Cherry Popsicles.

Seriously ... is there anything better than sharing a sweet cherry popsicle with a friend?



Sam and his Mommy Carol came over for a playdate on Wednesday. While Sam and Griffin played with trucks, airplanes and helicopters ... Carol and I played with my Cricut machine ... we all had a blast. And ... Carol made some DELICIOUS apple/curry chicken salad for lunch ... yum!!

Daisies ...

Griffin adores flowers ... this past spring we had a patch of wild daisies sprout in our yard and he was in absolute heaven!

This layout is all about my flower loving little boy. It's much brighter and cuter in person ... and so much fun to make!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Griffin.

Yesterday I was very worried about Griffin. My little 6:00 am riser slept in until 7:45 ... that was quite unusual.

Then we went to the gym for playtime ... then to Walmart to print out some pictures ... and then we were home by 1:00. He ate a little lunch ... he's not been eating as much as usual the past few days.

After playing around for awhile, he went upstairs for naptime. He didn't fall asleep until about 3:30 ... and then he didn't wake up at all. Mike was late arriving home from work last night, so at 6:30 I went upstairs to wake Griffin to come downstairs. I carried my sleeping little boy downstairs and sat in the rocking chair with him until Daddy arrived home. He still didn't wake up. Mike and I decided to just put him back in his bed and he slept all night until 6:15 this morning. What is up with that? I kept checking on him to make sure he was okay ... he was of course. I guess he was just really tired ... or growing. Who knows.

He woke up this morning at 6:15, happy, rested, talking and singing up a storm. He woke up saying things he's never said before. And he's singing words to songs that I didn't know he knew. My goodness ... it's amazing what a little more rest can do for you.

Using What I Have.

When I was working on an order earlier today, I came across this Griffin Tear Bear Title that I had made as an example. So ... after I finished the order, I decided to make a quick page.


Isn't it funny ... once a layout is finished and you think it's all completed and ready for the scrapbook, you look at it and think ... oh .... I should have done this, this, this and that instead.

Oh well ... I really like the way it turned out. I just wish I would have bordered all of the dark blue areas with dark red to make it match a little better.

And I wish my photos would show up more clear on my blog. I visit many blogs where the images are so clear, but mine always show up kind of blurry.

Promise To Self.

Last week I made a promise to myself ...
To scrapbook some personal pages!

As I've mentioned, Griffin is 2 and a half years old and I did not have one scrapbook page made for him.

Well ... that has changed ... let me present my first "Griffin Layout" ever!!



(You can click on the picture for a bigger view if interested)

This is a layout of Griffin's first Halloween in 2005. He was 8 months old and in my opinion the cutest little pumpkin ever!

I had so, so, so much fun making this layout.

I'm really excited about this, ya'll. I will be scrapping at least ONE personal scrapbook page a week ... and I plan to share them with you here.

Here's a few of my preferences when scrapbooking:

* I prefer using the 8.5" x 11" pages

* I really like the top loading albums. That way I can scrap the pictures I want to in no particular order. Hey Jen ... does CM offer anything like that?

* I love, love, love using patterned papers

* I like the time worn look alot ... so I'm loving those walnut inks

* Rarely do I use anything that I make on my own pages ... well, I never have in the past ... but with this page I did make some pumpkins using the cute little Quickutz Pumpkin die.

* This is the first page I've ever used photo splits on. I love them now!!

Okay ... so there you have it ... I am now on a mission to scrapbook, scrapbook, scrapbook!

Scrapbooking.

I am a scrapbooker ... but the honest truth is I scrapbook for everyone else and never for myself. Griffin is 2 and a half and I do not have one single page made for him. I have lots, and lots and lots of pictures ... but there they sit in the little envelopes they came in.

Well ... that's changing my friends!

I've been INSPIRED to scrapbook ... by my friend Andi!!

Just look at this page ... my dear friend Andi created this page of Griffin, herself and me from our visit last year. We went to the Festival of Trees when we visited Florida last November. (Andi, I hope you do not mind I borrowed the picture!)

I have so much STUFF to scrapbook with ... I'm making a promise to myself ... at least ONE personal scrapbook page a week ... at that rate I will have 52 done in a year!!

I am soooo excited!

Thank you Andi for inspiring me!!

What A Great Birthday.

I was really spoiled this birthday ... oh my gosh ... my husband, family and friends went all out. I'm so very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.

Mike was away on a business trip in California last week ... thank goodness he was able to catch the red-eye home on Thursday evening and arrived back in Richmond on Friday morning (my birthday) at 9:00 am. Griffin and I had taken him to the airport the previous Saturday because I knew he would be flying all night and imagined he would be pretty tired Friday morning when he arrived home.

Unfortunately I had awaken with my "period headache" on Friday morning ... uggh ... I really, really hate those. But anyway ... we got home from the airport around 11:00, Mike went to sleep and Griffin and I stayed downstairs for awhile. Finally around 12:30 Griffin was ready for his nap and I went upstairs with him to sleep my headache off. Honestly, sleep is the only thing that seems to relieve it. So, the entire family slept until about 4 pm. We got up and went to Red Lobster for dinner. Going to Red Lobster is a tradition for my birthday. September they begin offering "Shrimp Fest" and we love, love, love that!! So after dinner we went to the mall and Mike and I both found shoes! I couldn't ask for a better birthday (well, we COULD leave the headache out). Mike also got me the most scrumptious carrott cake from The Haywood Grille! Yumm!!

The Thursday before my birthday my friend Melinda invited me to lunch. I got to choose where we went, so I asked to go to The Music Cafe in Goochland. I've never been there before and I'm glad we went. We had a really, really good time!

Then Thursday evening our friends Heidi, Ryan and Evan invited us to dinner for my birthday. So, we all went to Red Robin. I've mentioned it before ... but I just love going there ... it's so kid friendly!!

I received SO many nice emails, e-cards, phone calls, gifts and well wishes ... I just wanted to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my 40-year old heart!!

Oh ... and today is my Daddy's birthday!! He would have been 85. So Happy Birthday Daddy ... I know you and Momma are up there in heaven having one heck of a party!!

40.

I am 40 years old today ...
I can hardly believe it.

The View.

I had several questions in my comments about Sherri Shepherd joining The View. Basically most folks that don't watch seemed confused thinking Whoopi Goldberg was joining and wondering why Sherri was joining as well.

Well ... let's see if I can explain a little ...

Two seasons ago they had had Meredith, Star, Joy, Elisabeth and Barbara. Meredith left and Rosie O'Donnell replaced her. Then Star Jones left shortly after, never to be replaced last seaon. Now, Whoopie is replacing Rosie as moderator and finally they are replacing Star Jones with Sherri Shepherd. I'm so happy with this panel now.

I truly think it's a great group of women, with their own views and NOW these folks are willing to listen to everyone else's point of view without making everything political. Honestly, I watch The View for the hot topics, celebrities and fluff. If I wanted to watch a political show I would turn to Fox News or CNN. Granted, they do have their own political views on things ... but thankfully they have chosen to share those in only one segment of the hot topics section.

So to Whoopi, Joy, Sherri, Elisabeth and Barbara ... yes ... I will take a little time to enjoy The View each and every day!

Sherri Shepherd.

I am so, so excited that the new co-host of The View is Sherri Shepherd. I was really hoping she would get it. On Monday ... Barbara Walters announced that yes, indeed Sherri was the new co-host! Woo Hoo!!

I could not find a non copyrighted picture of her to share ... so if you are unfamiliar with Sherri ... stop by her website Sherri Shepherd's Website to see who she is.

I can totally relate to Sherri ... she turned 40 in April, I will be 40 in just a few days ... she has a young son ... she's a curvy woman ... and she is just so REAL. I love, love, triple love her!!

Favorite Things.

It's been awhile since I've posted ... so I saw this list of favorite things on Andi's blog and thought I would blog lift it and share some of my favorite things too.

My Favorite Things...

Sound:
Seriously ... when I am downstairs and Griffin is upstairs and he is running. I love the pitter patter sound of his little feet. And I LOVE the sound of his giggles.

Late Night Snack:
Microwave Popcorn with shredded mozzarella cheese

Smell:
Fresh Cut Grass and Fresh Baked Bread.

Color combination:
Dark Red and Navy Blue

Nut:
Pecan

Time of the year:
Fall ... and now that we live in Virginia ... it's spectacular! I love the colors of fall ... I love how the air gets cool and crisp ... and I love the holidays related to fall as well.

Author:
Nora Roberts ... I LOVE HER!

Vegetable:
If I'm honest ... I will say potato ... cooked anyway.

Male Actor:
Tom Selleck

Female Actor:
Sherri Sheppard

Flower:
Sunflowers or daisies

Vacation spot:
We've never been ... but either Washington State or Alaska

Sport to play:
Chase the Griffin ... LOL.

Subject in school:
Florida History

TV channel
Food Network or TLC

Radio station:
Mostly country music

Holiday:
Thanksgiving

Perfume
I love the way Happy (Liz I think) smells ... but I can not wear perfume (burn candles or have potpourri either) since having Griffin. Strange huh?

Shoes:
This is a tough one for me because I've been on a shoe hunting quest for awhile now. I'm looking for some great leather fall/winter closed in shoes ... can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

Candy:
Maple Nut Goodies ... yum!

City to shop:
Any quaint antique/craft store filled town

Beauty products:
Soap, Water, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Deodarant (I have a 2 year old)

Item to shop for:
Scrapbook paper ... I just love scrapbook paper!

Daddy's Home.

(The view from Mike's hotel room ... Mount Ranier)

Mike has been on a business trip to Seattle since August 18th. He was supposed to be home on Saturday the 25th, however his trip was extended until last night. He was gone 12 loooooong days. We missed him so much ... especially Griffin. Every morning he would ask "Where's Daddy" and I would have to explain he was at work in Seattle.

Well ... Mike got home last night ... and Griffin had already fallen asleep. So, this morning when Griffin woke up, Mike went into his room to bring him back to our bed for a little snuggle time. We had one happy little boy! Daddy's Home!!!

Unfortunately Mike had to head off to work this morning. We would have LOVED him to stay home with us ... but that wasn't to be. Griffin got SO upset. Real tears and all. Daddy explained he was only going to work for a few hours and he would see him tonight. It was very, very sad and sweet at the same time. Our little guy is starting to understand when Daddy leaves.

We are looking forward to some significant family time this weekend.

We hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.

Pocohontas State Park.

Wow ... that's all I can really say. Yesterday we went to Pocohontas State Park outside Richmond with Heidi (and her boys Ryan & Evan) & Leah (and her boys Kevin & Kenneth).

We've never been there before ... I can not believe I did not know this place existed.

The picture above shows one of the pool areas ... it's amazing! They have 4 pools, a water slide and an area in which the kids can play on the concrete with water towers shooting water in every direction.

It's open Memorial Day through Labor Day ... you can bet we will be there alot next summer!!

And ... an update on Dancing with the Stars ... TMZ.com had it particially correct. This is the actual list of celebrities participating:

Melanie Brown - Scary Spice
Helio Castrovneves - Indy Racer
Mark Cuban - Billionaire
Jennie Garth - 90210
Josie Maran - Super Model
Cameron Mathison - Ryan from All My Children
Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather, Jr - Boxer
Marie Osmond
Albert Reed
Jane Seymour - Dr. Quinn

I still think my pick is Jennie Garth, or perhaps Marie Osmond.

Spoiler Alert.

If you know me at all ... you know I'm a HUGE Dancing with the Stars fan. ABC supposed to announce live on Good Morning America the list of celebrities for this season on tomorrow's show. I have it Tivo'ing. Anyway ... TMZ.com had a list on their site today that they say is THE list. A day early. Woo Hoo!

So ... if you do not want to know ... do not read ...
I do NOT know if this is accurate ... just repeating what I read

Aaron Carter - teeny bopper singer

Wayne Newton - Vegas Baby!

Mark Cuban - Billionaire

Jane Seymour - Dr. Quinn

Tori Spelling - 90210

Jennie Garth - 90210 - Don't know if they would actually have two ladies known specifically for the same thing on the same season

Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather, Jr - a boxer I think

Lou Ferrigno - The Incredible Hulk

Nia Peeples - from FAME ... is this fair?

Richard Quest - CNN Reporter

Gisele Bundchen - SUPER Model ... don't know if I believe this one

Helio Castroneves - Indy Champ

Sabrina Bryan - Cheetah Girl

Okay ... so just looking at the list ... my pick is ...
Jennie Garth ... I've LOVE to see a woman win this season!

Evan Turns Uno.

Our little amigo Evan turned uno on Sunday. We were invited to his Birthday Fiesta at Hidden Rock Park. His mommy Heidi outdid herself. As I've mentioned, it was a Fiesta themed party ... complete with sombreros, fake mustaches, mexican themed bracelet making, and lots of party food!


The fun and delicious birthday cake!


The Birthday Boy ... Evan!


Evan's big brother Ryan


Griffin and Ryan playing in the sand ... we love Hidden Rock Park!


Griffin with his party sombrero on ...


Griffin trying to get to the pinata!


None of the kids were strong enough to break the pinata, so Evan/Ryan's dad Jeff took to it ...


The kids scrambling for the pinata goodies!

Pizza Party.

On Thursday we had some friends over for a playdate and pizza party. We let the kids play inside (it was too wet outside), then make pizzas for lunch and then after lunch we finally went outside to play on Fort Griffin.

Let me introduce some of our buddies ...


This is Darius ...


This is Ryan ...


This is Sam ...


And this is Evan ... or Baby Evan as Griffin calls him. Evan will be 1 today (Sunday) ... so Happy, Happy Birthday Evan!!


And these are the mommies ... well ... everyone except Latisha is a mommy (she's Darius' Aunt and Keisha's Sister). So from left to right ... Latisha, Keisha, Heidi and Carol. The ladies are all admiring Carol's scrapbook ... she is a phenomenal scrapbooker and I picked up ALOT of great ideas for my own scrapbook from her.


Pizza fixings ... I have to tell you ... this was SO much fun!


Me and Griffin making his pizza.


Darius, Latisha and Sam making their pizzas. Ryan decided he didn't want to make one, so we made it for him.


All the boys playing near Fort Griffin.


The "big" boys playing on the tractor. Just you wait ... Evan will soon be in this picture.

I've always know that I have some really good friends in these ladies ... but Thursday just proved it even more.

Thank you all for coming to our house!

New Stuff.

It's been awhile since I've had the chance to add anything new to Ebay.
So today Today I took the time to create some new things.

I'm loving the Customized Mulberry Bears ...

If interested, just click on my Ebay link on the right.

Where Was Your Camera?

Everyone wanted to know where the pictures are from the "water incident".

Well, ya'll ... my camera was on a business trip with Mike in Seattle. Of course we do have a second camera ... but I would have had to run into the dining room and get it out of the camera case. I didn't think that was such a good idea at the time.

I'm sad that I do not have pictures.

Maybe I should have him re-inact the event.

LOL ... just kidding!

Water.

Water. Water. Everywhere.

So ... the other day I needed to run upstairs to get a change of clothes before heading out for the day. Griffin was watching Sesame Street so I decided to just run up really quick to get what I need. When I was up there, I listened downstairs and thought ... mmmm ... he's watching Sesame Street, I will just brush my teeth while I am up here.

Big Mistake.

As I am brushing my teeth, I hear hysterical laughing.
Oh my goodness ... what is he doing?

I run downstairs and discover Griffin sitting in the kitchen sink, having the time of his life as he is spraying the entire kitchen with the water spray nozzel. He was laughing so loud, and having so much fun. I'm slipping everywhere trying to get to him to get the spray nozzel away from here. I was laughing so hard ... it was impossible to get on to him.

Of course, I made him help me clean up the flooded floor (as much as he could) and we once again talked about NOT opening the oven door to climb up on the counters. He is a pro at this ... let me tell you.

The bad thing is ... he did it again this morning.

We are having friends over for a playdate today, so I wanted to clean the downstairs bathroom before they get here. I'm in there cleaning (he's watching Sesame Street again) and all of a sudden the door closes to the kitchen. I really didn't think anything about it, because it's a little game he plays ... shutting the door and me asking to be let in. Anyway ... I thought ... mmmm ... that's probably not good.

I was right.

That booger was once again sitting in the kitchen sink ... spraying away. This time he got into trouble. There wasn't that much water on the floor this time ... and he KNOWS he is not supposed to do this.

Any ideas about keeping him OFF the counters? He's most definately a climber and is quite good at it. I've tried an oven door lock ... they do not work ... once they get hot, it melts the glue away.

Moms ... I'm all ears.

Inspirational Blogger Award.

I was very, very honored to discover I had been honored with the "Inspiration Blogger Award" by Terri.

This is what she said on her blog when honoring me with it (along with several others) ...

Cheryl, Missy, Leona, Sheila and Cassandra all share deep love and commitment for their families. They are wonderful mothers, wives, daughters, in laws, etc. I love reading their posts about their children and what they have been up to. Cheryl is also an inspirational writer and Cassandra is a nursing student/mother who is also going to have a little one soon. Hope you can post your award *smile*

Thank you Terri ... this means so very much to me.

Now ... I would like to honor ALL of my readers with this award. You all so very inspirational in your own individual ways.