Hug Your Kids

If you haven't heard, there was an 8 year old girl named Sandra Cantu that was kidnapped a couple of weeks ago. She was subsequently found dead and the suspect is a Sunday school teacher who lived just 5 doors away. This is so incredibly disturbing on so many levels. The little girl was my Jamie's age. I look at my boys and wonder how anyone could hurt a child in such a horrible way. It was late at night when I heard she'd been found and I went upstairs and looked at my boys, grateful that they were home safe and sound. And prayed for that little girl and her family. Having lost a child, I understand the grief they must be going through. However, losing them to such violence is unimaginable. So take a moment today to hug your children. Keep an extra eye on them, thell them when they do well, don't forget to tell them you love them every chance you get.

We had a very nice Spring break, spending lots of quality time with the boys. Vinnie went to Oahu with my mom to see my brother and they had a great time. My brother will be heading for his 3rd tour in Iraq mid-August and while we are not thrilled, we are grateful he isn't going to Afghanistan. If all goes according to plan, this will be his last tour and he will be retiring in the next few years. We are anxious to have him closer to home or at least not being sent into a warzone.

I am finally starting to create again. It seems like I've been stuck in this funk for months now. Oh sure, I'm still accumulating stuff at record pace but using it? Heck no. I have piles and piles of paper and more embellishments than a scrapper should be allowed. But last week I pulled out a pile of pictures, a box of supplies and miraculously created 4 layouts. Woohoo! Now if I can just keep up the momentum....

I'll keep it short. Just take a minute to hug your kids. Go on. If they're not home, do it when they get home. I'm going to hug mine right now. If they're lucky, I'll let them go.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!

What a beautiful St. Paddy's Day we had here in the McIntyre house. Unfortunately, Jim had to work. At least until they make it a national holiday! But the kids and I had fun. They are trying to learn to skateboard. I, of course, am useless as I haven't been on a board in like 25 years. But I get a kick out of watching them.

Vince and my mom left for Hawaii yesterday to visit my brother. They were so excited especially Vince. He is very close to Beto and loves to spend as much time as possible with him. Before he left, we took a day trip out to San Francisco with Brittany and had so much fun. We hit every spot we could get to including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point, Golden Gate Golf Course, Ghiradelli Square and Pier 39. It was fun showing Brittany all of our favorite spots. We even got lucky and found our favorite, Lucca's Delicatessen. So yummy!

After lunch at Lucca's, we headed to Ghiradelli Square and found a fantastic cupcake shop called Kara's Cupcakes. They had the most beautiful, delicious cupcakes I have ever had. And after tasting these I don't think I will ever make cupcakes out of a box again. What a difference between scratch and boxed cake! What have I been missing out on all these years?? Heaven I tell you. Sheer Heaven. And look at how pretty they are!!

So I was inspired to run out and gather all the supplies needed for good, homemade cupcakes from scratch. Did you know that they make Madagascar vanilla? And it is REALLY hard to find? I went to 4 stores before I found it. I told you I was on a mission. Oh, in case you're looking, Raley's/Nob Hill carries it. It's pricey at $9.99 but I think it will be worth it.

So this is the newest addition to our family. Pip was a Christmas present for the kids but he is definitely MY dog. He is the sweetest thing and so smart. We got him at the local animal shelter and he is about a year old. He is attached at my hip most of the time. Now, I love dogs but I am not one of those my-dog-is-my-life people (no offense) but this little pup stole my heart. And he is wonderful with the kids. And isn't he gorgeous? He's a long haired chihuahua mix.

Work is keeping me busy and I still love working at the Diva. So much fun working at a place I love and get to be creative. At least when I have time. With mom gone for the next couple of weeks I am off and it feels weird not to be there. Plus with Jim working so much I don't spend as much time there as I used to.

So whether you're Irish or not, celebrate this fine holiday and be happy. Take some time out to tell the ones you love you appreciate them and have a great week!!

Content

So Jim and I just joined a local gym to start working out and we love it. It's been literally ten years since we worked out together. In fact, when we first started dating we joined a gym together but once I got pregnant with Jamie we quit. Then came the fifty other kids (just kidding) and of course, the gym has been non-existent for all this time. ANYWAY, they set us up with a trainer and he was interviewing us about our lifestyle. So he asks, on a scale of one to ten, what is your stress level? And I sat there thinking and realized for the first time in our marriage our stress level is almost zero. Amazing. A moment of clarity at a gym. Who'da thunk?

So I'm on track to get my butt back in shape. Now I'm not aiming for bikini shape because, let's face it, I will NEVER squeeze my lumpy butt into a bikini ever again. Not that I ever did before. I was more of a one piece type of girl. But I want to at least to be able to wear the cute clothes I have from my somewhat skinny days. And Jim looks fantastic when he's in shape plus it just ain't right looking like this. Plus I am feeling great since I started working out. Hopefully next time you see me there will be less of me.

So I'm sure I blogged about CHA but can I just say how much fun it is getting all the new goodies at the store? This Saturday we are having our second 3rd Anniversary crop. The first one filled up so quickly we had to add a second one. So we will packed with over 30 crazy scrapbookers and 16 hours of fun. I can't wait.

Spring break is in a couple of weeks so the kids are excited about getting 2 weeks off. I am loving the schedule out here because we get these little breaks to spend time together. And with them growing so darn quick we need that time. I can't believe my Gavin is starting kindergarten this year. Time just flies by way to fast. Vinnie is at career day at school today. Career day! I'm like, he's 16 already? Where did the time go? And he is growing like a weed. Everyday I look at him and see him looking more like a man than a boy and it is scary.

So all in all, life is good. I am loving life and my family and my awesome job. Ok, I'll stop. But get out there and find your happiness. Do something today that puts a smile on your face and a leap in your heart.

CHA CHA CHA!

DeAnne, Brit and I made the long drive down to Anaheim for the Craft & Hobby Assoc. trade show a little over a week ago. And what fun we had!!! It was so much fun to see all the new product for the comng year. There was so much to see we didn't even make it to every booth there. DeAnne had been before but I never had so I was blown away by the largesse of it. Hundreds of booths and vendors to see. Everything from fabric to yarn to (of course) scrapbooking supplies. We were on overload from all the creativity and beautiful stuff on display. Needless to say, we have returned with hundreds of ideas and ready to create some fabulous stuff.

We met Tim Holtz and he was very nice. He did a demo of a bunch of his products and they were awesome as usual. We also met Heidi Swapp, Melissa Frances, Jenni Bowlin and a few more industry 'celebrities'.

It was 4 days of walking, taking tons of pictures and absorbing as much as we could. The best part was I got to see the twins. And they are soooo beautiful. Frank and Jim are amazing parents and they all look so happy. That was definitely the highlight of my trip.

As much fun as we had, I am so glad to be home though because I couldn't stand being away from my boys. They were actually good while I was gone but that is the longest I've ever gone without seeing the little knuckleheads.

Vinnie just took the high school exit exam. It is so nerve wracking because you just want to get it done and over with. Now we just wait for the results. As for the other boys, they're a handful as always.

Can I just say how excited I am that Nip/Tuck is back on? AND Lost? The best. Nip/Tuck is weird like it always is and Lost, well can they confuse me any more? But I love it. Besides General Hospital & Grey's Anatomy there's not a lot I watch but these two are fabulous.

So tonight DeAnne and I are going to do a 14 day trial membership at a local gym. I have been running moderately and walking a lot but it just doesn't do a darn thing. So I am stepping it up because I am just way too darn chubby. I wanna wear cute clothes again and not feel like I'm gonna keel over if I walk a flight of stairs. I'm on a mission! Wish me luck!

Happy Holidays!

Look who was at the Diva this weekend! We had a very special visit from Santa who obliged us by taking some pictures with the kids. It was a very fun and exciting day for us and we had so many adorable kids come by to see the big guy. Including Nancie's sweet little grandchildren.

Kieran was the only one of my boys brave enough to sit on Santa's lap and he was so thrilled that he took the time to listen to him. So sweet.

And in between the crowd we got this great shot of DeAnne and I telling Santa what we wanted for Christmas.

Busy as usual. Between work and taking care of the boys there's not much time left to post on here but I am really trying. Unsuccessfully as you can see. But life is good, the kid's are great, I love my job and our homelife is fantastic. Of course, if we came into a fat amount of cash that would be great but otherwise, we're happy as clams.

Kieran had a music recital at school and I was so thrilled. He memorized 12 songs! I was so impressed. Afterwards his teacher had hot chocolate and cookies in their classroom. Jim and I were so proud.

So what's going on in my world? Work is great and busy and everyday I walk in there I am grateful. The customers are wonderful and so is my boss who has become so much more than that. She is a great friend and so smart. This job has also put a fire under my butt to start creating again. I didn't know how much I missed it until I actually sat down and started scrapbooking. I've also been taking a lot more pictures and trying to venture outside my box and try new things.

We actually made it out to the Alameda Antique Show a couple of weekends ago. It was freezing but so much fun and HUGE. We were there for almost 4 hours and barely made it halfway through. So much fun and unique stuff.

We saw a ton of vintage dressforms. This was one of my favorites. It had all of these vintage looking tags on it. It was so pretty. And then there was this: All kinds of ugly. I mean, when was this ever a fashion must? And what freakin' backwoods hillbilly was sitting at home while her husband swilled Pabst Blue Ribbon and thought, I could make a fine hat outta that there can.' I can only guess.

Overall, there was some cool stuff but it was pricey and then there was downright c r a p. But well worth traipsing through the freezing cold.

Ok, I'll leave you with this little angel. This is Lily, Nancie's sweet little granddaughter. She has the sweetest little face and the teeniest voice. Love that girl. Gabriel was there also but Gabriel was having nothing to do with Santa because he 'already saw Santa twice'.

Last but certainly not leaset, little Miss Kelsey who is the perfect image of her pretty mommy. This was one of the funnest (is that a word??) days I've had working at the Diva. Seeing their little faces light up and so sweet. Makes you forget all the bad in the world.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and everything else that is celebrated. Enjoy your family, be grateful for all you have and don't waste a minute because it's over before you know it.

Slacker

Yes, I'm a slacker. But not in every part of my life. Just posting on my blog. It's bad, I know. But it was all for a good reason. Like this. Up there. That's me and some of the gals from the new store I'm working at. We had a huge Breast Cancer Benefit Crop a few weeks ago and it was a blast. Throw 30+ women in a room to scrap for 16 hours and see what you get: lunacy. By 1AM we were getting punchy and silly but we had so much fun.

That being said, I have been completely consumed with expansion and move of the store. And it was well worth it because we are all moved in and I have to say, it looks fab-u-lous. It's all pink and black and just so warm and comfy. We added the photography studio and it is all coming together. I am completely in my space with this job. I am so in my element and that makes a huge difference in my life.

So we took the kids out to the Liberty Homecoming Parade last night and then trick-or-treating. The got a TON of candy. And they had so much fun they passed out in the living room. And check out the fancy pumpkin Jim and the boys carved. Love it.

The 2 Batman's are mine and the little lion is Bradley, DeAnne's son. Kieran was doing his best Sean Penn imitation and running from the camera. He was Batman also. Original aren't they? And can I just ask, what the heck happened to making your own Halloween costumes? We spent $60 on costumes! I remember when we used to rummage around my mom's closet and put a costume together. Boy have times changed.

Speaking of times changing, check out my boy:

DeAnne talked him into getting in front of the camera and he looks so handsome and big. I couldn't be any prouder.

OK I will do my best not to let this go for so long again. Really. Have a great weekend and stay dry!!

Busy Little Bee

I have been busy busy busy buy it's all good. I started my new job at Scrap Diva last month (was it only last month??) and I am loving it. The owner is a sweetheart and I just love the people who come in there. Plus it's like 2 minutes from my house so that is great.

Between the new job and the kids starting school I've been running like crazy. They started at the end of July and I am still trying to get used to their schedule. And for the first time, my Jamie is taking the bus home. He has been bugging me for the last couple of years to take the bus but I'm overprotective and kept telling him that mommy is home to taxi his butt back and forth. But this year Jamie and Kie got out of school at different times and it was just impossible for me to pick both of them up. So this little yellow bus is what I wait for everyday. Enzo the bus driver is sweet as heck but if he ever forgets my kid I will go postal. Yes, I am officially psycho mom. But am trying to let go. Just a little.

This little gem is my newest vintage aquisition. It's a fantastic Underwood typewriter that I bought for $5 at a garage sale. FIVE BUCKS! SCORE! And the cool thing is a couple of days later my mom saw one at an antique store for $65! But I'm hanging onto this puppy.

Jim had his company barbeque a couple of weeks ago at this great place called Boomers in Livermore. The kids had a blast riding the go-carts, playing video games and just being kids. They also had mini-golf, bumper boats and laser-tag but there was so much we couldn't do everything. We have been trying to get out and do family stuff every weekend and it is so nice.

We walked to the Farmer's Market this last weekend and the kids loved it. Luckily we went early enough that it wasn't blazing hot. They had a great jazz band playing and tons of local vendors. Check out these grapes. Beautiful! I am on this kick of photographing food and am just loving the various colors and the vibrancy.

Have I told you lately how much I LOVE Brentwood? I swear, it is the best town I have ever lived in. The people are just so nice and it has a great family feel to it. It's a drive out here but so totally worth it.

And have I mentioned the parks? Oh my, we have like a hundred parks out here. This one is called Dino Dig Park. Totally the most awesome park for boys. They have a huge sand pit and if you dig they have fake dinosaur bones buried. The kids loved it because not only did they get to dig for bones but they had permission to get downright dirty. The 5 cups of sand in the van afterwards was proof of the fun they had.

OK peeps, if you haven't come out yet (and you know who you are!) drag your butt out here! Check out my neck of the woods. Call before you come and I'll whip up something for us to munch and drink and then I'll give you the grand tour. We might be small but there's tons to see out here. Plus we have farms galore where you can purchase fresh fruit for a great price.

One for the road....

I hope all your wishes come true baby....

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane.......

My boy left for Hawaii a little over a week ago. Now I know he's 15 & he's not a baby anymore, but he's my baby. And I put MY baby on a plane by himself to fly across the OCEAN. He was walking to get on the plane & I'm all, 'Don't talk to strangers, don't drink too many energy drinks, don't go too far into the ocean,' & I'm sure all he heard was, 'blah, blah, blah'. Poor kid, he was so scared I was going to cry in front of everyone in the airport. Then I had to watch to make sure the plane took off ok & then sit on pins & needles until I heard from him. So now he's in beautiful Oahu enjoying some much needed time with his uncle. I am so glad he went because he usually has to share his uncle with everyone here.

On the home front, I got a new job here in town. I am so excited but sad to be leaving the cool people I met at MDW (My Daughter's Wish). But it is way closer & a great opportunity for me. It's at Scrap Diva & it's a great store here in Brentwood. Jim & the kids are excited to have me closer to home.

I've finally had some time on my hands so I have made a point of going to some of the local stores here. And what treasures I found! First up is this fantastic store called Maria Neu Interiors & Boutique. This place was amazing to say the least. Her sign alone has been calling my name for months. The owner was really nice & gave me a lot of information about her inventory. She not only has fabulous stuff in her boutique but she also does interior decorating. Just some yummy beautiful stuff. It was very French & had some unique handmade items. Clothes, furniture, art. So here's a peek:

This is a beautiful vintage looking chair. Love it!!!

This was the infant area that had furniture & some beautiful handmade outfits that the owner's friend makes. The designs are called Pixie Bleu Vintage & the designer actually uses vintage lace that she orders from her friend in Paris. Love it!!

I saved the best for last. This picture was stunning to say the least. It was just breathtaking & I fell in love with it. So if you're in the area or even if you're not, stop by, check it out. Drool. It's Maria Neu Interiors & Boutique at 220 Oak Street in Brentwood. She also has a website, MariaNeuInteriors.Com. Good stuff. Oh and look at her window:

Also took a little drive out to the Lafayette reservoir to take the kids for a walk. It was so nice & the weather has been great. Not incredibly hot, just the way we like it. Afterwards we stopped at a little thrift shop nearby & Gavin latched onto the oddest thing. The kid is definitely unique.

We had a great 4th. Spent the day with the kidlets, bbq'd & then we took a drive out to Concord to watch the fireworks. The weather was perfect, just cool enough & a nice breeze. The kids had a lot of fun & so did Jim & I. We did some good family bonding.

Well, I'm off to pack for a crop. God Bless America & remember to thank our service men & women for protecting our country & our freedom.

I'm On A Roll

OK so I've been in a creative funk for like, months. MONTHS. How that's possible is beyond me with all the crap I own. But sometimes you just get funky. Well the funk is gone & I have been a creatin' fool for the last couple of weeks. I have also been taking lots of pictures so I have a ton of goodies to post.

I know I dragged my butt on this but here is the lovely frock I bought at The Vintage House. Isn't it beautiful? And only $14!! I couldn't believe it. It doesn't fit now but it will. I promise!!

I was stumped for a Father's Day gift & was sitting there looking at these little men when it came upon me that they will never be this little again. Someday they will be big, brooding teenagers (right Vinnie?). So I painted a canvas, got their little hands all painted up & made this for Jim. He loved it. I tacked on the most recent pictures I had of them & voila! A work of art.

Anyone who knows me know I can't plant crap. Everything I plant dies. But I am trying to break the cycle & teach the kids to grow stuff. Hopefully they will be more successful than I. Here's a pic of Gavin planting some sunflowers. He was so cute patting the soil down.

I also purchased these cool model kits for $1 at Michael's. Great time killer for the kids on a day too hot to go outside. Like today. They helicopters, tanks, race cars. All kinds of cool stuff just for boys & they had a blast creating their own little projects.

I also got this little gem at The Vintage House. It's an old Kodak Brownie camera & I just love it. It is so cute & while I won't use it, I just love the vintage look of it.

My brother brought this beautiful little perfume bottle back from Kuwait. It is made of brass & the detail is amazing. He is still in Hawaii & we're hoping he'll stay there for a good long time. Vinnie is flying out to visit him next week. He'll be staying there for a couple of weeks & he is so excited to be spending time with his uncle. Plus, he won't have to share him with any of us! When Beto comes home everyone is always competing for his time so now he can spend time exclusively with Vinnie.

And this little beauty is actually a bottle of sake. Jim & I went to our favorite Japanese restaurant for dinner a few weeks ago when I spied this lovely pink bottle perched on top of the sushi bar. I've never had sake but it wasn't bad & we only drank it because I wanted the bottle. It is just such a beautiful soft shade of pink & I loved the name, Sayuri, which means Lily in Japanese. For anyone who has seen 'Memoirs of a Geisha', the lead's name was Sayuri. So pretty.

Last but not least, I scored this pretty at Safeway (Yes, Safeway!) for just $3!! I couldn't pass it up. Not sure what I'll do with it but I'll figure something out.

Stay cool, drink lots of water & spare the air!! It's blazing out there & won't cool off for a couple of days.

Summertime!

Well, almost. Today is the last day of school & I have to admit, I am excited. And aprehensive. Having the boys home all day for the next 45 days will be a lot of work but I am looking forward to sleeping in, going on some outings & just enjoying some time with these little men. My boys are growing faster & faster & I am trying to slow down & savor these moments. On that note, my young man, Vincenzo, just enrolled in some college courses. COLLEGE. Of course, he was kicking & screaming but his dad checked into him getting some extra credits over the Summer & so he's going. Oh, & we're doing this to 'ruin his Summer'. You know, cutting into his sleep, XBox time, whatnot. The important stuff.

So a couple of weeks ago my darling husband talks me into going to a tailgate party at an A's game with his co-workers. Now I've never met these guys & I didn't want to be the only female there but Jim insists, other wives will be there. Right. So we get there & this is what I'm greeted by:

That's a Boston Red Sox shirt. And he wasn't the only one. There were hundreds. The problem? I'm a Yankees fan. I'm wearing a Yankees hat. The Red Sox hate the Yankees. Yes, it's a man thing but this grudge goes waaaaaay back. Like Babe Ruth way back. So I am getting glares, jeers, wiseass remarks from these psycho Boston fans. Then we get to the tailgate & guess what? NO WIVES. Just this:

A bunch of drunken pipefitters. I admit, we had a blast. He works with some very nice guys & I was happy to see Jim in his element. By the way, the A's won. Sorry Boston.

I must brag though. My sweet Kieran received student of the month for May. I am sooooo proud of this boy. This is the boy who cried everyday the first week of school who has blossomed into a boy who loves school. He was so excited & we are so proud of him. We were very lucky that he had an awesome teacher & she was so patient with him. Good job Kie!!

Last note, Gavin is into this show on Nickelodeon called Go Gabba Gabba. One word: SCARY. I mean freaky scary. Like one of those shows that has songs that you just KNOW send subliminal messages. And I just saw Biz Markie on here singing. For those of you youngins' you won't know who he is but for you old folks like me, he was the big fat guy back in the 80's who dressed like Beethoven & sat at a piano singing, Just A Friend. YouTube it. It's so worth the laugh.

GO YANKS!