THANKFUL THURSDAY...

I haven't had the chance to post in a couple of days.
Been busy at Windy City and just catching up on some well deserved rest and relaxation and I have also been planning out my pages for my SOS crop on Saturday and trying to finish up my Birthday Acrylic Album, that I am running for the first time this Sunday. I have 4 people signed up for the class and I always get nervous when I run a class for the first time. Thoughts in my mind are...will they like the project? Will we have enough time? Have I provided enough instruction? Will they take a class with me again. I love creating classes and it is really hard coming up with ideas, tips, techniques and projects that people really want. I was very successful when I did the Holiday Acrylic Album and I hope that my Birthday Acrylic Album will do will too.
Here is alittle peek of the Birthday Acrylic Album...one good thing about my classes, I do provide a image CD so that my students can recreate the album on their own or maybe use a different theme.


I had a lot of fun creating this album and I hope that my students enjoy taking my class and as I stated before...will sign up for more of my classes.

On different note...My family was picked to do a Kentucky Fried Chicken Focus group and might I say, it was not only interesting but we had alot of fun doing it.
We had to video tape ourselves eating a regular meal prepared by me and then we had to video tap ourselves eating a KFC meal. The twins had a good time performing in front of the camera and the best thing...we received coupons to use for our meal (they even gave us extra for future meals) and we also received a HEFTY payment for our time and effort (I had to send them the taping, which I put on DVD). I love when I get to do focus groups that do not require a lot and we got to do one of the things that we love...eat and spend time together.

Off to bed now
Hugs & Kisses
Me

EASTER 2008

Happy Easter from the Coleman Crew!!!

We did not go to church this morning as we had originally planned with my mother...and I really feel bad about that. She ended up not wanting to go so we did not go either.
Started out the morning slowly as I made a big breakfast for the Coleman Crew...Eggs, grits, biscuits, sausage, fresh fruit and orange juice and after I cleaned up the kitchen from breakfast, I immediately started my Easter Dinner. I did not do anything big...Cornish Hens, dressing, greens (actually my mother made these and I just took them out the freezer), homemade mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce...almost like Thanksgiving.
While I was whipping all of this up...I also started to boil eggs so that Alexandre' and Allegra could do their Easter Eggs. After they were ready, we set everything out for decorating with the dyes and even some stickers. We also made cookies for the Easter bunny and set everything our for him...the twins think that the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus are good buddies and just like Santa, the Easter Bunny bears gifts to children. I had them lay down for their naps and just like last year...while they were asleep, I decorated and filled up their Easter Baskets with goodies and little toys. Rick helped out too and he enjoyed helping me since he missed all the fun last year (he was in the ATL)
Now I did take photos today of our happenings, but I did it with an instant camera so these photos are from last year... we did the same thing this year as last year so I see I am now setting a few traditions with my family for the holidays...





The kids were happy with their Easter Baskets and we just relaxed for the rest of the day. We talked to all of the grandparents over the phone and wished them a good day.
After dinner, I cleaned up the kitchen, got the kids ready for bed and went to bed myself
Happy Easter
Hugs & Kisses
Me

83 years young

Today was my dear mother's birthday and she made 83 years old today.
Rick had to work today so the kids and I went by her house and took her out to breakfast. Usually Allegra just wants toast and sausage but since this particular restaurant had Mickey Mouse pancakes she just had to try them. Allegra has never been a "sweet eating" baby like Alexandre'...but after today...she has changed. My baby girl ate all of her Mickey Mouse pancakes. Alex ate all of his, of course, along with my mother's pancakes...I do not know where he puts it all with his skinny self...actually, both Alex and Allegra are thin which is okay with me. They are on target and they wear the age in clothes(4t, 4 and some 5t)
We gave Grandma Nita her homemade cards along with a bouquet of flowers...and we just ran errands with her for the rest of the day. I decided to scratch the Easter outfits and just let them wear outfits that they had already that still had tags on them.
Once we were done with Grandma for the day, we went back home for naps and just relaxed for the rest of the day until Daddy came home. I almost started to let the twins do their Easter eggs but decided to wait until tomorrow. Last year for Easter, we went to Skinner Park and the twins participated in their first Easter Egg Hunt...it was too funny but they did get alot of eggs and they even won an Easter basket that day. The photos below are from last year when we went to Skinner Park for their Easter Extravaganza. My kids love saying CHEESE for the camera.





I am going to bed early for I have to get up tomorrow early to get everyone dressed for Easter...yes, clothes are already laid out but I need some beauty rest

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Finally...A day of rest and relaxation

That was need by all of us
We stayed in our pajamas and relaxed all day for the most part
We did go out just for a little bit with my mother as she wanted to buy the twins something for Easter. I really did not want her to make a fuss about it so we did not find anything today...which was okay with me. My mother bought the twins outfits last year for Easter. I think that is what she likes to do...buy their holiday outfits, whether it be for Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving...whatever.

What a difference a year makes as Rick was in Atlanta training for a new job with CSX railroad. He was away from us for a month and a half, came back and worked at CSX for about 2 months and then he quit. I wanted to strangle him but I had to remain steadfast and have faith and believe in him. It took him almost 4 months to find another job, which he only took for the health insurance and then he worked that job for about 3 months and then another month past before he found Progress Rail, which is where he works now. It is a division of Catepillar (based in Peoria) and he seems to really happy with this job...he says there is alot of room for growth and he is looking at moving up within this company. I am just glad that he has something steady and somthing that he likes in the railroad industry and we can get back on track.

Once we came back from trying to find the twins something to wear for Easter...we took baths and put on another pair of pajamas. Shame on us... but it felt so good. Rick ended up working overtime at work so by the time he got home the twins were asleep. I had mentioned to Rick that I did not mind if we did not get the twins new Easter clothes for we waited to late and everything was picked over...as always, he has left it up to me to decide about their attire.

Here is a photo of them from last Easter in their Easter best...I did a great job of coordinating their outfits, which is something that I always try to do.



Now today marks the first day of spring and I will be glad when we can get consistent with the weather.
I plan on attending the Mocha Mom's meeting tomorrow and probably hang out with my buddies.
Off to bed now

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Day 3 of Spring Break...

and we spent the ENTIRE day at a new kiddie place called MONKEY ISLAND and had a BLAST...of course I do not have any photos from the day but Alex and Allegra had a really good time

I NEED A NEW CAMERA...so glad my birthday is coming up soon...I really hope I will get one for my birthday



Monkey Island is a great place for kids to go and let off alot of energy (there are alot of bouncy houses and an large play scape area) and a place where mommies can hang out and catch up which is what I did with my Mocha buddies. Alex and Allegra was so excited to see all of their friends there and so was I...that is to see my friends. I only saw Alex and Allegra when the wanted to go to the restroom and I had to make them stop playing to come and eat a snack. We got to Monkey Island at noon and we did not leave until almost 6pm. Rick could not believe that we were there that long. Once I got home I immediately started dinner and was able to feed the twins, give baths and they were out like a light by 8:30pm. I love days like this. Rick and I stayed up to watch the news and Jay Leno...of course he went to sleep shortly afterwards and I am still up on the computer

I am off from Windy City until the next Monday so I will be totally relaxing and enjoying time with my family, catching up with laundry and I might even scrapbook a page or two or maybe I will continue with the reorganization of my scrap space or maybe I will just surf the web...anyway...it will be cool to just hang out for a few days without an agenda. My mother's 83rd birthday is this weekend along with Easter Sunday. We do not have anything extra special planned as all she wants us to do is attend church services with her and just spend time with the twins. It is so hard to shop for my mother for she has everything so time spent together is all that she really wants. I am going to stay up for a while and surf the computer and look at some of my favorite blogs. Eventually I will start posting some of my work for all to see...I want to learn how to scan and stitch as opposed to taking a photo of my work...I hope to learn how to do this really soon.

Hugs & Kisses
Me

In a few more days...

I will be off and I truly deserve it...

I always say that I will not know how to act if I had to go and work a real job and raise Alex and Allegra, take care of the household, and all of the other stuff. I will admit that it has been truly a blessing to be able to stay at home with Alex and Allegra for the past 4 1/2 years. Rick is truly "DA MAN" for making it happen for us and taking care of us...especially when times were hard when he wasn't working.



So I worked today but I was also fortunate to take a class earlier today with one of my favorite scrapping celebrities...Melodee Langworthy. I was so glad when Susan told me that we were going to have her teach during the weekend of CKU and her classes are awesome. She made the weekend a getaway to Chicago for her family. I created an Easter Themed album that I plan on using last year's Easter photos that I have not done anything with. This way, they will already be in a mini album...I will still do a scrapbook page too.



I am really tired from today so I will be off to bed as I work tomorrow...again...Rick is "DA MAN"



Hugs & Kisses

Me

IN THE MEANTIME...

I have been so busy these past few days...CKU came to the Chicago land area and I have been living at Windy City. For those of you who do not know, CKU stands for Creating Keepsakes University and it is where scrapbookers come from all over the world to take classes with scrapbooking celebrities, meet up with their scrapbooking buddies, shop and crop until they drop and just have a great time with fellow scrapbookers.
I was not able to attend as a student...that will happen for me one day but I was able to go to the meet and greet that CKU had for its students with Susan as we represented Windy City Scrapbooking. We ran into some die hard scrapbookers...customers of Windy City and also met other people who have heard about the store through word of mouth. My fellow SOS sister Latosha Cherry was able to attend and I had the pleasure of meeting Ali Edwards and Jessica Sprague. We actually drove them to the store on Wednesday night and we were so excited to have them. Ali started calling me her 'Political Partner' as she is a supporter of Obama. She told me that she had the pleasure of meeting him and was a fan of his. It was really cool having her in the store...she is so down to earth. Jessica is a sweetheart too. They are both so creative and have really done alot in the scrapbooking industry. Here are some photos that we took with them in the store.


Now I also had the sheer pleasure of meeting another famous person during CKU weekend....I was totally blown away to see Iyanla Vanzant at the CKU Meet & Greet. Susan had mentioned seeing another African American at the event and I was very curious to see who she was talking about...especially since there are not alot of African American scrapbookers. I did not see her initially but then she walked up to me and I was elated to meet her and all of that. I gave her all the information about Windy City Scrapbooking and even my own personal contact information. She did end up visiting Windy City Scrapbooking...twice and she is a scrap shopaholic just like the rest of us...I would love to scrapbook with her one day. I hope to hear from her one day and maybe we can do some great things for African Americans in relation to scrapbooking...hence...In The Meantime...
Rick and the twins are doing fine...missing me as I have been working alot of hours this week with the store being open until 11pm. My mother has been really helpful with keeping Alexandre' and Allegra until Rick gets. Only a few more days and things will be back to normal.
I worked the crop tonight so I am off to bed for tomorrow will be long
Hugs & Kisses
Me

MOTIVATION...

Is what I need

Is it the weather that has me down...not wanting to do to much of anything, even though we have a warm up over the next couple of days
Is it that I want to do so much but there is not enough hours in the day for me to spend with my husband, my children, my family, my friends, or even myself
Whatever it is...I need to get out of this rut
I have a big week ahead of me so I need to get it together
Not much to post today...I am tired and going to bed earlier than usual

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Spring Ahead...

So Daylight Savings Time happened overnight and I am feeling it already as I am up and sleepy.
I am not up because of the twins, since they already woke up to go to the bathroom, I am not up because of Richard, since he already woke up too to go to the bathroom and watch a little ESPN (sports fanatic),
I am up cause I am a crazy lady...and I want to go into work early today. Actually, all week I will be working, every day, since CKU is coming into town and the store will have extended hours and I need to pick up some extra hours, especially since I only work 2 days last week
So this crazy lady will be a working fool this week.
I will be back...stay tuned.

Today was a good day at work and everyone is excited about CKU coming to Chicago. We had our staff meeting after the store closed just to update everyone. I did not stay and scrapbook after the meeting like I had originally planned to. Rick and his brother had a networking event to attend so I had to hurry home so they could leave. I really love the relationship that Rick has with his brother. When I first met Rick, they were not that close, even though they were close growing up...but now...they are inseparable...they are 2 years apart with Rick being the oldest, and the twins are CRAZY about their Uncle Ben.
Once I got home Rick had already fed the kids and had them ready for bed so I am off to relax for the rest of the night.

Hugs & Kisses
Me

IT'S THE WEEKEND BABY...STRIKE!!!!

So glad that it is Saturday

The twins did not have school yesterday so we hung out and ran errands (bank, grocery store, etc).
We even went to go and visit Grandpa Rufus at his school since we did not get by there for his birthday on Thursday. They are so crazy about him. The school that he is the principal at is one of my schools of choice for the twins...it McDade Classical school. I do like the fact that it is a classical school but I do not like the fact that it only goes to 6th grade and it is not diverse where as Murray (where they are now) is diverse which outweighs the fact that it only goes to 6th grade and even though it is not a classical school, they still have a rigourous curriculum. One thing that I have to keep in mind when finding a school for the twins is the level and amount of homework that they will be given because that will entail me assisting them and teaching them at home. I also have concern with them being seperated (different schools)...I do not mind if they are in different classrooms...so I do have a lot to consider when going through the school enrollemnt process.
After going to Rufus's school, we went ran a couple of errands and came home for lunch and nap. I love the fact that the twins still take a nap...it makes eveyone feel better afterwards and it give me a couple of hours to do house chores, relax, watch my soap operas, computer time or just zone out.
Since it was Friday...we ordered pizza for dinner and watched Alex and Allegra's all time favorite movie...Toy Story.
We went to bed early since we had a full day schedule for Saturday

So today...we woke up at a decent hour and just relaxed until it was time to go to my fellow Scrap On Sistah's son's birthday party. For T.C.'s party, Alexandre' and Allegra had the opportunity to bowl for the first time. They were so excited as Alex had his shoes off ready for the bowling shoes before I even went to get the shoes. At first Allegra was alittle aprehensive about bowling but once she saw her brother doing it...she was interested. They both bowled two games and even got a couple of strikes (bumper bowling) So remember...I do not have camera still but one of my Scrap On Sistah's let me use her camera so I do have a few shots of them bowling.
Rick was at work and I really hate that he missed out on them bowling...but like he says, that is why I am with them to expose them to different things and I just have to keep him updated as to things they say and do...hence scrapbooking and taking photos. I am glad that the kids enjoyed bowling...this will be something we can do as a family as they get older. Believe it or not...bowling is one thing that Rick and I have not done as a couple...period. We will have to make sure to make this a family outing.
By the time we made it home from the party, Rick was home from work. I fixed an easy dinner of hot dogs and fries and gave the twins baths and they were in the bed and fast asleep by 8pm. Rick and I stayed up and watched Eddie Murphy's Life and we both fell asleep on the couch...just like an old couple.

Hugs and Kisses
Me

Terrific Thursday

Since today was Thursday, it was my volunteer day. I really do enjoy spending that time in Alex and Allegra's preschool class. It give me an opportunity to not only bond with them more but to see and learn what is being taught to my children so that I may know what to supplement. Do I see homeschooling in my future? Possibly...especially if I do not get them into the school of our choice (public school) and with the rising cost of tuition in the private and catholic schools, I just might.
I really wanted to try to go and see my FIL today for his birthday. Rufus is such a sweet man and I want the kids to spend more time with him. Rick is not as close to his father as his mother so I am the one who keeps more in contact with him. I will make sure to go and see him tomorrow since the kids are out of school tomorrow
After school, I took the kids to my mother's so I could go to work.
I came straight home after getting off from work and went straight to bed since Rick had the kids in bed already

Hugs & Kisses
Me

Great Wednesday...

I had a great Wednesday...despite being tired.
The kids went back to school today as they were ready to go back to school, but they wanted to go on another field trip like they did the day before
They really had a long weekend as they were off the weekend, celebrated Dad's 40th and then had Monday, the 3rd off for Pulaski Day, then had the 4th off but really went on a field trip. The field trip was a lot of fun as I did sign up to chaperone, which made Alex and Allegra happy. We went to the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier. Both the morning class and the afternoon class went. A presentation was given to both classes, seperately and we was able to explore the museum on our own after the presentations...as long as we met at the scheduled time for the bus. Our class went into the BIG BACKYARD where the children learned creatures that were in backyards. Alex and Allegra was initially interested but their attention span grew short, as did the other kids, and they pretty much wanted to play as opposed to sitting down and listening to a speaker. They did try to make the presentation interactive and they even got the parents involved. After the presentation, the children made butterfly wings with pillowcases and paint, which ended up being really cute. I REALLY HATED THAT I DID NOT HAVE MY CAMERA...we have been to the Chicago Children's Museum, many times before but this was Alex and Allegra's first time going with their preschool class. After being in the BIG BACKYARD, we then went to the Dinosaur exhibit where the kids could pretend to be dinosaur researchers and dig for dinosaur bones. The next stop was the Pretend Town, where the kids could pretend to be everything from a bus driver, to a grocery store clerk to a mechanic. A great time was had by all. Once we returned to school, I took my tired babies home where they immediately fell asleep in the car and once we got inside the house, they were out. Rick was at home waiting for us and I just relaxed and started dinner early as I had to teach a class that night at Windy City Scrapbooking. Of course with me being gone for so many days, new product was in for me to oogle and google over, which I did. The class went well and once I got home...I past out myself

Hugs & Kisses
Me

What a 40th Birthday...

That Rick had yesterday...
We ended up going over to his mother's house where she fixed one of his favorite dinners...chicken fettuccine in Alfredo sauce, fried chicken wings, spaghetti, salad, broccoli with cheese sauce, garlic bread...really, she made two of his favorites and something for everyone. My mother came with us to his mother's house. Rick' brother (Ben)was there with his daughter (Ashley, who is 6), along with his mother (Dot), his stepfather (Erskine), his stepfather's daughter (Alexis, who is 12), his aunt (Rochelle), his cousin (Steve) and his new girlfriend (she seems very nice, can not remember her name) was all there along with my stepson, Adonis, and the twins. We had a great time as we talked about everything from the election to when I was pregnant with the twins, to when Rick was a baby to recipes...Rick's family is really fun loving and so easy to get along with and talk to. We also sang "Happy Birthday" to the old man and he not only had a birthday cake, but his mother made his favorite cake...German Chocolate (YUCK to me). We also played Wii for the first time and I am so ready to get this gaming system. You get a real workout playing this game and the twins were so excited...ga-ga, goo-goo excited about playing Wii. So of course, Rick stated that we will look into getting this gaming system...like we really need anymore since we have PlayStation I and II and we do not even play with it.
It was really good seeing Adonis over the weekend as Rick picked him up on Friday night. He is really growing up. I was a little disappointed when I saw him because this 13 year old young man, has BOTH OF HIS EARS PIERCED...now of course, as soon as I saw this, I made him remove them IMMEDIATELY. I remember him telling me that he wanted them pierced and that his mother was going to let him do it and I remember telling him that he will not be allowed to wear his earrings in our home...so we both came through with our statements. I really do not know why his mother allowed him to do such but she and I are TOTALLY different...like night and day. I do not know what Rick saw in her, but things happen. Adonis is smart young man...typical teenager (13)...so far, he is not that bad...he has made the honor roll a few times but his mouth does get him in trouble. I have been around him since he was 18 months old, and when Rick and I got married, not only was he the ring bearer, but I also said vows to him and we had a family ceremony where he was involved...my relationship with him has been great so far and I pray that as he gets older, I only want what is best for him. I have already told him that even though he was not born from me, I love him as my own...I just hope that we will also have a good relationship...regardless if I disapprove of the way his mother does things at times. (That is another story within itself as yes...I have experienced Baby Mama Drama)
Rick...bless his heart...was just happy with being with his family for his 40th birthday. I did take photos but I just used one of those disposable photos and I have yet to get the photos put on a disc, but I will share a photo of Rick...looking like an OLD MAN and having a little taste :)
Happy Birthday Sweetie




Hugs & Kisses
Me

HAPPY MARCH 1ST!!!

Didn't do to much today but recover from last night.
I worked at Windy City Scrapbooking and there was a crop on top of a Leap Year sale where everthing that was regularly priced was 29% off. I was glad to sleep in for the most part. Of course Rick was away at work once I woke up and the twins kept themselves entertained with playing in their room until I got out of the bed. I was suppose to get up early and go register Alexandre' for basketball for the next session with Chicago Park District but I had lucked up and was able to register him on line in the begining of the week so we just stayed at home for the rest of the day. We played games, read books, watched movies and I even got a little scrapbooking done...only one page, but I still accomplished something.
As the new month rolls in, I have been thinking about my word for the year...COMMITT.
Still working on it and trying to apply it to my daily life. It is really hard, especially since I have made this public knowledge and it is just a challenge to try to keep up with for I am being held accountable. Again, I just have to try harder.
Tomorrow is my husband's birthday...his 40th. I did not get him anything for I really did not know what to get him and we promised that we would not exchange gifts this year for we are planning a big family vacation this year.
Off to bed now for we have a busy day tomorrow

Hugs & Kisses
Me