When it Rains

It certainly pours.

Yesterday E started really coughing, came down with a fever and was pretty sick.

We (my mom and I because I can't carry anyone yet) took E and Q to the Dr. today. Q had his 4 month well-check and E had her disease-check. Q passed with flying colors. E was sent for a chest x-ray to verify that she didn't have pneumonia. Thank heavens she doesn't.

She is now on breathing treatments and steroids. I'm on hours of PT and ice.

I'm pretty tired tonight.

I Survived

I'm back from knee surgery and everything went well. I'm up to my eyeballs in physical therapy and feeling really good. It is a little frustrating to see how much I need to strengthen my muscles and how limited my range of motion is, but if I improve just a little each day, I should be back to my self in no time.

Positive thoughts.

Busy With Life

These last few days have been a blur as I've been completely occupied with life.

I went back to the knee doctor on Tuesday and asked him to re-review my MRI results. I just felt that something was slightly off with my lack-of-healing. At first he was a bit put-out that I would question the initial diagnosis, but after viewing my inability to bend my knee and taking into account the length of time since my injury, he agreed to get a second opinion.

Sure enough, on Wednesday afternoon, I got a call from Knee Man telling me that he needed to see me on Thursday. It turns out that I damaged my ACL and will need surgery after all. So I'm scheduled for Tuesday morning. Yes, this Tuesday. I'm not getting the full ACL repaired because the recovery for that is too extensive for my busy lifestyle. Instead, he'll be "cleaning up my knee" (doesn't that sound so benign? Almost like he's tidying up my family room?) so that I don't have horrendous pain whenever I move. The recovery is 2 weeks on crutches (oh, my poor arms!) and physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 weeks. My mom is flying in to take care of...let's see...everything...while I sit around and stitch and scrap and heal. I don't know what I'd do without my momma. Once again, she swoops in to save the day. I only hope that I can be the mother to my sweeties that she has been for me.

Again, I am facing one of my deepest fears: medical procedures. It seems that I've been facing a lot of my deepest fears lately. Emotional and personal growth is usually painful, I've found. And yet, it is necessary to help us to rise to new heights. Later in life, I'll look back and... (no, not laugh) say to myself: "I made it through that, so I can make it through (fill in the blank)" I will be that much stronger for looking fear in the face and running toward it (or in my case limping toward it). When I reach that fear that seems so big and so awful, I will realize that it is only a cloud of smoke. It has no substance. It was something that I placed in my path unnecessarily. As I blow that smoke away, I'll see the path beyond it. More beautiful and more exciting than I could have possibly imagined. I'll wonder why it took me so long to get there...

I believe that everything happens for a reason. There is a reason that I hurt my knee so badly. I've been pondering what lessons I've learned (and need to learn) from this experience. One of these lessons is that I can stand up for myself. My natural inclination is to cower when someone disagrees with me (as the Knee Man did). I usually just give in. But, I didn't this time. I defended myself and I was right. Good for me. I've also learned that I need to take better care of myself. I need to take the time to eat properly and exercise. I need to slow down and truly listen to what my body is telling me. It is important.

I may be a spotty blogger these next few weeks as I will be extremely busy with PT and such. Please bear with me! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!

Luxe Ribbon

Are you a ribbon addict like me? You're going to love this sale!


I was tagged by my friend Tracie to post the 6th picture in my 6th folder. So here it is. It is a picture of D's December parent night at school. They aren't quite ready to perform yet and she's waiting patiently. So sweet. Not the best picture, but she still looks lovely, as usual.

Happy Heart Day

It may be a crazy life we lead with 5 children under the age of 8, but it is certainly filled with lots...


and lots...


and lots...


and lots...


and lots...

of love.

I hope that your heart day is filled with messy kisses, sweet words and red hearts. Have a wonderful day!

I've Got a Teensy Weensy Valentine

Yesterday was C's Preschool Valentine's Day Presentation at a local park. They played games...


Sang songs...(Teensy Weensy Valentine being my all-time fave.)


Looked adorable...


And bagged lots of sweets...


After the party, I took C to the Dr. to verify that he didn't break his foot last week when he fell down the stairs. (He didn't.) He's still limping, but carries about as usual.

Meanwhile, the reason why I questioned his limp's authenticity is because right now limping is really hot in our family as I've been limping for about 7 weeks because of my dumb knee. I finally broke down and bought a big black brace that has, in little over a day, changed my life.

Thank goodness.

The lady that existed prior to the knee brace was scary and mean. She snipped at the dog for bumping her leg as she vied for attention. She snapped at frolicking children if they happened to venture within 3 feet of her personal space. She was afraid of walking outside as each step could potentially force her knee into a painful position. She dreaded walking into a messy room. She was a broken record constantly stuck on, "That's my hurt knee. Watch out for my leg." (Stated in a frantic tone.) It was annoying. I'm so glad that she's gone.

Life around here is certainly a lot more pleasant thanks to the BBB (Big Black Brace).

It's good to be back.

Valentine's Day Tags

I made these tags for an Alpha Stamps swap this month. I various bits from here and there including some Luxe.


These were so much fun to make and a great way to use up small pieces.

All of the vintage valentines images are Alpha Stamps. I love how you can use them with both muted colors as well as bright funky colors.


The background on these are paint chips from the hardware store.



Materials: Luxe paper, KI Memories paperclips, vintage wallpaper from a SIStv kit; MM flowers, Prima flower, vintage buttons, AlphaStamps vintage valentines images; Stickles; dry wall tape; paint chips; Colorbox ink; Ranger ink; MM ribbons; Creative Imaginations ribbon; Fancy Pants stamps; staples Heidi Swapp clock; Cosmo Cricket heart covered with MM sparkle paper; Scenic Route chipboard; thread; Ranger grungeboard; MM glitter

Thanks I Needed That

It's been a good week.

This piece was chosen for the Catwalk on SIStv on Tuesday. Such an honor. Out of all those hundreds of beautiful works!


And Luxe liked this one so much that they posted it on their blog the second they received it.


Plus, I just signed up for Art Journaling 102 at Debbie Hodge's site. I can't wait to get started. My friend, Lucy, (gifted artist extraordinaire) is also taking the class so I'm pretty psyched.

Have a lovely day!

A Fairy Was Born Today

My littlest dude really laughed for the first time today. It wasn't one of those little giggles either, it was a full-out guffaw that made me laugh right along with him.


We sat there on the bed for a good long time, laughing and laughing.


I just soaked up all that happiness, bundled it up and put it in my heart forever and ever.

My New Name is Holly Hobby

In first grade, when I found out that it was possible to change your name when you grew up, I decided right then and there that I was going to change my name to Holly Hobby. I was very sure of this and almost called the Illinois governor to get the paperwork sent over ASAP so that I could have it all filled out when I turned 18.

When I turned 18, I had other things on my mind like Prom and college. Now, that I'm almost double that, I'm simply too busy naming my own children to bother with my name. So that little item of business remains on my to-do list.

But, I haven't lost my childhood love for Holly. That is why I almost went nutso when I discovered this kit in a local scrapbook store.


It was a little expensive, but it practically had my name on it, that is if I wasn't so darn busy at age 18. Seriously, is this heaven? Holly Hobby fabric, images, trim...whoa. I love it. Love. Love. Love it.

Thank Goodness it's February

Hello February!


I can't tell you how glad I am that you've finally come. It seemed that the travesty that was January would never end. I've been waiting for you, looking for you.


I have to admit that January was a big growing month for me. I faced some of my inner demons and survived. I faced my fear of failure. My fear of not-being-good-enough. I've had this fear my entire life. I've been running from it for over 30 years. It finally caught up to me and knocked me down. And yet, I found that I'm kind-of like those toys called Weebles, I wobbled, I smacked my face on the ground, but I popped right back up. I didn't think that I would, or that I could, and yet, I did. And you know what? Somehow on the way up, my perspective changed. I see that before my path was a little off-target and now I'm back where I want to be. Wiser. I'm glad for that.

I also faced my fear of being-a-burden when I seriously hurt my knee. (It turns out after an MRI that I have a contusion (aka big bone bruise) and won't need surgery, thank goodness!) It hasn't been easy for the family having me out-of-commission, but we've survived. One night, after a particularly useless day, I apologized to Todd for being so well, useless. And I thanked him for taking care of everything. I told him that I felt awful that I couldn't help out with dinner and the kids and the housework. But, he didn't feel put-out in any way. He told me that he had a great day. He was glad that I was laid-up for a bit because it gave him an opportunity to serve me. (Wow, I married a great man.) I realized that sometimes you are the one doing the lifting and sometimes, you are the one being lifted. And that's okay.

I'm glad that I've grown so much this last month, but I'm also very very glad that January is over.

Now, I can finally start 2009 with renewed determination.


Yeah, it's going to be a great year.

Welcome February. Welcome.

My Acrylic Album

I was asked to guest design for My Acrylic Album this month. It was so much fun to work with their lovely albums! I was given a half-heart album, a bunny album and a few acrylic buttons to work with. This is what I did.

I used some of the large square buttons to make napkin holders/place cards for Easter. Pretty easy. My directions can be found on the My Acrylic Album website.




I took one page of the bunny album and made this Easter wall-hanging using Luxe papers for the fan. Directions to make this can be found on the My Acrylic Album website.


Materials List: MAA bunny album; Luxe pattern paper, Stickles, green alcohol ink, black cardstock; Tacky glue, ribbon, cardboard piece (for back), Doodlebug Designs hearts

I took another bunny page and made this collage using a quote from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.


A few close-ups. The heart is also from My Acrylic Album. I colored it using alcohol ink and Stickles.


I used that fake watercolor method that I demonstrated here to do all the coloring.


Materials: MAA bunny shape; diamond buttons and heart buttons; Pattern paper: Stampington, Jenni Bowlin, Webster’s Pages, Luxe; MM acrylic paint; Prima flowers; American Crafts slick writer; Gesso; black thread; Stickles; cheesecloth and pink velveteen

I took the half-heart album, flipped it upside down and it suddenly became a drop of water! I combined it with my summer pool pictures, some Luxe papers and transparencies and made a fabulous mini.


I stuck with circle pictures because I wanted the whole water feel.


That black dot over Garrett's face isn't really on the album. I lost his mother's phone number when my cell phone died last month so I couldn't call her and get permission to post his cute face.



The colors are pretty simple here. Lots of aqua because of the water, a little red, green and black and white.




Materials List:
MAA Heart Album, Luxe pattern paper; American Crafts Slick Writer, Gesso, Ranger Acrylic paint; Luxe transparencies; Stickles

The Soul of our Art: Day 5

Day Five: A few last pointers

Now, I want you go to through the paragraph you wrote on Day Four and flourish.

1. Look at your word choice. Can you use a more interesting word?
2. Look at your nouns. Can you add more adjectives? Can you provide an image?
3. Can you broaden your topic and make it more universal? For example, I have a photo of my baby holding onto my legs and looking up at me. Instead of journaling. “Lyssie is always pulling up on me. I will miss this when she gets older.” (This is perfectly good journaling, it just lacks soul.) I’d like to journal about how I’m imperfect, but that I’ll always have my children’s best interests at heart. And that I’ll always be there for them to look for guidance and support… (I’ve just started ruminating on this topic.)

Only write when you are “in the mood.” You won’t be able to transfer part of your soul to your writing unless you have a piece to give. Don’t try writing when you feel rushed, tired or crabby. Wait until you have some time, the house is quiet and you aren’t hungry.

The Soul of our Art: Day 4

Day Four: Writing

I want you to take your notes and photo (if you have one) and write. This doesn’t need to be fancy, just write from your heart. I personally like to type so I always use my computer even when I plan to use my own penmanship on my layout. I like that I can move things around and that everything is neat and orderly on a computer. I know that other people like to write by hand because they feel that a computer is too impersonal. Do what you like. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling. We’ll edit tomorrow. In order to get your started, here are a few guidelines.

1. Begin with a broad opening sentence. You want to capture your reader and give her a brief overview of your topic. I like to start in the middle of my topic and backtrack in the body. However, this style may not appeal to you.
2. The next few paragraphs should be the body. This is where you talk about all the details of your subject. Give the facts. Illustrate your point. Provide examples.
3. Your concluding sentence (or paragraph) should again be broad. Tell me what you’ve learned. How this topic has changed you. How you apply this lesson to life. If your body is long enough, you may also need to include a sum-up sentence or two. However, this is not English class, I like to leave my readers a bit breathless, you may too.

If you’d like, apply some of my patterns. See Day 3 for examples.

The Soul of our Art: Day 3

Day Three: Examples of Soulful Writing

All right, here is the exciting part. Let’s pick apart some of my writing and see why it is successful. I’m going to provide two paragraphs for each layout. The first example contains basic journaling while the second contains the same information, just in a more interesting format. See which one really contains soul.

Sweet Memory

Example One: Bare Bones

We used to buy chocolate covered cherries for my Grandmother every year. She loved them and would always offer me one. They remind me of Christmas at her house in Cary, Illinois..

This is a nice paragraph. It contains basic information, but it lacks soul. Now let’s try again.

Example Two: With Style

This box of chocolate covered cherries caught my eye the other day. And suddenly, I am 10 years old again, celebrating Christmas in my grandparent’s porch in Cary, Illinois. It is too hot, as usual, because of the wood stove and we are eating pizza pockets and drinking steaming apple cider. Discarded paper everywhere, gifts piled near each recipient as we listen to Grampa and Gramma’s newest jokes. Love is palpable. Happy. Gramma offers me one of her special chocolate covered cherries, her rich indulgence that we bring her every year. I eat one, sweet liquid leaking as I take a bite. I smile a chocolate smile. Heavenly remembrance. 2007

This one really gives you a strong sense of what Christmas was like doesn't it? What makes this paragraph so much more soulful? Let me go through my thought process.

I wanted to show the reader that these cherries have great significance in my life. I feel passionate about them and when I walked by them in the grocery store, I got a bit teary because they evoked such fond memories. (This is the type of subject that you want.)

However, I didn’t want to focus completely on the cherries, I wanted them to represent my childhood Christmases so I began my journaling with the cherries and I quickly moved to Christmas in general. I wanted to speak in the present tense so I set up the paragraph to be a bit of a time travel. Notice that most of the sentences are incomplete. They are a fancy list of Christmas memories: I remember that it was always hot on the porch, I remember the chaos, which I evoke by mentioning the discarded paper and the gifts piled. My grandparents were very avid joke tellers so I purposefully included that.

In order to conclude my paragraph, I return to the cherries. And instead of saying, I ate one. I describe the process to make it more real. And I bring you back to 2007 with the final incomplete sentence: Heavenly remembrance.

Now, lets look a bit at word-choice.

Instead of garbage, try discarded paper

Instead of delicious, try rich indulgence

Instead of sugary juice squirting, try sweet liquid leaking

You can see that the second example contains a plethora of adjectives. This makes the reader actually see your subject. If you can, include adjectives to describe your subjects. Sweet liquid, discarded paper, steaming apple cider, special chocolate, rich indulgence, chocolate smile. Adjectives make everything more real and therefore soulful.

Here is another Christmas example.

This is Christmas

Example 1 Bare Bones

This Santa ornament sat on top of my Grandparent’s tree for as long as I can remember. It makes me think of Christmas at their house and how much I loved being there.

Example 2 With Style

As a child, I thought it strange to have a Santa perched at the top of a Christmas tree. It should be a star, or an angel, like we had. But my grandparents hung this Santa in the place of honor every year without fail. And so, he has come to represent Christmas to me. When I see him, I think of the love I felt in my grandparent’s home. The stockings that always had an orange, an apple and a small stuffed animal. The packages piled high. The envelopes containing checks slipped into the tree. The delicious dinner. The laughter and the hugs. And the evening when we would pile into the car to go home and everything was beautiful and peaceful and the entire world lay at my feet.

In example two, I just jump in with my preconceived notion on what should be on top of a Christmas tree. This gives you insight into my child logic. Then I get broad again. I talk about how this Santa represents Christmas to me. (By the way, this Santa hung in my maternal grandparent’s home while the cherries were my paternal grandparent’s thing. (We celebrated Christmas separately.) Next comes that incomplete sentence list. These were the memories that really stood out in my mind. And my last sentence takes another step back. Yes, I’m talking about going home, but instead of saying: I went home. I talk about how I felt. And I’m listing 3 things: beauty, peace and happiness. However, I don’t use the word happiness, I used the entire world lay at my feet. This gives the journaling more soul.

You may already notice some patterns.

1. I like to start small and apply that small thing to a bigger thing.

For example, cherries = Christmas = love and happiness, Santa ornament = Christmas = love and happiness.

2. I like incomplete sentences. They are easy to write and they seem more like memories because they are little snippets.

3. I like to end my journaling with a beautiful image that leaves the reader a little breathless.

4. My journaling has a casual feel like I’m talking. I don’t like stuffiness and I only use words that I use in normal conversation

5. I use as many adjectives as possible.

6. I try to describe rather than state the facts.

7. I like to repeat certain elements. For example: I begin each of the incomplete sentences with The…

The stockings that always had an orange, an apple and a small stuffed animal. The packages piled high. The envelopes containing checks slipped into the tree. The delicious dinner. The laughter and the hugs. And the evening

8. I like alliteration: packages piled, delicious dinner

And here’s the last example.

Revolutionary Woman

Example 1: I’ve always struggled with my body image, but recently I’ve begun to accept myself.

BORING, let’s try something a bit more soulful…

Example 2:

Like the majority of the female population, I’ve always struggled with my body image. Even when I am at my prime physical shape, I still see a fat me in the mirror. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t feel this way. I’ve had days that are better than others, but in general, I have the flawed notion that if I am not the correct size, I am somehow contemptible. I was unaware of this personal narrative until a few questions tickled my mind. These two little questions sneaked in during quiet moments when I was lost in my

head. The first took place outside a fabric store. “Why don’t I deserve to look nice if I weigh more than I wish?” The second took place a few days later on a Saturday morning. “Why is it forbidden in American culture to like my body the way it is?” These questions rattled my very being. I cannot count the number of times my friends and I ripped on our bodies as a way to connect to each other. I cannot count the number of hairdressers who have complimented me on my beautiful curly hair only to add without taking a breath, that I probably hated it and wished it to be straight. And I, being too embarrassed to admit that I actually liked something about myself, neglected to correct their incorrect assumption. I cannot count the number of times that I’ve tried on a poorly designed piece of clothing and blamed my thighs or belly for the resulting reflection. I cannot count the number of times I’ve perused a fashion magazine only to feel inadequate. BUT NO MORE. I am now a REVOLUTIONARY WOMAN. I will no longer blindly follow an ugly path paved by insecurity and pettiness. I will love my body the way it is. This doesn’t mean that I won’t try to improve it through eating right and exercising, but I will no longer succumb to the idea that I am flawed because I am me. I am beautiful. I am strong. I love that my body is capable of bearing and nursing children. I love that my butt sticks out because it is muscular. I love my curly hair. I love my moles. I love my scars: each one has a very interesting history. I love the color of my eyes. I have beautiful feet and long fingers. I have sexy muscular legs. I have a great curvy shape. I love…love…love my body.

Now read example 2 again. Look for my patterns.

How did I begin?

Do you see repetition?

Incomplete sentence lists?

Adjectives?

Descriptive imagery rather than statements?

Tomorrow we’ll apply what we learned and you’ll be writing! Get a good night’s sleep!