Adding "STUDENT" to my repertoire

So, this weekend was a success. I managed to do a few loads of laundry, clean my house enough to have company over (not my bedroom, though - thank GOD for doors) and it really felt good to be at home this weekend. I spent a lot of time with my babies, and was glad for the time off to be with them. Carson, my niece, has the flu, so the pediatricians want to put her in the hospital. It's gotten so bad that the Dr. has perscribed Peyton and Brendan medicine, since they have been exposed to the flu type that Carson has. Geesh - I hope they don't get sick. Brendan got sick over the weekend, but recovered well. I was glad to be home Monday on holiday, because if I hadn't, I would have been off to take care of Mr. B. He's good now, though. He went to school today. So did Peyton.

I did some scrapbooking over the weekend. I'll post pictures later, but it felt good to sit at my CLEAN dining room table in my CLEAN dining room in my CLEAN house, and mess up a space to crop. I don't know about you, but I am not creative until I pull out EVERYTHING and make a total mess. Then, and only then, can I scrap. I had so much fun! It always feels so good to let loose and play with your family's pictures. Brendan kept wanting to get on the computer, and Peyton wanted me to hold her. I got them both started on their own "scrapbooks" - little mini spiral-bound scrapbooks that they put stickers in and pieces of colored paper that they cut up. It's so cute. And it allows me to get back to my own fun.

Well, today is it. I turn a new leaf. I'm going back to school. I've signed up to take a class at Murray State, and I'm going to finish up my associate's degree in Business Administration. What the heck will I do with that? Well, I'm not sure. What I do know, though, is that there is one thing in my life that I started, that I wish I'd have finished. I don't have any regrets in my life, except the fact that I didn't finish up my degree. It's a surreal feeling to think that in a few hours, I'll be going across campus, and I'm going back to class. Heck, I don't even remember how to take notes. I have a feeling I'm gonna start remembering. Pretty fast.

Jason, a coworker of mine, painted his office over the three-day weekend. Looks pretty good! Shelley, I'll try to send you a picture soon. Me? With all these changes in the office, I feel as if January has turned into a TRUE N-E-W year. . . a new start. . . a new CLASS. . . a new life. It's going to be a great year!

You mean, I WON!?

Kai Lei had a giveaway on her blog. Now, mind you, I sign up for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING scrapbook-related that anyone can throw in my direction. But THAT IS ALL. I don't really get into anything else. But I ended up breaking my own rules. A LOOPHOLE, if you will.

Kai Lei was giving away these precious bibles. Being a Sunday School teacher, I signed up for one. Well, I think I ended up with one! See this sweet photo of this sweet girl? I think she's holding up my name.

It LOOKS like my name. I hope so. Nothing like putting your foot in your mouth and being WRONG when it was someone else all along. How embarrassing.

Anyways, I emailed her, and hopefully, will be getting a children's bible VERY SOON!! YAY!!

Here's to a four-day weekend! Okay, so it's only three, but still. . . it's supposed to rain, we'll have company over Sat. night (which means my house will be immaculate this time tomorrow - HA!), and I'll have a whole day Monday to scrapbook. I may post what I end up doing. Ya know, for someone that CLAIMS to scrapbook, you really haven't seen my work yet, have ya? Hmmm. . . I could be just an imposter, with an affection for signing up for free scrapbook stuff. . . . . .

Randomness...

I have a wonderful friend, Shelley, that I send random emails to. We used to see each other every day at work, and she recently got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shift ahead in another company. Since she works out of town, I rarely see her, and to keep in touch, I send her "randomness" emails, because it makes me feel like she's still here. I think she enjoys them, too. I absolutely love her, and admire her ambition to never be afraid of change. She never was. I learned so much from her when we worked together.

In the spirit of RANDOMNESS, here's a few things I want to show you. First, here's a great web site with a very original gift of chocolate. Not just any chocolate, mind you. Only the finest chocolate, decorated with beautiful artwork. What a gift for a special someone, right here at Valentine's Day! Wow!! Hubby should know about this one.



Also, here's a little something I've given as a gift. I absolutely ADORE this stamp from Three Designing Women. It makes me think of what getting letters must've been like back in the "old days." You know, when they sealed it with wax? I don't think I'd ever do wax, but I'd definitely do this. Absolutely beautiful.



You know when you stumble across a site and say, "I'm gonna remember that site, so when I get cool and get my stuff (along with a lot of moola) together, I'll definitely do that!". . . Well, this is the site. This is The Flour Pot. They have absolutely the most beautiful cookies I've ever seen in my life. Definitely wanna remember this one.
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Oh, and to get off in a "RANDOM" direction, I definitely want to remember Benjamin Moore Paint number 475. It is such a beautiful color. I saw this color in a kitchen cabinet display window, and actually turned my car around to get a second good look! I called the store, and the lady told me, "Girl, it's Benjamin Moore #475." Well, file that one under "Must paint the next opportunity I get..." Maybe the camper. Hmmm. . . LOL!!
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Mr. Brendan is doing very well in school. He has his first spelling test Friday. Spelling Test! Do you realize what I'm saying!? That's right. Now, mind you, he's in KINDERGARTEN. The only memories I have of Kindergarten is finger paint and carpet squares. Nowadays, they're learning their alphabet and SPELLING. . . IN KINDERGARTEN!! I just can't believe it. The spelling test will consist of four words: CAN, GIRL, BOY and READ. We only worked on two words last night - can and boy. He wanted to spell C-A-R. He's doing so great. I am constantly amazed at what he can do. What a smart boy. And I'm such a proud Mommy. How lucky I am that God chose me to be his Mommy.
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Well, randomness over. I've got to get back to work. Oh, I've taken on Ali's challenge - to come up with a word to inspire your 2007 new year. Mine? Opportunity. I love the word. I'm gonna be excited to use this word in my scrapbooking this year. I'm eager to get started on a "year in the life" 2007 scrapbook. I'll upload pictures when I finish pages.
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I'll write more later! ~Aims

Blogs that INSPIRE...

I check DAILY the blog of Jeanette S. She always has the most informative info about stuff I really love. She's the coolest! In fact, she (along with Ali) is the reason I've started a blog. Just seemed like a really good way to remember all the things juggling in my head.

You MUST check out Melodee's blog today. This is her image above. She is having a SB kit sale, and there's only a few left. So, get to buyin'! I absolutely LOVE this mini book, along with her tab book. I must admit, however, that I will not be getting any books this year. I didn't take as many pictures as I usually do (mainly due to STRESS - I was so busy doing other things, I missed out on capturing moments. {sigh} ), but if you are wanting to SB some Christmas shots, here's the way to do it.

Ali's blog is also inspiring. She has wonderful things on it all the time. I just love her style. If there was ever a person I'd want to get to know, she'd be it. I bet she is the coolest person to hang out with on weekends. How fun is she!?

Let's see. Who else inspires my SB-ing mind? There are so many, I just don't know where to start. More to come on this subject. Who inspires you? What inspires you?

Creative Freedom. . .

Ever had that day that is not totally the norm, but in a good way? I love those days. I work at the Regional Special Events Center, and I totally love my job. I wear many hats at this facility, and it's always neat to see what will happen next. Today, I'm finishing up a flash card for a Lee Greenwood concert we're having at Lovett Auditorium, a sister facility we have here on Murray State's campus. Here's the card. I love how it turned out. My job lets me have creative freedom on these cards, and I absolutely love that. I put it together, and they always seem to be pleased. Thank you, God, for my job, and for such a team of supporting coworkers. Wow. How lucky can you get?

Peyton has been running a fever. I was actually off from work yesterday, taking care of her. She is so sweet. I realize as a "grown-up," how we sometimes secretly enjoy taking off a day to cuddle with our babies. I never like either of my children to be sick, but I can't say as I mind cuddling up with them and fuzzy blankets, while we flip through the TV all day, either. Thank you, God, again, for small blessings and happy memories.

My cup runneth over!

Happy 2007!

Man, am I glad it's the New Year! Everything seems new this time of year. Old things forgotten, yadda yadda. . . it's just a good time to start something. I'm oh-so-good at starting things, it's just the finishing part I haven't grasped yet. . . !

Speaking of finishing, I just wanted to show off our Christmas cards this year. I want to show them off. I NEED to show them off. Want to know why? Because they are still on my dining room table.

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AAARRGGGHH!!!

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The fact that my Christmas cards are still lingering around is haunting my New Year!! Most times, I'd just save them for the next year. But us mothers who invest a lot of time and moola into "Picture Cards" must get them out. Whether in December, or January. Oh well. It won't be the first card I'd ever heard of getting in January!! I know my babies will look TOTALLY DIFFERENT next Christmas, but this year, they are just adorable, and Mr. Brendan is still missing his THREE front teeth. Yes, in the picture he is only missing two, but days after this shot, he lost another tooth right next to this space, making it look like he needed to ask Santa for a partial, not just the two front teeth! It is the most adorable thing I've ever seen, and I'm one of those lucky Moms who get to see this most infamous Christmas card the rest of my life, and smile on this most momentous occasion.

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Okay. I'm motivated now. I've got to get those cards in the mail!!!

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And, just a mental note to myself for next year. . . get the cards out by Dec. 1!!

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Wow, that was easy...

One of my resolutions this year was to start a blog. Well, here goes! My name is Amy and I've been checking out the whole "blog" scene now for about seven months. I decided if I was still obsessed in '07, then it was time to start my own.

I am a wife of a wonderful husband, Brad, mother to two very beautiful children, Mr. Brendan (6 yrs old), and Miss Peyton, 2 yrs old. My other obsessions (besides blog watching), is graphic design, interior design, but most of all SCRAPBOOKING. If I had my way, I'd be locked in a room at least 8 hours a day scrapbooking. If I did this, I think I would catch up in about two years or so (HA!). Anyways, I love my family, I love my God, and I love my scrapbooking!!

I want to use this blog as a tool, to remember past mistakes, and prepare for the future. We'll see. I just love embarking on the unknown. You never know where it'll take you. . .

Wish me luck!!