polka dot chicks

The Party's Over!

And so are a lot of other things that have been going on around here!

Jenaye's graduation party was so much fun.  The cute little place we held it made it even better.    Here is a photo of the food table.  On the menu was: mini cupcakes complete with glittered frosting (thanks Adele!); strawberries and sweet cream cheese dip; chips and salsa (next time we are using your homemade recipe Hector Zavala!); chip and dips; brownies and miniature cream puffs(Costco); cookies from none other than Sweet Cakes in downtown Mesa; a veggie tray with ranch dip; and chocolate dunked strawberries and chocolate drizzled pretzels (thanks Jwag...AKA Jennifer Wagner).  Everything was displayed so well...Jenaye did a great job setting it all up with Granny.  We bought a miniature cupcake stand for our mini cupcakes and they really displayed well.  The large plastic margarita-like glass was filled with the fruit dip and looked cute.

After the party Jenaye and I were treated to an all expense paid trip to NY with my mom (AKA Granny).  We had the best time.  We saw Chicago, Phantom of the Opera, and my personal favorite...Mama Mia.  In addition to the shows, we shopped until we couldn't shop any more!  Naye bought clothes, purses and shoes that she adores.  Thanks to Amy and her navigating from back home, we went to some button and trim places.  My favorite shop was Tinsel Trading.  The minute I entered the store I thought "how cool would this be to own a place like this with some chicks in Mesa!"  It was a place I could have stayed for hours...but then again...the trip was to celebrate Naye's Graduation, not to inspire my creativity! 

After returning home for one day, I headed out to Aurora (Colorado) with Preston, his girlfriend (Ashley) and her mom for 3 days to check out the medical college where they will be applying to later this year.  We had lots of fun visiting the campus and checking out possible living spots for them should they be accepted next fall.  The area was beautiful and the weather was to die for.  I am really hoping they end up there.  They both want it so badly.  Whatever is right will work out, it always does.

I have changed my eating and exercise habits 5 weeks ago and it has paid off!  I can now fit into pants 2 sizes smaller.  Because I hate to spend money on clothes when I know I will be losing more weight over the next few months, so instead...I bought these as my reward...

New walking/running shoes!  They have the cutest dark teal colored trim.  :) 

I found this great book by Jorge Cruise called "The 3-Hour Diet".  The reason I bought it was because... #1 - "Lose up to 10 pounds in just 2 weeks" was on the cover; #2 - "start losing belly fat first" was also on the cover; #3 - in flipping through the pages in the grocery store, his plan seemed do-able; and #4 - I was sick of the extra weight I was carrying around.

Along with the eating plan (aka "diet") I started exercising by walking 30 minutes to 2 hours a day.  OK...I know what you are thinking...you could never find 2 hours a day to exercise.  But if I can, you can.  Honestly, we waste more time than we think!  And I do take 2 days off a week...so I only walk 5 times.  I am using the interval method so that no two days of walking are ever the same.  It is something I believe really works...why?  Mainly because I saw it work when I lost 30 pounds 2 years ago.  The reason I put most of the weight back on was simple...I started eating whatever, whenever and I stopped exercising. 

Amy started doing the personal trainer thing in January and she looks fab.  That has worked great for her and fits her life style and preference.  She is very committed to certain days and times with her trainer and has disciplined herself with food.  I am not saying it is easy...but she does it.

Any form of getting in shape requires hard work, determination and commitment...but by golly it is worth it.  Amy and I were wondering who else is ready for change?  We know our pal Angie Dunn is on board.  Heck, this year she started her Angie In Shape Blog to help inspire others.  How cool is that? 

Any body got any weight loss tips or recipes to share?  Let's hear em!

I am still alive!!!!!

OK Chicks

I have said it before and I am saying it again...I am terrible, TERRIBLE at this whole blogging thing.  I can give you every excuse in the book but, why since they are all really lame.  So I am going to try again to relieve some of the pressure off of my dear friend Kelli and try, I said try to start doing my part with the hole blogging thing.

So since I last typed so many things have happened...

My hubby and I went on a fabulous 2 week trip to South Africa ( just for fun) OK well I did teach one small class at Lara's house ( way fun chicks by the way! Hey Chicks- it was great to see you)  Other then that it was just plain fun and being a tourist.  We stayed at the best 5 star accommodations you could ever ask for- Hotel Lara and Dave.  They truly set a new standard of hospitality.  I love those 2 people as much as if they were family, actually thats not fair, they ARE family.  Lara's mom and dad are also the best, love ya Stephanie and Hennie ( i know I need to email you)

It was a trip of a lifetime and will never forget the amazing memories that were made.

if you would like to go and check out some photo my husband has a blog that he posted them to so his co-workers could see where we went.  Go check it out at

http://beavis.typepad.com/photos/africa_1/


When we got home we rushed around like crazy to get our oldest son off to basic training for the Air Force.  To all you moms out there who have let your little birds fly from the nest , my heart aches for you.  I think it has been a great thing for Kevin but not so great for his parents.  We miss him terribly and wish that we could talk to him.  W e have had no communications with him for going on 3 weeks now!!!  What was I thinking!!!  We are so proud of him and are proud to say we are parents of an American Soldier.  God Bless all of the families and soldiers out there!!!!

Before he left we were able to get some amazing family photos done by student of mine.  She is a VERYgood photographer who believes that everyone should be able to afford family pictures.  Is that cool or what. She had us go to this hidden treasure in Phoenix called the farm at South Mountain, if you have ever been in AZ you would never believe that some place like this existed in Phoenix.

and in May.. hello!!!

It was a little warm but, so worth the $ and the time.  I sure do love this family of mine!

I still can't believe how fast the time has gone.  I remember people telling me when they were young and I was elbow deep in diapers, bottles and laundry ( this part hasn't changed) to savor this time because it was going to by so quickly.

Wow!  Believe it chicks it FLIES!!!! and then suddenly your oldest gets on a plane and flies to another state and starts a whole new life.  Hug them tight and tell them you love them.

That was my little blog melt down for you all!

I am now just trying to get through the summer with 4 BORED kids, work, teach and keep my head above it all.  What a crazy life we lead, uh!  I know there are those of you out there that can totally relate.  Here's to YOU!!!

Love to you all! The 1 less chick chick!

Tweleve Squared...wil u b ready?

The next 12.2 class we teach is in July and a few of you have been asking what "goods" we Will be using.  I thought I would just quickly take a photo and post it.  Or so I though it would be quick.  It actually turned out to be a little painful (as our friend "Wee" would say!).  I staged everything perfectly on the patio and returned to the house to grab my camera.  I returned and shot the first photo, then wondered what on earth was missing.  Ah-hah!  I had the 8 journaling tags fanned on the bottom right of the cardstock but not a one was there!  I KNEW I had brought them outside with me (see photo 2), there they are...in the swimming pool.  You can tell by the leaves that we have had some windy/breezy weather lately.  My hubby has been gone since Thursday morning and the pool maintenance wasn't at the top of my priority list.  After fishing them out and drying them off, I took another photo so you could see how cool they are. 

 

We think you are going to like the Bazzill colors: Tortilla, Gulf, Blossom, Watermelon, Pickle and Hazel and the new travel line from Making Memories!   They go great together and will go with any travel related photos you have!

And your overwhelming response to our question of eliminating the album and lowering the price of the class went into effect this quarter.  So, 12.2 is now only $80.  But don't fret if you want an album...we have plenty in stock at SB Etc to choose from and if you buy it the day of class, you will receive your 10% class discount.  :)

U of A Too!

Monday and Tuesday I spent 2 fabulous days in Tucson with Jenaye and Preston at his place down in Tucson.  Jenaye, yes Jenaye, was registering for the fall 08 semester and big brother was helping us out.  Besides letting us stay with him he was kind enough to go through the new student orientation with us.  It was all so exciting...until I stopped to think about what was really about to happen.  Come mid August, Bob and I are going to be empty nesters.  Oh my, I hope I am ready.  :(

Amy has been a bit preoccupied these last few weeks with the BIG change in her household.  I don't want to spoil it for her...I know she wants to share how proud her and Todd are of their oldest, Kevin.  So give her another week or so and you will be "in the know".

In the meantime, this weekend we will share a sneek peek of the 12 2 colored scheme for our next class.  If you know any beginners in the area, tell them I have a Beginner's Luck class on Saturday morning and I would love to get them addicted.

Anyone know how many days until Creative Escape?  Amy and I just finished our projects for the Friday night event.  And we think you are going to like them!  Anyone interested in the Bazzill tour?  Amy, Melissa and I will be guiding the tours again this year, and we cannot wait.  How about you!?

Naye's Graduation Announcement

OK, graduation was great.  Yes, there was a little drama...because of the rainy weather here last night the graduating class was split in half and the ceremonies moved inside.  We were in the audtitorium with the other A-L students while the M-Z students were in the gym.  To make matters a bit worse...each student was only allowed 2 guests.  Heartbreaking for many families!  Especailly for family members and friends that flew in from out of town.  My mom, Preston and Ashley (his girlfriend) were 3 of the would-be attendees that were forced to stay home.  HOWEVER, in the big scheme of things, honestly, we were just grateful that at least two of us could be there to celebrate the BIG event.  With so many other things going on in this world and all the pain and suffering that so many others are enduring...really!  So sad that parents were calling the High School and threatening to sue the school over this.  I often wonder how these parents survive in the "real world" where love ones are lost to all kinds of diseases and tragedies.  I mean honestly!

OK..better move on or else I might tell you how I really feel!  {giggle}  Thanks for a ll nice posts, phone calls and text messages I have received this week.  I have so maNy wonDerful friends...love you all! 

While my photography skills are lacking the announcements are "stunning" {Lara, I know you will agree!}.  They haven't been mailed...as there are a few minor details to complete, but soon they will be in the mailman's hands.  Let us know what you think.

AmaZingly SpeCial

OK...I must really blame my daughter Jenaye AND Kim Kwan.  Earlier this year Naye asked if we could have her Senior photos taken by a professional (as opposed to me!).  No drama...that didn't hurt my feelings at all.  After talkin to my pal Tena Sprenger, I knew the chick I had to "hire" was Kimberly Kwan.  And this is where it all began (key word here is began).

And now add

4,950 cuts on the paper trimmer

900 copies of the photos taken by Kim

375 sheets of 12 X 12 BAZZILL cardstock

300 Me & My Big Ideas rhinestones

300 staples (from Sweden no less!...thanks Stine)

225 die cuts

83 yards of ribbon and tulle

75 paper flowers by BAZZILL cardstock

26 tombo adhesive refills

12 sheets of Hambly printed paper

10 hours of Jenaye's time designing her announcements

7 rolls of Purple Turtle adhesive (thanks Lara!)

4 trips to Walmart photo department

3 bottles of Stickles

2 trips to Walgreens photo department

and COUNTLESS hours of mother and daughter bonding while we worked many times into the wee hours of the morning.

what do you get?  Announcements that are truly PRICELESS.  Since my flash is broken, I can only share a glimpse of what we have accomplished.

Since graduation is tomorrow night at 7:30 and we are going out to an early family dinner...I won't be able to share the details of the announcements until Friday. 

I am thinking that now would be a woNderful time to say thanks to all of you chicks that have helped make Jenaye the young lady she is.  We have been Blessed by gReat friends who have touched her life in So maNy ways. 

A special shout out to the Scrapbooks Etc peeps that have helped her find a sPecial place where she could be in her element doing what she loVes.  Thanks Marti for taking a chance on a 15-year old years ago!  Her employment was more than a job and really taught her so much. 

And as tomorrow draws closer, I can't help but think that in one short summer she will be down in Tucson with Preston at U of A starting her next chapter.  What then?  I will be relying on all these same folks to help me as I begin my next chapter!  :)

Blame it on Jenaye & Kim Kwan!

OK...with a title like that you are probably wondering what we could possibly be blogging about.  Well, check back tomorrow night for an explanation! 

4 spots left!

Hey chicks...Heidi Lynn just told us that there are 4 slots remaining for our Moxie class on Saturday.  A few of you that live out of state have called the store to pay for the class and have the kit shipped to ya!  We wanted to say thanks for supporting us!  You honestly will love the kit and the project!  The album is "stunning" as our friend {lara cousins} would say.  Margaret, I know you asked about a kit...so if you or anyone else out there is interested you can call Scrapbooks Etc and sign up for the class {$175} and of course, no additional shipping charges!

Cannot wait to see all of the chicks that signed up for class!  Just heard from you tonite Valerie and you are one of them!  Looking forward to seeing you.  Remember, come rested...cuz we plan on working you!  We want everyone to leave with all of their layouts, panels and inserts created and album decorated!  It CAN be done...we promise.

A BIG thanks to everyone who posted sweet comments about Naye for both Prom photos and senior photos.  This great big scrapbooking world is a great place because of each one of you!  So many caring chicks in this craZy hobby! 

Adele...a big thanks for the gift!  Wished I could have been in South Africa with Amy recently.

OK...this inspiration has NOTHING to do with Moxie, however, a friend of mine's daughter just had a baby and I HAD to shop.  Look at the cute tops I found.  The little birdie is my faV!  Jenaye actually found it.  Stinkin cute, huh?  Jenaye makes adoRable little head bands and bows so she is going to make some to match.  I will post them once she has them created.  :)

Senior Prom!

Hard to believe, but Miss Jenaye had her Senior Prom last nite.  Her and Brad looked so aDorable!  She is so grown up...seems like just yesterday I was pushing her in the swing or picking her up off the ground when she fell off her bike.  As a mother of an 18 and 21 year old I know what time flies really means.  I also am more understanding of how my own mother feels. 

MOXIE

Okay...our biggest class yet...Moxie...with the ever taLented Heidi Lynn Schreiber and the aDorable Angie Dunn is a week from this Saturday.  We are using Bazzill's hottest new album that we LOVE...Lickity Slip; Bazzill cardstock in kiLLer colors, printed paper from Making Memories, Daisy Dee, Hambly and 7 gypsies; lots of embellishments and ribbon...a project to make any scrapbooker drool!  Wanna see?  Here are some of the images:

It's a $175 specialty class that the 4 of us are doing.  It truly is an "all dayer".  You will leave with one amaZing 12X12 LICKITY SLIP album filled with the following: eight 12X12 pages, twenty four 4X6 embellished panels, and four inserts and a decorated cover.  You will also be treated with a mini 10-minute massage and a lunch that will not require you to prepare or clean up!  Now who could ask for more?  If you haven't already signed up...there are still some openings and we would loVe to see you there!  Come spend the day with us 4 chicks and get away from it all.  Plus, rumor has it that you will leave with additional inspiration from a few other LICKITY SLIP albums that will be on display!  This makes a great Mother's Day gift if you or someone you love needs one OR just a plain good ole day doing what you love...creating, mingling, relaxing and eating.  Well...OK, you might not get to relax too much...after all, we do want you to leave with the project completed. {giggle}

Hope to see you there!