My life or something like it.

Contest LO

2011-10-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

I made this LO using a sketch from Carrie On Crafts. Carrie always has great Lo's to take inspiration from so make sure you stop by often to check them out.....

Last Weekend

2011-10-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

I am posting again in the same week!!! Can you believe it? So Last weekend our little family took a jaunt to a roadside museum, called Applegate Trail Interpretive Center. During the summer Kyler and I went to Coos Bay and on the way home Kyler needed to use a restroom. We were only 16 miles from home but when you gotta go you gotta go. We stopped in Sunny Valley to use the restroom facilities and I saw a for the Applegate Trail Interpretive Center. I told Kyler that we should check it out sometime.

Here is there website:
http://www.rogueweb.com/interpretive/

We were all very impressed by how well done the place was for being off the beaten path in a small little town like Sunny Valley. Kyler was free and Dan and I were 6.00 dollars each. They had a ton of displays and a 3 screen movie room with a movie that was filmed on the property. We really enjoyed ourselves.

We also walked down to the covered bridge at nearby Grave Creek. Grave Creek was named after Martha Leland Crowley, 16 years old died of typhoid fever during an 1846 encampment and was buried 150 feet north of the creek.

It was a fun little 2 hour excursion. And Kyler got to pick out 2 rocks from the gift shop and the tour guide gave him a buffalo nickle what could be more exciting to a 7 year old boy?!?

One more thing.....

2011-10-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight for dinner we are having my most favorite Pot Roast. I love LOVE love this recipe the only thing I change is that I use canned diced tomatoes instead of plum because I always have canned on hand:

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 (4-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
2 cups coarsely chopped onion
2 cups low-salt beef broth
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chopped plum tomato
1 1/4 pounds small red potatoes
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 300°.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle roast with salt and pepper. Add roast to pan, browning on all sides (about 8 minutes). Remove from pan. Add onion to pan; sauté 8 minutes or until browned. Return roast to pan. Combine broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire; pour over roast. Add tomato; bring to a simmer.
Cover and bake at 300° for 2 1/2 hours or until tender. Add potatoes and carrots; cover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in lemon juice. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Long time....

2011-10-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I know but I just can't seem to blog these days. Today however I am home with no little boy or darling husband around and I just feel like posting some of my layouts from the past year that I haven't shared.

I know I have made more but (like my blog) I haven't scanned all of them. Maybe I'll have more for you in another 6 month! :)

Yes I Made it! and a giveaway!

2011-04-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

I made it on the design team at Sketches 2 Scrapbook... More about that soon. But since I am feeling pretty lucky these days. I am going to try for this giveaway at Mel's for some fun chipboard check it out.

http://melodysmagicalmoments.blogspot.com/2011/04/and-my-blog-sponsor-is.html#comments

Trying out for a design team. More details to come...

2011-04-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

Its difficult..

2011-01-30T10:44:00.000-08:00

To keep up with this blog and facebook. And now that I have Elements 9 I can post photos right to facebook well that just makes it too easy to forget you little bloggy blog. Here are a few pictures from the month of December. We had a busy month with the holidays and photo shoots and a new baby great niece Emma.

I will try to be a better blogger but really I am not sure if that will happen...

Where oh where has Mary gone...

2010-12-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy bee, I have had a steady flow of photography jobs and was working full time for the first part of November. One of the photography jobs was from Make a Wish see the link here... http://www.orwish.org/make-a-wish/foundation/of_oregon/C166/ then I have had a few senior picture sessions, a few family sessions and I think that is all.

I have also been busy working on scrapbook stuff to sell at a local bazaar...

Dan and I have also been busy with the scrapbook room. We have finished putting all the seams and screw heads and primer-ed the walls, the next step is to texture the walls which I think we will be doing this weekend. Then we have painting the walls, lighting, flooring and trim. Then of course the moving in...

And Kyler he is doing great... he is learning to read which is really exciting and he enjoys listening to me read every night. He has a Christmas program next week that's Hawaiian Christmas themed.

Last week we got our Christmas decorations out....

Halloween

2010-10-31T17:59:00.000-07:00

We won't at all talk about how much of a bad blogger I am or that the pictures I am about to post are already on facebook. Not at all!

So here is my handsome boy helping me carve our one pumpkin this year. I love living out in our little patch of woods here but the one bad part is that no one ever trick or treats us. And I for some reason like handing out candy and decorating. But those pumpkins are lot of work for just use to enjoy. So this year we only got one and it was wonderful! I let Kyler pick out the design.

He chose a shadow one.

With rats on the front a cat on the back.

Yesterday we went to the down town trick or treating with Kirra. Kyler dressed up as Ghostbuster this year and got lots of comments from parents. Some kids did know what he was but all of the parents did. I went as the Statue of Liberty I don't know that many people got the Ghostbuster's Statue of Liberty reference.

Brithday

2010-10-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

Kyler turned 6th in September and the presents just keep coming.
He celebrated with a Tom and Jerry Birthday party. The weather could not decide whether or not to cooperate so we had the party inside, it was tight quarters but I think everyone still had a good time.

Scrapiness

2010-09-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

A few of my LO's fro the last few weeks... Okay Months...

The next 5 things are made from the Pink Paislee Starlight paper on Scrappy Jo's

The next 3 Lo's were my project for August at Scrappy Jo's and the were made using the Oliver Paper Pack from Basic Grey.

These are all made from the featured paper pack at Scrappy Jo's this month Fancy Pant's Wishful Thinking Paper...

School Days

2010-09-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

Last week Kyler started Kindergarten. He is his fathers son and never really expressed a lot of excitement over going but he seems to enjoy it none the less. He often tells me how much he enjoys recess.

I went to my first PTA meeting. I did pay for the membership after all. Its interesting but so of the meeting I wasn't quite picking up on.

Here are a few more pictures from his first day.

By the car at the end of the day.

Where I have been... Part 2

2010-09-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we headed up to visit Dan's family in Aloha. Dan's grandpa and his Aunt Carol were there from Florida. I had never met Carol even though I have been part of the family for almost 10 years. So it was an exciting trip.

We also went to the Oregon State Fair. I had never been to a state fair and it was quite a bit bigger than our fairs down here.Kyler would not go in to the Dinosaur exhibit with us so I went with the girls and Dan Sr. He did however ask to ride in the back of a monster truck. Go Figure!

We also got a few family shots while we were up there. Here is most of the family with the exception of Phyllis and myself.

Dan, Dan Sr. Angie, Kirsten, Carol, Grandpa. In front Julia, Anna and Kyler.

Where I have been...

2010-09-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what the deal is with me a blogging lately. I always intend to but somehow never follow through. I am just don't feel like writing that much I guess. We have done a few end of summer things...
First we headed to Coos Bay for a camping trip and to visit with my brother, sister in law and their kids.

It was chilly but for the coast it was beautiful weekend. Kyler enjoyed playing in the water and sand. He likes the whole camping thing. The first night Mike, Leisa and Maci came for a visit and roasted marshmallows with us. The second night Maci stayed with Dan and Kyler while I spend the night in a warm cozy bed at Mike and Leisa's.

The first morning Dan went for a ride on his quad. He took Kyler and Maci for a ride too before we left him to go to the Charleston Seafood Festival.

Randomness

2010-08-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the last image I took on our San Diego vacation. In the submarines you had to be able to pass through holes of this size. They had a test one outside which made a nice shaded resting spot for Kyler.

I had been meaning to blog the rest of the vacation picture but just never got around to it. Instead I have some random pictures from the end of July and beginning of August to share.

If you are a friend on facebook you have seen this picture already. Kyler and I went over to Central point one day to check out the new spray park over there. It was great! Kyler had a blast they have lots of sprayers and some buckets that dump out water.

Next up we have my Bunco desert. Leisa sent me a link to this months ago. It was the Pillsbury Bake-Off Winning recipe. And they were super cute and very yummy.

Me and my friend Charleen at our friend's wedding. I took their wedding pictures which I need to finish up processing.

Ryan and Alex. And then we have Ryan attempting to be gangsta. It was hard for him to keep a straight face.

Lastly Kyler's new *COOL* shoes for school.

So...

2010-07-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

I figure before I can add anything new to this blog I gotta finish up posting pictures from Legoland and San Diego. This Is all from the last full day of our trip. We spent it down in San Diego visiting two museums and a Diner's, Drive In's and Dives for Dinner.

We started the day with a trip around the Merry-go-round in Balboa Park. Kyler picked one of the non moving animals because he wanted to have a "cool" animal.

He was getting worn out by this day and wasn't enthusiastic about walking. We then headed over to the natural history museum to see some Dinosaur's. We weren't allowed to take a pictures in the Dinosaur area so I only have one of Kyler before standing next to a Baby Woolly Mammoth. We saw a 3-D movie Dinosaur's Alive!

They also had a fabulous Gems and Minerals section. Kyler and Dan quickly went through the Gem section. I however loved looking at all the sparkly bling. My favorite item was a 19 carat ring. They also had a Faberge type egg with a working model of the Merry-go-round Kyler went on first thing in the morning.

After eating some lunch we went to the Science museum. It reminded me a lot of OMSI in Portland.
This where we saw the too many Kyler's and the Hubble movie in the IMAX theater. Dan like the the Hubble movie but Kyler got bored and I thought it was going to be more cool Hubble pictures.

We then went to Crazee Burger. I did not partake on the Alligator Burger, but went with a Buffalo Burger. Dan went for the Croatian Burger which was the special that day. I of course liked mine while Dan said his was just okay. Mine is the non bit into burger.

We then drove down to the Marina to look at the Maritime museum that Dan thought he would like. We thought the boats and submarines there looked like a good time and decided to spent the next morning there.

Water Park, Legoland and the beach (July 13th)

2010-07-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a packed day but I have few pictures because I chose to leave my camera in the car rather than worry about it in the bag.

The water park was honestly the most disappointing thing to me the whole trip. I expected more and we planned this trip around the water park. But Kyler really seemed to like it. They had 3 smaller kiddie slides that he went down at least 50 times.

We spent the morning at part of the afternoon there and then walked through the park on our way out. Did a few rides over again, stopped in the Bionicle building room and made some more Bionicles, and of course stopped by the BIG Store to buy even more Lego's. Kyler is officially out of spending cash.

We left the park around 4. Dan took us to Tamarack State Beach. We played there for about an hour and watched the surfers (Not something you see in Oregon).

We then came back to the hotel, cleaned up got some pizza (yummy.... a place called That Pizza Place.) Dan then took us to another beach so we could watch the sunset.

Legoland part deux (July 12th)

2010-07-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

We went back to Legoland. We did a portion of the park on our first day here. We started the day off going through Lego Sealife again, as the park had not yet opened.Once we made it through the doors we saw our first Lego character. A pirate! Kyler was very excited.

The park was more crowded that day but not too bad.

We made our way through the rest of the park seeing two shows Racers in 4D and Journey to the Lost Temple (a musical and probably Dan's own personal Hell). The first day we saw Clutch Powers in 4D I think all of us agreed that it was the best out of the shows we saw.

We rode LOTS of rides and I have discovered that Kyler can be a brave boy sometimes, he seems to like roller-coasters and most rides. He only seems scared of dark rides or and a few high rides.

We walked around quite a bit and saw the rest of Mini Land which I have to say is amazing! The detail is just truly astonishing.

We left the park around dinner time and on the way out saw this **Yellow** Bionicle. A super fun day and we came back to the hotel with more Lego's.

San Diego Updated

2010-07-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we decided to take a break from Legoland and headed down to San Diego. We bought a 5 day pass to the museums at Balboa Park. I have never seen such beautiful museum buildings. The whole park is fantastically landscaped. In fact we must have seen about half a dozen wedding while we were there. We made it to the Museum of Man, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Air and Space Museum and San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

This is Kyler dressing up as a Pharaoh at the Museum of Man. The museum had awesome Mummies and a very fun exhibit on board and card games.

This is a 1905 that Kyler got to sit and use the horn.

This is Dan's new dream car. It has a shower nozzle on the outside, a grill inside, an ironing board, sink, telephone and the list goes on and on. It's Louie Mattar’s Fabulous $75,000 Car.

Kyler at the Science Museum

For Dinner we ate at El Indio a pick from Diners, Drive-In's and Dives. I really liked my chimichanga it was delicious. Dan has the taquito plate featured on the show. He's only complaint was that everything was too crunchy. Kyler had a taquito and a yummy orange drink. We bought chips and salsa for snacking in the hotel room.

We finished up the night by going to Sunset Cliffs. Dan really seemed to enjoy this and thinks they are neato. We saw another wedding while we were there which brought the total up to 6 or 7.

Legoland

2010-07-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

We made it! The plan was that we would find something else to do with our half day but Kyler just couldn't wait anymore. So after a check in at the hotel and some yummy lunch at Rubio's (recommended by a friend) We headed that direction.

We went through Lego Sealife in no time flat. Then Kyler spent some cash at the Big Store and we started checking out the park.

We stayed to see an awesome fireworks show.

Dear Ma....

2010-07-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

I know you are checking and I was going to post but I have two boys behind me asking when we are leaving. So I will take care of your picture/blog fix tonight.

Love you!

Mary

Rafting

2010-07-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Dan also took Kyler rafting for the first time that same weekend. This was before they left while Dan was getting the Tahiti ready. They went from Baker park to Lanthrop. I am told there isn't much in the way rapids.

Kyler seemed to enjoy himself very much. He was of course nervous about falling out of the boat and then after he was in he told Dan he was worried that they would sink. But Dan reassured him that they would be fine and then he talked non stop about Lego Atlantis.

This the take off from Baker Park.

And this it the two of them coming in notice Kyler is now facing Dan. This made it easier to talk about Lego Atlantis.

And Lastly Kyler's thoughts on rafting.

Merlin Airport

2010-07-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

A weekend or two ago we went down to the Merlin Airport. Every year they have a event where you can walk around looking at the airplanes. They also serve lunch in one the of the hangers.

Kyler got a free plane model seen in the picture. We got there pretty late in the day so we didn't have much time to walk around but we did get lunch.

Miss Frauke

2010-06-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

What have those Edwards' been up to?

2010-06-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....

I have been scrapbooking... as you can see from below I did quiet a few Layouts lately. The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend I went with Sissy La La aka Leisa to a Seven Feathers crop and crazily enough we got lots of page done. I know can you believe it!

We have been visiting... We had Mike, Leisa and Maci done that same weekend. Dan, Mike, Ryan, Sheryl and the kids went to Boatnik while the Mommy's were scrapin' Then after they left Dan's parents came for a visit. We intorduced them to our new past time Geocaching.

We have been geocaching... Dan and Kyler did a crazy cache all the way up at the top of Umpqua Joe Trail.

We have had a playdate with the Watson's

Where the kids made their own English muffin pizza's and Jamie brought me very yummy Cheesecake. Thanks James!

We had family come visit... all the way from Merced. We all went to the Oregon Caves together. Dan and I did one side trip to a cache right before the caves.

We have boated... We went with The Clarks, Michelle, Danielle, Andrew and Danielle's friends... No pictures though.

But then they all left.

But isn't she a cutie! I wish I got to see her more and that she liked me just a tad bit better. Kyler loved her. He even told her so.

Oh where oh where has my scrapper gone...

2010-06-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am still here....

I realized that I haven't posted pages since ummm April. And I of course have done pages since April. So be prepared for a slew of LO's below.

The one's above were for Scrappy Jo's. The Store still has that paper. Its super yummy :)

Graduation Pictures

2010-06-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

I know I should write something to go along with this entry but I am feeling sleepy and I just don't wanna :P Enjoy the pictures none the less

Before Graduation

Waiting

Getting His preschool diploma.

He got an award for being a team player

Proud Dad and Mom

Proud Auntie

Graduation and Kindergarten

2010-05-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Last week our little family went down to Kyler's new school. Dan and I got him enrolled and all of us went on a tour of the school. He seems excited to go there and liked the playground and library (We have been going to the county library almost every week). His teacher seems nice didn't really get to talk to him much but I am hoping to volunteer in the class room some.

We also have Preschool Graduation this week. So crazy how time flies by. Sometimes I can still remember the sleepless nights when he was so little. He still seems little to me. I asked him the other day if he thought he might want to ride the bus. And when he said yes I quickly said well not yet okay.

Geocaching and Mother's Day

2010-05-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was Mother's Day and I had a lovely one. First we went Geo-caching, which we haven't done in age. Click on the link for more information on what that is but my general description is its like treasure hunting. This was Kyler's first time Caching and he thinks "its kinda good".

For Mother's Day Dan got Drywall compound and Kyler got my a picture he made at school and flowers. My sister in law bought me roses see them below.

Then this weekend we went out caching again and here are a few pictures of that.

Flora at our house

2010-05-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

I know! Can you handle all this bloginess?

2010-05-05T19:54:00.000-07:00

Last post of the night....

Kyler Handsomeness, Fire Station and Dessert

2010-05-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

First off lets talk about Kyler's Handsomeness.... I mean isn't just the cutest boy you have ever seen....

I took this picture before we left for a birthday party on Saturday.

Next up for your viewing pleasure I have some pictures for the Fire Station field trip. Whenever the firefighters asked the kids a question they all would answer call 911. It was quite humorous kept repeating it even when asked what to do if their clothes caught on fire...

Here is Kyler giving Fireman Justin a high five

Molly and Kyler outside the Fire Station.

Kyler's take on the Fireman Gear.

And lastly that bring us to dessert and it was yummy....

Dan was impressed.

Cooking with Kids - Cinco De Mayo

2010-05-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry no photos this time! On Monday Kyler and I did another free cooking class at OMHS. This time the food was Cinco De Mayo or Mexican themed. We are having the dessert Nachos for dinner tonight. I might take a picture of those when we have them plated...

TORTILLA CHIP TACOS
15 ounce can fat free refried beans
1 cup mild salsa
1 bag bowl-shaped tortilla chips
8 ounces ground turkey, cooked
8 ounces grated low fat cheese
diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, olives, cilantro, and/or sour cream for garnish, if desired

Stir beans and salsa together in a medium bowl. Microwave until warmed through. Arrange tortilla chips on a platter. Put a teaspoon or two of the bean mixture in each chip. Top with cooked turkey, grated cheese, and any toppings. Serve immediately.

MEXICAN PIZZA
4 whole wheat tortillas
1 can mild enchilada sauce
8 ounces grated cheese
1 cup shredded chicken
Sliced green onions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange tortillas on a large baking sheet and coat lightly with nonstick spray. Bake until crisp, about 10 minutes. Carefully spread each tortilla with a thin layer of enchilada sauce. Divide cheese and chicken evenly among tortillas. Drizzle with additional enchilada sauce, if desired. Sprinkle with green onions. Bake until cheese is melted, about 5-10 minutes. Cut into fourths and serve immediately.

MINI QUESADILLAS WITH GUACAMOLE
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
2 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 green onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
12 small white corn tortillas
8 ounces grated low fat cheese

Mash avocados in a medium bowl with a fork. Stir in tomatoes, green onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick pan over medium heat, arrange 3 tortillas in a single layer (or do one at a time in a smaller pan). Top with cheese and another tortilla. When bottom tortilla begins to brown and cheese starts to melt, flip over. Cook until remaining tortilla is browned in spots and cheese is completely melted. Cut into fourths and serve immediately with guacamole.

DESSERT NACHOS
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 whole wheat tortillas
1 pound strawberries, hulled and diced
Fat free whipped topping

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together butter, cinnamon, and sugar in a small bowl. Spread tortillas on one side with butter mixture. Cut each tortilla into 12 triangles (like a pizza). Place tortilla wedges in a single layer, butter side up, on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp and golden, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly. Place several cinnamon-sugar chips in a small bowl. Top with diced strawberries and a dollop of whipped topping.

The Running Man

2010-05-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Dutch Bros Fieldtrip

2010-05-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

So for those of you who don't know what Dutch Bros is (Okay probably just Pia) it a coffee chain that was started in Grants Pass. Two dairy farmers that were brothers decide to get out of the dairy business and get into the coffee business. They happened to be of Dutch heritage so they named it Dutch Bros. Now they have a huge business and have hundreds of locations through out the West Coast and it all started right here in Grants Pass. According to wikipedia:

In 2009 the company (according to its own records) served 23 million cups of coffee with gross sales of $46 million. Dutch Bros is believed to be the largest privately-held drive-thru coffee company in the U.S. The drive-thru and walk up structures are approximately 400 square feet on a half acre site. Some can also be found in shopping center parking lots.

As of April 2010, there are 154 locations in seven states: Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado.

Well Kyler's Preschool did a tour of the main office and warehouse in Grants Pass. This picture is in the warehouse where they roast the coffee. The kids started off the tour with a video about Travis and Dane Boersma.

This is the man who showed us around and was roasting the coffee.

After the tour the made the kids smoothies or not-so hots (Kyler picked a Smoothie) and anything us adults wanted I got a Hot Chocolate and Dan got a Smoothie. The kids got goodie bags with stickers, candy and free not-so-hot coupons.

Cooking with Kids

2010-04-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

Kyler and I took a free cooking with kids class. OHMShosts some free community cooking classes all the ask for is some donated food goods for the local food pantry. Our class was Healthy Snacks for after school.

Kyler seemed to enjoy it even if it was mostly prep work.

We made 4 out of the 5 Snacks they shared with the class.

VEGGIE “SUSHI” SANDWICHES
8 oz low fat cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup low fat sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic salt
sandwich bread, flattened with a rolling pin
carrots, cut into ¼ inch sticks
cucumbers, cut into ¼ inch sticks

Mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic salt. Spread mixture on each piece of bread to lightly coat one side. Place a few pieces of carrot and cucumber at one end of each slice of bread. Roll up and press gently to seal. Cut crosswise into one inch thick slices.

GRAHAM CRACKER SANDWICHES
graham crackers
peanut butter
thinly sliced apples
honey

Spread each graham cracker with enough peanut butter to evenly coat. Top half of graham crackers with apple slices. Drizzle apples with a little honey. Top with another graham cracker, peanut butter side down.

RICE CAKE SANDWICHES
fat free cottage cheese
low fat ranch dressing
mini rice cakes

Mix together cottage cheese and ranch dressing to taste. Put a small scoop of filling between two mini rice cakes. Try using different flavors of rice cakes (white cheddar would be good). Finely chopped fresh veggies (like broccoli, carrots, celery, bell peppers…) can be added to the cottage cheese.

PRETZEL FISH
low fat cream cheese, room temperature
mini pretzels
dried apricots
mini chocolate chips

Place softened cream cheese in a zip lock bag and cut one of the corners (just a small opening). Squeeze a little out onto a dried apricot. Use the cream cheese as glue to attach a small pretzel (see demonstration). Turn over. Squeeze out a small amount of cream cheese for an eye and place a mini chocolate chip in the center.

FRUIT WITH YOGURT DIP
2 cups low fat vanilla yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup finely chopped almonds
Assorted fresh fruit (strawberries, apple slices, banana slices, grapes, pear slices, blueberries on toothpicks...)

Mix together yogurt, honey, and almonds. Serve with fresh fruit.

Kyler's favorite was the Fruit with Yogurt dip. Mine was the yummy cream cheese dip made for the veggie Sushi sandwiches.

la la la la

2010-04-14T20:00:00.001-07:00

Hi Dan

A tour of the lllnios Valley ...

2010-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Dan drug me to the snow yesterday. He had been trying to go all winter but for one reason or another we couldn't go. So now in almost the middle of April we made it.

We tried out a new to us sledding spot on Page Mountain in Cave Junction/Takilma area. We usually go to Union Creek. It was nice they had nice log buildings to hang out in and there were only 4 other family's up there the entire time we were there.They even have bigger cabin building at the bottom with a wood stove.

Kyler tired out his Snowboard that Dan got him, we all took turns going down the hill on the sled and of course threw a lot of snow balls. I took a whole lot of pictures....

Needless to say we were a little pooped.

So we headed into Cave Junction and ate at Taylor's Sausage, mmmmm..... yummy.... While were there I was looking at a pamphlet on the table and found a Scrapbook store listed. My lovely husband let me go and check it out while they waited in the car.

Then we stopped at a Burl Store.

There was a ton of stuff to look at outside and the items inside were so interesting and beautiful.

The last stop was Lake Selmac where Dan took Kyler to the park while I looked at my new scrapbook goodies.

Gone...

2010-04-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

It finally fell out on Thursday at Jay's house. The tooth behind it is already making its way up and forward. He put the tooth under his pillow that night and the tooth fairy left a glitter trail from his window to his bed. And for that first tooth he got a whopping 5 dollars. That won't be the standard price for the rest of them but this one was special. The money is already in his piggy bank for LegoLand.

Tag

2010-04-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to list 10 things that make me happy, 5 pieces of trivia about myself, and pass this along to five fellow bloggers to continue on the blog chain.

10 Things that make me HAPPY (not in any particular order or a complete list)
1. Paper
2. traveling
3. Dan working on the Scrappy Room
4. When the house is clean
5. naps
6. When I don't have to cook
7. blog comments :)
8. Kyler and his daily giggles that he brings
9. walking barefoot
10. that looks that my husband still give me after almost 13 years of being together

5 pieces of Trivia about myself (that you may or may not already know)
1. I died once.
2. I don't really like to be outside but I love to eat outside.
3. I am addicted to my iPod
4. I am a messy person
5. I used to be able to recite most of the movie Wayne's World

5 Lucky Ducks to carry on the chain
1. Lori
2. Pia
3. Fia
4. Val
5. Renee

A few pictures from Easter Sunday...

2010-04-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Kyler

2010-04-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is Kyler's wiggly tooth. Last Wednesday when Dan was flossing Kyler he noticed that this one was very wiggly. Sure enough he has another tooth coming in behind this one. This little tooth is still hanging in there.

Then on Thursday night Kyler got mail from Grandma and Grandpa for Easter. The boy loves getting mail.

Then of course we dyed eggs on Saturday...

I know not the best picture of us but believe it or not this was the best one out of the 10 Dan took.

The boy...

2010-04-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Kyler is watching the Lego Universe Trailer...

I say "Lego Universe again?"

Kyler says "That's what I talking about baby!"

Any guesses on what we are doing today?

2010-03-05T09:31:00.001-08:00

oUCH!

2010-03-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

This happened last weekend and by last week I mean the 20th... A little mishap riding with daddy on the mountain bike. Much better now but he still limps. We were starting to think maybe he broke it because her refused to walk on it for a couple of days. Dan took him to the doctor and it was not broken or fractured.

This weekend I got 3 scrapbook lo's done :)

2 posts one weekend :)

2010-02-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

Here are a few scrapbooking Layouts I have made in recent time.

And here are my Scrappy Jo project for February. I got to work with the Basic Grey Sugar Rush line! Just Lovely paper. Bright and fun.

hmmm...

2010-02-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

We went up to visit my in-laws last weekend. Dan had injured his neck earlier in the week and was released from driving duty by his doctor.

We got the chance to finally exchange our Christmas gifts with them. Kyler got lots of Geotrax which he has spread all over my front room as I type. Dan and I got cash which we are saving for Legoland. We hope to make the trek down to Legoland in May or Sept.

Here is a picture of Kyler with his cousins Julia, Anna and Synthia.

Today is a beautiful day here in Southern Oregon. Dan and Kyler played outside for a while putting together a rocket that Grandpa gave Kyler. They also put up a tire swing.

I came out for a while and took Kyler's picture and watched the rocket launch. Sorry no pictures of the launch as it went way too fast. However if you want to see the rocket its hanging from a tree here, way up in the air, where I think it may be for awhile.

You poor blog!

2010-02-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

I know you have been neglected. Left all alone with no one to even update you. So sad! And I don't even know if I can say that it will change.

I have been massively busy at work and at home. I mean to blog but for one reason or another it doesn't happen. I even have a slew of pictures ready to blog with!

Lets see just a few highlights. Ruthie at work gave me a crystal growing set for Kyler. We have made only one so far but it was fun watching his excitement. And it came with the cutest mini safety glasses.

We have been playing a lot of rock band lately. Kyler will only do the drums and he thinks he is pretty darn good at them. We only have the Beatles edition, but lucky we have been able to borrow versions from Jay who has a ton.

We went to Coos Bay last weekend for Maci's 7th birthday. The kids and some of the adults did some Cosmic Bowling. Maci seemed to have a great party but was a little sad the next day when we went to the beach.

This trip to Coos Bay was so much fun and the day at the beach was beautiful.

After the beach we went to a Pizza place down on a dock with a park across the street. The park had an old Merry-go-round which we liked a lot. I even let my brother push me around on it.

You're 30!!!

2010-01-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

That's right! I made it! I am officially in my 30's... How did this happen? I remember when I was a kid and grown up would ask what age was old. Guess what I would tell them... That's right 30. And now that I am here. I don't feel so old, I feel young. And with all that has happen to me the last 3 years I feel way to young to be handling such grown up things.

I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring people both at work and outside of it. I thought that this birthday would suck the most of all and it didn't. It was great and I felt love all around me. Oh and I got some awesome gifts too! I got a lovely bath basket from a secret admirer at work. Gary got me a snuggie.

Dan got me two gift cards. One for Old Navy and one for iTunes. And Jay got me a iTouch which rocks beyond belief. I love it so very very very did I say Very much? I had planed on take a 30 years old picture but didn't even touch my camera that day. Instead I have a goofy Kyler photo.

Snow Day

2009-12-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

Well I am stuck at home. Somewhere I picked up Strep Throat. Man! I am tired of being off from work for such crappy reason's. And to make things worse we had some snow yesterday which I couldn't go out and play in. I could only watch Kyler from the dining room.

We got quite a bit of snow out here but now most of it has melted away. I get to go back to work tomorrow for a day and then have Friday off for the holiday and then Saturday I have a wedding to shoot so hopefully I am on my A game photography wise.

Christmas

2009-12-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

Pre Christmas

2009-12-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

I figured I better post the Pre-Christmas photos before I post the Christmas pictures. Life has been in full speed since my dad's funeral. I am trying to stay in the moment right now and not focus on the past r the future of a life without either parent. I am just glad that I have great in-law's and Jay. Oh and a wonderful hubby too! I know they are trying their best to fill that void.

Here is the boys making gingerbread cookies with me. We just bought the pre-packaged Gingerbread but we still had fun. He really seems to enjoy the sprinkles. Sorry for the black and White but the lighting in the room was very orange that night.

Next up we have Miss Faith Irene. This is my great niece, Rachelle's daughter. Rachelle came up for my dad's funeral so we got to meet Faith for the first time.

Lastly Kyler had a party at School on his last day before vacation. They opened presents from their gift exchange, watched Frosty the snowman and decorated Gingerbread (Graham Cracker) houses.

Once again not necessarily the greatest photo in the whole world but I love Mr. Kyler's smile in the background. the upside down candy cane is a drain pipe and the chocolate candy is a chimney.

Christmas Program

2009-12-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Monday was Kyler's Christmas program at school. They sang 7 songs. And then a special guest showed up...

Kyler with his teacher Mrs. Musser

Their special guest was Santa who read all the kids letters. Kyler asked for Transformers and Legos. Of course!

Dad

2009-12-06T20:23:00.000-08:00

We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.

Lots going on...

2009-12-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Not lots of time to sit and blog. On the 18th Kyler had another field trip this time to a local grocery store. They got to see all the different parts of the store. They also Got a great snack bag with gummies, grapes, half a banana and juice. But what Kyler liked the most was he got a cool hat from the meat cutter.

That weekend I shot at wedding for two of my dear friends from work.

Then we had Kyler's Thanksgiving Feast at School. They were dressed as Indians and the parents had to pick out Indian names for them. We went with Little Yellow Snake for Kyler. He was very proud of his Indian name and kept telling the other parents what it was.

So that brings you all sort up to date but thats not all. I'll post more soon.

Hey!

2009-11-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

I have been busy for two weekends in a row I have had fall family photo shoots. Both paying jobs. I still have doubts sometimes that I am worth paying for. Wait that sounds bad that my photography skills are worth paying for but people keep asking me and they paid so whats a girl to do.

I have a wedding that I am shooting this weekend. Not a paying gig. She offered but I said I would do it in lieu of buying them a gift.

I ran across this picture of Kyler today and it made my smile. It was taken right after I came back from my New York trip. I think he was happy for me to be home.

Scrappy Jo's - My Product Review and Monthly Projects

2009-11-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

This month I got the opportunity to try a product I have always been interested in - Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels. To say that this product is versatile would be an understatement. There are just so many things you can use this on: paper, acrylic, metal, fabric, and chipboard!

The first thing I did was read up on Glimmer mist on the Tattered Angels website. I highly recommend that you start there.

Next up I used a Decorative Corner Glimmer Screen Stencil. I laid it over the craft paper spraying the mist over top, leaving the negative space of the Decorative Corner. I did this multiple times. Making my own paper in a way for the background for this card.

Lastly I applied a generous amount of glimmer mist to Decorative Corner Glimmer Screen Stencil. I then placed the Decorative Corner Glimmer Screen Stencil directly to the paper. and lifted it up off the paper. I really loved the look of it but felt it wasn't dark enough. I let the design dry and did it again and came out with this.

Here are my other projects for the month many of them feature Glimmer Mist too!

To purchase any of the paper in my layouts or the glimmer mist Make you way over to Scrappy Jo's Store

Weekend Leaves

2009-11-04T21:27:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post this last weekend. We have been having such nice weather that we raked some of our leaves and Kyler took that opportunity to do what kids do.

Our Halloween

2009-10-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

We went trick or treating downtown, like have for the last two years. This year we met up with Laura, Tina and Katelyn. It was crazy crowded and we didn't get our early start. The kids didn't mind. Kyler was having lots of fun but clinged to me not out of fear but because he didn't want to get drizzled on and he thought my witches hat could be like an umbrella.

We then went by a free bounce house that we could pass up so Kyler played in there for quite a while. We trick or treated Jay Jay or course! And then ate some dinner. Then we did one block of night time trick or treating by daddy's office. At the office Rico's scared the daylights out Kyler so I had some to do some convincing to go to any houses that had decorations. Maybe he won't get scared next year.

Not sure yet what we will be dressing as next year...

Spooktacular

2009-10-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hope you are having a Happy Halloween with lots of Candy!

Senior Portraits with Brittany

2009-10-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins

2009-10-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Kyler and I carved our pumpkins today. I helped Kyler quite a it on his. But, he did some of the cleaning, picked out the design, traced it on and carved with assistance a portion of his pumpkin. I however had no help from him on mine.

This is Kyler's

This is mine.

We are having a competition at work so I wanted mine to be very challenging and fancy. Here's hoping I win. There are 3 categories Scariest, Most Creative and Most Challenging. Kyler told me I will win for scariest and a Dan says for most Challenging. What do you all think? Do I even have a chance.

Took the kids to the graveyard...

2009-10-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Say what?!? But we went for a purpose. Every year I read that the Josephine Historical Society does a Graveyard tour with living history players. And every year I thought I wonder if that is cool or lame. Well guess what it was cool. They had 10 stations all over the cemetery with actors dressed in historical clothing. Each person was someone who made an impact on Josephine county or Grants Pass. They would tell us a story for about 5-7 minutes and then a bell would ring and we would move on to the next station. I would like to tell you that the kids loved it and listened intently to each story but they didn't. Kyler did the best then Katelyn and poor Emilie couldn't sit still. Kyler's favorite story was that of Elijah Davidson and how he discovered the Oregon Caves.

Here are a few of the other actors. It was hard to get decent pictures with them talking and the hard sunlight.

Keeping up with the Edwards'

2009-10-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

Trying to keep up with the craziness that is our life sometimes. We haven't done that much but then again we haven't slacked that much either. I am not feeling all that typie tonight so I'll leave you with mostly pictures from the last week-week and a half.

Two bucks outside the front of our house decided to test out their new points.

We went to a harvest festival at a local school. Kyler had a blast in the bouncy house and Dragon obstacle course. He also played some fun carnival games and got a few prizes. He told me that it was the best day ever. I am not sure why we every spent all the money to take him to Disney world. Every place is the best place ever. ;)

Then on Monday Kyler and I went with his preschool to the pumpkin patch.

On the search for the perfect one.

We found it!

Kyler and Mommy

Scrappy Jo's

2009-10-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Some where between all this illness I did not get around to posting my projects for Scrappy Jo's for October. This month I got to work with the fun line by Moxxie called Queen of the Crop. We also got to try a product called Grafix Rub-Onz which allows you to make your own rub-ons using your printer. While I made a few mistakes I absolutely love the outcome. It helped me to make a copy of Ali Edwards autograph, which I added to my layout about meeting her. That way if something happens to the book she signed I have another copy. Scrappy Jo's has both products for sale here. I also have one other project in the works tht I am not going to post here since its a gift for my sister in law Leisa, who occasionally makes her way to the blog.

Sick

2009-10-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Kyler after his visit to the doctor.

Its just a bad case of the flu is the out come from the doctor. But its the most sick I have ever seen him before. He has been trying to be so good about not getting us sick.

This boy

2009-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

This boy is so sick right now. We are going to the doctor at 2:00. He start coughing on Sunday night I noticed and by the time I picked him up from school on Monday was hacking much worse. Now he has a fever and got sick to his stomach this morning... My poor little guy.

MIA

2009-10-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am have been MIA lately. I have been working lots lately and not much has really been going on. That SSA job still hasn't happened. They reconfigured the space that I sit in at work and I and the rest of support staff ended up with less space. I have been meaning to take my camera to work so I can take a picture.

On the home front Dan has been investing a lot of time and effort into the rental which we still haven't rented. Kyler is still legoing out. This picture is of his jail that he made of the Lego space police bad guy. Not much else really going on other than that.

Kyler's Party

2009-09-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today was Kyler's party. He will be 5 officially tomorrow. We had a Lego themed party of course because that's what he seems to be into these days.

Everything seemed to go well. Lots of people and lots and lots Lego's. I had lots of help since Leisa came down. She most of the balloon action since she does that for a living ;) We had cupcakes to avoid a cake-tastrophe like last year. We also played a super fun game this year, involving a clothesline, clothesline clips and fruit-roll ups.

Overall I was happy with the whole day. I felt like I didn't plan as last year so I didn't feel as prepared.

The fruit roll up game... The kids had to eat their fruit roll ups off the line without using their hands. There were a few cheaters but still pretty darn funny to watch. Then we did a round with the adults which I think judging by the laughing was funnier.

Game On

2009-09-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Kyler and I have both been suffering with a cold this week. We did manage to go to oh so studly nephew's soccer game in GP. I talked with him before and asked him what side I should sit on Alex's team or the Grants Pass team. He said Grants Pass because they were gonna stomp them. Well we won and by we I mean Grants Pass. Sorry Alex. I did get to hug him after so I feel like the really winner. For most of the game Kyler was rooting for #5. Alex #10 mind you but since Kyler is turning 5 it was all about #5.

Speaking of funny Kyler stuff. He has figured out how to add Lego's to his cart on the Lego.com website. I look in there today and he has about 1700 dollars worth of Lego's in his cart. Thank god he doesn't have my credit card number!

Kyler rooting for number 5. Go #5.

My dad watching the game.

Lastly this is a normal view in my car on the way to work. My town is beautiful.

Darkness and light

2009-09-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Life is full of darkness and light. This past week I experienced both. On Sept 10, 2009 at 11:52 pm Danielle (like my little sister but she is my niece) gave birth to Brody James Clark. Brody was diagnosed in utero with Trisomy 18 . We were hopeful but not sure what Brody's outcome would be. He lived about 2 hours. In those two hours that sweet baby helped me to let go of somethings that had bothered me the last couple of years and to be a more loving understanding Aunt and person. I won't say that I understand god's plan in this
situation but I am praying that he continues to show it to me and helps me to understand.

I sat down many times to write an entry not sure if I should include something about Brody or if I should just talk about Kyler's first day of school. I won't continue to go into lots of detail because its not an experience I want to relive over and over again. But Brody was important to me and it didn't feel right to not mention him.

Kyler started his last year of preschool on Friday. He is also going to a new preschool since his old one closed. He seems to like his new school and his teacher only had nice things to say about him. He'll have homework at this new school and it feels much more like kindergarten. I am hoping he learns a lot this year and is ready for next year.

Today was rough...

2009-09-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if it is that my boy and man are gone or that Darci is gone from work or that I couldn't get to sleep last night or that I have gnarly headache. But today was one of those gawd awful kind of days. Just plain rough.

I didn't get much done at work and I am not getting much done at home. Took some headache reliever that has yet to kick in. Now I am contemplating going upstairs to take a bubble bath trying to reenact those Calgon take me away commercials.

In the goodness and light category of my day my oh so studly nephew made the tie goal for the Coos Bay/ North Bend Civil War game. Not only that but he text messaged, his dear gnarly headached, lack of sleep aunt that he missed her. Thanks for lovin' me bubs.

Miss Anna Bo Banna

2009-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

I got to do my first photo shoot with Miss Anna. She was born at 5 am this morning. She is pretty darn cute and not the least bit camera shy. I like her an awful lot! She actually belongs to Joe and Darci (oh and Davey too!) my dear friends and neighbors but they are sharing her very nicely.

Oh and here is our first picture together.

Me!

2009-09-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to blog today and since I can't blog without including a picture you get a self portrait from last weekend. And just now when I misspelled portrait blogger wanted change it to prostate. A self Prostate? Anyway...

I got supervise two visits today at work! One at the office and one in someone's home and since I haven't every done that before its kind of a big deal to me. Moving hopefully towards being a SSA.

Scrappy Jo's

2009-09-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here are all my projects for Scrappy Jo's this month. We got to work with various papers but I focused on the Mango Luau line. I also made one LO using Glitz-Audrey. (the play hard LO) The paper was so fun! Its probably one of my favorites so far. It worked so well for all of my summer shots.

And for your vewing pleasure...

2009-09-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Boatin'

2009-09-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

We took the boat out for what might be the last trip of the summer. Couldn't find any willing bodies to go with us so instead of towing anyone, we decided to try out a new lake. We went up to Emigrant Lake. We had a fun time, the water was a little too cold for me and a lot too cold for Kyler. So we didn't do a whole lot of swimming. Just ate lunch, sunbathed and sped around the lake a few times.

After the trip to the lake we stopped at the awesome play ground there and Dan walked down to see how much the slides were. It was only 7 dollars for an hours and half. So Kyler and Dan tried out the slides. Kyler loved them! When they got to the end Dan would just hold him up so he didn't get his face int he water.

Look what I found

2009-08-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Video from Dan sky diving back before we had Kyler.

I know... I know...

2009-08-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged! There really hasn't been much going on over here. I took Kyler to the park yesterday. We spent 3 hours there. The park has a water fountain feature and Kyler, Sam and Kaylah were all over it. Kyler hasn't ever been a fan of water spraying in his face so there was some forceful persuading on Kaylah's part.

But he had fun look at his ear to ear grin. Then we went to the dentist and Kyler fell asleep in the chair. Our dentist is so funny, he was in shock. I guess he has never had a patient fall asleep before. Kyler really seems to like going to the dentist. The hygienist is always telling me that she thinks he is going to a dentist when he grows up.

Then these are the Lego bad guys. Kyler is all about making collections these days. He is always asking me if I wanna see this collection or that collection etc. He still loves Lego's, pirates, transformers, Indiana Jones and all things yellow.

Feet Monster, Skeleton Girl, Little Green "Shorty" Monster, Scary Bad Guy and Firerox the Rock Monster.

Scrappy Giveaway

2009-08-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2009/08/lets-give-somethings-awayjust-because.html

What I did on my summer vacation... Part 2

2009-08-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Headed over to Turtle Bay. We watched an animal show similar to the one we saw at Disney World but not as fancy. Still cute though. This is Kyler on the bench waiting for it to start, leaning against Dan.

We toured Turtle Bay which was fun. The crowd was light and the had fun exhibits We had a good times playing Kyler especially liked the aquarium.

They had a special exhibit at Turtle Bay by Nathan Sawaya called the Art of the Brick. All of the following were made out of Legos! The best part in Kyler's opinion. The T. Rex took a whole summer and is 80,000 Legos! Kyler's favorite was Yellow. (The yellow man)

Then we saw Sue. A cast mold of the most complete T.Rex skeleton ever found, this was my favorite part. It was so awesome to see the actual size of these enormous creatures.

After all that walking we ate lunch and Kyler and I toured the botanical gardens while Dan too a nap in the car.

Dan drove home we stopped at one last viewpoint to see Mt. Shasta and Castle Crag.The view of Shasta was better so that the one you get to see.

We had lots of fun! Next year I hope we get to go down to San Diego but if not I would love to camp at Whiskeytown Lake again.

What I did on my summer vacation...

2009-08-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

Welp! Here they are the first half of the pictures I promised from the weekend. We started off by making our way the Water Works Park in Redding, Ca. We spent alot of time in the Kiddie Pool area and the Lazy Lagoon. Dan did all the water slides. We have fun but man this place has SO many rules. And the food was horrible!

Then we made our way to our camp, Oak Bottom Campground near Whiskeytown lake. Very nice! I hope to go back here again some day. I did however get sick that night. I think too much sun, not enough water, yucky Water Works food. This is Dan and I Kyler the next morning eating breakfast. I was feeling much better after sleeping and taking some Tylenol.

We decided to spend sometime looking at the nearby trails before heading off to Turtle Bay. This is me in front of the Crystal Creek falls. Next is my crazy husband climbing the falls. My son was yelling at him the whole time to get down and that he was gonna beat him when he got down.

Our shadows on the hike back.

Kyler hugging Sid "the Speedy Fast Electronic Lego" snake.

Goin' Campin'

2009-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Will post some pictures on Sunday or Monday.

-M

Summer

2009-08-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

My kid knows how to relax in the sun. He has seen his dad enough I guess. Here he is reading a Lego magazine and drinking some pink Lemonade in the hammock.

Mmmmm.... Cookies

2009-08-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

Kyler and I made some Chocolate chip cookies today... Wanna see them?

Mmmmm....

Don't they look good?

Aren't you hungry now?

A year

2009-08-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just a warning for my scrapbooking friends. This is going to be a very personal blog entry so you may want to skip it.

Today marks a year since my mothers passing. In so many ways it feels like it hasn't been a long time in other ways it feels like it has been forever. It feels like forever since I have seen her face, or heard her laugh or even heard her get mad. While there are lot of emotions that I feel today. I mostly feel mad. Mad that we don't have her here with us. Mad that the other day I saw a July birthstone Barbie that I would have bought her for her birthday. (We collected Barbie's together for most of my life) Mad that my child has been cheated and will never again get to play with my mom. Mad that Jay only got such a short time to be her husband. Mad that Danielle has to go through this pregnancy without her and that she wasn't here for when Rachelle had Faith.

I try to live my life in a way that would make her happy, would make her proud. But its a hard life to live without her in it. She is still the first person I think to call when something happens. Whether its a bad day at work or my child getting stunk by a bee.

About a week or more before she passed my mom sang me part of a song.

"They say that all good things must end someday
Autumn leaves must fall
But don't you know that it hurts me so
To say goodbye to you
Wish I didn't have to go
No, no, no, no"

I feel the same way too mom.

The Lake

2009-08-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

We went to Galesville today and took Alex boating. I hardly get to see him anymore since he is in HS and over at the coast. The day was so nice! The water was perfect, so refreshing! We spent a lot of time just swimming in the lake. Alex and Dan Wake boarded and Alex, Dan and Kyler rode the Ski-Bob. Kyler rode it with Dan it took some forcing by Alex to get Kyler on there but once he did he was fine. I didn't get a photo of that since I was driving. I am proud of him getting towed already and he is only 4. Here are my two favorite shots from the today Alex doing a back flip off the boat and Kyler chilling with his shades right before we were leaving.

My designs...

2009-08-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here are my designs for Scrappy Jo's Creative Team. This month we got to use the Bo Bunny Calypso line. So fun and bright! I used all but a tiny few scraps of mine. Hope you enjoy :)

Happy Brithday

2009-07-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom. I miss you.

Scrappyness

2009-07-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things I made recently for the last Scrappy Jo's online crop. The first one the is
made from a file folder. Go here for directions http://www.freepowerboards.com/shopscrapbooks/shopscrapbooks-about7651.html I think you have to sing up to be a member to few the instructions.

The challenge I made up was a LO challenge just to scrap something fun you do with your family.

And lastly was another LO challenge where you scrap about a relationship of some sort. Anyway thanks for looking. :)

Correction

2009-07-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Excuseeeee Meeee.

Jay informs me that it is Maxima. NOT an Altima!!

Photos

2009-07-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

I did a little photo shoot yesterday with Darci and her pregnant belly that is housing MoBo (Unnamed baby girl) right now. I have been itching to shoot and I feel like I am loosing my game when it come to my photographs. So I need some practice. Darci was nice enough to let me practice with her.

I also came back and played with them using photoshop cause that's what I Do :)

After that Jay way nice enough to take me, Kyler, and Dan to lunch and then to the movies to see Ice Age. We got to ride in his hot new car!! A 09 Nissan Altima. It fancy Schmancy...

Well its suppose to be a scorcher today. 106, so I am better get in to town and home so we can stay cool.

Tag your it!

2009-07-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Go to the 10th picture folder on your wonderful little computer and post the 10th picture in that folder and explain the picture! NO CHEATING! (Feel free to tag someone else if you'd like to keep the randomness going!) I tag Pia and Audrey.

And now my picture:

I have a LOT of pictures on my computer. This is Katelyn, my best friend from high school Laura's daughter she is now almost 4. This was the first time I got to see her as they live way down in Sacremento. Can you see how excited she was to meet me?

2009-07-19T09:37:00.001-07:00

I am not sure who came up with the idea but somehow we ended up camping outside in the backyard last night. Kyler loved the tent when we went camping last summer, so he was all for the idea. I got up about 7 am, Dan came in the house with me and is still sleeping as I type on the couch. Kyler came in about 8:00 and wanted to know where all the grown ups went.

I haven't accomplished much this weekend. I did get 4 scrapbook Lo's done and one mini album for my creative team assignment. I can't post them now though :) I have to wait until they are revealed for the store.

Other than that I cleaned house then made a mess again then picked up again then messed up again...

Safari

2009-07-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Kyler and I went to Wildlife Safari today with our friends Darci and Davey. And this time we went on the Elephant Encounter. I think it was the best part of the day for me. They did a little show for us. Which included Alice painting a picture and both Alice and Tiki playing the harmonica. We also got to feed them carrots. They took them with their trunk from our hands and placed them in their own mouths. And of course we got to pet them. So worth the extra cost!

Here is Kyler feeding Tiki.

I am not gonna post too many animal pictures as since I did last time we went. You can look at those here. But I really liked the one of Kyler trying to stand on one leg like the Flamingo's do. And the one Of Davey and Kyler on the slide.

Photo

2009-07-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Scrappy Jo's Bling-tastic giveaway

2009-07-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Another fun giveaway going on this time over at my design team store:

Check it out to enter:

http://scrappyjos.blogspot.com/2009/07/scrappy-jos-bling-tastic-giveaway.html

and here is what you can win...

Fireworks

2009-07-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

I had lots of fun over at Shauna and Jonas's house playing with my camera, Jonas's tripod and fireworks. I took over a hundred shot and narrowed the lot down to these 5 as my favorites.

Now, that's entertainment

2009-07-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

We spent part of the 4th enjoying the sunshine in our pool. My husband the entertainer that he is decide to try various ways to ride Kyler's new whale. Newly purchased that day by grandma Phyllis.

See below...

SEI Giveaway

2009-07-03T16:05:00.001-07:00

Look at the goodies that SEI is giving away over at their blog.

http://seilifestyle.blogspot.com/2009/06/100th-post-giveaway.html

Here hoping for some luck ;)

My life or something like it.

Contest LO

Last Weekend

One more thing.....

Ingredients

Preparation

Long time....

Yes I Made it! and a giveaway!

Trying out for a design team. More details to come...

Its difficult..

Where oh where has Mary gone...

Halloween

Brithday

Scrapiness

School Days

Where I have been... Part 2

Where I have been...

Randomness

So...

Water Park, Legoland and the beach (July 13th)

Legoland part deux (July 12th)

San Diego *Updated*

Legoland

Dear Ma....

Rafting

Merlin Airport

Miss Frauke

What have those Edwards' been up to?

Oh where oh where has my scrapper gone...

Graduation Pictures

Graduation and Kindergarten

Geocaching and Mother's Day

Flora at our house

I know! Can you handle all this bloginess?

Kyler Handsomeness, Fire Station and Dessert

Cooking with Kids - Cinco De Mayo

The Running Man

Dutch Bros Fieldtrip

Cooking with Kids

la la la la

A tour of the lllnios Valley ...

Gone...

Tag

A few pictures from Easter Sunday...

Pictures of Kyler

The boy...

Any guesses on what we are doing today?

oUCH!

2 posts one weekend :)

hmmm...

You poor blog!

You're 30!!!

Snow Day

Christmas

Pre Christmas

Christmas Program

Dad

Lots going on...

Hey!

Scrappy Jo's - My Product Review and Monthly Projects

Weekend Leaves

Our Halloween

Spooktacular

Senior Portraits with Brittany

Pumpkins

Took the kids to the graveyard...

Keeping up with the Edwards'

Scrappy Jo's

Sick

This boy

MIA

Kyler's Party

Game On

Darkness and light

Today was rough...

Miss Anna Bo Banna

Me!

Scrappy Jo's

And for your vewing pleasure...

Boatin'

San Diego Updated