfect for Valentine's Day.

Here's what they look like:

And don't forget, you can find all my past free printables here.

LOAD Blog Hop {Feb. 2012}

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the LOAD 212 Blog Hop. You should have arrived from Monica's blog. If not, no worries. You can always keep hoping from here or go back to the beginning of the hop here.

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Layouts I created for LOAD February 2011

I'm a digital scrappbooker.

I don't like using templates ... not because I think they're bad, but because they are harder for me to adapt to me needs. I prefer a blank slate.

I like simple, clean layouts.

I really like to use Impact (font) to create large titles for my pages. I create a sticker effect with the font. I use it on 80% of my layouts.

I love, love to put a stroke (border) around my photos, paper strips and even background paper. I used to resist it, but not anymore. It's my thing.

Pages I created for the May 2011 LOAD

Even though Photoshop Elements might seem easier for others, it's not easier for me. I've always used Photoshop, it's what I know. When I tried to use Elements I nearly had a melt down.

All of these things I discovered after spending a month scrapbooking every, single day last February. I joined Layout a Day with Lain Ehmann and it really was one of the best scrappy decisions I've ever made. If you ride a bike every single day, you become a pro. If you scrapbook every single day, you become a pro and discoverer your style. I never knew my scrappy style until I did LOAD. But after last February, I was able to see which products I grad the most, what styles I like the most, how I like to scrap ... and I totally became super comfortable with the idea with the idea that I am a digital scrapper.

Do yourself a favor, sign up. You'll love it. This will my 4th LOAD and I really can't wait to get started. There is so much you can learn about yourself and your scrapbooking process. It's so worth it.

And if you do sign up, make sure you prepare for the big event.

Print (or select) photos to use.
Get lots of extra adhesive.
Pick some basic supplies you really, really want to use.
Don't stress. Just do it. Every page you do is another story told. That's what matters.

Next up in the hop is Eileen. If you get lost along the way, here's a list of all the blogs participating in the hop:

Lisa

Kimberly {you're here}

Eileen

Danielle

Pam

Katrina

Gayle

Lydia

Project Life: Week 7

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'd share some photos of my completed pages, but I'm not done. I was home a total of 48 hours this weekend and rather than putting pages together ... I went on a date with Mike; took Shelby for macaroons; did laundry; snuggled my little boy; filled out Fridge with food; watched movies ... I enjoyed my time at home. I'm trying to make an effort to not stress too much about this project and rather just savor life. Otherwise, I'll have nothing to document. I'm also trying to have some faith in my ability to take notes, hold onto the bits of life and organize my photos ... so I can come back and assemble my pages when ready. Just because I'm technically behind doesn't mean I'll be like this forever. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a doer. Once this influx of business travel is behind me, I'll catch right up.

In the meantime, I did make a collage to use with a 6x12 template from Ali. One side of the insert is has the collage with a list of things we did throughout the week. I wasn't for part of it but Mike took plenty of photos and I have photos from my business trip. It looks like this:

On the other side of the insert, I used this blog post, and photos from our trip to Frogs. I love taking stuff directly from my blog. My family, specifically my kids, don't read or see my blog. Since this album is very much for my family I want to take some of the things I share on my blog and add them to the album.

One of the other things I've been doing while I travel -- and plan to make it a practice throughout the year -- is using OhLife. It's a really cool and simple concept. It's a free service where an email is sent you daily (you pick the time of day) and you just reply to the email with what went on that day. Write as little or as much as you'd like and then hit send. Love it. It's so simple. And it allows me take and keeps notes of my life. I like that it's digital and I can even do it from my phone. I love the convenience of it and that I can refer back to it later when I put my pages together.

I've also dropped my photos from the week into the PL Digital templates. I have the files saved and when I'm ready to print I'll send them to Costco. I'm keeping up by making sure I'm doing everything I can digitally and then it's just a matter of printing, trimming and assembling. Right now, they look like this:

Since I want to add more photos to my pages on the week where I have more photos, I bought some fun 4x6 collage templates:

I also bought a new sewing machine -- a little one that can sit on my desk and I can access all the time. I started sewing on my pages (it's a recent thing) and I hate pulling my full-sized sewing machine out when I want to play with stitching on my pages. This is the one I got:

I can't wait to get my hands on it! I think it should be a lot of fun and I think the size and simplicity will really make it easier for me to use it on a regular basis.

So are you doing Project Life? What are you doing to make the process easier for you? Do tell!

Self Portrait: Week 3

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm flip-flopping over which photo to use as my official self portrait for Week 3 (last week). All of them tell a story about my life, right now. Each is very real and very me ... in its own way.

This first photo is of my split lip. I was wrestling with Cooper on Monday (it was MLK Day, so the kids didn't have school and I wasn't working). I would steal Cooper's blanket; run and hide; and when he'd find me, we'd wrestle. At one point, Cooper whipped his head up, hit me in the chin and I dug a tooth into my lip. I bled. Cooper seemed quite worried. And then we went back to playing.

This photo (below) is of me in an airport. I spend a lot of time in airports. I was on way way to Rochester this particular day to teach a class for the production department at the Democrat and Chronicle. I'm wearing my travel uniform -- scarf, long cardigan over a fitted shirt, jeggings, tall boots and ear buds in my ears.

This last photo is of my snow covered feet. I took the photos as I was walking back to my hotel one night after teaching all day at the newspaper. I don't like snow. I don't like cold weather. Yet this is the fifth January in a row where I have spent considerable time in cold weather climates (Denmark, Toronto, Toronto, DC and now NY). Am I being punished?

I still can't decide which one should be my self portrait of the week. I'm considering using all three. What do you think?

My Little French Girl

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Shelby wearing her new beret.

Shelby isobsessed with Paris. Super obsessed with Paris and all things French.

So obsessed,she’s saving her allowance for a breakfast at a French Café in Paris. And shemade me promise I’d take her to Paris when she’s ten.

I recentlyfound her a vintage red beret while perusing Etsy.

The listingread: “A lovely bright red beret simple to pull on for a true Parisian look.This hat belonged to my mother-in-law, Dorothy, who bought it when she lived inParis in the 1950s. My father-in-law worked as a diplomat for the US StateDepartment. They threw lavish diplomatic parties in their historic apartmentoverlooking the Place De Concorde. She gave me this hat many years ago, but myhead is pretty big so it was never comfortable. After all these years, it'sprobably time for this wonderful little French beret to find a new owner whocan really wear it.”

Of course, Shelby had to be a little silly. She always is!

I immediatelybought the beret and waited (impatiently) for it to arrive. I couldn’t wait, soI told Shelby what I had bought her. If you though I was impatient, myimpatience was nothing compared to Shelby’s. She diligently checked the mailevery day last week, looking for her package. It arrived on Saturday and Shelbywasted no time donning her beret and fashioning the perfect outfit to go withit. As she was dressing herself, she said “I’m definitely wearing this toschool on Monday.” The beret was an instant hit.

To celebrateits arrival, I took Shelby to a French bakery in town. We shared a baguette,some soup and the tastiest macaroons in all of Arizona. RealFrench macaroons … baked by a real French maker. Nearly everyone in the bakerytold Shelby how adorable and chic she looked in her beret, “like a real Frenchgirl” one little old man told her. She beamed. It was the most fun I’ve had ina very long time. Shelby loved the attention and she loved wearing her beret.

The lemon were my favorite and chocolate for Shelby.

The worldthrough Shelby’s eyes is so bright and exciting. It’s hard not to get caught upin her enthusiasm. As she ate her macaroon, she closed her eyes and savored every,single bite. That’s how she is, she savors every, single bit of life. I can’twait to hold her hand as we ascend the Eiffel Tower. She will no doubt bedelighted.

Free Printable: Week 4

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week's printable is a little different. I've been experimenting with different fonts and found a funky one I really like -- Star Avenue. I also tried to change up my color scheme, since I've been using a lot of oranges and yellows. I'm reading Steve Jobs' biography right now and I kind of think the color choice is reflective of that ... it sort of reminds me of the old Apple logo.

Here it is. Download it for free here. It's high-resolution, printer ready. So just upload it or take it to your favorite printer and your ready to go. Personally, I've been using Costco and I love it, especially since I can get my prints back in one hour. My other go-to printer is Persnickety Prints, which I almost always use when I'm not in a rush.

Captain Pop

2012-01-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Captain Pop taken on 1.16.2012

"Look Mom. It's Captain Pop."

A half-eaten suck flies by my face.

"It's Captain Pop. He's giving children everywhere tooth decay. He's an evil man."

Shelby had taken her sucker's wrapper and turned it into a cape. She had her Captain Pop flying all over the room. It was a school holiday, so Shelby and Cooper were at home all day, left to entertain themselves and each other.

This is my girl. Full of imagination. Full of stories. Full of ideas. And not the least bit scared to share them with anyone who will listen. She sees things that I don't see. She's open to possibilities. I love this about her.

We could all learn a thing or two from her (and other kiddos).

Is there a Captain Pop hiding in your day?

Project Life Update

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is my 7th week of Project Life and I'm loving it. I feel like I'm getting into a good groove. I defitely need to incorporate more pictures of my husband and me. I take so many photos of the kiddos and only a few of Mike. Becuase I've been doing weekly self portraits, I have a few more of me than in years past, but still not as many as the kids.

In the process of starting my album, I've learned a few things, the things that work for me.

1. Project Life Digital Templates are a must have for me. I love being able to clip my photos to the templates; planning my pages via the templates; and getting my pages/photos printed out at the perfect sizes via Costco. I think without the templates I wouldn't have even started this project. Thank goodness for digi, it's what works for me ... even when I'm paper scrapping!

2. Insets. I love inserts. I really love the 6x12 inserts and have been using Ali's Words and Photos 6x12 Templates. For a couple of the inserts, I copied content directly from my blog and added photos. No need to reinvent the wheel. The words were already written and now they are all in one, central location.

3. This album matters to my family, even more than I expected. My husband told me this album, which is just 6 weeks old, is more meaningful than any scrapbook page I have ever created. I think the simplicity of it and the focus on everyday life is what makes it so special.

4. I love adding digital elements to my photos before I print them. Sentiments, frames, the story ... so much so, I spent some time this weekend looking for more digital supplies to add to my Project Life stash. I ended up with this, this and this. I'm sure I'll find more as the weeks pass, but for now this is a great start.

5. I suck at taking pictures of my pages. I've sort of given up on traditional shots and am relying on Instagram to make the pictures look half way decent!

So what's working for you? any tips you can share? I'm all ears and would love to see what's working for everyone else.

LOAD

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's almost that time again: LOAD TIME. Or for those of you not in the know, Layout a Day.

It's a simple concept. For a month, in this case February 2012, you do a layout each and every day. The amazing Lain Ehmann sends you a prompt. You create a page. And you upload it to a special gallery before the end of the day. People look at your pages, heap praise on you and you feel fabulous. SERIOUSLY. You feel so great.

My first LOAD was last February. I joined on a whim and am so grateful. When you scrap for a month straight you learn what you like and dislike. You develop a strong sense of style. And you nail down a work flow that works for you. I was hooked and have been LOADing ever since.

Doing a layout a day might seem unmanageable. But it's not. I travel and work, a lot. I have two young and very busy kids. If anyone can argue they don't have time for LOAD, it would be me. Yet, I managed to make time to do it. I've scrapped on airplanes. I've scrapped in hotel rooms. I've scrapped late at night and early in the morning. I've even used my lunch break to scrap. We all have time for what's important and what matters to us. If telling your stories and recording your memories matter, then make some time for LOAD.

Go ahead, register. It will be the best $30 you spend all year. You will not be disappointed.

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P.S.

I was lucky enough to have Lain ask me to contribute some layouts (10 total) to LOAD 212, so I've had a peek at some of the prompts and let me tell you ... AWESOME. I love the theme of Past Perfect and the fun, "older" stories was able to tell.

Weight loss

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was pretty discouraged about my weight loss journey. I was pretty certain my trip to Weight Watchers was going to show a weight gain. I'm almost to my goal weight, which means I'm not losing huge amounts any more, if anything at all. I haven't completely stalled, but close.

Imagine my surprise when the Weight Watchers' scale informed me I lost .4 pounds. Not a huge loss. Not even half a pound. But I didn't gain, so I guess it's a small victory. Right? I feel like a big jerk for even typing that. Yes, I'm greedy. I want more. I want to be at my goal. The measly .4 pounds felt like another stab in my already wounded ego.

And then I had a breakthrough. I stopped by the dry cleaners on the way home from Weight Watchers. I've been going to the same dry cleaners for years. The manager knows me by name and greets me with a big smile each time I drop in. When I walked in yesterday she said, "Mrs. Kalil have you lost weight? You look like you've lost a lot of weight." Music to my ears.

I know it's superficial, but it's really motivating to have someone not only notice I've lost weight but to have them point it out in a positive way.

As I was walking out of the dry cleaners, you friend said "keep up the good work, you're doing great."

Thank you. I needed that. With new motivation, I'm back to focusing on moving more and eating less and well (making better choices).

Free Printable {Week 3}

2012-01-16T08:40:00.003-07:00

I am SO enjoying the process of making digital art/printables. I should have started this years ago. I said I'd make a free printable a week and I'll confess, I'm doing more than one a week. I have to force myself to stop!

On my quest to be more creative a do more, I've had an epiphany. Do what you know. For the longest time I crafted, scrapped, painted, etc like everyone else was. I did what my friends were doing. Then I tried digital scrapbooking. And instantaneously, I found my scrappy home. I am a computer person. I work for a software company. I train people to use our software. I know computers. So why I hadn't explored sooner, I don't know. I think the major reason was because none of my friends were doing digi.

Since I've started making these printables, I realized my background in newspapers and typography makes this a perfect endeavor for me. I know computers. I know type. I know words. This is perfect for me. My husband even noticed. He mention how much more creative I've been lately and it can be directly related to following my own path and not trying to be like everyone else. this doesn't mean I don't do things others do (think Project Life), I just do them my way. Seriously, it's so incredibly freeing.

Download a high-res copy of my print here.

For this week's print, I created it as a 6x6, but it can easily be re sized and printed as a 5x7, which is what I did since I had an empty 5x7 frame in hand.

You can still get the printables for Weeks 1 and 2: here and here respectively. Download them. Print them out. I'd love to see what you've done with them! Check

12 on the 12th

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Take 12 photos on the 12th of each month. That was the challenge. And I took the challenge.

Here's a look at the 12th of January, 2012 in just 12 shots:

This was a pretty typical day ... at least one where I am home. Shuttling kiddos. Working from home. Getting some exercise. Obsessing over what I eat. Shuttling the kiddos some more. Homework. Taco night. Scrapbooking some old photos. Laundry: folding and more washing. Caught up on Doughton Abbey. A good and rather normal day.

I'm looking forward to taking these photos and creating a layout.

My self-portrait project marches on ...

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Since I loved taking self portraits in 2011, I'm doing it again in 2012 (how's that for totally owning my self obsession). Here's my first self portrait of the year ... or rather, it's the one I like the most. In any given week I take about five different self portraits. I like to have options!

Week 1, 2012 (Jan. 6, 2012)

Keeping true to my "no stress" philosophy, this was taken on my iPhone and treated with the Instagram ap. I took it as I was walking out of my hotel room in Phoenix on my way to the newspaper, where I was teaching some classes. I have to point out that I'm wearing earnings, a new thing for me. i used to wear them all the time. Then I had kids and grabby little hands made me stop. My kids are big enough now I don't need to worry about them grabbing my earrings, so I'm making an effort to wear them more often. Also note, my hair is getting longer and I love it. I really have no idea why I cut my hair short. I always hate it when I do. I'm a long hair kind of girl. Remind me of this when I suggest otherwise.

And to show you I'm not all fancy, all the time ... here's my photo for Week 2 (this week):

Week 2, 2012 (Jan. 10, 2012)

This is my out for my morning workout. It's cold in the morning here. Most days it warms up pretty nicely and the sun of course is almost ALWAYS shining ... but the mornings are super cold (at least by my standards they are). So, I wear a hat. I look a little silly. But I was warm, so that's all that matters. I also have this weird habit of pulling my face back and creating a double, sometimes triple chin. Hate that I do that. I especially hate it since I'm reaching my goal weight and it doesn't accurately portray my real shape. Oh well, that's the vain part of me talking. This photo was also taken on my iPhone. I did play with it in Photoshop and added the sun flair with a free action (sun kissed) from CoffeeShop.

I'm off to a great start. I can't wait to see all 52 photos at the end of 2012. It's such a great record of who I am at this very moment. You should do it too. Really, you should!

A Day Without Sunshine {Free Digi Art}

2012-01-09T17:06:00.005-07:00

One of the things I want to DO in 2012 is explore different art mediums. I feel most comfortable at my computer, so it's no surprise I started my art exploration with creating digital art. I've love all the subway-style art that's been popping up online and thought I'd try my hand at it. In fact, I'm going to create one new piece a week.

This is what I created this week:

You can download your own copy here. It's high resolution, printer ready and measures 8x8, which can be printed at all sorts of places, including Costco. So enjoy, and come back next week for another freebie!

I'm also taking a free, online art journaling class. You should check it out. Totally awesome and FREE. Though I'm most comfortable doing things digitally, I totally love playing with paints. By no means does it come naturally to me, but it's so invigorating, inspiring and brings me great joy. DOing more art makes me happy ... even if I'm not Monet or Picasso.

Overzealous?

2012-01-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

I was sitting on the couch today when Mike handed my his phone and said laughing "You have to read this." As I was reading the Onion story he handed me, he added "It reminds me of you, all your online classes, chanting DO, DO, DO ... " He stopped talking, only because he was laughing too hard to say anything more. Laughing at me, I might add.

Do you think I might be coming off a little overzealous?

The headline of the story reads: "Man Who Said 'Yes' To Life Found With Mountain Bike At Bottom Of Gorge."

I've been talking a lot lately about doing. Do is my word for 2012. If my husband sees me in the above mentioned story, maybe I'm over talking my word. I want my word and the corresponding actions to be organic. I want to "do" more and talk less. Maybe I need to rethink my approach? I know my husband was teasing me, but at the same time, there might be a little truth to what he's saying. I can be a little overbearing at times and often such zealousness can't be maintained long term.Anyone else finding they have sort of overwhelmed those around them with the excitement of their new word and the excitement of changes in 2012?

Project Life: Weeks 1 and 2

2012-01-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

I too, like so many others, decided to do Project Life this year. I bought all the goodies the last week in November and couldn't wait to start ... so I didn't. I started the week of Dec. 4th and love it. I do however feel a little, umm, a little frustrated that everywhere I turn someone is talking about Project Life or selling Project Life add-ons. It's overwhelming. It also makes me feel a bit like a sheep following the crowd ... but that's a whole different issue.

So far, my system of using the digital templates as a guide for printing my photos is working perfectly. Also, I'm not stressing too much about embellishing my pages. If I do, great. If I don't, still great. Done is always best and better than memories not documented.

Finally, I've stopped looking at other people's pages. I love mine, because they're mine. My pages will never look like your pages, since you're not telling my story and vice versa. This is super hard for me. We all have a tendency to compare. It's human nature. But for me, it's especially bad.

My pages are hardly "fancy," but they are perfect. I love them and I love that my kids already love looking at them. Win, win ... if I do say so myself!

Right Now: Cooper @ 2 years, 9 months

2012-01-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

At the zoo: 1.1.2012

Loves M&Ms. This was discovered when I filled a Christmas candy bowl with M&Ms. Coop kept sneaking over and filling his little hand with the chocolates. Before I knew it, the dish was empty. He asks for more M&Ms multiple times a day.

Mickey Mouse. Seriously. Cooper is obsessed with Mickey Mouse. Before Christmas we rented a Mickey Mouse holiday-themed movie and as soon as the movie ended Coop started yelling "Mickey Mouse Holiday" over and over again until I played it again. I think he watched the movie about 15 times in the 24-hour rental period. As I type this, he's watching an episode of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse." When it's over, I can count on him asking for more Mickey Mouse. And he'll keep asking, ALL DAY LONG. We're going to back to Disneyland for Spring Break (in March). I think Coop's head is going to explode when he meets Mickey Mouse -- that's how much he loves him.

Baby Doll. One day, early last month, we were grocery shopping and Cooper latched onto a $2.99 baby doll from the store's toy section. When I was checking out, he threw a major fit when I tried to take it away from him. I gave in and bought it. Since then, he sleeps with his baby, takes it with him everywhere and loves it.

Chatterbox. Cooper repeats everything we say and has so much to say about things. He can count in English and Spanish. He's learning his colors (in English and Spanish). He can sing the ABC song, along with many others. It's getting much easier to understand what he's saying and what he wants.

A lover: Cooper is a total lover and can play his mama like no one else. He offers kisses, right before he asks for M&Ms. He extends his hand and says "Hold my hand Mama." And then he demands I pick him up and hold him. And with every single kiss (and demand) I melt a little more. I adore this boy. Cooper gets cuddlier and cuddlier each day. He 'nuggles Mama. He 'nuggles Daddy. He 'nuggles Shelby. He's all about 'nuggling.

Not potty trained: Cooper is struggling with potty training. He talks about what potty training is. He understands the concept, but he's super stubborn. He also leaks a lot, so we're not quite sure if there is another (medical) issue going on.

Stalling: Cooper loves to stall. He knows what he wants and when he wants it. And if he doesn't want to do it at that moment, he stalls. Like bedtime. He loves to run to the couch and say "I sit couch, I sit couch" when I announce it's bedtime.

Hats: Loves wearing hats. Unlike other kids, he doesn't take his hats off when you put it on him. In fact, getting the hat off is the hard part. He loves to wear them and will throw a fit when you try to take them off.

I love, love this boy. And I love how happy, joyful and full of life he is. He makes my days brighter. He's growing into such a lovely little buy.

Playing: New Lens

2012-01-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

I got a new camera lens for Christmas (thank you Santa). It's not the fanciest lens ever, but I wanted to try a fixed lens and this was recommended as a good starter lens. We went to the zoo on Sunday. We have an annual membership, which is great because we can pop over for a few hours whenever we'd like. Taking Coop to places like the zoo is finally getting a little easier. He actually understand what they zoo is (ANIMALS!) and listens reasonably well.

While we were at the zoo, I took lots of photos with my new lens. It was fun to play and Shelby is always a willing model. I am signed up to take a photography class next month and I can't wait. I would love to improve my photo skills in 2012.

I also played with the photos once I got them in Photoshop. I am much better at processing my photos that I am at actually taking them! I love Photoshop. I used this action to get the sun flair. I love The CoffeeShop Blog and all the actions there. I've actually purchased her big pack of actions and use them all time. But if you're not sure, try them for free. See if you like them, and then consider buying them. Here are some other good, free actions.

Do {Welcome to A Happiness Blog Hop}

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Happiness Blog Hop. This is hosted each month by Stephanie Medley-Rath at Scrapworthy Lives. You should be arriving from Take a Picture and Remember This, but if not, feel free to jump in and then check out the other blogs in the hop.


Feel free to download your own printer- ready copy of my "Do" subway art.

Do: a verb (used with object)

1. to perform(an act, duty, role, etc.)

2. to execute(a piece or amount of work)

3. toaccomplish; finish; complete

4. to putforth; exert

5. to be thecause of (good, harm, credit, etc.)

6. bringabout; effect

Synonyms for do: conclude, create,determine, discharge, do one's thing, effect, end, engage in, execute, finish,fix, fulfill, get ready, get with it, go for it, look after, operate, organize, perform, prepare, produce, pull off, see to, succeed,take care of business, take on, transact, undertake, wind up, work, wrap up

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I'll tell you a secret: I just started reading "The Happiness Project". I've scanned it before. Checked out the topics that I needed to know to blog about it, but I hadn't really dove in and embraced it. But, when I started thinking about 2012, being happy and really DOing it, I was motivated to read the book. Can I just tell you, I love it! It makes so much sense to me.

My “OneLittle Word” for 2012 is DO. And "The Happiness Project" is all about DOing. I'm not somebody who doesn’t do. I actually do alot. I work full time and travel extensively for business. I have two busy, activekids, with piano, karate, art class, homework, and preschool (to name just afew) on their schedules. I’m on three digital creative teams and scrapbookregularly for these assignments. See what I mean? I do a lot.

My problem isI do things for the wrong reason (obligation); I put off doing the things Ihate, but must (procrastination: think laundry, dishes, expense reports,packing for trips); I do not always focus on doing things that make me happy;and I spend a lot of time thinking about doing stuff and then second guessingmyself (surfing the Web, looking at Pinterest, feeling inadequate, etc).

I felt likefocusing on do would allow me to better manage my time, do the things I enjoyand find greater joy in my being. I need to learn to relax more, play and laugh(I do these things, but not enough – just ask my kids and husband, I’m a littleuptight and demand control). I need to stop putting off the things I dislikedoing. The longer I put them off, the more stress they cause me. It’s not worthit and it’s a nasty cycle. I must stopping thinking and just do. Most of all, Ineed to stop comparing myself to others and wondering if what I’m doing is goodenough. It is. My story, my art, my life … all matter. There is just one me. Andthis girl is going to spend 2011 DOing.

My 2012 Love List

I made a 2012Love List (inspired by this post). The list is a bunch of things I’d love to doin 2012. No pressure. If I do them: AWESOME. If I don’t: then I know I want toget to them in 2013.

Some of thethings on that list? Run a half marathon. Run a full marathon. Read a book aweek. Create a new piece of digital art each week and give it away for free.Lose those last 5 pounds. Art journal each week. Spend more time with my kids. Smilemore and laugh louder. Take a photography class, or two.

Some of the things I did in 2011 (All elements from PxlCafe)

I alreadyhave some 2012 plans to get me doing rather than thinking. We’re going toDisneyland for Spring Break. I scheduled a photography class in February (onewith a real, live photographer). I’ll be attending a blogging conference in April.I’m returning to the Oregon Coast for a Be Present Retreat. I’m still going toWeight Watchers. I’m keeping up my running regime. And yesterday, to kick thingsoff, we took the kids to the zoo just because. And guess what? I had fun, Ilaughed and I smiled – a lot.

Now that you've read my novel, it's time to head on over to Your Memory Connection. In case you got lost along the way, here's a complete list of all the cool ladies participating in today's blog hop:

Kiss & Tell Scrapbooking

Take a Picture and Remember This

This Kalil Life {You're here}

Your Memory Connection

52 Weeks of ME

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

I made a goal last year of taking a self portrait each week. 52 Weeks. 52 Photos. How did I do? Splendid, if I do say so myself. Check this out:

I have loved this project so much, I'm going to do it again in 2012. There is something so powerful about focusing on yourself, even if it's just for a few seconds to snap a photo. I spend a lot of time taking care of other people. I spend a lot of time worrying about other people's stuff. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking some time to take care of me. Plus, as an added bonus, many years from now I'm sure my children will appreciate these photos of me, since (as the primary family photographer) I'm often missing in the gazillion photos we take each year.

One Little Word

2011-12-31T16:30:00.002-07:00

You can download a high-res, printer ready version
of my Today-Do Art here. If you're like a larger
version, go here.

Healthy. Myword for 2011 was healthy. I’m not going to lie; it took some time for my wordto take hold, for me to fully embrace it, but when I did, holy cow. The firstfive months of the year, I thought about my word. I thought about makingchanges. I thought about embracing the word. I thought about trying to be healthier.But that’s all I did – a whole lotta thinking and no action.

But thensomething changed. I went to a retreat in June. Best decision I’ve made formyself in a very long time. The retreat, hosted by the amazing Liz Lamoreux,focused on the idea of telling your story. It wasn’t about being healthy, butsomehow it translated into that for me. Telling my story, moving forward,making changes … those were all things that would translate into healthierliving for me. The retreat gave me a safe place to tell my story and introducedme to a tribe of brave, creative loving women. Those women believed in my fromthe moment they met me and started to cheer me on as I walked toward healthy.

Still, the desireto make real changes didn’t take hold until August 11^th. Somethingbad happened to me on that day. Something I’m not sure I’ll ever sharepublicly. But it spurred serious change. I made a decision to move forward inthe right direction. I started running. I started eating better (thank youWeight Watchers). I started journaling, meditating and creating for myself.I’ve managed to lose 25 pounds since that day. I went from a size 12 to a 6. I’verun more than 200 miles. I’ve written poetry, which is totally out of mycomfort zone. I’ve stopped spending outside my means (Christmas was done incash, which we had plenty of, but the pessimist in me is always afraid ofspending cash on hand and would rather hoard it and use credit). I’ve taken mylife by the horns and am healthier (emotionally and physically) than I’ve beenin years. Things aren’t perfect. I could stand to lose five more pounds. Mybody still constantly aches. I could be more frugal and resourceful. I couldstop eating and spending emotionally, though I’ve cut back on bothconsiderablely. And still have some lingering anger, sadness and trust issues,but it’s a start -- a huge start.

With 2012just around the corner, it’s time to pick a new word. I have been wrestlingwith this for weeks now. My word for 2011 came easily. It practically smackedme in the face. My new word isn’t coming as easily. So what are some of thewords I’ve been thinking about? Grateful, appreciate, brave, better, be, savor,enough, happy, free, creative, search, change, learn, accept, play, joy ….

But in thelast few days, as I’ve thought about this more, the same word kept popping up:DO. I need to do more, think less. I need to do the things that bring me joy. Ineed to do things for me, and not because others think I should. I need to do.Do. Do. Do.

And withthat, I have my word for 2012: DO.

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If you've never heard of One Little Word, check out my friend Ali's explanation here. Or, visit my friend Liz's blog, as she's been doing One Little Word for a number of years now.

Also, if you'd like a copy of my Today-Do subway art, you can download a 5x7 or 16x24 high-resolution, printer ready file. Enjoy

A Breath of Fresh Air

2011-12-27T18:28:00.001-07:00

Today we hit 64-degrees. The sun was shining. The sky was clear. I walked to get the mail in a short-sleeved shirt and flip flops. I love the weather in Southern Arizona. This is why I live here.

We had a totally lazy day. I had a ton of work to do -- expense reports, travel arrangements, customer service calls, etc -- and there were lots of household tasks to be taken care of -- laundry, dishes, feeding my kids (I guess I should feed them once in awhile), etc. I even managed to get a run in -- 4.5 miles. Mama is getting back into a good exercise groove. Maybe I'll actually be able to get these last 5 pounds off before winter is over.

Now that my work day is done, I'm going to play a little with my new Bamboo Tablet. I'm still getting used to it, but so far I love it.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Operation Project Life

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

... has officially started. I originally planned on starting my album January 1st, but I was just too excited to wait. All my supplies were burning a hole in my scrappy space. Unlike any of my other scrappy projects, I really wanted to do Project Life in the physical form. Though the digital version looks fabulous, there's just something so appealing about the physical album. I also thought if I did the physical version then my family might be able to participate in the process.

But ... in order to start I had to get past a little personal hurdle. I had a ton of anxiety about printing the weekly photos. You see, I'm 100% digital. I don't print pictures anymore, I do everything digitally. I've always been someone who collects the little scraps of life -- receipts, boarding passes, kids' artwork, etc -- so those sort of goodies started piling up for the month of December. And I've been taking a photo a day since the start of the year, so I had plenty of photos to use. I just had to figure out how to print them and how I'd print them in the correct sizes for the divided page protectors.

I worried about this for the last three weeks. And I didn't make any progress on my album. And then I had an epiphany: I could use the Project Life Digital Templates to print my photos. I immediately bought the set of seven templates (above) and went to work selecting my photos for Weeks One and Two, as well as my title page. The templates are the exact same size and layout as the page protectors that can be purchased in the Photo Pocket Pages - Big Variety Pack. I can mix and match which templates/pocket pages I use, which means lots of variety.

When I was all done picking and clipping my photos, I upload the files to the Costco Photo Center and had them printed at my local Costco (a 12x12 page costs $2.99 and can be done in an hour!). This is what the template pages looked like straight from Costco:

In total, I printed 5 pages: the photos for the cover page and then two pages each for weeks one and two. If I was thinking ahead, I could have added photos from future weeks to the unused photo spots on these pages ... but I wasn't. Once I had these in my hot little hands, I cut out the individual photos, used a corner rounder to finish them off and added them to my album.

Here's a peek at what my cover/title page looks like:


I bought the Digital Turquoise Paper Pack, and I clipped one of the papers to a photo spot (above).

On this photo I added some word art from Ali Edwards before printing.

I'm already almost done with weeks one and two (Dec 4-17) and I'm hoping to catch up the other weeks this weekend. And then, I should be able to keep up as the year progresses. My plan is to pick my photos each Saturday. Clip them to the template. And uploaded them for one-hour printing. That way either Saturday night or Sunday I can put my pages together. What's good about this is I can do these steps even when I'm traveling. This is huge for me, since traveling as much as I do makes it hard to do any sort of physical project. Adding some digi shortcuts will make this far more manageable for me.

Are you doing Project Life? Any short cuts you want to share? I need all the help I can get!

The Day After

2011-12-26T10:44:00.005-07:00

After all the anticipation, Christmas came and went in the blink of an eye. Shelby woke up at 3:55 a.m. on Christmas morning. I made her go back to bed. But then, she got up every half an hour until we all finally got up at 7:30 a.m. when Cooper woke up. She was bursting with excitement and today, the day after, she's still so excited. She got everything she wanted and is enjoying playing with all her goodies. There are toys, books, puzzles, a robot ... strewn all over the house.

Coop with one of Shelby's Lalaloopsy Dolls.

Shelby has been been enjoying playing with Cooper's toys too (especially the robot and his train set) and Cooper has been especially attached to Shelby's Lil' Squirt Lalaloopsy Doll ... so much so there's been some fighting and tears. We might just have to get Coop his own Lalaloopsy Doll today.

Since I'm pretty uptight about, well, everything ... there's not much of a post-holiday mess. I cleaned up the present trash as we went and loaded it all into my SUV for Mike to dispose of. I'm a little obsessive when it comes to messes. Toys strewn about are a little hard for me to handle, but I'm trying to embrace the chaos today. The kids can play, make messes and we'll worry about cleaning tomorrow.

Today, I'm going to play with my new Wacom Bamboo Tablet!! And work on my Project Life album. I'm also pretty sure there are some leftovers in our future (ham sandwiches and homemade bread). Awesomeness ahead.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

This Magic Moment

2011-12-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

This was the year that Cooper figured what Christmas was all about. It was such a thrill to watch him get excited when he saw the lights, heard the music, touched the presents. He would say "Ho, Ho, Ho" and sing "Jingle Bells." It was adorable. When he came downstairs this morning, he was so excited when he discovered his train set. With each present he opened, he got more excited. He hugged everyone, yelled lots of "tank oohs" and played his little heart out. His favorite gifts? The train set from Santa and a learning robot from Uncle Kelly and Aunt Corey.

Shelby has been counting down the days until Christmas. She loves the holiday season. She especially loves decorating and insists all our decorations go in the exact same spot each year. Last year, Shelby had some serious questions about Santa. She wondered why he used the same wrapping papers as we do and why he did his bows just like mama ... which led me to take greater precautions to keep the secret going. I ordered special wrapping paper and hid it, so Shelby wouldn't see it. I bought special, Santa-only bows ... also expertly hidden. I printed out gift tags, so Shelby would see my handwriting on the tags. And guess what? It worked. Not a single question and no skepticism about Santa.

There were lots of Lalaloopsy goodies from Santa (two dolls, clothes, accessories) and a Fidgit (rated by parents as one of the most annoying toys). From me and Daddy, Shelby got a desk, chair and side table to start the redecorating of her room. She loved, loved all her presents. Shelby's favorite presents? All her Lalaloopsy dolls, she ended up with four: two from Santa, one from Cooper and one from Uncle Kelly and Aunt Corey.

And what was my favorite gift you ask? This t-shirt from Mike. Not too long ago I mentioned I thought (and have always thought) Tom Selleck was sexy. Mike gagged at that announcement. But when it came time to buy gifts for me, look what he got me! Love the 'stache!

We really are quite blessed as a family, despite the recent bad news. I am grateful for my health and the health of my children and Mike. I'm grateful for the bounty we enjoy. And I am grateful for every moment we get to spend together.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Merry, merry

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 Christmas Card, created at Shutterfly.com

Wishing all of you a bright and happy holiday season ... from our family to yours.

We've had a tough week. It started with Cassius (our beloved dog) being sick (tumor/cancer) and having surgery. And then, Mike's Grandma had a stroke and isn't expected to survive. But, in all the sadness there is joy. The joy of two precious children who are healthy and happy.

As I type this I pray that those of you with hearts filled with sadness will find peace and comfort. I pray that those close to me who are struggling with grief will be watched over, comforted and blessed. And may Grandma June find peace as she moves from this life to the next. You are loved.

Enchantment

2011-12-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

Each and every day I am reminded how blessed I am, especially in the kid department. I have the smartest, funniest, sweetest daughter in the world. Through out this season, it's been adorable to watch Shelby share her love of Christmas with Cooper. The two of them would be the best little elves ever. They love everything about Christmas.

Tonight we went out to a fancy dinner with family. It wasn't what we originally planned to do. But plans change. And everyone rolled with it quite well, including my kiddos. Shelby was the perfect little lady at dinner -- she chatted and entertained Great-Great Aunt Dorothy and used all her manners. And this was even after having to wait 45 minutes for everyone to arrive. Coop even did quite well. No melt downs. No inappropriate behavior. I was pleasantly surprised.

Then when we got home, they got to open one present each. It's the same thing each year - pajamas - and Shelby has caught on. But they were still super excited. When I was a kid, I got to open one gift on Christmas Eve and it was always the gift from my paternal grandparents. I remember being so excited and feeling like I was getting over opening a present before Christmas morning. This year I managed to find the kiddos matching pajamas -- How the Grinch Stole Christmas Jammies -- at Pottery Barn. Tell me they don't look adorable. I dare you. Once the jammies were on and cookies were out for Santa, both kids went right to bed. They were more than willing, which NEVER, EVER happens (which was so good, since we had a lot of "Santa" prep to take care of). Just add Santa to the mix and suddenly my kids will do anything and do it the first time I ask.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Life is Sweet

2011-12-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Beer Bread: I found the recipe here.

I have been diligently trying to lose weight, exercise and eat a healthier diet. I have lost about 25 pounds since August and ran/walked about 200 miles ... so it must be working. So, instead of making a lot of super sweet Christmas treats, I decided to make some tasty and slightly sweet loaves of beer bread. It's easy to make and so yummy. I'm slightly addicted to it, which means I probably won't be making it again any time soon (too tempting). But, in a pinch it's a great and tasty treat.

Ingredients:

3 cups self-rising flour

1/2 cup sugar

12 ounces beer

2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

Preheat theoven to 375 degrees F.

Butter a loafpan and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and beer and mixwell. The mixture should be sticky. Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 55minutes. At the last 3 minutes of baking, remove from oven, brush the top ofthe loaf with butter and return to oven.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Holiday scrappin'

2011-12-21T21:09:00.002-07:00

I was able to squeeze a little holiday related scrapbooking into my schedule this last week. I basically lifted my own blog posts and used them for layouts. I'm off work this week, so I 'd liked to get some crafty, scrappy projects done, but it might not happen. With no school, Christmas madness and quick trips ... it's looking like it might not happen. In the meantime, I do have these layouts to share:

This layout is of Shelby taking pictures of our tree. I used the new Timeless Kit from PxlCafe. I added some of the Essential Stitches, also from PxlCafe ... these stitches are one of my favorite things to use right now. Love 'em.

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This layout was created using the Frosty Wonderland Collaboration Kit from PxlCafe. You can get it for free here. The photo is of our Christmas tree. I love the way it turned out.

Wrapped with Love

2011-12-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

With school out, I took the kiddos and headed to Flagstaff to spend so time with people we love. Here's Shelby wrapped up in the love of Gracie and Emma. It's like they had never been apart. They all played so well together, which isn't always the case for them! The three of them made a little camp site on the floor and slept side-by-side each night we were there. Giggles floated from the room late into the evening and it was precious to see the three of them all wrapped up in each other, having a blast.

Shelby totally loved the snow, but that's nothing new. She's always been a snow bunny. Not me, I'd rather be inside.

I really though Cooper wouldn't like the snow. Boy was I wrong. As soon as we rolled into Flagstaff, Coop started yelling "I see snow Mama, I see snow." Over and over again. And when the girls went outside to play in the snow, he wasn't far behind. He didn't care how cold he got. He just kept right on playing. So much fun!

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Frosty Wonderland {PxlCafe Blog Hop}

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy holidays!

Welcome to the first ever PxlCafe blog hop. We're in the holiday spirit and want to GIVE you some adorable goodies. The creative team, me included, has been hard at work, creating a fabulous winter-themed kit to share with you: Frosty Wonderland. The best part? It's free! There are templates, papers, embellishments ... tons of yummy, winter goodness.

For the kit, I created some word art based on my handwriting. I've been wanting to do this for some time, so it was great to have "reason" to finally get off my tush and do it!

Download my part of the kit here.

Next stop in the hop is the fabulous Lisa.

If you got lost along the way, here's a complete list of all the blogs you should visit and grab your goodies and inspiration:

PxlCafe Blog

Amy

Janet

Kimberly {you are here}

Lisa

Miranda

Tracy

Make a List (check it twice)

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

waiting in line at the Post Office

Today was all about errands. Getting lots of things done. The kids are on winter break now, so they tagged along as took car of last-minute holiday tasks:

The UPS Store to mail packages
The Post Office to but stamps and mail Christmas cards
Weigh in at Weight Watchers (I lost a pound)
Target for some wrapping supplies
Laundry
Pack for Flagstaff (the kids and I are going to Flag for a few days to see Auntie Jennie, Emma, Gracie and Grammy).
Take Cassius to the vet.

For the most part, it was a routine sort of day. The kids were fabulous: Cooper listened relatively well and Shelby was super helpful. But our day took a turn for bad at Cassius' vet appointment. We took him for what we thought was just a cut that gotten infected. Instead, we were informed he has a tumor. It's the size of a donut on his right, hind hip. According to the vet and all I've read, tumors and cancer are common in boxers between the ages of 7 and 9. Cash is 7 now, so I guess he's in that fateful window. He has surgery on Wednesday. The tumor will be tested and if it's the aggressive, fast growing cancer then he's prognosis could be just 3 to 6 months.

Shelby was with me at the vet. When she heard the news, she burst into tears. And I teared up as well. It felt like my heart was being torn out of my chest. Seeing her heartbroken, hugging her pup was just so horrible. The two of them have grown up together. He loves her and she loves him. I can't even begin to think of our world without him.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Recharge

2011-12-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Holy cow I've been busy. Five loads of laundry washed, folded and put away; the last of homemade gifts finished; wrapping, wrapping and more wrapping ... and the list goes on and on. I spent the better part of the morning driving around town in search of a toy for my nieces. They wanted this specific toy and after four Targets, one Wal-Mart and even a K-Mart (out of pure desperation), I found and purchased the Orbeez Soothing Spa Set. Know I know why they are selling for triple their retail value online .. .they are sold out everywhere. I felt like a champion when I finally found it and had it in my cart. Oh, the simple pleasures.

I recharged with me feet up, my iPad and mindless TV on in the background. I might have had some ice cream, but I will never tell!

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Warm Glow

2011-12-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

We have a fake Christmas tree. It doesn't smell good. It just doesn't smell at all. So, I've taken to filling our home with fresh pine tree scents from sprays and candle warmers. I haven't had a real candle burning in ages. With little kids around and my sometimes forgetfulness when it comes to blowing out my candles it's safe to use an electric powered candle warmer. But someone gave us a candle in a holiday basket, so we have a pine-scented candle to add a little warmth to our holiday decor. I love the sparkle and glow. I think I need to go back to burning real candles.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

The Season of Lights

2011-12-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

The lights and the music: my two favorite parts of the holidays. We have white lights strung all over our house and we turn them on as soon as we wake up and leave them on until we go to bed. I love how the warm light fills up our home. Love, love the lights.

I've been admiring the bokeh shots that are all over the Internet. But I'm just not that good with my camera. I still have so much to learn. But, I read a tutorial here that was super easy and super clear ... and and I was able to get my very on Christmas-tree bokeh.

How cool is that? I love it and I love this season of lights. Anyone know of any other cool and easy photo tips you want to share? I'm totally up for trying anything, especially since I had some success with my Christmas-tree bokeh.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Got Gifts?

2011-12-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

The biggest holiday stress I have can be summed up in a single word: gifts. I have a ton of anxiety over picking the right gifts; getting all the shopping done in time; and of course wrapping the mountain of presents. I do all the shopping in our family. I do it for our immediate family. I do it for my extended family. And I do it for Mike's family. That's a whole lotta shopping. Mike gets off easy ... he shops for me and that's it. And if there are handmade gifts, they are made by my hands! Lots and lots of work I tell you (I say this in happiest way possible, since I prefer having control over the process, otherwise if Mike was solely responsible for the shopping, then everyone would end getting bacon flavored toothpaste)!

Last year I got our shopping done super early and it was such a huge relief, which is why I aimed to do the same this year. With as much as I work and travel, it's almost a necessity. It's also nice to be able to drive past the super crowded mall and know I don't have to fight the crowds. Just thinking about the crowds makes my head hurt.

Since I'm done shopping, my focus has turned to wrapping, each night I've been chipping away at the piles of gifts. I'm thrilled to report, I'm pretty much done with all my wrapping, which means on Christmas Eve we'll only have to put together Santa's goodies ... a huge task this year with a train table for Cooper and and a desk for Shelby.

The last few years, I haven't worried too much about how I wrapped the gifts from Santa. Shelby was too little to notice. That all changed last year. Last year she asked all sorts of questions ... "Why does Santa have the same wrapping paper as we do?" "Why does Santa make bows like you do Mama?" "Santa's handwriting looks a lot like yours Mom, why is that?" And on and on and on. This year I'm taking precautions. I ordered new wrapping paper and bows that Shelby has never seen and is hidden quite well. I ordered some printable tags, which I'm going to add Shelby's name to before I print them. And all the "Santa" gifts are being stored at Mike's office so there is no chance she'll see them before Christmas. I hope all this work throws her off the trail!

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

O' Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T21:58:00.001-07:00

Pen Scrapper's Festive Kit, Impact font, and Hero font

My sweet children begged to put up our tree. Well, mostly it was Shelby. I said no. She begged some more. I gave in. The result? A beautiful tree and lots of warm memories. When Cooper saw the tree and its lights, he clapped his hands and yelled "I looooove it." He was thrilled and hasn't kept his little hands off it since (read: lots of broken ornaments and half eaten candy canes have been found around the house).

I created this layout for the Wacom Pen Scrapper's contest. You can vote for my layout here. I'd just love it if you'd vote for me!

Sincerely Yours

2011-12-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

I found this letter to Santa tucked under "his" mug. Written by Shelby without any prompting or help.

She still flips her "b's" and her "d's," which is so stinkin' cute to me. Before long, it will stop. I'm grateful to have some photographic evidence of who she is at this very moment. To clarify, she wants:

1. A Lalaoopsy Silly Hair Doll: These are super hot right now, and sold out in a lot of stores. People are selling them on eBay for twice and sometimes four times as much as they normally retail for. I got one a month ago, on sale plus I had a coupon. Score one for me!

2. A Big-Eyed Baby: These are stuffed animals with BIG eyes that I started buying for Shelby when I traveled. They sell them in airports, so they're always easy for me to find. They're my go to prize when she already has all the snow globes (Whenever I travel, I pick her up a snow globe and she has a HUGE collection) for a particular destination.

3. Books: Like both her Mama and Daddy, Shelby is a big reader. It helps that she's totally mastered reading in the last few months and she's even more obsessed with books now that she can read the more advanced ones on her own. I have it on good authority that Shelby will be getting a book about mimes ... combining two of her favorite things! How awesome is that?

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Simply Divine

2011-12-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Headed East today. My very last business trip of 2011. It's a quick one. But that doesn't make me any less homesick or sad to leave my babies. As we got closer to Atlanta, I looked out my window toward home -- the West -- and this is what I saw. God's hand kissing the horizon. Simply divine. And I knew. As I went East, he stayed out West to watch over the ones I love the most.

Divine indeed.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

A Whole Lot of Happy

2011-12-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

I can always count on Shelby for a happy face. She's a bright spot in my life. To say I adore her would be an understatement. Sure, there are days she drives me nuts and totally tests my patience, but more often than not she's bringing joy into our home. She's a mini-me in every way, and I think that's why we love each so much, yet rub each other in the wrong way. There's no middle ground with us and it makes for a lot of drama, good stories and memorable struggles.

This year Shelby started taking karate and if I'm home on Monday, then I take her to karate. On our way to karate, we stop at Starbucks and get a treat. For her it's usually passion fruit iced-tea and a pastry; and I just get the tea. We sit and talk. She tells me about her day, school, her friends. I get to ask her all sorts of questions, which she freely answers. These mommy-daughter dates are a highlight of my week.

My boss has made a lot of changes to my schedule in an attempt to give me more quality time at home, even though I'm still traveling a lot. This often means I don't travel until Tuesday, instead of Monday and I'm often home by Friday night, sometimes Thursday ... so I rarely miss my dates with Shelby. It might not seem like a big deal, but my quality of life has shot up now that I can count on this special time with my girl. It's good for me. It's good for her.

Shelby is a whole lot of happy and I am blessed to have her scatter her sunshine on my soul.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Keep a Contented Heart {A Blog Hop}

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to A Happiness Blog Hop! This month our theme is "Keep a Contented Heart." You should have arrived from Take a Picture and Remember This. So glad to have you here.

I struggle with keeping a contented heart. Not just with scrapbooking, but with everything. I think I can always be doing more or doing "it" better. I compare myself to others and inevitably I feel discouraged.

In an attempt to be more content, I've come up with the a three part plan to banish my insecurities:

1. Stop looking: I spend way too much time surfing the Web, looking and reading about all the "things" other people do. I'm done. I'm going to turn away. Doing stuff, anything, makes me happy. So rather than torturing myself by sitting on the sidelines, watching others and comparing myself. I'm committing to doing more and looking less.

2. Have reasonable expectations: I'm a working mom of two busy kids. I cannot craft every single day, do all the housework, read a 15 books in a month, exercise daily, keep fancy meals on the table ... and the list goes on. Being more realistic about what I can do and what I really want to do will help me be more content. There are some things that never, ever excite me (housework), so I've found ways to get out of it and make times for things that do make me happy (scrapping or working in my art journal).

3. Ask for help: This is the hardest part for me. I struggle with asking for help. Hate it actually. But in order to make time for the things I want to do, I have to ask for help for the things I must do. It's impossible for me to take on more or do more if I don't ask for help. I either have to let something go or allow others to help me.

Bonus: Whenever I start to feel squirmy -- ya know what I mean -- squirmy because I'm out of sorts, not so happy and discouraged, then I turn to things that inspire me and fill my soul with joy. My daughter inspires me.

In this photo, Shelby was in awe of the Las Vegas Strip. She hadn't been back to Las Vegas in more than a year and she doesn't really remember living there. This trip she loved, loved everything about it. Seeing the joy on her face when she saw the lights of the Strip was precious and inspiring. I want to feel joy the way she does, the way you see in this photo.

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Thanks for stopping by, and I hope that during this busy time of year we'll be able to slow down a bit and being more contented. Next up in the hop is: Your Memory Connection.

In case you got lost along the way, here's a list of all the blogs participating in the hop:

Fun Mama

Kiss & Tell Scrapbooking

Melissa’s Blog

Nihao, Cupcake!

Our Life with Spiky Potatoes

Scraps & Sass

Scrapworthy Lives

Slice of Life

Take a Picture and Remember This

This Kalil Life (you're here)

Your Memory Connection

Twinkle, Twinkle

2011-12-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

This little man has a twinkle in his eye. We can be sitting on the couch, doing nothing and he'll giggle and twinkle for hours. He's happy, all the time. It's quite adorable and infectious. (I say this all the time, and I'll keep saying it since it's quite amazing to me. I'm not sure where his jolly demeanor comes from, but I'll gladly take it).

Last night we took the kids to an event at a local mall. During December they "make it snow" a couple nights a week. For kiddos who live in Southern Arizona snow is a rare treat. There were carolers, hot chocolate and lots of excited kids. When the snow started, Cooper clapped and exclaimed "I see da snow. I see da snow" Over and over again. The twinkle in his eye was even brighter at that moment. He was thrilled.

Then, we took the kids to dinner. It was late ... at least for our kids. We didn't even sit down at our table until about 7:30 p.m. and the food didn't arrive until after 8 p.m. But both kids were angels. They colored. They chatted quietly. There were friendly games of tic-tac-toe. And Cooper entertained us with his silliness and twinkle.

It was a magical, twinkly kind of night.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Some scrappy goodness

2011-12-10T09:26:00.001-07:00

Created for The Daily Digi using a Fiddle Dee

Dee Template which is included in the December 2011 Digi Files.

Additional supplies: Exclusive "Celebrate" Kit from The Daily Digi;

Typewriter Scribble Font; and CK Ali Font

Some of the layouts I created for the December Digi Files have been posted over at the Daily Digi, so I can share them now. The layout above is one of my favorites and illustrates a new, personal trend: texted photos. Whenever I'm away from home, and I feel like I'm missing out, I ask (beg) Mike to text me photos of what they are doing. On this day, I was working at Florida Today and Mike took the kids to a carnival one of his clients was hosting. Cooper spent the better part of the outing in the bounce castle. And had to be forcefully removed ... multiple times. Even though I wasn't there, I feel like I was. I appreciate that my husband willingly sends me the photos and makes an effort to help me document our stories.

Lauren Reid's "Call Me" kit for The Digi Files December 2011
Additional credits: Eva Kipler, Stitching, Always There Kit;
Crystal Wilkerson, staple; Hero font; and CK Ali font.

I've also been using a ton of iPhone photos on my pages. This self-portrait was taken with my iPhone and then tweaked using the Instagram ap, which I love. I seriously love taking photos with my phone. I always, always have it with me ... so there is a greater likelihood of my actually capturing the moment if I use me phone. So I do. And I don't stress too much if the photo isn't perfect. I'd rather have a crappy photo than no photo at all.

It's a Sign

2011-12-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't get out of the house much today. I had/have a lot of work to do. It has been a productive week on the work front, and today was no different. Tonight, we went to the kids' school for their annual Cultural Fair. Each class has been studying a different country and everything they'd learned (and worked on) was on display. Shelby's class had China and Cooper's class had Mexico. The kids got little passports and went from class to class filling their books. Coop stayed in China most of the night, playing in the child-sized pagoda Shelby's class had made. Shelby loved the chance to run around with her friends, eat goodies from around the world and show off her hard work.

On the way home, we picked up some Panda Express ... Shelby's choice of course. After dinner: I broke into my fortune cookie and this is what I got: You will overcome difficult times. Now, that's great and all. A very positive message and in most cases it would buoy me up after a bad day, week or even year. However, it also implies there are (more) difficult times ahead. And frankly, I'm all done with difficult. I'm ready for easy. I think I'm going to back-date this fortune. I'll pretend it showed up years ago ... and I've happily overcome difficult times. Am I allowed to do that?

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Cooper doesn't love Santa

2011-12-09T08:37:00.001-07:00

He didn't love him last year and he still doesn't love him this year. We dropped in the see the jolly fellow on a whim .. .mostly because there wasn’t a line. We figured Coop would do better if he didn’t have to wait long. We couldn’t be more wrong. He hated it. He wanted absolutely nothing to do with Santa. Shelby, on the other hand, jumped right into Santa’s lap and told him all the things she wanted for Christmas and then smiled patiently while we tried to get Coop to cooperate. I jumped in the photo, thinking if Cooper could sit on my lap, it would calm him down. Nope. Nothing worked. As soon as we left Santa, Coop was all smiles. Go figure ... maybe next year will be better.

Reflecting on the Season

2011-12-08T20:27:00.001-07:00

Another busy day. Work. Kids. Work. Kids ... not a lot of time to reflect on the season. But that's life, right? I decided to get off the crazy train for a little bit and took a break from work to wrap some presents. Most of my shopping is already done, and I'm trying to slowly chip away at wrapping presents so I'm not up all night on Christmas Eve. Though wrapping presents might seem tedious to some, I enjoy the process. Love it ... I especially like using curling ribbon to top the presents.

As I put a few more finish presents under the tree, Shelby took one labeled for her and begged for a hint as to what was in the box. She shook it. She begged. She shook it some more. She giggled when I refused to tell her what the present was. Her eyes twinkled. And it made my heart sing.

At the same time, Cooper took a bag of bows and put bow after bow on a present for himself. He'd say "Do the sticky mommy." And I'd help him take the backing off the back of the bow and put it on the package. He was thrilled with the process and his joy was infectious.

These sort of moments make the season and that's worth reflecting on ...

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Express Yourself

2011-12-07T21:23:00.001-07:00

Clowning at the mall

"Mom, I can't believe you screwed up again," Shelby told me this afternoon ... half mocking, half serious.

We showed up to Color Me Mine, to paint with Mrs. Claus, exactly one week early. I misread the date and marked my calendar for Wednesday the 7th, not the 14th.

The worst part is I screwed up our mommy-daughter date to Color Me Mine twice in less than a week. On Sunday we showed up at 9 a.m. to paint with Santa. But somehow I missed the fine print that you had to reserve a spot in advance. There were no spaces left and though Shelby was quite sweet about the mix up, she was disappointed. We ended up seeing a movie (with Cooper) instead.

More silliness.

I guess I'm a little frazzled these days. To make up for my mistake, we walked around the mall; went to look at the stores Shelby likes; goofed around; took silly pictures of ourselves with my phone; and got a treat (Shelby picked Wetzel's Pretzels). In the end, it turned out to be a pretty great mother-daughter date, just not what we originally planned. I love hanging out with Shelby. She makes me laugh. She helps me forget the crap that makes me frazzled. She expresses herself in the most natural, silly and authentic way. Some days, like today, that spark for life rubs off on me and I let go of some of my seriousness and embrace my silly.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Every Little Thing

2011-12-06T21:31:00.001-07:00

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved Christmasmusic. I have to stop myself from listening to it before Thanksgiving. I’dlisten to it year round if people wouldn’t think I was nuts. So, I hold off. Irefrain from playing it in March. I stop myself from playing it in August. But assoon as the turkey has been served, then it’s all Christmas music all the time.

Around the same time I start playing the holiday tunes, Ialso switch up our nightly bedtime routine. I sing to both my kids before theygo to sleep. As I rock Cooper for a bit, I sing him Christmas songs. Normally Ipick my favorites, since he doesn’t have an opinion about it yet. Shelby, onthe other hand, picks the Christmas songs she wants to hear (usually “Rudolphthe Red Nosed Reindeer”) and then I pick one I want to sing.

Though I love all Christmas music, I really loveChristmas hymns, the ones I heard going to church every Sunday as a child. “OhCome All Ye Faithful” is my all-time favorite, followed closely by “O’ LittleTown of Bethlehem.” As soon as I hear either one of these songs, I feelinstantly at peace. It’s as if I’m wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket.

Today was a crazy day. Lots of work, Christmas shoppingwith my mother-in-law, school pick-up, homework, running, dinner … and the listjust seems to run on forever. There wasn’t a lot of time to slow down or toreflect on the season. As I was drivinghome from school with the kiddos, I turned on my new favorite Christmas album,Come Let Us Adore Him, from The Lower Lights. All the chaos melted away. As Iblared “Go Tell It On the Mountain” Cooper swayed in his car seat and clappedto the beat. And when “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” filled the car, I felt like myheart was going to burst. My eyes filled with tears and I didn’t feel so overwhelmed.The little things, every little thing, matter. When you peel away all the layersand get to the little nuggets … you are showered with peace, joy and grace. Ipray I spend more time this season peeling away the layers, mining the littlethings.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

The View from Here

2011-12-05T19:38:00.001-07:00

I adore December in Southern Arizona, it reminds me why I love living here. This will be our fifth Christmas in Arizona. It's amazing how quickly the years pass. I love the fact that we have sunshine and great weather nearly year round. Though December is cold by our standards, there is no snow (huge plus for me) and there's still an abundance of sunshine.I really can't imagine living anywhere else or spending the coldest months of the year outside of Arizona. It might not be what people call a traditional winter or a holiday landscape, but my Arizona views make me happy. And they make me really happy when the rest of the country is covered in snow.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

You Hold The Key

2011-12-04T20:31:00.001-07:00

The key to my sanity is a little "me" time in the form of doing something creative. Art journaling, scrapbooking, crafting, painting ... all make me happy. Today, I worked on creating glitter covered Christmas trees. I think it was the slow, repetitive processes of spraying the Styrofoam trees with glue, covering them with glitter, waiting for them to drive and then repeating the process again (and again) that brought me peace.

Yesterday I slipped away to work on my art journal and was interrupted by Cooper, my inquisitive little 2-year-old. When he saw what I was doing, he asked "I do art?" Admittedly, I'm a little uptight about letting my kids "do art" with me. I'm quite particular (read: uptight) and sometimes the chaos of crafting with kids can push me over the edge. I'm also a bit stingy with my "good" art supplies, and don't like to share them. I wish I was more patient in this regard, but I'm not. Yet, for some reason, last night I told Coop he could join in. We painted together. I let him drip (expensive) ink all over my art journal. I encouraged him to play with the paints and even rub them on his belly. We had such a great time. We laughed and I actually relaxed. I guess I shouldn't be so stingy with my supplies and my "art" time.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

All You Need is Love

2011-12-03T18:36:00.001-07:00

... and some Peppermint Joe-Joe's from Trader Joe's.

Today's I was searching for symbols of love, things that represented love and things I love.

There are countless things I love. There are people, such as my kids, husband and extended family. There are places I love, like my home, Paris and Southern California and Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Right now, I really love jeggings, a pair of brown tall boots and a green scarf, which I wear all the the time.

But one of the things I love most about the Christmas season is the return of Peppermint Joe-Joe's at Trader Joe's. Seriously, I'm obsessed with them. I've made Shelby obsessed with them ... even she started asking for them around Thanksgiving time. Even Cooper knows what they are and loves them. They are heavenly. I love to dunk them in milk, yum! When Christmas is over, I buy a whole bunch of boxes before they sell out and my stash usually lasts me until about Valentine's Day.

I love to indulge. I've never met a bowl of ice cream I didn't love. But earlier this year I made a lot of changes. I started running and eating right ... and as a result have lost 20 pounds. I've been turning down a ton of goodies for months now and then the Joe-Joe's returned and all bets are off. I love them. They make me happy. And they make me feel like Christmas is here. So, this year I'll have my Joe-Joes (in moderation) and then just run a little more. It's all about balance right?

Is it silly to love a cookie so much?

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Reframing the Season

2011-12-02T20:50:00.001-07:00

Earlier this evening, I was taking photos around the house, trying to decide what I was going to do for today's prompt. I sat my camera down and a few minutes later caught my 7-year-old (Shelby) taking photos of the Christmas tree. She was super serious; thinking about each shot; and loving looking at each of her photos. I snapped some photos of her at work. It made me think: I want to see Christmas through her eyes this year, I want to reframe the season from her perspective. I get too stressed. I get frazzled. I forget to find joy in the little, but precious moments. This year, I'd like thinks things to be different. I want to enjoy this time and savor this time with my family, especially my young children.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Holding onto Gratitude

2011-12-01T18:40:00.001-07:00

I'm grateful for a little boy who reminds me to slow down, enjoy life, giggle and love without limits. Here he is kissing the baby Jesus from his Little People Nativity Set. He's 2 and 1/2 and this year he loves all things Christmas. I find more joy in the holidays thanks to him.

I am participating in Paper Coterie's Picture the Holidays. They send you a photo prompt each day and you interpret it ... I'm looking forward to using this as a way to more fully enjoy this holiday season. And, at the end of the month, I'll be able to put all my pictures in a beautiful, hardbound book. I'm hoping that I'll improve my photography skills along the way, or at least my Photoshop skills!

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Taking the plunge

2011-12-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

A card to me, from Shelby

Scrapbookers all over the world havebeen doing something called Project Life for a few years now. It's a conceptcreated by BeckyHiggins and the general idea is that you focus on documenting everydaylife and (try) to incorporate daily photos. I've resisted the project ... for anumber of reasons. The first reason is because it's most often done in atraditional, physical form. Since discovering digital scrapbooking about twoyears ago, I've given up traditional, paper scrapping. I love digital. It'swhat works for me; it's what makes sense. In the years I did paperscrapbooking, I have a small number of pages to show for myself. But in lessthan two years being 100% digital, I have hundreds of pages I've created.Clearly, switching to digital is what I needed to do.

The second reason I've been hesitantto take the plunge is because of my hectic travel schedule. I haven't been sureif I could tackle a project that required so much daily or weekly attention.But this past year, I have managed to keep up with taking a photo a day(Project 365), which has given me courage to do something like ProjectLife.

Inside the card

So what actually pushed me over theedge? What made me really wanna do it, after all this indecision? It was a cardShelby made for me. The week of Thanksgiving I was sick, super sick. And Shelbymade me a picture and attached a card to it that read "Feel detr (better).Love, Shelby." As I looked over this card, I was reminded how fleetingtime is. Shelby won't always be making me these elaborate cards. Someday soon,she won't miss spell the word better. And before I know it, her ability to drawwill be even greater than it is now. This little piece of Shelby captures whoshe is at this very moment. I never, ever want to forget how loving,compassionate and artistic she was (is) at the age of seven. As this was allswimming around in my head, I knew the solution just had to be Project Life. Iwant to collect all the pieces of our life together as a family and be able tolook back at them next year, the year after and 20 years from now. I'm ready tocommit to documenting the every day.

My plan is to do Project Life a lotlike Ali Edwards does it: making it more of a week ata glance. That way, if I don't have photos or ephemera for a certain day, I canjust focus on other -- more meaningful -- days of that particular week.

Also, I'm planning on beingforgiving. One of the ways I was able to accomplish a photo a day project thisyears was I purposely lowered my standard. I took all of the photos with myiPhone and focused on content not quality. It's not to say I didn't want GREAT photos (and in some case I gotthem), but any picture is better than no picture.

I’ve already purchased everything Ineed to get started. And now I just have to decide, do I start next week or doI wait for 2012? Either way I’m beyond excited. I can’t wait to see what 365days of our lives will look like in one place. What do you think, when should Istart? And if you have any advice on how to manage Project Life if you travel, a lot, that would also be helpful!

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Note: There's now digital versions of Project Life. You can find them here. Even so, I really feel strongly about doing the physical version. I'd like to be able to include my family in the process, mostly Shelby, and that can be better accomplished with a physical project.

Gratitude: Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T17:14:00.000-07:00

Shelby all gussied up for Thanksgiving

The week of Thanksgiving found me sick: bronchitis. Mike and Cooper had it as well, so we were a house full of sickies. Luckily, we have the world's best doctor, who managed to see us late on a Friday and got us on antibiotics. I was frustrated to be sick, especially since it would make it impossible to run (I'm a little bit addicted to running, if you haven't picked up on that yet) ... yet, in all the sickness, there was gratitude -- gratitude I happened to get sick on a week I wasn't scheduled to travel and gratitude for swift-acting antibiotics.

My beautiful girl on Turkey Day.

Thanksgiving came quickly, and with the help of all of my local family it was surprisingly easy. Everyone did a little bit of the cooking, and we did the hosting. It was the perfect arrangement.

But no matter how perfect the plans were, I was a little sad the morning of Thanksgiving. Sad because I missed my side of the family. I missed my parents, my siblings, my sisters/brother-in-law, and all my sweet (but crazy) nieces and nephews. Being married and having to share your time with two families sucks. It really does. Don't get me wrong, I love my in-laws and am so grateful for the support, kindness and love they give me. But no one can ever replace the family I've had, well, all my life. But with all the business travel I do and a year filled with reoccurring illness, traveling to see family for Thanksgiving wasn't the best idea. I needed a break and I needed to be home.

Green Bean Casserole

I found comfort in the oddest way. As I was taking a casserole out of the oven I realized I had my mother with me after all. I made a green bean casserole, something my mom would make, but isn't a tradition with my in-laws.

A little help from my grandma

When the sweet potato casserole came out of the oven, it was with a pot holder crocheted by my dearest Grandma Pearl (the pot holders are hot little items, my sister and I fight over them whenever my Grandma makes a new batch). She was with me too.

My apple walnut spice cake

The apple walnut spice cake I chose to serve on Thanksgiving was not something I'd normally make. I don't bake often and I don't bake from scratch. My sister does though, so she was with me as I whipped up this treat. And the blue Kitchen Aide mixer I used for the cake (and batches of cookies that followed) was a present from my Dad and Step-mom, another reminder that my family hovers near me always.

I know it might sound a little sappy, but every where I turned, I found traces of DeMucha's. Just because I am far away from those I love doesn't mean they aren't with me. I'd forgotten that and as the reminders flooded my heart, I found joy in the day and was grateful for where I come from, the people who love me and the connection we all have. Miles don't matter. They never will. Family, near and far, and the knowledge that they always travel with me, tucked deep into my soul ... that matters.

Gratitude: 11.23

2011-11-23T10:36:00.000-07:00


A note from Mike to me, written on the table at date-night dinner.

I'm grateful for date night. We don't have them all that often, mostly because of my grueling travel schedule, but also because we have small children. This month we got more than one (insert the sounds of a choir singing praises), thanks both times to Mike's brother and his wife. One afternoon, my brother-in-law Kelly came over and watched the kids so we could go see a movie.

On another occasion, Kelly and his wife Corey came over and we headed to dinner and a concert (John Prine). Much to Shelby's delight, Aunt Corey even brought over all the goodies to make Christmas cookies. Since I'm away a lot, I don't like leaving the kids. And when I do leave them, I prefer it's with family. I appreciate my in-laws and all the help they give us.

If I'm being totally honest here, Mike and I have had a tough few years. Really tough. And I would assume that the goodness that has settled on our world as of late is only sweeter because of the storms. I am grateful for that as well. I am finding greater appreciate for our time together, whether it's sitting at home, getting the kids ready for school or out on a date.

I am grateful indeed.

Gratitude: 11.22

2011-11-22T18:15:00.001-07:00

Today I'm grateful for a husband who cooks. Mike does all the cooking in our house; he's much better at it than I am; and he likes doing it ... all wins for me. I clean up, which is something I prefer to do, so everyone is winning. As I type, he's making us a yummy dinner (there is chicken and asparagus involved!).

Gratitude: 11.21

2011-11-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Coop watching Shelby at karate.

I'm thankful for siblings who love each other. Coop loves Shelby. Shelby loves Coop. What more could a mother ask for?

Gratitude: 11.19

2011-11-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today I'm grateful for the great weather of Southern Arizona and friends to spend time with outside enjoying the sunshine. Today, Shelby had a birthday to go to and it was outside at a park. There aren't many places where kids can play outside with just a light hoodie in the middle of November. We love the weather here and are so grateful for an abundance of sunshine.

Still scrappin'

2011-11-18T11:05:00.001-07:00

Yes, I'm still scrapping. In fact, I scrap a lot. I just haven't been posting my pages as much lately. A lot of my scrapping these days is for Creative Team assignments. These particular pages were created for The Daily Digi and the November Digi Files, which you can still get here.

I'll start off with a page from my favorite scrapbook muse -- sweet Shelby. She totally into Legos right now and it's something she does with Daddy (he loves Legos too).

Yin Templates from The Digi Files, Nov. 2011 (www.thedailydigi.com)

Additional credits: Robyn Meierotto's Cupcake Kit, Design House

Digital; Hero Font; Impact Font

And of course, I also must share another layout, this one courtesy of my other muse -- Cooper:

Created for November 2011 Digi Files, Studio Charlize kit
Additional credits: Courier New Font; Impact Font;
Paislee Press-Press Plate No. 33 (modified)

Journaling reads:

You, my little man, are quite a stinker. On more than one occasion you’ve poured water on your sleeping sister. You hit your sister in the head with the iPad. You like to kick, a lot … especially when you are getting your diaper changed. You will sit on the potty, do nothing and then walk into the kitchen and pee on the floor. You’ve tossed the step stool down the stairs in an attempt to find a way to reclaim the iPad that had been taken away from you. You scream when you are mad. Really, really scream. You’ve started throwing some major tantrums. But at the same time, you’re so sweet. You pat my cheek, ask if I’m okay and give me kisses all the time. I adore you my little stinker. (October, 2011)

This Kalil Life

Our Dog: Cash

Round up: January 2012

Me heart is breaking

Free Printable: Week 6

Some new layouts

LOAD: Day 2

Project Life: Week 8

Do: The Rochester Edition

LOAD Day 1: The Red Birthday Plate

6 Months: Healthier

Free Printable: Week 5

Free Valentine's Day Printable

LOAD Blog Hop {Feb. 2012}

Project Life: Week 7

Self Portrait: Week 3

My Little French Girl

Free Printable: Week 4

Captain Pop

Project Life Update

LOAD

Weight loss

Free Printable {Week 3}

12 on the 12th

My self-portrait project marches on ...

A Day Without Sunshine {Free Digi Art}

Overzealous?

Project Life: Weeks 1 and 2

Right Now: Cooper @ 2 years, 9 months

Playing: New Lens

Do {Welcome to A Happiness Blog Hop}

52 Weeks of ME

One Little Word

A Breath of Fresh Air

Today we hit 64-degrees. The sun was shining. The sky was clear. I walked to get the mail in a short-sleeved shirt and flip flops. I love the weather in Southern Arizona. This is why I live here.

Now that my work day is done, I'm going to play a little with my new Bamboo Tablet. I'm still getting used to it, but so far I love it.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Operation Project Life

The Day After

Shelby has been been enjoying playing with Cooper's toys too (especially the robot and his train set) and Cooper has been especially attached to Shelby's Lil' Squirt Lalaloopsy Doll ... so much so there's been some fighting and tears. We might just have to get Coop his own Lalaloopsy Doll today.

Today, I'm going to play with my new Wacom Bamboo Tablet!! And work on my Project Life album. I'm also pretty sure there are some leftovers in our future (ham sandwiches and homemade bread). Awesomeness ahead.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

This Magic Moment

And what was my favorite gift you ask? This t-shirt from Mike. Not too long ago I mentioned I thought (and have always thought) Tom Selleck was sexy. Mike gagged at that announcement. But when it came time to buy gifts for me, look what he got me! Love the 'stache!

We really are quite blessed as a family, despite the recent bad news. I am grateful for my health and the health of my children and Mike. I'm grateful for the bounty we enjoy. And I am grateful for every moment we get to spend together.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Merry, merry

Enchantment

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Life is Sweet

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Holiday scrappin'

Wrapped with Love

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Frosty Wonderland {PxlCafe Blog Hop}

Make a List (check it twice)

Today was all about errands. Getting lots of things done. The kids are on winter break now, so they tagged along as took car of last-minute holiday tasks:

The UPS Store to mail packages

The Post Office to but stamps and mail Christmas cards

Weigh in at Weight Watchers (I lost a pound)

Target for some wrapping supplies

Laundry

Pack for Flagstaff (the kids and I are going to Flag for a few days to see Auntie Jennie, Emma, Gracie and Grammy).

Take Cassius to the vet.

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Recharge

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

Warm Glow

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PICTURE THE HOLIDAYS with Tracy Clark and Paper Coterie: 31 days of seasonal photo prompts to inspire your creativity. Find out more here.

The Season of Lights

The lights and the music: my two favorite parts of the holidays. We have white lights strung all over our house and we turn them on as soon as we wake up and leave them on until we go to bed. I love how the warm light fills up our home. Love, love the lights.