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July 2008

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Etsy

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Member since 08/2006

Finding the Talent

  • Musthavs
    I'm an at-home Mom of two girls, but we're never home!
  • cbYates Photograhpy
    I'm a graphic artist that's recently discovered her love for photography. This newfound "excitement" was brought about by my other love, scrapbooking.

July 13, 2008

New pieces in the works

Just a few more days until the most wonderful show in the Big O!  Plum Pickens Christmas in July!  I have been busy creating a few custom pieces, and of course some fab stuff for the show.  It has been a crazy few weeks around here, and I would sure love to get my dinning room back.

I got to hang out with my BP Cara Friday night.  We were trying to make a video for my blog... it would help if I had a voice, yep lost it!  Go figure!  We had fun anyways, and I did get a few pieces finished to share. 
Rocket-Party-Hat Car-Party-Hat Dawn-Woods-custom-order The last one is a custom order.  I just love making these.  My goal is to create the add on elements like the elephant rather than use pieces from the scrapbook store.  Check out my rocket and my car.  I like how they turned out.  I have a few more ideas whirling around my head, but I need to get a few things ready for the show this weekend.  Time just keeps getting away from me!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

July 10, 2008

Oh my glittery goodness!!!!

So much to share today!  I just received a confirmation email for Silver Bella today, it appears that I am registered for all the classes that I requested.  To say that I am excited doesn't even begin to cover it!  I don't know how Teresa does it, but I am thankful that she does!  If you haven't been to a Bella event, you should check out the info and then start saving those pennies!
Silverbella08logo3by4
Today we went on a field trip to CiCi's pizza.  Amazing group of people, they invited each student back to make their very own pizza!  28 pizzas to be exact.  Then they brought out 2 pans of their cinnamon rolls.  YUM YUM!!!  I gained at least 5 lbs just looking at them.  I won't even tell you how much butter they put on them!
So here is a picture of my extremely stuffed students...
Field-trip Here is a picture of what a few of them left behind...
Pizza I cannot believe how much each one ate today.  This was eaten by one person, and no it is not a personal sized pizza.  It looks like there were 9 pieces there when she started out.  Keep in mind all of my students are on average 8-10 years old. 

The biggest surprise of the field trip was the cost... FREE!  That's right nada, zip, zilch!  They didn't charge us a dime for all 28 pizzas, drinks, and cinnamon rolls.  Absolutely amazing!  I have some work cut out for me making a thank you card, but it is a small price to pay for their generosity today!  So if you live here in Lincoln, be sure to stop out at the new CiCi's Pizza on Hwy 2 by Lowe's.  The staff is great, and the place is sparkling clean.  The price can't be beat either, the buffet is just around $5 without a drink.  And don't forget the cinnamon rolls! 

Well I am off to hang with my BP Cara tomorrow night!  Going to be making some new tiaras and other little goodies for the show next weekend... seriously where does the time go?  Yep it's Christmas in July with the artists of Plum Pickens.  Check out the details below...
Christmas in July 2008 flier Hope to see you there!

July 07, 2008

Good things come to those who wait...

Well, hopefully today the postman will deliver one final package, and then I can start shipping out the fabulous charms that I have received.  Here is a peek at my packages...
Charm-swap-packages Once the guests have received their packages, I will share photos of the completed bracelet.  All I can say it WOW!  I love everything I have opened, and I hope my guests will feel the same. 

I have been busy both personally and creatively.  I finally finished up some special toys for my boys.  That is the one bummer about no girls in the family.  Boys don't really seem to appreciate the little things that I make.  I mean seriously when is the last time anyone created a Transformer out of paper and fabric?  Oh well, my baby seems to appreciate his monkey.  I think they turned out cute.
Monkeys I have started making these fun little charms.  I will be offering these for sale on etsy.  They are a custom order piece.  Simply send me a high quality jpeg photo and I will do the rest.  Charms are created using sterling silver, crystals, and fresh water pearls.  They are really fun.  I do apologize about the glare. 
New-Charm-style-2 Well, I have got to get back to work!  So much more I want to get done!  Happy creating everyone!

July 01, 2008

Glittery Goodness

Happy new year Yippie!  Packages are starting to arrive.  Thank you to all the guests who came to the party.  Your charms are simply wonderful!  I cannot wait to send out your party favors and share photos!

There are a few more reasons to celebrate!  Silverbella 2008 registration is underway!  I was logged on and ready to go right at 7:00.  Oh I do hope I get all the classes I signed up for...  Last year was an amazing event, and this year looks to be even better.  November seems so far away right now, but I know it will be here before I know it.

My stitches came out, and most of the bruising is finally gone.  Such a tiny little thing, but I am glad it is finally gone.  Everything was totally normal with it, nothing scary to report.  Yeah! 

My husband's cousin was visiting last week.  Amy is another amazing photographer.  She took photos of my boys and nephews.  Too cute!  Here is a link to her blog.  Check out my Cam!  I seriously just want to eat him up!  I love the 2nd photo.  I may have to splurge on something fantastic.

Lots to do still, and lots of photos are coming.  I have been working on a special tiara for a little girl turning 2 in a few.  I made the tiara for her birthday last year.  This is what I love!

Happy creating! 

June 24, 2008

Is there a doctor in the house?

Doctor It's one of those things I have just lived with for quite a while.  I mean I can see it in my senior pictures, which was years ago.  A few people had commented on it, but never perfect strangers.  So I really thought nothing of it, until it started rearing its ugly head in photos.  I guess I never really noticed it until I started wearing glasses all the time.  The frames kind of lead your eye to that one spot.

Well, a few weeks ago, it reared it's ugly head.  I had to see a doctor to find out what it really was and why it decided to masquerade as the worlds largest pimple.  I know aren't ya glad your decided to read my blog today!!!  HA HA HA!

It looked like something out of one of those American Pie movies.  A really bad joke, the day of prom.  It might as well have been.  I work with elementary school children all day.  Gotta love answering, "What's wrong with your face?" all day. 

I had intended on taking a lovely before picture (camera batteries dead) to share, but I think I have one of just how it looked on any normal given day.  I say looked, because I went to see a plastic surgeon to have it removed yesterday.  Not exactly the most glamorous reason to visit a PS, but I was told if I wanted it to look decent that would be my best option.  So, I will spare you the post surgical pictures (my eye is a lovely shade of purple right now) and wait until Monday when the stitches are finally removed.   It will be strange not seeing it there anymore.  It does still have a few relatives close by, and we will see on Monday if those need to be removed as well.   Here is the "BEFORE" photo with the area to be removed circled...
Mommy and cam black and white

Well I am off to bed to get so much needed rest.  Hopefully, Mother Nature is deciding to do the same...  here is to a quiet, peaceful night!

June 13, 2008

Not so freaky Friday

Cameron22 years ago today...
This is my baby boy, Cameron.  My dear friend and fab photographer Cara took this picture.  I can't believe how tiny he was.

Last year, made him a crown...
Cam




















and today he turns 2!Cam-is-2
Happy Birthday!

June 09, 2008

Let the party begin!

Charm-swap-button
Thank you to all who RSVPd to the Diamonds and Pears Charm Swap!  The swap is now officially closed, and those in attendance should have received an email with additional information.

I have been out and about looking for supplies!  Oh I can hardly wait to see this all come together.
Pictures will be posted once all the guests have received their finished party favors.  Sorry, don't want to ruin the surprise...

June 06, 2008

Simply charming

There are just a few spots left for the Diamonds and Pearls Charm Swap!  I have sent additional information to those who RSVPd.  The guest list is shaping up very nicely.   I can't wait to see everyone's interpretation of the theme. 

In other news, I have recently started working at my sons' daycare.  I am with the school age students and we have been busy.  3 field trips already this week.  I went roller skating for the first time in, what 20 years?  I am proud to say that I remembered how to skate both frontwards and backwards... and I didn't fall once!  The kids had a great time!  What a great workout!

We went to the reading program at the library and met members of our local baseball team the Saltdogs.  2 players read stories to a very large group of children, answered questions, and then gave autographs.  Another fun outing.  Our last trip was to Pioneers Park.  We took a short hike to see the geese on the pond, had a picnic, and played at the playground.  I don't know about the kids, but I am exhausted! 

Today is water play day, and I will be working later this afternoon!  Speaking of which, I really need to get to work on some creative things! 
Have a great weekend!

June 03, 2008

Diamonds and Pearls

Charm-swap-buttonJune is a special month for me and my fam.  My DH and I were married on June 12, 1999.  We were hoping to get married on our anniversary (ya know the one were we officially started dating) but the 9th just wouldn't cooperate with a weekend.  No sense in waiting, so we opted for the next closest Saturday. 

Fast forward to 2006 - I was sitting in my OB's office convinced that my little one would make an appearance on our anniversary, when he said that Cam would be delivered via C-section.  Turns out he is more like me than I thought.  He was breach, just like me.  After weighing the not so appealing options, we decided that a C-Section was the way to go.  I joked about our anniversary, and our OB decided to make sure that it stayed just that.  Cam was to be delivered on the 13th.  One more thing in common with me, only mine is in October.

So, I have 2 beautiful celebrations this month.  My anniversary and my baby's birthday.  He is turning 2!  I still can't believe how fast they grow!  I decided this would be the perfect time to extend an invitation for a swap.  My inspiration came from Silverbella 2007.  I was a bit intimidated by the charm swap, so I decided against it.  After seeing the amazing creations, I was so bummed, and vowed that day to host a charm swap.  Ah good things come to those who wait, right?  Well, the wait is over. 

You are cordially invited to the Diamonds and Pearls charm swap.  Sparkling rhinestones and shimmering pearls set in shades of silver.  Old photos of party gals dripping in jewels sassing about this and that.  Old ticket stubs and dance cards enshrined in glass.  Tiny keepsakes dangling from a ring!  Oh the possibilities...

Each party girl will create 12 "identical" charms to share with other guests.  Charms should be delivered to the hostess (me) via Mr. Postman by June 30th.  Charms will be artfully arranged into one of the most spectacular favors ever and sent via Mr. Postman back to each guest along with a few other little party favors!

Please RSVP for the party by leaving a comment below.
Happy creating!

May 28, 2008

Playing catch up...

The school year may be done, but I still have a lot to do.  My DH and I, (thanks to the MIL) took the boys down to Savannah, GA to see his nephew graduate from high school.  Very generous of her to pay all of our travel expenses, however next time we will be making our own travel arrangements.  The thought of having to catch a connecting flight out of O'Hare was enough to send me over the edge, especially when you add in the fact that we only had a 30min lay-over and we had our 2 boys with us. Time to think positive, we can do this!!!  Stay tuned for the rest of the story...

On the creative front, I finished a custom tiara prior to jetting off.  Thankfully, it arrived on time.  Here is a pic...
Annika custom tiara




















The tiaras are available here at The Silly Wagon.

The silly wagon button













Today I went out to get another accessory for our latest toy... Wii.  I finally tracked this down...  The WiiFit.
If you don't have one, all I can say is wow!  It is so much fun.  It keeps track of your BMI, weight, and hopefully weight loss.  The games are fun and challenging.  I am sad to say the my Wii age is 57.  Yikes I am really out of shape.  Fortunately, my DH is right up there with me in age.  I think he was 52.  I will keep you posted on our progress.

And now for the rest of my story...  oh you might want to get a beverage and snack for this...

Well if it hadn't been for mother nature, we would have been fine.  The first leg of our trip involved a road trip down to Kansas City.  We stayed overnight, for we had an early flight.  Our boys did great on the first plane trip!  Cam slept (in my lap), and Michael watched part of a movie.  As we were making our final approach into O'Hare, the oh so lovely stewardess (NOT!) started to announce departure gates.  In hindsight, I should have talked to someone before we even took off.  The storm in KC had delayed our departure.  Anyways, as she was announcing the gates, she kept reminding people to allow those who needed to catch said connections off first.  "Those going on to Savannah, your flight leaves out of B4 at 10:30."  If it were just my hubby and me, we could have booked it... but with the boys and all their gear...  She then announces the current local time "10:40"  The look on my hubby's face said it all.  Needless to say we made our best effort.  Another couple had gotten to the gate prior to us and were already throwing a fit.  Imagine our surprise to see our plane still there attached to the building.  The gentleman at the gate had no intentions of letting them, us, or any of the 12+ others get on.  It was just sitting there.  The couple ahead of us was practically screaming.  When he finally told us there was no way we were getting on that plane, we all started beelining to the nearest customer service person. 

At this point I am ready to kill someone.  I am tired, my boys are tired, and most of all we just wanted to get there.  That was not going to happen without some serious extra cash.  The airlines were less than helpful in getting us anywhere, including a hotel for the night.  The only other flight to Savannah only had stand by tickets available.  The look on her face when I asked what the chances were that all 4 of us would be able to board was again enough to make me jump of the counter!!!  For an extra $75, we could confirm our tickets on a flight to Jacksonville leaving in an hour.  Oh by the way that is per person!!!  Plus then we would still need to rent a car and drive nearly 2 hours to get to our final destination. 

We finally decided to fly out the next morning at 6:30.  Tired and really PO'd, we started our little walk over to the Hilton.  Keep in mind that we have no luggage.  That actually made it to our destination!  I pack as light as possible when I travel.  The less I have to deal with, the better.  I packed enough diapers and wipes to get us to Savanna.  We had no change of clothes, no toiletries, nothing!!!  The gift shop wanted $12.95+tax for 6 diapers.  I don't think so.

I must say the Hilton is a really nice hotel.  I just wish my Hubby were up for some fun in Chicago.  I mean the L was right there.  We could have gone somewhere fun with the boys.  Instead we opted to stay in and eat at one of the many restaurants, then head back upstairs for some much needed sleep.  It was going to be an early morning, again!

We finally arrived, and thankfully MIL was there waiting.  The boys were really excited to see her.  Our room wouldn't be ready just yet, and that was the only thing I really wanted.  My SIL and her family had gone to the beach with other family members.  MIL decided that we would rather do something else.  HUH?  I was looking forward to going to the ocean with my boys for the first time.  We had water socks and everything.  Oh well!  It was still a lovely day, and grilling out was perfect.

The next morning we headed off to Savannah's downtown district to take in the history.  Oh how I wish we had more time.  Next time we will be taking a horse drawn carriage ride.  Time to head back to the hotel and get ready for the ceremony.  I stayed in the room with the boys.  They really needed a nap, and I needed a break.  Josh came back and we were off to his sisters for the party.  It was really nice.  They decided on serving a Low country boil.  Shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage, what more could you want.  As the night sky darkened, it was time to say our goodbyes.  We all had an early flight in the morning. 

The trip home was relatively problem free.  The boys wore their PJ's to the airport.  They were just too tired to even get up.  Very little time for breakfast before boarding.  When we touched down in KC, I was exhausted.  We still had to drive back to Lincoln, pick up the dogs, and unpack. 

Life is finally getting back to normal.  It wasn't the trip I was hoping for, but atleast now I know a bit more about what Savannah has to offer.