Running On Empty

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Do you feel it?  I have to admit I'm so busy re-scheduling my life to work at home that I just realized Christmas is right around the corner.  Our decorations and tree have been up since the beginning of the month..but each day I see the red and green chain Ryan made at school lose another link. Half of it's gone now and I'm sitting here wondering where the time has gone.

My in-laws are coming to visit and will arrive the day after Christmas. They are driving from Kansas which has me a little worried.

I've had no time to scrapbook, but have been making some really cool homemade goodies for my good friends.  Gotta get those in the mail!

This month we've seen Flushed Away and Happy Feet. I love going to the movies!

Katie has asked Santa for THIS and we're debating. Will it get used? Where will we hide it? She's always told everyone "I have enough toys" when asked what she want's for birthday or Christmas but this year, she has a wish.  I have to make her a believer right?  She's terribly afraid of Santa and the only pictures I have of her with him are when she was 2 months old and 1 year old. Since then, NADA (really now, she's smart..would you go and sit on a strangers lap if they offer you candy? All the things we've told her never to do!!) Anyway, last weekend we were at Target and there was a Santa going into Cost Plus. Well, we had to follow him and she actually talked to him and told him her wish.
Ahhh..so it goes. Ryan on the other hand hammed it up for Santa today.

I've been really good about taking a few pictures a day this entire month. I'm feeling a mini-album coming on about the month. So many new things going on and so looking forward to 2007.

As I sit here and listen to my little kids playing together with the christmas ornaments that are now doll characters I realize how lucky I am.

Ciao for now!

Photos that make me happy...

Just a few :)

I love how Ryan "better not pout" ... (too bad this was
last year--would have made a great card!)

Dude loves to wear his daddy's motorcycle helmet
and funky goggles when he rides his bike...ain't it cute?

This is my awesome friend Telice. The only downside of
not going to work each day is how much I miss her. I know
we'll stay in touch, but I feel like a part of me is missing sometimes.
I don't have a real sister, but this girl is pretty dang close to the
real thing. Miss you my friend. Oh yeah--her 16 year old is now
driving so beware!! (just kidding--and did you also know our daughters
are both named Katie? We're both the only girls in a family of
boys? We both have 4 year olds? We're both born in November?)
Maybe we really are long lost twins. We do have great hair, no?

This was taken last November. Where does the time go?
Next year my little man will be a kindergartener. YIKES.

Hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving! I did, and
Jeff even made another turkey dinner tonight--yummo :)

IN PRINT

Go get this:
Simple Scrapbooks Magazine

Turn to page 82

See my work :)

What a great thing to happen on my birthday of all days! Jeff and I got a babysitter, went out for Japanese food and to see the movie Borat (which is funny & repulsive at the same time).  In between the two we went to Barnes & Noble and I camped out in the magazine section. I picked up SS and began to browse (it's a special issue so I didn't get it in the mail) and there it was. WOW.

Got one for me and one for my parents.

Hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving!!

So PROUD of my girl!!

Remember this:

Tonight was the big Reflections Art Show at school. They had all of the kids' work displayed with their names and everything. They called each child up and awarded a certificate too! The principal even asked for a copy of the photo for her office!!! AND an additional print to go in a 16x20 frame for the School District Office!!!  Oh happy day!

OMG!

Have you heard the news? Democrats are now terrorists. Lovely. It's absolutely mind-numbing that AMERICANS think this way. 

That's all I have to say today.

Go Big Blue!

Okay, the cheerleader in me has been out and up all night cheering about this: YIPPEE!!!!!

Two Incredible Birthdays!!

It has been a wild and fun weekend!! Friday night we had 22 first graders over for Katie's Halloween Costume birthday party (photos tomorrow). It was so much fun. I dressed up as Snow White--black wig and all. I can't believe Katie is six!
Then, last night Jeff and I went to the University of Redlands Centennial Gala. The Dear Old U of R is 100! We went to the "Party of the Century" which included 6 mini parties, each representing a different era. Over 2000 people attended. It was quite an affair. The University also raised 100.2 million dollars over the last two years to increase programs and financial aide.  Here are a few pictures from the evening:

(the birthday girl on her "real
birthday" )

One of my oldest and dearest friends,
Stacy. Hard to believe we've been friends since high school-23 years!

The 60's party even had picketers!

Here we are with Dr. Appleton and his wife Carol. He was the President of the University when we were students and became Chancellor last year. The photo is kinda warped because we were in the "foggy futuristic martini bar of the future"

Everyone affiliated with the UofR knows Caroline. To me she is "grandma Beta" She is one of my sorority sisters! She graduated in 1940 and has done so much for the University and Beta. I love her!!!

This is one of Jeff's good friends, John Grant. He is a big wig in Hollywood--major movie guy!!

Happy Birthday UofR--without you I wouldn't have my incredible family!

Waiting on Felecia...and baby Jayden!

My friend Felecia  was due to deliver her baby a couple days ago and I've heard nothing yet. Her blog has a very cool photo on it right now so go check it out!!   I am so impatient when it comes to new babies. Both of mine were days late too.

It's a cold, rainy Saturday morning and plans to go to the pumpkin patch were squashed. Bummer.

Looks like it's going to be a cookie making, soup eating, movie watching, scraproom organizing fun day at home. 

What are you doing???? I'm sure Kerry  will be heading to target at some point!  :)

Happy Weekend!!

Remember The Train Quote?

You know, this one: The thing about trains...it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on.

Well, it's official. I am the new Executive Director of the Unforgettables Foundation. I had my 2nd interview with more board members yesterday and was offered the position while I was there. I'm so excited, nervous and honestly, appreciative that all of the "big wigs" on the board see value in me and what I do.

The saddest thing about working for school districts is that there are typically so many employees that you don't get the pats on the back that you need sometimes.  Two things I have always done (and plan to continue) as a supervisor is 1. Celebrate success and 2. tell my staff that their family comes first.  I know how much my staff appreciates this about me. I just wish I had that kind of reinforcement.  I am really going to miss my staff. I've worked with almost all of them for at least 8 years.

BUT. I am excited about doing something new. Something I know I can "put on the map" and make a real difference. 

I also get to keep my consulting gig with the curriculum company.

Does this make me a Stay at home mom now? Jeez...it's only taken 6 years to reach this goal.  But I'll take it!

Thank you so much to each of you for encouraging me to go for it. As of November 1st I'll be on my brand new train :)

Somebody Pinch Me!!

I must have a guardian angel looking out for me because I have had such good luck/vibes/karma lately it's scary. Really!
First the job thing (2nd interview tomorrow) and the awesome letter I got in the mail today.
It was from Memories in Uniform. They loved the work I did for them so much they are using the layouts/projects in their upcoming AD--which will be in Simple Scrapbooks magazine!!!!!  Not only that, but they paid me (and they didn't even have to--I'm stoked just to be getting the recognition/attention.)  So happy about this, and wow, the pages about my dad are getting me into a magazine-such a double blessing.

I also had an incredible weekend! I spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Scrappers Lounge in Leucadia. The best way to describe this wonderful place by the beach is a bed in breakfast in heaven! Beki & Michelle are running a top notch business and they really know how to pamper and take care of their guests. When I arrived they met me at the door to help carry all (and those of you who scrap with me know how much I haul to crops!) my stuff in to my own personal 4 foot table. On the table was a cute little bucket filled with goodies. They had snacks and drinks available 24/7 and also made the most incredible homemade meals for us--every meal for the entire weekend.
The ladies I met and scrapped with were so much fun. I can't wait to go again. So, who's up for it with me?????  I tell ya--it's worth EVERY PENNY.  And I even got some pages finished :)