The Wolff Pack

Hello Holidays!!

2011-11-25T17:55:00.001-08:00

Hi! Long time no see, right? I am so crazy busy this holiday season with teaching and photography sessions! I thought I'd take a little break to update the blog.

This little boy...

finally decided last month to use the toilet with the condition we could visit Disneyland. So with every deposit he reminded Grammy and I of our promise. So we took this kid along...

and left everyone else at home so we could visit "The Mouse". We made it a point to do all the little kid things that the big boys would have HATED to do (i.e. Small World, Fantasy Land, a few characters...).

We even got to see this guy...

and tell him what was wanted for Christmas (darn it, I forgot to tell him to bring the Hubs a job. That's all I want for Xmas! I've been a really good girl! Yep, he's still looking).

So I am thinking seeing Santa at Disneyland means we don't have to go and see Mall Santa!!!

Toon Town was a big hit for these guys!

Last but not least, we had to visit a character that Oli needed in her autograph book.

A whirlwind of a trip for sure! We got home on Thanksgiving Day just in time for turkey dinner (Yay Daddy! The turkey rocked)! The best news of the trip...No accidents!

Goodbye Summer Vacation

2011-08-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

Sniffle! Summer vacation is over. Although, here it does feel like summer until mid-October. The weather here makes school clothes shopping interesting as all the fall clothes are in the stores and it's too dang hot to them buy!

Taking a quick break to post to the blog before heading off to my classroom. I need to put the finishing touches on my room and finish lesson plans for my new group of kindy babies. Leaving you with one last summer photo before the school year starts. Wish we could have spent more time at the beach.

No, we do not have a new dog. Kids made friends with a show dog and his owners at the beach.

4th of July

2011-07-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Our morning started off with a pancake breakfast at the church. No pictures peeps! I wasn't in the mood. We spent the evening with the Nelson's, Taylor's, and the Krumm's this year. It was nice that we didn't have to buy a ton of fireworks. Leave it to the Taylor's and the Nelson's neighbors to have quite the contraband stash of "out of state" fireworks to keep the man-kiddies (and their children) entertained for a long time. I swear we all smell like sulphur still!

It was also nice not to be the mamarazzi. A few snapshots and it was good for me. Until I realized that yet again, there were no photos of mommy. I promise I was there! We'll try again next year. Honestly, it was nice to just enjoy the day and not worry about a photo-journalistic play by play. Good food, great friends, pool time, and fireworks make for a great 4th!!!

I finally told Jared what he used to call fireworks when he was two. Hehehe!

I am so thankful we live in this country and for the freedoms we have!!!! Woot!

One! Singular Sensation...

2011-06-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Yesiree!! It's that most wonderful time of year again where little girls dress up like hoochie mamas and wear streetwalker make-up. No not Prom, but dance recital time!!!

A few thoughts:

I have one cute little mama here!

Make-up application...much easier this year!

Outfit...I must admit it is pretty cute!

Money spent...ouch!

Outfit doubles as reflector, assistant not necessary. Look at that warm glow on her skin!

Family at home with flu...check!

Has Oli gotten the flu yet?? Of course not!

Please pray for us that this little girl can make it to her recital this weekend! Otherwise we will have one heartbroken little girl and one disappointed mommy!

Dress rehearsal down, two performances to go!

Six year olds shouldn't look like this! Correction, my six year old shouldn't look like this!

Father's Day and the Cool Gift

2011-06-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

We had a quite and relaxing day/weekend! My Aunt stayed with us for the weekend and she treated us all to John's Incredible Pizza Saturday night (thanks Aunt Patsy!)! Jack kept calling her Grandma, then she became Grandma Aunt.

I was sick ;0( with the flu! It was gross!!! I tried to go to church and pop by my dad's. Wasn't going to happen.

I saw a really cute idea on a designer's blog about creating an album for dad. So I took that idea and made it my own. Her's was a template album and I wasn't going to pay for it when I have my own digi skillz (although I ended up not going fancy with it). Here is the great part, Shutterfly had sent me a coupon for a free 8X8 hard cover album. Not that I wanted to be cheap, we just are really trying to watch our money. All I had to pay for was shipping.

Each kiddo got 1-2 personal pages with a picture and a question or statement they needed to finish. The kids used a fine point sharpie to write their thoughts/statements about their dear old dad in the album. Here are a few of the pages:

Sorry the pics aren't the greatest, but I really wanted to get this post up before July. Baby girl wanted to show you all the book. She was really quite insistent.

The hubs seriously got teary eyed when he opened and read it. Really, he did. Yay us!!! We rocked the gift this year!

For dessert we made fresh hot brownies topped with Dewar's peppermint ice cream and hot fudge. We also got some lemon flake ice cream for another night. YUM!

Now to figure out how to top this gift next year!??

Kindergarten Celebration

2011-06-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

I, being a kindergarten teacher, have a hard time with the idea of a Kindergarten Graduation. They are just starting a lifetime of education. ALSO, there are a few kiddos that are retained so why would we have them graduate, right? So instead, we have a "Celebration" to recognize the hard work all of our kindy babies have made. We still do a cap and gown picture for those that must have them (and yes, I did order some anyway), but doesn't a "Celebration" sound like more fun? It is!!!

I CANNOT believe how fast this year has went by! I get a little teary eyed thinking about what a privilege it has been to have my own baby girl in my class and to watch all of the leaps and bounds she has made!! I will forever treasure this time with her and sad that it is over (really!). I also get to take all the credit for teaching her how to read (in fact all but one of my kiddos is reading beautifully-WOOHOO!). I hope that as an adult she can look back and have some wonderful memories of this time we have spent together!

She is in the front row because she is a shorty, not because she is my baby! Do you think I play favorites????

This year, I introduced the class to Mr. Harry's Kindergarten Channel. He has tons on music videos geared towards the kindergarten standards that my class fell in love with. So of course we had to add the music and videos to the program. We sang "The President", "The Number Rock", and "The Days of the Week" TV style. Lots of giggle from the parents when the kiddies would bust a move (yes, we danced too)!

Oli and her bestie

She's moving on to 1st grade! I am so proud of my girl!

Olivia's Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party

2011-06-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Another epic birthday party for one of the Wolff kids! I don't know who had more fun, me or the kids? Olivia's request this year was a tea party. Since we don't drink (or care for) tea, we went for a Wonderland theme. This was months in the planning!!!

The details:

The "Out of the Box Photo Booth" included costumes for the kiddies to dress up in. Most of the girls wanted to be the Queen of Hearts??? Maybe they didn't realize she was the bad guy?

Olivia contends that this was the best birthday party ever!!! She is currently planning her 8th birthday party as she already has her 6th and 7th planned.

Thanks to everyone that made her birthday so special!

End of the School Year Happenings

2011-06-08T15:06:00.000-07:00

May is crazy!!!!!! I really don't know how we made it through all of the events with our sanity intact!

We had the big boy's band concert. They did great!

Nick received a 4.0 gpa this past quarter

He is getting money towards his prescription sports goggles and a cell phone as his reward for all his hard work.

He maintained a 3.96 gpa for the whole year and was honored at our school's Principal's List banquet. Way to go Nick!

Nick and Mrs. White. We love her!

Kind of bittersweet for us as this was his last year at school with me. He has a few weeks to decide if he wants to go to the neighborhood school or the middle school my district feeds into. He is leaning towards the neighborhood school because they have a GATE program. I am having a little bit of separation anxiety just thinking about him not near me.

Jared finished the year on honor roll. Yay Jared!

We don't have honor roll for Kindy kids, but if we did, Oli would be on it. She is one of my top readers and is reading at a high first grade reading level. She is quite the smarty pants! She tells me often that she never ever wants to leave my class and wants me to be her teacher forever. Could someone please hand me a box of kleenex?!

I am so proud of all my children!!! I am a lucky mom!

Happy Bday Oli!

2011-06-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Oli's special day with dinner at IHOP, a giant cookie, and a present. She chose to have her party at a later date so that her grandma could come. My baby girl is growing up way to fast!!!

Disneyland & California (Part III)

2011-06-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Just a few highlights from our trip:

Snapped a few pics while waiting for the big boys and Sugar Granny to get off of Indiana Jones ride. Aren't they cute???

We assumed our trip would be chock full of rider switch passes and then we realized...Jack is over 40 in. !!! Only two rides he and Olivia couldn't get on the entire trip! Yay! Rider switch, a thing of the past!

Yes, we took him on Space Mountain and Tower of Terror and he loved it!!! He asked to go again!

Not only was this a first for Jack, but our shrimpy dude had a first also! Nick was FINALLY tall enough to drive his own Autopia car!

Jared!!!

Jack and Oli were dying to see Rapunzel. We seriously waited like 20 minutes to see her. We usually wait 45-65 minutes to see characters on their turf. Jack kept yelling in line outside her tower "Ra-punzel! Let down your Hai-r!". As soon as we were let into the tower, Jack pushed past his sister and ran to Rapunzel to give her a big bear hug.

This could be a family picture, right?

Jack kept calling Flynn, Eugene. Flynn didn't get it. I think I need to call and complain to Disneyland P.R. that Eugene didn't do his homework!

Olivia declared that she is never cutting her hair ever, ever, again!

A quick ride on the carousel

and then the teacups. I don't do teacups!

The following day was spent at California. We had a short wait for "The Mouse"

and met a nice man who had the same camera as me-SCORE! Family picture!

We made Sugar Granny Ride California Screaming. Look at her face! Bwahaha! We told her it wasn't that bad! She called us liars afterwards! Score!!

Can't wait to go back!!!

Music in the Park-Disneyland (Part II)

2011-06-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

So here is the reason why the park closed at 4:00pm

Shut Up!!! Right????

Here's the kicker, They actually let us stay in the park as late as we wanted, but once we left we couldn't get back in. So if we left to go to the awards presentation in California, that's it for the day. So of course, we stayed! The only restricted area to us was the west side of the park after 3:00 pm. We walked onto every ride and saw movie stars throughout the park all day!!! I am not one to be star struck...really! I think that premier parties and awards shows are like high school proms and the celebs are the cool kids. "Look at me!!! I am so cool, Don't you wish you were me??". It just seems kind of stupid! I am rationalizing here, but at Disneyland, it's magical and quite easy to get caught up in the hoopla! People had been waiting in line to get a seat on the red carpet since the previous night. No, thanks people. I'd like to leave my seat to eat or pee.

Around 5:00 ish the party started. Since we were lucky enough to get onto every ride we wanted (several times), we headed over to check out the red carpet fun.

No lie! We saw Kristie Alley, Maks, and Louie from Dancing with the Stars, Jodie Foster, Steven Tyler, David cook, Blake Lewis, Lisa Rinna and Harry, the monkey from the movie, the tall guy last season on dancing with the stars who used to be married to Vanessa Williams, his girlfriend that used to be on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (we loved that show!), Joey Lawrence, Teri Hatcher, and some Disney Kids the kids knew but I could care less about.

Johnny Depp!!!I really, truly saw him!!! Now, he truly is cool! Yes, he is weird! But he in my humble opinion, does not give off the "Look at me! I am so cool! Don't you wish you were me?" vibe. So therefore, he is worth being star struck over!

After we saw Johnny, we left because we were hungry and really needed a bowl of broccoli and cheese soup from the Wharf Cafe in California. Best broccoli and cheese soup! You must try it!

One of the top three best Disneyland trips evah!!!!!

Music in the Park- Disneyland (Part I)

2011-06-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Jared had the opportunity to attend the Music in the Park Festival with his school. When the family heard this year's trip would be to Disneyland, EVERYONE said they would be joining him, including the Sugar Granny! We were a little bummed to find out the park closed early, until we found out the reason why. I'll explain why in part II of the post (especially if you are star struck). Part II will be exciting and not just a boring recap of our life's events, pinky promise!!!

We decided to go up on Friday evening rather than go on the bus on Saturday so we could make a weekend of it.

So while the Sugar Granny, Damian and the little one's went to the park in the morning, Jared and I headed over to the high school where the competition took place.

They did a fantastic job of course receiving excellent as their rating. But we had to hear the news the following Monday since we didn't go to the awards assembly (will explain why also in part II of post).

Yes, it is June and I am just now blogging about Easter!

2011-06-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

How about I say nothing and let the pictures explain it all!!

Jared's Drumline Competetion

2011-06-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Has it really been 3 months since my last post??? The end of the school year really kicked me in the behind this year! Add to my school/work commitments the photography stuff, band, baseball, and dance, well you can see why I have been absent from the bloggy. Here is a clip from Jared's PPAC drumline competition for the year. After 9 years of placing first, they placed second this year, always the school to beat. Honestly, they were robbed!!! These guys are amazing. Jared is the snare drummer on the end in red. Enjoy!!! Oh, sorry about my loud screaming!!!

The Toothless Wonder!!!

2011-02-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

Baby girl lost her first tooth today!! I tried to get her to clean her room a few weeks back so I told her the tooth fairy doesn't visit kids with messy rooms. Her room is all picked and she wants to go to bed so the tooth fairy can visit. My little white lie could prove to be a good thing!

OMGEE!!!!! I Have A Teenager!!!!!!!

2011-01-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

Somebody pinch me!!! I can't believe it!! Jared is 13!!!! Yesterday he was in my kindergarten class. Now he is the same height as me and has bigger feet than me! I think I might cry! Before I know it, he'll be going on a mission and getting married. In the meantime I'll be looking for a third job to cover the ever growing grocery bill.

I love this kid crazy!!! He is a wonderful son and an excellent example for his sibs.
He continues to work hard and do well in school, attend scouts, and go to an extra band period every morning. But wait, here's the best part...BABYSITTING!!! Now I can go to Zumba when Damian is not home! Woot! The perks of having a teenager (there aren't many so I gotta milk this one)!!

Tonight we had cake and he opened his card (con un gift cardo). In our not so copious spare time this weekend we'll be shopping for video games and a new backpack (RIP old one), and ordering an old school N64 game system (his bday wish, weird I know!). Love you tons Jared! I hope your day was fantastic!!!

Happy 2011!!!!!

2011-01-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

I'd like to tell you all that my New Year's Eve was exciting, but really it was mellow. We had China Bistro for dinner (yumm-o). Nick and Damian played Starcraft and Jared continued to make his ipod playlist. Jack played Sly Cooper(he is obsessed with that game). I had hoped to ring in the new year with some bubbly(Martinelli's of course)and had wanted to play some skip-Bo as a family. However, Olivia and I fell asleep watching Hairspray (newer version). Yes, we were the party poopers! I told Damian that my crashing out was from the sheer exhaustion of 2010!

I vaguely remember hubby kissing me on the forehead wishing me a Happy New Year, the sound of fireworks outside and the jerky neighbors screaming "Happy F*&%^$# New Year!" We ended up having an impromptu slumber party in the front room.

We did want to start 2011 off with a new do

and a sweet picture of my boys.

Well, at least my big boys were willing to humor me.

Olivia got a party hat also!

Despite the tough times brought in 2010, there were some fabulous moments! I'll admit I won't be missing 2010 a whole lot, but I am hopeful that 2011 will be better to our family! Hoping this new year has wonderful things in store for you and your family as well!!

Best Christmas Evah!!!!

2010-12-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

I really think this was the best Christmas ever and the kids agree! This past year and a half has been VERY TOUGH on us all and this Christmas we are all grateful for the many blessings in our lives and for the greatest gift given, our Savior. We are hopeful that this new year will have wonderful things in store for our family (and yours).

I have got to brag a bit. I was able to do Christmas for $500.00 this year for the kids and they got everything they had asked for! Shopped Black Friday and got some AMAZING and UNBELIEVABLE deals!!! Yay Me!!! Then I came across an AMAZING deal on a laptop (which we desperately needed). With all my photo editing and the kids school needs for the computer, we were all fighting for computer time. Obviously that blew the budget I had set for us. Thankful for the deal we found on the Dell laptop!! One of those QVC deals where they break the payments up into five payments. In lieu of Christmas gifts for ourselves, Damian and I got the laptop and called it a family gift for us and the big kids. Feeling a lot guilty about the purchase. Aww heck, I always feel guilty about big purchases.

We were up at the butt crack of dawn to open gifts (thanks Olivia!). After gifts we had yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Grammy and Richard treated us all to Harry Potter and snacks. It was Jack's first experience at the theater and he did GREAT!!! Although I am very disappointed with the "inappropriate scene" in the movie when Ron is attempting to destroy a holcrux. Had to have my kiddies close their eyes. Heck, my eyes were burning!!!

Upon returning home to a messy house, Damian and I got to cooking an awesome Christmas dinner. We never disappoint with the food we make around her! Honey Baked Ham (thanks Richard!) and all the fixins!

I think we were all in bed around 7:30 pm.

So today we are attempting to finish straightening up the house. I am sure there will also be Nerf Gun battles, Starcraft on the new laptop, leftovers, and Glitterizing everything Barbie.

It was a magical holiday for us all despite our many challenges! We are truly blessed!

For the record...

2010-12-24T17:20:00.000-08:00

Too much arguing over whose turn it is to put the star on top of the tree. For the record...Jared did it this year. Next year it is Olivia's turn.

Holiday Happenings

2010-12-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Have a mentioned how much I love this time of year (a bajillion times I'm sure)! It's been a busy week with holiday events!! Really, I don't know how we did this all and survived. Normal everyday life (homework drama, science fair project, photography stuff) was hectic also and to add these events, well as you could imagine, Damian and I were blubbering idiots. Totally worth it though!

Tuesday night was Jared and Nick's district band performance. They were fantastic! Not a ton of picture opps, but I managed to get group shots.

Jared's middle school band

Nick's elementary school band

Friday was Polar Express Day in our classroom. Our principal read the story all decked out like a train conductor to the kindy kiddies in the cafeteria. We used our document camera to flash the pictures on a screen. There was no way 128 kiddos could see the pics in one book. It was the perfect solution!

Oli and her BFF Lyndsey

Boarding passes for the imaginary train ride and story

Hot cocoa and donuts while watching the movie

Last night was our ward's Christmas party and physical therapy for me knee. This weekend starts itself out with a baseball tourney for Nick, dance for Oli, Jared's science fair project, a photography session and lots of editing to name a few. I figure if I can make it through this next week, Christmas will be a breeze!

Naughty or Nice?

2010-12-04T19:53:00.001-08:00

Which list did you make?

So much to be thankful for!

2010-11-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

We had a quiet Thanksgiving at home, enough food for an army, and much to be thankful for!!!

The past year and a half has been extremely stressful for us. Damian finally found a temp job as a claim rep which has temporarily taken some pressure of of me. His boss is trying to find a way to keep him and has already promised him that he will be kept on a while after the person he is covering for returns. Honestly, with the money he saves companies, he pays for himself- just saying! I really don't know how we have made it financially. I am amazed that we have been able to keep our home!
All I want for Christmas is for him to keep this job, and a clean house!

Damian recognizes he needs to continue treatment for his eyes, but they are stable for now which is a blessing!!! I am just hoping we can work something out and be able to head back to UCSD to start up treatment again. We are too nervous to have him take off time at a temp job he'd like to keep.

This month I have had tons of photography opportunities which has allowed for us to provide Christmas for the kids. As crazy busy as I am, I feel blessed to be able to earn extra income. Praying I can keep up and and to process everyone's photos by the first week of December!

As much as I want to be a sahm, I know it is just not in the cards. I am thankful to be teaching. It has been hard to like teaching these past two years because of some of the crappy politics going on at my school, but the kids are great this year and that is a blessing!

I am grateful for the yummy kick butt dinner we had! I must say, Damian and I can REALLY cook!!! Check out this yummy, gorgeous bird!!!

I am most thankful for these guys and their Daddy!!!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

2010-11-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is not the best picture in the world and is a total disgrace to my picture taking skills. I took this picture about three years ago, so obviously this was taken during my "learning year". Your thinking "Jen, there is this thing called white balance!", right? I will replace it this Thanksgiving with a new one! I so digress!

I get asked for this recipe A LOT! You'll never eat regular pumpkin pie again! I love chocolate and I love pumpkin. I love them together!!! This pie is so good, it should be illegal!! My mouth is watering as I type!!!!!!!

Make your regular pie crust (I prefer an oreo crust, you can buy it at the store).
Make pumpkin pie filling according o the directions on the back of the can. I usually use Libby's.
Reserve 1/4-1/2 cup filling.
Melt 6 oz.chocolate chips and the reserved pie filling together. I use the microwave. It melted for me in less than a minute. I use the Pampered Chef micro cooker. One of the best kitchen items I've ever purchased!
Pour chocolate mixture into center of pie crust. I added a little more pumpkin pie filling to cover the top of the choco-pumpkin mixture at this point. Swirl with a knife to marbelize. It should look pretty.
Bake pie according to directions on the can. Allow to cool.
Carmelize 1 C pecans or walnuts with 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour on top of cooked pie. You can also top with whip cream.

I had a lot of pumpkin pie filling left after making two chocolate pumpkin. I am going to see how it freezes this year and use it for Christmas pies.

A Quick Halloweekend Recap

2010-11-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Behind on blogging!! Wanted to quickly share our Halloweekend before going into November.

Pumpkin Jars-Lots of them!! Not quite done! Lisa, I say we finish them up over Christmas vacation!

Cute, huh?

Pumpkin carving and pumpkin boobs

Trunk or Treat

and...
the big night!

There you have it!! Our Halloweekend in a nutshell!

The Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

I *heart* the pumpkin patch!!!! This is one of my favorite family traditions! The kids love it also, although I am sure they would have preferred that I left the camera at home. I am such a mamarazzi! They'll thank me for it when they are older! Not only is our favorite pumpkin patch fun, but they are cheap (12 pumpkins for $40.00, corn maze for $5.00)!

Can you tell by the look on their faces that the last thing they want to do is pose for a picture in front of a dumb inflatable pumpkin?

Happy Birthday Nick!!

2010-10-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, my little baby. Today, a young man!! I can't tell you enough how much I love this kid!!! He is amazing! He really can do anything he sets his mind to! What a privilege it has been to be his mommy! I am so proud of this boy!!

In homage of the birthday boy, here are eleven fun facts about Nick!

*Baseball stud
*Straight A student
*Voracious reader
*Super affectionate
*Quick-witted
*Good heart
*Life of the party
*Energetic
*An awesome brother! Cuddles with Jack when Jack is sleepy.
*Stinky bedroom (darn socks!)
*Too smart for his own good!!

He requested his birthday treat be brownies with peppermint ice cream and hot fudge sauce. Sooooooooo Yummy!!!!! He couldn't decide if he wanted a birthday party or money. In the end, he chose money. So shopping this weekend it is!

I love this kid!! Happy Bday Nick!

Getting My Artsy Fartsy on!

2010-10-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year (October-December) when I craft. Today, I finished a belated birthday gift for Nick's teacher. Inspired by this, I used the "explore.learn.grow" digi kit by Sahlin Studio, ribbon, and a craft box. All the goodies inside the craft box were from Walmart. Every teacher needs chocolate and soda money so I made sure to add those. I think I might need to make one for myself.

Homework

2010-09-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

Two years from now, do you think she'll love homework as much as she does now???

Probably not. Especially since I am a teacher (and pencil grip Nazi).

Happy Birthday Jack!!!

2010-09-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

My baby is three!! I cannot believe it!!! Remember this?

I miss this!!!!

So to celebrate Jack turning three and his love for all things Toy Story, we had a Buzz Lightyear party!!

Another shout out to the Sugar Granny for helping to make this party happen!!! Jack loves animals, so we invited Mary back from My Pony Go Round. Jack was born in the year of the pig so he was right at home in the animal pen.

Thanks to everyone for making my little boy's day a special one!

"First Day of School" or "Back into the Swing of Things" ?

2010-09-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Getting back to school has really kicked us all in the hiney! Settling back into a routine and getting as many things done as humanly possibly is a challenge. We are all exhausted and 8:30 bedtimes for us all happens during the week, for now. My house looks like a tornado hit. Daddy is working (albeit at a temp position). We are happy. Hoping Daddy is asked to stay on full time! It's a great job! They really like him and he really likes them (and I really like the pay!).

Jared started the 7th grade this year. He also started that moody pre-teen angsty stuff. He also informed me he has hit puberty. Not looking forward to mass quantities of food being consumed. He is loving band and Scouts. I love that he is old enough to sit with the kids for short periods of time while I run an errand, or go out for a quick bite to eat with daddy! We got him a cell phone for excellent grades (and safety concerns). He makes the most hilarious videos on his phone! Jared now can be found on facebook!

Nick, my big 5th grader. My happy-go-lucky, brainiac, baseball stud. He can do anything he sets his mind to (just like his mom). We just rented a trumpet so he too, can be in band. He is a star in all that he does! He is also the typical middle child whining about the injustice of not being able to have a cell phone or facebook account.

My baby girl, Olivia started Kindergarten this year. She loves it! She loves spending all day with me at work! Perks of taking my kiddos to school with me rock! She is a model student and very smart (so her teacher, Mrs. Wolff says). I just have to keep her from giving out our phone number to the other classmates. No phone calls yet, thankfully!

Jack, AKA "The Devul". Stubborn, yet sweet. Daring and independent. He took Olivia's place in preschool two days a week. I thought it really important he start since he will be so close to the new cut off date for kindergarten (five by September 1st, this is a good thing people). Not sure if I will start him when it is time since his birthday will be two days from the new cut-off. We will just wait and see. He is a lover and a fighter! He spends his non-school days with Stacy, the big boy's daycare provider once upon a time. Jack is in the best care which allows mommy to be worry free during the day!

Hoping for a great year!!! We could use a breather!

"Meet the Teacher Day" and "A Peek into my Classroom"

2010-08-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

So today was Meet the Teacher Day for Olivia. Fortunately for her, she knows her teacher quite well. That's because I will be her teacher this year. Woot, Woot! Now before you pass judgment on this decision, I should let you know that I was also Jared and Nick's Kindergarten teacher and it was a truly special time for us that I will forever treasure! Many teachers at my school site have done this and talked me into it many moons ago. For the record, I am harder on my own children than the others and have very high expectations of them. There are no favorites in my classroom. My kids have always called me Mrs. Wolff during school hours, never once calling me mom. It is my gift to them for me not being able to be a stay at home mom. AND I get to take all the credit for teaching my kids how to read and getting them above grade level!!!!!!

The kids and parents that I have met today were fantastic!!! What a great group!! Seven kids did not show for Meet the Teacher- Yikes, that is scary!!! I know two of the seven that did not show. Pray for me that the five wild cards will not eat me alive next week!!! Here's hoping that there wasn't something toxic in the water in 2005 that made kiddies go wrong!!! There was definitely something bad in the water for most of last year's group!

Olivia wanted to share with you her goodies from the day.

Her First day of School Kit

Her daily binder AKA a B.E.A.R. binder (Bring Everything Always Ready)

I love my room this time of year because it is perfect (until 30 minutes into Monday Morning). I lovingly call the decor once everything falls apart "organized chaos". I usually have lots of piles...everywhere. After school is usually my attempt at damage control and even then it just isn't the same.

All I have left is to fill out my lesson plans. Just going to enjoy my last few days of freedom. Here's to a great year!!!

Worthen Family Project

2010-08-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

Two of my dearest friends, Josh and Sarah Worthen have had to endure some unbelievable challenges in their lives. Josh is an Air Force veteran and a brain cancer survivor. He recently learned that his tumor is growing again and the cancer is back after eight years in remission. The growing tumor is causing seizures and a lot of pain. He goes to UCLA next week for surgery to have as much of the tumor removed as possible. Chemo will follow. If that wasn't enough, they recently had baby number five and have a nine year old daughter, Lauryn, who is physically disabled, unable to move on her own, and unable to speak. They live in a two story home in which the bathrooms and bedrooms are upstairs. Doctor's have ordered Josh to no longer carry his sweet Lauryn upstairs to be in her bedroom or to bathe.

Friends and family have rallied together this week to start the Worthen Family Project to take care of the many needs of the Worthen's. A facebook page and blog have been set up to keep friends and family near and far updated on the project, what help is needed, and ways to donate either supplies or money to the family. We have already secured building plans, permits and donated building materials/labor to build out the dining room as a new bedroom for Lauryn downstairs. This is an amazing gift to them, but more help is needed. The room outside the new bedroom will need to be painted. The ceilings are very high and it will not be an easy task for the layman to paint. There is a small bathroom downstairs, but a full bath is needed so that Lauryn can be bathed. The family's stove/oven is not working along with their garage door. That door will need to be working so building supplies can safely be stored inside. They family also is in need of a kitchen table.

Josh, up until recently had been unemployed for 18 months. About two months ago, Josh had found a great job and we all celebrated as we thought they finally will get a moment's peace free of hard times. Unfortunately, that time was brief as they soon discovered the cancer had returned. They are still recuperating financially from being unemployed. Now with Josh having to take time off from his new job to beat cancer a second time, financial challenges are sure to follow.

Yet through it all, their faith in God is unwavering, and their courage and positive attitude as they deal with this trial is inspiring. They are always laughing, smiling, and finding humor in each day. They are truly amazing and humble. I love the quote Josh's sister shared "Today's tests are tomorrow's testimonies" (who she quoted, I cannot remember). That is how they embrace these trials, as something that will strengthen their testimonies.

Josh's parents are currently serving a mission (LDS) in Louisiana. Josh and Sarah have asked that they remain where they have been called to, continue the Lord's work, and have faith in His plan for them all.

We are trying to get as many of their needs met as possible. We would also like to do some special things for their children to comfort them while their parents are away for the surgery. The needs are great and the task to meet those needs will be a challenge.

Many friends and family have created a facebook page and a blog to keep everybody up to date on their needs. There is information on how to donate money, time, or materials to the project on the blog.

Below are the links to the facebook page and the blog.They were recently set up so we are still working out the kinks. If you are inspired to help, please check them out.

Facebook page

Family blog they tried to start up, but we hijacked it ;0)

Sigh!

2010-08-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

I am failing miserably this summer in keeping up with my blog.
We've been busy with:

scouts
baseball
snare drum lessons
dance class
barfing
swim lessons
(most of the above mentioned is subsidized by the sugar granny. Thanks Mommy!)
photography sessions
job hunting
(to name a few)

Here is an update (the short version):

Damian just finished a several month gig with the Census Department. They loved him so much they kept him on for several operations. What's not to love?

As for his eyes, he has had a regression. He is fully dependant on his glasses (boo!) but can see 20/20 with them on. He is back on steroids, but a less potent type as they fear he will develop cataracts if he stays on the beefed up one. We are hoping this works! If not, it sounds like they will be scraping his scar tissue off with a laser. If that doesn't work, it is a partial cornea transplant. YIKES!!!!!!

Damian starts August 19th as a temp claim rep for the County Superintendent's office. Oh how I wish it were permanent!!!! I am crossing my fingers that they will love him so much that they will find a way to keep him. We have been strategizing all the different ways he can kiss hineys. First Friday...chocolate popcorn. Another company has been inquiring a lot about him for a data analyst position. It has the potential to make more money than I do (say what?). Yes, I have been fantasizing about this job and hope it pans out!!!!! I really really need a new washer and dryer. That electromagnetic black cloud of death still lingers over my house!

We're poor so we didn't go anywhere. Unemployment sucks!

Jack tells everyone his name is Chuck ("Minemis Chuck"). Can't quite get that /j/sound. He refuses to potty train.

I have been busy taking pictures and spent the last week in my classroom getting ready for the new group of kindygarten kids.

So exciting, I know! I am sure we will drop from exhaustion by the end of the week.

It's a Birthday Party!!!

2010-08-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Scrap Matters is turning 3 and we want to celebrate!!! Lots of fun things going on over at Scrap Matters so be sure to check it out! We are also giving away presents by way of blog train! Woot!!!! I whipped up a fun little frame cluster using the collaboration kit "Cupcakes & Candles" by our fantastic design team.

**** Link expired****

Spend $20.00 in the store this weekend and the kit is yours for FREE!
I am stop #45 on the blog train. You should have came from Jill's Blog.
Your next stop is Becky's Blog.
If you get lost along the way here is the link to Scrap Matters blog to get yourself back on track.

Happy Scrapping!

4th of July

2010-07-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

Nothing special this year, which was nice! Went to our ward's pancake breakfast on Saturday. Not a lot of people there. Tons of leftover food so we got to take some watermelon and bacon home (which was devoured by my little piggies by nightfall).

Grandma and her boyfriend came over for a BBQ and fireworks (thanks for the fireworks guys!). Since we didn't have a working refrigerator, we kept the menu simple. Damian made bbq chicken on the grill, we had sweet corn on the cob, fingerling potatoes w/ Lipton onion soup mix and E.V.O.O., and raspberry pretzel jello salad. No leftovers. Surprised?

We have a couple of new neighbors. All party people almost all the time, and their guests ALWAYS park in front of my house. Fortunately they aren't too noisy, so far. I am fine once in a while when that happens, but when it is all the time it becomes annoying. I'd like for my guests or clients with babies to be able to have easy access to my house. I like to watch fireworks from my lawn and not my dirty gutter full of gunk (gunk compliments of one said neighbor). My mom was miraculously able to park the car in front of my house at the right time and was able to secure that spot for fireworks later.

Jack was naughty again. He wanted to run into the street and play with the fireworks. So we had to take turns staying in the house with him. He wasn't up for pictures either. Maybe next year.

Creative Team Stuff

2010-07-02T23:07:00.000-07:00

I had this vision of having a a restful, quiet summer. I have been crazy busy, as always filling my time with things more important than doing nothing. More photography sessions then planned, spring cleaning a season late, cleaning up my hard drives, and creative team duties. The whole unemployment thing and dead refrigerator thing has been really stressful and sucked up time! Going on week two without ice in 100+ heat is not fun! Figured I'd post my June pages in one post since my time is not so copious.

For credits visit my Scrap Matters gallery

It's a Miracle!!!

2010-06-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

He finally let me take a picture!!!! Not my easiest subject and if he is not willing, I don't push it! Worth the wait for this mommy!

Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party

2010-06-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's recital time once again. A big shout out to the Sugar Granny for helping to subsidize Olivia's dancing. She surely does love it and I love that this little girl LOVES to dance!!! This year she danced to Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party. She is so stinkin' cute. She is a good listener and is really getting musicality so her teacher let her be the line leader for the performance.

Recital time is a love/hate thing so I thought I'd entertain with a list of "loves" and "hates".

LOVES
*They are just so stinkin' cute!

*The dance costume doubles as the Halloween costume. This year's a total score!

*She is so excited and loves to dance!

*Did I mention how the kids are soooo stinkin' cute?

HATES
*Can be costly (makeup, costumes, tickets, pictures, video...ugh!).

*Putting streetwalker makeup on a five year old is just WRONG!

*Trying to put that streetwalker makeup on a five year old is like putting it on a greased pig. Not that I ever tried to put makeup on a greased pig, but I am sure it is just as hard!

*They wanted curls!?! Olivia's hair just does not curl. I tried everything curling irons, hot rollers, sponge rollers, PRODUCT. Her hair is baby fine. After hours of trying to get curls and it looking like crap, I brushed it and it was totally straight. UGH!!!!!

*Dress rehearsal never starting on time/behind so we sit, and sit, and sit, and sit,and sit, and get hungry.

*I have to make sure a certain little someone gets flowers just like everyone else or I will have tears. When you have tears coupled with streetwalker makeup, well that is not a good thing!

The "loves" trump the "hates" for sure!

Here are some pics from Miss Thangs' dress rehearsal (since we are forbidden to take pics or video at the performance). I am not the greatest photographer with theater locations. It's only my second time trying to take pics in one. It's a bit tricky. I wish I had rented a telephoto lens ;0(, was able to sit on stage, and that someone shut the outsdie door on Olivia's side of the stage as all that crappy light fell on the side of her face. I get that it's a dress rehearsal and all, but sheesh, stop playing with the lights so I can get a semi-decent pic of my kid!

When rehearsal was over, we went outside to take a few pics. The light was great and she was just so darn cute! Olivia was quite the poser!! She struck her own poses for the camera. Yes, I egged her on.

Starting Summer with a Bang!

2010-06-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, school has been out for almost two weeks. We have been busy (as always). I've got to give a shout out to my big boys for all their hard work this year. They both have been on Principal's Honor Roll all year long and were recognized at the end of the year. Jared's school doesn't have anything for parents to attend. They hand out their awards in homeroom. I don't like this at all (and I work for the district). I think it is important for parents to celebrate their children's academic excellence. Party poopers! Jared maintained a 3.5-3.9 all year long. Way to go!! Since I didn't get to attend an assembly, we had to settle for pictures after school.

Jared also had his Spring Concert which he rocked!

He will be adding the snare drum to his repertoire of instruments he plays. His band teacher is visiting our house each week for lessons to get him ready for next year. His teacher is one of the biggest reasons our kids have yet to move to their neighborhood school. Nick will be joining band next year and the band teacher is thinking drums for him because of his endless energy. I don't like my next door neighbors much anyway.

Nick had all A's most of the year until the end he got one B. I cannot complain. I did challenge him to maintain those grades all year for $100.00. Sooo close dude. Maybe next year? He had a banquet at school to honor his achievements. Awesome taco dinner, but we did not enjoy having to wait 45 minutes for food. We loved his teacher and know who is teacher is next year (job perks). I am sure this kid will have yet another stellar year!

Nick will be keeping busy with club baseball (possible two teams). Daddy and Nick love their baseball.

We have a busy summer planned. Mostly sticking to in town activities unless baseball takes us out of town. Mom and her new boyfriend are taking us to his time share at Pismo Beach. That should be fun although I do not feel ready to put this body in a swim-suit. Looking forward to a happy summer!!!!

Look What Olivia and I did Today

2010-06-10T18:05:00.001-07:00

I got a new backdrop so we took pictures ;0)

Olivia's Pinkalicious Birthday!

2010-05-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

My Mom and I couldn't help ourselves. We went a little bit overboard for Olivia's 5th birthday! My little girl only turns five once. It is a magical age and we wanted her to have special memories of her birthday! Her only request was a Pinkalicious (as in the book) themed birthday party. So with her request in mind, everything at the party was compliments of the letter 'P' or the color pink. Pink decorations, a pink candy bar (a pink free one for the boys), ponies, and a petting zoo brought to us by Mary from My Pony Go Round. We ate PB&J on pink bread from Smith's, potato salad, pink bunny barf(jello salad), pink poultry sandwiches for the adults, and a variety of potato chips. Keeping true to the story, we ate pink cupcakes from Sweet Surrender. Not only were they yummy, but oh so pretty to look at! Thanks to everyone who celebrated Olivia's special day with us and we hope you had a blast.

Olivia has already begun to plan her 6th birthday... a Purplicious (as in the book) party!

Music in the Park

2010-05-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I chaperoned Jared's band trip to Knott's Berry Farm. Hanging out with 6th and 7th grade boys can really zap a mom's energy. I am pretty sure I earned the cool mom status by the end of the day as they were fighting over who would sit next to "Mrs. Jared's Mom" on rides. Before the fun, they had to perform.

Very few pics were taken as I could barely keep up with the boys. I refused to ride any rides that would get me soaked or spun.

They thought they looked like wieners.

Photo of the day!

We ended the day with an awards ceremony in which the kids received a superior rating and first place in the concert band category.

I am so thankful my kids have opportunities to have great experiences! Next year, I am told we are going to Disneyland!

iNSD Blog Train

2010-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy International Scrapbook Day!! It's the most wonderful time of the year (for us scrappers anyway)!

I am your last stop on today's blog train. You should have come from Kat 's blog. If you got lost or missed a stop, you can head on back to Scrap Matters to get back on track. I hope you have room on your hard drive for one last freebie.

So in keeping with the theme of our "Moments that Matter" weekend, here is one of my special moments:

Jack's Birth
I love all my children infinitely, differently, yet equally. All of their births were some of the best moments of my life.

I vaguely remember Jared's birth because I was given way too many painkillers. Being my first child, I didn't know what to expect or what he was going to teach me. He was my experimental baby in that I had to figure out how to do everything with him.

Nick's birth was exciting! I had this mom thing down. I was eager for Jared to have a playmate and I was so happy to have another boy!

Olivia was special as she is my first and only girl, my forever friend. I looked forward to a that special mother-daughter bond and all the ups and downs that came with it.

But today I choose to share with you what was special about Jack's birth. He is what we call our "Happy Accident". My husband and I really thought we were done having kids. I was very busy with the three kids, their schedules, and teaching kindergarten. Discovery of my pregnancy was a very bittersweet moment. I was happy but also scared about being a working mom of four children. I dreamed of being a SAHM but knew it wasn't in the cards at that time. I knew it would be a monumental challenge. Honestly, I did cry. I didn't know how I would do it. As the months went on and I warmed up to the idea of a new little boy. I realized what a blessing it would be in my life and found myself EXCITED! I also realized that with him, it would be the last time to experience all those wonderful moments we treasure in our children's lives. He was my last chance to be intoxicated with that baby smell and to be completely needed. That last chance to nurse my baby and to share a bond no other could share with him. I knew I had to relish and savor each of his moments.

My love for this particular moment is because of what my older children had taught me. They taught me so much about being a mom and it's divine and sacred role. They've taught me to love more than I ever thought possible! Being a mom is my most important job! I knew what would be coming my way with Jack and that I wouldn't want to miss a moment that mattered.

And now, your freebie! I whipped up a little frame cluster using the awesome mega collab kit "Moments that Matter". Grab it fast as the link will be active for only a few days.

Here is your link

Happy iNSD! Enjoy this weekend of scrapping your moments that matter!

Wow! I scrapped!

2010-04-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

All product from Scrap Matters
Visit my gallery for credits

Three Weeks!!!!

2010-04-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Has it been three weeks since I posted???? Seriously??? Wow, I must be crazy busy! You'd be proud of me. I am learning to say no to things or letting things go because I have come to the realization that I am not Superwoman.

Well maybe I am. My plate is still pretty full.

Remember my attempt @ P365? So over. I use to be on three creative teams. Now I am only on one. People have been trying to schedule photography sessions and I have a waiting list. I am still beyond busy with that. It's a necessity.

Damian is up for the most superbly, fantastic, perfect, dream job. So much better than the last (and with their competition)! Mwahahaha! We could use your good thoughts and prayers. It would be the fish that got away if he doesn't get it. We will know in two long weeks. This new job would make our lives easier. I am running out of steam these days. He was offered another job Thursday with a really great company. The sucky part is that it was only $18.00 an hour and he would be working 12 hour days reporting to the van pool by the airport at 4:30 to drive over an hour away and home late every night. I simply cannot work any harder than I already am. This job, although grateful for the offer is not worth the stress for that pay ($34,000 a year). Is that all a Bachelor's Degree Magna Cum Laude is worth these days? I would have to work the photography business more than I already am in less time than I already have with less help on top of regular life. After paying daycare we would make less than what he gets from unemployment. I am tired just thinking about that scenario.

Damian will be working as a Census taker on nights and weekends. There was some snafoo with him failing his criminal background check. Someone (federal government) seemed to think he had an arrest record. I had fun teasing him about it because we all know what a boy scout he is. He didn't appreciate my jokes.

I am going to spend a few hours with the fam watching Avatar (or as Livi callas it Lavatar). Off to pop popcorn!

My Other Kid is Totally Freakin Awesome Also!

2010-04-30T19:41:00.000-07:00

You all know Jared. He is totally awesome! He plays five instruments.

He is in the middle school drumline with these guys

He plays these things

I am musically inept so you'll have to ask Jared what they are.

Here is Jared performing at the area division of PPAAC finals last weekend

Here is Jared's school taking the first place title!!!!!

Did I mention how totally freakin awesome this kid is?

Easter Weekend

2010-04-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

We had some wonderful family time this weekend! Damian cracks me up! Even though we had General Conference this weekend (for you non LDS peeps- listening to the words of our Prophet and Apostles from home), he had the kids up and dressed in their Easter clothes ready for our egg hunt. They woke me up to tell me the EB came & they were ready to go. I think he did it to make up for last year's Oildale Easter where no one got dressed (as we were sick) and Jack ran around hunting for eggs wearing only a saggy, pee-pee diaper. Hope everyone had a fantastic Easter and took time to turn our thoughts to our Savior and His love for us all! Here is our weekend in pictures:

Spring is Here!!!!!

2010-03-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

And so are our terrible allergies to go along with it! Unfortunately/Fortunately, our Spring season is way too short here in the armpit of California. Can't decide which it is! I wish the weather would stay like this a little bit longer because it is just GORGEOUS outside!!! I also want the pollen to go away! Can't win either way! If you are thinking about that outdoor session, let's get you booked before we hit the 100 degree mark. Ugh! I hate our summers also!

I couldn't resist taking my daughter out to the almond grove near my home!!! I found her adorable Easter dress at my favorite store on the planet...Target!! I would totally wear it if it were in my size! Too many fave images. Maybe these will convince you to book your session now :0)

My Kid is Totally Freaking Awesome and I Just Gotta Brag!!!

2010-03-24T16:59:00.001-07:00

So, remember when Nick announced to all you loyal readers that he won 2nd place in the district science fair?? Yesterday was the County Regional Competition and my little brainiac won 2nd place in the Mathematics, Engineering, and Games category. WOOT!! My kid rocks and I am so very proud of him!!! Since Damian is the interim stay at home parental unit, he had the privilege of taking Nick down to the convention center for the day. Damian was not allowed to be with him in the judging area so Nick and his friends (new and old) camped out by their projects until the judges made their rounds for interviews. Nick's classmate also placed yesterday and they were near each other the whole time. I think it made the process all the more fun for them. I, of course hustled my buns downtown as quick as my lead foot could drive me after school. I just missed the announcement of winners. But that is OK. Daddy did a pretty good job taking pics of Nick receiving his medal. Nick was also interviewed by channel 29 and made the 11 o'clock news. I DVR'd it so if you'd like to watch it, well come on over! Nick could hardly wait to tell his teacher and vice principal this morning. He and his little friend wore their t-shirts and medals and an announcement was made school-wide during morning announcements about this awesome achievement of our school's students.

HE DID IT!!!!!!

2010-03-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

I can rarely get this kid to look at the camera. I hadn't put my equipment or set away from yesterday. He got up in the chair and he said "cheese?". I knew I had a two minute window so I quickly threw on his jean jacket and snapped away. This little boy made me blissfully happy today!!!!

Thrift Store Find of the Century!!!!!

2010-03-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

Olivia and I went to the thrift store and found the coolest chair. It was stinkin' cheap!!! We got home and she BEGGED for me to take her pics in the chair. Who am I to argue with a willing subject???? Until I decide my favorite, these all count as day 65 for P365.

New Releases at ScrapMatters

2010-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

I seriously neglected life this week. Heck, I deserve it! The kids lived on frozen pizza and chicken nuggets so I could play with all the Scrap Matters Designer eye candy I could get my hands on!!! I wanted it all!!!!! The Designers rocked it this week! So here is what I made. Enjoy!

Ketchup

2010-03-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

I mean catch up. Yep, failing miserably at P365. However, I refuse to give up. So, I'll be missing a few days in that fabulous & swanky coffee table book I dream of having printed. Instead of P365, we'll just call it "Our Year in Pictures". Consider this your update on our crazy life as well

In early February, Damian and I traveled to UCSD to see a cornea specialist regarding Damian's laser eye surgery gone bad situation. We figured we might as well have a Disney date while we were that way and we already have season passes. LOVED not having to share my favorite Disney treats!!!! LOVED being able to go to our fave attractions/rides that we might have skipped from fear that people would stare at our naughty little children throwing tantrums. We rode California Screaming and Tower of Terror a bajillion times!! The big boys are too chicken to ride thrill rides. Whose children are they???? Most importantly, we enjoyed having some "ALONE" time. Much needed FOR SURE!! So glad I married a fellow Disney dork!!!!

We met up with a FABULOUS doctor in San Diego after our Disney date. We have a plan and we are confident in his course of treatment. We will keep you posted. Damian is supposed to return next week to see how the treatment is going. Still no job for Damian, but that is OK for now. I really think this time is needed to get his eyes fixed rather than finding a new job and having to take time off.

If you haven't been to Disney's Animation Academy at California, you gotta go!!!!!! Sooo cool!

EEEKKKK! My Vintage Pearl necklace came!!! I won this from one of their blog contests back in December. I have been drooling over this necklace for many months now. Winning it got my hubby off the hook. Lighting kind of sucked when I got home, but I decided to shoot in low light and to embrace the grain anyway. Kind of artsy and I like it!

Treated Olivia to a manicure today (while I got a pedi). Olivia has been working so hard to learn her letter sounds and sight words. She knows almost all of her letter sounds!!! Watch out Kindergarten! Here she comes! I can make my girl child blissfully happy for five dollars. She had to have pink with a coat of sparkle farkle over the top. I love having a girl!!!

There you have it!!!! Catch ya later!

Sharing...

2010-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

some layouts using some super cute new cute kits available today at Scrap Matters
WM [Squared]'s new kit "Fat Tuesday"

Using "Dandelion Wishes" by Jennifer Barette Designs

Sooo...

2010-02-18T20:24:00.000-08:00

I lied! I promised to catch up on my P365 pics. I will soon, I just have a few fish to fry before I can get to that. I did scrap though! Yay!!! Got to keep up on my CT duties.

Credits: Template by WM [Squared] for Template Tuesday challenge at SM (It's free guys-go get it!) "Celebrate Love" and "Better Together" kits by Pri Rocha

Credits: GG Digital Designs "Enjoy Life" kit, Doodley Borders 6 and "explore.learn.grow" kit by Sahlin Studio, Pencil from "Back to School" kit by WM [Squared]

I'll update this weekend about our trip to San Diego to see a cornea specialist for Damian. We had a fun and well-deserved little diversion. Hint: see the above layout for a clue ;0)

Happy Happy Birthday Daddy Dear...

2010-02-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

happy days will come to you all year! And if I had a wish than it would be a happy happy birthday to you from me!!!!

Happy 35th Birthday babe!
P.S. I am almost over that whole anniversary thing.

P.P.S. Marie Calendar pies are on sale! WoooT!

P.P.P.S. Yes, that is Kahlua Creme pie and I confirmed years ago that the alcohol is cooked out. Also I would have been drunk after having a big piece if it was in there.

Hi!

2010-02-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

Remember me? Yes, I do have to catch up on some P365 pictures. I'll get to that later this weekend. Promise! It's been one of those crazy busy few weeks for all of us. I've been out of town a few times and am getting ready to go out of town again. Damian is going to see the cornea specialist this next week. We are eager to hear what he has to say and are hoping for some good news and a solid plan. Jared is gearing up for some drum line competitions and Camp Keep. Nick is getting ready for a baseball tournament and preparing for the county science fair. Olivia is still dancing thanks to the extra photography sessions I am picking up. As for Jack, well he still has no fear and is our resident daredevil. Most days, he things he is either a frog or a pig and goes about the house acting like one. He is quite the character!

I managed to create a few scrapbook pages this week. Yay me! Way to be productive!
Using WM [Squared]'s Love Potion #9 kit @ Scrap Matters

Using Zany Amy Kit By Erica Zane @ Scrap Matters

Happy Birthday Jared!!!!

2010-01-28T20:12:00.001-08:00

I can't believe my baby boy is so grown up!!! I also can't believe that I am the mother of a 12 year old!!?! In homage to the birthday boy, we are going to tell you how wonderful he is!!!

Jared is...
thoughtful
smart
a multi-talented musician
easy going
a wonderful big brother
a superb son
a great friend
caring
handsome
kind
obedient
loving

Of course this is completely biased because we already think the world of him.

We celebrated tonight as a family with a little cake and presents. Tomorrow, he is having a few friends over for video games, cake, and a sleep over ( I dread that part).

I am hosting a speed scrap!!!

2010-01-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be hosting a speed scrap at Scrap Matters this Saturday!! Hope you can make it!!!!

Mickey B. was awesome enough to make an adorable participation prize for those who'd like to come play.

Guest Blogger- Nicholas

2010-01-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

Hey, Nicholas here and I got news to share. I finally got my braces on today. I chose blue brackets and they look so cool. The only thing that stinks is the food that I'm not allowed to have. I even got to miss some school today.

Other cool news, I'm moving on in the science fair. I present my project tomorrow. I'm so EXCITED!!!!!! Wish me luck.

**UPDATE** I got second place out of the whole SCHOOL for the 4th grade!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This means I'm going to the county competition!!!! Can you wish me some more good luck, please??? Thanks!

P365 day 26

2010-01-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

Still feeling bad for myself that Damian didn't remember our anniversary. So Nick and I drowned my woes in yumminess. We went to Starbucks for a treat after school. No worries LDS peeps, I am keeping the Word of Wisdom. It's a vanilla bean frappucinno. No coffee in it. Of course I didn't get much of it because as soon as I got home, I was stalked and my treat was hijacked by the dynamic duo (Olivia and Jack).

P365 Day 25

2010-01-27T17:34:00.001-08:00

Damian forgot our anniversary AGAIN! So I indulged in a little retail therapy to ease my broken heart. Nothing grandiose, just a few hours at my favorite store...Target!!! This purse makes me smile!

P365 days 24

2010-01-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

Using this for day 24 because I can. I didn't get around to taking a pic, but I have been scrapping. This is one of my fave layouts!!

Love you forever paper and flowers by Andilynn Designs, To be a Kida Again alph by Britt-ish Designs, Free Sample template 1 by Denise Beatty Originals, Save the Date by WM [Squared] designs

P365 day 23

2010-01-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

I was trying to get Jack to sit for a picture today. Not happening. Olivia had just walked in the door from dance class and she was wearing the perfect color for being backlit. So we went with it. Jack ran away and here's what we got.

P365 day 22

2010-01-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

I really don't intend on just photographing my daughter. She is the ONLY willing participant on most days. I had too many faves for this day. So I'll post them all and then decide later which one will be "the one".

Happiness is... (part II)

2010-01-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

not having to pay my deductible for my identity theft claim so what that means is I am recovering all money lost(yay),

staying in jammies all day long,

big bowls of hot soup on rainy days,

weekends,

and more scrapping!

Here is a layout using Kaye Winiecki's new Bookworm kit and her Strawberry Swirl alpha (which I recolored to more of a blueberry).

Be Inspired by Ami Template and let them Eat Cake by WM [Squared].
Art in Me alpha (recolored) by Tracie Stroud.

Did a speed scrap last night a Scrap Matters. I am not sure if I am totally sold on this layout. Love the colors and the photo together. Not sure I am liking all the stuff under the photos. Still stewing over it.

All things new by Tracie Stroud
Ribbon and glitter from Honeydew by WM [Squared]

Happiness is...

2010-01-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

finding my scrap mojo and actually finding the time to create!! Scrapping makes me soooo happy!

Credits: Imperial Girl By Britt-ish Designs and fabulously Negative template (altered) by WM [Squared]

Credits: Love Life and explore.learn.grow. kits by Sahlin Studio, Stitch from Toy Sheriff Kit by Britt-ish Designs

Day 20

2010-01-21T17:29:00.001-08:00

Look what we came home to:

Unfortunately, there was no pot of gold. If you look closely, there were two rainbows. Does this mean we are in for some good luck?????

Day 19

2010-01-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

Presenting My dinner!!!!

Try it! You'll like it!
8-10 potatoes peeled imperfectly and cubed
1/2 C butter
1/2 C flour
8 C milk
1/2 C chopped onion
one 8 oz. container of sour cream
1/2 to 1 brick of cheddar cheese (we like a lot)
season to taste with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper,season salt

Other yummy things you could add- corn, bacon, chives, ham

1. Microwave potatoes in a glass bowl until soft (at least 10 minutes but more depending). Mix as heating.

2. While potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a dutch oven or large pot on med-high heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until slightly thickened.

3. Stir in potatoes and onions and allow it to cook for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream and cheese until melted and blended. Season to your liking.

The potatoes tasted a little potato-y at first. After it sat, the potatoes really took on the flavors and were super yummy!! Perfect meal for a rainy and cold day!!

Could cause indigestion or a heart attack, but totally worth it!

P365- Day 17 & 18

2010-01-18T14:08:00.001-08:00

Yay me! On track!!!
Jack crashed out after church. We have the late schedule this year. His scar is looking much better. No photoshopping it today.

Playing in the rain today. Daddy bought Liv a pair of rain boots. I won't be surprised if they become part of her daily wardrobe.

P365 days 5-16

2010-01-17T16:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am so sucking at this! I am determined to keep going! So for the sake of keeping me on track and not giving up, I am going to have to cheat a bit!!! Some days I am either editing with no time to take my own pics or I have gotten home and there is not enough daylight. So...days 5-12 are a major cheat. I was frantically finishing up my last wedding earlier this month so I figured, why not post my edits. Although I did not take the pics that day, I was working my butt off on them.

Look for It!!! (P365 day 4)

2010-01-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

Can you see it????? Look hard. If not, awesome! That is the point.
Day 4:

I have the best insurance in the world! Covers orthodontia. If you look at my top teeth stage left/house right, you can see the shifting. It was really bugging me to the point that I would Photoshop my teeth. So I got Invisalign. In six months, I'll have beautiful and straight teeth once again.

2010, Twenty Ten, Two Thousand and Ten, One Zero

2010-01-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

I think I like the sound of twenty ten! It has a nice ring to it. Whatever you call it, I hope that good things are in store for you this year! I am hopeful that for us, this year will be better than last. Scary to type that last sentence as I remember thinking that exact sentiment this time last year. Remember, this is my attempt to be "the cup is half full" kind of girl.

I received an email New Year's Eve from Canon. Not going to cover my camera woes under warranty (sigh). It's going to cost me $300.00 to fix the camera and the lens. They are probably going to say it was dropped when I call to ask Monday what the problem was. Although I, myself, personally have never ever dropped it. They are probably right and some small person in my house is to blame. It was discovered earlier this year that Jack did in fact DESTROY, INTO PIECES my 50 mm lens. Being the "cup is half full" kind of girl, I had to laugh and tell Damian that at least we got the email in 2009 and not let the news muddy the waters for 2010. I must say that 2010, so far so good except for the minor bout of a tummy bug in the house. I can deal with that!

So, I am truly going to try P365 this year (aka project 365- a picture a day for an entire year). Status report: missed days one and two already (Hahaha!). So today is catch up. I am using pictures to document something for those days although the pictures were taken on different days. I so love having a back-up camera for this (my rebel).

What better way to ring in the New Year than with a pedi (my xmas request)! Don't get them as much as I used to when Da was employed. Gotta make cuts ya know. Love that I can see my reflection in my toes! Day 1:

I couldn't take any pictures day 2, but I was working on some. Honestlty, perfect way to document this day. OMG! Those lashes! Day 2:

Didn't make it to church today (2nd Sunday in a row...yikes!). Da, Nick & I fighting a tummy bug. Gotta get better so I can get back to work manana. A little spiritual enlightenment in lieu of not making it to church. Great idea Daddy! Read and had a wonderful discussion with the boys about the Prophet Elisha. Day 3:

Happy New Year!!!

Separation Anxiety

2009-12-30T10:48:00.000-08:00

Having to send my phat daddy camera and my favorite lens to be repaired. I couldn't figure out why my images were not sharp. I thought it was me!!!! What a head trip! I then started to examine my metadata and talked with my photo nerd buddies. I realized I shot the images properly. What a relief!! On the bright side, it wasn't me and gear is still under warranty!!! What a bummer that I now have to offer re-shoots on two sessions. I could use my Rebel, but I want my favorite lens which I am also sending in to err on the side of caution. Feeling lots of apprehension about sending my equipment in!!! It's like putting an entire paycheck or your baby in the mail. Yes, they are insured and I am Fed Ex-ing them. Nothing but the best for my phat daddy & lens. I will miss them terribly until their return!

Speed Scrap

2009-12-30T09:33:00.001-08:00

Kiahna and I did the speed scrap at Scrap Matters last night. Man was I rusty. I couldn't find my mojo. I gave up at and found a template that I made fit the instructions. Still had fun though!

Credits: Britt-ish designs Happiest Season of All kit with Faith Trust & Pixie dust v.2, template (altered) and star dangles from Sahlin Studios

Haven't had a chance to...

2009-12-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

post layouts lately. Click here to see who made the supplies. Oh how I have missed scrapping!!!!

What did you think of 2009?

2009-12-28T13:41:00.000-08:00

Most of it sucked! There were some nice moments. We've done our best to enjoy this year's journey, but it still mostly sucked. We try to be the "cup is half full kind of people", but lately we've been the "cup is half empty kind of people". I know, I know, time for an attitude adjustment. Working on it. We have come across a lot of...well, problems this year and trying our best to solve them.

Trying to be humorous here. Is it working?
For other funny demotivational posters go here. Gave us a good laugh and boy do we need it!

It's been a long time since I've posted anything to the bloggy until recently!! If you have noticed, I've really made an effort to post during my vacation. I have been MIA for several reasons:

The holiday season (Oct-Dec) has really kept me busy. I have had lots of photography sessions/card designing which have kept me super busy. I am so thankful that I have a growing client base especially with Damian not working, but with a full time job (that hasn't been a fun place to be) and a full time family, it has been very hard to keep up with anything, even my little ones.

We were also the victim of identity theft. Some evil, horrid person decided to charge plane tickets to my checking account using my Visa check card of over $1000.00. There were several charges to our account which I thought was Damian paying our bills. While going through junk mail, I found an online confirmation letter sent to me with my name and the alleged names of the travelers. I almost shredded it, but suddenly felt strongly impressed upon that I should open before shredding. The really crappy thing is that I missed the window of time to dispute it with the bank. Jeez, can't help the fact that my husband is out of work because of a medical condition (totally illegal) and that we had to travel to UCLA medical center for said medical condition or that my Granny died???? All while I am supposed to noticed we were stolen from?? Sometimes some things go unnoticed and does not negate the fact we were victims of a crime!!!!! So I have to make recovery attempts the hard way (which may or may not be futile). Possibly finding an attorney, I dunno??? The airlines is less than helpful and the only thing I could find out is that they were never used. So I have spent a big chunk of my vacation on making a police report, fact finding missions, calling my senator, trying to find out a consumer reporting agency to report to. I am taking off (most) January off from photography to spend some much needed time with my family, finish editing my last wedding, and to focus on my Creative Team duties (in other words to save my sanity) despite the fact we could use the extra income. So that, my friends, is my boohoo story and my excuses for neglecting the bloggy.

***P.S. Damian may have a job possibility. Please send prayers& happy thoughts;0).***

***Update 12/30/09 Homeowners insurance is for sure covering the identity theft-Yay!- Just gotta jump through all the hoops then wait for it.***

Christmas came, kicked my butt, and left the house a mess!

2009-12-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

I knew it was going to be a rough Christmas when late Christmas Eve night, the house alarm was set off by Santa (Daddy). I seriously woke up screaming! Not a nice way to wake up!!! We told the kids we forgot to give Santa the alarm code. It's not an easy thing to fall back asleep after being scared awake. It took about 2 hours for me to fall back asleep on the sofa. Fortunately good movies were to be found on cable.

The kid who doesn't wake up early ever (Nick) was the first up at about 6 am. He does make exceptions for baseball or Christmas morning. I being on the sofa of course hear him coming out to look at the presents, count the presents, run back to wake Jared (the usual early riser), & hear the discussion on who has the most presents in the very best stage whisper voices. I nicely ask them to let me sleep a few more minutes and to carry out their discussion in their rooms. I took pity on them and let them come out eventually. I really just needed a few more minutes!

I loved seeing the smiles on their faces as their Christmas wishes came true!! The boy's have been doing this a while, so they were finished opening their presents lickety split. The little ones were so fun to watch! They took their time and were so excited over each and every gift. After every gift, Olivia said "This is what I always wanted!". Jack had the cutest expressions while opening his goodies!!!

I managed to muster the strength to get cinnamon rolls going, pile up the trash, and start the ever so tedious task of taking those flipping toys out of boxes. Word of advice, have on hand wire cutters!!! Makes life so much easier! Damian was good enough to cook a majority of Christmas dinner. I did take-over when it came time for stuffing and gravy. I am a gravy snob and am very particular about it! If everything tastes bad, drown it in gravy and all is better. Damian did a fantastic job on the dinner so good gravy was an added bonus!

Mom spent the morning with us and my Dad and my step-mom spent the late afternoon with us. It took 4 adults to assemble Olivia's stinkin' Disney princess stroller. She had been on us all day about it and we desperately needed grandpa's help. What a pain in the a@#!

I declared that if your last name was Wolff, you could stay in your jammies all day long!!! Too tired to look pretty! We didn't get all the Christmas trash out, left the house cluttered, and were all in bed terribly early. Christmas, a painful yet wonderful day! Still trying to recuperate today. I declared it another stay in your jammies all day kind of day.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed day!

Heart Shaped Bokeh

2009-12-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

Like how the Christmas lights are shaped like hearts? Want to learn to do this???? So easy, no Photoshopping required.

The Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

Naughty or Nice?

2009-12-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Jack has a serious man crush on Santa. He kept saying "I see Santa". He was an absolute angel for Santa and became upset with me when I took him off of Santa's lap. As I was trying to pay for the disc, turkey butt kept trying to get back to Santa. It would have been really cute aside from the fact holding him back was like wrestling a greased pig.

Welcome Chloe

2009-12-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

My BFF Kiahna had her baby last Friday. She so kindly allowed me to take Chloe's first pictures. I love them and was getting a bit emotional editing them. Wanted to share some of them here. I love me some chubby fat babies!

For the record...

2009-12-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

Each year I have to document who got to put the star on the tree otherwise we have the mother of all arguments amongst the kids (O.K., mostly the boys. Olivia can hold her own now). Nick contended he did not get to do it last year. Hah! Here is proof he did:

Credits: Simply Dated V4, Santa baby, Fabulously Negative template v3 all by WM [Squared] @ Scrap Matters

So this year, Olivia got to put the star on top of the tree. She was soooo excited that she farted on Daddy as he held her up there. Good thing I don't raise modest children with good manners. She thought it was hysterical and laughed her butt off (no pun intended).

No lie, this picture captured at the exact moment of release.

Bokeh Baby!!!

2009-12-22T22:01:00.000-08:00

Loving me some shallow depth of field!!

'Tis the Season...

2009-12-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

for holiday choir and band performances!!!! Nick was lucky to be included in choir this semester. Those of you who know him know what a clown he is. Well, one day during practice in October, he got kicked out of choir indefinitely. The music teacher for our district approached me during my lunch break to inform me of his antics. Of course he prefaced the conversation with "Wow, your boys are like night and day!". Every time the choir teacher would turn around, Nick would bust a move and spaz out getting everyone around him wound up. Much like the below picture.

(Disclaimer-I did not ask him to pose like this)
Nick did this several times before getting caught. After three weeks on the sidelines and an extremely long apology letter he was commissioned to write by me, he was allowed to rejoin the choir. My wild child did a great job and we are proud of him for pulling it together otherwise he would have been grounded until 30. The theme of his performance was racial tolerance and multicultural appreciation symbolized through red and green candy canes personified. Get where I am going? Lame show, great singing by my kid! Wouldn't have missed it!

Jared's band performance was AMAZING! We have the best band teacher! Mr. Barr is part of the reason my kids still go to school in my district rather than the neighborhood school. Jared plays five instruments (alto sax, bass drum, snare drum, steel drum, and xylophone). He sounds like he has been playing for years. He attends zero period every morning for drum line and steel drum band practice as well as another band period during the day. The steel drum band was showcased as well at the concert. Truly impressive, and I'm not just saying this because I am his mom.

They are for hire if anyone is looking for a fantastic steel drum band. Thanks to my dad for bringing his camera. My phat daddy camera already has to be sent in. I thought I had lost my mojo and my ability to nail sharp photos. This went on for months, then I used my friends camera and I realized it wasn't me (Hallelujah!). I would have been bumming if I didn't get pics of Jared playing.

Because I am bored!

2009-12-16T11:50:00.001-08:00

WTH! I'd like to think I look more like Eva Mendes. I tried to use another picture and Mike Meyers and Rosanne Barr came up. Yeah right!

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Random Stuff

2009-11-22T15:13:00.001-08:00

The neighbors got a kitten. I am not a cat person, but this kitty is super cute. She likes us better. I personally think she is too tiny to be roaming the streets. She likes to sleep on our porch. The kids think she is ours. I am not feeding her and she better not poop in our yard. Friendliest kitty I've ever met. Daddy wanted to play with the camera today. He is learning about focus dots.

Yes, I realize I have neglected my blog and some of you have filed informal complaints. I'll post some Halloween stuff and scrapbook pages and call it good for October. I have been busy shooting (pictures that is) kiddos and families.

Watched the new Star Trek movie last night. Pretty good! I thought the actors in the original series were kind of goofy, but the actors in the new movie, totally hot!!!! Yes, even Spock (I mean Sylar)!

I got a new haircut Friday night (see photo). I think I like it. In my opinion, I look younger. Decided bangs were cheaper than Botox. For now, I am growing it out until I hate it. I have a vision of long lush curls.

Nick took this picture of Livi and I today. He's not bad. Both the big boys have really taken an interest in taking pictures.

Sooo, I have been approached by some of my friends (and my husband) to help them learn to shoot with their DSLR's. I have decided to teach a beginners class so long as I have enough people interested. I want to keep it to a small group (5-8 people). If you are interested, leave me a comment or email me and I'll start a list. Also note what month would work best for you (Dec., Jan., or Feb.). The cost of the class will be $100.00. That's $25.00 a lesson, not bad, huh? You can make a deposit to hold your spot. You can make payments so long as you are paid in full by the first day of class. I am thinking we could meet at my house and on location over a four week period of time. Wouldn't this make the perfect Christmas gift? I could be persuaded to have it sooner rather than later. So, stalk me if you are interested. C-ya!

Passionate Twilight Moms

2009-11-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

That's what Sarah calls us!! I don't know what is worse, screaming teeny boppers or screaming mommies? Sarah, her sister Emily, their niece Adrienne, Kiahna and I bought our tickets for the midnight showing of New Moon the day tickets went up for sell. We met up with other Twilight mommies we knew and secured most of the back row of the theater. We looked forward to this day for months!!!! We had so much fun! We decided to catch the showing of Twilight before the showing of New Moon. So glad we did! We avoided sitting for hours outside on the ground and getting too cold.

Longest 18 seconds in my life!

So now, for my thoughts on this movie. I will do my best to not give too much away for those of you that have not seen it. The movie rocked!!!! Remember my not so glowing review of Twilight (click here)? New Moon delivered just as I had hoped and prayed for!! No corny lines like "Hang on spider monkey", cheesy background music, or lame field trips. Bella sometimes did go a bit crossed-eyed when gazing at Edward, but I can get over that! Oh and Edward was HAWT! For the record, I am on Team Edward (see shirt above). Lusting after Jacob makes me feel a bit like a cougar. In my mind, he will always be Shark Boy.

Dakota Fanning was just the cutest Jane evah!! Yeah, I know she is evil and all, but she was just adorable! Special effects were off the hook. Most of Twilight's special effects SUCKED especially in comparison! The wolves!!! OMG! So cool! The Volturi scenes, just as I pictured it! The ending very cool! The director Chris Weitz has made us Twi-hards blissfully happy! New Moon...two thumbs up!!!

I took the day off of work to sleep in. I couldn't imagine being with my kindergartners on little sleep. I would have been crabby!

So there are less than 220 days until the release of Eclipse. The mommies are already planning the festivities for the midnight showing. Woot!

Nick is 10??!!??

2009-11-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am really feeling old now!!!!! Nick turned 10 last month. I can't believe it!! How did this happen so quickly?? Nick is an amazing kid!!! Here are ten fabulous things about Nick (list compiled by parents so it may be biased):

10. Affectionate (still loves to snuggle-yay!)
9. Happy-go-lucky
8. Amazing baseball player
7. Driven
6. Brilliant (really!)
5. Goof Ball
4. Honest
3. A good friend
2. A fantastic brother
1. A wonderful son

We kept his birthday mellow this year. We had went to Disneyland a few days before his actual birthday. The following weekend, we had a two friends over for cake, video games, and a sleep over.

I love this kid!!!! I am truly blessed to be his mother!

Yummy baby Nick!! Looks just like Jack, huh?

Happy Digital Scrapbook Day!!!

2009-11-07T09:53:00.000-08:00

I've got your blog train freebie here!! Sorry I am bit bit slow in getting this post up. I have been having internet connection issues since late last night and some sickie poos in the house. I whipped up a little element cluster for you:

Here's your link.

Don't forget to join us for all the DSD festivities at Scrap Matters

Your next stop on the blog train is Jaime.

Don't forget-Scrap Matters is having a HUGE sale and if you spend $15.00 you get this amazing collaboration kit for FREE! Happy Scrapping!

Disney Halloween Party

2009-11-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

So much blogging to catch up on!!! I couldn't go into November without updating our ever-so-exciting lives!!!!! Well, it's now time for the long awaited Disney post. We were in desperate need of family time and figured we might as well go to the Happiest place on Earth since we are season pass holders! Aside from the joys of taking a two year old to Disneyland and the crowds, it was an awesome trip!! We spent Friday and Saturday at Disneyland and spent Friday evening at California for Mickey's Halloween Party. The kids loved it!! They wore their Halloween costumes and trick-or-treated as we roamed the park. Jack crashed out as soon as we started to gitusumcandeee! We left with more candy than humanly possible to consume. Adults were even given bags to get candy. Was it tacky to save it to use for trunk-or-treating????

I have to comment on the crowds. Honestly Disneyland, you are getting too greedy!!! Stop letting so many stinking people in the park. I want to leave happy, not crabby! The park ended up hitting capacity Friday. Thank heaven California was only open to a limited number of guests for the party!!

We met up with our friends the Darlings so the little girls could have fun together. I think Jack scared them!! He is so awesome at being two!!

I *heart* Disneyland during the holidays! The park was beautiful and it made this trip and Halloween magical for us all!

Mental note, stick with going to Disneyland on Wednesdays and consider having grandma stay with Jack next trip. Here are a few pics.C-ya real soon!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-10-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

How did this happen????

2009-10-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

It is one of my most favorite months of the year and it completely escaped me!!! Lots to update you on, but I am soo tired!! I'll catch you up later. We made it to the pumpkin patch today. I just had to post this picture of Jack! I am in love with it!!

Girls Night Out!!!!

2009-10-04T09:07:00.001-07:00

When I had Olivia, she made all of my Disney Princess dreams come true! I longed to have a little girl person to experience all the cool Disney magic with. Yes ,my name is Jen and I am a Disney dork! So when our friends, the Darlings, invited us to go to Disney Princesses on Ice a few months back, there was no way I was going to say no.

Of course, you can't go to a Disney event without dressing up as your favorite Disney Princess. Today, it was Cinderella.

Then we met up with our favorite little girlfriends, the Darlings. They are Darling, aren't they? Katie was one of my Kindergartners once upon a time.

We go in and the joy kills confiscate my camera gear. Disney does not allow DSLR's into performances. They should be scared that I could take a really good picture. I told them it better be in there when I get back. It was like giving up a child. I worried about it the whole show.

Lisa(mom) was kind enough to give me camera duty with her handy dandy point and shoot.

Of course, we had to stop and get a $12.00 princess snow cone. Then a $15.00 light up crown that wouldn't stay on her head. Awesome!!!!

We had the BEST seats in the house!!!! We were 1st row off the ice. It doesn't get any better!!! Boy was it cold!!!!! You could feel the breeze (and ice) on your face as the skaters whizzed by.

Here are some of the highlights:

I love making memories for my kids. It was a special night for us!!! Livi kept telling me "Mommy, dat was the best show evah!!" and "Thank you so much Mommy. I had so much fun!!". Awww, that kid just melts my heart!! We picked up her sibling that was denied entrance at guest relations, got in the car, and the little princess crashed out before we got out of the parking lot. I love having a girl!!!

It's Friday!!!!!!!

2009-10-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am sooo happy!!!! It's Friday!!!!!!!! Woohoo!

Yes, I have neglected my blog. You forgive me, right???? I promise a real update soon. In the meantime, I have some creative team layouts to post.

I was excited to find out that both of the designers I CT for released a collaboration kit. Haynay and WM [Squared] got together and created "Rough and Tough".

I did a layout for each of them. Here is what I made:

Last week, I made a layout for WM [Squared] with her "Feeling Fall" kit:

For My CT assignments at Scrap Matters last week, I managed to get two done.

Click here for credits

Click here for credits

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

TGIF!!

2009-09-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how glad I am that it is FRIDAY!! WOOT! I am soo exhausted this time of year. I think it is a combination of allergy season starting and breaking in a new group of kindergartners. Good news is we are all still hanging in there!

The designers I CT for have really outdone themselves this week!!! You know it's an awesome kit when each layout takes about a half hour to create (especially when I typically take longer). They seriously got my mojo going!

New for Wendy this week is Gypsy Girl.

EEKKKK!!! These colors rock!! Screaming for sepia colored photos I think. Here is what I made:

Heather created these volleyball kits, but they are so versatile that you could scrap anything with them!

I scrapped a page with Jack. I miss baby Jack!!! Fortunately he still has his chubby cheeks!!! If I were a cannibal, I would seriously consider eating him!!! He was such a yummy chubby baby!!

I didn't get a chance last week to post this layout. I used a template from Happy Scrap Girl and all other items are a mish mash of Scrap Matters Designers. For full credits click here.

Have a Happy Friday!!!!!

One Fine Day?

2009-09-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

No, it really wasn't! Well maybe for some people who enjoyed my daughter's solo. So...today was our Primary Program at church. Daddy and the three oldest were asked to sing along with another family. Olivia decides it is a one woman show. She grabs the mike and begins singing the song LOUDLY and I thought I was going to have a proud mommy moment. Of course we can hardly hear anyone else. Daddy tries to grab the mike from her and she throws herself on the ground. I seriously felt relief for a moment... until she popped back up and grabbed the mike again. Daddy gave up and went with it (laughing of course). Nick tries to get her stop thus making their performance all the more entertaining. So wanted to crawl in a hole and die. Jack sees everyone at the podium and looks at me and says "bye" and takes off to join the family. Grabbed him and ran into the hallway, where I stayed. You know, had this had been someone else's kid, I would have laughed my butt off. It wasn't and now I will forever have one of "those" children that will keep me on my toes and make life all the more interesting.

Just one layout to share for the week. Lucky to have gotten this one done. I had Back to School Night this last week and a few other projects. I am soo tired still. I could have used another three day weekend for sure!
Credits: "One Fine Day" by Happy Scrap Girl at Scrap Matters.

Daydream Believer

2009-09-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the week when I post my CT Layout. I only have one for you right now. I am just going to enjoy my 3 day holiday with doing NOTHING. Oh, and get caught up on stuff I didn't get to last week. I guess that is something. Anywho!

GG Digital Designs has a new kit this week called Daydream Believer. Hop on over to Scrap Matters and Check it out.

Here is what I created: