Music personality:

I am blogging and listening to my new music downloads from walm@rt.com. I think music is an interesting view into personalities, so I will post these for public review. I have a rather eclectic taste in music, so here it goes:

Stitched Up by Herbie Hancock featuring John Mayer
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts (I really enjoy watching the movie Cars)
Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer
Still the One by Orleans
Real Wild Child by Iggy Pop (this totally peps me up)
Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw
Cha Cha Slide by Mr. C (The Original Live version...it annoys Michael, though)
Real Gone by Sheryl Crowe (also from the movie Cars)
My Little Girl by Tim McGraw (It makes me reflect on my daughters' growing up)
Where the Green Grass Grows by Tim McGraw (Really enjoy singing along with this one)


Here are a few earlier downloads I added to burn a cd for the car:

Through Being Cool by They Might be Giants
Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Upside Down by Jack Johnson
Should I Stay of Should I Go by The Clash
Love Song by The Cure
Friday I'm in Love by The Cure

Another Cd we are listening to is Weird Al's new one: Straight Outta Lynwood

Michael says he identifies with a large percentage of the song "White and Nerdy".


:::::::::BTW:::::::::::::
Eve was quoting large amounts of dialogue from Spongebob today. My kids really need to get over their colds and go out to play!!!!!!!

:::::::::My Current Read:::::



Michael thought I would be interested in this book, so he checked it out for me at the library. I find forensics fascinating, but I don't watch CSI or any of those prime time shows. On the weekends I catch Forensic Files, Skeleton Stories, Cold Case Files are some show of that nature on cable at my mom's house. I learned from the show Skeleton Stories that because I'm a caucasian female I have a protuding spot underneath my nasal cavity that will hold a pen. This is one way of discerning race from a skull. In middle and high school I would show my friends a trick I had of moving a pen from my mouth to my upper lip, then back to my mouth, flip the pen around and stick it back to my upper lip. I didn't realize my race had anything to do with my ability to pull that trick off.

:::::::::::::::::HOUSE STUFF:::::::::::

The guys from Overhead Door Company came and installed our new garage door a couple of days ago. It is a carriage door with bean hinges. I'll try to remember to snap some photos.

Michael was able to replace the hinge on one of our base cabinets I broke when I incorrectly tried to hammer in the plate.

More demolition on the back deck tomorrow if a couple of our friends can come by a rip up deck boards.

Ciao!

Story Teller:

_{Background paper: French Laundry by Sande Krieger,
Border is Borderlines by Sande Kreiger,
Staples from Sandra Boddington's Circus Train kit and Michelle Coleman's Emma's Sundress Kit,
Frame from Nancy Rowe Janitz's Funky Vintage,
Notebook Paper from Ksharonk,
Fonts: Jane Austen, Farrah, Tempus Sans ITC, TKdoodle, and Amelie by Sara Carling,
Journaling Paper by Catrine,
Castle Doodle by Susan Long for Scrap Artist apprentice contest,
frog doodle (modified) by Liza Dozier called Prince Charming,
writing hand from Maya's Weird is Wonderful,
Calendar 1 by Misty Mareda}

Journaling: Mermaids, fairies, witches, princesses, Big Head Girl Club, Lovely Granny & Strong Grandpa are just a few characters in your tales of mystery and adventure. For Christmas you wanted notebooks and mechanical pencils, so you can write down all of these thoughts.

:::::::::::::::::Gift cards I made up:::::
for my parents on Christmas:





_{I used Jen Wilson's Merry Days of Christmas- Fourth papers, Michelle Coleman's freebie glitter kiss and Christmas label, and photos from the internet. I used TKdoodle, Jane Austen and Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman for the fonts}

:::::::::::::In Need of Another Major Party::::::::::::
There are several things that still need to be done, but since the fire has been quenched beneath our feet I think we need another party, so I can get the lights replaced in the kitchen. Anyone for a party? I can make the eggrolls!

Christmas and Reminising

This is a great blog entry from my stepdad about Christmas day, so please check it out:
Click Me!

Christmas day was rainy, but the kids enjoyed visiting with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. We were blessed that my mom and Jim were willing and able to take care of Noah who threw up phlegm and was running a fever. Eve waited until the post Christmas activities to spike her fever of 102 degrees combined with lethargy. Last night Michael and I split up to cuddle each sick kid. Michael took care of Noah, while I had Evey. Eve had the classic kick the covers off because I'm burning up, and then grabbing the covers because she had gotten too cold. I'm just happy she didnt' punch me in the eye like she did a couple of weeks ago when we were having to sleep like a bunch of hobos in a train car, while our room was being fixed up. Noah is still coughing intermittently, but being clad in his new Buzz Lightyear pajamas gives it an air of quasi style.

:::::::::::::::Singers I wanted to Be:::::::::::::

On the way home tonight from my mom's house the group Heart was singing the song "Straight On", which made me recall all of the female singers I wanted to sing like when I was a kid. One of these ladies was Ann Wilson of Heart. Another singer was Olivia Newton John. I had this album released in 1978. There were several afternoons spent using the handle of my jump rope as a microphone singing along with the tunes on this album. Another favorite was Tina Turner singing Proud Mary . My mom bought me a copy of Donna Summer's Album "Bad Girls". I knew all the words to "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls". I'm not sure I would be keen on Rachel or Eve knowing the words to these songs. Looking back I can remember simply enjoying the beat and the strong vocals. The provocative message didn't inspire any future job seeking skills on my part...luckily. I also really enjoyed Carly Simon.
In the early 80's I liked Amy Grant . I had her "Age to Age" album and "Unguarded".
I also liked the "Trio" of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton:
. I also loved Barbara Striesand's Broadway Album.
It was fun to reminise about some of my favorites.

Hustle and Bustle:

I know life has been hectic for all and so, I believe, you will bare with me as I blog about events from last Saturday. I appreciate and love my brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law! We hosted a Couples Only dinner at our home and couldn't have pulled it off without the gracious volunteer efforts of Reuben, Stephen and Shelene. We had two Mountain Dew fueled men who threw on their aprons and slung a dish towel over their shoulders and got to work. Wolfgang Puck, Rachael Ray, Emeril, and Julia Childs...just to name a few...would have been in fine company with the Reuben, Stephen and Michael. I mentally refer to these guys as Iron Chef Social Circle, Iron Chef Loganville and Iron Chef Lilburn. I was shocked that Reuben rolled such perfect eggrolls using his "sausage fingers". I used a Hmong recipe for the eggrolls he rolled up, while Michael made Vegetarian eggrolls.
I enjoyed listening to and some time joining in to the banter in the kitchen. I think my mood was completely uplifted by the addition of their positive spirits. When all the other couples arrived they were all happy to see each other and the compliments abounded throughout the evening.
I was really impressed by my sister-in-law, Laura, who was bottle feeding Spencer, while eating, deftly, with her chopsticks. Michael found some fun chopsticks at the farmer's market and we tried to find an additional set that I would consider adorable, but we settled for some primary colored ones with stripes. There was a bit of an issue over the monkey chopsticks, but was settled quickly. Stephen was sad, but he took a swig of Mountain Dew and was able to go on cheerily for the rest of the evening, sans monkey chopsticks.
The evening ended with a dessert of vanilla ice cream with almond pockys , which were a surprisingly big hit. After dessert was the gift exchange. Stephen had Michael's name this year. Stephen fabricated individual tiles and ordered a spool of red shoe lace material, so Michael could craft his own Samurai armor. I can't wait to see the finished product! Michael has Justin's name and had to ask Justin's pardon until Christmas so he could finish building the gift. Justin was very gracious. I had Laura's name and I game her a Cuddle Blanket. It is made so you can put your feet in a large cuff at the bottom to keep your feet warm and has a pocket for your remote control, so you don't lose it whilst trying to stay warm. My sister-in-law, Missy drew my name and couldn't have surprised me more with tickets to this wonderfully crazy show:
Here is a description of the play found on Wikipedia:
Spamalot

I am so thrilled to be able to go!!! My mother and Jim already agreed to watch the kids so we could attend the performance. We are going to an early afternoon performance, so I think I will be exceptionally hyped up from the moment my feet hit the floor that morning!

:::::::::::::::::Merry Christmas!::::::::::::::::

Where ever you are I sincerely hope your family is warm, healthy, happy and (((hugged)))!

The Family Christmas Letter for 2006

written by Michael:

_{Star doodle by Ida, Grinchy doodle by Amy Cheeseman, Doodle border by Sande Krieger, Bird and holly by Keri Schueller called Christmas Whimsy, Fonts: Tkdoodle/ Christmas on Crack}

Here are Some Renovation Photos:

We are by no means finished. We are going to add pendant lights above the sink and eyeball focusing recessed lights above the cooktop. We want to replace the kitchen chandelier, but can't find one we like, so far.

These photos show the tray ceiling my dad built in our bedroom and the bottom is the kitchen. The weird stuff on the sheet rock in the kitchen is some kind of adhesive used to stick laminate to the wall as a backsplash.











Tomorrow the gutter guy is supposed to come and replace our gutters.

"If The Effects Last More Than 4 Hours...

Party on!" This line is from one of the funniest ads I've heard lately. It is done for the Quik Trip gasoline chain. The premise to the ad is that the announcer is wearing a white lab coat because when anyone does that those watching, or listening will believe whatever that person says. The entire ad is a riot, but I can't find a transcript for it anywhere.

::::::::::::::::::::



My fiesty daughter, Eve.


Funky kit by Sandra Boddington coming to The Digi Shoppe on Wednesday!


Hand Stamped Alpha and Paint Brush Stroke by Michelle Coleman


::::::::::::::::

Counter tops are being installed tomorrow! WOOO HOOO!

Anniversary layout

_{Michelle Coleman's Birthday elements}

Happy Anniversary to Us:

17 Years, today!

Still the One by Orleans:

We've been together since way back when
Sometimes I never want to see you again
But I want you to know, after all these years
You're still the one I want whisperin' in my ear

You're still the one I want to talk to in bed
Still the one that turns my head
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

I looked at your face every day
But I never saw it 'til I went away
When winter came, I just wanted to go
Deep in the desert, I longed for the snow

You're still the one that makes me laugh
Still the one that's my better half
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one that makes me strong
Still the one I want to take along
We're still having fun, and you're still the one (yes you are!)

Changing, our love is going gold
Even though we grow old, it grows new

You're still the one that I love to touch
Still the one and I can't get enough
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one who can scratch my itch
Still the one and I wouldn't switch
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one that makes me shout
Still the one that I dream about
We're still having fun, and you're still the one...

Michael and I went out to celebrate at Pappadeux's. I had a scrumptious blackened Mahi Mahi with dirty rice and crawfish etouffee. Michael had blackened tuna with dirty rice and green beans. We finished up with a shared dessert of dark chocolate brownie with icecream, fresh whipped creme and a strawberry. I felt like Violet Beauregard from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I was waiting for the Oompa Loompas to send a contingent to roll me out of the restaurant and chant some catch rhyme about over eating on your anniversary.

Here is a layout of my mercurial pre-teen at her charming best:





_{Espadrilles Kit and Design Essentials by Julie Howard at Purescrapability.com
Faux Jewels by Shabby Princess
Pewter Alpha by Auntie Pea
Font: Marcelle script/Farrah/Artistamp Medium}


:::::::::::EXAMPLE:::::::::::::

Frequently I wonder what my children pick up from my example and today I got a glimpse into what Eve has picked up. While I was putting the engineered floor together in the bedroom Eve said very happily, "I want to be like a mommy, so I need a hammer next to me!" Which leads me to wonder if she will have her own show on public television some day? She's a quick study, so I wouldn't be surprised.


::::::::::GIVING::::::::::::::

Noah and I were in the car the other day and he informed my very seriously, "Mom, Christmas is REALLY all about giving." My response was, "I bet what you really mean is that Christmas is all about GIVING to YOU!" Noah said, "Well, that's true, but you should also give to other people."

Seeing Double

_{Espadrilles kit and Design Essentials pack by Julie Howard at Purescrapability.com}


::::::::::More Doubles:::::::::::::

My dad is almost finished with the double tray ceiling and it simply rocks, people!

Our double oven arrived from California today and Michael is looking sooooo forward to splicing the electrical cord! The ovens look quite handsome!


::::::::::::::Bedtime Reading::::::::::::

We have started Peter Pan in Scarlet and the first chapter has sucked us right in to the story.

By the way, Book the 13 by Lemony Snicket was great! The Chapter about being in "the dark" had me rolling!

Celebrate

My kids really enjoying the opportunity to decorate the Christmas tree.


My niece and nephew allowing their mother take their photograph at the tree lighting in Hampton.


_{Merry and Bright kit by Julie Howard at Purescrapability.com
Sparkly Red alpha by Julie Howard from her blog
swirl by Michelle Coleman in her Birthday Element Kit
photo element from Simple Pleasures by Jen Wilson.
Font: CK Friend}

Guest C.T. for December

I am honored to be one of the guest creative team members for Julie Howard for the month of December. Here is one of her kits, "Simply Play" that can be found hereSimply Play Kit

miscellanous bits: Inked Edge from Studio Chic by Shabby Princess, Font: Pea Lis, Pottery Barn, Sketchy. Handstamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman.


:::::::::::::Template made:::::::::

Two men came over yesterday to create a template for our granite counter top. We have opted for Absolute Black granite. So, today we run around to the credit union to get the money to pay for that and then off to Ikea for the last of the cabinets.

Author's Note:

Please check out my step dad's blog:

Check this out!

Some fun new layouts:

Kit by Sandra Boddington at The Digishoppe and The Sweet Shoppe
Inked Edge by Nancie Rowe Janitz
Paper tear by Fhunglie
Font: TKdoodle


_{Festive Mood kit by Sandra Boddington at The Digishoppe
Decorative edge by Michelle Coleman}

******Check out Sandra Boddington's super cool doodles by clicking her name on the side of my blog. She is a wonderful designer and friend o' mine!

::::::::::House Update::::::::::

My dad finished framing and sheetrocking the tray ceiling. He doesn't care for my simple tastes. I wanted a simple rectangle within a rectangle. he wanted to do a modified octagon. I lean heavily to Craftsmen style, so even though I think what he wanted to do was lovely, it didn't suit me. Michael liked the color I picked for the bedroom. The color is one I saw on the Behr paint website and it's called "Mother Nature"Paint sample page. If you go to the green section you will see what I mean.

Michael, dad and I got all of the old cabinets out of the kitchen. Michael got an electric shock taking the flourescent bulb fixture down. He thought he had the correct breaker off, but there was a secondary breaker off the same outlet and he zapped himself pretty good. He is completely worn out working full-time, then coming home to work until late. He also had to work a little over-time as a favor at work. We need the money, but the toll is getting a bit much on him.

The base cabinets will hopefully be in by tomorrow evening, so the counter top folks can create a template. I also received confirmation emails from the appliance folks in California saying the oven and cooktop are coming my way. I need y'all to cross your fingers and toes so we can get all these tasks done by the time of the couple's dinner at our house.

:::::::::Phrases Aaron finds amusing::::::::::

My dad always says, "We're burnin' daylight!"

I tell the kids that Paw Paw is going to show up at our house, "at the Crack of Early!"

I hope y'all are having a great weekend!