So all day, I have been thinking about what it is that I want to resolve this New Year...what I want to accomplish. I looked back at my post from last year and I must say, that I was able to accomplish a majority of my goals/resolutions and I am proud of that. I think that I will take this year differently as I plan on adopting a concept by Ali Edwards, pick one word for the year and do things that revolve around that word and most importantly for me, scrapbook it and my journey to it.
Here is a little bit about her concept on the Word of the year:
"One little word
A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow.
Last fall in issue two of this newsletter I wrote about the power of words and gave my top ten tips for getting those words down when you are scrapbooking. Today I want to introduce you to the idea that a single word can be a catalyst for enriching your life as well as your scrapbook layouts.
Last year I began a tradition of choosing one word for myself each January - a word that I can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as I go about my daily life. Last year my word was something I wanted to bring into my life in a more tangible way. My word was play.
I thought a lot about play and what it means to me. I tried to incorporate it more into my everyday and on my adventures out in the crazy world. For me, it was a lot about living without fear - about being more open to experiences with an attitude of playfulness. The word play found its way onto many scrapbook pages and into many stories I told throughout the year.
Can you identify a single word that sums up what you want for yourself in 2007?
It can be something tangible or intangible. It could be a thought or a feeling or an emotion. It can be singular or plural. The key is to find something that has personal meaning for you. This is not your mother's word or your spouse's word or your child's word - this is YOUR word.
One little word can have big meaning in your life if you allow yourself to be open to the possibilities. And here's one thing that is totally interesting: sometimes a word will pop into your brain and it will not make any sense to you right now. Give it some time. Let it percolate a bit. I have often found that our hearts speak to us in very unique ways. Maybe this is a word you need to hear but just aren't ready for it yet. Again, be open to the possibilities.
You may be wondering, what in the heck does this all have to do with scrapbooking? For me, words are at the heart of what I do. The photos are a huge part, but the words bring it all home. Often times I will begin a layout with a single word. That word becomes my guide as I create my page. It helps me focus the story I am trying to tell and gives me an instant, easy graphic title approach. How often has a word directed your creativity when working on layouts? "
So after re-reading about this from her blog, I have pondered over my word for a couple of days now and the word that I have chosen for 2008 is COMMIT
I will post more about this word come New Years...more about what it means to me and how I plan on striving for it in 2008.
We do not have any big plans for New Year's Eve. One of my dear friends invited all of us over for a small gathering with some other of my friends and their families...yes the kids are welcomed too. I am not sure we will go as Alex and Allegra have doctor's appointments tomorrow and they will be getting their updated shots and yearly checkup...it will depend upon how they are doing. New Year's has been very different for us since the birth of Alex and Allegra...we use to party it up either going out or giving the parties ourselves at
"The 7445" or at "Rick & Al's" (the first name is our street address and the other is of course our names and all of our family and friends would refer to our parties in that way...like they were going to a real nightclub, especially with Rick being a DJ and my MIL always catering our parties with food to die for and of course with me being the hostess of the evening...we really use to party it up)
I worked today at Windy City Scrapbooking and it was really busy...which I love when it is busy as it makes the day go by quicker. There are so many things in store for that store in 2008 and I hope to continue to play a part as I love spending my free time there. I love all of my coworkers and I also love meeting all the people that come in and helping them create and make their memories last.
Rick and I plan on watching a movie tonight so I will say good night
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Naughty and/or Nice...
is what these two are and probably always will be...
Here are some photos of Alex and Allegra on Christmas Eve. We went to Chicago Ridge Mall to FINALLY take our Annual Family Holiday Photo. I am going to make sure that next year, we try to get someone to come to our home and take photos as Rick and I was not pleased with the outcome of our shoot...we just ended up getting the free photo from The Picture People (thanks Susan for that coupon) and I will not get anymore.
In these photos... we were in line waiting to see Santa and Allegra was the nice one while Alexandre' was the naughty one. Now we already saw Santa a few weeks ago at Skinner Park which is where Alex goes to play basketball...they had an event where the kids could come and take photos with Santa and have cookies and play in the bouncy house and all of that...well, Alex was fine with Santa while Allegra did not want any parts of him. I have to say that she did not want to sit on his lap or speak with him because he was not the right one...in her mind and in her words she wanted to sit on the lap of the Santa that she had been seeing on television, not the African American one that was at Skinner Park, so we took her to Chicago Ridge Mall, and she was quite comfortable with this Santa as she sat on his lap and told him what she wanted. I did not get a photo of her with him...just of him and these of them waiting to see him. Of course I did explain to both of them that Santa comes in all colors and shapes and we talked about the true meaning of Christmas. We will see what happens next year. So we took our photos and went out to my MIL's for Christmas Eve dinner. I am really glad that she decided to host Christmas Eve this year as I was suppose to but I will not complain. The twins received about 4 outfits a piece, underwear, along with a Strawberry Shortcake bath set, Bratz doll, books, and tights for Allegra and Alexandre' received a Spiderman shave bath set, Hotwheels cars, books, and socks. I was pleasantly surprised with pajamas and a bag full of different seasonings and spices to cook with (my MIL is a great cook and I am always asking her what she uses, which is more than the salt and pepper that I use)
So on Christmas morning, the twins woke up first and they came running to our room all excited about what they saw...more gifts under the tree. We all got up and went to the tree and of course Mommy had her camera. I think that Alex and Allegra did really good as they received a V-tech gaming system that attaches to the television along with a couple of games, more clothes, more Bratz dolls, more Spiderman action figures, books, shoes,and puzzles...along with a few more this and thats. Adonis received some Air Jordans, Ben Wallace gym shoes, a couple of outfits and also a workout bench...yes, our soon to be 13 year old is into lifting weights...he even has a little six pack. So Rick and I was not suppose to exchange gifts but Rick has to always surprise me...with a pair of diamond earrings...gotta love him. I will have to be sure to really do something special for him for his 40th birthday next year. After opening all of our gifts, Rick had to take Adonis home...as he has always done to be with his mother on Christmas Day. Once he returned, I fixed a nice breakfast and we got dressed to go out to Rick's father's house. More outfits, and toys for the twins...too much to mention. They had a great Christmas and I was again surprised by my FIL as he bought me a gift certificate to SpaWish and to Borders bookstore and Rick received a HD DVD player. We had a great Christmas.
Happy Holidays to All
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Friday, December 21, 2007
4 more Days...
Until the birth of Jesus Christ.
I really want to make sure that my children do understand the meaning of Christmas, that it is Jesus' birthday and everything that goes along with it...the spirit of giving.
This week has been a busy one for the Colemans. Started out with Monday, the 17th being the twins 4th birthday. I can not believe that it has been 4 years since the birth of my Dynamic Duo, Alexandre' Johari and Allegra Imari. I just love their names. They were born on 12/17/03 at 12:11pm and 12:13pm. Alexandre' was first at
7lbs, 5oz and Allegra was 6lbs, 10 oz and I was 38 weeks and 4 days along before I was induced, and no, I did not have a c-section. Being a mother of twins has truly been a blessing from God...I can remember when we first discovered that I was carrying twins, at my first ultrasound at 24 weeks, we were so surprised and could not believe it...I have my grandmother to thank as she had two sets of twins
For their birthday, we kept things really simple. I took hot dogs, chips, juice and cupcakes to their preschool program. This will actually be there last time attending this program as they will be attending Chicago Public School Preschool for all on January 7th as an opening came about in the middle of the year to one of the schools I applied for. That will be an exciting thing for them to experience next month and I will finally be able to begin to use all of the school themed papers and embellishments that I have been saving for when they started preschool.
I took the twins to see my FIL after school and we spent so time at the school at which he is the principal at. My BIL was there too so it was good to spend time with both of them. So for their birthday, they both received money and clothes, Alexandre' received a shake & go car to go with his growing collection of shake and gos and he received a remote control hummer truck and some books and Allegra received a doodle bear (she LOVES to color and draw, almost as much as she loves princess toys) and she also received books and a Vtech laptop computer. My FIL will be getting Alex one for Christmas, he thought that he would not like it and that they would share...NOT!!!!!!!!!! Allegra was not having Alex play with her laptop, in the beginning but she started to let him play with it. Rufus (my FIL) still wants him to have his own.
I pretty much worked the majority of this week and took today and tomorrow off as I try to get my homemade gifts in order and prepare for my Scrap On Sistah Crop tomorrow. The theme is Feliz Navidad so we are to dress in Hispanic wear and I can safely assume that the hostess will serve Hispanic food. I love the fact that my group tries to come up with theme crops as it really makes it fun and exciting...something to really look forward to on top of cropping, eating, and girlfriend time. I will be working on my FIL table top calendar and my MIL birthday album along with tweaking my Acrylic Holiday Album which I am teaching this Sunday...I have 3 people signed up for this class and I have already taught it to 3 which is great for me. I have to now come up with a sample for my class that I am teaching next month and try to get creative for our Teacher Open House at Windy City Scrapbooking and come up with more classes.
My "little friend" came this month and as always she came with a vengeance...I have the WORST periods and I know it is from having fibroids, that I did not know I had until I was pregnant. Now that our health insurance has kicked in, I have to make it my #1 priority to get myself checked out, a complete physical, this will be one of my resolutions for next year.
Rick had to deejay a couple of holiday parties this week, one for Corliss High School's administration and the other for Jackie Robinson's Elementary School's administration. I love that during this time of year, well actually anytime, Rick will get a call and he has the chance to do what he loves and that is deejaying. No, it is not his day/night job...we call it his hustle and he has been doing it since he was 13 years old (he will be 40 next March) Love to get that extra cash.
So the tree is up, still did not do my mantle...will do this weekend, as long as I do it before or on Christmas Eve...yes I am a slacker this year, will try to do better next year.
I am up washing my never ever ending loads of laundry and watching the news. Once Rick leaves for work, I may finish packing my scrap tote for tomorrow's crop
I also have to wrap my secret sister gift to give to tomorrow at our SOS crop. I was a secret sister to two people this year(both scrap related) and it was really great to give to another scrapper...things that they wanted and also things that you may feel that they may like. I hope that both of my secret pals will enjoy their blessings from me.
Just want to show some photos of Alex and Allegra on their 4th Birthday...I love my babies SOOOOOO MUCH and I love my husband too. I feel as though my hubby compliments me and my babies complete me and I am so fortunate to have them all.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I really want to make sure that my children do understand the meaning of Christmas, that it is Jesus' birthday and everything that goes along with it...the spirit of giving.
This week has been a busy one for the Colemans. Started out with Monday, the 17th being the twins 4th birthday. I can not believe that it has been 4 years since the birth of my Dynamic Duo, Alexandre' Johari and Allegra Imari. I just love their names. They were born on 12/17/03 at 12:11pm and 12:13pm. Alexandre' was first at
7lbs, 5oz and Allegra was 6lbs, 10 oz and I was 38 weeks and 4 days along before I was induced, and no, I did not have a c-section. Being a mother of twins has truly been a blessing from God...I can remember when we first discovered that I was carrying twins, at my first ultrasound at 24 weeks, we were so surprised and could not believe it...I have my grandmother to thank as she had two sets of twins
For their birthday, we kept things really simple. I took hot dogs, chips, juice and cupcakes to their preschool program. This will actually be there last time attending this program as they will be attending Chicago Public School Preschool for all on January 7th as an opening came about in the middle of the year to one of the schools I applied for. That will be an exciting thing for them to experience next month and I will finally be able to begin to use all of the school themed papers and embellishments that I have been saving for when they started preschool.
I took the twins to see my FIL after school and we spent so time at the school at which he is the principal at. My BIL was there too so it was good to spend time with both of them. So for their birthday, they both received money and clothes, Alexandre' received a shake & go car to go with his growing collection of shake and gos and he received a remote control hummer truck and some books and Allegra received a doodle bear (she LOVES to color and draw, almost as much as she loves princess toys) and she also received books and a Vtech laptop computer. My FIL will be getting Alex one for Christmas, he thought that he would not like it and that they would share...NOT!!!!!!!!!! Allegra was not having Alex play with her laptop, in the beginning but she started to let him play with it. Rufus (my FIL) still wants him to have his own.
I pretty much worked the majority of this week and took today and tomorrow off as I try to get my homemade gifts in order and prepare for my Scrap On Sistah Crop tomorrow. The theme is Feliz Navidad so we are to dress in Hispanic wear and I can safely assume that the hostess will serve Hispanic food. I love the fact that my group tries to come up with theme crops as it really makes it fun and exciting...something to really look forward to on top of cropping, eating, and girlfriend time. I will be working on my FIL table top calendar and my MIL birthday album along with tweaking my Acrylic Holiday Album which I am teaching this Sunday...I have 3 people signed up for this class and I have already taught it to 3 which is great for me. I have to now come up with a sample for my class that I am teaching next month and try to get creative for our Teacher Open House at Windy City Scrapbooking and come up with more classes.
My "little friend" came this month and as always she came with a vengeance...I have the WORST periods and I know it is from having fibroids, that I did not know I had until I was pregnant. Now that our health insurance has kicked in, I have to make it my #1 priority to get myself checked out, a complete physical, this will be one of my resolutions for next year.
Rick had to deejay a couple of holiday parties this week, one for Corliss High School's administration and the other for Jackie Robinson's Elementary School's administration. I love that during this time of year, well actually anytime, Rick will get a call and he has the chance to do what he loves and that is deejaying. No, it is not his day/night job...we call it his hustle and he has been doing it since he was 13 years old (he will be 40 next March) Love to get that extra cash.
So the tree is up, still did not do my mantle...will do this weekend, as long as I do it before or on Christmas Eve...yes I am a slacker this year, will try to do better next year.
I am up washing my never ever ending loads of laundry and watching the news. Once Rick leaves for work, I may finish packing my scrap tote for tomorrow's crop
I also have to wrap my secret sister gift to give to tomorrow at our SOS crop. I was a secret sister to two people this year(both scrap related) and it was really great to give to another scrapper...things that they wanted and also things that you may feel that they may like. I hope that both of my secret pals will enjoy their blessings from me.
Just want to show some photos of Alex and Allegra on their 4th Birthday...I love my babies SOOOOOO MUCH and I love my husband too. I feel as though my hubby compliments me and my babies complete me and I am so fortunate to have them all.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, December 16, 2007
10 More Shopping Days...
until Christmas...
and we finally put up our tree...TODAY!!!
Yeah for us!
We are all very tired since we were up late last night...
We were so foolish, to go out, yesterday early evening, and get our babies Christmas gifts and birthday gifts out of layaway at Kmart in Tinley Park and we were caught in the snowstorm that hit the Chicago land area last night. At first I was going to go by myself but Rick wanted us all to go...we dropped Adonis and the twins off at Rick's aunt house while we went and finished our Christmas shopping for the twins and also grocery shopping (since we were out...I really do like K-mart's grocery section) By the time we were finished and walked out of K-mart, there were about 10 blankets of snow that had fallen. I was so scared as Rick drove like 15 miles/hour to get to his aunt's house to get the kids and I was terrified as we made our way back into the city via the highway that had not been touched by plow/salt trucks. The kids were so strung out on cookies and candy from being at Rick's aunts house that they mad the drive back home very interesting with their singing and conversation about Santa Claus ( I will have to make sure to blog about their thoughts on Santa)
Well, a trip that normally takes 20 minutes on a good day took 2 hours and 30 minutes last night. I was in constant prayer hoping that God would protect us and others out that night as we did see a few accidents along the way.
Glad my prayers were answered as we did get home safely...So time for some holiday fun...
Our tree is up, I still have some more decorations to put up but at least the main decoration is up...our tree.
So I am now baking for a cookie exchange that we are having at Windy City Scrapbooking...not doing what I wanted to do but hey...my oven is on and I am adding eggs, butter, and mixing with a wooden spoon...hope I do not burn them. So I did buy store bought cookies, but they are the ones that you still have to put a little loving and in the oven...honey. I made sugar cookies (garnished with m&m's, oatmeal chocolate chip, and reese's pieces sugar cookies...a 2 dozen each type. We have a meeting today to discuss what is old and of course what is new with the store and just a chance for us to get together for the holidays...outside of work but at work.
I am only staying for a couple of hours, max since I have to come home and cook dinner.
Tomorrow is Alex and Allegra's 4th birthday...I cannot believe that they are now 4...I want my babies back!!!
I plan on taking cupcakes and ice cream to the school.
Alittle update on this week's past...we went to the Museum of Science and Industry on Wednesday to see "Christmas trees around the World" and it was a great little field trip for us. We went with Mocha Moms Cocoa Cubs and Alex and Allegra had a great time. By the time we got to the 5th tree, Alex was whining about he did not want to see any more trees and he had the face to match.
Also...I have found a preschool for Alex and Allegra...I will have to update about this little endeavor but if things go as planned they will not be at Kenicott Park in January...Kenicott has been so good to us and for us but as they get bigger and school aged, we do need more of a challenge and more of a curriculum based program and it will be time for them to move on. Will update later about this one.
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Friday, December 07, 2007
Thank goodness...
It is Friday and the weekend BABY!!!
So my Friday was a good one, matter of fact my whole week has been good.
Recap of my week
Monday...I worked at Windy City
Tuesday...I worked at Windy City and I was supposed to teach a Basic class that night but I ended up having to cancel it due to the snow storm that hit Chicago. I like snow...fresh snow that is but I hate the cold. One thing that may surprise people about me and snow is that I like to eat fresh snow. There has been times when I have put a cup out on the porch and let it fill up and then I will eat it with a spoon. I have also been known to eat the frost off of freezers...only my mother's freezer and our deep freezer does this and when I see it I just grab my spoon. I just have a thing for ice. I do not like winter that much...every time it gets cold in Chicago, I always complain and say I want to move to another city, well, I will be 39 next year and I am still here, go figure. ;) I thought that Christina, the owner of Windy City, was not going to get to go on her anniversary trip to Mexico, because of the weather but she did leave out early Wednesday morning after all of the snow fell.
Wednesday...I worked at Windy City...I ran some errands before hand (grocery store, bank, gas station, post office)
Thursday...I worked at Windy City and afterwards, I went to an informational meeting in Hyde Park about public school options in Hyde Park. Even though I live in South Shore, I would NEVER consider the twins attending public school in this area. The neighborhood school is one of the worse schools in the Chicago land area and I am not ready for my children to be the sacrificial lambs. I do plan on being involved where they attend, I am just not up to being a trailblazer...is that wrong of me? Well, I just want them to have the best education, just like I was given and even more. The information given to me at the meeting was kinda of scary...they talked about the lottery system, the fact that Alex and Allegra might not be in the same class. My last resort, which is not a bad one is for me to put them in Catholic school. If that happens, I would have to go back to work...full time, unless, Rick finds a better job, which he is diligently working on. Part of me wants to return back to work, full time so that we will not feel the crunch at times and the other part of me wants to stay at home full time to be there for Alex and Allegra. Time will tell what happens in the end.
Friday...I went to my Mocha Moms Pot Luck. We had a BALL...so much fun was had by all of the mommies. We ate, drank, danced, ate, drank, laughed, danced, and ate and drank some more...all between the hours of 10am-2pm. I did not have to pick up the twins as Rick picked them up. I love being around Mocha Moms...they are my greatest support and helping me with the mommy thing. I am so glad that I found of group of women that supported my decision to stay at home with the twins and just be a better wife and mother. The group also has blessed me with many friendships that I truly value and plan on having forever. My twins even have friendships that I hope will continue throughout their lives in some type of capacity.
Of course , I had my camera and was taking photos of everyone and everything from us having a Soul Train line to the before and afters of Nicole's infamous peach cobbler. Afterwards. I went to work at Windy City...it was a slow night but that was okay since we had plenty of jobs to do.
This weekend, I plan on taking the twins and Adonis (my soon to be 13 year old step-son) to Skinner Park in the morning. Santa is suppose to be there and they are having other activities for the kids to do. I also may take them to see a play at Chase Park later on in the day...it all depends on how everyone is feeling. Rick has a meeting to attend so we will meet with him later. We are going to his mother's birthday party later on tomorrow night. The twins are going to my mother's and Adonis will be going with us...that is the plan. I have to work on Sunday so Rick will be solo with all of his kids...they should have a ball. I really would like to put the tree up this weekend, but I have to CLEAN UP... I know I have been stressing alot about cleaning up and it is not like my house is nasty or too junky...I think I have just the right amount of junk for a family of four that consists of 2 adults and 2 preschoolers. I just want to deep clean, like I would for spring cleaning, de-cluttering and purging and it is just hard to do since I have been working alot of hours and Rick has been tired during the day, since he is working nights...we will see if this happens this weekend...if not, it will have to happen next weekend FOR SURE for that will be the last full weekend before Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas...I am upset at my self for not doing an advent Calendar. I saw a Making Memories one in Target the other day that Sesil told me about and I also saw one on a lady's blog that was too cute and I have seen them in some of the scrapbooking galleries online. Now that I know that they are doable I will for sure be on the lookout for one after the holidays that I can alter for next year...especially since my twins keep asking me if Christmas is today...even after I show them the dates on the calendars
Scrap related...I really do not have anything planned for this weekend...just organizing, as always. I received my gift from my Secret Santa from a swap I am doing on Life Time Moments. I was very happy with what she sent me. I really can not wait to find out who she is. I also sent my gift to my Elf. I really hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed putting it together for her. While I am at the store on Sunday, I have to start pulling items for this month's design team at the store. I really enjoy being Design Team Coordinator at the store...I gives me a challenge each month and I just enjoy putting the kits together. Christina has given me liberty the past two months and has really made me feel confident. Our design team is really awesome and I love the work they produce when they return their layouts and projects. There is so much I want to do with and for the design team...I know it is only a matter of time.
Rick really surprised me as he wants me to create desk calendar for his father...I am going to make one for his mother too. I will work on the photos this weekend, getting them together for each month and I plan on actually making it next weekend or at least before Christmas Eve.
Well off to bed since we will have a busy day tomorrow
Hugs & Kisses
Me
So my Friday was a good one, matter of fact my whole week has been good.
Recap of my week
Monday...I worked at Windy City
Tuesday...I worked at Windy City and I was supposed to teach a Basic class that night but I ended up having to cancel it due to the snow storm that hit Chicago. I like snow...fresh snow that is but I hate the cold. One thing that may surprise people about me and snow is that I like to eat fresh snow. There has been times when I have put a cup out on the porch and let it fill up and then I will eat it with a spoon. I have also been known to eat the frost off of freezers...only my mother's freezer and our deep freezer does this and when I see it I just grab my spoon. I just have a thing for ice. I do not like winter that much...every time it gets cold in Chicago, I always complain and say I want to move to another city, well, I will be 39 next year and I am still here, go figure. ;) I thought that Christina, the owner of Windy City, was not going to get to go on her anniversary trip to Mexico, because of the weather but she did leave out early Wednesday morning after all of the snow fell.
Wednesday...I worked at Windy City...I ran some errands before hand (grocery store, bank, gas station, post office)
Thursday...I worked at Windy City and afterwards, I went to an informational meeting in Hyde Park about public school options in Hyde Park. Even though I live in South Shore, I would NEVER consider the twins attending public school in this area. The neighborhood school is one of the worse schools in the Chicago land area and I am not ready for my children to be the sacrificial lambs. I do plan on being involved where they attend, I am just not up to being a trailblazer...is that wrong of me? Well, I just want them to have the best education, just like I was given and even more. The information given to me at the meeting was kinda of scary...they talked about the lottery system, the fact that Alex and Allegra might not be in the same class. My last resort, which is not a bad one is for me to put them in Catholic school. If that happens, I would have to go back to work...full time, unless, Rick finds a better job, which he is diligently working on. Part of me wants to return back to work, full time so that we will not feel the crunch at times and the other part of me wants to stay at home full time to be there for Alex and Allegra. Time will tell what happens in the end.
Friday...I went to my Mocha Moms Pot Luck. We had a BALL...so much fun was had by all of the mommies. We ate, drank, danced, ate, drank, laughed, danced, and ate and drank some more...all between the hours of 10am-2pm. I did not have to pick up the twins as Rick picked them up. I love being around Mocha Moms...they are my greatest support and helping me with the mommy thing. I am so glad that I found of group of women that supported my decision to stay at home with the twins and just be a better wife and mother. The group also has blessed me with many friendships that I truly value and plan on having forever. My twins even have friendships that I hope will continue throughout their lives in some type of capacity.
Of course , I had my camera and was taking photos of everyone and everything from us having a Soul Train line to the before and afters of Nicole's infamous peach cobbler. Afterwards. I went to work at Windy City...it was a slow night but that was okay since we had plenty of jobs to do.
This weekend, I plan on taking the twins and Adonis (my soon to be 13 year old step-son) to Skinner Park in the morning. Santa is suppose to be there and they are having other activities for the kids to do. I also may take them to see a play at Chase Park later on in the day...it all depends on how everyone is feeling. Rick has a meeting to attend so we will meet with him later. We are going to his mother's birthday party later on tomorrow night. The twins are going to my mother's and Adonis will be going with us...that is the plan. I have to work on Sunday so Rick will be solo with all of his kids...they should have a ball. I really would like to put the tree up this weekend, but I have to CLEAN UP... I know I have been stressing alot about cleaning up and it is not like my house is nasty or too junky...I think I have just the right amount of junk for a family of four that consists of 2 adults and 2 preschoolers. I just want to deep clean, like I would for spring cleaning, de-cluttering and purging and it is just hard to do since I have been working alot of hours and Rick has been tired during the day, since he is working nights...we will see if this happens this weekend...if not, it will have to happen next weekend FOR SURE for that will be the last full weekend before Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas...I am upset at my self for not doing an advent Calendar. I saw a Making Memories one in Target the other day that Sesil told me about and I also saw one on a lady's blog that was too cute and I have seen them in some of the scrapbooking galleries online. Now that I know that they are doable I will for sure be on the lookout for one after the holidays that I can alter for next year...especially since my twins keep asking me if Christmas is today...even after I show them the dates on the calendars
Scrap related...I really do not have anything planned for this weekend...just organizing, as always. I received my gift from my Secret Santa from a swap I am doing on Life Time Moments. I was very happy with what she sent me. I really can not wait to find out who she is. I also sent my gift to my Elf. I really hope she likes it as much as I enjoyed putting it together for her. While I am at the store on Sunday, I have to start pulling items for this month's design team at the store. I really enjoy being Design Team Coordinator at the store...I gives me a challenge each month and I just enjoy putting the kits together. Christina has given me liberty the past two months and has really made me feel confident. Our design team is really awesome and I love the work they produce when they return their layouts and projects. There is so much I want to do with and for the design team...I know it is only a matter of time.
Rick really surprised me as he wants me to create desk calendar for his father...I am going to make one for his mother too. I will work on the photos this weekend, getting them together for each month and I plan on actually making it next weekend or at least before Christmas Eve.
Well off to bed since we will have a busy day tomorrow
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Old Man Winter...
Has come out to play and I am not ready to do so...
Everytime that winter comes to Chicago, I always say I want to move...no such luck thus far.
Today was a good day...
I can not complain...I need to keep working on getting the twins off to school on time, especially since I am planning on enrolling them into Preschool next fall. They are suppose to be at Kennicott at 9am and I always get them there at least b4 9:30am...all in all , I have to do better. Yes, I lay out clothes the night before, yes I wake up a little before them, but once they are up, the game plan changes and we wind up being late....not to mention, they like to see Rick when he comes in from work. I really hope he finds a better job where he is not working overnights...I really miss him at night, sleeping with him and waking up with him but at least he is working, for that I am grateful.
I went to work today at Windy City Scrapbooking. It was suppost to be a long day since I was scheduled to teach a Basics class, but it ended up being canceled due to people calling in and canceling...which was okay with me, since I was very tired from being there since 10am. I was glad to get home early and spend time with Alex and Allegra. I was glad that I kept their boots from last year...their feet did not grow that much since las yeaar and they will be able to wear the boots I bought them one more season...lucky for us and our pocket books. I still want to get them another winter coat with matching accesories. While I am blogging tonight I am also tackling my many loads of laundry...this is truly not one of Rick's strong points in helping with chores around the house, but we do manage for there are things around the house that is not my strong points either.
I have a Mocha Moms Holiday Potluck to attend this Friday and my MIL birthday party this Saturday so I am looking forward to the weekend so that I can relax and unwind with family and friends...I love the Holiday Season.
I really do hope that I am able to clean house this week so that we can get our decorations up...Let's cross our fingers and hope that I do not get to tired and boggled down
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Everytime that winter comes to Chicago, I always say I want to move...no such luck thus far.
Today was a good day...
I can not complain...I need to keep working on getting the twins off to school on time, especially since I am planning on enrolling them into Preschool next fall. They are suppose to be at Kennicott at 9am and I always get them there at least b4 9:30am...all in all , I have to do better. Yes, I lay out clothes the night before, yes I wake up a little before them, but once they are up, the game plan changes and we wind up being late....not to mention, they like to see Rick when he comes in from work. I really hope he finds a better job where he is not working overnights...I really miss him at night, sleeping with him and waking up with him but at least he is working, for that I am grateful.
I went to work today at Windy City Scrapbooking. It was suppost to be a long day since I was scheduled to teach a Basics class, but it ended up being canceled due to people calling in and canceling...which was okay with me, since I was very tired from being there since 10am. I was glad to get home early and spend time with Alex and Allegra. I was glad that I kept their boots from last year...their feet did not grow that much since las yeaar and they will be able to wear the boots I bought them one more season...lucky for us and our pocket books. I still want to get them another winter coat with matching accesories. While I am blogging tonight I am also tackling my many loads of laundry...this is truly not one of Rick's strong points in helping with chores around the house, but we do manage for there are things around the house that is not my strong points either.
I have a Mocha Moms Holiday Potluck to attend this Friday and my MIL birthday party this Saturday so I am looking forward to the weekend so that I can relax and unwind with family and friends...I love the Holiday Season.
I really do hope that I am able to clean house this week so that we can get our decorations up...Let's cross our fingers and hope that I do not get to tired and boggled down
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Catching Up...
On alot, as always
I always have good intentions to do my blog, but sometimes...I get sucked into other projects such as cleaning, kids, cooking, etc...
Also...I spend time looking at some of my favorite blogs that I do not even post on mine as I should...again, with time, I will get better.
I am up this morning...tired as always. I stayed up kinda of late making cards for Windy City Scrapbooking's first holiday card swap. I think mine came out cute...Here they are: I used Basic Grey Figgy Pudding for these cards...I signed up for 2 groups so I had to make a total of 12 cards...6 different for each group. I hope the members in my groups enjoy them either for themselves or they send them to a loved one, or they may decide to use it as an accent piece on their scrapbook page. Either way...I had fun creating the cards.
I was off this Saturday and Sunday and I wish I had taken more days off. I had originally planned on doing some deep house cleaning to get the house in order to put our decorations up next week...let us just say that I have not done it...at all, only a little. I worked late at Windy City on Friday night since Danelle Johnson taught classes. She taught 2 classes and she did a make and take with her new product that we are carrying at the store called Creative Cafe. I told Susan that the next time she comes and teaches, I am NOT working. I hate that I missed taking a class with her...She is very inspirational. She also brought along her Epson Personal Photo Printer, which is what I would love for Santa to bring me. I did not know it could do all that it does. I think that everyone had a good time in her classes. I was suppose to met my dear friends from my Mocha Moms group for dinner and drinks that night at Hooters. I arrived late since the classes ran late and drove around for almost an hour trying to find a place to park. I really hate that I missed spending time with my friends and catching up with them. I will have to make sure to not miss our next outing.
On Saturday, I had to get up extra early to go register Alexandre' for basketball with the park district and to register both of them for preschool for January. Alex will now be in the advanced class for Bitty Basketball so we have to get him there at 9am. I want Allegra to continue taking ballet with Miss Keisha at Kennicott so I have to see if she will change the time or I will try to see if Geri will take the girls (Allegra & Lauren) to ballet and I take the boys (Alexandre' & A.J.) to basketball and we just meet later. We will see. I also want to see about putting the twins in a Kumon class this winter...or maybe a Score class...something that will assist me with teaching them and getting them ready for school.
While I was doing registration that morning, Rick picked up the twins from my mother's and took Alex to basketball. Afterwards we met at the house and went out to the south suburbs to my MIL's house to drop off the twins while we did alittle Christmas shopping. We got the twins clothes and toys and we also went and did alittle grocery shopping. It even snowed today and let us just say that I am not ready for winter as I need to get some gloves and snow shoes. Once we picked up the twins and made our way back home...we were all tired so we took a late nap and did not wake up until 7pm almost. We had a late dinner and I even let the twins stay up late watching Mickey Mouse Christmas (their favorite). Once I put them in bed, I started on my cards for the swap today. Therefore, I did not do any housework.
Today...Sunday, has not been a good cleaning day either. Rick worked last night and did overtime this morning and the twins and I slept in...yes 9am is late for us. At least I have done the kitchen and bathroom but I have 3 bedrooms, a front room, a dining room, and a family room to go...and I have NOT even started laundry. I guess I will be up this week doing it so that we can be ready for next Saturday. I am off to go drop off my Holiday cards to the store for the swap and when I come back I will be cooking dinner and doing at least 2 loads laundry.
I wanted to post a couple of photos of Alex and Allegra from Thanksgiving day...the first one is of them acting silly while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving parade on television and the second is of them on that day.
Enjoy...
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Friday, November 23, 2007
HAPPY THANKSGIVING...
To everyone.
This Thanksgiving was a special one, as I celebrated being with my Rick's family and friends. We went to his cousin Brenda's house and the dinner was one to be remembered. Brenda has a BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, or should I say, mini mansion and it is decorated so nice. I hope we will be able to have a house that grand one day. Only one thing or should I say one person was missing. My mother did not come with us, she wanted to spend the holidays with her family, which was okay, but it was just odd not having her with us and the twins missed her. They had their other grandmother, Grandma Dot there along with Uncle Ben, Pa Pa Erskine, Auntie Rochelle, Auntie Vicki, Great Aunts Lucille and Maxine, Great Uncles L.S., and John Henry, along with a host of cousins and other family members and friends. I was able to take a few photos of the evening as I was totally stuffed with a great dinner. I was even pleasantly surprised to be able to eat some chitterlings made by Auntie Vickie. I really need to learn how to make them. Rick does not eat them and my mother always makes them for me, I only eat them once a year so I need to learn. I really wished that my mother came with us. She wanted to spend time with her family, she went by her SIL house and by her best friends house, Alberta. We did not get in until late and the twins were exhausted. We had planned on going by Rick's dad house but did not make it. We have to be sure to see him before Christmas.
Today, was a lazy day.
We had originally planned on going to the show to see This Christmas and maybe American Gangster
I did not want to do the Black Friday shopping...too crazy. I did it one time when the twins were one. Maybe I will do it when they are a little older. I called the store a few times today to see how things were going. They were really busy...I am glad that I took off today. I will be there on Saturday and Sunday. I hope that some scrap supplies are left for me to buy. I have really curbed my shopping habit of scrap supplies lately. Which is good and bad...good, since it making me use my stash more and rediscovering items I purchased in the past, bad, since it is making my wish list longer...what is a scrapaholic to do
Well, I am off now to do a little laundry and more relaxing...we have been in our pajamas all day long and I have been loving it. I might even scrap a little tonight as Rick announced he will be watching basketball all night.
I do not plan on being up too late since I have to work tomorrow and I am teaching my Acrylic Frame class on Sunday. That class did really well for me. I taught to a total of 9 people. I hope that my Acrylic Album class will do just as well. I have to start thinking and working on samples of more classes for next year.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
This Thanksgiving was a special one, as I celebrated being with my Rick's family and friends. We went to his cousin Brenda's house and the dinner was one to be remembered. Brenda has a BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, or should I say, mini mansion and it is decorated so nice. I hope we will be able to have a house that grand one day. Only one thing or should I say one person was missing. My mother did not come with us, she wanted to spend the holidays with her family, which was okay, but it was just odd not having her with us and the twins missed her. They had their other grandmother, Grandma Dot there along with Uncle Ben, Pa Pa Erskine, Auntie Rochelle, Auntie Vicki, Great Aunts Lucille and Maxine, Great Uncles L.S., and John Henry, along with a host of cousins and other family members and friends. I was able to take a few photos of the evening as I was totally stuffed with a great dinner. I was even pleasantly surprised to be able to eat some chitterlings made by Auntie Vickie. I really need to learn how to make them. Rick does not eat them and my mother always makes them for me, I only eat them once a year so I need to learn. I really wished that my mother came with us. She wanted to spend time with her family, she went by her SIL house and by her best friends house, Alberta. We did not get in until late and the twins were exhausted. We had planned on going by Rick's dad house but did not make it. We have to be sure to see him before Christmas.
Today, was a lazy day.
We had originally planned on going to the show to see This Christmas and maybe American Gangster
I did not want to do the Black Friday shopping...too crazy. I did it one time when the twins were one. Maybe I will do it when they are a little older. I called the store a few times today to see how things were going. They were really busy...I am glad that I took off today. I will be there on Saturday and Sunday. I hope that some scrap supplies are left for me to buy. I have really curbed my shopping habit of scrap supplies lately. Which is good and bad...good, since it making me use my stash more and rediscovering items I purchased in the past, bad, since it is making my wish list longer...what is a scrapaholic to do
Well, I am off now to do a little laundry and more relaxing...we have been in our pajamas all day long and I have been loving it. I might even scrap a little tonight as Rick announced he will be watching basketball all night.
I do not plan on being up too late since I have to work tomorrow and I am teaching my Acrylic Frame class on Sunday. That class did really well for me. I taught to a total of 9 people. I hope that my Acrylic Album class will do just as well. I have to start thinking and working on samples of more classes for next year.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Thursday, November 15, 2007
So Blessed...
To be so loved by many people...
I have not had a chance to update my blog...I have been trying to keep myself busy at Windy City Scrapbooking.
First...I wanted to let everyone know that I am so thankful for all of the calls, emails, hugs, and prayers that I have received from all during my experience. I know that through time, prayer, and with every one's support that I will feel better and do better...which is what I inspired 2 Be at all times anyway.
I was not going to share with people about my experience initially but I wanted everyone to be aware that danger is out there and to be careful...first and foremost. Sharing has also been a way for me to heal...all of the prayers that have been given to me...I have also prayed for the two men that did what they did to me and I hope that they will become aware of their wrong doings and stop before they hurt someone...they need prayer too.
I returned to work this week. Christina, the owner of the store was so generous as she gave me a bag of scrapbook supplies and she told me if there was anything else I needed to start to replenish my stash, just let her know. Another one of my friends, that works at the store part time, Deanna (she is a chiropractor and fellow Bradley Alumni) left me a gift certificate to the store along with a tool kit. I was also blessed by another one of my friends, that works at store, Jen, and she gave me the same tool tote that was stolen from me along with some stickles (to start my collection over again). Then today...I was so surprised that another one of my friends, Laura, who is also a customer at the store gave me a bag of scrap supplies and then she also overwhelmed me with a gift certificate and also another friend who happens to be one of the teachers at the store also blessed me with a gift certificate. I was so taken by everyone generosity and those that know me...know that all I did was cry tears of joy, happiness, and all of that in between. Retail therapy is great but scrapbook retail therapy is the greatest.
Again...I am so thankful, blessed and lucky and I truly appreciate every one's emails, calls, prayers, etc. I value all of my friendships.
I truly feel as though, now that I am getting over this experience, or whatever one may call it, I am meant to do something greater than what I am doing. I am not sure what it is, but I do know that my life was spared and that angels were watching over me...I know one in particular, my dear father, Albert, who passed away August 26Th, 1999. He was definitely there watching over me and shielding me with his wings. I still have the voice mail that he left on my phone just a few weeks before he died...he ended it by saying, "...your my heart, your my Puddin, bye"...Puddin was my nickname that only he called me. He never called me Alraynita unless he was upset at me. He is my guardian angel...and he watches over the twins too.
So I am going to continue, I know to strive and just be the best that I can for others and myself.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I have not had a chance to update my blog...I have been trying to keep myself busy at Windy City Scrapbooking.
First...I wanted to let everyone know that I am so thankful for all of the calls, emails, hugs, and prayers that I have received from all during my experience. I know that through time, prayer, and with every one's support that I will feel better and do better...which is what I inspired 2 Be at all times anyway.
I was not going to share with people about my experience initially but I wanted everyone to be aware that danger is out there and to be careful...first and foremost. Sharing has also been a way for me to heal...all of the prayers that have been given to me...I have also prayed for the two men that did what they did to me and I hope that they will become aware of their wrong doings and stop before they hurt someone...they need prayer too.
I returned to work this week. Christina, the owner of the store was so generous as she gave me a bag of scrapbook supplies and she told me if there was anything else I needed to start to replenish my stash, just let her know. Another one of my friends, that works at the store part time, Deanna (she is a chiropractor and fellow Bradley Alumni) left me a gift certificate to the store along with a tool kit. I was also blessed by another one of my friends, that works at store, Jen, and she gave me the same tool tote that was stolen from me along with some stickles (to start my collection over again). Then today...I was so surprised that another one of my friends, Laura, who is also a customer at the store gave me a bag of scrap supplies and then she also overwhelmed me with a gift certificate and also another friend who happens to be one of the teachers at the store also blessed me with a gift certificate. I was so taken by everyone generosity and those that know me...know that all I did was cry tears of joy, happiness, and all of that in between. Retail therapy is great but scrapbook retail therapy is the greatest.
Again...I am so thankful, blessed and lucky and I truly appreciate every one's emails, calls, prayers, etc. I value all of my friendships.
I truly feel as though, now that I am getting over this experience, or whatever one may call it, I am meant to do something greater than what I am doing. I am not sure what it is, but I do know that my life was spared and that angels were watching over me...I know one in particular, my dear father, Albert, who passed away August 26Th, 1999. He was definitely there watching over me and shielding me with his wings. I still have the voice mail that he left on my phone just a few weeks before he died...he ended it by saying, "...your my heart, your my Puddin, bye"...Puddin was my nickname that only he called me. He never called me Alraynita unless he was upset at me. He is my guardian angel...and he watches over the twins too.
So I am going to continue, I know to strive and just be the best that I can for others and myself.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Monday, November 12, 2007
So grateful...
to be alive today...November 12th
I had a terrible experience this past Saturday, November 10th that may have changed my life...maybe for th moment.
I was robbed at gunpoint by two young men at 7:15pm in a nice neighborhood. I was in the Chatham area. I was going to one of my SOS members mother's home to scrapbook the night away as usual. I was getting out of my car and I had saw one of my SOS sisters...it was dark and I had asked her which house it was at (it was our first time being at this house)...she pointed in the direction of the house and went in...I was just a few houses away when suddenly, two guys came from behind me and demanded money...I thought is was a joke at first but once I saw the young man with a gun pointed to my head I dropped everthing. He continued to way the gun in my face and keep asking me for money...I did not have any. I dropped both of my scrapbooking bags and the bags that held the pop and snack that was to be shared with other members of my group. I tried to back up and the one guy keep pointing the gun in my face while the other guy went through my scrapbook bag. The one with the guy told me to get down on the ground and I pleaded with him not to kill me...I remember saying it over and over again. The faces of my children and my husband flashed in front of me and I even saw on the prominent news casters telling my story on the news. The man backed off and him and his friend ran away getting into a car and drove off. I was finally able to scream and I ran to the nearest house banging on the door. I could not believe that this happened to me...not me...why me? I thought for sure they would have killed me...no masks...I could identify them with no problem...at least the one guy with the gun.
They did get away with my cell phone...which I had shut off and they got away with my scrapbooking tote with all of my tools, pens, inks, adhesives, etc. I guess it looked like a purse to them. My wallet was in my bigger shoulder scrapbag but they did not look good enough for that and my camera was in there too. They did not get that either...Thank goodness. All of my sisters from my scrapping group were there for me and they contacted Rick to tell him. He immediately came over...as he was just finishing up deejaying a wedding and he was just relieved that I was not harmed in any physical way. I did not want him to miss work, since he is working nights now...I told him that I would be fine and for him to go home and get some rest since he had to work that night. I stayed with my friends and they made sure I got home okay...Radiah followed me home.
Before this incident happened, I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of Junkitz Company...Stacy and Kenny Panassidi on Friday at Windy City Scrapbooking. When I asked Stacey when did she have time to crop, she informed me that she takes the time to scrap everyday...no matter what. Now that this happened to me...I feel moved to do this too. I feel as though my life and all that it entails need to documented...no matter how good or bad. My babies, Alex and Allegra need to know about me, their father, family and themselves along with all of our friends. Life is so precious and I do not want to be guilty of taking advantage of it.
I feel very scared now...not sure of who or what is lurking around the corner...can not trust anyone. I do not want to be like that. I do not want to live in fear. I love life...but I am scared. I keep playing the incident in my head...replaying it over and over again, putting it in slow motion, pause...wondering what if the trigger was pulled? why did it happen? what lesson am I to learn from this? what? why? why? why?
Not sure what I am to gain from this...strength, security, be afraid, no...more aware of my surroundings
I just want the images to be gone...happy thoughts only.
When I came home today...I blew my car horn for Rick to come to the window to watch me come in the house. Alex asked me if I was afraid and I told him..."Yes" and he asked me if I was afraid of the man with the gun...and I could not lie and I told him "Yes" and he asked me if he had my scrapbook stuff and I told him "Yes". Alex and Allegra were around when I told my mother about the incident on Sunday morning when I went to go and pick them up. When I did pick them up...I just kept on hugging and kissing them and tears were in my eyes. I told my mother what happened and I did not say gun to loud but Alex heard me anyway and he remembers from 2 days ago.
I am up here crying now...why can I not let this go...I am alive, I am here, why does it hurt?
Rick is sleeping now...he has to go to work...I do not like him working nights...leaving us here by ourselves...especially now.
I have so much to do and catch up on.
I just had to be sure to post this...to write about it...to get my feelings today off of my mind, my chest.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I had a terrible experience this past Saturday, November 10th that may have changed my life...maybe for th moment.
I was robbed at gunpoint by two young men at 7:15pm in a nice neighborhood. I was in the Chatham area. I was going to one of my SOS members mother's home to scrapbook the night away as usual. I was getting out of my car and I had saw one of my SOS sisters...it was dark and I had asked her which house it was at (it was our first time being at this house)...she pointed in the direction of the house and went in...I was just a few houses away when suddenly, two guys came from behind me and demanded money...I thought is was a joke at first but once I saw the young man with a gun pointed to my head I dropped everthing. He continued to way the gun in my face and keep asking me for money...I did not have any. I dropped both of my scrapbooking bags and the bags that held the pop and snack that was to be shared with other members of my group. I tried to back up and the one guy keep pointing the gun in my face while the other guy went through my scrapbook bag. The one with the guy told me to get down on the ground and I pleaded with him not to kill me...I remember saying it over and over again. The faces of my children and my husband flashed in front of me and I even saw on the prominent news casters telling my story on the news. The man backed off and him and his friend ran away getting into a car and drove off. I was finally able to scream and I ran to the nearest house banging on the door. I could not believe that this happened to me...not me...why me? I thought for sure they would have killed me...no masks...I could identify them with no problem...at least the one guy with the gun.
They did get away with my cell phone...which I had shut off and they got away with my scrapbooking tote with all of my tools, pens, inks, adhesives, etc. I guess it looked like a purse to them. My wallet was in my bigger shoulder scrapbag but they did not look good enough for that and my camera was in there too. They did not get that either...Thank goodness. All of my sisters from my scrapping group were there for me and they contacted Rick to tell him. He immediately came over...as he was just finishing up deejaying a wedding and he was just relieved that I was not harmed in any physical way. I did not want him to miss work, since he is working nights now...I told him that I would be fine and for him to go home and get some rest since he had to work that night. I stayed with my friends and they made sure I got home okay...Radiah followed me home.
Before this incident happened, I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of Junkitz Company...Stacy and Kenny Panassidi on Friday at Windy City Scrapbooking. When I asked Stacey when did she have time to crop, she informed me that she takes the time to scrap everyday...no matter what. Now that this happened to me...I feel moved to do this too. I feel as though my life and all that it entails need to documented...no matter how good or bad. My babies, Alex and Allegra need to know about me, their father, family and themselves along with all of our friends. Life is so precious and I do not want to be guilty of taking advantage of it.
I feel very scared now...not sure of who or what is lurking around the corner...can not trust anyone. I do not want to be like that. I do not want to live in fear. I love life...but I am scared. I keep playing the incident in my head...replaying it over and over again, putting it in slow motion, pause...wondering what if the trigger was pulled? why did it happen? what lesson am I to learn from this? what? why? why? why?
Not sure what I am to gain from this...strength, security, be afraid, no...more aware of my surroundings
I just want the images to be gone...happy thoughts only.
When I came home today...I blew my car horn for Rick to come to the window to watch me come in the house. Alex asked me if I was afraid and I told him..."Yes" and he asked me if I was afraid of the man with the gun...and I could not lie and I told him "Yes" and he asked me if he had my scrapbook stuff and I told him "Yes". Alex and Allegra were around when I told my mother about the incident on Sunday morning when I went to go and pick them up. When I did pick them up...I just kept on hugging and kissing them and tears were in my eyes. I told my mother what happened and I did not say gun to loud but Alex heard me anyway and he remembers from 2 days ago.
I am up here crying now...why can I not let this go...I am alive, I am here, why does it hurt?
Rick is sleeping now...he has to go to work...I do not like him working nights...leaving us here by ourselves...especially now.
I have so much to do and catch up on.
I just had to be sure to post this...to write about it...to get my feelings today off of my mind, my chest.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Monday, November 05, 2007
Long Day Today...
It was a long Monday today...as always, so much to do, not enough time.
I was pleasantly surprised by my dear mother this morning...she came ringing the bell as I was getting the twins dressed for school this morning...at first I was worried that she just came by as I thought something was wrong...she said that she just wanted to see the twins, that she had not seen them and that she missed them.
You see, I waited late in life to have children and my mother is much older...she is 82. Alexandre' and Allegra are her first grandchildren so she really tries to help me out and enjoy them as much as she can. She is my primary sitter for them for I have not found someone outside of family that I truly trust and can rely on...and the only thing I have to pay her with is time with them. I wish that I would have had my children earlier in life but I know that things happen for a reason.
Here is a photo I took of her with them back in August of this year
She will see them on Wednesday night...she wants them to sing in her church's children's choir so the will begin practice on this Wednesday...it will be their first practice. I have to work that night so I will have to make sure to go the following week. She will also have them on Friday and Saturday. I am attending a wine tasting on Friday night and I am scrapbooking on Saturday night. So she will get her fill of the A team.
I worked at Windy City today...I was surprised to see that Christina, the owner, was putting all of the Halloween items on sale at 40% off. I gladly helped her as this will make it easier to change things out for Thanksgiving...you know I put a few things aside for myself too ;).
I am working heavy at the store this week...the holidays are coming up fast and the twins will be 4 this year. We still have not decided upon whether or not we are going to give them a birthday party...we better decide in a couple of weeks...especially if we are going to go to a place and do it as I am sure that dates are booking up if not already booked. We will have to see. I also want to make sure they have a nice Christmas. I really want to get Rick something nice too. Things have been hard on us this year with his work situation and I just want him to know that I do still believe in him and I know that we will make it through this....we will only get stronger and better....and as I stated earlier...Things happen for a reason.
I am working tomorrow morning but I am getting off early. Rick has gotten into a business venture with his brother Benjamin and also another young man by the name of Dexter. I am not that knowledgeable of the product but they are going to start having business seminars at Leona's on 87th street every 2nd Tuesday of the month. He is going in the Tahitian Noni business and I truly support him in this...I want him to succeed and do well. He has always supported me in everything I have done and not done an still does to this day. He encourages me with scrapbooking and does not hold me back...I wish him luck and I plan on doing all that I can to encourage him and help him in his business venture...I will even scrapbook his events for him ;)...His first meeting is tomorrow so I hope it is a good one. Rick and I act like an old married couple...we have been together for 12 years and married for 6 of those years....looking forward to more.
Well...I have to go and wake him up to get him off to work and maybe go watch my Tivo for a bit...
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I was pleasantly surprised by my dear mother this morning...she came ringing the bell as I was getting the twins dressed for school this morning...at first I was worried that she just came by as I thought something was wrong...she said that she just wanted to see the twins, that she had not seen them and that she missed them.
You see, I waited late in life to have children and my mother is much older...she is 82. Alexandre' and Allegra are her first grandchildren so she really tries to help me out and enjoy them as much as she can. She is my primary sitter for them for I have not found someone outside of family that I truly trust and can rely on...and the only thing I have to pay her with is time with them. I wish that I would have had my children earlier in life but I know that things happen for a reason.
Here is a photo I took of her with them back in August of this year
She will see them on Wednesday night...she wants them to sing in her church's children's choir so the will begin practice on this Wednesday...it will be their first practice. I have to work that night so I will have to make sure to go the following week. She will also have them on Friday and Saturday. I am attending a wine tasting on Friday night and I am scrapbooking on Saturday night. So she will get her fill of the A team.I worked at Windy City today...I was surprised to see that Christina, the owner, was putting all of the Halloween items on sale at 40% off. I gladly helped her as this will make it easier to change things out for Thanksgiving...you know I put a few things aside for myself too ;).
I am working heavy at the store this week...the holidays are coming up fast and the twins will be 4 this year. We still have not decided upon whether or not we are going to give them a birthday party...we better decide in a couple of weeks...especially if we are going to go to a place and do it as I am sure that dates are booking up if not already booked. We will have to see. I also want to make sure they have a nice Christmas. I really want to get Rick something nice too. Things have been hard on us this year with his work situation and I just want him to know that I do still believe in him and I know that we will make it through this....we will only get stronger and better....and as I stated earlier...Things happen for a reason.
I am working tomorrow morning but I am getting off early. Rick has gotten into a business venture with his brother Benjamin and also another young man by the name of Dexter. I am not that knowledgeable of the product but they are going to start having business seminars at Leona's on 87th street every 2nd Tuesday of the month. He is going in the Tahitian Noni business and I truly support him in this...I want him to succeed and do well. He has always supported me in everything I have done and not done an still does to this day. He encourages me with scrapbooking and does not hold me back...I wish him luck and I plan on doing all that I can to encourage him and help him in his business venture...I will even scrapbook his events for him ;)...His first meeting is tomorrow so I hope it is a good one. Rick and I act like an old married couple...we have been together for 12 years and married for 6 of those years....looking forward to more.
Well...I have to go and wake him up to get him off to work and maybe go watch my Tivo for a bit...
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, November 04, 2007
My Silly Babies
This was a photo I took of Alex and Allegra a couple of weeks ago. We went downtown to the Chicagoween event that was at Daley Plaza in the loop. Of course I took more photos than this one but this photo captures them now...Silly. We had a great time that day, eating popcorn, watching the Midnight Circus, hanging out with big brother Adonis, and the Cratin clan: Sammie, Andrew, Caroline, and Sesil and they even got to slide down the Picasso that day. You know I got pictures of that.
Okay...
Good night for real this time
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Did someone forget...
to give Alex and Allegra the memo for Daylight Savings Time last night?
I tell you, those two were up at 6:30 this morning like it was 9am. I will be getting the slacker mom of the year award for this morning. I gave them a bath, put their clothes on, gave them a morning snack, turned on the television and went back to bed...of course I could not stay sleep for long since they wanted to come and tell me about every little thing that Dora did. Gotta love Daylight Savings Time.
So I woke up and decided to make breakfast before Rick came home. I had been ill the past couple of days (great excuse for not posting since Wednesday) but I am feeling better today. So , since the house had been in an uproar with me being ill, I cooked every one's favorite. Sausage, eggs scrambled soft with cheese, buttermilk biscuits and grits with just the right amount of butter and sugar. I called Rick before he left work so I could time him. He was very surprised to see breakfast ready for him. After breakfast...I had to get ready for work at Windy City Scrapbooking. I had a class this morning and was working afterwards. I was glad that Diane Anderson, the owner of Scrap and Spa, the retreat I went to a couple of weekends ago, had signed up to take my class along with her daughter. Class went well and I am so glad that I am scheduled to teach my acrylic frame class again this month and already I have 3 students. This frame does make a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. I can not wait to teach it again.
Once I came home, Rick had dinner ready for us...we had KFC...hey, I can not knock him for trying and I do appreciate not having to cook tonight.
The twins are asleep and I think I will follow in their footsteps now...till next time
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I tell you, those two were up at 6:30 this morning like it was 9am. I will be getting the slacker mom of the year award for this morning. I gave them a bath, put their clothes on, gave them a morning snack, turned on the television and went back to bed...of course I could not stay sleep for long since they wanted to come and tell me about every little thing that Dora did. Gotta love Daylight Savings Time.
So I woke up and decided to make breakfast before Rick came home. I had been ill the past couple of days (great excuse for not posting since Wednesday) but I am feeling better today. So , since the house had been in an uproar with me being ill, I cooked every one's favorite. Sausage, eggs scrambled soft with cheese, buttermilk biscuits and grits with just the right amount of butter and sugar. I called Rick before he left work so I could time him. He was very surprised to see breakfast ready for him. After breakfast...I had to get ready for work at Windy City Scrapbooking. I had a class this morning and was working afterwards. I was glad that Diane Anderson, the owner of Scrap and Spa, the retreat I went to a couple of weekends ago, had signed up to take my class along with her daughter. Class went well and I am so glad that I am scheduled to teach my acrylic frame class again this month and already I have 3 students. This frame does make a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. I can not wait to teach it again.
Once I came home, Rick had dinner ready for us...we had KFC...hey, I can not knock him for trying and I do appreciate not having to cook tonight.
The twins are asleep and I think I will follow in their footsteps now...till next time
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
WOW...
I can not believe that I let this blog continue and not post...yes, I should be shot but I really need to use this and this blog is my creative outlet...a way for me to write freely, journal, document and just say whatever I want without being judged and all that...also, I need to really do this so that I will not forget things...my age is catching up with me.
So Rick did return from Atlanta, worked at CSX for a hot second and then quit that job June 28th...I was mad at him for a while...not understanding what he wanted for himself or his family. He had found a job...not one that he plans on staying at but it will do for now. I have picked up more hours at Windy City and started teaching more. The twins are good...I wish I was home more with them, but I know that our situation is not permanent...Rick will find a better job and I can go back to being with them Full-time.
I went away on a Scrapbook Retreat this past weekend and got some much needed girlfriend time, scrapping time, and me time. I was able to do alot of pages, matter of fact, we are having a little contest on Windy City Scrapbooking's Blog as to how many layouts I did.
Maybe I will show one:
So Rick did return from Atlanta, worked at CSX for a hot second and then quit that job June 28th...I was mad at him for a while...not understanding what he wanted for himself or his family. He had found a job...not one that he plans on staying at but it will do for now. I have picked up more hours at Windy City and started teaching more. The twins are good...I wish I was home more with them, but I know that our situation is not permanent...Rick will find a better job and I can go back to being with them Full-time.
I went away on a Scrapbook Retreat this past weekend and got some much needed girlfriend time, scrapping time, and me time. I was able to do alot of pages, matter of fact, we are having a little contest on Windy City Scrapbooking's Blog as to how many layouts I did.
Maybe I will show one:
Sunday, March 11, 2007
He is gone...6 weeks and counting
So Rick left this morning for Atlanta and might I say...it was very emotional. Why? Well Alex and Allegra cried so hard like they really understood that he was not coming home for a while and with that...Rick and I both cried...well I cried, he just had tears in his eyes. I drove away trying to console the twins and after about 5 minutes, they were back to normal. We ended up going over to Target so I could pick up some more underwear for Alex, t-shirts for them both and a few goodies for them. We then went to Windy City Scrapbooking so that I could spend some of my garage sale money. I have to be wise in spending the money I earned...got some great items. We then went to McDonalds where the twins ended up playing in there new play area filled with video games. It is amazing to watch them act like they really know what they are doing. They were so tired that once we arrived back at home, the slept until 5:30pm...not to mention that daylight savings time sprung one hour ahead this morning and they were up at 6am to get Rick off to the airport with me...they were tired.
Rick got to the ATL okay...I have spoken to him 3 times already. I hope to speak to him again before the twins go to bed...which will be really soon. I already have the alarm on the house, which makes me feel safe and Mac is out back...even though I do not spend time with him since the twins, he is a great watch dog. I have been up on 2 peas just lurking and seeing what everyone is chatting about, what trends are hot and what is happening in the world of scrapbooking...I love that site. There are daily blog challenges both SB related and NSB related and there was one that particularly caught my attention by a lady whose blog I read daily. Here is her challenge that she received for someone else:
Have you ever??? Things you have ever done
My "have-you-ever's" are in PINK.
1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said "I love you" and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89. Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds (45.5 kilograms)
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someones heart
111. Ridden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someones mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someones life
Very interesting list...at least my life is not boring...maybe I will pass this list on for my friends to do.
The twins are now in bed...not sleep yet. Talked to Rick breifly as I was putting them to bed and Allegra was having a melt down...he will talk to them tomorrow and they did not ask about him tonight.
Tomorrow will be a normal day...I will take them to school, if they are feeling better, they both have fevers but they are in good spirits. If they have fevers, they will stay home and we will relax.
I am going to stay up just for alittle bit...mess with the furnance, it is acting up. Rick showed me how to work with it and in the process messed it up...I may end up having to call his uncle to come and work on it. Wish it was April or May and heat would not matter but then again, this is Chicago and the weather is so unpredictable.
Until later
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Tomorrow...
I will be become a single parent...not in the negative sense. Rick will be leaving for Atlanta and he will be away from us for 6 weeks. I am happy in that this is a great opportunity for him and for us as a family but I am sad for I will be with the kids alone. My mother will help out some but she will be 82 this month and I do not want to wear her out. My mother in law will help out too but she is married and trying to find another job and she travels a lot. My father in law has yet to keep the twins and I am not sure if he does not want to or if his wife does not want them over there...not sure about that situation to really speak of. I know that I wish the twins would spend more time with him...maybe in time...
We will go back to normal...with me being at home with the kids full time. I will still work a couple of days a week at Windy City Scrapbooking...to support my habit and to have a outlet.
Rick is cutting Alex's hair right now. He is becoming such a big boy...he use to cry when he got his hair cut but he sits there just as calm and cool. After his hair is cut he takes on a different personality...he gets more mischievous and just acts like a little ball of fire...go figure.
Allegra likes to watch them and pick up Alex's hair and throw it away.
We are going to have a quiet evening at home for Rick's last night with us
We just ordered pizza and watch a kid's movie...probably ET or Open Season...which is the twins' favorite right now. I have to get off right now as the twins want to play with their computer program about colors...I will return soon
Hugs & Kisses
Me
P.S. Allegra just told me that she loves me...I love when she says it to me on her own...she is such a loving child
We will go back to normal...with me being at home with the kids full time. I will still work a couple of days a week at Windy City Scrapbooking...to support my habit and to have a outlet.
Rick is cutting Alex's hair right now. He is becoming such a big boy...he use to cry when he got his hair cut but he sits there just as calm and cool. After his hair is cut he takes on a different personality...he gets more mischievous and just acts like a little ball of fire...go figure.
Allegra likes to watch them and pick up Alex's hair and throw it away.
We are going to have a quiet evening at home for Rick's last night with us
We just ordered pizza and watch a kid's movie...probably ET or Open Season...which is the twins' favorite right now. I have to get off right now as the twins want to play with their computer program about colors...I will return soon
Hugs & Kisses
Me
P.S. Allegra just told me that she loves me...I love when she says it to me on her own...she is such a loving child
Monday, March 05, 2007
Been a Long Time...
I just can not keep up with this blog...I have good intentions but I can not committ the way I should...so I will just continue to try.
Things have been well in the Coleman household...we are preparing for Richard to leave for his new job. He leaves this Sunday, March 11 and I am getting sad...why? Because we have never been apart that long. The longest that we have been apart was maybe 4 days at the most...but 6 weeks, that is long. It is for a better job, better position and of course more money. He has been out of work for 3 months now and I am glad that we survived...financially and of course as a couple. It was trying at times, being on a strict budget...it was already hard enough being an one income family. I mostly worry about Alexandre' and Allegra missing their father. I know that it will be easy to just go to Atlanta to visit him but he is there to learn and he has to study and pass various exams so he needs to stay focused. I know I will miss him but I also know that what he is doing will benefit all of us in the long run. I will have to post again with photos...I told him that I will keep my blog updated so that he could go online and see what we are doing while he is Atlanta.
On a different note, the garage sale at Windy City Scrapbooking went very well. I was very tired but I managed to get a few things together to sell. I think everyone did well and so we were able to get rid of old items and make room for new. I just love scrapbooking supplies and the new stuff that is coming in is so cute.
That is all for now...I have to finish dinner...meatloaf, greens, mac and cheese and cornbread.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Things have been well in the Coleman household...we are preparing for Richard to leave for his new job. He leaves this Sunday, March 11 and I am getting sad...why? Because we have never been apart that long. The longest that we have been apart was maybe 4 days at the most...but 6 weeks, that is long. It is for a better job, better position and of course more money. He has been out of work for 3 months now and I am glad that we survived...financially and of course as a couple. It was trying at times, being on a strict budget...it was already hard enough being an one income family. I mostly worry about Alexandre' and Allegra missing their father. I know that it will be easy to just go to Atlanta to visit him but he is there to learn and he has to study and pass various exams so he needs to stay focused. I know I will miss him but I also know that what he is doing will benefit all of us in the long run. I will have to post again with photos...I told him that I will keep my blog updated so that he could go online and see what we are doing while he is Atlanta.
On a different note, the garage sale at Windy City Scrapbooking went very well. I was very tired but I managed to get a few things together to sell. I think everyone did well and so we were able to get rid of old items and make room for new. I just love scrapbooking supplies and the new stuff that is coming in is so cute.
That is all for now...I have to finish dinner...meatloaf, greens, mac and cheese and cornbread.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
I know, I know...
I let time go by without posting, but hey...I have been living and thinking about posting.
I feel as though I am a work in progress right now as I have been reflecting on my post on New Year's Day.
Time is of the essence for me...something that I really need to work on in all aspects of my life.
There is a personal challenge that was posted by my Mocha Memories group...I really have not had the "time" to see all that it entails but my scrapping buddies have been posting a word that is their personal challenge and I did not have to think hard at all...my word is "Time".
I will have to go back and think about this more but this is something that I know I have to constantly work on.
Alexandre' & Allegra start back at Kenicott Park tomorrow and I am so glad..more so for them as opposed to me. They are now 3 and they strive to learn everyday. I know that I can only provide so much and they need to be in a learning environment with other children their age. They will be going Wed-Fri. 9am-1pm and that is a much needed break for me too. I will keep working more hours at Windy City, until Rick finds a job that he likes...more so a career. Again, he is playing the waiting game and I just hope that someone calls him soon. He has an hiring session to attend at Catepillar this Friday in Aurora...maybe he will get it, time will tell. I am glad that he decided to go back to the unemployment office...he did not have enough time with Union Pacific to file a claim but he did with GM/ EMD so he will be able to draw unemployment for 6 months, but again...hopefully something will fall in his lap. I like him being at home but I also need him to go back to work and I go back to being at home and being with the twins. They miss me being at home and I miss being at home too.
I have started to orgainize my scrap area and I hope to get it all done by the end of this month. I am purging and really organizing my space so that I can get motivated to scrap more than when I get together with my scrapping buddies from SOS and Mocha Memories.
Good night for now
Hugs and Kisses
Me
I feel as though I am a work in progress right now as I have been reflecting on my post on New Year's Day.
Time is of the essence for me...something that I really need to work on in all aspects of my life.
There is a personal challenge that was posted by my Mocha Memories group...I really have not had the "time" to see all that it entails but my scrapping buddies have been posting a word that is their personal challenge and I did not have to think hard at all...my word is "Time".
I will have to go back and think about this more but this is something that I know I have to constantly work on.
Alexandre' & Allegra start back at Kenicott Park tomorrow and I am so glad..more so for them as opposed to me. They are now 3 and they strive to learn everyday. I know that I can only provide so much and they need to be in a learning environment with other children their age. They will be going Wed-Fri. 9am-1pm and that is a much needed break for me too. I will keep working more hours at Windy City, until Rick finds a job that he likes...more so a career. Again, he is playing the waiting game and I just hope that someone calls him soon. He has an hiring session to attend at Catepillar this Friday in Aurora...maybe he will get it, time will tell. I am glad that he decided to go back to the unemployment office...he did not have enough time with Union Pacific to file a claim but he did with GM/ EMD so he will be able to draw unemployment for 6 months, but again...hopefully something will fall in his lap. I like him being at home but I also need him to go back to work and I go back to being at home and being with the twins. They miss me being at home and I miss being at home too.
I have started to orgainize my scrap area and I hope to get it all done by the end of this month. I am purging and really organizing my space so that I can get motivated to scrap more than when I get together with my scrapping buddies from SOS and Mocha Memories.
Good night for now
Hugs and Kisses
Me
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Missed a day, but here I am
Missed yesterday but I am here this morning playing catch up...
I am wondering why my posts are not showing up as they should...I am going to have to inquire about it but in the meantime, I will still post.
Yesterday, January 2,2007, I took the twins to their 3 year old doctor's appointment. I amazes me that they are 3 years old now. Alexandre' weighs 30 lbs and Allegra weighs 31 lbs...they are right on target with their weight and height. I love going to their doctor...Dr. Laura Mikhail. I was going to have them go to Dr. Clark who is a African American woman peditrican but Dr. Laura came to see about them when they were born and I just love her bedside manner and the way she explains things to me...they have been going to her since they were born. I hope we can still continue to go to her after Rick finds another job...the twins enjoy her as well and they can pronounce her name very well. They had to get shots and Alex did not cry at all...he was very brave. Allegra, on the other hand, was a BIG crybaby...she was crying before the nurse had a chance to get the needle out for her. Kicking and screaming and Alex and I tried to reassure her but she got more dramatic. After it was all over and after she cried for 10 minutes, she said to me that it did not hurt anymore...she is such a drama queen but she is all mine.
Afterwards...we went to pick up Rick from the house and we rode out to Orland Park. We had some Christmas gifts to return and then we took the twins to Chuck E. Cheese. They love going to this place and I thought it would be a good idea to keep them up and active after their vaccination shots. They did have a good time and ate very well (they are funny eaters)...we discovered that Alex likes celery and Rick stated that he thinks that he likes anything that can be dipped...anyway, at least he ate some vegetables. After that, we came home and I retired the twins to bed. I tried to stay up to watch the news with Rick but I did not last long.
I woke up 3 times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom...I hate when I do that...that is part of the reason why I am so sleepy the next day.
Well it is Wednesday morning, January 3rd and I have to go and clean up the kitchen and clean up the twins room before I leave today. I am working at the scrapbook store today and tomorrow. Rick has been staying at home with the twins while I have been going to work at the store...until he finds a job...which I hope is soon...I hate living in uncertainty but I know something good will happen soon and it will be good for our family.
Unitl Later
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I am wondering why my posts are not showing up as they should...I am going to have to inquire about it but in the meantime, I will still post.
Yesterday, January 2,2007, I took the twins to their 3 year old doctor's appointment. I amazes me that they are 3 years old now. Alexandre' weighs 30 lbs and Allegra weighs 31 lbs...they are right on target with their weight and height. I love going to their doctor...Dr. Laura Mikhail. I was going to have them go to Dr. Clark who is a African American woman peditrican but Dr. Laura came to see about them when they were born and I just love her bedside manner and the way she explains things to me...they have been going to her since they were born. I hope we can still continue to go to her after Rick finds another job...the twins enjoy her as well and they can pronounce her name very well. They had to get shots and Alex did not cry at all...he was very brave. Allegra, on the other hand, was a BIG crybaby...she was crying before the nurse had a chance to get the needle out for her. Kicking and screaming and Alex and I tried to reassure her but she got more dramatic. After it was all over and after she cried for 10 minutes, she said to me that it did not hurt anymore...she is such a drama queen but she is all mine.
Afterwards...we went to pick up Rick from the house and we rode out to Orland Park. We had some Christmas gifts to return and then we took the twins to Chuck E. Cheese. They love going to this place and I thought it would be a good idea to keep them up and active after their vaccination shots. They did have a good time and ate very well (they are funny eaters)...we discovered that Alex likes celery and Rick stated that he thinks that he likes anything that can be dipped...anyway, at least he ate some vegetables. After that, we came home and I retired the twins to bed. I tried to stay up to watch the news with Rick but I did not last long.
I woke up 3 times in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom...I hate when I do that...that is part of the reason why I am so sleepy the next day.
Well it is Wednesday morning, January 3rd and I have to go and clean up the kitchen and clean up the twins room before I leave today. I am working at the scrapbook store today and tomorrow. Rick has been staying at home with the twins while I have been going to work at the store...until he finds a job...which I hope is soon...I hate living in uncertainty but I know something good will happen soon and it will be good for our family.
Unitl Later
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Monday, January 01, 2007
Great New Year's Day
We had a great New Year's Day.
We went to my MIL house for dinner and boy did she cook a great dinner to start off the new year.
We had short ribs of beef along with chicken, cabbage, cornbread, sweet potatoes, potato salad, and of course what would a New Year's dinner be without black eyed peas and rice. I love soul food and my children had a blast at their grandmother's house. We brought home our dessert which was banana pudding. I just put the twins to bed and I am going to go to bed myself so I may get up early in the morning and do some house work
So much has happened since I last posted back in September. My husband took a new job with Union Pacific Railroad thinking it was going to be a permanent move for him and they terminated him, for no reason two weeks before Christmas...Since then, our roles have reversed where he has become the SAHD and I have picked up more hours at Windy City Scrapbooking, the place I work part time at. I love the fact that we have been spending more time together but Rick needs to get back and I need to be back at home...He is a great dad and husband but you can really tell that mommy is not at home that much...Clothes are piling up, and the house looks like a typhoon has hit it. He has some good leads and hopefully he will find something by the end of this month...I will look at this as his chance to find something better...I believe that God will not close one door without another one opening.
I am going to go to bed after I go to my favorite website...2peas
Hugs & Kisses
Me
We went to my MIL house for dinner and boy did she cook a great dinner to start off the new year.
We had short ribs of beef along with chicken, cabbage, cornbread, sweet potatoes, potato salad, and of course what would a New Year's dinner be without black eyed peas and rice. I love soul food and my children had a blast at their grandmother's house. We brought home our dessert which was banana pudding. I just put the twins to bed and I am going to go to bed myself so I may get up early in the morning and do some house work
So much has happened since I last posted back in September. My husband took a new job with Union Pacific Railroad thinking it was going to be a permanent move for him and they terminated him, for no reason two weeks before Christmas...Since then, our roles have reversed where he has become the SAHD and I have picked up more hours at Windy City Scrapbooking, the place I work part time at. I love the fact that we have been spending more time together but Rick needs to get back and I need to be back at home...He is a great dad and husband but you can really tell that mommy is not at home that much...Clothes are piling up, and the house looks like a typhoon has hit it. He has some good leads and hopefully he will find something by the end of this month...I will look at this as his chance to find something better...I believe that God will not close one door without another one opening.
I am going to go to bed after I go to my favorite website...2peas
Hugs & Kisses
Me
HAPPY NEW YEAR...2007 IS HERE!!!
Happy New Year Everyone!!!
I know....I have been the WORST blogger ever, but I guess life has gotten in the way and I really did not take the time to post as I should. I have been busy reading other's blogs and did not take the time to update my own.
Now that a New Year has come, I guess I will jump on the bandwagon and make some RESOULTIONS, some GOALS and hopefully, as I state every year, I will be able to attain them in some form or fashion.
One thing I do know that TIME will be the theme of my RESOLUTIONS & GOALS because it seems as though I never have enough of it to actually do what I need and want to do.
1. Take the time to spend more time with God and strengthen our relationship
2. Take the time to spend more time with myself and discovering more about myself
3. Take the time to spend more quality time with my husband
4. Take the time to spend more quality time with my children
5. Take the time to spend more time with my mother
6. Take the time to spend more time with other members of both my family and my husband's family
7. Take the time to get more organized and focused in our home in all aspects
8. Take the time to strengthen old friendships and develop new ones
9. Take the time to become more involved in my passion for scrapbooking
10. Take the time to discover all that life has to offer me and my family
This list is more like a draft because there is so many layers to each statement and I want to take the TIME to work on each one.
I realize that the above list can be attained especially if I put God first and I know that any type of change has to come from within me. I feel that writing this down will make me more accountable for my actions...maybe I can scrapbook it and hang it in my scrap area for daily inspiration...whatever the case, I know that a change has to happen. I will be 38 years old this year and there are things that I want to strive for and attain.
My babies just woke up so I have to go now...I promise to be back and I will post more (that will go along with resolution #2)
Hugs & Kisses
Me
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