Tuesday, March 29, 2011

It's Official!

I enrolled Allison in Kindergarten today! She is so proud and excited! I was honestly shaking in my chair today, when I was handing in the paperwork. I wonder if it was obvious. Probably was.
She is also enrolled in kindergarten camp in August, which is a week long program to get them used to the school, meet some classmates, and have some fun. Anything to send her to school with a little extra preparedness! She is also going to a Dance camp in July.
It is already turning into a busy and exciting summer, and it is still months away!

Tomorrow, we are going to tour a preschool for Emily. I am probably going to be all shaky and nervous tomorrow too.... yes, I will. I am just a nervous and excited Momma.
And I am so very proud of my girls. They make me cry happy tears.
I just love them so so ever so much.

Printer Ink

I am so glad our move to Austin is over! It was so expensive! It was like our bank account had an open wound... and the money was just bleeding out. There were the obvious expenses, like the moving truck, the rental house deposits, the utility start-up costs, etc. But, there was a whole slew of other expenses. Like, for example, we had to get a new printer, since Bobby's last employer paid for our printer, we had to give it back. So, now we are on the look-out for cheap ink.

My husband's last employer supplied us with inkjet cartridges, but now it is up to us to buy them. So, I have been shopping around. There is a website called InkGrabber.com and they have a special right now for you to save 10 percent off any order over 55 dollars, using a coupon code SUNSHINE10. I am all about saving a buck. I am just glad to see the end of this constant spending that this move has done to us. All of the little things really added up.

My husband's job pays for our internet, so that is a plus. I am just going to have to get used to paying for our printer ink again. I will do my best to try and not print so much either. Anything to save a little money!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Riverwalk Picture


My brother, his wife, and their adorable little boys live in New Hampshire. They came down for a visit during Spring Break. Here we are gathered on top of a bridge near the Rivercenter mall on the San Antonio Riverwalk. My Hubby is on the far left, then my brother who lives in San Antonio, my other brother from NH, me, and my sister-in-law. My other sister-in-law was working. - oh, and of course, all of our kids sprinkled in there! My Mom and Dad were there too, but not in this picture.

We were all walking across the bridge when my Dad yelled, "STOP! I WANT TO TAKE A PICTURE!" He can NOT resist a group picture - no matter who he has to stop from crossing the bridge.

: )



Clothes Shopping and Upcoming Kindergarten.

Now that we are back to living near a big city, I am overwhelmed with store choices. Having 2 little girls, who go through clothes quickly by way of getting them stained beyond all repair, or simply growing out of them, I would like to get a game plan together as to where the good places are to shop. Wow, that was a long run-on sentence, now, wasn't it? Anyway, I am also not opposed to online shopping. That is what I did mostly in West Texas because there was not much good shopping. And, really, nothing beats shopping in pj's and no make-up, and then having someone bring your order right to your door - Genius! Too bad I didn't invent internet shopping! Anyway, so I found this great shop for girls clothing, I am going to check it out.

So, Allie will be starting kindergarten in the fall. She is a tiny one. She can almost fit into 5t, although the pants in that size are still no good - can't stay on those tiny hips! I think that a wardrobe mix of 4t and 5t would be perfect. And I have to start budgeting now. Not only for clothing, but school supplies. I am sure everything will add up. I register Allison for kindergarten next week! I hope her immunization record comes in time, because I need that. If you recall, I was terribly sick with a terrible cold for a few weeks leading up to the move. Stopping by the Doctor's office to pick up immunization records was on my list, but something had to give, so that went. Now, I am at their mercy as to when they will mail it. I hope it gets to us in time! Otherwise, it won't be until June until I register her. No matter when I register her, the end result will be the same - my little girl will be starting kindergarten, and I really can't believe it!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

This is what follows me.


Jack.
If he doesn't get to play fetch before 10am.
He follows me around the house.
Until I stop.
Then he sits down and drops the ball.
Alright, Jack.
I get the hint.
Let's go play.

Seriously, though,
how can I refuse that face.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Dear Deer

This sign is posted on a fence post leading to our backyard. It reads, "This property provides the few basic habitat elements needed for wildlife to thrive: food, water, cover, and places to raise young...." I sort of feel like I am that picture at the top of the sign. I am constantly pointing out things in the yard to the kiddos. There is so much to explore. I may sound like a broken record, but, it really does feel like I am a kid again. I have a renewed energy. Every day holds a new kind of excitement.
I can't get enough of these pretty animals. There are numerous well beaten deer paths throughout the property. They come much closer to the house than this. But, when they are that close, I don't dare move to go get my camera. I just stand there, staring at them. Because I know that moment will be all too fleeting. And when they get spooked, it is even fun to watch them run. They are fast and so graceful.

Up until moving here, I have sadly seen more deer dead along the side of the road, than alive and thriving in the wild. Now, that weight is shifting. And it really does a heart good.

Happy Tuesday,

Wearing Scrubs to Work.

I may have mentioned previously that my husband used to wear scrubs to work. He worked in several hospitals as an x-ray tech assistant. This was while we were dating and in the early years of our marriage. I can close my eyes and still see him wearing those cheap scrubs for men. I was always jealous of him because he looked so comfortable.

I remember when we went shopping for our work clothes. He would need to find cheap hospital scrubs and my wardrobe was always a bit more expensive. Although not much more expensive. I am as frugal as they come. Still, I would have greatly appreciated having to buy scrubs for work. Shopping is pretty low on my priority list. Not only do we not have much expendable income, but the general act of shopping makes me tired. I would rather be at home. Although, don't get me wrong. Sometimes I like it.

So, what other occupations require wearing scrubs? Do all hospital staff wear scrubs? Clearly, I am not going to be a doctor. I can't be a nurse because I don't do needles. There are all kinds of hospital workers on staff as assistants, like what my hubby was... What about outside of the hospital scene? Staff at the Dentist office - they wear scrubs! I can always wear some dental assistant uniforms. Then again, that would mean I would have to be around teeth all day. Not sure if I would like that either.

Back to the drawing board.




Friday, March 18, 2011

Chalk Tracks from the Door Mat

I was wondering why there were little Allie and Emily and Jack footsteps throughout the kitchen floor. It didn't take me long to figure it out.

Apparently, the back patio was not complete without a door mat, courtesy of Allison.

Cute.

: )

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Inspired.

This is a funky little bottle tree in our front yard. There are three more of them spread throughout the property, and a bevy of little sculptures, ceramic figurines, wire art, etc. They are tucked away in nooks and crannies....obvious yet hidden at the same time.

I feel a completely new sense of inspiration living here. I am surrounded by nature, yet so close to the city. It just feels like a new world has opened up to me. And I could not be more excited.

Burial, Funeral, and Life Insurance.

Have you ever thought about Burial Insurance? No? Me Neither. Feels like a morbid thought, doesn't it? But, the fact of the matter is that we all die, but hopefully much later than sooner. It is important to think about those that we will leave behind and not burden them with debt.

Death is unpredictable. But, it might give you or a loved one a little peace of mind in knowing that your final expense is paid for. Seniors may be interested in finding funeral insurance for seniors, where they can personalize there funeral service, obtain a quote, and get a policy. There is also senior life insurance plans that go above and beyond paying for burial expenses. They can cover things such outstanding mortgage payments, unpaid credit cards, and car payments - to name a few.

Having said all of this, I am off to enjoy my day. A short drive to San Antonio to spend some time with my brother, visiting from New Hampshire. It is a little cloudy here in Austin, but they should clear to bring some afternoon sunshine.

Let the sunshine in, the sunshine in....


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Where I am, What I'm doing.

This is my first new listing since moving to Austin. I call it Rainbow Brushstrokes. I have started my to-do list of things I have to do with my shop, and all around generally organizing my life. I have a ton to do. I really would like to find a good preschool for Emily. Allison is starting Public School this upcoming school year. I feel really good about that. The school district we live in has nothing but rave reviews, so hopefully that experience will prove good for us as well.

Allison is really ready to start dance class, so we need to make our way over and check some of the studios out, find out when classes start, how much, etc. And speaking of class, I am really interested in some continuing education classes, if not to pick up and get my masters going again, which has taken a backseat since I have had my kids.

I have a ton of new art ideas that I have been filling up my sketchbook with. Time is really what I don't have enough of. My brother and his family from New Hampshire are here this week. We have been busy doing all things that your normal average every day tourist would be doing in this area, which is a lot of fun, but also very exhausting.

Today was my only day home since Friday. I had to spend most of my time today cleaning floors, doing laundry, I am still in the process of unpacking the house. It is slightly amazing that I even had time to photograph my new vase.

So, that is about it. I am hoping I have time tomorrow morning, before we head on over to San Antonio, to catch up with my blog friends.

I miss everyone, and hope to be back, more often, really soon.

More about Promotional Products and Trade Shows.

I have talked before about promotional products. They are a great way to advertise your product and/or business. If you read my last post about them, you will remember how some of my favorite pens are from my Mom's hospital, where she works, or from my husband's employer. I am excited to get a new batch of pens from my husband's new job! You all know.. it is the little things that get me excited!

You know what I think might work great for those of us with Etsy Shops? Personalized notepads. We can write our thank you notes on them.. isn't that a great idea? Something to think about! I just bought some thank you cards to send in my packages, but a note on personalized paper might be a better option.

Another thing I wanted to mention, is a website designed for those that want to look up trade shows, it is the Trade Show News Network. You can specifically search for shows within your industry or shows of your interest. You can search by state, country, month, etc. I went ahead and bookmarked this site so I can find upcoming events in my area.

Have I mentioned that I am now living in a new area? Yes, I might have mentioned something about that! I will be posting my latest adventures, so please stay tuned!

I love Austin.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Meet our Neighbors.

These horses live directly across the street from us. They are so beautiful. This picture really does not do them justice. They are so sweet. While we were walking to them, they galloped to the fence and waited for us. They stuck their head over the fence and let Allie pet their noses. We walk over to them every morning to say Good Morning.
It is a really sweet way to start the day.

This week has been such a whirlwind. A wonderful, fulfilling, and exhausting whirlwind. I already feel like I was meant to live here.

Today is another busy day. We need to get some shopping done. And I would love to tackle some of my to-do list pertaining to my shop. I have some vases that I need to finish. Some wood boards that I need to cut, for a new art project. And I need to find my dremel, which is buried somewhere in the pile of move mess, for another project. Not to mention, a whole lot of other things too tedious to name.

In the meantime, we have 2 little girls that need to be kept busy and happy, because you can't get anything done with bored sad girls, believe you me. So, somewhere between these to-do's, we are taking the girls to a park in Austin, called Zilker. We are going to ride the train and have some lunch.

The truth is.. there just isn't enough time to tackle my to do's.

My best bet is to have a ton of fun at the park... run around like mad...and tire these little girls out into a peaceful afternoon slumber.. then, maybe I can tackle that list.

Wish me Luck!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Waking up in Austin

This is the second morning of waking up in Austin. The move this weekend was enormously tiring and I am so glad the hard part is over. Now, the tedious part of putting things where they belong, decorating, etc..is going on. Hopefully, we can get that done in the next few days, and we can get back to normal life - and I can get back to my art and the visiting of all my bloggy friends!!

The picture above shows a deer out by our garden shed, taken just moments ago.

I feel so lucky to be calling this house "home" for a year. There are so many deer running through this property, and there are a lot of acres for us to explore. Allie and Emily have already taken me on numerous expeditions. It is fun being a kid again.

So, give me a few more days of settling - and you will see me again!

Hope you all are well in your part of the world!