My Crazy World...

6 wonderful years of A!

2012-02-01T19:44:00.024-06:00

Today is my lovely little Avery's 6th Birthday!

Here is a picture of her & I on the day she was born! She was such a little peanut.

Continue to scroll through to see a look at how Avery has grown in the last 6 years!

We actually have a picture of Tim & Avery ~ being silly

Happy First Birthday to Avery! Lookin' good in her shades :)

Happy 2nd Birthday to Avery! She was very into puzzles at this age.

Happy 3rd Birthday my little princess!

Her First day of school...tear. She is getting so big.

Happy 4th Birthday Avery Ellyn!

Happy Valentine's day from Avery!

Playing in the Park ~ A favorite past time

Happy 5th Birthday! Getting even taller.

This past summer playing in her soccer tournament! She did so well! She is growing into a wonderful young girl!

Happy 6th Birthday my sweet Avery! I love you to pieces and have so many wonderful memories with you from the past 6 years. xoxo Auntie Morgan

New Bella Blvd Cards

2012-01-10T19:11:00.009-06:00

Check out Bella Blvd for all kinds of awesome cards.

I was playing around with the Sophisticates Collection. I made two cards that could be used for Valentine's Day (which is right around the corner) A wedding or an Anniversary! I love making cards that can be used for different occasions.

I love using the tall tags! I tied some white embroidery floss around it and used pop dots.

I sewed on a white flower button on the bottom of the card to add a little dimension.

The sprinkles & lace papers are perfect to add a cute or classy look to any project.

I used pop dots on each layer to really add dimension. And of course inked the edges! :)

It is a little hard to see in the pictures, but I used the We R Sew Easy (hearts) tool on the bottom of the card & used white embroidery floss to stitch the hearts. I love stitching on projects!

I used one of the journaling squares from the Short Stories page in the Sophisticates line for the inside of the card. I also added a simple heart from a punch. The little "Love you" sticker is from the Sophisticates Miniatures Family Sticker & I used a black brad.

Be sure to go over to Bella Blvd's blog to see the rest of Cards on Thursday!

Best Wishes to another Beautiful & Groom

2012-01-09T18:13:00.005-06:00

I've been friends with the Jones' girls for over 20 years. My last lil Jones girl got married on Saturday December 3rd. (*Side Note: I love having a wedding in December when I'm doing a December Daily Scrapbook*)

It was a nice day, a little rain in the morning, cold, but no snow...which is amazing. In Wisconsin we tend to have a big snowstorm the first weekend in December.

The church was beautiful with the candles & poinsettias! The girls wore black & white dresses. I liked that the bride had the bridesmaids wear different dresses. They went to different department stores and picked what looked good on each girl.

The reception was at an up & coming warehouse in Downtown Milwaukee. It was completely bare. They had to rent everything & decorate it themselves. It was gorgeous! The food was delicious! Plus instead of having a DJ, they had a live Band from Madison, Wisconsin. It was a trio & they were Awesome!

It was a wonderful day and I think the Bride said it best, "The Best Day Ever!"

Congratulations to Sarah & Jake! xoxo

Birthday Card Blog Hop...

2011-12-19T05:00:00.003-06:00

For those that are just joining me, you will want to go to the Bella Blvd's blog, so you can start at the beginning of the blog hop. You don't want to miss anything.

Stephanie is the owner of Bella Blvd & one of my very Best Friends! Here is a card I made for her using the Sophisticates line!

Happy Birthday Stephanie! I hope today is a fabulous day filled with love & laughter! xoxo

I have also added a few photos of Stephanie & me. We have been friends for about 8 years. We have been very lucky to see the world together. I couldn't ask for a better friend or traveling companion.

Studying Abroad in Italy! 2005

Hanging out & relaxing in Myrtle Beach! 2006

Summer CHA show ~ 2007

Celebrating the 4th of July ~ 2008

Vacation to Vegas in 2009 for my Golden Birthday!

Scrapbooking last December together at The Scrapbook Store where we met & worked together. 2010

I have been very blessed to travel with Stephanie on business trips to help her teach scrapbooking classes. This September we went to Minnesota to participate in our first Scrapfest! We had so much fun! ~ 2011

Please remember to go to Bella Blvd's blog to leave Stephanie a Birthday message! I hope you enjoyed seeing a couple more photos of her and learning more about our friendship.

Even thought it's Stephanie's birthday, we have some gifts for a few of you lucky readers as well! We know how generous and giving Stephanie is, and we know she would never have a fun blog hop, without a few giveaways up for grabs too. So we got permission from Robin, who works alongside Stephanie in the office, to pick TEN lucky winners, who will each receive a Bella Blvd collection. All you need to do to be entered in the random drawings, is to leave Stephanie your birthday wishes in the comment section. You have lots of opportunities to up your chances, since you can leave a comment on each blog you visit, as you go through the blog hop. There are 26 blogs, plus the Bella Blvd blog, for a total of 27 chances to get your name in the pot. We will randomly choose winners, from 10 randomly chosen blogs, and announce them on Friday!

For the next stop on the blog hop, you are going to go visit Loredana Bucaria - http://www.lovescraplife.typepad.com/

Don't forget if you ever get lost you can always go back to the beginning at Bella Blvd's blog.

Babies, Babies, Babies...

2011-11-17T21:29:00.007-06:00

I feel so blessed to have so many babies in my life. I am not a mother, but I am an Auntie to many wonderful babies!!!

This year has been spectacular...I welcomed three beautiful babies from August until now.

My little Owen James born in August. He is the first born to my cousin Katie & Jim.

My sweet little Evan Miron born in November. He is the beautiful third born of my cousin Dan & Adrea.

Look at this gorgeous picture of Evan from Amy Hall. She does a wonderful job!

My adorable little peanut Ava Rose born in November. She is the first born of my friends Matt & Nicole. She is so precious!

She was so cute & just staring at me while I was talking. I couldn't get enough of her!

I just love all these babies! They make me so happy!

Besides my three new babies this year, I know of 7 wonderful ladies due this coming year. I just found out that one of the ladies is having twins! Yes, that's right I said TWINS! I'm so thrilled for her & her husband. Babies are such a blessing and I truly enjoy them!

A lot to celebrate today...

2011-11-11T10:25:00.012-06:00

I think it is so cool that today is 11.11.11. I'm going to take a picture of what I am doing at 11:11:11...which surprise surprise looking at the clock now, I will still be in my CPM machine due to my ACL surgery. That's ok though because as I mentioned before...lots to celebrate today.

For starters it is Veterans Day...I found this really nice photo on google.My grandpa served in The United States Navy. I know my cousin Katie and I, along with our entire family, couldn't be prouder of my grandpa. We are all so thankful for everything he has done & cherish all those who like my grandpa have been a part of the military. Thank you all for your service & dedication.Today I have two different birthdays to celebrate. My sweet little niece, Molly is 3 today! She has grown up so much this past year. This first picture is from February 14th! I love to spend time with the girls on Valentines Day! This year we made cookies. Molly loves to eat...sometimes I find it so funny because it reminds me of my grandma and how she would always say, "You gotta eat!" Molly has definitely got that down. Below she is eating a piece of candy while meeting baby Owen in August.In September, we went to watch Avery play Soccer. Molly was so good throughout the whole game. She of course ran around a little bit because she has so much energy, but I was able to capture this photo which is rare. She doesn't usually sit still. Molly started to take gymnastics this year! Dan & Adrea thought it would be something fun for her to do...since Avery has school and mommy is having another baby. This would be something just for Molly! :) She loves it! She is so energetic & has no fear so it is perfect for her. I hope she continues to like it because I would love to see her grow into a gymnast. The second birthday today is...Maddie or Lynnie. She is the big 1-0 today! I can't believe she is 10 years old already. I met her when she was 3 (Molly's age) She is one of the sweetest little girls I know. I love her so much! Go over to Stephanie's Blog to check out more on Maddie turning 10! Happy Birthday Lynnie!

Lastly, today is the day the last Harry Potter movie comes out on DVD! I am so excited!!! I can't wait to get it and watch it!!! What a great Friday!!! I hoping for a dinner & movie kind of night!

Happy 11.11.11 everyone!

A little early...

2011-11-01T16:47:00.003-05:00

to talk about Christmas since it is November 1st, but I have been thinking a lot about my December Daily book this year. I can't wait to start creating, journaling & taking holiday photos. I really do LOVE Christmas!

I was looking through some blogs today and came across a post on ELIZABETH KARTCHNER's blog.

She is giving away a December Daily SC kit giveaway. How exciting!!! I've attached a photo of the giveaway, but go to the Dear Lizzy Blog and check out the inspiration!

Christmas is only 55 days away!

My Love Layout using Spring Flings & Easter Things

2011-10-28T15:15:00.005-05:00

The new Bella Blvd's mid-release collections are now shipping & should be arriving at your local scrapbook stores soon.

I created a layout using the new Spring Flings & Easter Things. I Love this picture I took of Molly at the park. She looks so sweet.
The new line's colors & patterns are perfect for the picture. I used some pink twine to tie around the photo.

I popped up the sticker "You are my sunshine" from the miniatures sticker sheet on my journalling block to add a little dimension.
I hope you enjoy the layout. I can't wait to create more things with the new lines!

A new collection

2011-10-13T21:56:00.006-05:00

Bella Blvd has released two new mid release collections. They are Spring Flings and Easter Things & Winter Wonder. They are so cute! I was able to create a card called Be Happy with the Spring Flings and Easter Things collection.

I love the new miniatures stickers. They are great for cards or just to add a little pizazz to a layout.

I used Martha Stewart's fringe scissors to add a little dimension to the card. Plus I just love Bella Blvd's baby blooms a bella! And who doesn't enjoy a little twinery. :) It makes me happy!

Ciao Ciao for now...

A new love...

2011-08-22T16:57:00.009-05:00

Owen James...was born August 6th, 2011.

He was 7 pounds and 12 ounces.

Auntie Morgan holding him and him staring at me. So sweet, look at those big eyes & smile!

Six days old I went over to his house to see him again. I just love him so much! He looks so different in six days...

He is so tiny...look at his little onesie, hat & diaper

Last photo of the day. Sleeping so peacefully.

Love you Owen, Auntie Morgan :)

Local Artista Week...

2011-08-08T22:24:00.006-05:00

Hello All...

The Bella Blvd blog has been getting some major updating. It looks awesome! Laura has been super busy updating things. Stephanie & Laura wanted to do a little spotlight on the Local Artistas since we haven't done one in a while.

We were asked to take some new headshots, answer some questions and then to do a layout about ourselves. I was trying to think of something to do that would be a little outside of the box...so I decided to scrapbook one of the best experiences of my life (so far...)

October 2010, I went sky diving with my step dad. It truly was one of my best experiences. I don't really know how to describe it. It was AWESOME!!! I loved it so much I wanted to go back up and do it again the same day. :)

We went through the company Skydive Milwaukee which is based in East Troy, Wisconsin. The staff was great and my step dad and I had an Amazing Time! :)

Hopefully you learned a little something you didn't know about me...

If you would like to see more of my sky diving adventure you can click on the following link and watch a seven minute video of my jump & some pictures

Skydiving video at Skydive Milwaukee

Makes me feel old...

2011-07-24T20:39:00.005-05:00

My twin cousins (Alec & Max) are turning 17 tomorrow. (which means I am exactly 4 months away from being 27)

I was the baby in the family until I was 9 years old. Then my uncle & his wife had the twins. I love them so much and use to babysit them when they were babies. The time has flown by and now they are in high school and have their driver's licenses and will be 17. I'm so interested in what paths they will pick as they go into their Senior Year this fall.
I'm always making them take pictures with me. It is so cray to be how much they are changing and growing. They are both over 6 feet tall. They make me feel old and short. :)

Happy Birthday Boys! I love you dearly!!!

A little Sunshine for a Friday morning....

2011-07-08T08:00:00.005-05:00

I'm sure this adorable picture of Sunny will brighten every ones day!

I used the Cuttlebug's Forest branches embossing folder to create texture and dimension on the circles and tan cardstock border at the bottom of the page.

Be sure to head over to Bella Blvd to enter to win this AMAZING GIVEAWAY!!! It is worth around $600!!!
A huge thank you to Provo Craft for their generosity! I had a blast playing with all your products!!

Cards, Cards, Cards...

2011-07-06T22:11:00.012-05:00

Check out Bella Blvd today for some inspiration. I had so much fun using the Cuttlebug embossing folders and the quilling kit.

I love the Tall Tags in the Sophisticates line! They are perfect for cards & tags. I used the embossing plus die: Fanciful Labels on this card. It was so nice that it cut and embossed all in one.
The embossing folders are a great way to add texture & dimension to a card or tag.
I love to add a little twist to a normal card. I made this tri-fold card and used the...
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Border Set 37-1923 was a great way to add a little elegance to this tri-fold card. The border sets are cool because you get five different options! :)
I hope you have enjoyed the inspiration today. Check back tomorrow for even more. Don't forget to go over to Bella Blvd!

A fun little Frame & Giveaway...

2011-07-05T21:22:00.009-05:00

I love to cut out flowers and embellishments from paper and I thought it would be great to combine my cut out flowers with ones I cut using the Cricut. I used the different flowers to decorate a frame of my sweet little Avery.

I used a plain wood frame and painted it white, using Bella Blvd's Flirty line I added the cut out embellishments and stickers along with a Baby Blooms a Bella and some buttons. The Flirty line with the Forever Young Cricut Cartridge was perfect for this frame.

Don't forget to head over to Bella Blvd today to see the rest of my project and an Amazing Cuttlebug Giveaway! You won't want to miss this.

Amazing Team Up

2011-07-05T21:07:00.003-05:00

That's right we have another awesome team up! Bella Blvd & Provo Craft! Stop by all week for some Fantastic Inspiration and some Great Giveaways!

Some of my projects will be featured on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday! Stay tuned...

My Projects & Amazing Giveaway

2011-07-01T08:06:00.007-05:00

You won't want to miss checking out Bella Blvd today. Two of my own projects are being displayed and there is a HUGE Giveaway! How awesome is that! :)

My first project is a banner that you could create for any occasion. I chose Welcome Home because so many family members come home for the 4th of July! I used Bella Blvd's Man of the House collection and Maya Road's Ribbon, Chipboard Home (of the front of their album) and Maya Mist to cover the word Home.

Here is a close up showing how easy this can be made with nesting punches.
My second project is a Mini Album titled "Everyday moments that make me Smile" I used an American Crafts mini album and cover it with Bella Blvd to make it personal.
Throughout the book I used Maya Road's chipboard numbers to list the moments that make me Smile! :) I used used Maya Road's ribbon, flowers and some Maya Mist. It was so much fun creating this mini album.
The BEST thing about today is it is Friday & it is the BIGGEST GIVEAWAY @ BELLA BLVDthis week. Be sure to check out Bella Blvd to see how you can win this...

We've got some Team Ups Coming...

2011-06-27T22:13:00.004-05:00

Be Sure to stop over at Bella Blvd and Maya Road all week long for some amazing inspiration! Besides all the inspiration there will also be giveaways! :)

Final Day of Team Up ~ Bella Blvd & May Arts

2011-04-07T20:29:00.009-05:00

This is my final project for the team up with Bella Blvd and May Arts. I had so much fun creating this layout. I had to use the Family Dynamix Just Write Stickers on my layout. I ended up creating this layout with one piece of cardstock, stickers, ribbon, chipboard and buttons. I did not use any pattern paper.

I loved using the journaling stickers to create a collage to fill up with song lyrics. Plus the ribbon breaks up the layout and gives it some dimension.
It was fun to practice my journaling and making it a little more creative. I think it gives it a special touch using my own handwriting.
Thanks to Bella Blvd and May Arts!

Been a little crazy...just like the title of my blog, but I have another amazing team up this week...

2011-04-06T22:17:00.007-05:00

I have been so lucky to be a part of the Bella Blvd Design Team. We have some great team ups coming up and this is the first one...

I had so much fun designing a mini album using one of bella blvd's new collections Family Dynamix and some amazing ribbons by May Arts.

The ribbons were so versatile and matched the papers perfectly. I love how the ruffle ribbon on the front page gives it a little feminine touch.
Folding the ribbons and making a loop makes a great way for someone to pull out the secret page in a paper bag album.

The ribbons are a great way to add a little dimension to a paper bag book without making it too bulky.

Check out both blogs for more inspiration. *Add check back on Friday for my other project*

Another Team Up ~ means more inspiration

2010-11-29T21:25:00.004-06:00

Check out Bella Blvd all week again for some amazing projects

Check out...

2010-11-16T06:27:00.003-06:00

I am featured on the blog today. You will have to check out the blog to see what I made. I am very honored to be a part of the Bella Blvd Team.

Monday's post has some amazing cards by Gail Hoecker.

I really enjoyed using all the different glues by TOMBO. This team-up was a lot of fun.

Make sure to look at Bella Blvd's Blog all week to see all the cool projects.

Summer Fun!

2010-09-13T18:06:00.005-05:00

I love playing outside in the summer. The girls always have so much fun at the park and even in the backyard. These pictures are from Labor Day...the last summer day celebration! A perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall.

I'm sad to see summer go, but I absolutely LOVE fall. The only thing bad about fall is winter follows it. Oh well...I do always love the first snowfall.

Steps...

2010-05-27T21:42:00.005-05:00

Yesterday night I went over to Katie & Eric's house for awhile to hang out and catch up. I have not seen Owen since I got home from Brazil. He is getting so big. I just love playing with him. He is constantly going...he is like the energizer bunny. :)

He hasn't been walking yet...he is taking his time. While I was there last night he took some steps all by himself. I was so excited!!! :) A few different times he got 5 steps or so and fell. I was so proud of him.

Katie and Owen along with her mom, Jean, are leaving for Arizona tomorrow morning. They are going to visit Bryan and Teresa. i predict that by the time they come home Owen will be taking steps all over the place.

These are older (around Christmas time) pictures of Katie and Owen, but I just love them. I think they are very precious.

*I have some other news that I will hopefully be updating this weekend*

Brazil here we come...

2010-05-04T22:58:00.003-05:00

Stephanie and I are leaving for Brazil tomorrow night. I am getting really excited!!! :) I have all my clothes laid out, but not in my suitcase yet. I am such a procrastinator. Anyway, I wanted to let everyone know where I will be. We won't have a lot of access to computers so hopefully between the two of us we will be able to update a little. We will be teaching 4 different Bella classes in 3 different cities. Ciao Ciao for now! :)

Our Little Badge Fan...

2010-04-16T21:16:00.004-05:00

I was on facebook the other night and looking at my cousin's pictures. I came across these pictures of our little Avery. I am in love with these photos. She looks so cute! I love when she is acting silly. That sly little smile makes me smile. Sometimes it is hard to get her to stay still and smile normal for pictures.

I love her in her badger gear. Her daddy (my cousin Dan) went to UW-Madison and is a huge badger fan. I still remember her having a wisconsin book when she was little and she could always point out Bucky. I'm sure Dan gets excited when he gets to spend time with his girls watching the Badger games.

Today is the day!!! Let the Crawl Begin...

2010-03-05T06:50:00.002-06:00

Go to Bella Blvd's Blog for all the details. Plus you can check out all the amazing...

I can't wait to see all the goodies and to get inspired! Although I am off to work now...I have all weekend to check out all the fun things!

Have Fun crawling!!!!

Words & Wine

2010-02-28T18:35:00.008-06:00

Friday night was our first book club meeting. I think everyone had a really nice time. As some of the girls told me that night I am going to be the historian of our book club. I took plenty of pictures to document our first meeting. Betsy did a nice job of setting up the atmosphere. I proceeded to set up some great shots so people who couldn't come could see how it went. The girls were making fun of me at first when I set the book up by our dinner, but afterwards I showed them the picture they really like it. :)

The name of the book is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, we had a baked potato bar for dinner. We are trying to have our dinner coordinate with the book in some way. We thought a potato bar would be perfect and not too hard to make. Betsy, who was our hostess, supplied the potatoes and each girl was to bring a topping and something to drink.

We had plenty of wine...I can't believe we drank most of it. Although we had a good number of ladies. Once we made our potatoes it was time to discuss the book. We chatted about our likes and dislikes. In the back of the book there were questions we could ask and go through so we picked a few of those too. After we finished talking about the book we needed to figure 3 things out...

1. Selection of our next book

2. Decision on when & where our next meeting will be

3. Come up with a new name instead of boring Ladies Book Club

By the end of the night we were able to answer all 3 questions.

1. Loving Frank

2. Michelle will be hostess since she lives in a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired house and it will be on April 17th

3. Words & Wine Club

I think it was a very successful 1st book club meeting.

Here is to many more...

Book Club

2010-02-24T21:16:00.002-06:00

During Christmas time, a few of my friends wanted to start a Book Club. I was a little leery to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I love books. I just on the other hand am an awful procrastinator and if a book doesn't grab my attention in the first few pages...well then I am sorry to say I probably won't be reading that book. Eventually some of the girls convinced me to participate. They said to try the first book and if I didn't think the book club was for me then I wouldn't have to do another book. Our first meeting is this Friday night. I am shocked to say I am excited!

Over the past six weeks we were to read the book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. We don't have any meetings in between the start and the finish of the book. It is up to each person how fast or slow they choose to read. Now those of you who really know me will not be surprised to learn I only started reading my book a week ago. :) I told you I am a procrastinator. Although I had very good intentions of being on top of the ball and try reading a little every night. I bought my book right away and would carry with me for the first few weeks, until I realized I should stop taking it with me since I was never reading it basically just carrying it and giving it a tour of my town.

I am about halfway through the book and I am loving it! I need to finish before Book Club on Friday because I want to know the ending so the others don't ruin it for me. The book has caught my attention and I can't put it down. The only reason I have not finished it yet is reading makes me sleepy and I tend to doze off while reading. The first night I started reading, I read around 80 pages. I was pretty proud of myself.

Well I off to more reading. If you want to learn more about the book you can check out these two sites.

http://www.blogher.com/book-review-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-society

and

http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/Book-Reviews/2008/0728/the-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-society

surfing the web...

2010-02-17T21:20:00.004-06:00

Most people who know me, know that nowadays I do not always enjoy going on my computer at night. I work at least 40 hours a week on a computer...so when I get home I don't want to be on mine. I love my computer which sometimes makes me a little sad that I don't want to be on it. (I think part of it is I also don't have wireless connection) So I really don't want to be sitting at a desk and on a computer when I get home. Anyway, tonight is a rare occasion...I have been checking blogs for over a hour. (I will pause for a reaction) I usually check the regular ones (my friends) Tonight I was looking for some inspiration and creativity. I ventured out to other blogs that I do not check as often. I came across this blog:

http://kristinaisonehappymama.blogspot.com/

While I was looking through all her posts I saw these and fell in love! :)

I love prints like these. I hope you enjoy! :)

Inspiration & Reflection

2010-02-06T21:00:00.003-06:00

I'm an artista for Bella Blvd and one of the new lines is Estate Sale. It is a great vintage line. Stephanie asked me to do a few products with this line because we recently had done some family photos. Between the time she had assigned me to use this line and the time my projects were due...my grandma had passed away. I had a hard time making this page and still have a hard time here and there. (crying while typing) I miss her so much. I truly cherish every moment and memory I have of her. She was the rock of our family. I have learned so much from her. This is the first page I have done of my grandma since she passed. I plan to do a mini book of just pictures and memories I have of the 2 of us. I have already started planning it, but knowing me it will take a while before I finish it. Love you G-ma!

Today I spent the morning at my grandpa's house. *side note - the whole family for Christmas had their bathroom re-done. Grandma unfortunately never got a chance to see it* I went to Grandpa's house to paint the bathroom with my mom and aunts. I will take a picture when everything is complete, but it will be a little while still. What started as a small project of hiring people to put a new tub in - has now turned into we should fix up the entire bathroom. That is the reason I, along with help, was painting. After lunch today we pick out a new flooring. I am hoping my uncle will have time to put the new floor in this week. I know it will make a huge difference. Their bathroom is so tiny and needed a major overhaul. It is a process that I hope makes my Grandpa happy. :)

Faded Finds

2010-01-20T17:44:00.005-06:00

My Fabulous Friend Stephanie (who owns Bella Blvd) told me a couple weeks ago about this fabulous artist. She is an independent artist. These frames are so beautiful! I wish I had her amazing talent. Her work inspires me to be more creative. She designed some frames that can fit a 12x12 layout inside. How awesome is that? Hopefully someday I will have one of her wonderful frames in my house. Check out the Bella Blvd studio blog for more information and a chance to win one of her amazing frames. http://www.bellablvd.typepad.com/

Melts my heart

2009-12-21T22:16:00.003-06:00

The title of this post sums up this photo for me.

It completely melts my heart. This picture was taken at Betsy and Tony's Wedding July 11th, 2009. My grandma loves to dance and she says she always closes her eyes when she dances. This is a picture I will treasure for a long time. I love you grandma and grandpa!

congestion...

2009-11-05T19:52:00.003-06:00

Do you ever have those days that you wish you could be in bed all day. I have been feeling that way a lot lately. I'm so tired...I think the changing of the seasons is making it worse. It is the first week of November and my allergies of all things are acting up. It is making for a very tired, red eyed, achy, itchy and exhausted morgan...

Hoping for a good night of sleep tonight...

My little loves...

2009-10-26T22:12:00.004-05:00

I can't get enough my two little girls - Avery & Molly.

They are my cousin's babies and I just love them to death. I wish I could play with them every day. Avery is 3 1/2 and will be 4 in February. Molly will be 1 next month in November. Both of the girls keep me laughing & smiling. Let's just say they are my loves.... :) I love being Auntie Morgan

I hope these faces make you smile as much as they make me smile! :)

Molly

2009-10-21T23:47:00.001-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Obsessed...

2009-04-21T18:30:00.004-05:00

I am so obsessed with this lovely creation from Making Memories. I went to Michael's craft store yesterday to see if they had any in stock. They did! I was hoping it would be on sale, unfortunately it was not. I have not purchased this lovely unit yet, but I do plan to someday. I have been seeing so many ads and photos of this unit all around me, which I think is a sign for me to have it. Over the past 5 months or so I have been trying to organize and re-do my scrapbooking station in my room. I believe this would complement my area very much! All I can say is that I am obsessed with it...

March Madness!

2009-03-03T20:56:00.006-06:00

I love the month of March! One of my favorite days is St. Patrick's Day! I love the day...full of green beer and basically anything green! :) I even had to change the color of my blog for the month of March. Here are some pictures from previous St. Patty's Days...2006 to 2008.

Don't you love the green shoes and purse?!
Betsy, Myself, Rachel, and Jenny
My wonderful friend since we were 3 years old...
2007 - a double St. Patty's Kiss
2008 - Nicole ~ gotta love it!
We couldn't get enough of the glasses! :)

Accomplishment...

2009-02-23T16:49:00.007-06:00

About a week and a half ago...I created a 6x6 album. The reason I was making the album was for one of my oldest friend's baby shower. She is due in May and is expecting a boy. All I used was cardstock and some Karen Foster sticker sheets. Everything else was from my stash of stuff. I am definitely not the fastest scrapbooker...and that is why this was a great accomplishment. I created this album in 4 hours on a Thursday night. I hope you enjoy...

My Rock Star!

2009-02-16T21:57:00.006-06:00

On February 1st was Avery's 3rd Birthday. We had brunch and a little party at Dan & Adrea's house. Everything was great ~ the food was fantastic and Avery got a bunch of great gifts. Her favorite gift by far was from her grandma and grandpa (Auntie Jill and Uncle Mike) She got a Hannah Montana guitar and microphone. She loves to sing, so it really was the perfect gift. Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are her usual choices. She performed for us and it was fantastic! She is my little Rock Star!

Family

2009-01-06T20:25:00.003-06:00

Here is our newest family photo...all 20 of us. Can you believe it? When I was looking at this photo I realized that right now we have 10 boys and 10 girls in the family! I thought that was very funny. We took this photo on Christmas Eve at my aunt's house. We used the timer and set the camera on top of the TV. It only took 3 takes to get a good shot. Yesterday my grandparents celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary! :) I think that is something truly special. I love my grandparents so much! This coming weekend the whole family (Yes, all 20 of us again) is going to Wisconsin Dells to celebrate their anniversary. We are staying at the Kalahari in the Entertainment Suite. Which sleeps all 20 of us. It should be a blast with a lot of good memories. I am really looking forward to it and I know my grandma is too. She loves when we are all together. It is the first time in a long time I can think of that my immediate family all has the day off together. We are leaving Friday morning around 10. I am sure I will have plenty of funny photos to share when I return.

:)

2008-12-15T20:43:00.006-06:00

I'm so excited...I have finally purchased myself a new computer. I decided to go with a Macbook Pro. I love it! Although I have to admit that I don't know how to really utilize it yet. I am in the processes of learning all about it. I was always a PC user so it is a big adjustment to switch to a Mac. I love the idea of a laptop...it makes me so happy!

It has been a crazy few weeks around here, so I have to apologize for not being better about updating my blog. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season! I'm going to snuggle up with a cozy blanket, watch a movie, and have a glass of egg nog!

1 Month

2008-11-04T22:04:00.003-06:00

I have been at my new full time job for a month now. Everything is going well. I am constantly learning new things. I am still training and that is fine with me because there is so much to know. Plus I have never worked with Insurance Policies, so just learning the lingo is work. I am still loving the days. My body is starting to get a little use to being up a lot earlier. I am usually up @ 5:30 AM most days...I do admit to sleep in a little bit from time to time. Who doesn't love the snooze button. I leave my house @ 6:30 AM. My hours are 7 AM til 3PM. I love the hours. I like having my nights to get things done. So overall ~ It has been a very busy, but rewarding month. I have been trying to get adjusted to everything. I think it has been going pretty well. I am still working part time @ The Scrapbook Store. I am there every Thursday night and some Fridays and Saturdays.

Here are some pictures of my new life in an office/cubicle setting...

I just wanted to Thank everyone for the well wishes, encouragement, and support. It has been a great first month so far...and as my aunt would say I am one month closer to retirement! ha ha :) gotta love her!

1st Purchase

2008-09-12T12:44:00.002-05:00

Here is my 1st purchase for my new job. I have to dress nice and I can't have open-toed shoes, so I was shopping today and found these. I am so in love with them. The best part is they only cost me $30. Gotta love it!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be at my family's condo, Fox Hills.

An Emotional Day

2008-09-11T22:15:00.003-05:00

September 11 will always be an emotional day for me. I will never forget what happened 7 years ago today. I'm a Bella Artista for my friend Stephanie's scrapbook company, Bella Blvd. http://www.bellablvd.typepad.com/

She asked me if I would be willing to create a layout for September 11. A where were you sort of idea. I said of course, I have always wanted to scrapbook that day. I just haven't yet. So it finally forced me to do it. It is so funny to me, that I can still remember that day so well.

Here is the page I did using Stephanie's paper. I am actually really happy with the way this layout turned out. It was a hard subject so I wasn't sure how I would like it.

Other news for today...I got a real "full-time" job. I start in two weeks. I will be working at Northwestern Mutual at their Franklin campus. I am very excited!!!

Friends...

2008-08-11T21:11:00.003-05:00

Most days for me consist of work, family and of course friends. I might not see my friends every day, but most days I talk to them and if I don't get the chance to talk to them ~ I sure think of them. I am very blessed to have so many great friends in my life.

Last night, Rachel and I went to see The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. I loved the first movie so much, so I was so excited when I heard they were making a second one. The second movie was everything and more. It was absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to see it again.

I don't want to give anything away about the movie ~ in case somebody wants to see it. All I have to say is that they cover so much in this movie. You really see the girls grow up and mature.

Baby...

2008-08-05T22:21:00.003-05:00

Here is the picture of the ultrasound that I promised.

I am so excited for Katie and Eric ~ they are going to be wonderful parents.

It is obviously not the best picture, but it is just amazing to me. The baby is like the size of a pea! Crazy...

So Sorry...

2008-07-27T21:23:00.005-05:00

I know I was doing so well at posting more and then nothing for the past 2 weeks. I have been awfully busy at work. So sorry to all.

Anyways, not to much new going on. I was cleaning my room and organized my closet. I love when all my clothes are hung up and looking beautiful. I like to color coordinate my closet. It makes me happy! Some of you know that I have a lot of purses and I just hang them on my wall as art ~ because basically I have no room and I like how they look. Well I have been wanting to do that with my necklaces too. I have too many and I don't have a good place to keep them, so I can remember what I have and what will go with my outfit.

I celebrated 2 birthdays the weekend of the 11Th. My friend Katie has hers on the 9Th and my friend Jenny's is on the 10Th. We went on this boat "booze" cruise for Katie's and met up with Jenny afterwards. It was a lot of fun. And I definitely got my money's worth on the cruise. I believe it is a hour and a half and unlimited drinks for $25.

The biggest news I have to share is about another dear friend of mine. Katie Peppey-Freimark...is pregnant! I am so excited for her and Eric. They of course are absolutely thrilled. Although, Katie is less than thrilled with the morning (but really all day) sickness. I have a picture of their 1st ultrasound on my phone, so I will have to upload it to my computer.

I Hart New York!

2008-07-09T13:14:00.005-05:00

I love the brewers! Most people know this...

Corey Hart is up for the last spot on the All-star team. You can help by going to the website www.mlb.com and voting for him. You can vote as many times as you want. The voting stops on Thursday at 4pm.

Thanks for the help!

2008-07-08T21:15:00.003-05:00

Margaritas can always make me feel a little bit better....

Had dinner with my parents at Lil Cancun...our favorite Mexican restaurant. It has been another long week and yet another bad Monday/Tuesday. So a nice family dinner with some margaritas always seems to hit the spot.

Very thankful for family today....love you! :)

tough day

2008-06-30T16:53:00.002-05:00

Having a bad day...

maybe it will get a little better ~ going to see Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts tonight at summerfest.

Another birthday...

2008-06-29T22:31:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to say Happy Birthday to two very special people in my life.

My Cousin Katie had her birthday yesterday. I was not able to hang out with her because I was working are all day krop for the store. I only have two girl cousins and no sisters...so she is pretty much a sister to me and I love her very much!

Today is my Donna's birthday! I couldn't have been blessed with a better friend. I met her through work probably about 4 years ago. She is such a wonderful friend to me...always there to help me in any way she can...I owe a lot to her. I love her so much too!!! I hope they both had fabulous birthdays and I wish they all the love in the world!!!

Puppy Love

2008-06-25T14:07:00.004-05:00

Some of you know that I have become an un-official dog sitter. I mostly dog sit for my aunt. I thought I would share some pictures of the dogs in my life. I don't have a dog anymore. It has been many many years since I have had a dog of my own.

This is Brady. He is my aunt's dog and he is huge. I like to think of him as a horse. He is so good for me.

Stanley is my cousin Katie and Jim's dog. I am so in love with him! He is a wiener dog and I LOVE little dogs because then they can just sit on my lap.

I use to have two little dogs when I was a little girl.

The last dog I am going to show is Luna. She is my friend Katie and Jim's dog. (Yes a different Katie and Jim) She is so full of life and energy. We took her in the car when we went looking at different halls for Betsy. So one pic is her in the mirror.

Looking at all these cute puppies...doesn't it make you want one?

2008-06-20T12:05:00.007-05:00

This past weekend I had my friend Rachel's graduation party and we had father's day celebration.

Rachel's party was at Katie and Eric's house. It started out to be a really nice day and then of course it rained, so we hung out in the garage for a while.

Later that night we went to this bar called Lady Luck. I have always wanted to go to this bar because everyone calls me Lady Luck. It is a bar that is right off the expressway and from the outside it doesn't look to safe...well at least for a bunch of young girls to go to. So we were OK to go because we had to guys with us. I was so excited to see this place. It really is nothing special, but I was happy because I felt like dancing and they had music.

On Sunday my family went to my Grandparents house to celebrate Father's day and my twin cousin's graduation party from 8th grade. Man oh man...they make me feel old. I was 10 when they were born. Just crazy...

I took a ton of pictures on father's day ~ I think because for once the whole family was there, and I think I am a little camera happy because my camera is still broken so I was so happy to have a camera in my hands. (I was using my parents camera)

My grandpa, I LOVE him so much!!!

The boys ~ Max and Alec, opening their gifts

Of course my Lil Avery...I just can't get enough of her. I take so many pictures of her...it is crazy.

I was so happy to get a picture of my grandparents and all 5 of their kids. I think it is a really great pic. They all were getting mad at me because I was taking so many pictures.

I also wanted to get a picture of each dad and his kids.

I hope everyone else had a lovely weekend and wonderful father's day!

2008-06-19T23:26:00.003-05:00

Here's a picture of Betsy and her ring!
I'm so excited for her and Tony!!!

We have already started working on plans...Wedding Season is back in full force.

I am going to a wedding tomorrow night. My brother's best friend from high school is getting married. He is in the wedding and my parents and I are going too. The whole family!

Finally starting to feel a little better. Hoping to post some more tomorrow morning. Goodnight all.

YAY!!!

2008-06-14T16:03:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Betsy and Tony!

They got engaged last night. I am so excited for the two of them.
I have known about this for about 2 months and it was driving me crazy keeping it a secret...so I am so happy it is done! I didn't ruin it ~ Betsy was totally surprised.

2008-06-12T18:33:00.004-05:00

rain rain go away...

We have been having some crazy weather lately. I like to blame it on Stephanie...I think she brought it back from Texas. J/K

I took some pictures of all the water and damage on my parents camera, so I am hoping to post them soon.

It has been a busy week at work. I have had a lot of re-arranging and organizing to do.

This weekend I am dog sitting and house sitting for my Aunt. I am hoping to take a picture of her dog Brady tonight so I can post it. He is HUGE...I think I could ride him like a horse.

On Saturday I have one of my best friends graduation party. Rach graduated in December when I did...only on a different day and from a different school. She graduated from UWM with her major in Communications.

I know it is really bad, but Rach and I didn't even take a picture together with both of us in our caps and gowns. Maybe we can still take one. This was take the night of my graduation. The two graduates!

Alright I have to go eat dinner and get over to watch my puppy for the weekend.

Good Luck...

2008-06-04T12:19:00.003-05:00

to my little Stephanie. She has the rest of her root canal today. So everyone pray for her.

Celebrations!

2008-06-03T19:53:00.006-05:00

It is a time to celebrate...

Friday night I had a wedding to go to. (2nd one of this year) It was very nice. Nicole and Temo, who I went to high school with, looked radiant! They are so in love and I wish them all the happiness in the world.

This past weekend we finally had some beautiful weather to enjoy. It really started feeling like summer. Rach and I laid out at her new pool on Sunday. It was gorgeous and we even got a little sunburned. I always think of Sicily when I get sunburned because I hope I will never be as sun burned as I was there.

Sunday night a bunch of the girls and I went to see SEX AND THE CITY the movie! It was fabulous!!! I was so excited I couldn't believe it was finally here. I can't wait to see it again. Hopefully I will get Stephanie to watch the shows with me and then by the time it comes out on DVD we can watch it together.

Lots of Birthdays this first week in June.

Anabelle ~ Stephanie's niece is 9, today

Aaron ~ is 23 tomorrow

Amber ~ is 23 tomorrow

Gloria ~ Glo-worm who I work with has her birthday tomorrow too

Jim ~ my uncle's is on Friday the 6th (he's in the red)

Matt ~ is 23 on Sunday the 8th

This weekend I also have 2 baby showers to go to...so it really is a week of celebrations!!!

I hope everyone else has a fabulous week! :)

Oh what a crappy day. . .

2008-05-22T14:30:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I had a bad day at work. I was so cranky and I had the neediest people ever. I just couldn't please them and it was making me crazy.

I went to Rachel's new apartment after work to help her move her last load in. It was a really nice place. It's called Spring Brooke. Check it out!

I went to The Big Chill for the first time in my life last night. Ha ha. Totally cracks me up. It was $1 shots last night...oh boy. Some of the guys are in a softball league, so they go to the bar afterwards. I didn't go to the game because they told me they are really bad and to not come. So I didn't and they actually won last night. Too funny! I really needed a drink last night after the day I had.

To make the end of the day even worse...I lost my keys last night! I am still hoping to find them. I have been re-tracing my steps all morning. No luck yet...I am so sad about it. I feel like I am going to be sick because I never lose things. Stephanie made a good point ~ if somebody found my keys, it doesn't have my address on them. How would they know what house they worked for. I love it ~ she is trying to make me feel better.

2008-05-22T14:30:00.000-05:00

just another day...

2008-05-14T18:59:00.002-05:00

hello all ~ I know it has been a very long time since I wrote on my blog. Sorry to those of you who actually check it. I really was meaning to start back up on writing awhile ago, but I have been having some problems with my computer. Now my computer is officially not working so I am at work today (not on the clock) up dating my blog quick. Just to let everyone know that I get the message to start blogging again. I really like to share pictures on my posts, but again since I am not on my computer I am sorry to say no pics at this point.

I had a wonderful mother's day with my family. It was a great day! I learned how to make home-made noodles from scratch. I was so excited ~ it took a lot of work but it was very fun. My aunt took pictures of me, so hopefully at some point I can post them.

One of my very best friends moved back ~ that is right, Stephanie and her boyfriend Steve are back from Texas...for good. At least as we know right now. I am so excited about that. I have been trying to catch up with her and her family. I have seen most of her family so far. I still need to see her dad.

I have to run though, it is my friend Katie's birthday today and I have to go give her ~ her birthday gift and have some cake!

Hopefully be writing sometime soon.

LOVE

2008-02-14T09:18:00.003-06:00

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED!

What a great way to start out each day ~ thinking LOVE is ALL you NEED. I bet if more people thought that in the morning (myself included) we would have less road-rage and anger in our lives. We probably wouldn't sweat the small stuff and hopefully have more patience with others that tend to drive us a little crazy. So maybe we should all try and think about that every morning and see if it works.

I don't have a boyfriend right now to celebrate valentine's day with....but that does not mean that I don't have people in my life that I LOVE. So thank you to all of my friends and family that love and support me in everything I do. I cherish each and everyone of you for that. I hope you all have a wonderful day and think of those who you love in your life and let them know.

Winter Wonderland in Wisconsin

2008-02-06T22:47:00.000-06:00

I have lived my whole life in Wisconsin...so I have had my share of snow days and such. The snow started yesturday at 4pm and continued today until 9pm. We got over 15 inches....totally crazy! My work was closed today, so thankfully I didn't have to go in. My mom took my step-dad's truck to work because he has 4-wheel drive. She took my aunt and a couple friends, who live around us, to work. They worked only til about 1pm and then stopped to get some lunch on their way home. They called my step-dad and I ~ so we decided to take a lil adventure and meet them. (I was glad I didn't have to drive...I probably would not have gone if it was just me.) The roads were so crappy and the visiblity was awful. We made it there and back safely. Tonight we of course had to snow-blow and shovel....definitely not one of my favorite things, but it has to be done. So I took some pictures today, one from our front door of the plow (he got stuck for a lil bit) I also took a couple while we were driving. Tonight I took a few ~ the back of our house myself in the snow to show how much we got...I wasn't even all the way to the bottom either ~ which boggles my mind. (oh and yes the 5th photo down is a mini van covered with snow) So much snow!

I hope you enjoy these Stephanie ~ I am sure you are loving that you are not in it.

bowl-a-rama

2008-01-09T20:42:00.000-06:00

Nothing too exciting going on this week for myself. I have been working a lot of hours at the store because my boss hurt herself ~ so I am filling in for her. I went out friday night with some of the girls for my friend Katie's birthday. We just went to this bar in Cudahy (I know ~ rach and I out and not downtown....crazy...)

Saturday night a bunch of us went bowling. I have not been bowling in a long time. I use to bowl (when I was 9 years old) all the time; I was in a league...ha ha ha. I was excited to go bowling ~ it is nice to switch it up a bit and not do the same thing all the time. It felt as if it was a night in high school....a ton of old friends....hanging out.....having fun.....and bowling. I didn't bowl as well I usually do, so I was kinda bummed....

We had so much fun on saturday night that some of the girls and I went bowling again last night. The same place we went on saturday - has $1 bowling on tuesday nights. How great is that ~ something to do that is fun and different and actually cheap! I love it! I did much better last night I got a 121 for my second game!

Keeps Going...going...going...going....going...going...

2008-01-03T21:13:00.000-06:00

So I know I have not posted for a long time, but it has been a crazy couple weeks. I checked and the last time I posted was on December 20, 2007. That is when all the craziness began...I graduated on that night, the 21st I attended an ugly sweater christmas party, the 22nd rach and I went out to celebrate our graduations (nothing too exciting just a few drinks downtown) the 23rd stephanie came into town, then or course christmas eve and christmas day, the 26th stephanie's family and my family went to dinner together at saz's (our fav) the 27th stephanie had her make n take @ the scrapbook store and then we scrapbooked til 3 in the morning, the 28th I went to wind lake to see Bret Michaels from Poison!!! Awesome!!! Stephanie left the morning of the 29th and I left in the afternoon to go to Green Bay. On the 30th was my 1st ever packer game!!! I will never forget it. The 31st we came home from green bay and had our family steak dinner which we do every new years eve and then I went out that night. So as you all can read I have been extremely busy....and now I have been trying to also find a "real" job....

But as always I love to share photos of what I have been doing so here you go...

My parents and myself after graduation

My cousin and I looking ulglier than ever, but very christmasy

Taking a "congratulations on graduating" shot with Luke

Christmas Eve with my new coat

Avery on Christmas Day

Now one of my favorite days ~ Bret Michaels Concert

Me, Stacey, Casey, Arlene, and Tasha ~ and our backstage passes!!!

Bret Michaels Drummer and Me!

AND NOW FOR THE ONE AND ONLY MR. BRET MICHAELS!!!!

Another Fabulous day was the Packer Game

1st touchdown of the game by Ryan Grant (who was @ the bar we were at after the game)

The stands were packed...over 70,000 people

Happy New Years!!!

Rachel, Katie, Me, and Rachel

One of my new favorite pics of Aaron and I

Seit and I ringing in the New Year!

Happy

2007-12-20T12:35:00.000-06:00

So my lil stephanie is 24 now (her birthday was yesturday) I am so Happy she had a wonderful day! I thought I would share one of my favorite pictures of us

Stephanie's younger sister, Nicky, and I are graduating tonight. I know stephanie wishes she could be here for both of us, but hopefully we will have some good pictures to show her.

Here is a picture of Nicky, Stephanie, and myself in Myrtle Beach. We had such a great time there. Lots of memories! Congratulations to Nicky! I'm so excited for you!

getting closer...

2007-12-03T09:16:00.000-06:00

I know it has been a long time since I wrote something. I am sorry for that. I have been super busy with things at school. home and work. I have my portfolio show on wednesday....so I have been trying to get everything ready for that. I am so excited for my show, but I am also a little nervous. I can't believe I am going to be graduating soon....craziness to me. So that is my life right now. I am going to try and take some pics of my portfolio and post them....probably on thursday. Have a Wonderful week!

Thanksgiving and Birthday weekend!

2007-11-26T16:00:00.000-06:00

I LOVE Thanksgiving weekend....everyone is all together and it is also my Birthday! I had a really wonderful weekend.

It all started on Wednesday night...we went to Johnny Mo's to meet up with some old friends.

Rach and I had are HUGE bags with us and Trevor could not get over it ~ so he wanted a picture with them.

Thursday ~ We have Thanksgiving @ my house. It was a very nice day....Packers played and won...took a nap....good food....watched Grey's. Jim and I celebrate our birthdays on thanksgiving with the family because our birthdays are 2 days apart.

I always have a dairy queen ice cream cake for my birthday ~ this year I got a lion king one because it was the only one that was fall colors. I went out thanksgiving night for a little bit because I don't get see everyone that often and since they are all home for the holiday ~ I wanted to see them as much as I can.

On Saturday we had our 3rd annual Bar crawl for my birthday ~ we all had a blast!!!

So overall ~ I had a FABULOUS birthday and weekend!!! Thanks to all of you who helped me celebrate. I am very thankful for my wonderful family and my fantastic friends!!!! Thanks so much...

New Phones for everyone

2007-11-12T16:25:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, My mom, step-dad and I went to get new phones. I haven't had the time to go look at new phones before this, so I really wasn't sure what I wanted to get before we got to the store. There are always so many choices. This time we all got different phones. (last time I got a different one from my parents) Keith got a samsung and My mom got this new phone called juke. It is so tiny and so cute!!! I Love it!

It is a little mp3 player too. And yes it is as skinny as it looks....It is fabulous!

After looking at many different phones.....I finally decided on.....

The Silver Blackberry Pearl!!!! It is so fabulous!!!! I can't get enough of it. I finally got all my phone numbers into it. I am still playing and learning. It is so great though.....I LOVE new toys!!! I can check and send emails. I can im people from it, text message, camera, a navigation program (you know, when it talks to you and tells you - turn left here, you are approaching your destination....I just can't get over it. All I want to do is play with it all day. :)

another busy week...

2007-11-05T00:09:00.000-06:00

Hello All ~ it was a crazy week back after my vacations. It was definitely back to reality. I had my cousin's wedding reception yesturday and that was a blast! I do love weddings and dancing! This was the last wedding for me this year (bittersweet...) I have to admit I was getting a little stressed with all the weddings, but I am a little sad for them to be over. I will add some pics of the reception later...I didn't upload them yet.

I am adding a few pics of other random things....a couple pics of the classroom at work. I love it!

We were asked to make boards about ourselves to hang up in the classroom, so that customers could get to know us. So I finally did mine...it is of course about italy and it black, white, and pink!

My cousin Katie and I in Mexico for her wedding! She is so great ~ I just love her!

Another random photo of myself from mexico....

world traveler...back home...

2007-10-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

So I know I have not written in a very long time. I have been out of town for about 2 weeks now.

First I went up north with the Jones girls to celebrate Betsy's birthday. We just went up for the weekend. We hung out, hiked, had a campfire, ate a lot of food, went on a haunted hayride (not my idea) and closed out the nimrod. It was a very nice weekend.
Then I left for Cancun on Tuesday morning at 5am. My cousin got married in cancun, so we were all going to see her...almost my whole family came. We had about 45 people altogether (family and friends) I think that is absolutely amazing for a destination wedding. I had so much fun! The weather was beautiful and the wedding was gorgeous!!! I thought they all looked fabulous!!!!

Playing in the pool

Me in the Ocean

The groom and groomsmen waiting for the bride

and the father of the bride with the beautiful bride Katie

Congratulations Katie and Jim!

So Beautiful.... :)

My Cousin Katie and Me

I LOVE the Ocean....

We went to Playa del Carmen for a half a day...because I wanted to go to Senor Frogs and my mom and aunts wanted to go shopping. All I really did was drink....

We went to a bar that had swings instead of bar stools...

(thank god I didn't fall off)

Then I got a BIG Ol' MOJITO....yummy

Afterwards, I finally got to go to Senor Frogs...where I got 2 baby yards of a frogbuster. I have no idea what was in it, but it was so good.... :)

Beer in Mexico....

The last night in Riviera Maya....adios....

We got home early wednesday morning because we got stuck in atlanta....and then I left right away on wednesday to go to Texas to visit my dear friend Stephanie. Since this blog is extremely long and I am exhausted since I finally got home today. I am going to leave the address to Stephanie's blog because she wrote about our weekend. She also included pictures...so hopefully that gets you all up to date and I hope you enjoy the pics!!!!

http://stephanieandsmokey.blogspot.com/

Funny Story

2007-10-09T22:43:00.000-05:00

So I once knew this girl, who has always been a little clumsy. This past Saturday night was nothing different. She was out at a bar with two of her friends. They had not had been out very long at all, but decided to go to a different bar. So they headed down the stairs to leave the bar....when out of nowhere, this girl slipped on the stairs and proceeded to fall down them. (swearing the whole way down them) She didn't want anymore attention to be brought to her so she quickly got up and got out of the bar. As soon as they got on the sidewalk she checked her arm because it really hurt....and a huge bump popped up out of nowhere.

This picture looks like an elbow, but it is a bump on the arm.

So now to tell you who the girl is.....

This ended up being the least of my fall.....I bruised my butt really bad. It is serious dark purple....it is as dark as a glass of red wine. It is huge too....it hurts to sit. I am in a lot of pain. The past few days have been awful. My back started hurting too and i was uncomfortable sitting and laying. Like I always say....I bruise like a peach....

So that is the story from the weekend...that is how I entertain Rach for her birthday!

blah.....

2007-10-06T20:53:00.000-05:00

so sorry i haven't written anything lately. I have been super busy with school and work. I am getting super excited about my trips coming up......cancun and texas......it is going to be so much fun. I had rach's birthday this past week and that was a total blast. (I will post some pics tomorrow) We are actually going out again tonight to celebrate!!! Just wanted to say a lil something and have a wonderful saturday night! Love ya!

Wedding Season continued...

2007-09-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

This past saturday the 22nd I was in another wedding. I feel like weddings are my new hobby. I am really considering becoming a wedding planner. I love doing it and have been involved in a lot of weddings. I thought I would share a few pictures of the wedding. It was a wonderful day and everything look beautiful!!!

Welcome to the World...

2007-09-20T22:49:00.000-05:00

Baby Nevaeh

This sweet little girl was born today @ 9:48am. She weighed in @ 5lbs and is 18 1/2 inches long. She was exactly 1 month early from her due date. She is so precious...I couldn't stop staring at her.

The proud family...

Auntie Rachel....she is so excited!

I'm so thrilled!!!

Pics of Bachelorette Party

2007-09-18T10:35:00.000-05:00

So here are some pics of my cousin's bachelorette party.

*myself with my mom and aunts*

*Adrea, Katie, and I*

*The Bachelorette*
*My mom and I*

Italia......

2007-09-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

I was just thinking about Italy today.....I don't really know why, but I had a ton of FABULOUS memories from there, so I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures....Hope you enjoy! Have a wonderful week :)

*Stephanie and I goofing around and being silly*

*the first night I met Doni @ YAB*
*myself in Sicilia with my fanta and on the phone...I feel that this is a classic photo of me in Italy*

*who doesn't LOVE gelato???? So GOOD!!!!*

*GIMME ME SOME OF THESE...enough said*

*One of the last nights in Italy....@ YAB with Doni*

This is probably one of my all time favorite photos! Ciao Ciao!!!!

BUSY BUSY BUSY......

2007-09-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

So a BIG SORRY to all of you who check my blog on a regular basis...I have been super busy last weekend...got sick this week.....and had another crazy weekend. Last weekend I had my friend Teresa's bachelorette party We had a total blast. We had a hotel room downtown, we went on a margarita boat cruise, dinner, and then went to the bars. It was a FABULOUS night!!! The next morning I had to get up and go to my cousins bridal shower.

so that was my crazy last weekend. Then I got that cold/allergy bug that has been going around.

On Thursday I went and got my hair done by my fabulous hairdresser Katie (she always makes me look great!) I was planning to just keep my hair the same way, but Katie talked me into changing it. (although it really doesn't take much to convince me....I change my hair a lot)
So here is a picture I took of myself of my new hair-do

So my hair is back to dark...it is like an auburn color. So it has some red in it. I LOVE it as do a lot of my family and friends. The wedding I am in this coming Saturday has olive green dresses so Katie thought this color would be great with the dress.

This weekend I had my cousins Shower/Bachelorette party (and while I was at her party I was missing a different bridal shower. I made Bryan and Teresa a clock for their shower gift

We had a great time this weekend. My cousin had a really nice bachelorette party. I will post some pictures of her bachelorette party this week.....because I feel like this post is getting pretty long....but hopefully this gets everyone caught up on what I have been doing.

BINGO!

2007-09-04T22:15:00.000-05:00

Last week was the 1st time I played bingo. I went to potawatomi with my mom and two of her friends. I had some much FUN! We had a ton of games to play ~ I had no idea...I played 9 times in each game and I played about 25 games. We were there for about 3 -31/2 hours. We all had a great time and the time got better when one of my mom's friends won bingo and won $1000!!!! It was so thrilling! and I didn't even win anything.

Being a Kid...

2007-08-27T23:18:00.000-05:00

Last week I got a surprise call to watch my lil Avery ~ I was so Excited! I love hanging out with her ~ she is a great kid. We played with Play-doh and had a blast. She tried to eat a lil bit of it too. It was so much fun playing with it. It reminded me of being little and only worry about what toy to play with...I Love that childhood innocence. It made me so happy to see her get so excited about playing with toys. She is growing up so fast and I am so thrilled that I get to see her grow and I get to be a part of her life!

I also did some scrapbooking this week. I had time to do a little for myself and I work on some gifts too. I did a page about Milwaukee ~ using some new MME paper, AC Thickers (love them) and Love Elsie Stamps. I also did an 8x8 page of the William Pub in Florence, Italy. I used the new MME paper.

That is about it for now. I need to get some rest ~ I go back to school tomorrow...

I LOVE U!

2007-08-22T01:47:00.001-05:00

Today I didn't do too much. I ended up scrapbooking part of the day. I worked on my cousin's bridal shower invites. I needed to take a little break from them and decided to finally do this little clipboard. I went with a picture of my lil Avery because let's face it ~ she is just so CUTE ~ I can't get enough of her!!! There really isn't much to this clipboard (it probably 5" by 10") I ended up using some of my favorite things ~ doodlebug sugar coated paper (glitter glitter glitter) Love Elsie ribbon and stickers (b/c she Rocks!) and MAMBI bling hearts ~ because really you can never have enough bling - glitz - or sparkle!

This is one of my favorite things I have done lately...hopefully you all enjoy it too!

Rain, Rain...Go Away...

2007-08-20T23:09:00.000-05:00

I'm in a blue mood...I think it must be all this rain. It has been raining almost nonstop for the past few days and it looks like (@ least as the weathermen predict) it is going to be continuing for the next few days...All I want to do is stay inside, watch movies and scrapbook.
Earlier in the week I helped my cousin (along with some others) work on addressing and stuffing her wedding invitations.

My Aunt asked if I would make my cousin's bridal shower invites. So know I am in the process of making about 40 invites that need to be done this week. I have a lil mock-up made ~ so I'm feeling a lil less overwhelmed. thank goodness...

On Saturday night, Rach and I went to the Brewers game with my aunts and uncle. It was a Great game! My new love had a good game too...:)

I love going to brewer games, I am really contemplating getting some season tickets next year.

Nothing else really going on....hopefully I will get some scrapping done tomorrow and will post some stuff soon. Have a Marvelous Monday!

Martini Madness

2007-08-07T14:03:00.000-05:00

Last night Betsy called and asked if I want to go get some martini's.....who am I to deny Betsy. So of course we went along with some other friends. (the newlyweds, maggie, michelle, and matt) We went to this new bar called City Lounge.

I had heard good things about it and they have $5 martini's on monday nights.....what a deal! How could you pass that up? They had a pretty good selection of martinis to pick from. Michelle and Maggie had a chocolate covered banana one. Betsy decided on cookies and cream. Katie had an almond joy and tropical paradise. I'm not big on the chocolate flavored ones.....too much sweet for me. I had a carmel apple, tropical sunset, and a laffy taffy (I had to have that one b/c I liked the name) The carmel apple was the best one. One of my favorite kinds is the flirtini ~ it has chambord and champagne in it....so delicious!!! They didn't have flirtinis so I got to try some other kinds instead. Overall, it was a nice monday night...when I wasn't planning to do anything.

Just a few random pics from the night

Look @ the cute engaged couple (Michelle and Matt)

a nice pic of the girls (michelle had already left)

Now being silly...

Home again...

2007-08-05T19:37:00.000-05:00

So my lil stephanie and steve are on there way home...to Texas. I, along with Anabelle and Madelyn, saw them off @ the airport. I love going to the airport! but it was hard to see them go. The time always goes so fast. We did a lot of fun things this weekend. I defintly got to spend some quality time with some people I LOVE! Thursday night Stephanie got home @ about 9 ~ so I went over to her parents house and had a fun little sleepover with her and the lil girls. Friday we went to the State Fair...it was so HOT ~ we basically drank (water and lemonade) all day to stay hydrated. We also went down the BIG slide

and saw all the animals. We of course had some SAZ'S to eat because Stephanie and I LOVE it so much. We went to Stephanie's Aunt and Uncle's house on saturday to have some lunch and hang out with all the kids. It was a nice day. Today we had hot ham and rolls and lots of other goodies (including simma's cheesecake ~ yummy!) @ stephanie's parent's house. Overall it was a wonderful weekend. I love seeing my stephanie ~ she makes me so HAPPY!!! It is sad to have her leave, but I know she Loves her job and I know she will always be there for me ~ no matter how far away she lives.

Creative Juices...

2007-08-01T23:45:00.000-05:00

So I have been really bad @ staying on top of my blog. Stephanie is always giving me a hard time about updating my blog. I must say the past few days I have been working and scrapbooking and sleeping. That is ALL I have been doing. I finally have my creative juices back and I couldn't be Happier! Ever since Stephanie left...I haven't really felt inspired or in the mood to scrapbook. So I am so excited about finally being in the mood. I have so much to work on. I have one of my fabulous friend's birthdays...

My cousin is in 4H and showed his pig @ the Fair...
I also have a ton of weddings...
I am so EXCITED because my lil stephanie is coming home tomorrow night and I just can't wait to see her! I know I just saw her july 22nd, but we didn't have much time to talk or anything and I just miss her like crazy....I love my lil girl!!!

HARRY HARRY HARRY

2007-07-18T14:56:00.001-05:00

So, as I said in my previous post...I went to see the new harry potter movie twice on the day it opened. I must say that I absolutely LOVED it. I can not wait until it comes out on dvd. My brother said it will probably come out on dvd around my birthday...which makes me even happier!!! I know it is always hard to make a movie as good as the book is, but I think they did a good job. They obviously can't put every little thing in the movie, but I do think they covered most of it. I would say that I will probably go see it again before it is not playing in the theaters anymore. I am also getting excited because the final book comes out this friday night @ midnight. VERY EXCITING!!! So now all I have to do is finish reading the 6th book. I better get going to read in the hammock...

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2007-07-11T09:58:00.000-05:00

OMG....I am so EXCITED! I am going to see the new harry potter movie today. I am not only seeing it once today, but I am seeing it twice today. I am going to leave my house in about 45 minutes.....the next showing is @ 7pm. I can't believe this day is finally here. All four of the first movies were so AWESOME! So I hope this one lives up to the others. I can hardly stand it...so good! I will give my views on the movie after I see it. I know my lil stephanie probably thinks I am a crazy girl for going twice in one day, but I just can't help it and I going with different people. I have to go get ready now! SO EXCITED!

My very 1st post

2007-07-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

So here is my very first post. I must say, I am only doing this because my wonderful stephanie asked me too. Otherwise, I probably would never have a blog.

I went to summerfest on friday evening with a bunch of friends. I had a good time for the most part...there are always tons of people and they are all pushing around. I still go every year because I LOVE all the music and they always have good food. I saw a ton of old friends; that I have not seen in years...so that is always nice.

Saturday I scrapbooked with some friends @ the store. I only got 5 pages done...so I wasn't as productive as I would have like to been, but I have to say it is more than I would have gotten done if I was at home.