You know what? I should be working on my soap, packaging and labeling, but I just can't stop looking at Christmas decor online. Southern Living has some really great ideas very fancy and sparkly...my favorite.

I have finished most of my decorating. All but the bathroom and the kitchen. Yes I decorate every room. Once the kids get older and have there own rooms, they will each get a small tree to decorate in them.
My Christmas cards are also finished ready to be picked up. I love being prepared for the holidays. I just have a bit of shopping to do and I am finished.

Now I am off to finish my soap. Enjoy the picture of the kids first time ever in the snow. There was only a light dusting but Allison thought it was the greatest thing ever and tried to make snow angels.

She is 3 a drama queen, full of attitude, gymnast who loves dancing, singing and playing barbies

He is 1, walking, eating everything in sight driving around in his Tonka Truck who loves the ladies and playing with power tools (very manly boy)

In a blink of an eye they are going to be graduating from college. Amazing how fast your life flies by when you have kids.

And the Winner Is...

Helen Marshall !!!!!
Congratulations, I will contact you with the information for the My Memories Suite software.
Thank you to all that entered through my Facebook link and my blog.
The winner was chosen by RANDOM.org Integer Generator.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:2
Timestamp: 2011-09-13 14:31:42 UTCAgain,

Thank you to all who entered and to My Memories for this opportunity.

GIVE AWAY!!! - My Memories Suite Software

I love scrap booking and paper crafts so when My Memories contacted me to review there software I had to jump at the chance. Being a mom of a 3 year old and a one year old it really is hard to actually sit down and work on my scrapbook pages or crafts. Having to get out all my papers, embellishments, ribbons, scissors, glue, glitter and having little hands trying to help me is nearly impossible. My Memories Suite software is a wonderful solution to producing scrapbook pages in a matter of minutes (for a basic page) or you can spend several hours producing an entire scrapbook without having to drag out all the mess. The software is quite simple to install. It did take about 25 minutes to install with cable modem but I had other work to do on the computer so it felt like it took no time at all. After the initial install all I had to do was to click new album and get started. There are several paper packs included in the program and a few designer pages. Inserting pictures is a snap, just pick a picture layout, click the box and insert you picture it sizes them for you…awesome. There are embellishments galore, ribbons, buttons, rick rack, brads and there are a multitude of colors, shapes and types. Resizing the embellishments is really easy with the click and drag feature. You can also add text in many different fonts, colors and sizes. Here is my first attempt at creating a scrapbook page (I can continue with this album and print an entire book, which is pretty cool)

Ahhh…Summer memories. After the standard 12x12 scrapbook page I decided I wanted to create the standard 8 1/2 x 11 paper size for Scotty’s first birthday invitation. It was very easy to switch paper sizes and create a new album. It’s nice to have a standard paper size included because of how many projects I do in that size. The invitation was just as fun to make and after they are printed all I have to do is fold in thirds, address and mail.

My Memories Suite software is a great product easy to use and so fun creating different project. MyMemories.com is a great site also. They have a great blog that has project ideas and so many product that compliment the My Memories Suite software. This is such a great product and I am really happy I was able to review it. Now for the good stuff!!! To enter for your chance to win the My Memories Suite software (a $40 value), all you have to do is leave me a comment about your favorite Digital Scrap booking Kit or scrap booking project. I will pick a winner by random drawing on Tuesday, September 13th. You have one week to enter so check it out and leave me a comment. Good Luck!!!!! And if you check out the side bar I have a coupon code posted for $10 off the purchase of the My Memories Suite software and $10 off any purchase at MyMemories.com

Scrapbook Software Give Away

Check back later this week when I will be posting a wonderful giveaway. One lucky winner is going to win My Memories Suite Scrapbook software, a $40 value, FREE!!! Don't forget to check back for my review of the software and the chance to enter!!!

Scotty Laughing

His laughter is so contagious. When his a bit more than tired he gets a little punch drunk and giggly, Enjoy.

The Latest Dance Craze!!!

New dance moves...he is almost as good as his sister.

The Big 3!!!!

Allison is now officially 3!!!

She had her rock star party this weekend. She had a great time and is now planning another pink rock star party with ballerinas and princesses.

Scotty wanting SO badly to help with the presents

But Allison kept a watchful eye on him.

Great Uncle Jeff and Scotty jammin' on the guitar

Great Grandpa the Rock Star

Birthday cupcakes, YUM!!

Great Uncle Lance, Great Aunt Helen and Cousins Gracie, Danielle & Ashlynn, Brianne was there also but she was busy dancing with Allison.

Grandma GoGo, Great Aunt Lisa, Great Grandpa


The Candy Bar...

Unfortunalty a lot of the guests didn't RSVP so we didn't know if they were coming or not. Most of them ended up not coming but Allison had a blast none the less as long as she could dance till her heart is content.

Scotty Dancing

Scotty dancing with Allison, super cute!!! He gets a kick out of dancing with the family.

A Nice Time Off

Well after my hiatus, I thought I would post our wonderful 4th of July celebration.
Great Grandpa is back in town and we attended the golf cart parade. Allison had SO much fun. She got to ride with Lisa and Jeff, waving at everyone.
Unfortunately we couldn't stay long but it was really nice to see everyone.
I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th.

Where Did the Time Go?

Two kids really keep you busy.
And, this is how all pictures of the two of them turn out. Allison HATES to share the spot light with Scotty in pictures. It's almost impossible to get a good posed picture of the two of them. It really has to be a candid shot.

Anyway, we took the kids to the county fair, which was really fun. Allison rode the merry-go-round and the lollipop swings. She really wanted to go on the ferris wheel and the gravity drop ride. Thank goodness she was too small, I couldn't stomach doing it, I hate heights.




I don't think Scotty had too much fun since he couldn't go on any rides or eat a corn dog. Next year will be a lot more fun.

Allison tried her first corndog and it was so good she decided to let grandma have a taste.

Scotty did have his first taste of real ice cream.

After he got used to the cold, he was like a fiend.

And with the weather so awful the last few weeks, rain, tornado warnings, thunder storms, it's amazing my garden survived. And now with the temps in the low 90's the thing is bursting with flowers, tomato blooms, and squash flowers. I can't wait 'til I can eat a home grown tomato, that just says summer to me.


Hope you all are having a wonderful summer and enjoying the warm weather.

Enjoying Spring

You know when you set your plump little one down in one place then go back a few minutes later to find they are now behind the tv chewing on daddy's $150 headphones it's time to baby proof again.



And if he is not on the move he wants to show off his sexy legs, I mean stand. Never mind the diaper behind him, I had to capture this precious moment before and I was being lazy.


Nowadays this is about the best picture I can get of the two of them.


He hats hats...


And as of late, we have been spending a lot of time outside, taking walks, gardening, catching polliwogs, swimming, and just hanging out.


Not much else is happening. Kids are growing faster than ever, it's hard to keep up. We have been planning a renovation to create our dream house out of our 1955 home. And I have been working on a few projects to spruce up the drab interior at minimal or no cost.
Have a great evening.

Random Pics

Exhausted...

Someone was caught eating grass.

Scotty's first time swimming...

He thoroughly enjoyed it.


I dressed Allison in her Easter dress from grandma & grandpa B to take a few photos.
I just love these. She is growing up so fast.



By the end though, Allison, nor Scotty would cooperate for a photo with grandma GoGo.


Have a great evening.

Quality vs. Quantity

I had a great talk with a close friend about friendships. The quality of a friendship is more important than the quantity of friends. I had to agree 100%.

While doing the dishes, after the kids were all tucked into bed, I got to thinking quality vs. quantity reflects in so many decisions Scott and I have made. For one, we have chosen not to send our kids to daycare. Instead we sacrifice luxuries, vacations, living just within our means, sometimes scraping by when times get slow at work. But this is the quality of life we want for our children, that, in my opinion, is much more important than the quantity of stuff we can amass.

A woman from MOPS had said "How do you want to be remembered? By the things you have or the things that you have done."

I took it to heart and decided that I want to be remembered for the things I have done, the quality time I spend with my family and friends making memories, is more important than quantity of stuff I can shower upon them (unless it's my vast knowledge of zombie movies or food).

Tonight just sit back and think about the quality vs. quantity in your life and what sacrifices your willing to make to get the quality of life you want.

Easter 2011 & Other Tidbits

Well I have to say that Allison and I are very similar in our picture taking abilities. As you can see I have a knack for taking really great pictures of the top of Scotty's head.

Allison is just as good, if not better, since she got a hint of brow in there.


Allison finally got her wish. It was just warm enough for us to break out the kiddie pool and have a dip. She was SUPER excited


Funny face picture, I don't think Scotty thought it was very funny.

He made up for it here. If you look closely you can see his new teeth.

Why the surprised look???

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping babe. The quiet is music to my ears...


Happy Easter 2011!!!

We ended up having 3 egg hunts. It was Allison's first Easter where she actually got the whole idea of finding the hidden eggs. She had a blast.
The first one was on Saturday night at Helen & Lance's. She had such a great time hanging out with her friend Arianna and loading up on sugar and ice cream cake. She crashed as soon as we got home, but only after we wrestled her into her jammies.


The next morning we weren't going to hide eggs until all the Grandparents arrived, but Allison slept later then normal so I hid a few around the house for her to find.
One rule, bunny ears are worn by all parties who find the eggs at our house.

Later when all Grandparents arrived, we had them hide the eggs in the backyard and garden while Allison and I waited in the house. That was a fun hunt. Eggs were everywhere. All of them full of delicious jelly beans. She found every one with the help of Daddy.


And for those of you worried that Scotty wasn't getting enough Easter coverage. Rest assured that he was happily sitting in the side lines with Mama making cutesy faces at everyone and everything that passed by.