Scrappy Sunday!

I'll post my creations in a bit- but had to share a freebie site I just found! :)

http://digifree.craftcrave.com/2010/03/digital-scrapbooking-freebies-full_02.html

Happy Scrapping!

OK: Back with some pages to post! :)

Scrappy Sunday!

Hi, all! It's Scrappy Sunday, again! :) Today I finished a few pages from Christmastime and two celebrating the START OF SPRING! WOOHOO!

Christmas & Vacation

So... Time to play catch up! :)

Christmas was wonderful. We spent the days leading up to it enjoying each others' company, resting, shopping, and gift wrapping. Christmas eve, Abby and I made cookies to leave out for Santa and we ordered Chinese food for dinner. It was wonderful. Chas and I were up WAY too late making sure everything was perfect. Abby woke up at TWO AM Christmas morning, ran into our room saying "Santa came! He came! And he brought lots of toys- everything I wanted, and even what I wanted Alex to get!" LOL She kept asking if we could open presents then, and we kept saying no- finally she fell asleep between us and woke up again around seven. :) We got up, went downstairs and proceeded to spend the entire day enjoying our new things. Abby's favorites were her Leapfrog Didj, her scooter, and Barbies. Alex enjoyed his Exersaucer. We all enjoyed Chas's Guitar Hero, and I took tons of pictures on my awesome new camera. :)

The next week, the kids and I headed down to FLorida. We stopped and got to visit with Missy, Patrick, Jackson, and Jennifer in Gainesville. We stayed in Orlando for several days- enjoying the Citrus Bowl parade, New Year's at the Somers's, and time with Great Grandma. Then off to JAcksonville for time with my in-laws. By time we got home, it was time to go back to school!

It was a wonderful holiday (well, minus a little car trouble and a sick baby, but let's not dwell on the negative!) and I'm excited to begin the new year!

To see pics from our holiday, visit the photo album here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2045463&id=1356706852&l=3f35eb9899

The Holiday season is upon us

Since Thanksgiving, life has been so hectic. Never a restful moment, seems like. The first Saturday of the month, we had breakfast and pics with Santa at Abby's school, and a birthday party in the afternoon. We did some Christmas shopping and by time we were making it home, the streets were barracaded for the local parade. We ended up sitting in the car watching most of the parade by the flashing blue light of the cop car nearby. LOL This past Saturday was Abby's first dance recital. (Yes, I need to add a pic here. For the time being, see my facebook album!) Somehow her 90 second performance turned into an all day ordeal. Started around 10 curling and pinning up her hair. Then makeup. We got lost on the way there (damn googlemaps!) and had to stop and ask for directions. Made it right at 2:30 (her call time), watched the 21 act recital. Waited for the craziness to die down- then took some pretty pictures before leaving. Stopped for dinner on the way home- let Abby pick, so of course we went to Golden Corral- her FAVORITE restaurant. LOL By time we got home it was after 7!! Good grief! Yesterday we took holiday pictures in front of the mantel. Can I just say THANK YOU PHOTOSHOP! Getting a silly 4 year old to look at the camera, two adults to look "normal" and a baby to look in the vicinity of the camera while not crying... All while operating the timer feature on the camera... Fun, let me tell you. And nearly impossible. Again, thank you photoshop. LOL

This week should be a LITTLE calmer. Aw, who am I kidding? We have a dinner date with the mommies on Tuesday (Family night @ Chic-Fil-A)... Teacher conference on Wednesday afternoon. Got to figure out gifts for Abby's teachers. Finals and grades due at school by the end of the week. Must get Christmas cards in the mail! Then VACATION! We'll spend the weekend cleaning, shopping, wrapping, maybe baking? On Monday is Alex's 4 month check up. Tuesday is our playdate (which looks like it will have MANY people in attendance, including Abby's best friends (twins) from school with their mom!). Wednesday, I think we're going to see Princess & the Frog (new Disney movie), Thursday is Christmas Eve, and Friday is Christmas! Wow! The following week we're going to Florida (well, the kids and I are).

I'm going to need a vacation after our vacation! :)

End of November / Florida Trip

What an eventful (and not in a fun way) month we've had.

Car accident- NO FUN. Can I just tell you- I am now looking both ways about 20 times before I pull out into traffic. *sigh*

Grandma moving into assisted living. I'm not there to help, but get frequent updates from my mom about the moving and decluttering process. I cannot fathom the STUFF that accumulates when a family has lived in the same house for SIXTY years.

Grandpa passing away. After discussions went on for nearly a week, he was moved to Hospice. My grandma spent the night with him for the first time in about two months. He passed away the next day. My mom and grandma were with him; he closed his eyes and just didn't draw another breath. I'm glad he went peacefully. I'm thankful that he's no longer in pain. I am grateful beyond words that I was able to visit last month- to take the kids and see him one last time. I am glad that I was NOT there for the cruel, hateful things that were said to my mom, aunt, and grandma by my uncle. I don't know that I could have responded respectfully.

Even though it may not have made sense financially, Chas agreed to acompany me and the kids to Florida for the service. Abby and Alex both behaved beautifully at the church, but you just never know how those things are going to go- and I couldn't bear the thought of having to walk out with the crying baby or something. A week in Orlando was a bit trying- especially on a shoestring (maybe a threadbare shoestring!) budget, but we relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. The service was nice, and most importantly, my grandma was pleased.

My mom offered to watch the kids, and Chas and I took a SUPER-rare night out. We had the early bird special at a local seafood restaurant (Straubs, for those familiar with the Altamonte area- yummy and great service, too!) and then went to the movies! I can't even remember the last time I went to the movies!! LOL We saw "Men Who Stare at Goats" and we both enjoyed it. :)

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Aunts, uncles, and cousins all present (well, except the one who might have gotten beat up if he'd attended). Wonderful company, excellent food, and an overall great way to spend the holiday.

We went to a "Black Friday Brunch" at the home of one of my sorority sisters. There were a bunch of us there- spouses and kids in tow. I think there were a total of NINE little ones- ranging from a few weeks old (Teresa's twins) to four and a half (my big girl!). It was wonderful to share our little bundles of joy- and to reminisce.

After all that time in Orlando, we headed to Jacksonville to see Chas's family. We were only able to stay two nights- but they were nice. I always enjoy spending time with my in-laws. We were sad to find, Friday night, that my mother-in-law's aunt passed away. She lived 95 wonderful years, but it is always sad to see someone go.

We're now home. Thank goodness. And entering the crazy holiday season. I can't believe Christmas is 23 days away! There's so much to do! ACK! This Saturday alone, I have four places to be... pretty much at the same time. LOL We're going to try our best to make it to three of them- family photos, brunch with Santa, and a birthday party. I'm sad Abby's missing the opportunity to be in a parade- but they were the last ones to advise us of the event... so they didn't make "the cut". ;)

Enough blogging for one lunch time. More another time. :)