So all day, I have been thinking about what it is that I want to resolve this New Year...what I want to accomplish. I looked back at my post from last year and I must say, that I was able to accomplish a majority of my goals/resolutions and I am proud of that. I think that I will take this year differently as I plan on adopting a concept by Ali Edwards, pick one word for the year and do things that revolve around that word and most importantly for me, scrapbook it and my journey to it.
Here is a little bit about her concept on the Word of the year:
"One little word
A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.
Last fall in issue two of this newsletter I wrote about the power of words and gave my top ten tips for getting those words down when you are scrapbooking. Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts.
Last year I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January - a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way. My word was play.
I thought a lot about play and what it means to me. I tried to incorporate it more into my everyday and on my adventures out in the crazy world. For me, it was a lot about living without fear - about being more open to experiences with an attitude of playfulness. The word play found its way onto many scrapbook pages and into many stories I told throughout the year.
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
You may be wondering, what in the heck does this all have to do with scrapbooking? For me, words are at the heart of what I do. The photos are a huge part, but the words bring it all home. Often times I will begin a layout with a single word. That word becomes my guide as I create my page. It helps me focus the story I am trying to tell and gives me an instant, easy graphic title approach. How often has a word directed your creativity when working on layouts? "
So after re-reading about this from her blog, I have pondered over my word for a couple of days now and the word that I have chosen for 2008 is COMMIT
I will post more about this word come New Years...more about what it means to me and how I plan on striving for it in 2008.
We do not have any big plans for New Year's Eve. One of my dear friends invited all of us over for a small gathering with some other of my friends and their families...yes the kids are welcomed too. I am not sure we will go as Alex and Allegra have doctor's appointments tomorrow and they will be getting their updated shots and yearly checkup...it will depend upon how they are doing. New Year's has been very different for us since the birth of Alex and Allegra...we use to party it up either going out or giving the parties ourselves at
"The 7445" or at "Rick & Al's" (the first name is our street address and the other is of course our names and all of our family and friends would refer to our parties in that way...like they were going to a real nightclub, especially with Rick being a DJ and my MIL always catering our parties with food to die for and of course with me being the hostess of the evening...we really use to party it up)
I worked today at Windy City Scrapbooking and it was really busy...which I love when it is busy as it makes the day go by quicker. There are so many things in store for that store in 2008 and I hope to continue to play a part as I love spending my free time there. I love all of my coworkers and I also love meeting all the people that come in and helping them create and make their memories last.
Rick and I plan on watching a movie tonight so I will say good night
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Naughty and/or Nice...
is what these two are and probably always will be...
Here are some photos of Alex and Allegra on Christmas Eve. We went to Chicago Ridge Mall to FINALLY take our Annual Family Holiday Photo. I am going to make sure that next year, we try to get someone to come to our home and take photos as Rick and I was not pleased with the outcome of our shoot...we just ended up getting the free photo from The Picture People (thanks Susan for that coupon) and I will not get anymore.
In these photos... we were in line waiting to see Santa and Allegra was the nice one while Alexandre' was the naughty one. Now we already saw Santa a few weeks ago at Skinner Park which is where Alex goes to play basketball...they had an event where the kids could come and take photos with Santa and have cookies and play in the bouncy house and all of that...well, Alex was fine with Santa while Allegra did not want any parts of him. I have to say that she did not want to sit on his lap or speak with him because he was not the right one...in her mind and in her words she wanted to sit on the lap of the Santa that she had been seeing on television, not the African American one that was at Skinner Park, so we took her to Chicago Ridge Mall, and she was quite comfortable with this Santa as she sat on his lap and told him what she wanted. I did not get a photo of her with him...just of him and these of them waiting to see him. Of course I did explain to both of them that Santa comes in all colors and shapes and we talked about the true meaning of Christmas. We will see what happens next year. So we took our photos and went out to my MIL's for Christmas Eve dinner. I am really glad that she decided to host Christmas Eve this year as I was suppose to but I will not complain. The twins received about 4 outfits a piece, underwear, along with a Strawberry Shortcake bath set, Bratz doll, books, and tights for Allegra and Alexandre' received a Spiderman shave bath set, Hotwheels cars, books, and socks. I was pleasantly surprised with pajamas and a bag full of different seasonings and spices to cook with (my MIL is a great cook and I am always asking her what she uses, which is more than the salt and pepper that I use)
So on Christmas morning, the twins woke up first and they came running to our room all excited about what they saw...more gifts under the tree. We all got up and went to the tree and of course Mommy had her camera. I think that Alex and Allegra did really good as they received a V-tech gaming system that attaches to the television along with a couple of games, more clothes, more Bratz dolls, more Spiderman action figures, books, shoes,and puzzles...along with a few more this and thats. Adonis received some Air Jordans, Ben Wallace gym shoes, a couple of outfits and also a workout bench...yes, our soon to be 13 year old is into lifting weights...he even has a little six pack. So Rick and I was not suppose to exchange gifts but Rick has to always surprise me...with a pair of diamond earrings...gotta love him. I will have to be sure to really do something special for him for his 40th birthday next year. After opening all of our gifts, Rick had to take Adonis home...as he has always done to be with his mother on Christmas Day. Once he returned, I fixed a nice breakfast and we got dressed to go out to Rick's father's house. More outfits, and toys for the twins...too much to mention. They had a great Christmas and I was again surprised by my FIL as he bought me a gift certificate to SpaWish and to Borders bookstore and Rick received a HD DVD player. We had a great Christmas.
Happy Holidays to All
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Friday, December 21, 2007
4 more Days...
Until the birth of Jesus Christ.
I really want to make sure that my children do understand the meaning of Christmas, that it is Jesus' birthday and everything that goes along with it...the spirit of giving.
This week has been a busy one for the Colemans. Started out with Monday, the 17th being the twins 4th birthday. I can not believe that it has been 4 years since the birth of my Dynamic Duo, Alexandre' Johari and Allegra Imari. I just love their names. They were born on 12/17/03 at 12:11pm and 12:13pm. Alexandre' was first at
7lbs, 5oz and Allegra was 6lbs, 10 oz and I was 38 weeks and 4 days along before I was induced, and no, I did not have a c-section. Being a mother of twins has truly been a blessing from God...I can remember when we first discovered that I was carrying twins, at my first ultrasound at 24 weeks, we were so surprised and could not believe it...I have my grandmother to thank as she had two sets of twins
For their birthday, we kept things really simple. I took hot dogs, chips, juice and cupcakes to their preschool program. This will actually be there last time attending this program as they will be attending Chicago Public School Preschool for all on January 7th as an opening came about in the middle of the year to one of the schools I applied for. That will be an exciting thing for them to experience next month and I will finally be able to begin to use all of the school themed papers and embellishments that I have been saving for when they started preschool.
I took the twins to see my FIL after school and we spent so time at the school at which he is the principal at. My BIL was there too so it was good to spend time with both of them. So for their birthday, they both received money and clothes, Alexandre' received a shake & go car to go with his growing collection of shake and gos and he received a remote control hummer truck and some books and Allegra received a doodle bear (she LOVES to color and draw, almost as much as she loves princess toys) and she also received books and a Vtech laptop computer. My FIL will be getting Alex one for Christmas, he thought that he would not like it and that they would share...NOT!!!!!!!!!! Allegra was not having Alex play with her laptop, in the beginning but she started to let him play with it. Rufus (my FIL) still wants him to have his own.
I pretty much worked the majority of this week and took today and tomorrow off as I try to get my homemade gifts in order and prepare for my Scrap On Sistah Crop tomorrow. The theme is Feliz Navidad so we are to dress in Hispanic wear and I can safely assume that the hostess will serve Hispanic food. I love the fact that my group tries to come up with theme crops as it really makes it fun and exciting...something to really look forward to on top of cropping, eating, and girlfriend time. I will be working on my FIL table top calendar and my MIL birthday album along with tweaking my Acrylic Holiday Album which I am teaching this Sunday...I have 3 people signed up for this class and I have already taught it to 3 which is great for me. I have to now come up with a sample for my class that I am teaching next month and try to get creative for our Teacher Open House at Windy City Scrapbooking and come up with more classes.
My "little friend" came this month and as always she came with a vengeance...I have the WORST periods and I know it is from having fibroids, that I did not know I had until I was pregnant. Now that our health insurance has kicked in, I have to make it my #1 priority to get myself checked out, a complete physical, this will be one of my resolutions for next year.
Rick had to deejay a couple of holiday parties this week, one for Corliss High School's administration and the other for Jackie Robinson's Elementary School's administration. I love that during this time of year, well actually anytime, Rick will get a call and he has the chance to do what he loves and that is deejaying. No, it is not his day/night job...we call it his hustle and he has been doing it since he was 13 years old (he will be 40 next March) Love to get that extra cash.
So the tree is up, still did not do my mantle...will do this weekend, as long as I do it before or on Christmas Eve...yes I am a slacker this year, will try to do better next year.
I am up washing my never ever ending loads of laundry and watching the news. Once Rick leaves for work, I may finish packing my scrap tote for tomorrow's crop
I also have to wrap my secret sister gift to give to tomorrow at our SOS crop. I was a secret sister to two people this year(both scrap related) and it was really great to give to another scrapper...things that they wanted and also things that you may feel that they may like. I hope that both of my secret pals will enjoy their blessings from me.
Just want to show some photos of Alex and Allegra on their 4th Birthday...I love my babies SOOOOOO MUCH and I love my husband too. I feel as though my hubby compliments me and my babies complete me and I am so fortunate to have them all.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I really want to make sure that my children do understand the meaning of Christmas, that it is Jesus' birthday and everything that goes along with it...the spirit of giving.
This week has been a busy one for the Colemans. Started out with Monday, the 17th being the twins 4th birthday. I can not believe that it has been 4 years since the birth of my Dynamic Duo, Alexandre' Johari and Allegra Imari. I just love their names. They were born on 12/17/03 at 12:11pm and 12:13pm. Alexandre' was first at
7lbs, 5oz and Allegra was 6lbs, 10 oz and I was 38 weeks and 4 days along before I was induced, and no, I did not have a c-section. Being a mother of twins has truly been a blessing from God...I can remember when we first discovered that I was carrying twins, at my first ultrasound at 24 weeks, we were so surprised and could not believe it...I have my grandmother to thank as she had two sets of twins
For their birthday, we kept things really simple. I took hot dogs, chips, juice and cupcakes to their preschool program. This will actually be there last time attending this program as they will be attending Chicago Public School Preschool for all on January 7th as an opening came about in the middle of the year to one of the schools I applied for. That will be an exciting thing for them to experience next month and I will finally be able to begin to use all of the school themed papers and embellishments that I have been saving for when they started preschool.
I took the twins to see my FIL after school and we spent so time at the school at which he is the principal at. My BIL was there too so it was good to spend time with both of them. So for their birthday, they both received money and clothes, Alexandre' received a shake & go car to go with his growing collection of shake and gos and he received a remote control hummer truck and some books and Allegra received a doodle bear (she LOVES to color and draw, almost as much as she loves princess toys) and she also received books and a Vtech laptop computer. My FIL will be getting Alex one for Christmas, he thought that he would not like it and that they would share...NOT!!!!!!!!!! Allegra was not having Alex play with her laptop, in the beginning but she started to let him play with it. Rufus (my FIL) still wants him to have his own.
I pretty much worked the majority of this week and took today and tomorrow off as I try to get my homemade gifts in order and prepare for my Scrap On Sistah Crop tomorrow. The theme is Feliz Navidad so we are to dress in Hispanic wear and I can safely assume that the hostess will serve Hispanic food. I love the fact that my group tries to come up with theme crops as it really makes it fun and exciting...something to really look forward to on top of cropping, eating, and girlfriend time. I will be working on my FIL table top calendar and my MIL birthday album along with tweaking my Acrylic Holiday Album which I am teaching this Sunday...I have 3 people signed up for this class and I have already taught it to 3 which is great for me. I have to now come up with a sample for my class that I am teaching next month and try to get creative for our Teacher Open House at Windy City Scrapbooking and come up with more classes.
My "little friend" came this month and as always she came with a vengeance...I have the WORST periods and I know it is from having fibroids, that I did not know I had until I was pregnant. Now that our health insurance has kicked in, I have to make it my #1 priority to get myself checked out, a complete physical, this will be one of my resolutions for next year.
Rick had to deejay a couple of holiday parties this week, one for Corliss High School's administration and the other for Jackie Robinson's Elementary School's administration. I love that during this time of year, well actually anytime, Rick will get a call and he has the chance to do what he loves and that is deejaying. No, it is not his day/night job...we call it his hustle and he has been doing it since he was 13 years old (he will be 40 next March) Love to get that extra cash.
So the tree is up, still did not do my mantle...will do this weekend, as long as I do it before or on Christmas Eve...yes I am a slacker this year, will try to do better next year.
I am up washing my never ever ending loads of laundry and watching the news. Once Rick leaves for work, I may finish packing my scrap tote for tomorrow's crop
I also have to wrap my secret sister gift to give to tomorrow at our SOS crop. I was a secret sister to two people this year(both scrap related) and it was really great to give to another scrapper...things that they wanted and also things that you may feel that they may like. I hope that both of my secret pals will enjoy their blessings from me.
Just want to show some photos of Alex and Allegra on their 4th Birthday...I love my babies SOOOOOO MUCH and I love my husband too. I feel as though my hubby compliments me and my babies complete me and I am so fortunate to have them all.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, December 16, 2007
10 More Shopping Days...
until Christmas...
and we finally put up our tree...TODAY!!!
Yeah for us!
We are all very tired since we were up late last night...
We were so foolish, to go out, yesterday early evening, and get our babies Christmas gifts and birthday gifts out of layaway at Kmart in Tinley Park and we were caught in the snowstorm that hit the Chicago land area last night. At first I was going to go by myself but Rick wanted us all to go...we dropped Adonis and the twins off at Rick's aunt house while we went and finished our Christmas shopping for the twins and also grocery shopping (since we were out...I really do like K-mart's grocery section) By the time we were finished and walked out of K-mart, there were about 10 blankets of snow that had fallen. I was so scared as Rick drove like 15 miles/hour to get to his aunt's house to get the kids and I was terrified as we made our way back into the city via the highway that had not been touched by plow/salt trucks. The kids were so strung out on cookies and candy from being at Rick's aunts house that they mad the drive back home very interesting with their singing and conversation about Santa Claus ( I will have to make sure to blog about their thoughts on Santa)
Well, a trip that normally takes 20 minutes on a good day took 2 hours and 30 minutes last night. I was in constant prayer hoping that God would protect us and others out that night as we did see a few accidents along the way.
Glad my prayers were answered as we did get home safely...So time for some holiday fun...
Our tree is up, I still have some more decorations to put up but at least the main decoration is up...our tree.
So I am now baking for a cookie exchange that we are having at Windy City Scrapbooking...not doing what I wanted to do but hey...my oven is on and I am adding eggs, butter, and mixing with a wooden spoon...hope I do not burn them. So I did buy store bought cookies, but they are the ones that you still have to put a little loving and in the oven...honey. I made sugar cookies (garnished with m&m's, oatmeal chocolate chip, and reese's pieces sugar cookies...a 2 dozen each type. We have a meeting today to discuss what is old and of course what is new with the store and just a chance for us to get together for the holidays...outside of work but at work.
I am only staying for a couple of hours, max since I have to come home and cook dinner.
Tomorrow is Alex and Allegra's 4th birthday...I cannot believe that they are now 4...I want my babies back!!!
I plan on taking cupcakes and ice cream to the school.
Alittle update on this week's past...we went to the Museum of Science and Industry on Wednesday to see "Christmas trees around the World" and it was a great little field trip for us. We went with Mocha Moms Cocoa Cubs and Alex and Allegra had a great time. By the time we got to the 5th tree, Alex was whining about he did not want to see any more trees and he had the face to match.
Also...I have found a preschool for Alex and Allegra...I will have to update about this little endeavor but if things go as planned they will not be at Kenicott Park in January...Kenicott has been so good to us and for us but as they get bigger and school aged, we do need more of a challenge and more of a curriculum based program and it will be time for them to move on. Will update later about this one.
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Friday, December 07, 2007
Thank goodness...
It is Friday and the weekend BABY!!!
So my Friday was a good one, matter of fact my whole week has been good.
Recap of my week
Monday...I worked at Windy City
Tuesday...I worked at Windy City and I was supposed to teach a Basic class that night but I ended up having to cancel it due to the snow storm that hit Chicago. I like snow...fresh snow that is but I hate the cold. One thing that may surprise people about me and snow is that I like to eat fresh snow. There has been times when I have put a cup out on the porch and let it fill up and then I will eat it with a spoon. I have also been known to eat the frost off of freezers...only my mother's freezer and our deep freezer does this and when I see it I just grab my spoon. I just have a thing for ice. I do not like winter that much...every time it gets cold in Chicago, I always complain and say I want to move to another city, well, I will be 39 next year and I am still here, go figure. ;) I thought that Christina, the owner of Windy City, was not going to get to go on her anniversary trip to Mexico, because of the weather but she did leave out early Wednesday morning after all of the snow fell.
Wednesday...I worked at Windy City...I ran some errands before hand (grocery store, bank, gas station, post office)
Thursday...I worked at Windy City and afterwards, I went to an informational meeting in Hyde Park about public school options in Hyde Park. Even though I live in South Shore, I would NEVER consider the twins attending public school in this area. The neighborhood school is one of the worse schools in the Chicago land area and I am not ready for my children to be the sacrificial lambs. I do plan on being involved where they attend, I am just not up to being a trailblazer...is that wrong of me? Well, I just want them to have the best education, just like I was given and even more. The information given to me at the meeting was kinda of scary...they talked about the lottery system, the fact that Alex and Allegra might not be in the same class. My last resort, which is not a bad one is for me to put them in Catholic school. If that happens, I would have to go back to work...full time, unless, Rick finds a better job, which he is diligently working on. Part of me wants to return back to work, full time so that we will not feel the crunch at times and the other part of me wants to stay at home full time to be there for Alex and Allegra. Time will tell what happens in the end.
Friday...I went to my Mocha Moms Pot Luck. We had a BALL...so much fun was had by all of the mommies. We ate, drank, danced, ate, drank, laughed, danced, and ate and drank some more...all between the hours of 10am-2pm. I did not have to pick up the twins as Rick picked them up. I love being around Mocha Moms...they are my greatest support and helping me with the mommy thing. I am so glad that I found of group of women that supported my decision to stay at home with the twins and just be a better wife and mother. The group also has blessed me with many friendships that I truly value and plan on having forever. My twins even have friendships that I hope will continue throughout their lives in some type of capacity.
Of course , I had my camera and was taking photos of everyone and everything from us having a Soul Train line to the before and afters of Nicole's infamous peach cobbler. Afterwards. I went to work at Windy City...it was a slow night but that was okay since we had plenty of jobs to do.
This weekend, I plan on taking the twins and Adonis (my soon to be 13 year old step-son) to Skinner Park in the morning. Santa is suppose to be there and they are having other activities for the kids to do. I also may take them to see a play at Chase Park later on in the day...it all depends on how everyone is feeling. Rick has a meeting to attend so we will meet with him later. We are going to his mother's birthday party later on tomorrow night. The twins are going to my mother's and Adonis will be going with us...that is the plan. I have to work on Sunday so Rick will be solo with all of his kids...they should have a ball. I really would like to put the tree up this weekend, but I have to CLEAN UP... I know I have been stressing alot about cleaning up and it is not like my house is nasty or too junky...I think I have just the right amount of junk for a family of four that consists of 2 adults and 2 preschoolers. I just want to deep clean, like I would for spring cleaning, de-cluttering and purging and it is just hard to do since I have been working alot of hours and Rick has been tired during the day, since he is working nights...we will see if this happens this weekend...if not, it will have to happen next weekend FOR SURE for that will be the last full weekend before Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas...I am upset at my self for not doing an advent Calendar. I saw a Making Memories one in Target the other day that Sesil told me about and I also saw one on a lady's blog that was too cute and I have seen them in some of the scrapbooking galleries online. Now that I know that they are doable I will for sure be on the lookout for one after the holidays that I can alter for next year...especially since my twins keep asking me if Christmas is today...even after I show them the dates on the calendars
Scrap related...I really do not have anything planned for this weekend...just organizing, as always. I received my gift from my Secret Santa from a swap I am doing on Life Time Moments. I was very happy with what she sent me. I really can not wait to find out who she is. I also sent my gift to my Elf. I really hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed putting it together for her. While I am at the store on Sunday, I have to start pulling items for this month's design team at the store. I really enjoy being Design Team Coordinator at the store...I gives me a challenge each month and I just enjoy putting the kits together. Christina has given me liberty the past two months and has really made me feel confident. Our design team is really awesome and I love the work they produce when they return their layouts and projects. There is so much I want to do with and for the design team...I know it is only a matter of time.
Rick really surprised me as he wants me to create desk calendar for his father...I am going to make one for his mother too. I will work on the photos this weekend, getting them together for each month and I plan on actually making it next weekend or at least before Christmas Eve.
Well off to bed since we will have a busy day tomorrow
Hugs & Kisses
Me
So my Friday was a good one, matter of fact my whole week has been good.
Recap of my week
Monday...I worked at Windy City
Tuesday...I worked at Windy City and I was supposed to teach a Basic class that night but I ended up having to cancel it due to the snow storm that hit Chicago. I like snow...fresh snow that is but I hate the cold. One thing that may surprise people about me and snow is that I like to eat fresh snow. There has been times when I have put a cup out on the porch and let it fill up and then I will eat it with a spoon. I have also been known to eat the frost off of freezers...only my mother's freezer and our deep freezer does this and when I see it I just grab my spoon. I just have a thing for ice. I do not like winter that much...every time it gets cold in Chicago, I always complain and say I want to move to another city, well, I will be 39 next year and I am still here, go figure. ;) I thought that Christina, the owner of Windy City, was not going to get to go on her anniversary trip to Mexico, because of the weather but she did leave out early Wednesday morning after all of the snow fell.
Wednesday...I worked at Windy City...I ran some errands before hand (grocery store, bank, gas station, post office)
Thursday...I worked at Windy City and afterwards, I went to an informational meeting in Hyde Park about public school options in Hyde Park. Even though I live in South Shore, I would NEVER consider the twins attending public school in this area. The neighborhood school is one of the worse schools in the Chicago land area and I am not ready for my children to be the sacrificial lambs. I do plan on being involved where they attend, I am just not up to being a trailblazer...is that wrong of me? Well, I just want them to have the best education, just like I was given and even more. The information given to me at the meeting was kinda of scary...they talked about the lottery system, the fact that Alex and Allegra might not be in the same class. My last resort, which is not a bad one is for me to put them in Catholic school. If that happens, I would have to go back to work...full time, unless, Rick finds a better job, which he is diligently working on. Part of me wants to return back to work, full time so that we will not feel the crunch at times and the other part of me wants to stay at home full time to be there for Alex and Allegra. Time will tell what happens in the end.
Friday...I went to my Mocha Moms Pot Luck. We had a BALL...so much fun was had by all of the mommies. We ate, drank, danced, ate, drank, laughed, danced, and ate and drank some more...all between the hours of 10am-2pm. I did not have to pick up the twins as Rick picked them up. I love being around Mocha Moms...they are my greatest support and helping me with the mommy thing. I am so glad that I found of group of women that supported my decision to stay at home with the twins and just be a better wife and mother. The group also has blessed me with many friendships that I truly value and plan on having forever. My twins even have friendships that I hope will continue throughout their lives in some type of capacity.
Of course , I had my camera and was taking photos of everyone and everything from us having a Soul Train line to the before and afters of Nicole's infamous peach cobbler. Afterwards. I went to work at Windy City...it was a slow night but that was okay since we had plenty of jobs to do.
This weekend, I plan on taking the twins and Adonis (my soon to be 13 year old step-son) to Skinner Park in the morning. Santa is suppose to be there and they are having other activities for the kids to do. I also may take them to see a play at Chase Park later on in the day...it all depends on how everyone is feeling. Rick has a meeting to attend so we will meet with him later. We are going to his mother's birthday party later on tomorrow night. The twins are going to my mother's and Adonis will be going with us...that is the plan. I have to work on Sunday so Rick will be solo with all of his kids...they should have a ball. I really would like to put the tree up this weekend, but I have to CLEAN UP... I know I have been stressing alot about cleaning up and it is not like my house is nasty or too junky...I think I have just the right amount of junk for a family of four that consists of 2 adults and 2 preschoolers. I just want to deep clean, like I would for spring cleaning, de-cluttering and purging and it is just hard to do since I have been working alot of hours and Rick has been tired during the day, since he is working nights...we will see if this happens this weekend...if not, it will have to happen next weekend FOR SURE for that will be the last full weekend before Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas...I am upset at my self for not doing an advent Calendar. I saw a Making Memories one in Target the other day that Sesil told me about and I also saw one on a lady's blog that was too cute and I have seen them in some of the scrapbooking galleries online. Now that I know that they are doable I will for sure be on the lookout for one after the holidays that I can alter for next year...especially since my twins keep asking me if Christmas is today...even after I show them the dates on the calendars
Scrap related...I really do not have anything planned for this weekend...just organizing, as always. I received my gift from my Secret Santa from a swap I am doing on Life Time Moments. I was very happy with what she sent me. I really can not wait to find out who she is. I also sent my gift to my Elf. I really hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed putting it together for her. While I am at the store on Sunday, I have to start pulling items for this month's design team at the store. I really enjoy being Design Team Coordinator at the store...I gives me a challenge each month and I just enjoy putting the kits together. Christina has given me liberty the past two months and has really made me feel confident. Our design team is really awesome and I love the work they produce when they return their layouts and projects. There is so much I want to do with and for the design team...I know it is only a matter of time.
Rick really surprised me as he wants me to create desk calendar for his father...I am going to make one for his mother too. I will work on the photos this weekend, getting them together for each month and I plan on actually making it next weekend or at least before Christmas Eve.
Well off to bed since we will have a busy day tomorrow
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Old Man Winter...
Has come out to play and I am not ready to do so...
Everytime that winter comes to Chicago, I always say I want to move...no such luck thus far.
Today was a good day...
I can not complain...I need to keep working on getting the twins off to school on time, especially since I am planning on enrolling them into Preschool next fall. They are suppose to be at Kennicott at 9am and I always get them there at least b4 9:30am...all in all , I have to do better. Yes, I lay out clothes the night before, yes I wake up a little before them, but once they are up, the game plan changes and we wind up being late....not to mention, they like to see Rick when he comes in from work. I really hope he finds a better job where he is not working overnights...I really miss him at night, sleeping with him and waking up with him but at least he is working, for that I am grateful.
I went to work today at Windy City Scrapbooking. It was suppost to be a long day since I was scheduled to teach a Basics class, but it ended up being canceled due to people calling in and canceling...which was okay with me, since I was very tired from being there since 10am. I was glad to get home early and spend time with Alex and Allegra. I was glad that I kept their boots from last year...their feet did not grow that much since las yeaar and they will be able to wear the boots I bought them one more season...lucky for us and our pocket books. I still want to get them another winter coat with matching accesories. While I am blogging tonight I am also tackling my many loads of laundry...this is truly not one of Rick's strong points in helping with chores around the house, but we do manage for there are things around the house that is not my strong points either.
I have a Mocha Moms Holiday Potluck to attend this Friday and my MIL birthday party this Saturday so I am looking forward to the weekend so that I can relax and unwind with family and friends...I love the Holiday Season.
I really do hope that I am able to clean house this week so that we can get our decorations up...Let's cross our fingers and hope that I do not get to tired and boggled down
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Everytime that winter comes to Chicago, I always say I want to move...no such luck thus far.
Today was a good day...
I can not complain...I need to keep working on getting the twins off to school on time, especially since I am planning on enrolling them into Preschool next fall. They are suppose to be at Kennicott at 9am and I always get them there at least b4 9:30am...all in all , I have to do better. Yes, I lay out clothes the night before, yes I wake up a little before them, but once they are up, the game plan changes and we wind up being late....not to mention, they like to see Rick when he comes in from work. I really hope he finds a better job where he is not working overnights...I really miss him at night, sleeping with him and waking up with him but at least he is working, for that I am grateful.
I went to work today at Windy City Scrapbooking. It was suppost to be a long day since I was scheduled to teach a Basics class, but it ended up being canceled due to people calling in and canceling...which was okay with me, since I was very tired from being there since 10am. I was glad to get home early and spend time with Alex and Allegra. I was glad that I kept their boots from last year...their feet did not grow that much since las yeaar and they will be able to wear the boots I bought them one more season...lucky for us and our pocket books. I still want to get them another winter coat with matching accesories. While I am blogging tonight I am also tackling my many loads of laundry...this is truly not one of Rick's strong points in helping with chores around the house, but we do manage for there are things around the house that is not my strong points either.
I have a Mocha Moms Holiday Potluck to attend this Friday and my MIL birthday party this Saturday so I am looking forward to the weekend so that I can relax and unwind with family and friends...I love the Holiday Season.
I really do hope that I am able to clean house this week so that we can get our decorations up...Let's cross our fingers and hope that I do not get to tired and boggled down
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Catching Up...
On alot, as always
I always have good intentions to do my blog, but sometimes...I get sucked into other projects such as cleaning, kids, cooking, etc...
Also...I spend time looking at some of my favorite blogs that I do not even post on mine as I should...again, with time, I will get better.
I am up this morning...tired as always. I stayed up kinda of late making cards for Windy City Scrapbooking's first holiday card swap. I think mine came out cute...Here they are: I used Basic Grey Figgy Pudding for these cards...I signed up for 2 groups so I had to make a total of 12 cards...6 different for each group. I hope the members in my groups enjoy them either for themselves or they send them to a loved one, or they may decide to use it as an accent piece on their scrapbook page. Either way...I had fun creating the cards.
I was off this Saturday and Sunday and I wish I had taken more days off. I had originally planned on doing some deep house cleaning to get the house in order to put our decorations up next week...let us just say that I have not done it...at all, only a little. I worked late at Windy City on Friday night since Danelle Johnson taught classes. She taught 2 classes and she did a make and take with her new product that we are carrying at the store called Creative Cafe. I told Susan that the next time she comes and teaches, I am NOT working. I hate that I missed taking a class with her...She is very inspirational. She also brought along her Epson Personal Photo Printer, which is what I would love for Santa to bring me. I did not know it could do all that it does. I think that everyone had a good time in her classes. I was suppose to met my dear friends from my Mocha Moms group for dinner and drinks that night at Hooters. I arrived late since the classes ran late and drove around for almost an hour trying to find a place to park. I really hate that I missed spending time with my friends and catching up with them. I will have to make sure to not miss our next outing.
On Saturday, I had to get up extra early to go register Alexandre' for basketball with the park district and to register both of them for preschool for January. Alex will now be in the advanced class for Bitty Basketball so we have to get him there at 9am. I want Allegra to continue taking ballet with Miss Keisha at Kennicott so I have to see if she will change the time or I will try to see if Geri will take the girls (Allegra & Lauren) to ballet and I take the boys (Alexandre' & A.J.) to basketball and we just meet later. We will see. I also want to see about putting the twins in a Kumon class this winter...or maybe a Score class...something that will assist me with teaching them and getting them ready for school.
While I was doing registration that morning, Rick picked up the twins from my mother's and took Alex to basketball. Afterwards we met at the house and went out to the south suburbs to my MIL's house to drop off the twins while we did alittle Christmas shopping. We got the twins clothes and toys and we also went and did alittle grocery shopping. It even snowed today and let us just say that I am not ready for winter as I need to get some gloves and snow shoes. Once we picked up the twins and made our way back home...we were all tired so we took a late nap and did not wake up until 7pm almost. We had a late dinner and I even let the twins stay up late watching Mickey Mouse Christmas (their favorite). Once I put them in bed, I started on my cards for the swap today. Therefore, I did not do any housework.
Today...Sunday, has not been a good cleaning day either. Rick worked last night and did overtime this morning and the twins and I slept in...yes 9am is late for us. At least I have done the kitchen and bathroom but I have 3 bedrooms, a front room, a dining room, and a family room to go...and I have NOT even started laundry. I guess I will be up this week doing it so that we can be ready for next Saturday. I am off to go drop off my Holiday cards to the store for the swap and when I come back I will be cooking dinner and doing at least 2 loads laundry.
I wanted to post a couple of photos of Alex and Allegra from Thanksgiving day...the first one is of them acting silly while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade on television and the second is of them on that day.
Enjoy...
Hugs & Kisses
Me
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