First Year Photo Shoot

I took Piper's One Year Photo Shoot yesterday. Here's the link. Enjoy!

Jack, George, Ben, Mike

George: Cute little monkey isn't he? By far the cutest kids movie we have seen in a long time. Totally age appropriate for my kiddos. Ty loved it...the first movie he hasn't plugged his ears the whole time. He wanted to take off in the Rocket at the end with George.
Jack: So I sheepishly admit it took George to get me acquainted with Jack Johnson. I know the Ya-Yas are cringing at me right now. But I must admit I am hooked, the sound track to this movie is awesome...the songs are so great for me...and the kids. And one even features my old boyfriend Ben Harper. (for those of you who don't know who Ben is...not really a boyfriend...I just followed him around the west coast for a few years ;)
Mike: This man knows how to treat his girl. As I was looking on line today to see if I wanted to download this album or go to the store and buy it, I just happened to mention I would like a CD player in the van (I know...Seriously am I the last person without a CD player in my car?). So later on that day he asked if I had plans today during nap time. He wanted to go to work and get some things done. After he returned I got in the car to go grab a coffee. I noticed the Curious George Soundtrack on the dash. I gasped...took a couple of minutes before I noticed the new CD player installed in my dash. What...off he snuck to the tri-cities without me even having a clue!!! What a man. Okay, Im off to jam to The Sharing Song. {I wish I had a video of little Piper jamming to Jack}

Piper's Prize...

...for the torture she endured at her first Physical Therapy session.

And when I say torture I mean; being surrounded by several doting ladies on a large mat with a bunch of very fun toys and a sucker in her mouth. But never the less, she hated it. Screamed. It could have been the fact that she felt like the first baby panda born at the Woodland Park Zoo in 25 years. She kept looking around like "why is everyone starting at me?" It could also have been that she did not like being forced into positions she wasn't used to. Like on her knees. She hated it. Took everything in me not to pick her up and wipe away the tears.
This little toy was what the physical therapist suggested for her. Great for when she's up on her knees then, as she starts learning to stand and walk it turns into a walker.
And look, she's on her knees. Mommy had to position her that way. She should have her legs a bit more together...but we're working on that. In the background of the picture you will see an exercise ball. We got that to work with her too. You will also see the bouncy seat on the ground...waiting to give back to our friends. Apparently what we thought would help Piper's leg use was actually keeping her legs spread...and she needs to keep them together. I think I also see the sucker stained t-shirt she was wearing her appointment. She was covered in sticky by the time we left.
So this is the physical therapist evaluation:
~She's Very weak in the bootie and hips
~All her joints are very flexible.
~She has very flat feet (which all my kids do) So we keep shoes off of her (which is normal for her anyway, I think she's worn shoes 5 times)
~We need to work on getting her to sit and rise up on her knees first, then we'll work on the standing.
~ Basically she thinks she wasn't highly motivated to move around since everyone just brought things to her...coupled with the fact she's a little weak bootie.
~She does think we will see quick progress with her. I hope so.

I'll keep you posted, I am hoping to get pictures of her at her next appointment.

It's Part of the Biz...

...Paper Scraps that is. Lots and lots of paper scraps. Paper scraps that were nicely thrown in the trash can...till little miss scoot around on her booties discovered the trash can and is now completely entertained by the scraps.

Meet My Stylist

So when my husband surprised me by telling me that a chunk of the tax return is all mine for a Shopping Spree I knew I needed help. You see, I am convinced that with each child I had my sense of style shrunk. Or maybe I never had a sense of style and I am just now realizing it....Remember the green suit I wore for College Graduation ladies? So, I "hired" a stylist. And when I say "hired" I mean...She was paid by some quality time with me, her dear friend ;). It turned out to be perfect. Angela loves to shop...I on the other hand do not. I don't know if I have always been this way or what, but I definitely do not really enjoy clothes shopping or spending money on clothes. Am I a girl? I did however enjoy this shopping spree. Maybe it was because I was given a a budget of "whatever it takes to get you out of your 1992 housewife wardrobe so I never have to hear you say I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR again". Definitely a girls dream come true. It did stress me out a bit; not wanting to spend too much or too little. And I did have to call Mike when I was sitting in the shoe section lamenting over an 85$ pair of shoes. His response, "well, I would never spend that much on a pair of tennis shoes, but if they're what you want, go for it." I am now the new owner of the cutest pair of Deisels. No buyer's remorse here! Thank you so much Angela for all your hard work, wisdom and patience with me...and sorry about the Gouchos, hopefully they will grow on my by summer.

What Next?!?

Okay, seriously...Now I have to take Ty to the doctor because he woke up with slightly swollen green hands. Will it ever end?!?

She's Destined to be a Contortionist

*Just a warning...Im using this blog today as a journal, it will be all over the place...and the title is my way to use humor to hide my emotional state. **No Pity Please**

Piper had her One Year Well Check today. I have had mixed feelings about this appointment for a while. On one hand anxious to hear the Doctor's opinions on Piper' development, on the other hand dreading what I would here. I took Mike for emotional support.

As far as her weight goes; She is 16.12. A huge 11 oz larger than three months ago. Strange for a little piggie. I am trying not to blame myself and my nursing for this. Everything I know about nursing tells me it is NOT me. And I really dont think that is it, but I think it's a natural thing for me to blame myself. Doctor was happy to see she's happy and healthy, would just like to see her chunk up a bit. She gave us PediaSure and an appointment in one month to see if she's grown. If not there are blood test. I really wish I would have asked her what they would be looking for in those blood test. Might have to call and ask...a little annoyed she didnt just tell me while I was there.

As far as her mobility goes; Doc would have liked to see her crawling by now. She's sending sweet little Piper to physical therapy. Maybe they will see something. No doubt about it the girl is flexible...(that's where the contortionist comment came from.) When the doctor asked if there are really flexible people in our family I said...sure, I was flexible...could do the splits, yada, yada....I soon felt a little stupid when she said "well, I was thinking more on the lines of double-jointed" Had to laugh. Mom...are there any freakishly flexible people in our liniage? Maybe she'll be a gymnist.

To top it all off she had three shots, daddy had duty this time to hold her down...and I havent stopped crying since. Just an emotional day...(but hey, its been a while am due for one)
**again, please no pity**

oh and Insurance Sucks!

Molly's Blog

Got to go check it out...how sweet.

Molly

Piper Corean

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

One Year Ago Today.

Happy, Laid Back, All Joy, Tiny Teething Machine.
We Love you Our Little Surprise Blessing!

Laugh With Me

I don't normally show half-naked men on my blog. Especially ones that are not my husband...but I had to share this with you.

Ty comes over to me with Daddy's magazine in his hands and points to it saying "hey, you have these boobies". I cracked up! Hmmm...firm boobies, that's not how I see them these days.

A Party for a Peanut!

Well, not quite. She'll be one on Wednesday. But we celebrated with a party yesterday. I had to share some of the pictures. Enjoy...Here's the link Piper's Party

Happy Love Day!

My Sweet Valentines when they were itty bitty and pudgy. Seems like so long ago

Miss Em's first Valentine exchange at school today. Brings back memories. Mike shared with me his Memories of the stress of giving the right card to each classmate. Hilarious!

And a Sweet One of Pips since she wasnt in the layout above. I took this one today. Look at those dimples!

{Yes!}

The word Yes, doesnt seem to be in my vocabulary much lately. In fact I think I say the word no at least 50 times a day. Such the life of a mother of two pre-schoolers. I hate the word no, hate how I sounds sometimes...but I know it's a must. I know I have heard some expert say something like "A child who never hears the word no will not grow up to be a very productive/responsible adult in society." Or something like it. Anyway...as a wise woman once said (rebecca riddle) Sometimes you just need to choose to say Yes instead of No. Totally agree with this...and as you can see in this picture...this was one of those times. I mean really...how much harm can an extra load of laundry and a very wet bathroom floor really be. It was fun...and I just know someday they will say. Remebmer when Mom used to let us get in the tub in our clothes (or dora swim suit) just to splash in the water?

Oh and I just want to say right now so that I can remember to tell him this when he is 16. Ty so wanted to wear the Dora Swim suit. His surf shorts just werent as cool...so instead he opted for what was on him at the time.

So Im an Olympics Fanatic!

Totally love this!

Always get chills seeing the Parade of Nations!


I could have totally done this sport

I am so rooting for this guy! He was robbed the last time

What The Heck?

{A Sunset Wedding}

Loved these samples. Love the colors. Love the theme.

Girls! It's already Starting!

I can't believe that I am already dealing with "stupid girl-friend stuff" with Emery and her friends already. It's only pre-school for petes sake! Today Emery said she didnt want to go to school tomorrow. When I probed her why she said that she likes all the kids, she just doesnt like play time. When I asked more...she asked me why "barbie and betsy (made up names) dont want to play with her. Oh how my heart broke. See Emery had a sweet little friend in pre-shcool who has now made another friend and they seem to leave Emery out. I dont know if it is intentionally or not, but I have seen it myself in the mornings when I drop her off. I remember those times...although I was usually the one leaving someone out. (horrible I know...but at least I can admit it now). I am trying to teach Emery how important it is to make an effort to make new friends. She plays well with the other kid, I just think she clings to that fact that one of the little girls is her specical friend outside of school, so she should be in school too. I did decide today to help foster some friendships with the other little girls in class. Maybe invite a new friend over for a play date with Emery. And just keep telling Emery how special she is and that she can make lots of friends...not just one. Oh, man not looking forward to Junior High!!!

Here's a pic of Emery...after several threats she finally fell asleep for a nap...in the "dog bed" Its not really a dog bed, its a cute little basket my mom made for ty to sleep in when he was born...he grew out of it so fast though, so its been used for such things as clothes, dolls, cats and now naps.

{First Crush?}

Emery and Justin


Justin seems a little aloof about the whole thing


A little competition

These are some pictures taken yesterday. We had some friends over for the Super Bowl. (bummer by the way). Anyways, we were noticing Emery around Justin and had to snap some pictures. Daddy was dying about the first picture where she was leaning in to him. We were wondering where she would even know how to do that...then I noticed that at that same moment I was leaning in to Mike the same way. Emery had made a picture for Justin and gave it to him in Sunday School earlier that day. He made sure to tell him mommy not to throw it away. How cute. And the last picture it does look like Mylah is a bit of competition for Emery...however, we think she has a crush on Ty Ty. She's going for the younger man...just like her mommy :) Just teasing Melissa!

{just a quick update}

Sorry...still madly busy here...but felt the need to make a quick post.
Piper's teething. 4 top teeth. Last night she was up screaming for an hour...not sure if it was the teeth or something else. We're also introducing regular Milk (as opposed to mommy milk) to her diet. Starting the slow weaning process and trying to fatten the girl up!! We'll see how it goes.
Here's another sample i did for a bride. She has since changed her colors...so we'll be altering them a bit. Its the first time I made a wedding program in the shape of a fan, stick and all, it's an outside wedding...so it will be hot!
Anyway, finishing up the sunset color theme invites tonight, then on to the Pink Pink and a little green invites.
I am sure the grandmas would rather have pictures of the kiddos...but for now it's invites.

{been busy}

Sorry for my lack of bloggin lately. I have been really busy! Which is good...but unfortunalty other things have gone on the back burner! Thought I'd share one of the invite sets I did for a client. Their colors are Black, Grey and Silver. Which is very different from what seems to be the norm this year, Pink, Pink and Pink.
It's nice to work with people that know exactly what they want and are not really concerned about their budget. Helps that they are older, have been together for 14 years. First time I have worded an invitation which included their children's names. I designed this invitation after another invite of mine that they liked. (i blurred out their names if you can tell) I really dont think about the price of the invite until after it is designed and then add up all the products and cost. This one came out to $7.00 each. Wow! I was a bit surprised by that. Reasonable in some markets, however not really in this local market. Needless to say I cut here and there and lowered the price a bit for them.
Enjoy...Im off to go design some where the colors are red, orange, yellow and pink. A "sunset" Theme. Should be fun!

Somebody Get this Girl a Clipy!

Mike said she has hippy hair in this picture. I look at this picture and am shocked at how much older she looks. (totally greiving over the fact she's almost a year).
I remember when I had Emery, my friend Stacy, who at the time had two kids a little older than mine (now she has a third), told me that when her kids hit 11 months she noticed a huge serge in learning and developing in them. That has been so true with all of my kids too! And Now that Piper is 11 months old I am noticing new things she's doing too. I wanted to share some of them.

Saying:
Dada
Mama
TyTy
Kitty
Something that sounds like Piper
Bye Bye
Yeah (as she claps her hands)
And clucking in swaheli (sp)
Doing;
Waving Bye Bye
Scooting around in circles on her bootie
Last night she went from her bootie to her knees (i missed it)
Signing "All Done"
Patting her Belly when you say "wheres Pipers belly"
Playing with things and not automatically eating them (this is nice with the amount of paper I usually have on my floor)
Starting to show some sassiness when she doesnt get her way. (however as the third child...she usually gets her way...we're in trouble)
Sqweels with delight everytime she sees the cats.
Giving her dolly kisses.
I might be editing this as I remember things, and when Mike reminds me of things.

{A New Pretty for Me}

Just had to share my new find. Yes, ribbon does grow on trees! Good thing, since it's my favorite. My ribbon has been stored in boxes, and it wasnt working for me. I love to see all my "stuff" out in the open when Im working...so I remember what I have to work with. Anyway, it's way big...takes up too much room on my desk...but hey, I can see all my ribbons and it inspires me!

How cool is this!

My sister and brother-in-law with Natasha Bedingfield. This was taken at a concert the went to with a bunch of performers. I stole the picture from a radio stations web-site...just had to show it off here.

{Top 5 Best Kisses of my Life}

Misty mentioned my Kiss book in her comments on my last post. So I thought I would share it with you all. A little something I made with the Daisy Bucket Kit. All of the papers are their own design (exciting stuff happening with Daisy Bucket Designs)

Gross...

That's all I have to say for this "news" article I just read...now seriously...is there anything LESS important in this world to have to deal with. Man how shallow can we get! These are probably two highly intellegent women that, because they happened to wear the same dress, have to have their "people" make statments to defend it. So ridiculous. I must be in a "mood" to be blogging about this.
__________________________________
Reese's Dress Debacle!

January 19, 2006

'Walk the Line' winner REESE WITHERSPOON learned some stunning news at Monday's Golden Globes® event, and we're not talking about her exciting win for Best Actress!

Turns out her vintage, couture CHANEL dress was actually a re-run, and the exact same frock worn by KIRSTEN DUNST back in 2003 to some Golden Globes after-parties.

Despite the mishap, Reese and Chanel have "double air-kissed" and made up, and reps for Reese released this statement to the Insider's MARC MALKIN this morning: "Although it was disappointing that the dress had already been worn, Reese looked beautiful and the bigger deal is Reese won the Golden Globe for her work in 'Walk the Line.' I still love Chanel, my clients still love Chanel, and we are still working with them."

Chanel also released the following to ET: "CHANEL apologizes for the oversight that Reese Witherspoon's dress was previously worn to a Golden Globes after party three years ago. We are honored that Reese chose to wear CHANEL and thought she looked beautiful. We congratulate her on her well-deserved win."

Watch tonight's ET for the latest Golden Globes gossip

Happy Birthday Baby Dylan!

Two years ago tonight, my friend Angela and I were sitting in her living room watching a movie. Her husband Darrin and Mike were at our house watching a movie. Strange I know, but I think it had something to do with us wanting to watch different movies, our kids at home sleeping and Angela wanting someone to stay close to home in case they got a call. Well, it was late and a message came through on Angela's Cell phone. She checked it and it was a message saying their Birth Mother was in the hospital about to deliver. It was a frantic few minutes of getting Darrin home from our house and getting things thrown in the car for their five hour drive.
At the same time my car got stuck in the couple of feet of snow blocking their driveway. Thankfully, I got it out of their way so they could leave. But Mike had to get our neighbor to come over and watch the kids while he came out and pulled me out of the snow.
But enought about me! This is about Dylan! What a blessing he is! Happy Birthday little man.

The Question Is?

Will she crawl by One Year?

We are just over a month till she is One! (cant believe that...breaks my heart) And she is finally showing signs of being interested in moving...but only if we put her on her belly. She never chooses that on her own. So we'll see. She's still a peanut. We had her weighed on Friday and she hasnt gained an ounce. Still holding out at 16.1. Oh to have that metabolism...(i joke, but we'll see what the doc has to say next month)

Another Side of Pips!

I get asked all the time if Piper is "always" happy and smiling. My answer is Yes. She really is always happy! Well, then I remembered last night as I took her out of her bath the one time she is consistantly Not happy; the time between when I take her towel off her and get her dressed in her P.J.s. She, with out fail, throws a fit. Last night's fit happened to be a bit longer since mommy insisted on taking photographic proof of her crankiness. But yes...for the majority of time...she is a Smiley Happy Baby!

Another Tag!

Okay...I've been tagged again. This time by Heather. So here I go!

FOUR JOBS YOU’VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE:

1. A Barista for my brother's Coffee Cart
2. A Bra and Panties Sales girl at Nordstrom (I actually loved this job)
3. A Conference and Meeting Planner for the WSCPA
4. A stay at home mom (most rewarding and hardest job ever)

FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:

1. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
2. Irving Berlin's White Christmas (with emery)
3. Girls Just Want to Have fun (havent seen it in years...but watched it every time I had friends over when I was 13.
4. Sound of Music


FOUR PLACES YOU HAVE LIVED:

1. Shoreline, Wa
2. Pullman, Wa (four years of school)
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
4. Eastern Oregon!


FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH:

1. Survivor
2. Lost
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. The Amazing Race


FOUR PLACES YOU HAVE BEEN ON VACATION:

1. Hawaii
2. Europe (all over, back Packed with my girl Tracy)
3. Uganda (not really vacation...but awesome and would do it again in a heartbeat)
4. Santa Fe (with my Hubby, we loved it) (our next trip away will be New York!!)


FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY:

1. www.twopeasinabucket.com
2. www.thedaisybucket.com
3. http://aliedwards.typepad.com/
4. And a huge number of other blogs

FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS:

1. French Fries
2. Ice Cream
3. My mom's Pot Roast
4. Snow On the Mountain (long story) But it's a nummy dish.

FOUR PLACES YOU WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:

1. I'll agree with Heather "Getting a massage."
2. In Italy eating nummy food and drinking fabulous wine.
3. In a pair of jeans 2 sizes smaller
4. I like where I am right now...Im a homebody...I like being in my little house.

FOUR BLOGGERS YOU ARE TAGGING:

Sherry, Cassandra, Molly, Pete and Tracy (got to hear Pete's version)

Synchronized Swimmer

This is her new trick. No her nose doesn't look like that normally...She thinks she's really funny. Not sure who taught her this. Silly girl!

I think It Paid Off!

Whew...I just got back from the Show...and it was awesome!!! I got a great response! Better than I imagined. I came home with six Design Consultations booked for the next three weeks! And lots of prospects of more!! I'm trying not to get that overwhelmed feeling!
I do have to say first off I could not have done this successfully without the help of my close friend Cassandra!! She saved me. When we first got there I was so excited...to the point that I felt a little paralyzed. I couldn't figure out where to put things...how to design the back drop...all that stuff. Cassandra just stepped up and took over (she says she's bossy...but she's not...she just knows her stuff!!) It was awesome! She knew exactly where and how to display it all. I think it turned out cute. I will say that next year (and I so hope to do it next year) I will invest in a better backdrop or at least have my handy dandy husband make me a better one. I felt mine looked a little too home-made compared to everyone else...but hey, that's what you get with one week notice.
Here are some pictures...(Cassandra took better ones...but we'll see if she ever downloads them off her camera ;) Just kidding my friend!!!

Oh, and I was the only invitation designer there! They put me in the foyer right in the middle of an Amazing Cake girl and the Tux shop (very popular booth)

{a garden tea wedding set}

Here is the set of invitations that was inspired alone by the ribbon I pick-up yesterday. The picture of the beautiful couple is actually Mike's oldest nephew Chris and his fiance Ashley! Dont they make a pretty couple?
Anyway...im having a ball making samples...to bad my house is a mess and I have company coming to stay tonight...o'well, it will get clean somehow!
I plan on making a wedding favor of a bulb in a clear bag using this ribbon somehow...I thought that would be appropriate for a garden wedding. (oh and for all you scrapbookers out there...I used the new Basic Grey tool for the picture tabs)

Off to be productive!

{For Molly}

Okay Mols this is for you. Molly suggested the use of a button, cute pink and brown ribbon and brown printing on white cardstock...so here's my interpretation. A little more contemporary than I usually do, but I love the results!! (yes the names and places are all made up, and I had to have my friend Cassandra help me with the wording for an LDS ceremony...since Im not really familiar with those.)

Oh...and Molly is the one who designed my wedding invitations nearly 6 years ago. We're both hoping my company grows so big that she has to open a Seattle branch ;)

I also did a light teal and brown set with little tiny rhinestones. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures on Sunday of the whole set up. Can you tell I'm excited!!
Off to design a garden themed wedding! Fushia, Eggplant and Pear colors. All inspired by a yard of ribbon I picked up today.

Your Input Please...

Im soliciting some free advice. I'm getting ready to make up some new fresh samples for the Bridal Fair and thought I would ask you for ideas I may not have been thinking of. So if you were all young impressionable brides...what would you look for in Wedding Invitations? Colors, Styles, do-dads, etc.
I have some ideas, just thought I would put it out there. And hey if I use your idea, maybe I'll post it here and give you props...(how exciting I know ;).

Thanks!

{I'm Doing It}

Okay folks...I finally talked with the People from the Brides 2006 show today. They decided to cut me a deal I couldnt pass up. So I will be getting a slightly smaller booth (which is okay since i dont have much to set up) for a fraction of the price, right in the entryway!! Yeah. She said they like to give smaller business a break from time to time! Well that's me. Now you can all start praying that this is good for my business! Because 2005 was a slow year (good on part because of an extra baby to take care of)
I just wanted to update you all! Thank you to everyone who sent words of encouragement...now Im off to get ready...only 6 days!! (trying not to panic...deep breaths...)