happy photo day

It was a good camera day. I actually took some time to snap photos of the little things that brightened my day. Sometimes I think about taking photos all day and sometimes I don't want to touch the camera at all. Weird how that works. Note to self: must make more cards to have on hand. This was a great last minute addition to fresh snickerdoodles for a friend. I didn't even have time to dig out an envelope the right size and I kinda like the card tied right on.I love, love, LOVE this necklace (with matching bracelet). My sis-in-law Denise brought it back from Portugal for me. I really must find more things to go with it so I can wear it more often.
Silly chillies!
That is so Toby- always making funny faces with his eyes closed. He is a little sprite, a burst of happy energy, running around me in circles daily. He is the best at telling Mom and Dad he loves us right when we need it (and we need it a lot lately). This boy comes up with the best one liners. His new phrase is Tarter Sauce except he says it so fast it sounds like Tar Sauce. For example, "Toby, can you please pick up your toys before you go outside?" "Oh, Tar Sauce!"

Our sweet little J has lost 3 teeth in the last month and we tease that she is our Jessie Jack-O-Lantern. She still loves her ponies and kitties. We went through a small crisis recently when she realized that her beloved Chippy the kitty whom she has loved for years had gone missing. We have no idea where Chippy is. It didn't take Dad long to hunt another Chippy down on e-bay. It's sitting in a box on our closet shelf as I type. J will probably find Chippy #2 in her Easter basket.

Mr. Cooper- that kid is trouble with a capital T. This is typical Coop doing his own thing. He learned a new skill this week. He now unlocks the front door and opens it all by himself. The kid can barely reach the lock to turn it yet his little legs bolt themselves right outside quicker than I can say BOO. I gotta get in the habit of locking the deadbolt. He also has the annoying 2 year-old habit of asserting his independence by yelling NO at every request or direction from Mom and Dad. I hope he grows out of it soon.

making progress.........

in the weight loss that is. Yep, I'm six pounds lighter and the pants are feeling good. can't wait until I need to buy a size smaller.

*chuckle* on a related note. I hate wasting food! I went over to a friends house 2 weeks ago to make pot stickers with some play group Moms. Since that was the week I was frantically getting my contest entry (see below) done, I didn't get them made and the filling stayed in the fridge too long. I froze it to keep longer but no good. Bummer. I really wanted pot stickers and veggie stir-fry tonight. Instead, we splurged and went out for breakfast, for dinner.

valentine's shmalentines..............

Heart day was yesterday. Big whoop. I think the only thing we did was hang out at my parents and eat chocolate. I did get to craft a little which was nice. The kids helped weed and dig out in Grammy's garden and we ordered Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner. Now that I think of it- it was a good day. I'm just too grumpy to admit it.
It was a good camera day too but I forgot it at home.

Dave's been sick the beginning of this week. Now I think I'm getting it. We are both stressed out and numb from all the big decision making lately. All that put together made for a very lackluster Valentine's Day.

So why did we spend all day as a family at my parents house you ask?? Well, 2 nights ago our gardener came to the door and said there was water coming out of the street at the front of our complex. Long story short- the street was bleeding and the water company had to shut off our water all day (again, happy valentine's day) to fix the main water line. I didn't even want to attempt being a hero and sticking around with the boys to wait that one out. We got outta Dodge! Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us crash your party on such short notice.

The job hunt is still going. Our new road block is finding an institution to give a small business loan to a newly graduated student to buy a chiropractic office. Thank goodness for good friends and supportive family! And bless you Tom M! It's great to have a close friend with an MBA when you're starting up your first business. He is helping Dave so much in the hunt for a practice and to know what to look for.

For all you scrappers out there.

I did it! I entered the Hall of Fame Contest sponsored by Creating Keepsakes Magazine. I was holding my breath until my entry was delivered today and it made it! Today was the deadline. Talk about close. The more time that goes by the more I think I don't have a chance of winning but that's okay. I wanted to finish and be happy with my entry and I am! I wish I could share some of the cool stuff I made. Alas, that would disqualify me and I wouldn't want all those sleepless nights to go to waste even if I am lucky to get an Honorable Mention.

I will share a few things I did this week. It seems I have found my scrapping mojo after not touching it for months.

Major remodel

I was doing sit-ups on the living room floor this morning when Coop started banging on my leg with his light-up hammer. I jokingly said, "Is Mommy under construction?" A few seconds later I realized that, indeed, I am undergoing a major remodel. I have been trying to get fit the last couple weeks and shed some weight. Something inside me finally clicked when I realized I don't have to be resigned to living with an extra 20 pounds with the excuse that "I've had three kids." I stopped the chemical birth control (NO family, not to try for another one) because it was making me feel terrible and huge.

An unwritten goal is merely a wish so I am putting it in writing here that I am going to shed 15 pounds by June 2, 2007! Why June 2? My sis-in-law is getting married that day and I'm going to feel good in my bridesmaid dress! A before and after picture would be effective but A: I am NOT putting on a bikini and B: these thighs will not see the light of day until at least April. :)

Get ready world for the new and improved Camille!