Anyone? Anyone??

I will be hosting my 3rd Annual Scrapbook Layout Contest. It has been a big hit the past 2 years, and I thought it is about time to do it again!

As in previous years, I have been (and still am) behind on my daughter's scrapbook. I like to scrapbook every event that we partake in. Each participant can choose a theme or photos that they would like to scrapbook. OR you can create a layout using your own imagination and theme. It's totally up to you.

Below is the winning entry from last year, by the extremely talented Charlene. She did a great job and this photo really doesn't do the layout justice!

You can sign up here, or email me here. The more participants, the bigger the prize will be! I will also send "thank you" prizes to everyone who participates. It's a win-win deal-- you get some goodies, and you also help me by completing more pages in Zoie's book!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I really appreciate the participation and the help getting caught up (or at least trying to!)

Thank you,

-Lindsay

Weekend Schmeekend...

This weekend was both great, and poopy at the same time. The good did outweigh the bad, but all in all I would have to say it was good.
It all started Thursday. The boy was off of work and was such a sweetheart and mowed my front and back yards for me. He also started sanding my one and only pilar on my front porch. The paint was starting to flake, so I am going to repaint it. He did some handywork around the house, which was much appreciated! On Friday he even did the dishes AND laundry. Wait, who are you, and what have you done with my boyfriend? Ha ha, just kidding. :)
Friday after work, I went by the house, picked him up, and we went to go get Zoie from my parent's house. The weather was amazing on Thursday and Friday, in the lower 70's, however the forecast for the weekend was awful. Saturday we were to expect the temp to be in the lower-mid 20's and 6-8 inches of snow!!
Since my fridge and pantry have been bare for weeks, I decided it was time to go to the grocery store. Me, and about a hundred other people, had the same idea to stock up before the weather got bad. After planning a couple of meals and gathering those ingredients, along with about $200 more in groceries, we were ready to check out (2 hours later). The line was wrapped back to the produce section. Ugh. We finally made it to check out, after I had flipped through an entire People Magazine. I paid for the food and as we were going out to the car, as soon as we rounded the corner we could feel the cold, sharp, stinging wind. It almost blew me over. It was obvious the front had come in.
We were hurrying to my car, when I looked and saw 2 rows of carts behind my car. Literally, they had all rolled out of the cart return and smashed into the back of my car! There was probably 12 of them or so. I was livid! I didn't realize the extent of the damage until I got Z into her carseat and was able to look. They had busted out my driver's side tail light and dented the back of my car!! I was LIVID. I ran inside to talk to the manager, who was a young man about my age. I told him that the carts had hit my car, and his response was, "Yeah, that sucks man. My car got hit a couple weeks ago. There's nothing we can do." I knew that it was private property, but I still expected a little sympathy. And not to mention, the cart boy that was collecting the carts about the same time I noticed my car had been hit, saw us, took the 4 carts he had and rushed inside. He KNEW my car had been hit and ran off. Losers.
So I helped Stephen finish loading the groceries into the back of my car. I could feel the tears running down my cheeks as the cold air made them freezing. I took my empty cart and shoved it across the parking lot (there were no cars around--I made sure of it). So at least the cart boy would have to walk all the way across the parking lot to get it. Humph.
So I cried a little bit more on the way home... ok, a lot of bit more. I was so angry. My parents have always taught me to take care of my things. I am so OCD when it comes to that. I feel like I take pride in things of my own (and others) and others don't feel the same. It really stinks when your things get damaged, too. I am already going to be out $200+ because I have to purchase a new windshield since a semi so graciously threw a rock up and cracked it all the way across. I wanted to take all of the groceries back and make a scene, and say something like, "Well I have to return this stuff now because I am going to have to use the money to pay for a new TAIL LIGHT!" but I didn't. Besides, I had no food and Zoie wouldn't have understood. So instead, I just cried.
After I got it out of my system, we put on a stew for Saturday lunch. It was my first stew to ever make (the first time I have actually bought meat at the grocery store, too!) and it turned out YUMM-MEE! I put in stew meat that we had browned, a can of green beans, frozen corn, baby carrots and half an onion, along with a can of V8. I let it cook in the crockpot overnight, and we woke up to a yummy smell throughout the house. It was so good. Yah for me!
That afternoon, Stephen installed my new light fixtures I had bought. I got my income taxes back, and I decided to use some of the money to buy new lights for the house, replacing all of the hideous gold brass. He installed 5 lights in the house and 2 on the porch. (Kudos to him for doing it in 25 degree weather while it was snowing!)
After we (well, HE) finished the lights, Zoie and I made some strawberry cupcakes. They turned out yummy. We even put icing and sprinkles on them. She had fun, but by the end of it all there were sprinkles bouncing all over the floor! It was fun though.
I was in the kitchen cleaning up when I looked at my pet lizard. (I had 2 lizards and a fish, but about a month ago one of the lizards died and then a couple days later the fish died too.) His back legs weren't working, and then he started going into convulsions. I started crying. I told Stephen I couldn't watch him die, and he was going to have to take care of it. I figured he would go bury it in the backyard like the other one (I put him in a valentine's candy box), but I guess since there was snow outside he couldn't. Next thing I know, the toilet is flushing. Poor guy. I was so sad. I know I didn't really interact with him since he was smaller than my pinkie finger, but I rescued them both from our building and just thought I could take care of him. I don't know how long they live, but it was really sad that he died. No more pets for us for awhile, that's for sure. It is too hard on me when I lose one.
Then I cleaned the house and swept the floors, vacuumed, dusted and cleaned some things. I finally hung pictures on my wall in my room (I've lived there over a year and they still weren't up), and I love them.
Later on, we decided to cook dinner. I made some pasta roll-ups. They are basically like homemade lasagna, but rolled up so you can eat them easier. They were really good. He made some stuffed poblano peppers, but we were so stuffed that he had to take them to work the next day.
The next morning I made some Miracle Soup. My grandma and mom used to make it a lot when I was younger, and I really liked it, even if it was a "diet" soup. It has celery, onions, cabbage, green peppers, cans of whole tomatoes and onion mix in it. It is really good, especially on a cold day. Plus it is good for you, so that's always a bonus!
Zoie and I took a much-needed nap on Sunday afternoon. It was delightful.
That night I cleaned up a little of my craft room. It is getting harder and harder to craft with Zoie now, since she wants to be right there in the middle of it all. I try and give her scraps to cut, stencils to trace, pencils to draw and stickers to stick, but it's never enough for her. Gotta love her.
So that was pretty much our eventful, cooped up weekend. Not too much excitement, but I feel accomplished. What did YOU do over the weekend?
Here's to a better week!
-Lindsay

Sesame Street Live!

Mom, Dad, Brittany and I woke up early Saturday and took Zoie to see Sesame Street Live! She loved it last year, so I wanted to take her again before she outgrows it.

The theme this year was 1-2-3 Imagine! It was so cute--they would say, "1. close your eyes. 2. make a wish 3..." and Zoie would actually close her eyes and participate. Super adorable!

She had a great time and was so attentive! She likes to walk around and we change seats a lot, but all-in-all she did really well.

Thanks for looking!

-Lindsay

Girls Eat Ketchup, Boys Eat Mustard...

This is one of my favorite Zoie-isms. I don't know who told her that "Girls Eat Ketchup and Boys Eat Mustard", but to this day, that child will not touch mustard. She will only eat ketchup. It is so quirky, but cute!

I made this layout for a Studio Calico challenge, but I got the flu and didn't get to upload it in time.

I made a few slight modifications to the layout. I turned it sideways, I used 3 photos, and I didn't put the title on the photos. I'm such a rule breaker. ;)

Products Used:

TBA

Thanks for looking!

Lindsay

Friday Family Fondue Funday

Friday night was so much fun.

My sister made reservations at the Melting Pot in downtown OKC for my birthday and mom's birthday. I had never been before, but my sister and my parents both had visited there previously.

We all met at my grandparents house since they were going to be watching Zoie. We figured it was too nice of a place for a 3 year old, and since it took so long for the courses to be served, she would lose interest fast. So we opted to have them watch her. After she stopped throwing her fit since everyone was leaving without her, she calmed down and they enjoyed a nice dinner at the local HomeTown Buffet. We were on our way to the Melting Pot and I was so excited.

Reservations at 6:30pm gave us the perfect timeslot considering the traffic of downtown. We parked a quick jog away and headed across town to get to The Melting Pot.

They sat us quickly in a comfy booth with candles lit. SinceI was a "first timer", our server graciously explained the menu and took our drink orders.

After looking the menu over, we made a mutual decision to split all the courses and partake in the Alpine Big Night Out. Here is the menu:

It was delicious, but my-oh-my was it a bunch of food!!!! We were so full at the end of the evening, that the brisk walk back to the car was pleasureable and very much needed. When it was all said and done, we didn't have the energy or enthusiasm to do much else. It was the perfect ending to a great birthday celebration!

-Lindsay

Family Love

I made this layout for the Studio Calico challenge. I'm wayyyy behind on scrapbooking, but found some time the other night while Z was watching a movie. I didn't know what I was going to do, but it just seemed like everything, from paper to embellishments to stickers, were falling in place. I love the feeling when you find something in your stash that just "fits". That was the case with all of my items that I used.

The journaling says: My family is the best. We are quirky, goofy, silly and we love to have fun. I enjoy spending time with my parents, even at the age of 28. They would do anything for anyone. My sister is my best friend. I have the best daughter a mother could ask for. My family is wonderful and means so much to me. I love my family.

Here is a list of my supplies:

-Floral background around photos - American Crafts - Metropolitan "Paparazzi"

-Yellow background - Basic Grey - Mac 'N Cheese "Cupcake"

-Grid patterned paper - Creative Imaginations

-Glittered paper - Creative Imaginations - Teal Glitter Paper "Lucky"

-Worded patterned paper - Adornit - Family Collection "Family Ticker Tape"

-White cardstock - Bazzill basics

-Red/White dots - The Paper Studio - "Red w/ White Polka Dots"

-Teal Metal Circle - Making Memories - Boho Chic "Round Floral"

-Metal Heart - Heartland Crafts - Crafts Etc. "2" heart"

-Martha Stewart Butterfly punch

-Stampin' Up! - Happy Hearts set & Wonderful Words set

-Shrinky Dink Paper

-Mrs. Grossman's stickers - Reflections "I Love You"

-Blue letter stickers - Basic Grey "Blitzen"

-Frame rub-on - Love Elsie "Josie"

-orange pearls on stamp-shaped brad - Prima "Say It In Pearls"

Misc.:

-stamp shaped white brad, gold ribbon, felt swirl teal ribbon, Christmas Card (glittery white butterflies), cardboard, red/white dot ribbon, blue staples, floral red & white paper

Thanks for looking!

-Lindsay

Third Time's the Charm! Happy Birfday to ME!

After a terrible birthday experience at Carino's, I decided I wanted to spend my actual birthday dinner at one of my favorite places--Buffalo Wild Wings. I wanted to celebrate with the ones that mean the most to me: Gramma and Pawpaw, Aunt Tracie, Mom and Dad, Zoie and my sister.

After ordering our drinks, placing our dinner order, and receiving our meal in a timely manner, I enjoyed my coke with lime, celery and ranch, and my honey bbq boneless wings. YUM-ME. After some killer trivia games on the big screen, my sister mentioned to the waitress that it was my birthday. She came out with a chocolate cake and ice cream and offered up a birthday song, which I politely declined (the song, that is). I'm not one for public embarassment.

So instead, my sister and I opted for some funny face pics. Classy, huh? :)

All-in-all, it turned out to be a great birthday. Thank you, bee-dub-dub, for saving my "birth"day!

They Say It's Your Birthday....

You'd think I'd be having a good time, but instead, my birthday was less than pleasant. Well, to begin with anyway. After fighting a stomach bug for a couple of days, I gained enough strength to try and "celebrate". After not eating for 3 days, the hunger was catching up with me and I was ready to try and eat.

Since I wasn't feeling 100%, and it was the weekend before my actual birthday (my birthday is March 8th), you would think I would try something "light". Who, me? Friday night, the boy had bought opening night tickets to see Alice In Wonderland in 3D Imax. We tried to change the ticket times, but we would have had to go up there, pick up the tickets and then return them. It was a mess, and I was feeling okay enough to try and get some food and go watch the movie. I had been cooped up in the house for over 2 days, so I was ready to get out.

We decided to grab a bite to eat beforehand. My stomach was yelling at me that it wanted food, and I was craving some mexican. Bad choice, I know. The initial plan was Red Lobster, but the line was out the door and I knew I couldn't handle seafood. But I could handle Mexican?? I know, crazy right... So we went to Poblano's Grill. The line was long, so we sat at the bartop since it was open seating. I started with a water. The chips and queso were ok. A little salsa didn't hurt too bad either on my queso-salsa-butter-tortilla. Being brave, I ordered some cheese enchiladas thinking it wouldn't be too bad. Wrong. They were covered in chili. So I was able to take a couple of bites before the stomach started getting angry. Bum deal. I asked for a to-go box and that was the end of that.

After dinner, we headed to the movie. I browsed the mall for a bit while we waited. The movie started at 9:30 pm. We decided to get there a little early (we learned the hard way with Avatar 3D). We got in line at 8:30pm and it was wrapped around the long hallway already. We waited and waited and finally they let the doors open and herded us in like cattle. We did get good seats though-- 3/4 of the way up in the middle, just like I like it.

The movie was really good. Was it the best movie I had seen? Nah, not really. But I like Johnny Depp's movies and I loved the digital effects. Even though it was rated PG, there was no way I would take Zoie to it. It had quite a bit of violence in it, especially when she took off the jaborwalkey's head. Not good. But overall, I give it a B+. It might have been better if A. Our 3D glasses didn't look like they were from the early 90's and took over our entire faces, B. I was feeling better and my stomach wasn't hating me the entire time, and C. If it wasn't so gosh darn late and I wasn't yawning the entire time. :)

Saturday I woke up, and we headed over to mom and dad's. Zoie had stayed there the past couple of nights while I was pukey, so I was excited to see her. That night, we decided to go celebrate my birthday and mom's as well (hers is the 9th, the day after mine. I joke with her that she got a GREAT present for her birthday--me!). Mom, Dad, Me, Z, Stephen, Brittany (my sister) and Josh (her bf) all went to eat. We decided to keep it close and simple, so we chose Johnny Carino's. Again, bad decision.

I typically would be happy about this choice, however after this experience, I hate to say it but I will never go back.

We walked in and there was no wait (should have been a red flag throw up right here, especially on a Saturday night at 6 pm). The escorted us to a nice table in the back corner by the cozy fire place. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. For over 15 minutes we waited JUST for him to take our drink order.

We didn't require much--waters, a couple of teas and a coke. Finally the waiter came to take our order. My sister mentioned it was our birthdays, and so he said to be sure and leave room for dessert. He left to put in our order. And then, we waited. (*Insert Jeopardy music here*). After 20 minutes, we asked a nearby hostess if we could get our drinks. She said it was probably taking him so long because they only had 2 fountains. Excuse? Yes.

After another 5 minutes, we finally received our drinks and the waiter took our order. Then, we waited. (Are you seeing the pattern here?) After 30 minutes of hunger, they brought our our food, and didn't even give me what I had ordered. I sent it back to the kitchen. TWO HOURS later, I was still without dinner, everyone else was finished eating, drinks were empty and I had cancelled my order. We hadn't heard from the waiter since he took our order.

The manager was finally spotted. Josh waved his hand and beckoned him to the table. Without remorse, he brought a pitcher of water, to-go boxes, and the ticket. He didn't ask us what the problem was, or how the meal was. He just filled our drinks and to-go boxes at the table, and left. So we were left paying a full price ticket for a half-decent meal and time well wasted. And all I ate was a crummy little salad, a couple of bites of bread, and NO DESSERT. Bummer.

So as we were leaving, Josh so graciously helped himself to the mints. The whole bowl. It was quite amusing and put a small smile on my face after a really stinky birthday dinner. Maybe next time...

One of those days...

Ugh. It has been one of those days. Actually, it has been one of those weeks. It seems like no matter how hard I try, nothing is going right. From the internet going down at work, to the jeans I wanted online selling out, to grumpy tenants driving us crazy, to me having a cavity (or two)... blah. I know I am in an overly-grumpy mood and I need to just take a deep breath and breathe. It just seems like everything that could go wrong, is.

Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I am at my "fattest" point I have been since I was pregnant. Yep. I feel like a beached whale and I am miserable. None of my clothes fit, and I am now being forced to buy the *gasp* fat clothes. I am sure you know what I am referring to--the clothes that you buy because you are down to two pair of pants that fit around your belly. The pants that will hopefully soon, you keep telling yourself, be at the back of the closet soon because they are too big. You are tired of doing laundry every two days because none of the other pants you own will fit over your thighs. You are tired of laying on the bed to try and get your pants buttoned, and once they are on you have a huge muffin top and can barely breathe. You pull down your shirt as far as you can, hoping to hide your "roll" from other people seeing it. You wear dark clothes that are supposed to hide "imperfections", but you still don't even want to look in the mirror because you are grose. Do you know that feeling? I describe it as my "winter coat". The fat that is needed to keep my body warm during the winter. :)

I keep telling myself that, "Once spring is here, I will be able to go outside and walk or jog or run." Whether or not I will actually do those things is a different story. But at this point, I am determined. No more BLT's (minus the L) for breakfast. No more large cokes with easy ice and extra limes for lunch. And no more eating out. Ok, ok... I'm getting carried away with myself. Who am I kidding. No eating out as much. There, that's better.

I think it also has had to do with some emotional things happening in my life lately. One of my dear scrapbook friends passed away. She was only 32 and had stage 4 breast cancer. She found the lump a few years ago, and has been fighting like a warrior ever since. She is one of the strongest women I know. She has 3 adorable children that I pray for daily. Connie was from Texas, and even though I only met her in person only once, our friendship over the world wide web was dear to me. She passed away from an asthma attack in her sleep. I pray for her children--that they know how much their mother loved them and how much she was loved. I pray for her sisters--that all 4 of them have the strength to make it through this difficult time. And I pray for her parents--I couldn't even imagine losing a child, and I hope that I never have to experience the devastation. She was such a creative, and strong person who left a lasting impression on a lot of hearts.

We also lost two pets the past week. You never really realize how much impact a little lizard and a fish can have on you. But after taking care of them for months, it is really sad when they are gone. "Lizard" passed away last week. I don't know what went wrong. I had found him and Nubby in our building at work . I caught them and bought a little cage for them. I even bought a rock that is supposed to go in an aquarium so they would have a place to hide. I put a bottle cap in there with water for them, and I regularly went to PetsMart to buy crickets to feed them. The other day I looked and Lizard wasn't moving. There was a cricket on him, so I knew he was dead. I put him in a little valentine's day box and Stephen buried him in the back yard. I was so sad I bawled. I didn't know what I did wrong... And then Monday I looked at Fishy the Fish and he was floating on the bottom on his side. I had changed his water on Sunday, and it seemed to have quite a few bubbles in it. The past two times I had changed his water, he seemed to get water shocked and it took him a couple of days to adjust. I treated the water as usual, and let it sit at room temperature before putting him in. I guess it was just too much for him. I had to flush the poor guy. I told Zoie that morning and she cried and cried. She asked, "So Fishy is dead like the lizard died?" Yes, Zoie. "He's dead like your scrapbook friend?" Yes, honey. "He's dead like Michael Jackson died?" Yes. They are all in heaven now. "Well maybe they can all play together then." Sigh. You gotta love the innocence of kids. The death was really hard on Zoie. She had a meltdown at daycare that morning, and mom had to sit outside her classroom with her for over 30 minutes. She seemed to do well after that, but I know that she just doesn't understand what is going on.

But on a good note, I have found a hobby that I adore and I feel I am pretty darn good at it. I bought some window panes and have been decorating them. I have my first customer! Yah!!! :) Her name is Sarah and she is my sister's friend. She wanted me to make a window that said "Always and Forever... No Matter What." I found some super cute curly swirly letters and they fit perfectly. I will have to post a better picture later. This one was from my Blackberry.


On a side note... do any of you watch the Bachelor? I am still in shock over him picking Vienna over Tenley. I mean, really?? What was he thinking??? Dumb, dumb boy!! My sister and I watched the 3-hour marathon of the final rose ceremony and after the rose... I was so livid. He gave up gold for pennies... We love you Tenley!! (And they chose Ali as the next bachelorette?? What are these people thinking??!)

My sister and I have been hanging out a lot lately, and I kinda like it. :) We've been having Girls Night Out on Fridays. We typically don't do much. A couple of weeks ago we had dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse downtown and went to opening night of Dear John, where we proceeded to bawl like babies. This past Friday we went to Mama Roja's on Lake Hefner for dinner, and then I worked on Sarah's window that night. I had never been to MR, but it was so good. We got a great table on the lake, and was able to watch the sunset in all its glory. It was a great dinner with great company!

Well, that's the latest. I'm sure there is a lot more I could tell you since I haven't blogged in what seems like a bagillion years. Oh yeah, and next Monday is my birthday. :( I will be 28. I feel like I am getting so old, and I can't believe my baby will be FOUR in June! Where has the time gone??! Can someone please catch it and bring it back to me?? I'd sure be much obliged.

(The boy is taking me to see Alice in Wonderland in Imax 3-D on Opening Night, and I am sure we will get some yummy grub before then. I guess I can't complain too much about a pre-birthday dinner.) *smiles*

Hopefully it won't be so long before I can blog again. Time just seems to be getting away from me. There are so many things I want/need to do, but I just get so swamped I don't get to them all. But until then... much love.

-Lindsay