Santa is a Nice Santa.

It was a Merry Christmas in this house.. I hope it was in yours too! As Emily said on Christmas morning, "Santa is a nice Santa."



Allison was so surprised when she opened an Easy Bake Oven. I snapped this picture just as she realized what it was. She didn't ask for much for Christmas. She wanted a Belle Dress-up dress, a pillow pet, and an Easy Bake. And while I dreaded this gift as I thought she was too young for it.. It seemed that Santa didn't think so. I didn't have an Easy Bake Oven as a child, so I, admittedly, was excited to use it too. The girls love it. We made yellow cake yesterday and we will make sugar cookies today. All under a 100 watt bulb - Fun Times!


Today I am turning my thoughts to 2011, things I want to accomplish, things I want to reflect upon... oh, and also, to come up with a game plan on how I am supposed to stay up until Midnight on New Year's Eve.
This will be no small feat.
I wish I was joking.

A Radio City Christmas Spectacular

No, we didn't make it to NYC this Christmas, but we did make it to Austin to see the traveling show of this Broadway classic. Bobby and I saw this show in NYC in 2002, pre-kids. I had seen it as a child and was excited when my Nana gave us tickets in '02. Then, when I found out they had a traveling show earlier this year; I could not wait to take Allison and Emily. Here we are after the show let out:

And the girls and Daddy:


It was a great time and true to the original. The girls were mesmerized by the "kickers" and could not peel their eyes away from the stage.

It was a little bit of Christmas magic.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas....from my little "kickers" to yours!

Ice Skating in Dallas

We just came back from a trip to Arkansas to visit with Bobby's Grandparents. It was a great, great time. On the way, we stopped at Galleria Dallas and witnessed the beauty of the nation's largest Christmas Tree. It also has an ice rink around it. And let me tell you, it was fun!! And no one fell once, not Bobby, Allison, Emily, or me.. the girls *might* have not fell more to the fact that Mommy and Daddy were holding them up. And Boy, did my back ever get a work out or should I say, gave me great pain. Ice skating with a 3 year old is hard stuff. But, it really was one for the memory books and I am so glad we did it. Perhaps the start of a new Christmas tradition?

I hope you all are well! I will be paying some visits tomorrow.. and I have been sneaking in some new painting ideas here and there, while trying not to make too big of a mess with the house going on the market next month...anyway, I am excited about some things I am working on and can't wait to share!!

Wishing you all a warm and merry Tuesday night,

My Mom wears scrubs and so did the husband.

My Mom is a nurse. So, she wears scrubs. When my husband worked as an X-ray assistant, back when we were dating, he wore scrubs. I envied him when he worked there because he always looked so comfortable. However, he said that he was not comfortable, because he didn't like to feel like he was in his pajamas at work. Ha, that always made me laugh. He no longer has a pajama-wearing job. But, my Mom does. She has been working as a nurse for over 30 years now. I think my Mom would think these hot pink scrubs are cute. Although, I don't think she can wear them. I think she has to wear a specific color depending on her unit.

Some people wear scrubs for the sheer comfort factor. I have met a few in my life. I must admit, I have contemplated doing that. I mean, who doesn't need some extra room in the waist after a big meal? Well, if you are wearing scrubs, well - problem solved. But, if I did that, I would be scared of what lie would come out of my mouth. Picture me walking into a store, in my scrubs, and someone ask, "Oh, are you a nurse?" I would then reply, "Why, yes, Yes, I am." (I am not.) But, seriously folks, how comfortable do medical uniform pants look.. am I right?

Maybe I should send Bobby (husband) back to his roots this Christmas. Maybe he would find so much joy opening up some scrubs on Christmas morning. Maybe he misses them, after years of not wearing them. Maybe I need to make a last minute gift purchase of some mens scrub uniforms. Hmmmm, we shall see.

Emily and Santa

We went to the San Antonio Riverwalk this weekend.. and we were delighted to see Santa. Mind you, my kids have always refused to see Santa. Allison actually encourages me to go, to tell him what she wants. ha. not happening. But, when we saw him this time.. Emily was thrilled! She said, "Mommy! I want to see Santa!" and boy.. did she. She sat right on his lap and held a few minute conversation.. told him everything she wanted.. "A pillow pet, a dress, and tapping shoes." (She calls play dress-up shoes "tapping shoes") She also told him that she has been a good goyle (the way she says "girl")

My heart just melted. And I *might* have teared up a little.
God, Thank you for my children.

Hand and Foot Wamers and the North Pole

Do you live in a cold climate, where you need body warmers? Well, I live in Texas, and anything below 60 degrees to me is cold. Isn't that pathetic? And to think I grew up in Connecticut, where we had some cold winters.

Really and truly seriously though - I am really being honest when I say that anything below 60 is cold. We haven't had to turn on the heat yet this year, which I love as saving money is my favorite! But some mornings, when I check the thermostat, it has said 68 degrees.. what? Break out the toe warmers - I tell you, I can use them on those chilly Texas mornings. Chilly? 68 degrees? Yes! The south has changed me!

So, Yes.. I guess I just need to be thankful that I do live in the south and not the North Pole. Speaking of the North Pole though - that is a neat website that the kids might enjoy, and their is plenty information for the bigger kids to enjoy as well.

Now, go and eat turkey - or tofurkey - or lasagna - or ham - or what have you.
Me? I want to eat pie.

Happy Thanksgiving...

...from my little Pilgrim and Indian to yours.

Let us all be thankful for the blessings in our lives,
Take Care,
Kristin

Have you heard of Krome Photos?

I don't know about you, but I take hundreds of pictures a month. And months pass before I realize that now I have thousands of pictures, and the daunting task of going through them all to decide what I want to do with them. Well, fear not little one, for today I came across Krome Photos.

Krome Photos is literally your own personal photo lab. They have their own team of professional photo editors who will hand-select and edit your uploaded photos. Your photos will be color-corrected, cropped, and retouched by one of Krome's editors. All of your photos will look professional. You don't have to do a thing! (Well, besides upload your photos, and pay for it!) But - How cool is that?

There is a special introductory offer right now at Krome Photos for 100 photos for $2.50. This is one of those ideas that you think, "Why didn't I think of that?" Well, for me, I actually wouldn't have thought of that. If you remember, from a couple posts back, I am terrible at re-touching, or I would have gotten that spot off my shirt.

ok, now, off to go relax before bed... what? it's 7:30pm..it's getting late.
(I wish I was kidding)
;)

Buying for Him and Her.

It is that time of year, folks. It is that time of year when gift-buying is at hand. Where you are making a list, and checking it twice, for buying gifts for all of the loved ones in your life. It has actually been that time of year for the past 3 months for me. I like to space out by gift-buying, to make it a little easier on the wallet.

For him? How about some mens watches. Or for her.. I mean, who says a woman can't wear a mens watch, right?

For her? How about some ladies bags. Or for him... I mean, who says a man can't use a ladies bag.

Now, Have a nice day!

Annual Family Picture

We take our family picture in November every year. Yes, we take family pictures throughout the year as well, but I like to take a picture around the same time every November, specifically to replace an 8x10 family picture frame I have.. When I put the new picture in, I like to lay out all of the previous years and see how much we have grown/changed... ah, I am a sentimental fool.

I am deciding between the above picture and a few others. I would like this one better if there wasn't a spot on my shirt.. I guess there was something on the camera lens. Maybe you wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't pointed it out, but every time I look at this picture, my eye immediately goes there and nowhere else.

Alright, back to the grind.
I am painting the girls room today.
joy.

Happy Friday!

Update on what's up!

As you may know, we are knee deep in getting this house ready to be put on the market. It is tough in the world of real estate now, I am sure you all are extremely well aware of that fact, so, we need to do everything possible on our end to make this house as show ready and as - you know you want to live here! - as we can..

First things first - remove trash pile from side of driveway... this is in the back of our house. There is an alleyway to get to our driveway and this is where this is located. I remember when I first moved to Texas and seeing how a lot neighborhoods were set up this way. The driveways are in the back of the house? I thought that was weeeeiirrd. But, now, I actually think it is pretty pleasing to the eye. (Did I just say "pleasing to the eye?) weeeeiird.

Before:


After:


All of that junk was from a TON of work that my husband did to our backyard. The computer-looking thing has to be specially recycled because it has batteries in it, and can't be dumped at the regular landfill.

A little bit of dress-up fun!


And then back to it -
I wish I took a picture of the before, but think picture frames, some books, and some family knick knacks. Now, that had to go - because it was too "personalized", I found an article in a magazine about doing white shelves with white colored vases and bowls. I bought all of these at GoodWill - all of them - the entire lot - for 14 dollars!! Woot! Woot!!



Cute! Cute!

Happy Halloween!

I feel like I dropped off the face of the planet with all of the business I have been up to. Getting this house ready to sell has been all-consuming. How many ways can I decorate the mantel above the fireplace? Apparently, three thousand five hundred and eighty-two. It just doesn't look right. I want it to appeal to the masses. Seriously, folks, I am staging my home some, then some more, then a little bit more - without looking too staged - at the same time. And I have been packing and arranging, and making trips to goodwill and up and down the attic. And, folks, well, I am just exhausted.

But, I did take some time to enjoy Halloween with Little Miss Strawberry Shortcake. There was also a little ladybug that I spent some time with as well.. My girls.. They are my heart.

Hope to visit you all soon.. when I can catch my breath.

Look at those faces!

Carving the pumpkin is fun and all, but my favorite part is the eating of the pumpkin seeds.. yum yum.

If I seem out of the blogging game lately.. it will only be for a short while.. I promise to hop back on once a week or so... But, we are so ridiculously busy with getting our house ready to list.

I know, I know.. Your thinking - Gee, Kristin! What a great time to put your house on the market! Just before the holidays! Good for You!! (Sarcasm)

I know, i agree with you.. but, hey... we just want to give our house plenty of time to sell.. so, we are choosing to list it - yes - just as soon as we are ready.. which is a little less than a month from now -

So - with that - I am off to finish boxing some things up, then on to paint the hallway, then on to paint the office, and girls room, box up some kitchen stuff, etc, and so on and so forth.

Wish me LUCK!

A bit about Insurance

Times are tough and if you are a small business owner, you may need to assess your business insurance health. Do not underestimate the value of insurance. Be sure to locate the best business insurance policy. In this age of computers, all of this information is right at our fingertips. No more thumbing through the phone books. Speaking of which, I just received 2 phonebooks on my door step just the other day. Is there a way to opt out of these things? So wasteful, in my opinion..I haven't used a phonebook in years, literally.. YEARS! Oh, and, make sure you arm yourself with the knowledge of group health insurance rates. Alright, now, go ahead and have a great day!

Oh, folks.

What a weekend, what a Monday, what a week....

Have I ever told you that where we live now (West Texas) is not our final destination? Oooh.. did that sound at all morbid? Not what I mean.

Anyway, for those of you who don't know much about me and my fam.. We moved from the lovely and much missed State of NC, back to Texas.. "back to" because my husband and I met and married here while we were both attending college.. and then we moved to NC for employment reasons.. I had family there, we loved it.. we took that leap. No jobs, just hope.. can't live on hope.. lived with my parents... 3 months later, we found jobs.. we moved to a different part of NC than my parents.. we lived there for 7 years.. Moved BACK to Texas 2 years ago.. (ok.. 2 years ago December 4th, but who's counting?) again, for employment reasons.. My husband sort of has to do some time here in this city, before we can move on to the area of Texas that we really want to live in.

I know, kind of confusing.. or is it? And if you read all of that - thanks for sticking it out!

So.. The long and short of it - we are looking to move after the new year. It seems like the job My hubs wants is opening then. We shall see.. and hope. and hope. and pray. And We have a realtor coming on Thursday. My husband spent the weekend fixing our fence, I would say "mending the fence" but that would sound so "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas" And if you haven't seen that - see it - It is a Christmas tradition! And I spent the weekend painting 2 rooms. And the girls spent the weekend in imaginary play - I think they maybe watched 2 hours of TV the whole weekend - It seems the gap between their ages is closing so quickly - that they are like equal playmates - almost.. they have their moments. But, I think little Emily has worked hard on doing all of the things that Allison can do. And when, she can't do it, she just changes the subject or fakes it. Ha.

So, my week will be a busy one. Thursday I will find some time to breathe - maybe after the realtor leaves and we have a list of what is recommended we do, how much our home is worth in the state of the current and FABULOUS market(sarcasm).. and so on..

oh.. and how do you paid bloggers do it? I have done a few paid posts. They don't come easy for me, ahem - you may have noticed. I don't like to talk about something that I don't have the least bit of knowledge about, so I have not been accepting many jobs. I have one that is waiting for me to finish.. ugh.. and I am dreading it. Prepare for a blog post that just may hurt your eyes to read. Was I even allowed to say that? You never read anyone talking about paid posting..maybe this will get me kicked out of the club. I am clueless.

:)

My First Mixed Media Painting

I had an hour this morning to attempt my first mixed media piece of art. I painted the blue background on my canvas last night and got to work this morning. This is what I started with:

And this is the finished piece:

Forgive the picture.. it was taken on a pillow on our back patio chair, in the early morning light, but I was so excited to share!

It is scrapbook paper and painted paper glued on a painted canvas. It has a lot of texture and I even added some glitter for good measure - in the sky, on the branches and on the butterfly - but you can't see that too well in this picture.

Where has mixed media been all my life? I loved this process.

I think this will be my first listing in my soon to be re-opened shop! Yippee!

Back in Texas

Hi Friends!

I am thrilled to report that we had a safe trip back to Texas. North Carolina was a whirlwind of visits with friends and we experienced all around happiness. We even stopped at the State Fair on the way home.. This are some pics from that...

My girls and me - photo op on a bench - you have to sit down and rest, this fair is HUGE!


The girls learned how to be farmers at an exhibit. I liked it cause it was FREE. A lot of things even after you pay your entrance fee has an extra cost...but this was not one of them. We blew through $85 dollars in 3 hours. And we only had $100 in our state fair budget - 15 was for parking.


For all of us to ride the ferris wheel was TWENTY-FOUR dollars... does anyone else out there think that is crazy? So.. you could see why you can blow through some money here... This was on the ferris wheel: Daddy and Allie


So.. after 3 hours, when we were penniless, lol.. it was time to go. But, good thing too.. The Dallas Cowboys were playing, and that stadium seats 100,000 people. So, at least we missed that traffic.

I will be visiting you all soon. I am still tired from all that laundry I did yesterday. 10 hours worth. For Real. Isn't that sickening?

Have a happy night!

Visit in NC

This is Baby Lilly. And Me. And My girls. Baby Lilly is the 2 month old daughter of my very dear friend Emily. She lives in NC. I live in Texas. I am visiting NC this week. We will go back to Texas tomorrow. I always miss Emily. And now I will always miss little Lilly. Friends are hard to find. And when you find them, you want to always have them near. And we live so far apart. But we will always be together in our hearts. And we are always just a phone call away.

How cute is little Lilly?

Miss you guys already.

:(

Dating Site Review Site and Wix

I probably won't ever create my own website, but if I did.... I would read a review of Wix, so I could make a decision whether to go with them or not. They have plans from the free plan up to 24.90 a month. The free option would be the one I started with if I ever decide to go that route.

Have you seen that commercial for one of the dating websites? I saw it just the other night.. I forget which one, but they are having some 2 week try it for free promotion, and I said to my husband.. We should do that! I said - I have been meaning to meet someone - you know, start getting out there.. I have been out of the dating scene for so long! (We have been married for 10 years!) and he said.. Yeah.. we should do that - so we could get matched with each other! Aw.. sweetie. Obviously, we were joking - no, I am not looking to date - it is hard enough to schedule date nights with my own husband! :)

Thank you, personal story segway into - This is where you need to go for the best dating websites! And maybe it was a Match.com commercial that we saw - I can't remember but - this is the place to go for a Match.com review!

This is Neat.

I just mosied over to Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife and stumbled upon Follow Me Back Tuesday. Is "Mosied" a word?

Anyway - Mosey on over there, I like finding new blogs and this seems to be a great way to do it!

What she wanted...

for her 5th birthday...

Fake nails! Yes.. those press-on nails - and I *might* have let her get into some of my make-up...

Hey - you only turn five once.

:)

This is a serious wish

We took the girls to Build-A-Bear Workshop on Saturday. Emily was asked to make a wish on the bear's heart before she put it in the bear...and Emily stood like this for about 45 seconds - her eyes shut tight - concentrating so hard.
It. Was. So. Cute.

It must have been a serious wish.

I hope she gets it.

Thinking about some new crafts.

With the Drama of the first few weeks of school behind me, I can really start to focus on things I want to do while the kids are in school. I only have 8 hours of time each week..Emily only goes Tuesday and Thursday for 4 hours a day, so I have to make it count. I have been thinking about new crafts for me to try, one of them being what they call Punch Needle and I found where I can buy some Punch Needle Supplies. I really would like to give handmade gifts for Christmas. I have a few people in mind that I think would appreciate some art like this. But, I would have to do some practicing before I would feel confident in giving it as a gift.

I also found some Quilting Patterns, but let's be real.. I don't think I can just hop into making a quilt when I have never even picked up a quilting needle.. do they even use needles for quilting? See.. I am hopeless.. Of course they do, right? But, hey, you got to start somewhere, am I right? Even if it is way, waaay at the bottom. It will just be a long way up.

She's Five, She's Tired, and They're Happy!

We had a Birthday Party for Allie this weekend. This picture was taken at the exact moment she realized that she is opening a Barbie Fashion Fairytale Doll.. I love the expression on her face!

The next night we went out for dinner to celebrate my Mom's birthday. Emily fell asleep on me not 2 minutes after sitting down at the table. And she stayed this way throughout the almost 2 hour dinner. (I might have dropped some tartar sauce on her head...I might have...) ;)

After that nap.. she was ready to go!

These girls just make me melt.

Love....Love....Love.....Love.....Love.

The finished Pinata

It will be destroyed on Saturday.

Sadness. Happiness.

:)

Hopscotch

Allison

This girl has got skills.

13 years ago and... a Pinata!!!

As I may have mentioned, my husband and I are celebrating 10 years married this month. That day passed on Thursday.. And I wanted to post a few pictures for my husband.. a few remember these? pictures.. They were taken 13 years ago when we were just dating.. just a couple of knuckle-headed little kids who didn't know where this relationship was taking us. Seriously, don't I look like a Baby?!! The first one was taken in front of Bobby's apartment, and the last 2 were taken by Bobby, when - for about a week - he would wait for me at my car and when I would get out of class, he would snap my picture. ha ha.. that is a funny memory. Anyway, I miss you, hon... (he is in North Carolina for work)

And now to that Pinata that I am working on for Allie's birthday next weekend. The first layer of Paper Mache on the balloons:

I did the second layer with colored tissue paper and Allison had fun popping the balloons. I should of taken a picture of that..but I am only one person, and I had to hold the balloon... so.. that probably wouldn't have worked.. ANYWAY...

Allison thought, this would make a perfect hat!

And Emily agreed:

Then, I cut 3 of the balloons in half.. to form a flower.

I have to complete the pink center, to make it round.. this is where the candy will go.. and I have to strengthen up the petals and attached them to the center.

I have a way to go.. But, I think it will turn out great!

Creative Itch

I have not been scratching my creative itch for some time now. It was a busy summer, but with 2 mornings freed up with my girls in school, I am so excited to tackle some projects! I saved this file cabinet from the dump, by dragging it from my neighbors trash can to my back patio. I thought.. hey.. I could totally give that a makeover!

I am going to sand it, paint it.. and see what I can make of it. Wish me luck!

I am also going to head to the dollar store after I drop the girls off in the morning, pick up some supplies I need to make the pinata for Allison's birthday. Not sure If I want to do an animal, a princess.. maybe a castle? or maybe just some abstract piece? The kids won't care- they will beat it to a pulp anyway.. with me crying with every hit, lol!

A while back, I transformed a 15 dollar coffee table find, by glueing painted glass all over it.. I need to buy grout, so it will be a mosaic outside table.. Stay tuned, I will be posting pics of each completed project!

I am so ready to scratch this itch! Yay!

Great News About This Little Girl

This picture was taken September 2008. Emily and her handsome Daddy. Emily was 15 months old! I warned you I would be sentimental this month. It is our 10th anniversary on Thursday, and Emily just started school this month. It is a good time to reminisce.

I am soo happy to report that Emily's third day of preschool went exceedingly well. Not only did she not even cry when I said goodbye, but, she did not cry at all during the day. At all. She stayed with her class, she had a fun time, and she was even the line leader. That deserved a trip to Baskin Robbins, and man, did that make for some happy girls.

Thank you for all of your support and kind words.
Sometimes being a Mom is really hard.
When you think your child is hurting, it just knocks the wind right out of you.

I feel like I can breathe now when last week, it felt like I had a 1500 pound elephant on my chest. But, she likes it. She really, really likes it.
And it makes me so happy.

2 Years Ago...

Hard to believe.. This was taken in September 2008. Yes, folks.. you can tell when it is September, because I turn into a pile of mush.. It is Allison's birthday month AND our wedding anniversary month.

It reduces me to a weepy, reminiscent sack of goo.

more picture to come, I am sure of it.. Bear with me.. October is right around the corner.. I will snap out of it soon enough!

When are we moving...

I live in West Texas. Did you know that? But, not for too much longer.

Our plan is to live in the Austin/San Antonio area before Allison starts Kindergarten next year. Not only do we have family and friends there.. but we really love that part of Texas. The Hill Country is beautiful and there are beyond a million things to do.. And while I am from Connecticut, living in North Carolina and Texas these last 14 years of my life, has made me a warm (ok.. HOT) weather girl. Yes, I am destined to live my life in Texas. We will be getting the moving ball rolling before too long, find a Realtor, stage the home, etc. I also found a website that can help sort out local moving companies.

In other news, we are heading to North Carolina in a few weeks. Another trip east, we are starting to know from the middle of the country - east, like the back of our hand, although how well do you really know the back of your hand??.. Anyway, I would love to go west next!! We really want to travel to California..Ah, and here is a link to movers in California! I would love to see San Fransisco.. Ah, and here is a link for San Francisco movers!

I have yet to see the Pacific Ocean..I must get to it!

Emily and her funny smile..

This is Emily from this morning..just a few minutes before we left for school. She does this smile, when she is being silly, smiling for a picture..she will say "cheese" but hold on the word "cheese" so it sounds like "cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese" even long after the picture is taken.. she is my funny little girl..

You would think she was in good spirits for her second day of school? She looks ready and excited. And she was. In the car, the walk into school.. the walk down the hallway. Then, we got to the classroon, and the switch was flipped. She did not want to go in. She wanted me and only me. The teacher had to pry her off of me again.. I had to walk down the hall, hearing her pitiful cries..

it took everything in me to keep on walking. and I did. And I made it through the next 4 hours fine, and I didn't cry. In fact, I kept myself busy, so busy, that I had to run out of the door, when it was very near time to pick her up, as not to be late.

And I wasn't late. And Emily was in her class, just as happy as can be. Or so it seemed. Turns out, she only joined her class at lunchtime.. she spend the first 2 hours, sitting with the director of the school, refusing to go to her class.
Pitiful. Just pitiful. Just sitting there, literally doing nothing. She didn't want to go to class, so she'd rather just sit there. and do nothing.

She could at least be home doing something.

I need Tuesday to go differently. please say it will.

First Day of School

The excitement of the day produced this as pretty much the best picture. Ah well, it is what it is.

It was awful. Emily had to be pried off of me. Crying, kicking, and screaming.

Then, I got home. Laid in bed. And did a little crying myself. Minus the kicking and screaming. So, at least that is good.

Fingers crossed for a smoother day tomorrow.

A Website to check out.

I have been faxing a lot more lately. Did I ever mention that I am a mystery shopper? Yes, folks.. It might be something that I am slightly embarrassed by, but other times, I am kind of proud of myself that I do it. Especially when I have to portray the role of somebody. Like, one time, I did this apartment shop and I had to act like I was single, and just moved from out of town.. Thinking back to that shop makes me shudder.. But, it paid good. And I did a lot of acting in my younger days, so I jumped at the chance. Anyway, I have to fax in my paperwork and I actually had no idea that there are online fax providers. I found where I can compare top online fax services.

I also found where you can find other consumer product rankings and reviews. They also have online dating reviews of the best dating sites. One of my best friends met a few of her past boyfriends on one of those dating websites. Actually, another one of my friends met her current boyfriend on one of those sites. Just be who you say you are, folks. Don't use a picture of your daughter, like that one crazy woman in the news did a while back.. did you hear about that story?

Bangs!!

I gave Allie Bangs!! Me! I did it!! And they look good, right? She is so happy, that she busted out with a rather unique picture pose. ha ha..

She has been asking for them and I have been a bit reluctant... but I finally just did it. Just got out the scissors and took care of business.. and I didn't mess up. And she looks like such a big girl, doesn't she?

Please, keep me in your thoughts, friends... Tomorrow is the big day, both of my girls off to school.. You can tell by my previous post that I am a bit of an emotional mess.. I just need to get tomorrow over with.. and I think I will be good to go.

I just need to remember, as they are getting into their big girl pants tomorrow.. that I need to get in mine as well..

Chin up, Kristin...cut the cord... you can do it.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...


I think I can.

These 2 Little Girls....some honest words from a loving Mom.

I was having an unfortunate hair day yesterday, so a hat was in order. And the girls wanted to follow suit. Emily, on the right, wore one of mine, and Allie wore one of Daddy's. Who knew, the simple act of wearing a hat, would get them so excited. It is the little things, I tell you, that could bring a smile.



In other news, I had a bit of a rough night last night. We had Meet the Teacher and it went great. Allie went to that school last year, except this year she will be in the Pre-K program, and Emily will be starting preschool, her first year attending. Allie and Emily will only be one grade apart, and I am excited that they will be so close to each other in school.

But, the rough night started when I got home.. and during the night... with the thoughts keeping me awake. My youngest baby starting school. My oldest growing more independent. And I am so thrilled, proud, and awed by them every day.

And the time slips by us so fast. And I worry about Tuesday, when I drop them both off. When I walk away from them, down the hall, out of the door, down the steps, and to my car. And they are not in the backseat. And I don't know what they are doing, are they okay, and do they need me.

And they will be fine. And they will learn lots of new things. And they will grow strong, and confident. And they always know I am near. And I love them.

And no matter how big they get, they will always be my babies.

Countdown to TEN!

We will be celebrating TEN years of marriage in just over 2 weeks. TEN! We were babies when we got married.. well, ok, I was 23..he was 22.. but that seems so young to me now.. What were we thinking? :)

These last ten years, well, 13..as we were together 3 years before we were married..have been nothing short of amazing - and the ups, downs, and all of the in between - I am grateful for every moment.

This caricature was done on the San Antonio Riverwalk during the summer of 1999, the year before we were married.



Look at me! Ha! A baby, I tell you, a baby! I actually think it is spot-on for Bobby, minus the buckteeth. :)

I have to mention Allison in this post.. As she was so proud of this drawing yesterday, that she drew from memory.


She drew Arthur.. this guy


The drawing on the left is Arthur and she said the one on the right is his sister.
(She had to improvise with the colors as we only have black, blue, green, and red.. as she drew on the dry erase board, which we use to practice writing..) But, hey.. she felt the urge to create.. and far be it for me to suppress my little artist!!

Alright, well, I am off to pack.. it is off to San Antonio for a weekend visit.. hmm..maybe we will have another caricature made? Stay tuned!

Have a great weekend!

Jumpin' Jack

Well.. this day has come. Our time with our pool has come to an end.

We knew you wouldn't last forever. We knew you would eventually get little holes and tears in you, that despite our best efforts (er.. husband's best efforts), prove to be too overwhelming to consider storing you for another year.

We played with you a total of 6 months out of a 2 year period. While yes, the time with you was rather short, we filled our hearts with lots of memories with you. And we will take them with us as we grow.

And, well.. we just had to let Jack have some fun the last day you were with us.


Jack had been waiting to do that all summer. Nothing like jumping in the pool to fetch the ball.


And we were so glad that we didn't let Jack in the pool before this day.
It looked like waste water when he was finished with it.

But, sometimes fun is messy.

Happy Sunday,

Learning to Swim

We have some cool news this week! Allie learned to swim..which is a very big deal. Before this week, she never even wanted to go under water. She was scared that she couldn't hold her breath. She would say, "No, Mommy, I will learn to hold my breath when I am ten." ha.. I don't know why she picks ten, she says things like that..

But, on Monday, she said to me, while we were in the pool, "I am ready to go under, all the way under." And just like that, off she went. And it has been hard to get her up out of the water ever since. She puts up obstacles in the water to practice swimming under.. she is getting very good at it. And, then she advanced to learning how to swim above the water.. Is that the way it works? You learn to swim under water first? What do I know? Not much.

And then yesterday, she wanted to learn about different ways to swim. I showed her the breastroke, the freestyle, and the backstroke. She did her best to copy what I was doing. I am just so proud. Life is about moments like these. I cherish them.

Leaves or no leaves....that is the question.

I painted this yesterday.. an acrylic painting on 3 canvasses for my livingroom. I was in an autumn-state-of-mind, and it came out through my painting. I orginally was thinking that I wanted to paint some type of whimsical leaves on it...just a spattering of them here and there -

But I woke up this morning, and had a change of heart.. I think I like it this way..

What do you think? leaves or no leaves?

Happy Wednesday!

Blog Makeover!! and Exclamation points!!!!

Look at my blog and all of its gloriousness!!
What a wonderful change, right?
I owe this honor to the woman behind the curtain, Brittany of Peachy Keen Blog Design!

I have known Brittany through Blogging for quite some time now, probably approaching a year and a half, at her blog, Diary of B. If you don't know, Brittany, please pay her a visit, she is a sweetheart!

I was drawn to Miss Brittany (well, MRS. Brittany, as she is now married) because of her witty humor and knack for the written word. She tells her stories that reels you in, keeps you entertained, and you really feel like you know her by the end of it. She is a genuine, thoughtful, caring person and because of those things, I trusted in that she would "get" me and what I wanted in the look of my blog.

She was so easy to work with, asked a variety of questions to better understand what I wanted, (most of which I answered terribly, might I add)...
And she nailed it.

I mean, does this not scream me, or what? Look at the detail - how the "My Art" looks like it is written on canvas - oh, and I have a signature now - what? me? with a signature? Cool! And check out my new button; she put "and the mom in me" in parenthesis - how genius! I loooove it!

Thank you, Brittany!! As I have already told you, you are a gem of a person, and a very talented one at that!

Folks, if you are thinking of getting a fresh look for your blog, head on over to Peachy Keen Blog Design, Oh - And her prices can't be beat!!

Oh - and I can't wait for her to do the banner for my Etsy Shop..I will be commissioning her to do that for me in September - when I take my shop off vacation - ok - going now - I am just so excited!!

oh, and apparently, I love exclamation points!!!

!!!!

Beautifying

I took this ugly tray...a tray that have seen many crafts come and go on it..so, it had a gross collection of paper mache, paint, and hardened glue on it.

And I made it into this.. with the help of paint and scrapbook paper.

kinda nice, right?
Another angle -

happy Saturday!
Kristin