Last weekend we went up north to visit my cousin's to celebrate the birth of an upcoming baby into the world and our beautiful God daughter's 1st birthday. We awoke bright and early Saturday morning, loaded up the car and piled in for the 3 hour drive up past Fresno. We stopped for breakfast and continued on. With a little black and white trouble for other members of the party, we made it in one piece. Organized our gift for the baby shower and got cleaned up for party #1 of the weekend. My aunt and uncle had invited all of their friends over to their house for tacos, margaritas, and family. My all time favorite past time. We got caught up with all the cousins, made some new memories and celebrated the upcoming birth of my newest cousin, slated to arrive in spring Maggie Rose.
Sunday, we all awoke and got ready for the birthday party. 5 people, 1 bathroom. That was an interesting adventure. Poor Darin was cast to my grandparents room so he could get ready in peace. We ate breakfast and then made our way over to help with the party. 20 years ago, my cousins Nick, Anthony, Matt, Brianne and I all took a photo on a rock in their backyard. Considering that all of our cousin's were not in attendance I still felt like we needed to retake the photo anyways and then take another photo with the new cousins as well, Darin, Amy and Auburn. We ate great spaghetti and then present time! While the guest of honor had absolutely no interest in anything but eating, my cousin took the honor of opening the gifts. He insisted in reading every poem in every card out loud. Charlee got an amazing amount of stuff, which will happen when over 50 people show up! After it was cake smashing time! Charlee got her very own Belle cake and smushed it to smithereens.
It was a wonderful weekend full of family and fun! My favorite kind of weekend. Please enjoy the photos! :-)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Re-visit
I have been going back through my old blog posts and just re-reading the things that I have wrote about. It seems that the basis of why I started this blog has been skewed a little. I began this as a way to get my thoughts out of my head and away so that I don't sit and stew on them. Now it seems I write mostly about the fun things that happen in my life; events, crafts and photography because I don't want to offend or bore any of my readers.
With all that I have been through in the past year; all the ups, downs, and challenges I have faced I still feel the need to continue to write it all out. However, certain things that I want to write and get out are not things that anyone wants to read. I tend to vent to my husband and my mother a lot and sometimes its just because I need it off my chest, but that is a huge burden that they shouldn't have to carry. I feel like I am being my typical self. Crawling into my shell and the guard being up high.
I feel like some days I am lost. Wondering what my purpose is supposed to be. I thought because I had skills that my purpose is to be helpful and creative with others, but sometimes I don't feel like the things I do are appreciated in the way I intend them to be. I still love to be creative as still fully intend on doing things that make my creative brain happy. But it will be for me, things I enjoy doing and if I feel like doing for others then I will. The hubbs doesn't understand my need to keep occupied, I seem to get addicted to one thing or another and have to follow it through. He appreciates it and loves how whole heartedly I do everything. I am glad that I have him and he (along with my mom) is my support system.
I have been reaching out to old friends. Those from high school that have matured but haven't lost what I liked about them. Most have changed in the fact that they have children or have moved away, but in a way I think a larger social circle might do me and my over thinking brain some good. We have as a couple expanded our social circle as well. Surrounding yourself with people that make you feel happy is the best way to get you out of a funk, which I for sure am in. Although I said I wouldn't have high hopes that this year would be better, I am always the eternal optimist in my own head. Hoping that things will be different. Well, it has not started off any better and even though I have some things to deal with I will hold my head high and be strong. Being there for those that need me, in good times and bad.
This year is already looking to be a big one again. 3 weddings, 1 baby shower and we are celebrating 10 years together and 5 years married. With all this to look forward to along with many of the other things already in the works, I can't help but feel a little apprehensive. Feeling like I am standing along the edge watching everyone else live their lives and I am stuck in a holding pattern. Waiting for it to move again. They say that things happen for a reason and I do believe that. However I want my husband and I to be able to have what we desire. Kids, home. I guess we will have to stop wanting it so much, and maybe it will come to us. Just a thought.
I got off on a tangent of thought process here. I guess the point I am trying to say is I have re-visited the thought of this blog. I will continue to write about the fun things; events, crafts and photography, but I think in addition to this I will need to write in a separate place all the other things that float around in my head. Things that I don't want on the world wide web. This will be a place of showcase and happy thoughts! And every now and then, maybe I will sneak in something reflective!
Happy Reading
With all that I have been through in the past year; all the ups, downs, and challenges I have faced I still feel the need to continue to write it all out. However, certain things that I want to write and get out are not things that anyone wants to read. I tend to vent to my husband and my mother a lot and sometimes its just because I need it off my chest, but that is a huge burden that they shouldn't have to carry. I feel like I am being my typical self. Crawling into my shell and the guard being up high.
I feel like some days I am lost. Wondering what my purpose is supposed to be. I thought because I had skills that my purpose is to be helpful and creative with others, but sometimes I don't feel like the things I do are appreciated in the way I intend them to be. I still love to be creative as still fully intend on doing things that make my creative brain happy. But it will be for me, things I enjoy doing and if I feel like doing for others then I will. The hubbs doesn't understand my need to keep occupied, I seem to get addicted to one thing or another and have to follow it through. He appreciates it and loves how whole heartedly I do everything. I am glad that I have him and he (along with my mom) is my support system.
I have been reaching out to old friends. Those from high school that have matured but haven't lost what I liked about them. Most have changed in the fact that they have children or have moved away, but in a way I think a larger social circle might do me and my over thinking brain some good. We have as a couple expanded our social circle as well. Surrounding yourself with people that make you feel happy is the best way to get you out of a funk, which I for sure am in. Although I said I wouldn't have high hopes that this year would be better, I am always the eternal optimist in my own head. Hoping that things will be different. Well, it has not started off any better and even though I have some things to deal with I will hold my head high and be strong. Being there for those that need me, in good times and bad.
This year is already looking to be a big one again. 3 weddings, 1 baby shower and we are celebrating 10 years together and 5 years married. With all this to look forward to along with many of the other things already in the works, I can't help but feel a little apprehensive. Feeling like I am standing along the edge watching everyone else live their lives and I am stuck in a holding pattern. Waiting for it to move again. They say that things happen for a reason and I do believe that. However I want my husband and I to be able to have what we desire. Kids, home. I guess we will have to stop wanting it so much, and maybe it will come to us. Just a thought.
I got off on a tangent of thought process here. I guess the point I am trying to say is I have re-visited the thought of this blog. I will continue to write about the fun things; events, crafts and photography, but I think in addition to this I will need to write in a separate place all the other things that float around in my head. Things that I don't want on the world wide web. This will be a place of showcase and happy thoughts! And every now and then, maybe I will sneak in something reflective!
Happy Reading
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Subway Art
I have been seeing a big craze on the internet for Subway Art. It's not really anything special, it's just a lot of words that have some meaning or common theme put together with various size and style fonts. With my handy dandy photo-shop tool I decided to take a crack at making one for my sister-in-law and her new husband. They ended up being so much fun that I made two more as well, both for birthday parties that I am attending over the weekend. One for my cousin and one for my dear friend from high school (who is mildly obsessed with Peter Pan.) It seems that I surround myself, including yours truly, with people that obsess over a singular Disney film. Anyways, I thought I would share the files with you since I can't wait to pick up the prints and in the frame they go! Yay!
I will update once I get them in the frames! So Excited!
*Update: They were such a big hit with the recipients. I know I will be making more like the Peter Pan one for upcoming birthdays. Of course a Sleeping Beauty one for myself! I will keep you updated when I make them! Below are the images printed and framed! Enjoy!
I will update once I get them in the frames! So Excited!
*Update: They were such a big hit with the recipients. I know I will be making more like the Peter Pan one for upcoming birthdays. Of course a Sleeping Beauty one for myself! I will keep you updated when I make them! Below are the images printed and framed! Enjoy!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Siriusly!
Ok. Some of my loyal followers already know this, but I LOVE music! I mean I think my brain is 70% song lyrics, 25% design and craft stuff, and 5% everything else. With a father that sang and played guitar, and me dabbling in piano and guitar, it kinda makes sense. Most days I can't get through my drive to and from work without listening to the radio. (Some days I just need the silence) It would come as no surprise to you either that I worked in a music store for 4 years too. It was like a 00's version of Empire Records, without the sex, famous musicians and stealing of course.
For Christmas the hubbs got me an XM radio and service for my car. I must tell you, how I survived so long with FM radio I will never know! I mean in the valley of "good luck getting radio reception for longer than 2 miles" this thing is a godsend! No static and I can listen to the same channel forever! It is also helping me get introduced to new groups and songs because I am not constantly switching stations to find one without commercials or one that comes in clear! Not only am I listening to new pop music, but The Highway (the xm top country station) is my new favorite and have really gotten down to my country roots. Just thought I would share a couple of my favorite songs on the charts at this moment.
Pop:
THE WANTED -- GLAD YOU CAME
THE DOWNTOWN FICTION -- THANKS FOR NOTHING
HOT CHELLE RAE -- I LIKE IT LIKE THAT
FUN. -- WE ARE YOUNG
BREATHE CAROLINA -- BLACKOUT
ONE DIRECTION -- WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL
CHRISTINA PERRY -- A THOUSAND YEARS
GOTYE -- SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW
(Mostly rock bands I know.....but hey its what draws to me)
Country:
CHRIS YOUNG -- YOU
HUNTER HAYES -- STORM WARNING
TAYLOR SWIFT -- OURS
DAVID NAIL -- LET IT RAIN
LADY ANTEBELLUM -- WE OWN THE NIGHT
GREEN RIVER ORDINANCE -- DANCING SHOES
KEITH URBAN -- YOU GONNA FLY
So there it is. A list of some of my favorite songs floating out there at this time. I am always open to suggestions so send 'em my way! :-)
For Christmas the hubbs got me an XM radio and service for my car. I must tell you, how I survived so long with FM radio I will never know! I mean in the valley of "good luck getting radio reception for longer than 2 miles" this thing is a godsend! No static and I can listen to the same channel forever! It is also helping me get introduced to new groups and songs because I am not constantly switching stations to find one without commercials or one that comes in clear! Not only am I listening to new pop music, but The Highway (the xm top country station) is my new favorite and have really gotten down to my country roots. Just thought I would share a couple of my favorite songs on the charts at this moment.
Pop:
THE WANTED -- GLAD YOU CAME
THE DOWNTOWN FICTION -- THANKS FOR NOTHING
HOT CHELLE RAE -- I LIKE IT LIKE THAT
FUN. -- WE ARE YOUNG
BREATHE CAROLINA -- BLACKOUT
ONE DIRECTION -- WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL
CHRISTINA PERRY -- A THOUSAND YEARS
GOTYE -- SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW
(Mostly rock bands I know.....but hey its what draws to me)
Country:
CHRIS YOUNG -- YOU
HUNTER HAYES -- STORM WARNING
TAYLOR SWIFT -- OURS
DAVID NAIL -- LET IT RAIN
LADY ANTEBELLUM -- WE OWN THE NIGHT
GREEN RIVER ORDINANCE -- DANCING SHOES
KEITH URBAN -- YOU GONNA FLY
So there it is. A list of some of my favorite songs floating out there at this time. I am always open to suggestions so send 'em my way! :-)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Baby Closet Dividers
As the rest of the creative world of crafters has, I have also discovered Pinterest. I mean there is nothing more addictive to a creative mind then a website that is FULL of creative ideas and do it yourself projects. WHAT?!? It's like crack to us. I mentioned this very site to my mother, who is my queen of crafty creative ideas, and expressed great concern for her spare time. Alas, as I am, she is now addicted. We are throwing another meet the baby shower in May for my cousin's fiance. Although, we were invited to her baby shower thrown by her mother and sister, we could not attend due to scheduling conflicts. However even though we couldn't attend and we are throwing a shower of our own we still decided to give her a gift of essential items that she would need for when the baby arrives. I found this cute tutorial on pinterest for baby closet dividers. I decided to make them for the baby gift because they were oh so adorable. Please enjoy the photos of the actual ones I made. They were so easy and ended up really perfect! Yay!
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