Shoe Shopping

Shoe shopping with small people ain't always pretty. Sometimes it can be crazy-exhausting , but I've found that if I am systematic in my approach, things go a lot smoother. In our family, there are 4 tests to verify Goodness in shoes.


Let me illustrate with a short real-life example.

Me: Okay, Cam, which one do you like? Okay...put them on. Now stand up and let me feel your toes. (I do that thumb thing to make sure there is enough wiggle room. I pretend like I know what I'm doing on this test. It all seems a bit relative.) Alright Sir, walk down the aisle. Now run back. Great. You are definitely running faster now. Now jump. Yep. You are totally higher than before. Great. Do they feel good? Great. Put them back in the box and let's check out.

Zoey: (a little whiny) Mom. You didn't ask me and Dani to jump. You only smashed our big toe with your thumb and had us walk and run.

Me: Oh. Oops. I guess you need to get your new sneakers on again, huh?

Zoey and Danika in unison: Yeah (putting new shoes on)

Me: Okay. Now jump. Oh yeah. You are definitely jumping higher. Let me see all of you run again. Wow. That is quite impressive. Alright, I think we're done. Let's go.

In summary: Shoe Goodness is dependant on passing the following tests:
1. Smash big toe with thumb
2. Walk without tripping
3. Run faster than before
4. Jump higher than before

It's all pretty scientific, I know. I suggest you write it all out on a 3x5 card to keep in your purse. You can laminate it too, if that helps.

Beauty Rituals

All of my sisters and sisters-in-law are gorgeous. Seriously. They are not only beautiful, but they all have amazing style. Walking down the street with them is like being in a fashion show. It is unreal.

So when Aunt Jessica came to visit a few weeks ago, Lyssie, who is quite the little style-maven of her own, followed her around and studied her every move. Because as everyone knows, a beautiful Aunt is just the coolest thang, evah. (And yes, I followed her around too.)


After Jessica left, I noticed that Lyssie started spending inane amounts of time brushing her hair with a little pink brush. She was obsessed with this brush. No one could touch it especially Cam and baby Quinn. She also started sleeping with her beloved brush as well as a pink toy hair dryer.

One night as I chatted with her before bed, I told her how pretty her hair looked and I told her that I could tell that she was working very hard on it. And she replied in a very serious tone. "Yes, I comb my hair so it will grow. I want my hair to be long like Jessica."

Keep on combing, kid.

All Smile

I did this layout to complete my guest designship at Lotus Paperie and for My Little Shoebox this month. This little guy is just the cutest thing.


A close-up of my journaling.


Materials: My Little Shoebox pattern paper, chipboard letters, transparency, sticker letters; Paper Studio buttons; Core'dinations cardstock; uniball signo pen; DMC embroidery floss

She's Calling Me

I hear her calling me.

Softly at first.

Then more insistently.

She knows that I've had my eye on those beautiful quilts and those cute skirts. She knows that I just bought a pattern and fabric for a baptism dress for D. And fabric for a quilted wall-hanging. And I have a skirt already cut out waiting there patiently for months...

It's my sweet sewing machine that I love when she's working properly. And that frustrates me to no end when she isn't.

Ahhh...I must heed the call.


Before I can sew though, I must clean up my studio. Put all the pens into one neat basket.


Stack up all those finished layouts waiting for page-protectors and a binder. Why can't I just go and get a few new binders? I'm not sure what my hang-up is here...I wonder if there is a quiz I can take on FB about that? (...giggle)


Put all my ribbons and flowers into beautiful jars so I can gaze at them while I rip out all my mistakes...


And now, I can begin...

Because of You

This week's song for Scrapping the Music is Because of You. I did this layout for that challenge as well as for a tutorial coming up on Monday for The Next Step.


Materials: American Crafts pattern paper, Bazzil cardstock, My Little Shoebox letter stickers, Fontwerks stamp, sharpie pen, buttons and machine and thread

I tried a few new things on this one. Like this rolled paper. I think it adds interesting dimension, but would be a beast to place in a binder. Guess this one is going up on the wall.


Those flowers are going to be my tutorial on The Next Step. I love the dimensional curl. Really cool. Surprisingly, they would be fine in a binder because they are pretty tough.


Yesterday, D (the subject of the above layout) had a milk challenge at the allergist's office. A milk challenge is when the doctor gives increasingly larger doses of cow milk to a child to see if she is still allergic. The test is about 3 1/2 hours long because they start out with 1 ml and work up to 1 1/2 cups of milk on the last dose. D made it through the entire test without any problems. Yeah! She was declared safe. But then, we were on our way out when she vomited into the garbage can. Twenty minutes later, she had hives on her face and back. After an epinephrine shot she felt much better. Poor girl. So, the doctor and I decided that milk is still a big no-no. We'll repeat the same test in a year. Bummer.

Needless to say, we were at the doctor's office almost all day long. Boy, were we glad to get out of there! All the kids behaved wonderfully. I was so proud of them. It isn't easy for an adult to sit in a small room for hours and hours let alone a 7, 6, 4, 2 and 7 month. (Luckily, we were able to watch movies and I brought a billion books and toys.) They are great kids. We went out to Old MacDonalds for lunch to celebrate their awesomeness. I'm such a blessed momma.

Kind

Sometimes you get a picture that is so everyday-moment that it becomes special. That's what happened when I saw this picture that my friend, Sara, took of Z and her grandma.


When I think of my mother-in-law, I think of kindness and compassion. She is one of those special people who just loves everyone no matter what. Someday I'd like someone to say that about me. It may take awhile...(giggle)


Materials: My Little Shoebox pattern papers, transparencies and letters; Core'dinations cardstock; Prima flower; Making Memories brad; unknown leaf; book page; Ranger Stickles

Speaking of My Little Shoebox, they just posted the new CHA releases on their blog! You'll love the new stuff! Check it out!

Butterflies Everywhere

I'm not sure what it is, but I've got an obsession right now with butterflies. I'm finding them all over my house.

These beauties appeared in the girls' room.


They were made with Luxe's Lovey line and this template blown up 300%.


I stuck them to the wall using plain old pop dots. Works really well. The flowers are from this cake.


I also made this card recently using My Little Shoebox papers, some vellum, Bazzil cardstock and a Prima flower.


A close-up.


Pictures of this month's RAKs are up on The Next Step. If you haven't already played along, you've got a few more weeks! They are great kits!

Happy Father's Day

I'd be very remiss if I didn't dedicate a post to two wonderful father's in my life. The father of my children, Todd, who works so hard to provide us with a wonderful life and who loves so deeply and completely.


and my own father who brings joy and happiness to all that know him.


I love you both. You enrich my life in so many ways. Thank you.

Growing Up Way Too Fast

Sometimes when I look at my children from afar, I'm shocked at how grown up they seem. Yes, I know that they are all still very little (under 8 years old), but for some reason I still see them as toddlers and babies and it is crazy for me to see two girls and a boy along with a toddler and baby. I guess I just thought that it wouldn't go so very fast. I thought that the years would string together forever. Instead it seems as though the string is attached to a fishing rod and it just keeps reeling faster and faster.

I did this layout to document these feelings that I'm assuming all mothers have. After all, I remember very clearly all the adults in my childhood talking about how grown-up I was getting. How they couldn't believe how big I was. As I child, I found such talk somewhat annoying. I wanted to say, "Of course I'm growing up! Did you expect me to stay little forever? Come on people, get over it!" Time seemed slower as a child. School years were endless. The month before Christmas was the longest month in the year. However, now as an adult, time is so much faster. (I swear December is hands-down the shortest month in the year. And didn't they just start school yesterday? Can it already be the summer?) I now understand why the adults in my youth continually discussed my growth. They were expressing surprise. Not that they are shocked that was growing, but that how fast it all seemed. Now, I'm one of those annoying adults who is continually saying how fast each child grows and how I can't believe it.

Anyway, back to the layout...

I've got a motif going right now of using the children's hands in my artwork. It's like I can't get enough of it. (I do hope I'm not boring you!) So here is another one using C's hands. I love his chubby fingers and thick palms. Such a contrast to my girls' hands. My daughters' hands are like mine. Long fingers, thinner palms, but C's are like Todd's: shorter fingers, big strong palms. I only hope that C will use his hands for as much good as his father has in his life.

Boy, I am sidetracked today...


My journaling.


A close-up of my picture block and painting.


Materials: My Little Shoebox pattern paper and mini alphabet stickers, Sharpie pen, Prismacolor colored pencils, acrylic paint, buttons, embroidery floss

This layout is my response to the Lotus Paperie challenge to use a lot of negative space. The other interpretations by the DT are inspirational too. Well worth checking out.

Have a wonderful day! We are off to the library this morning. The sweeties have been reading like crazy and are completely off-the-wall excited to go. Seriously. C was up and dressed and downstairs at 6 AM so that he wouldn't miss the library that opens at 11 AM. (giggle...) Better get going...

Trouble

A year ago, I took the kiddos to the World Wildlife Zoo, which in my opinion, is one of the coolest zoos ever. You can feed the giraffes and tropical birds and there are active and fun animals. (aka tigers that aren't sleeping!) Plus, the cages are really close so you are within 4 feet of a lion. It is really amazing.

Anyway, while we were there, little E who was around 16 months old, decided that she wanted to get even closer to the animals. Before I knew it, she was climbing over the barriers. When I told her to get down this instant, she looked at me and laughed. That was when I knew in my mother heart that she would be trouble. And I was right. The girl is always getting into some type of predicament. Sometimes, I have to turn my head while in the throes of discipline because my giggles need to escape.

So I did this page in memory of that first indication of trouble-up-ahead.


My journaling.


Loads of cutwork here. All those flowers were cut out and placed.


Materials: Bazzil cardstock, Making Memories paint, Sharpie pen and everything else is My Little Shoebox

We just got back from the Splash Park. The kids had a wonderful time playing with friends while I chatted with one of my good friends. Fun was had by all, except Q who seems a bit out-of-sorts today. Perhaps he's teething again? Poor dear.

Despite that, I'm feeling especially good because I finally got a walk in this morning. I've been wanting to start exercising again after a major hiatus. (I won't go into specifics, too shameful for public knowledge.) Unfortunately, however, Q has been a major early-bird-riser this week and has prevented me from being able to leave the house (he isn't a very happy stroller boy.) It felt so good to be using my muscles again and to be outside in the early morning quiet. I really love that time of day. When the world is still waking up and everything is fresh and new. It is a wonderful time for me to gather my thoughts and gear up for the activity of the day. I can't wait for tomorrow. Thinking sleeping baby thoughts...

Sweetheart

I had these pictures of Z sitting in a pile for ages before I found the right inspiration to scrap them. Once I had that, the entire page came together quickly.


A few close-ups of my details. I am especially proud of the heart/tag combo.


And the journaling.


Materials: Cardstock: Bazzil; pattern papers, transparency: My Little Shoebox; buttons: Paper Studio; Ranger Stickles, Fashion Jewels; embroidery floss; Prismacolor colored pencils; Prima flower; Making Memories brad

There is a big contest going on over at Page Maps. The prize is some My Little Shoebox! Good luck!

Mother-Child Moments

A few weeks ago I took the sweeties to the Desert Botanical Museum so the older girls could see the Chihuly exhibit. Each child packed a camera (the older three got cameras for Christmas this year), a bottle of water and slathered on the sunscreen.


One of my main points in going was to get a picture of me with each of the sweeties. I realized that I don't have very many pictures of me with each of the children and I decided to change that. Each of them chose his/her favorite sculpture as a backdrop and I held the camera out with one hand and clicked. Surprisingly, the pictures turned out fantastic. I think that I'll frame them for each child's bureau. Really, who doesn't want a picture of their momma right next to them at night? (teehee)

D chose this beautiful blue sculpture because it matches her eyes.


I can't remember what Q chose. The pic is a little too close. And a little squishy too.


Same with Z's picture. Man, we look alike! Is that my mini-twin?


A little too much sun with E's picture, but I know that she chose the pink sculpture, of course.


I knew that C would choose the crazy tree as his favorite. He was enthralled the moment he set eyes on it.


My second, lesser goal was to take a few pictures to frame for our home. The desert has so many interesting textures.


This one is of a fountain at the entrance. I was captivated by the little yellow flowers teetering on oblivion. A few seconds after I snapped this pic, they did indeed fall into oblivion thanks to a few little fingers.


The lines on this one are pretty cool.


We had a wonderful time walking around. It was pretty hot and Q didn't last longer than two hours, but it was still fun. Mission accomplished.

Little Mommy

One of my favorite things as a mother is seeing how relationships develop between my babies. It is so gratifying to see how each of the children cares for and loves little Q. He is seriously a popular dude. (I can see why...he's adorable!)

I did Little Mommy for my Guest spot at Lotus Paperie using my My Little Shoebox products and Core'dinations cardstock that I received this month in my DT box. I love the way it turned out! The clouds, I think are the perfect touch for a very distracting background.


My journaling.


Materials: Everything is My Little Shoebox except the cardstock which is Core'dinations. Sharpie pen and thread also used.

I am totally in love with those white overlays by MLS. They come in a sheet and you just cut out the ones that you'd like to use. The clouds, the house and the "Perfect Day" are all overlays. Aren't they great?

Altered Pattern Paper

If you haven't already, you need to go to The Next Step to check out our latest challenge. I did the following pages for our month of Re-Doing Pattern Paper. All the directions can be found there.


My family has a serious obsession with ice cream. I did this page to document that fun and delicious tradition.

Here are a few close-ups of my doodling.


Yes, this page took hours to complete. With all the drying time and thinking time, I think that it was about 3-4 days of work. I love it though.


Materials: Luxe pp, MM paint, gesso, Bazzil cardstock, American Crafts Thickers; Luxe jotters; Basic Grey chipboard shapes, Heidi Swapp chipboard shapes; Heidi Swapp crown; little spoon; Prismacolor colored pencils, Sharpie pen; Paper Studio buttons

This picture I took of C last summer is one of my favorites of all time. Those eyes are amazing.


A close-up of my journaling.


And one of the star.


Materials: SEI paper; Tinkering Ink paper (flowers); Kaiser Craft paper (boy phrases); Heidi Swapp heart; masking tape; dry wall tape; Sharpie pen; Prismacolor Colored Pencils; atlas page; unknown manufacturer for blue transparency; black stars are from HS packaging; Basic Grey chipboard star.

When you visit The Next Step, be sure to leave a comment so I know you were there! Our next tutorial goes up on Monday.

Twas a Bust

I had the most wonderful idea on Tuesday morning. It was seriously the best ever. After working around the house, I decided that we would go to the nearby lake-park and feed the numerous ducks that dwell near the waters.

I packaged up loaves of stale bread, cut them into do-able slices. Got all 5 kids totally excited. Revved up and ready. Drove to the lake. They all ran out of the van to look for the area with the highest concentration of ducks.

Nope, no ducks over there. Let's try over here. Nope. Over there? Nope.

We couldn't find a duck to save our lives. We did find some hungry minnows. We found some hungry pigeons. We found some hungry sparrows.

We threw our bread at anything that moved.

I had grand visions of children giggling as they tossed bread crumbs to the grateful water fowl. They would be dancing among the feathers. There would be this massive flock around us. Following us like we were the Pied Piper of birds. I even imagined at least one child doing a graceful stag-leap in joy.

Nope.


After a few minutes, we lost interest in the disinterested wildlife. We went to the playground. But it was too late. There was no joy to be found there either.


It was a complete bust. We all left crabby and hot and tired. It took lunch and a cup of hot chocolate to get us all into a better mood. Dumb ducks.

Yesterday, we drove past the same park and I looked over at the lake in disappointed disgust only to see a huge flock of fowl right were we were a few days before. Humph.

Happy Birthday Zozabella Magee

A certain young lady turned 6 today. Aunt Joji came over to celebrate with us as we dined on pizza, peas and monkey tails (aka fish sticks). Joji brought the gorgeous princess gear. Oh, and the lipstick. Make sure that you observe the beautiful lips.


After the gourmet meal, we finished off the evening with singing and a cake. "Chocolate on the inside and chocolate on the outside." (Zoey's description to all within hearing.)


I must say, the pink daffodils turned out amazingly well. I'm quite proud of them. I somewhat followed the directions here.

Note: the second picture of the accordian-folded tissue paper is wrong. You should be folding the other way. You want the folds to be parallel to the widest side NOT the longest side. Get what I mean? Also instead of using a green ribbon, I simply used a small piece of embroidery floss to tie the center since I didn't need to tie them to anything.

It was a great day. I went to bed feeling that all was right in the world.

Happy Birthday sweet Zozo. You are so very loved.