A Year in Review

Well, since it is the last day of the year, I for sure need to review it. In fact, I was thinking alot about this post in the shower this morning and what exactly did happen this year. When I was thinking about it a thought donned on me. I have this box....a really cute box that was used to give me a present, in fact, Brittlyn and Teri gave me this box now that I think about it...anyhow, in this box is pictures and filled out bank checks that I either cut from a magazine or printed off the internet AND made a check out to that particular company for the things I wanted. I didn't no anything more than that --- just threw it my cute box and tucked it away so only my eyes could see it when I wanted too. Talk about fun because almost everything I have in that box I now have!! It is the truth!! 2007 has treated our family right! We have had an awesome year.

One of the things that I wanted to happen which isn't a THING at all is-- I wanted a house where everyone gathers. The whole time we lived at Fort Campbell, I never once had a party just for the sake of having a party. I hated when anyone showed up at my door especially unannounced. I hated that house and it showed because I did not take any pride in it at all. Therefore it was all I could do to have the kids birthdays at the house.

Before we left that house to move to Fort Lee (another grimy post house) I told Keith "when we get there, lets be the party house because everyone is going to be in the same bad situation." Meaning everyone will be new and living there for a short time in the same gross houses as everyone else. Well, we accomplished that by far. I was the most excellent hostess always inviting everyone over and having full dinner parties where I made everything. It was fun, really fun and it got the point where Keith and I couldn't even go outside and sit in the carport without people driving by, seeing us and pulling over to join us. One month Keith said we had almost spent $1000 at the rinky dink commissary that month entertaining and that maybe we should slow down.

So I got smart about it. Even though I still love to entertain with full dinner parties, more often I have people over after dinner time to play games and have everyone bring a dish with them. Much more affordable and easier and really just as fun. We still do this all the time since we have moved here. It is a great way to meet people and not have to get a babysitter. So this has been the year of the party for me.

Another thing is that we bought our first house. While it is not in the city I would want, it is still a nice house in a nice area. And I really love it. That would make an awesome year for most anyone.

I got my bed this year- in fact it just came less than a month ago (finally). I have had that bed saved on my computer for a couple of years--- I really wanted it bad. I gave away my old bed so I could make room in my life for a new one. The mattresses were on the floor for about 5 months but guess what=- I can throw away the picture out of my box because the real thing is in my bedroom.

Also in my box was a check written our for private school for the kids--- it happened for Bridger first and Jadyn starts in a week- how cool is that. This school has literally changed Bridger. The teacher just told me that Bridger does so much work it is crazy. She is going to make him expand on his work that he already does to make it more challenging for him. For instance, instead just writing 2 paragraphs for a story- he will need to make it 2 pages or something along that line. His confidence has soared and not once has the teacher ever said- "I think your son needs medication." Amazing. Bridger said he likes this school because he knows exactly what he needs to do before he even gets to school for the day. He knows he needs to accomplished 8 pieces of work a day for a total of 40 for the week. Even when he has missed a day of school, he can still make his goal because he knows how fast he needs to work. That has made all the difference for him.

Another awesome thing that has happened this year is Swanky Graffiti. I just love this stuff!! In fact, in the next day or two I will have a bunch of new stuff in my Etsy shop. I look forward to what is coming up with that and see how I can grow this little company in the next year. The response to it so far has been awesome. People have really given me great feedback. I need to tweak some things but that will all come in time.

As if this is not good enough, my parents (both of them!!) came to my house this year. That has never happened before and we had a blast. It felt really good to have them here even though I had to cry to get my Dad to agree to get on a plane. It worked! ha!!

Here is one thing that is in my box that I don't have yet-- my perfect dishes. Hummmm...I bet that will come together for me in 2008. You can bet on it.

We took a lot of risks this year- put ourselves out there and it worked. It will be hard to top this year but I already have some things in mind. Nothing that I want to put up on the blog yet, but for sure-- it will go into my cute little box! And for sure, you will know when it happens!!

Happy New Year!
Don't you love new beginnings?

Almost too good to be true

More pictures for you!!

Brittlyn is leaving today so I am trying to get the last of the pictures off her camera. It wasn't an easy feat as I had to go buy a card reader to do so. I thought we had every piece of modern computer equipment that there was and lo and behold, I discovered we lacked a card reader. So I bought one and added it on this silly computer that acts like it is going to die any second.


I call this pic, Brittlyn has caffeine issues because really- I hope it took like 6 months to drink all these crack, I mean caffeine-loaded drinks. This is one of many pictures in which she changed her outfit to pose with the Red Bull.

The last few days, Brittlyn has furiously been working on making Ugly Dolls for herself and friends. She has been pouring over a sewing machine and handstitching like crazy. She hardly wanted to leave the house because she was so into it. But now after making a ton of them I think she is done. Here is one more pic of just how ugly those dolls are!!


Here are a couple more pictures that Brittlyn took for us:
Shasta still loves us even though we put her in dresses every once in a while.


Pic of Jadyn...here she is cracking up because her brother fell out of a wheelbarrow and is scuffed up. However we can get a real smile, we go with it!

She is such a poser!

Brittlyn was loving these trees. She even got into the tree to take pictures shooting down on us.

As Promised

I have so many pics that I will probably share them over the next few days so I can end this year with 100 posts maybe?? A big maybe!

As I mentioned before Brittlyn is a fantastic photog and I just went through 500 of her pictures so I could share some of them here. She has taken about half of those since she has been here. We still have more we plan on taking, so hopefully it will all get done as this week as flown by with lightening speed.

I don't get to talk about Brittlyn much here because we don't see her a whole lot...but I have a few pics that sums her up!=) Oh she is going to love this!


She is quirky, fun and has a style all her own.

Fun loving, kind and loves to laugh. This has to be my favorite picture of her


She loves to take pictures of herself-- so 16-- but so cute. Here she is with her ugly doll that she made after hours of sitting at a sewing machine.


She has taken lots of good pictures of our family...few now, more later.







We did some Christmas baking this year and made really cute jars to take the neighbors. I called them Bakery In A Jar because it had dark chocolate brownies made from scratch, white chocolate peppermint bark, and milk chocolate covered pretzels. We stacked them all pretty in a large jar. Looky here...

Bridger helping melt the chocolate


All my counters looked just like this


Brittlyn trying her hand at food styling


The jar you see is just lacking the pretzels and the big bow we tied around them. So flippin cute.

Oh, did I mention we are watching some of the class pets for the Christmas break. Ya, chinchillas...and hopefully the kids won't talk me into it again because they stink! It is cute to watch them run around the house in the plastic ball though and the cats to actually run away from them because they are scared.

Catch Up Again

There are so many pictures that I want to get on this site that I just haven't taken yet-- that is my goal for today--- take a ton of pics and get a few of them up here. For the last couple of days I have had Brittlyn taking all the pictures- She is really a fantastic photographer. I have looked at all her pics on her camera and the ones she has already taken here and they are just fascinating. The best ones are the ones she takes of herself in the mirror when she is playing dress-up. REally entertaining....BUT I tried to download them onto my computer and realized her camera has a different port, so I am hoping she brought her cord (probably not and she is still sleeping so I can't ask) or I will have to go buy one at Best Buy or something because I know once she leaves here, I will probably never see the pics again!

We have been studying other photographers online and are planning on a photoshoot of our own in the next couple of days. I can't wait- it should be fun.


So update on the book post...I did find the book I was looking for about a Muslim converted to Christian and gives the story. It is called Unveiling Islam and I have read it-- interesting to say the least and I have it out of my system now. I feel that at least I am knowledgeable of their ways and customs. I have also read many things online.

I really do have a lot more to say but I want to do it with pics- so more updates soon. But while we are waiting I do have this to share with you. It is Christmas present for a certain someone and it turned out so darling. It is a list of grandchildren for a certain grandma.


I just hope it reaches her in time because I had so much work to do I put off all my own gifts until the very last second.

The other day, Jadyn dressed up Shasta- it was very entertaining.

Book List

I am in the listing mood-- makes blogging easy because there is nothing I like better than lists. Just ask Keith-- he hates them!!!
I thought I would just list some books that are in my life right now. I haven't even devoured all these ones yet, but am still planning a visit to Barnes and Noble on Monday which is kinda a big deal since it is at least 40 miles away in Georgetown. Keith is on vacation and the kids are in school so we have plans!!! Big bookstore plans!

Today I just got done reading this book and it was great.

It really goes into great detail about who Christ is from a non-biased person. In fact, the author was aethist but converted to Christian after his exhaustive study. Now I am looking for a book written by a Muslim who has converted to Christianity. Surely someone has written a b ook on that subject.

I am reading this book right now, it is part of a series.

This happens to be the second book in the series and I am so in love with the characters but I find myself having to do other things besides read and this is the first book I put down. I don't even know who many books are in this series total-- but it is a good read.

I got this book in the mail today but I pre-ordered it months ago.

I spent a good hour pouring over its pages today. Don't those cupcakes look delish? Well everything in this book is made with thrift store wool sweaters-- and it is oh so cute.

I bought this book a few weeks ago abut I have not even cracked it yet.

It seems interesting and I can't wait to be able to find the time.

I joined a book club that starts in January (WHY?) and this is our first selection.

I was excited because I read Kite Runner and it was GREAT-- so I figure I can't pass this up. I just hope I can keep up!

I read this book a while back ago

But with all the Oprah hype surrounding it now I thought I would reread it again (slowly). I thought the story was decent but unrealistic for most to emulate though I have done pretty well in my lifetime. It might be worth the $10 to read it for yourself.

So I have some good ideas what I want to buy on Monday--probably another cookbook (LOVE those), my Jan book club selection, definitely a crafty book of some sort, and a Muslim convert book (I am going to find one!!)

Songs that move me

Last year about this time I did a song list that I thought were the best songs ever. The one that make you want to drop everything and just move. I still listen to many of those songs over and over because if they are really that great, hopefully you won't get sick of them.

I have decided to make this a tradition and give my song list for this year. These are songs that you must download on your iPod---- MUST!!

My Number One song that LOVE for this year is

1234 by Feist (DOWNLOAD IT - it makes you feel 10 years younger)

Stronger by Kanye West

Apologize by Timbaland (I know, everyone loves this song but I had to add it)

Dance Floor Anthem by Good Charlotte

The Way I am & Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaels

And I am also loving this girl named Carla Bruni -- she is a french pop star but has the most interesting sound I love to listen to it.

AND-- I have to mention this man -- Andrea Bocelli --- I have been a big fan of his for many years. During my college years I always listened to him while studying because I could still concentrate. He sings in Italian and there was no way I could sing along with him. He has a fairly new CD out and it is definitely on my purchase list. It should be on yours too!! His voice is MAGICAL!!!

I will probably end up buying the Josh Groban Christmas CD for us to listen to over holidays too. But the weather needs to warm up before I leave the house, or at least quit raining!

I forgot to finish my story

Kids keep interupting and I guess the Cowboys won by the skin of their teeth- so I had to listen to that mess.

So after Friday night I had another event to take care of on Saturday. I had to decorate for a squadron holiday party and I probably bit off more than I could chew. I decided to make paper christmas trees as centerpieces for the tables among other things. They are very time consuming but oh so cute! And I haven't taken a pic of them yet- so maybe later. I was nervous that I was not going to have enough to decorate-- but I got there 2 hours early- set up what I had and everything turned out OK. But I worked on this project starting the day after Thanksgiving--- so I am just kinda over it.

Now I get to concentrate on creating stuff I want to make! I love this part and I have a few more grand ideas up my sleeve. Can't wait to show them off here first!

I thought I was going to pop

Really, I did.

I have this thing when I have a lot of do in a short amount of time, my mind just won't rest and I can't do anything else but what is on my task list, therefore life is not super fun. Then I start thinking about all the stuff I want to do instead of what I am doing and it makes me mad. I know, so mature...

But today is the day where I am finally free of that task list- as of yesterday everything got accomplished and I was able to sleep. For HOURS!! I think I slept close to 15 hours yesterday and I must have needed it.

First, it started with the craft show and everything would have been good, but I underestimated how many frames I would sell. And when I ordered them from my wholesaler, it took nearly 3 weeks for them to arrive to my house so a lot of people had to wait. I hate making people wait for stuff they have paid for -- but they were all kind and understanding. I finally got the last of them delivered on Thursday. I still have a few things laying around that people bought and the weird thing about it-- these people won't or haven't returned my phone calls. They have paid for the item already but I guess they are in no hurry. I have made the decision that I am not going to think twice about this and I will continue to call them weekly and record it.

Then I had to bunch of things to do for events this weekend. On Friday, Keith and I hosted an FRG volunteer apprecation dinner at our house. On Thursday night, I realized that I had more than 20 people coming so I ran to the store (again) and doubled up on everything. I also made everyone a Last Name Frame as a gift from us. It was mega work but I had sooooo much fun. Here is a pic of some the girls hanging out. Most of the pictures did not turn out that great.

This is Marilyn, Holly, Wendy and Brianna gabbing at kitchen table.

I have put a couple things up on my etsy shop this last week. Some new car monograms are included. I am going to post a link above if you want to check it out. I like this site much better than Ebay because it is basically a site for all things handmade and I love it! I really do try and buy things from there often. But I know Ebay has a larger audience and a lot more males on it then Etsy. Someone just picked up another YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE board.

This by far has touched more people then I expected. People love this sign because this song it has such strong memories for them. And some man just got it for his wife. Too cute.

Here is another project that I did--


It is a poem put directly on a wall in a bathroom. And the wall color is much more mellow than this picture is showing. It turned out really cute and a good size at 3 x 4 feet.

Conversations with Bridger

In the car on the way to his bus stop


B: I can't stand that girl!
Me: Why not Bridger, that is not a nice thing to say.
B: Because she takes everything way too far.
Me: What do you mean?
B: She likes me and wants to go out with me and wants me to kiss her. That is going too far mom.
Me: Holy Cow, that is going to far, I don't like her either!
B: Besides, she is not my type.
Me: WHAT??? Who is your type?
B: Blondes
Me: Bridger, get out of my car. I will see you after school.
B: WHAT??? Are you mad because you're not blonde?

November Recap

I didn't get to say much about Bridger's birthday because it was right in the middle of a bunch of hoopla. He did have a good day and I have the pictures to prove it. The Thursday before his birthday (Saturday), I went to his school and gave them the story of his life. They wanted to know something from each year, so what I did was Halloween costumes from each year of his life. The kids found that very entertaining. And I also brought a birthday treat and the kicker was it had to be healthy. No cupcakes or candy are allowed in this school at all. So I saw the cutest idea in a Martha Stewart publication (can't remember what exactly) that showed apple cupcakes.

Essentially you cut an apple in half and scoop out the seeds in the middle. Then I sweetened some peanut butter with some powdered sugar (would have used honey if I had some) and put it on top of 1/2 an apple and put it in a cupcake paper so they looked like cupcakes. Just the healthy kind of course. The kids loved it, so I am on to something here!!

Then on Saturday, we spent the entire day doing only things that Bridger loves to do. First he had a friend stay the night on Friday so he could join us on Saturday. We would have had a few other kids join us but schedules didn't work out and I have this fear of 3's a crowd thing. So last second I just had one, Cray, join us.

First we got up early and went to breakfast at IHOP. Bridger loves to eat breakfast and they sang him a birthday song.


Then we headed to Waco to go to this children's museum at Baylor. It was different but fun. Here is the Bridger and Cray enjoying a bear hug.

Get it...haha
After a couple of hours, we left and got lunch at the Rib Crib and then went to see the Bee Movie. It was beyond me after we filled our bellies that the kids wanted popcorn.


That was a long day... we were pooped after the movie. Bridger got some fun toys and was happy to call it a day.

Now on to the fun stuff!!

Look at a few of things I have done for some Texans

A lady ordered this for her master bedroom and she wanted it quick so she could put it up before her husband got home. So cute.


A young girl ordered this to decorate her room. She saw a picture of my previous one for a baby girl and came up with her own style.


Here is one that I was dreading to do. The reason is because the last name is so short but a 36 inch board was requested and I was positive it was going to look crazy. But I was really impressed with how it turned out and I love how this lady picked her own words as an overlay that means something to her family.


TA DA DA!! And this is my crowning glory!!! This is a shadowbox frame. It is 24 x 24 in so it is a sizable piece. My parents helped me build this particular one but I have several more in the works. These sell for $200-$300 in high end stores and websites and I have my own!!!

The frame itself is made of wood and about 2.5 inches thick. The photo part is 6 x 6 and that is where the shadowbox part comes in. You can put a photo and/or little knick-knacks in it. It is sorta primitive and definitely unique and the latest edition to my vinyl line. I have come up with all kinds of sayings to put on the frames. So much fun!!!!!