Happy Birthday Jamie & Gavin!!

I can't believe another year has gone by. Jamie turned 7 & Gavin turned 3 on Friday & they are the sweetest kids. Completely different personalities. Jamie is sweet, loving & cautious while Gavin is sweet, loving & absolutely fearless. That kid isn't afraid of anything. Which, in turn, terrifies me & his father. He is still going through his 'don't take pictures of me' phase which frustrates me to no end. Jamie on the other hand, loves to have his picture taken. Just look at that sweet smile. So another year down & here's hoping that they, like a fine wine, grow more mellow with time. But I ain't counting on it.

All 3 of the little ones got bikes. We didn't want Kieran to feel left out with Jamie & Gavin learning to ride so they all started to learn to ride yesterday. And they had so much fun. Of course, Kieran the daredevil wanted nothing to do with the helmet until we told him no helmet, no bike. But they had a blast riding in the driveway for now. Maybe I'll be bold & venture beyond next weekend but at least if I have the cars blocking the end of the driveway they're safe. For now.

I did manage to go crop last weekend with Corinne. I am so rusty that I have resorted to scraplifting which is pathetic but at least I'm getting some ideas & layouts are being done. I know once I get back into a regular schedule I'll be more creative. I have been so busy since leaving the hospital that I feel like I've barely caught my breath. I know once school lets out things will get easier. The drive over the hill to the schools is a pain but I didn't want Vinnie or James to have to leave with the end of the year being so close. Good thing is that the schools out here are awesome & within walking distance. I love it!!!! Our new environment is so nice & peaceful & it makes a world of difference in my attitude. I do feel more relaxed (when I DO get a chance to relax) so that's good.

And who would I be if I didn't mention my wonderful Grey's Anatomy season finale? OK, is Meredith the DUMBEST broad in the world? OMG, I didn't get to see it until last night & I was DYING. We got a new DVR box last weekend & my dumbass didn't set it correctly so it didn't record GA so I had to watch it online while Jim was watching the Sopranos. Another OMG show. So he's watching Sopranos & I'm watching GA on the laptop next to him & we both keep pausing respective shows to see what's going on. Just crazy. Waaaaayyyy to involved in my shows. So I am dying because I won't get to see my beautiful man except for in reruns until what, September?? Thank God for the internet.

OH one last thing. I was looking at Jenni Bowlin's blog (http://www.jennibowlin.blogspot.com/) & she posted a link to this new website http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/ & it looks pretty cool. So go check it out & get some inspiration. Have a great week!!!

Back on Track

I FINALLY got to scrapbook over the last week. It has been way too long & I have a fat stack of pictures to work on. While I didn't get as much done as I'd like I did get some stuff done. Since I am dry on creativity, I scraplifted this lovely idea from the cover of a new book, Perfectly Clear by Autumn Leaves.

I never do 2 page layouts anymore because it's hard enough coming up with an idea for one page let alone 2. But I took a series of pictures of Gavin running around at Six Flags during lunch. He ate 2 bites before the big empty space between the tables called his name. I only wish I had that much energy. I loved every picture but how do you fit 10 pictures onto a layout? You cram them in!! I think it came out nice & not too busy.

My computer decided to take a header a little over a week ago but it definitely pays to have an ex-husband who is a computer technician. He had it for a week, added a part & I'm as good as new. I never realized how heavily I relied on my computer until it was gone. Ever tried to find a place without Mapquest? It's a pain!! Map? OMG I couldn't pinpoint an exact location if my life depended on it. And of course, I had a shoot in San Lorenzo. Ever been there? Yeah, no me neither. Luckily Jim's little crappy Sidekick decided to work for once & I was able to get directions. But by day 4 without a computer I was going nuts. Needless to say, as soon as I got it back, I hopped online & ordered a laptop to ensure that the web is never far from me. How sad is that? Sad & frightening now that I think about it.

Last thing, has anyone checked out the new Martha Stewart line at Michael's? One word: AMAZING! I am hearing mixed reviews but Nance & I saw it & loved EVERYTHING! Yes, the 18x18 album is a bit excessive (add legs to it & it's a coffee table. Yes, it's THAT BIG!!!) But if Martha is attaching her name to it, you know it's good quality stuff. Alas, reports are abundant that you can't use the 40% off coupon on her line but I thought it was reasonably priced. And it includes a lot of the stuff in her signature robin's egg blue which I prefer to call Tiffany's Blue. Gorgeous.

Kids found Jim's box of hats & bandanas yesterday & I got some great shots of the little knuckleheads. Enjoy!

Don't you just love the cowboy hat & pull-up? He's going to love these when he gets older!