Making Memories. Choosing Joy.

Project Life 2011 [Week 5] [Week 6] [Week 7]

So grateful that I'm keeping up with this project...not necessarily the best at keeping up with posting it to the blog, but it is usually within 2-3 days of being updated at home!

[Week 5] January 30 thru February 5, 2011

Scott had to work the auto show from 10-3. Nick worked on painting his Derby car and I worked on picking up and laundry. The boys had wiffle ball, Scott got the driveway cleaned up for this weeks predicted storm (4-12") and we had taco pie for dinner. Scott and Zach got gas for the generator.

Everyone is gearing up for this weeks storm. The grocery stores and gas stations were crazy! We are supposed to get 1-4" with ice overnight, and then tomorrow afternoon the second round begins. I hate driving on bad roads, especially ice! A life-changing quote I read today: " What does it take for us to be grateful?" Think.

The first day of February brought snow and ice. I stayed home from work (but worked from home) and the boys were terrific during a 4-hour conference call I had. Around 4:00 it started sleeting for round 2. We ended up losing power for about 3 hours, but thankfully Scott got our generator hooked up and we stayed nice and warm.

Morning brought a level 2 snow emergency warning for ______ County and a level 3 for _______ County. Scott even stayed home all day! I was lazy and read "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels." The boys played lots of dodgeball in the basement. School was delayed for tomorrow by 7 p.m.

Another cancelled school day for the boys. I wasn't feeling well so I went to work a little late. Mimi and Pipi took the boys to Findlay to Nick's favorite "Golden Corral." I got home from work at 5:30 and was exhausted! Hoping it's an early night to bed! It's a new Grey's Anatomy!

After a 2-hour delay the boys finally went back to school. Nick took Mimi's yummy cake pop's for his birthday treat, which everyone loved. We went to the  basketball game and we won again. We have a terrific record (but don't ask me what it is!)

(Nicholas did the journaling for today) My favorite thing today was going to the Cavs game. They lost to Portland Trail Blazers 112 to 105. I also go my name on the score board. Nick, Age 9.

[For this week I printed Nick's birthday pages in 8x8 to insert]

[Week 6] February 6 thru February 12, 2011

 

Because of such a busy weekend, we celebrated Nicholas' birthday today after wiffleball. He was a little disappointed at the lack of toys, but is excited to go spend all of his money on toys he wants. Afterwards the boys watched the Super Bowl and played basketball with Turner.

[Photo omitted for privacy]

Today Mom had a total knee replacement. She's spent many years in pain and I pray that after therapy is over she is pain-free. The doctor was plased with the surgery. Thankfully she was able to manage the pain overnight. Of course, Zach was most concerned with what she was eating!

Everyone always teases me with how warm I keep the house. So I tried to back it down to 73...but it is just silly to be cold (I still wear sweatshirts and slippers) when we have free heat with "Woody" the woodburning stove. So back to 74 it goes! Mom had a good day today with Physical Therapy.

We are slowly adjusting to a slightly different schedule since Mom & Dad aren't putting Nick on the bus. Nick wants to be woke up at 6:45 so he has plenty of time to eat and not rush. Mom walked today and is doing terrific! Photo: Nick's breakfast, every morning, for years!

School was delayed today for the frigit temperature. This photo was taken when I left for work at 6:45 this morning. A good day to stay home under the covers...too bad we couldn't! Mom came home from the hospital today and looks terrific!

Today was Nick's last day for basketball camp. Zach won his basketball game (undefeated!). During half-time of the J.V. and Varsity games tonight Nick got to play basketball and even scored 2 points for his team. He is so good and it was so fun to watch!

[Week 7] February 13 thru February 19, 2011

Today was Pinewood Derby day and wiffleball tournaments - of course at the same time. Nick was planning to go to the PInewood Derby, but tearfully decided to go to wiffleball. His team didn't do very well, and he regretted his decision. I told him that every day there are choices to make in life, and you just try to make the best one for you.

[Photo is of my Facebook page, a posting that I started back at the "Couch to 5k" running program. I'm too lazy to edit out all of the information on the photo...]

Happy Valentine's Day! We didn't do anything special to celebrate -- it was Scott's late night at work. I decided to love myself enough to get back to exerciing -- the "Couch to 5k" program. Hoping to stick with it in my quest to get "Fit for 40!" It felt good and there is a 5k in April that me and a co-worker are aiming for.

[Before posting this next photo let me preface it by saying that this is not some sly way to make an announcement...IT IS NOT A PHOTO FROM MY BODY!]

I went to visit Mom tonight while the boys were at basketball practice. She had alot of pain during the night but is doing better after getting her pain meds adjusted. I'm so proud of her! Sarah (my sister) sent us this photo...everything is looking great and it's so exciting that the baby looks like a --baby-- now! I pray for their health.

Tonight a new season of "Survivor" started. The boys and I began watching a few years ago when it was on Thursdays. Since Scott worked late, we would pop popcorn and it was me and the boys "date night." I love that they will still watch it with me, even when there is a game on tv to watch!

Math homework for Zach was a struggle tonight, and unfortunately I wasn't much help! These new math techniques can be frustrating for parents! Zach had basketball and Nick was content with pizza rolls for dinner. He's a picky eater, but he sure does love his pizza rolls!

For Christmas Scott gave me 4 tickets to the George Strait/Reba McEntire concert, with LeAnn Womack opening. Wendy and Bill went with us and we had a great time. We all agreed that Reba was the best. Memories made: Bill getting pulled over and telling the cop we were going to see George Jones! Wendy thinking she lost her Blackberry after we left...we turned around to look back at the stadium and later found it on the floor on my side, due to Bill's crazy driving!

Today was Zach's last regular basketball game, and they unfortunately lost. Turner came out in the afternoon to play basketball and Scott made a terrific dinner of steak, salad and tator tots. That should have been my picture for today!

Albuquerque

Finished up my Albuquerque trip from January. The pages are 8.5x11 and I plan to put them right in my Project Life album. We had such a terrific time and have so many great pictures that it was really difficult for me to decide on which photos to use.

Supplies Used:  Cathy Zielske Monthly 8.5x11 Album set | Katie Pertiet Classic Cardstock Details | Ali Edwards Moments & Memories

Happy Birthday Nicholas!

:::Gasp!:::

Look what I completed yesterday...and even before his birthday month is over! If today goes as planned (ha!) I'll hopefully be sharing more pages! Cannot believe my baby is 9!

Supplies Used:  Cathy Zielske Story Guide No. 1 | Cathy Zielske The Monthly 12x12 Album Set | Anna Aspnes StraightLine Stitched Red No 1 | Katie Pertiet Postage Strip Numbers | Katie Pertiet Naturally Krafty No 7 | Michelle Martin Michaela Solids | Katie Pertiet Digital Date Stamps

 

Oy.

I know. It's been a long time since I've written any kind of update. And I think in my last post I mentioned how I'd try to be better at updating. I guess I really need to stop saying that!
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I have no idea why my blog entries for Zach's birthday celebration have stopped posting. If you suddenly start seeing them again, I guess that means I've figured it out!
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My new work location is going okay (remember...same job, different town and building). I'm adjusting to being in a cubicle with the muzak playing, although on tough days I will play my Ipod and it helps to drown out all the distractions. I've also been going in at 7 a.m. and I'm hoping my body makes the adjustment soon (as is the rest of my family!).
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Last weekend I had an awesome, relaxing weekend with my sisters. Mom and Dad took the boys for the weekend and we did nothing but talk, eat and watch movies. It was so fun to just be with them. Thanks sisters for the weekend, for being with me and supporting me. I know I can always count on you!
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Nicholas had a fever for a couple of days this week with no other symptoms like Zachary had a few weeks ago. And the weird part...two days after the fever, they both complained about their calf muscles hurting (although Zachary couldn't walk...Nicholas just walked a little funny. The difference between the two just makes me laugh!).
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Nicholas has a new best bud that likes to call several times a day, starting as soon as they are both off the bus. He called Wednesday to see if he could come over and Nicholas told him no, it was a school night. After much prodding and getting no where with Nicholas, he asked to talk to Scott! And then, he asked to talk to me! I couldn't believe it...I was getting called out by a first grader! He asked my why he couldn't come over, and after I told him that Nicholas had homework, he said "All we have is reading. I don't want to spend the night!" The conversation totally cracked me up and I thankfully got a picture of Nicholas on the phone with him (I think it was the fourth phone call!).
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Somebody in our house is having a big birthday this week! Good thing he doesn't act as old as he is, I think!
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We had a couple of nice days this week, and I've woken up to birds chirping. Hopefully that is a promise that Spring really is around the corner! The boy's are ready to get out, and I'm ready for them to get out!
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I finally got my dining room mess cleaned up on Thursday. Just in time to make another mess. I'm scrapbooking Saturday with my Mom and Aunt and looking forward to it. I haven't done much since my trip with friends last November. I guess today and tomorrow would be a good time to start getting an idea of what I want to work on!
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Nicholas' surgery is scheduled for Friday, April 10th. Please pray that this will be a successful surgery and we can close this chapter of his, and our, life. Pray for strength for our family and for us to feel God's loving arms wrapped around us, holding us up. As the time gets closer, I'm sure I'll have more specific prayer requests. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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Zachary is doing well in school and anxious for Little League baseball to start. Last year his team was one of the best in the league, and they are used to doing well. This year, they begin kid-pitch games, so they'll be clawing their way up from the bottom again. It is so fun to watch them all together and for the team spirit to grow as they grow.
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Nicholas' has really been improving and he amazes me with his math skills. Thankfully, it seems he got his math-mind from his father, and not from me! He is also anxious for ball to start, I just pray that he heals well from his surgery and he's able to get some practice in with his team before the season starts. He has moved up to where Zachary was last year, machine-pitch. It will certainly be a big change from t-ball for him, but with his determination I hope he makes the best of it!
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I won't end with a promise of an update soon, but I will promise to try. If you are on Facebook, I have added a link to the right side.
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Have a great weekend, make it count!

Snow day.

Not surprisingly, the boy's have a snow day today. Yesterday they were dismissed at 1 p.m., thankfully. It's too cold to send them outside to play so instead we will read, put together puzzles, and watch some American Idol. We love to watch these first few shows where they show the good and bad.

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Project 365...loving it! I got my kit on Monday and am thrilled with the quality and content! Although there are clear circles included in the kit to put on your photo for the day of the week, I have decided to use some of Ali Edward's digital brushes after seeing a sample from a group I'm on (yes, there is indeed an entire group dedicated to Project 365!) and have to say that I am really happy with the results.

I know that not all of you will have an interest in our everyday life, so I have made a "Project 365" album and the link is on the right. Simply click on it to view my pictures and journaling.

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Nicholas' ear is continuing to heal well. Tomorrow will be 5 weeks since his Stage 4 surgery. I'm hoping that some of the definition will come back as the swelling goes down.

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Speaking of Nicholas, my baby will be turning 7 three weeks from today! How is that possible? Which means a birthday party. Which means figuring out what he wants for a cake. A couple of weeks ago he told me he wanted chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and a cake. Really, is there anything wrong with that? I'm hoping to get a few special things done for his birthday month, but I can't go crazy, because my first baby turns 9 in March, and what I do for Nicholas, must be done for Zachary! Don't you just love Mommy-guilt?

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Like the new banner? Sunday the boy's went sledding and I went along for the ride. After all, who else would get pictures? I snapped this picture just as Zachary was throwing snow at Scott. The clarity in the original picture is a-mazing!

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Have a great day, make it count!

Slip and Slide Fun

equals a little bit of Photoshop fun ;o)

SOOC (Straight out of the camera):

and after a couple of Pioneer Woman actions and an Ali Edwards brush:

and again, because I love them both equally ;o)

SOOC:

and the same actions with a different brush:

Obviously, once I resize the pictures to put on the blog they lose quality and are smaller...still trying to figure this all out!

And a funny story from the other night...I mentioned that Nicholas had fallen asleep early. We tried waking him up, and couldn't, so Scott carried him upstairs. About 8:30 he came downstairs, convinced that it was morning and wanting his breakfast. We finally gave up and gave him a breakfast bar, and he finally realized we were telling the truth that it was night time when it started getting dark. Silly boy!

Someday = Sunday

Last Thursday I took the boy's to the Orthodontist...it was Nicholas' first time, so on the way there Zachary and I were telling him what to expect. At one point during the conversation, I told him "someday you may need to have braces" and we explained to him what braces were. I was very impressed with the Orthodontist. He really took his time measuring Nicholas' jaw and making sure his bite was good. Due to Nicholas' hemifacial microsomia we will need to watch closely as he grows to make sure his jaws and bite stay aligned. The good news is that at this time he thought everything looked great! Fast forward to Thursday evening and we were sitting on the couch. He said "I don't want those things on my teeth Sunday. I'm too little for them." Thankfully, I realized right away what he was talking about and assured him that I said "someday" and not "Sunday." After Sunday came and went without a trip to the Orthodontist, I think he finally believed me!

So, the other night was I was looking at the 300+ photos I've taken over the last few weeks and I realized a few things: 1) I need to delete a lot of photos! 2) I need to learn how to use my camera better, because I know that my camera has the capabilities to take fantastic photos 3) I need to learn photoshop and 4) I need to start using my computer for more than email and the internet!

And here's what happened. I decided to read my daily blog favorites and this was my first stop: Ali Edwards. And all last week she had posts on digital scrapbooking. And I got sucked in. I just know the very very basics in Photoshop, and I was determined to figure it out. And without too much frustration, here's one that I've edited:

So fun!

And other way exciting news for me...a few weeks ago I went to the mall during my lunch hour to get my nails done, and instead walked out with a broadband card from Verizon. Right now they are free and you have a 30-day trial to see how it works. Hooked. It works fantastically! I'm really surprised at how much faster the internet is! So, my 30 days is almost up and I'm thinking it's a keeper...afterall, I wouldn't want to hurt it's feelings...I guess I'll have to come up with a name for my new friend!

Yesterday I called and scheduled Nicholas' next stage for reconstruction. It will be September 12th and this is the surgery where they will take a skin graft from his hip and elevate his ear from his head. Unfortunately, he will need to be out of school for a week, but it will be worth it...almost done!

Speaking of skin grafts, here's a picture of his arm from his canalplasty in April of 2007:

And here's a picture of his scars to date (he fell asleep at 6:00 tonight after swimming...I'm thinking he's going to be up pretty early tomorrow!)

Work has been going great for me. I'm surprised at how much I like being in the coporate world, and it has certainly given me a new appreciation for all they do. My days go by very quickly, which is a great thing. If I have to be there, I'd rather be busy!

I purged and am re-organizing my scrapbook area, in the hopes that it gives me some inspiration to do something! If so, I'll be sure to share!

Love.

To celebrate love week, I spent the day (inbetween a nap) uploading scans of the album I made last month for the store to share with you. The album is American Crafts, paper is Scenic Route. The journaling sheers (my new favorite!) is Maya Road. I had a great time making this album, and thinking of many of the people I love while doing so. Celebrate your love this week!

To view the entire album, look over to the right in the "I Love" album.

A busy day.

Second cup of coffee is almost gone. I guess that means it's time to tackle the mess in the dining room scrapbook room. And keep children entertained enough so that the rest of the house doesn't become a disaster in the process. Right now they are busy filling the pinata for the big birthday party this evening (it was either a pinata or Chuckie Cheese...not that there's anything wrong with that.) The chances of lice with a pinata are less, so that was a no-brainer!

I'll be glad to get the scrapbook area cleaned up. It's been a few weeks since I've done anything in there. This week (Hey Robin, this is where you can stop reading!) I ordered Becky Higgin's School kit and I'm anxious to get it. I haven't done anything since Zachary's Kindergarten pages. It sold out in just a few hours, so I'm really glad I ordered it when I did! For those of you that received a Christmas Card from me, this kit is from the same artist that made the Christmas Card kit.

Speaking of scrapbooking and artist, my BIL Matt was kind enough to send me a link yesterday. I was amazed at how serious some women are! I am passionate about scrapbooking, but really? Going to this kind of extreme? Maybe they need something else in their life to focus on for awhile...

Here's the link.

And Matt, here's a picture just for you:

With that being said, I love being a "life artist." I've put out Nicholas' scrapbooks for his party, specifically the album of his first year, and of the last year. It is such a joy looking back and reading what I was feeling and what was going on at that time in our lives.

Time to cross more off the list. I'll have a piece of Mimi's yummy birthday cake for each of you tonight!

Edited to add: Two months from today is the first stage of Nicholas' Microtia reconstruction! I know the time is going to go quickly!

Lots to say...

First of all, something I want to remember, because it is fun to look back and read something that I completely forgot about...and one of my goals for 2008 is to write/blog more to remember the little things.

I'm sure I've mentioned before the sweetness of Nicholas. Here's another example:

"You're the best Mom I've ever had. I want to keep you forever and ever!"

Talk about melting your heart! Sure honey, go ahead and have as many cookies as you want!

And in other news...

We've made a decision. A huge step for us. After telling Scott my feelings regarding the two Microtia reconstruction doctors, we have decided that we both feel the most comfortable with Dr. Burt Brent in California. I really wanted to be able to not travel so far...flying is not my most favorite thing in the world to do. I'm not terrified of it, but I certainly am not comfortable with it either. Every little noise or bump scares me. But what scares me more is regretting a decision I made simply because I don't like to fly. I told Scott that my biggest fear was if we used another doctor, I would always wonder what Nicholas' ear could have looked like if we had gone to Dr. Brent, even if we were happy with the results. And then one night as I lay awake, I realized that if Dr. Brent called us tomorrow and said "We have an opening for tomorrow" I wouldn't have hesitated to put Nicholas in his hands. But if Dr. Jones would have called and said the same, I would have had to say "let me think about it."

And one more amazing thing happened. Dr. Brent called and left a message on a Friday evening, wondering how Nicholas was doing. And he called again on Saturday but I someone was too chicken to answer the phone. And then a couple of weeks later he called again, and left another message because that same person was still too chicken to tell him we were considering another doctor. Finally, when he called again that evening, I took a deep breath and said "Hello." He is such an amazing and caring person. Right away I felt comfortable talking to him. He remembered that Nicholas has a speech disorder and wanted me to tell him about it. He asked if Nicholas had brothers or sisters, and after I told him that he had an older brother, he told me a couple of stories of him and his older brother. He asked me if Nicholas was ready for surgery. He asked me all about Nicholas' successfuly canalplasty with Dr. Kesser. And then he asked me if I had been in contact with his office. And I took another deep breath and spilled it. And after our conversation, I knew in the bottom of my heart, that is where we needed to be.

I called his office last week to see about a surgery date, and it looks like it may be in April. I know that will be here before I know it.

What else?

• The boy's went back to school this week. Everyone was ready to go back, but we sure weren't ready to get back into homework at night! We are finally getting back into a routine.
• I've been working on a fun little scrapbook project for the store that I'm a design team member for. I'm hoping to finish it this evening and take tomorrow. It's an "I Love" album...after seeing all of the fun Valentine's paper from Scenic Route I couldn't resist. Really...how could this yummy paper not bring a smile to your face? I don't normally go all out for Valentine's Day, but I may just have to make an exception this year and celebrate love in a big way.
• I've come across a couple of fun blogs in recent days. If you scrapbook, or even if you don't, and want to have a fun way to remember the little things that often get overlooked, check out this blog. I think it would have been so cool to have pictures of overlooked things when Scott and I were first married, and to be able to compare them to now. I'm really hoping to complete these challenges this year. And here is my first picture to go with the first challenge:

Doesn't it just make you smile?

• And while I'm on the subject of scrapbooking (Did you all know I was so passionate about scrapbooking? I most definitely am.), one of my favorite scrapbook artists, Ali Edwards, has chosen her word for 2008, and challenged her readers to do the same. After thinking about it for a week, I finally decided that I simply could not find a better word in 2008 for me and my family than what she did: Vitality. Vitality is the state of being strong and active; energy. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually. Creatively. In 2008 I will certainly need to be strong. and active. and have energy for it all, emotionally and physically. There have been many words listed on her blog from readers, words they chose, so check it out if you have time. It was interesting to read.
• I have a new favorite blog: The Pioneer Woman. I love the way she writes. Her stories are very funny. It's definitely worth a read...espcially her "Black Heels to Tractor Wheels" entries although you really should begin reading it from the beginning...you won't be sorry!

Off to get the troops in bed! Have a good day, make it count!