Home From Cha!

I'm Home! So tired from traveling, but had so much fun! We laughed alot!! We were on our feet for hours! Met lots of fun people, very genuine sweet ladies and some not so fun people. We enjoyed watching some of the people there who were so catty. Come on ladies, get perspective!! Niceness goes a long way!!!

Here is our Entourage Picture! Melinda and Cassandra were the Stars! Lief the body guard and keeper of the ladies! And Kay and I well...we were the assistants. Kay being the scribe or Moses as we liked to call her! (we were playing off the Entourage that Martha Stewart had with her walking the show.)

Here is Kay taking pictures and selling, which was one of my favorite parts. Sell Sell Sell...that's what we did!!. I didn't get as many picture's as I would have hoped, but Kay did...so I will have to wait til she gets home to show off some other fun stuff.

And the Booth was Adorable. Filled with fun samples. Here are a few of mine as well as Katie A's samples. I just have to brag on my friend here a bit, although I know she will blush when I do so. There were several times when some big names in the biz would walk through the booth (I realized the name comment sounds a bit comical), but anyway...they would come by and graze through some of the samples, and no doubtingly point out Katie's designs and mention how great they were!! Way to go Katie on your debut at CHA!!


And the Princesses!!! Had a blast at Downtown Disney. We didn't go into the park but shopped and ate right outside. Walking through World of Disney made me miss my kiddos. But they all got fun prizes!!

Okay, and the self proclaim "queen" herself. We had the opportunity to see Martha Stewart speak. I will tell you this, on a business or craft industry side I learned nothing informative from her. However, it was pretty interesting on a personal side to see her personality and the way she thinks. I don't think she is as mean as some people portray her to be. At least not anymore. But she does think very highly of herself...but hey she is the millionaire not me. I just left feeling a bit sad that her passion and goal in life is "to make everything she does beautiful". Okay, so great that's fine. I understand the rush and love of making a great page, or card or decoration...that's all fine. But in the scheme of life, I'm so glad I have a purpose that is eternal...cause sister, the cards aren't going to last, the beautiful cake isn't going to last, your millions aren't going to last!! Sorry to rant a bit, I got fired up on this subject after reading a book on the way down that I cant wait to share about. But more on that in another post.

To sum it all up; I fully enjoyed selling one of my best friends' product to people from all over the world! Loved seeing Cassandra and Melinda shine in their element and grow both on a business level as well as a personal level. Loved seeing all the new fun stuff in the scrapbooking world to play with on my pages. But most of all, loved just making memories with my friends and laughing a ton. The whole trip was a great reminder to me of what is really important in life! Not the stuff...but the relationships.

The Story of the Scrunchy Puppy!

I thought I had shared this story on this blog before, but I couldn't find the post. I was looking for it so I could scrapbook some pictures of Ty & Puppy. My luck (or lack of memory) is i have already scrapbooked the story and now have two similar pages. This is my most recent picture of Ty with Pup...I think I might have hundreds of these two together. Anyway...here's the cute story I scrapbooked today:

You have always been attached to your puppy. Every since you were one. Every night we search the house for puppy in order for you to safely go to sleep. all curled up with him. So both daddy and I were surprised when all of a sudden you no longer wanted to sleep with puppy. It seemed you had moved on to another stuffed animal...your kitty. One evening about two weeks after this change daddy came in from tucking you in and said "I'm kind of sad that he's not wanting puppy any longer." So the next day at nap time I decided to talk with you about this. I climbed up in your bed with puppy in my hands and asked you why you no longer wanted to sleep with him. I think I even said something along the lines of "do you think it makes puppy sad?" Instant tears filled your eyes, then turned to sobbing. You were truly heartbroken. And you told mommy between sobs that puppy was "scrunchy" and you couldn't sleep with him. Scrunchy meant he had something stuck to him, perhaps food. I think by then I was crying too over your heartbreak and I told you I would give puppy a bath so he wouldn't be scrunchy anymore. Why you hadn't told me earlier that you couldn't sleep with him because he needed a bath I will never know. But I do know that for two weeks you hid your sadness over not sleeping with puppy. You were trying to act all grown up. Puppy hasn't left your side ever since. Except for the occasional bath to get the scrunch off of him.

Books Please

Okay I know I have several friends out there that are avid book readers. I am leaving on a jet plane (sorry couldn't resist) on Saturday for a long travel day from Pasco to Anaheim, CA. Just me, so I need some entertainment. And since I don't get the time to read much other than children's books I really want a "cant put down" kind of a book to take. So Any suggestions would be great!!

For those of you interested I am going to CHA. Craft and Hobby Trade show. It's the big one folk! And I know I will be all excited when I am there, but it's been a little hard to get excited for it with all the sickies around here. I will be working at the Daisy Bucket Booth. I'll try to post while I am there, since I think I will be helping the Bucket with their blog during the show!

Anyway, lets start the book suggestions coming. Fiction would be preferred!

Sick of Sick!

Emery stayed home again today from school. Both her and Ty have the fever and coughing! I am so tired of this! 24 days straight folks of SICK ! Hopefully the new Antibiotics we got will work and wont taste like poison. That's right, first time she tasted it she screamed "poison!!!" and scrapped at her tongue. It was pretty funny the first time, the second time I nearly lost it (not laughing...frustration). I tasted it, Mike tasted it, and the pharmacist tasted it...Poison would be an accurate description. He ordered a new brand, hopefully that will work. I will be Zithromaxing the heck out of my kids to get the Ick over with!
I'm starting to worry that Emery will be getting behind in her reading...she's just starting to learn how and I don't want that to digress. I'll leave you with a picture of her reading her first sight word book with daddy. So sweet. I remember my first sight word book. See Dick Run or something like that.

A Message from Piper

A poor quality video, but a sweet voice I had to share.

Hey Grandmas! Look what I lost...

I'm Alive...

Okay, I just started to type out this big long post about my sickness and all the drama...but my brain is still foggy. I'm still a little sick and medicated. Yeah Codeine! So here's the short of it:

• 4 full days of flu and bronchitis
• 2 days barely getting out of bed
• 2 kidneys screaming in pain at me to drink more water.
• 4 days solid with a headache.
• countless ups ands downs of my temperature.
• A trip to the pill pusher, oh I mean doctor.
• 4 prescriptions later.
• 3 day's off of work for Mike.
• 1 blog hijacked by my caretaker.
• 3 days of awesome meals made by daddy.
• 3 days of saltines for me.
• 3 less pounds for me.
• 2 or 3 hallucinations (or so mike says)
• 1 daughter who wants nothing to do with mommy anymore.
• 3 little kids who are now sick again!
• 1 missed wsu vs. uw basketball game (mike had to stay home today)
• 1 missed birthday party for a little buddy. Save us some Dilly Bars.
• 20 days straight of someone in this house being sick!
• Lot's and Lot's of prayers! Thank you everyone.

The flu has hit mamma!

Thankfully Mike stayed home yesterday to do the Mommy thing. Actually he went above and beyond the mommy thing with; roasted chicken, teaching Ty to make Mash Potatoes, fresh chocolate chip cookies and then homemade chicken noodle soup. I stayed in bed all day. Which is where I wish I was now, but am feeling bit better so Im on mommy duty today.

This post has worn me out...off to sit and sip tea.

UPDATE FROM DADDY: Mamma now has bronchitis on top of the flu. She went to the doctor today and he told her the wonderful news. He also told her that her husband (yours truly) is a "genious" (his word not mine) and let her know he wants to sit down and watch the Fiesta Bowl with some popcorn and bourbon with me. Not sure why I threw that in, just a funny tidbit from our wacky doctor. Who am I to question the opinion of a professional?

She aches all over and is not feeling good at all, so please keep her in your prayers. Daddy is holding in there...and so are the kids (although they are dying for Mommy time)

A New Stylist In Town

So Yes, I am that kind of girl that will let her, never before cut anyone's hair girlfriend, cut and color my hair. Why you ask? Well, because I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair and I live by the philosophy that Hair Grows Back. And because the girl's got style so I figured she couldn't mess it up too bad. And she didn't. Turned out good if I don't say so myself. I do however have a very stiff neck from standing in front of my kitchen sink and arching over backwards to rinse the color. Oh man...I am not Gumby folks! But it was worth it...we laughed a ton!
Thanks again Angela!


And my try at a self portrait with the new do.

Polka Tights

So wishing I could get away with wearing tights like this. Just some fun ones i got while practicing some focus techniques.



And a funny picture...she was playing with the case of barbie "stuff" and pulled this out, looked at it, and paused and said "Oh, head", then moved on the the next toy. A little revelation it seemed.

The Art of Man Stuff

Ty carefully watches his daddy give instructions on how to properly shave his little face with his "toy" shaving set he got in his stocking. So sweet!




Freshly Shaven!

The Art of Beauty.

So when do they start learning that less is more?

And a totally over exposure, but I loved the funkiness of it.

Love Is In the Air

Mamma has a clean house and has been busy creating! Actually, since I have been creating I am noticing my kids have been going wild and that house isnt so clean any more. O'dear.
Well, Enjoy some of my Valentine Designs. There's more on Wink's Ink.
I forgot to mention...where you see the white open space on these cards, that is where a picture would go.








Im hoping to get it together and do a fun photo shoot with my kiddos so they can have their own custom Valentine cards to pass out this year. Beat's Spiderman cards Im thinking...and Im sure once they are a little older it wont be too cool.

Another Sicky

Some one has the flu. No nearly as bad as daddy and Pip had, but sick enough to stay home from school. Actually, yesterday when I picked her up from school her face was green. She got in the car and immediatly fell asleep. All day she faught a fever and a headache and could not eat. This morning she woke up a ray of sunshine. I kept her home just in case. Ty was bummed he had to go to school so he tried to fake being sick. I'm smarter than that boy! I was that kid who used a hair dryer to make the thermometer higher and used baby powder on my face to make myself look pale. I know now my mom was smarter that that too...just gave in and let me stay home from time to time. Here's hoping Ty doesnt get sick too.

100 "Random" things about me!

Okay, I was inspired by Misty to do this 100 facts about me. Not sure if I can think of 100 things, but figured in 20 years when my memory is completely gone, this list will be good to have. And I think I am going to try to drum up some of the most random facts, so here I go:

1. My name is Shannon Elaine. (And I like it too! not so random)
2. My hair is mostly gray. (thanks mom!)
3. I just recently learned how to make butter cream frosting and I love it!
4. I met my husband over a shot of tequila (sorry moms, but it's the truth)
5. We almost named one of our children Raven because of that night, Ha!
6. I am very afraid of Dogs, but wouldn't mind a mute purse dog.
7. I spotted the Great White Owl very late at night on Greek row.
8. I have the itch for another baby, mainly because I love nursing tiny ones. (I think my sister is cringing right now :)
9. Dimly lit rooms immediately puts me in a very cranky mood. Just ask my kids.
10. I am starting to run out of things to say.
11. I would love to have a beautiful singing voice, but I sing anyway.
12. I really want to learn to play the Congas.
13. I had a crush on Boy George as a child. (gross I know)
14. I feel very overwhelmed with the amount of "stuff" in my house.
15. I have a list of things to do before I die and I think I have accomplished most of them.
16. I want to go back to Africa with my Husband. (he needs to get over the bug issue first.)
17. I suffer from self inflicted guilt when I leave my husband and kids. (not sure how to get rid of that.)
18. I am looking forward to meeting a couple specific people when I get to heaven.
19. I wish all my friend understood my faith.
20. I wanted 4 babies, Mike wanted 2. But 3 is perfect!
21. I used to threaten that if I had triplet boys I would name them Shadrak, Meshak and Abednigo. (I know I spelled those wrong) And what the heck would make me think I would have triplets.
22. I cried when Steve Irwin died.
23. I cried when Princess Diana died.
24. And I had the strangest feeling of sadness when Saddam was put to death. Still cant explain that one. Mike made me feel better when he said God chooses not to change some peoples hearts ever. hmm...that's getting a little deep.
25. I am a serious home body, I love quiet.
26. I love a clean house, but never have one.
27. I got so excited when my Gray card came in the mail Saturday, but haven't played with it yet.
28. I love a wedding when every piece of paper, decoration, etc. matches!
29. I wish I could paint.
30. I freaked out a bit the other day when I realized I was 8 years away from being 40. I still feel like Im in my 20's.
31. My husband makes me laugh more than anyone.
32. My favorite comedian is Ellen.
33. Im going to California in a few weeks!
34. My kids have the hairiest legs. (thanks Mike.)
35. All 3 kids have the cutest dimples. (thanks Mike.
36. I can eat a whole plate of my MIL's "Bev's Pan-Cake" The best Chocolate cake ever!
37. My parents house immediately puts me in a vacation/relaxed state.
38. I haven't been to the dentist in way too long! But I am not afraid of the dentist, just lazy.
39. I dont have expensive taste, but love diamonds!
40. Im pretty good at rationalizing myself out of having hurt feelings. (like when i found out none of my friends put me on their list for roommates for women's retreat! I will never let you forget it ladies ;).
41. I would be a perfect candidate for a tummy tuck, but wont get one.
42. I hate arguing.
43. I have the best girlfriends. But sometimes I feel like I hold back emotionally from them. Dont know why?
44. I just bought the cutest orange dress coat! Thank God for Sales and a gift certificate!
45. I cringe when someone touches my knee caps. Mike thinks it's hilarious.
46. I think being Star-Struck is silly.
47. I wish I saw my siblings more often.
48. Im feeling the need to let my inner bohemian, eclectic style show more this year.
49. Im still trying to grasp my husbands Manic emotions during a cougar game.
50. Im halfway there!
51. I love Little House On The Prairie and Pioneer Books.
52. I love to pinch my kiddos booties.
53. I clean my showers in my bra and panties.
54. I love to say "Chicken Chimichanga"
55. I was a major bed-wetter.
56. I would love a huge Play room for my kids.
57. Water and kids frighten me.
58. My son's kisses melt my heart.
59. I can never wear pleated pants.
60. I dont like shorts (on me.)
61. Being Mis-Understood makes me angry.
62. 2 glasses of wine is enough, maybe a bit too enough.
63. I am having someone clean my house tomorrow. Yeah!
64. I hate hard water stains, but cant be avoided here.
65. Im not very good and getting the perfect gift, my husband is though.
66. I love the feeling of having all my pictures archived and saved on discs twice, oh and my blog printed out! (do it ladies!)
67. I love Adobe style architecture!
68. I love being a Season Ticket holder. It makes me feel special...Silly I know!
69. I love my pictures to have a warm tone to them.
70. I love professional massages, but dont get them enough.
71. I want a bigger bathtub!
72. I am really bad about sending thank you cards.
73. Mean little girls make me mad. (I think I was a mean little girl at times though.)
74. I love fabric softener, my kids' skin does not.
75. I am not the patient mom I wish I was.
76. I love playing board games.
77. I cry easily.
78. I still have not put my kids baby pictures up on my wall. I have a plan, just haven't done it, we've lived her 4 years folks.
79. I want an outdoor pizza oven in my back yard.
80. I love sushi (although Im not very adventuresome.)
81. I used to be very self-conscience about my feet and my armpits. What the heck?
82. I am the master of rolling my eyes, but so is my husband and our eldest.
83. I love Icewater with chocolate. (not mixed together)
84. I love old musicals.
85. I want one of these Fongs.
86. I'd rather hang out with Mike than anyone else! (good thing huh?)
87. Im looking forward to the marriage class we are taking at church.
88. I love rock'in Worship music. I miss seeing Michelle J. lead worship.
89. I am so not a teacher!
90. I think Confidence is an attractive quality in a person.
91. I miss one of my childhood friends alot.
92. Having fun with Napster!
93. Rejection sucks...but God never Rejects.
94. I wish my hair was long and gorgeous...but Im about fed up and ready to cut it off!
95. I wish I ate fish more.
96. I have met the same ladies for coffee every Friday for the past few years. (miss you Sylvia.)
97. I love London!
98. I had boyfriends by the name of Bud and Teddy in 5th & 6th grade. Love those names.
99. This blog makes me happy.
100. Im done being random.

Slow Down Sister!

I haven't shared a layout in a while, so here is a funky one I did back in October for The Daisy Bucket. The journaling reads: I am loving Life @32. I feel more Confident and Content than every before. Complete happy family, growing faith, lovely home, trustworthy friends, fulfilling job and Joy! Amen!

This layout really kinds of sums up my 2006. It was a great one! One where I grew a lot! It was however, a very busy year too. Especially in the area of Work. The work was fulfilling, inspiring and constant till about the end of August. I learned my strengths and weaknesses through the constant stream of weddings, etc and I really can say I enjoyed 90% of it. However, this last few months have been slow. And surprisingly enough...I've loved it. I have gained a whole new perspective on my life and my past year. And I've decided to SLOW DOWN. Work will always be there, but life passes you by way to quick. Defining Details is not going away, I have just decided to revamp it a bit. Choose my clients, up my minimums so there might be less work, but the work that does come will be worth it financially, and market less. I'm not saying I am going to turn away clients, but I am just not going to go seek them as fervently as last year. (so yes, I will still take referrals friends!)

With that goal of slowing down I have thought of some other things I want to work on this year: And I am pleased to say working on my weight is not one of them! Yeah!

• Take more dates with my man.
• Say no without guilt.
• Invest more in the life of others.
• Organize my house.
• Develop good habits regarding house work ( hoping I'm not setting myself up with this one.)
• Practice my photography, take an online class maybe.
• Listen, Play, Teach, Pray with and Read to my Kids more.
• Make some time for God daily.
• Do my Bible Study homework (my girlfriends are all giggling right now)
• Enjoy life at a slower pace!

Happy 2007!

Yet another Christmas Program.

And you thought we were done with Christmas stuff. Bethlehem Lutheran Pre-school always does their big program after Christmas...probably to avoid the busyness.

Here the kids were looking a bit star struck. I turned around from my front seat to see a sea of parents all standing and shoving trying to get the perfect shot. It really did feel like paparazzi.

Ty stood there front and center with a smile on his face...but did not sing a note. I wasn't surprised. His teacher said she thought he did very well for being the "shy" one. I think he was actually playing with mommy and being a little stinker, notice the tongue in one picture. That was until he got his candy cane. He's holding it up showing us that it spells a "J" for Jesus.


Even the "Animated" Nick seamed a bit starstruck at first. Gregory however was the rock star of the evening.

And I just had to share a couple of the girls. I used them as practice, trying to get my settings right on my mack daddy of a flash Santa gave me.

Have a lot to learn there!