Candice's Project 365

A Very Sad Day...

2009-05-29T06:31:00.001-07:00

IMPORTANT NOTE!!!! This post was originally written back in May; however, for some reason, I never posted it. I don't know if it was an error, or if my heart just couldn't press the submit button. As if it would make it all a "reality" that it was really, really true. Some time has passed now and since I am feeling a lot better about the whole situation, I am just going to post. This was meant to be a tribute to my baby, Roxie, and to not post wouldn't be right.

I know, I know....the last post was April 17th of which I stated "I'll get my Project 365 updated" AND as you can see, it's not!

I don't know what in the heck I find it so hard to sit my butt down and upload my photos. I have still taken at least one photo per day! So I have kept my end of the bargain there, I just need to get it together and get these photos posted!!!

At the end of the year I intend to have a scrapbook made showing all the photos; however, the purpose of the blog was for me to journal about WHY I took each photo. What did it mean to me at the time? Fortunately, I just looked through all of the photos I have taken and for the most part, I am able to journal about them all. There might be one or two that were just taken "Just Because."

I think that is why I find it hard to update this blog. It's the journaling that takes up the most time. No matter what, when all is said and done, this blog will have at least 365 photos at the end of the year. I can't even BELIEVE it's almost June. That is just way too crazy.

Yesterday, May 28, 2009, we lost a dear family member; her name was Roxie and she was my beautiful German Shepherd. She died very unexpectedly. She was ill a few weeks ago with what we thought was a bladder infection. The vet put her on anti-biotics and in a day or so she started to act normal again. Well, the night before last (the 27th) she started acting very strange. She wouldn't eat (and this girl LIVES to eat!), she was very lethargic, and she just looked as though she was staring off into space. Yesterday morning I kept an eye on her and it was very obvious she didn't feel well. I called the vet and they said to bring her in... by this time she wouldn't even get up and walk. She literally had to be carried to the car (which wasn't an easy task since she's 100 lbs). At the vet's office they came outside and brought her in on a gourney.

We were told that it was possible her "Stomach flipped" which is apparently normal for large dogs. The vet put her on an IV, gave her some pain medication, and said he would run some tests and call at 1:30 PM. When the phone rang at 11:25 am and the caller ID showed the vets office name/number my heart started pounding. I wanted to just let the phone ring, I didn't want to answer....but I did. Dr. G said, "I am so sorry but Roxie just passed about 5 minutes ago. She was in a state of shock when she came in and after some x-rays and an ultrasound, we found she had a basketball-sized tumor in her spleen or liver."

I could barely speak. How could this be? How could this go unnoticed?? She had been to the vet's office 2 times in the last 2 weeks... after settling down, it all started making sense. Roxie, who was only 7, started acting a bit strange over the last month. Of course we thought it was the bladder infection... she was peeing in the house, which she has NEVER, EVER DONE, she would walk up the stairs like she was 95 years old, she wasn't eating, etc. There was no way for any of us to know...

I am glad that Roxie is in a better place. I am glad that she is no longer in any pain. I know she had to have been miserable, she's just the type of dog who had a very high tolerance for pain.

She will always be in my heart. I love and miss you, my sweet Roxie-Mox!

Roxie
March 24, 2002 - May 28, 2009
Rest in Peace Baby Girl
I love you now and forever

Love Always,

Momma Carol, Candice, Josh, Corianna, and Katie

Broken Record, I know!

2009-07-28T15:24:00.001-07:00

Helloooooooooooooooo!

I know I am totally going to sound like a broken record here, as this will be the umpteenth time I have said this, but......... YES!!!!! I am still going strong with Project 365.

As of January 1, 2009 I have only had 2 days where I did not take a photograph!!!!! I actually even took a photos last week when I had a 'bout with kidney stones. For two days I was in horrific pain, but I still took my precious photos... albiet from my bed, but I still took them.

Now, with that said, you might ask yourself (if you're even here, and if you're not here, well then you wouldn't even know I was referring to you)....ok, back on track. Where was I? OH yes, you might be asking yourself, "What is she doing with all of those photos?" Well...that's a very reasonable question. At this point less than a handful of them are scrapped. BUT! I have a big binder that consists of my "Hand-sketched" draft of what I want this year's album to look like. I have been visiting a website recently called Digi Scrap Addicts. Oh-Em-Geeeeee!! There are so many talented scrappers there! I have been inspired, I have learned so much, and I have drawn so much knowledge in about this digital scrapbooking world. Once I actually start cranking out layouts, I think they're going to be pretty great!

I'll post a photo from this week's photos, just because I think my redundant, "I Swear I Am Still Doing My Project" posts are boring. I have kind of flipped flopped about whether or not I am going to post all of my photos here or not. I know, I initially wanted to print my blog into a book, but after seeing all of the amazing talent out there, I think I may want to make my entire album from "scratch."

I still think I am going to upload many, many photos here, just to have them for my friends and family to look at. However, I am not sure how much journaling I will do here. I have many of my journaling notes in my binder. So we'll see, this is all still so new to me. Not taking photos, but the digital scrapping thing. I know I have stalked the internet in every which way I can regarding the topic, but I haven't really taken that plunge into "being a digital scrapper..."

I guess I'd be called a digital-scrapping voyer? That sounds appropriate....

Hmmmm, which photo should I post today????

I know!!!! I am going to post the photo of Robbie jumping Evil Knievel-style with his dirt bike; man, this kid is crayyyy-zy! Talented, but crazy!!!

Robbie - June, Summer 2009

I think for good measure, I'll throw in a few more photos just for fun. We got a new puppy, so that is totally News-worthy!!!!

Here is my baby, Luke!! He is a Golden Doodle and he's just beautiful. This was made just after we got him. A few days prior, Roxie passed away and we were all devastated! It was totally unexpected. She had a basketball-sized tumor and we didn't even know. Rest in peace my Dear Friend... here is your brother, Luke:

I am not sure if this is where my primary blog will be or not. I still use my So Inkin' Cute blog, but I am no longer a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Either way, I have decided what I want to do about that. I will probably keep the 2009 Project 365 blog separate from any other.

Until next time....

Project 365 still going strong, I swear!

2009-04-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

As you can see my Project 365 blog has been so neglected! However, FEAR NOT MY FRIENDS, I have not bailed on my project whatsoever! I have taken a photograph every single day since January 1st. It just seems as though I never find the time to get my photos posted! But! I think this weekend just might be the perfect time to get all of my photographs posted. I had a mishap last weekend though. I left my camera at my sister's last Saturday!!! She has been awesome and has rescued me. She has been awesome and has taken a photograph each day for me!! I think it is actually quite cool.

Okay, back on point here: This weekend was supposed to be very busy starting with Corianna's volleyball game tonight, volleyball pictures tomorrow morning, and then my niece's 7th Birthday Party tomorrow afternoon....well, with 10-20 inches of snow forcasted, I am guessing everything will be cancelled. We are in a winter storm warning that started last night and will remain through tomorrow afternoon. I am guessing I ought to be somewhat cautious before I gear myself up for a quiet weekend. It is no secret that it is very difficult to forecast the weather here in Colorado. Typically when we're told it is supposed to snow a few feet, it ends up being sunny and warm and whenever it's supposed to be sunny and warm, it snows! Only time will tell. I heard that it's supposed to start dumping snow at around noon and that is less than an hour from now. It is snowing fairly steadily right now, so we'll see.

Anyway, spending a weekend at home might be just what I need. I am not feeling well at all and finally broke down and went to the doctor yesterday. Nothing serious, just another UTI which is no picnic! Hopefully I will start feeling by this afternoon... Either way, I know that I need to get this blog updated and will do so very soon! I have so many pictures to share!

Until next time....

Day #37 - Boys and Their Toys!

2009-02-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

*Feb 6th posted after Feb 7th (on accident)

Saturday, February 7, 2009

My son is 17 which is such a frightening age; I was 17 once, so this I know is a fact!! Teenage boys and their cars are two things that scare me the MOST! It's weird because you know your kids are growing...you know the milestones are ahead, but when you reach them...you want to run!!! At least that is how I feel!

Kyle just got this car not too long ago and each time the boys head out somewhere, it makes me nervous. I want to believe that boys won't do anything stupid, but I know lots of "boys" and I must say, Stupid Things Boys Do is a book I could write with infinite chapters!

Until next time...

Day #30 - My Big Huge Purse aka Gummy Worm Holder

2009-02-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 30, 2009

You might ask yourself why would someone take a picture of their purse... well, I asked myself that too, and I have no answer for ya! I know that my family gives me a lot of crap about how huge it is. However, my argument is this: Mom's just have a lot of stuff to lug around! I have my calendar, my brush, make up bag, wallet, camera, Advil, lotion, and lots of other misc. items that I just need when I am on-the-go! You know you're a Mom when you reach into your purse and pull out a mini can of play-doh, or gummy worms that are NOT IN the wrapper!! Or let's say, a small stuffed animal... these are all really things I have found in my purse and when I ask my daughter about it, she say's, "Mom, Dad says you can fit a car into your purse, so I just thought you'd have room to hold my gummy worms for me..."
Um, a little notice would have been nice! Good thing I found them the same day, or that could have been a mess! I can just envision pulling out my wallet at the grocery store and there being a big green gummy worm hanging from the side...These are all the wonderful things that mommies get to deal with. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Day #31 - Thank God for Colorado

2009-02-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 31, 2009

This is the last day of January. I am so proud of myself...I made it through the entire month without missing one single daily photograph! I am totally loving Project 365. It is kind of theraputic for me. It helps me see the beauty in my life when often times it's hard to find.

It dawned on me this very day that I am so fortunate to catch this view just by stepping out my front door. It is a breathtaking view, one that can be easily taken for granted when our busy lives are taking place. This particular day the view smacked me in the face with all its glory and I had to thank God for Colorado!

Next up is February! Wow time sure does fly!

Day #32 - February 1st! Super Bowl Sunday!

2009-02-09T06:07:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 1, 2009

This day was full of fun and I acutally have a few photos that I am going to post.

First up is a picture of my sweet daughter who offered to make me a sandwich at our Super Bowl party. She made her sandwich first and then asked me if I would like one "just like hers"...well of course I do! The sandwich was spectacular and I thank you so much sweetie! You sure know how to make an awesome sandwich! I love you!

Next is a photograph of our Super Bowl 3-D glasses! In the photo you'll see my daughter, my sister and my niece; three people whom I love sooooo, soooo much. The girls really liked the 3-D commercial and of course must see the movie as soon as it releases. I was so busy looking at the girls giggling, I saw only a fraction of the commercial, but I do have it recorded and can watch it again.

And last, but certainly not least is a little bed that Corianna made for one of her favorite Webkinz. On the Webkinz site, they have a section called "The Crafty Corner" and in this section Cori saw some Webkinz' beds that other people made out of cereal boxes. Of course she decided that she had to make a bed for her Webkinz right away. I got her a box and some scrappy supplies and off she went to make a "Super Bed" for her bunny "Lulu"! She had fun and that's all that matters.

So that's it for February 1st/Day #32! Today was a fun day!

Day #33 - Night Photography...Help is Obviously Needed

2009-02-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Today I decided I would try to take another photograph at night, outside... This is an area of photography that I have always struggled with, as I am sure you can tell from the photograph. I have decided that I am going to take a photography class online that is extremely inexpensive, but full of content. This photograph will remind me of how terrible my photographs at night "used to be" as long as all goes well in this class and I actually learn something! :-)

Until next time...

Day #34 - My Impromtu "Memorial Day"

2009-02-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

I had an interview this morning. It went very well and I enjoyed speaking to the interviewer. However, approximately an hour into the meeting, it was disclosed that this position had no benefits and the salary was almost half of what I was making before. I was quite shocked by this, especially after reading the description of the job and viewing their website. I was definitely disappointed, but not discouraged. After all, it was a very nice meeting and no matter what the outcome may be, it is always good to network with others.

After leaving the meeting I decided that I would take a trip to Olinger which is the cemetery where my step-father was laid to rest last September. This was only my second trip back to the cemetery, despite the fact that it is literally only a 5 minute drive from my house. I went there during the holidays and had an "odd" and somewhat crazy experience and just hadn't been back since that time.

At the entrance of the cemetery stands the beautiful Columbine Memorial with stone crosses hosting pictures of the beautiful and brave students and teacher who losts their lives during the Columbine High School tragedy. I was compelled to stop and stand among the Memorial and it wasn't long before tears started streaming down my face. I felt frustrated that we have no control over others and their actions. I was angry and quickly felt this overwhelming sense of anxiety about my own kids and their safety. We send our kids to school each morning hoping that they'll come home each afternoon a bit more informed than the day before. I felt a void for these victims and their families who, no doubt, have not had a day pass since April 19, 2001 where their loved one(s) wasn't on their minds. I felt all of these emotions at once and tears were inevitable. I looked across the grass where Denny's grave site rests and I couldn't bring myself to walk over there.

I said a prayer, stood still and listened to the wind chimes for another 5-10 minutes and then I walked back to my car thinking about my best friend who died just weeks after my step-dad. I thought about all of the "bad" things that have happened over the last year...and then I thought to myself, "You're going to be just fine..." and in this moment, I felt at peace and truly did (and still do) believe that things really are okay. It is the happiness, the joy, the sadness and the sorrow that makes up this funny thing we call Life.

God Bless.

Day #35 - It's Just Me...

2009-02-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 5, 2009

I have said previously in this blog that rarely will you see me IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA! It's not because I don't like being photographed, it's that I am always the one behind the camera. I have made a goal for myself that I will try to be in at least a few photographs per month. Since no one was home, I shot this picture myself.

I know...pretty goofy, but after all, this project is about "ME" and my life. So here is Day #35, February 5, 2009.

Day #36 - District Spelling Bee (February 6th)

2009-02-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

*I added Day #37 before Day #36 on accident

Friday, February 6, 2009

Today is the big day. I goofed up and entered Day #36 when it should have been day #37. So just to clarify for me, as I know I'll forget, the Spelling Bee took place on February 6th! So the photograph prior to this post was taken on February 7th!

Okay, so now that I have made that note for myself, I will move on. This was such a busy day. Cori and her Dad had breakfast at Cori's favorite breakfast spot and I met them there. From there we headed off to the Bee where we found out that the 5th graders are competing against 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. We did not know this...first came the written exam and if you pass that, you move on to the oral Bee. Then they serve lunch while the administrators are grading each test. There were only a handful of 5th graders who made it in and none of the girls from Cori's school made it. I know they were all very disappointed, but I kept telling them that they'll have a good shot at it next year or the year after. Just getting to the district bee was a HUGE accomplishment in and of itself. These girls are all gifted and they're all bound for good things!

It was a great day and after it was over, we went out a celebrated with some dinner and shopping. It was a good day.

Here is a photo of Cori and Mrs. B, the gifted/talented teacher at Cori's school. The lighting in schools must be really weird. Each time I take a picture at any of the schools, they turn out really odd. Kind of yellowish...I hope the photography class I am taking might be able to address this issue. I am guessing it is due to the fluorescent lights. I have tried changing my camera to the "fluorescent light setting" but it actually makes it worse. This is still a great memory and the photo will be scrapped!

Day #37 (2nd Post) - Cori and Cassidy

2009-02-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 7, 2009 (2nd Post)

Saturday, February 7th

I decided to add another post for Day #37. The girls got together to go to "Kids Night Out"...it has been several months since they have attended and they're excited to go. Afterward, the girls are having a sleepover! Cassidy is such a great kid. She is extremely funny and she and Cori get along sooooo well. I imagine them staying BFF's for many years to come. My best friend was someone who I grew up with and I hope that Cori has the same experience.

Day #38 - An Accidental Snap Shot & My Starbucks Affair

2009-02-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 8, 2009

This is a photograph that Corianna took from the back seat of my car on the way to Cassidy's on Saturday. I didn't know the photo was on the camera until I downloaded them to my PC. I remember Cori telling me she took a "cool picture" but I wasn't able to look at it since I was driving. Once I downloaded it, I decided it's a very beautiful picture from my very beautiful daughter, so it HAS to be in my P365 line up!

Cori is with her Dad today and it's his birthday! She made him the coolest gift ever, one that I think he will treasure for a very long time. A while back, I purchased a "Make Your Own Game" kit. She and I worked togeter and came up with a cute game she titled, "You Say it's Your Birthday...?" She totally came up with the objective and the concept and it turned out really cool! I am such a dork, I forgot to take a picture of it before we wrapped it up! Duh!

The photo that I took for February 8th is of Starbucks' emblem. I went with my Mom to change our cell phone plans because she heard of a package deal they had for existing customers, one that would save us a lot of money. She and I met at the cell phone "store" and while I waited for her to arrive, I took this little shot of the Starbucks logo. Everyone who knows me knows that I loves me some Starbucks!!! I ALWAYS, ALWAYS order a Venti Zebra Mocha, sometimes with an extra espresso shot, and this is one drink that is TO DIE FOR!!!! I actually used to go to Starbucks every day up until a few years ago when I realized I was spending more on coffee than I was my car insurance!!!!! So I cut waaaaay back and now I just treat myself perhaps once per month... I decided we couldn't keep Starbucks out of my Project since I have a deep profound love for their coffee!!

Day # 42 - Cori's Finished Valentine's Day Box

2009-02-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Here is the Valentine's Day box Corianna made this year. I think it turned out fabulous! She went with a "designer purse-type" theme. I covered the box for her in the cutest KI Memories paper and she embellished the rest. Complete with an interior mirror for those moments a girl must check her lip gloss! :-)

Here is a snap shot after the box was covered and glazed with some Modge Podge (a crafters best friend!) Covering the box was the only portion of this project that I had to do. In addition to the Modge Podge, I used the acid-free 3M adhesive spray which is very, very, tacky and can make a mess. Even I got my fingers stuck together - TWICE! So I covered the box and the monogram "C" and Corianna completed the rest!

Box is covered and drying...

Box embellished by Corianna; semi-side view...

Box embellished by Corianna; front vew...

Box interior...

Corianna with her box (Photo taken Feb. 13th, however, I will have a different "photo of the day" for tomorrow)...

That's it for today! Even though there is more than one photo, I have pursued my "Project 365" relentlessly without missing one single day. Who knows what the rest of the year will bring...no matter what, I am committed to this and I am so excited for next year. It will be awesome to see our "Year in review" day-by-day. I envision what it will feel like, or what thoughts I may have, but I honestly don't think I'll really know what this project will mean to me until a considerable amount of time has passed.

Until next time...

Day #43 - Early Valentine's Gift

2009-03-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 13, 2009

Today, when we got home from school, I decided it would be fun to give Corianna an early Valentine's Day gift. It is a cute little Irish Setter Webkinz!! She loved it and she logged onto the Webkinz website immediately and added "Peppy" to her account. She named her dog "Peppy" after a dog that her Father and I had growing up. Now, obviously Gary and I didn't share the same dog growing up, it just so happens that we each had a dog named "Peppy" when we were kids.

Tomorrow we have a special day planned for Valentine's day and I can't wait! We're going to have some fun!!

Presenting.....Peppy!!

Until next time...

Day #44 - Feelin' a Little Sweet & Sassy!

2009-03-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Gosh, it seems as though I have posted a lot about Valentine's day over the last week. We love holidays and while although I know Valentine's day might be more of a "commercialized" holiday, we still make it as fun as we can.

Today is the fun day!!! I am taking Cori and one of her friends to Sweet & Sassy!! Yes indeed! The girls are going to go and have a mini "makeover" They will get their nails done, have their hair styled, and have a small amount of make-up applied! Oh what fun!

Here is the girls' "Before" photograph...

And here is a picture "During" their makeover...

And here is the "After"! Oh, they're soooo pretty!

And here is another....

Oooh! Sparkly Hair...

The girls view their Webkinz Trading Cards...

And lastly...
Come on girls, let's get to it, strike a pose there's nothin' to it! COME ON VOUGE!! (sing it with me now...)

While on the way to Sweet & Sassy's, I knew the girls were going to have a fabulous time; what I didn't know was how much fun I was going to have! Let me tell you, it was so hilarious watching the girls walk down the runway (over and over, and over) and it NEVER got boring. Each time they'd walk out they would do this Model-type strut and it was so cute and funny! Funny because they would try and look so serious, but then they'd start cracking up.

I actually shot a video of them and narrated it in a "Fashion Show" style. The video is awesome, but I am not going to post it because when I announced the girls, I mentioned their last names and I don't think that would be fair to Cori's friend's parents. However, it is most definitely going to be bribery material as Cori gets older! Hahaha! Maybe I'll play it for her High School graduating class! Just kidding!

Until next time...

Day #41 - Colorado is Cool....Literally!

2009-02-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Here in Colorado, we've been somewhat spoiled this winter with many 65+ degree weather days! However, today we woke up to a little blanket of snow and a temperature high of 34 degrees. I must say, I have been disappointed that we haven't had a huge snow storm. I am not sure why, but I just love it when it snows enough so that the kids get a SNOW DAY! For me, it's a cozy-warm feeling... the hot chocolate... Corianna (my youngest) spending 1/2 an hour getting dressed in 3 layers of clothing so she can go outside and romp around in the snow, just to run back inside 5 minutes later saying, "Brrrrrr...it's really cold outside, can we have some hot chocolate!!?" It's almost as though she thinks she needs to "earn" the hot chocolate treat by torturing herself! hahaha! Not really, but these are the kooky ramblings of a kooky Mom... but, I wouldn't want it to be any other way! There is a certain cozy smell of a soaking wet, freezing child as they come back through the door into the warmth. I am not sure this is something I can explain, but I know it's not my imagination.

Today, it snowed just enough to make the morning traffic a mess. There is still time to get in a snow day or two if Mother Nature feels we need one! March is typically the snowiest months of the year. March snow can be a nightmare, let me tell you! The snow is wet and heavy and if it snows enough you'll see the trees all around you drooping down sadly as if to say, "Pleeeease get this stuff off of me!!!" Several years back it snowed so much we had a snow week!!! Yes!! A week where businesses and schools were closed all week long!! That was a bit much for me; I remember by Thursday of that week, I was like Jack Nicholson in the Shining. Talk about serious cabin fever! We made the best of it though and I am happy to report that my family members are still alive!

After the snow started to melt, the clean up began. We had to rent one of those huge metal bins to dispose of the tree limbs and branches that didn't survive the storm.

Okay, so enough of my yackity-yaking!

Approximately 8:15 a.m.

Approximately 12:30 p.m.

Day # 40 - Valentine's Day Cards

2009-02-23T05:43:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Cori Completes her Valentine's Day Cards

While although Cori's Valentine's Day party isn't until Friday, Feb 13th, she wanted to get started on her Valentine's Day cards immediately. She adhered Blow Pop suckers to each card and wrote a personalized note for each of her classmates. She also bought gifts for her two BFF's and her teacher.

I love watching her fill out her Valentine Cards. It takes me back to my own childhood...I recall how fun it was to give and receive these fun little cards!

For me, Valentine's Day is all about the kids...I am single, so I don't really have a "sweetheart"! My sweethearts are my offspring, which is perfect, I love them more than words can express!

Be back soon!

Candice

Day #39 - Cori's Valenine's Day Box Supplies

2009-02-15T14:59:00.001-08:00

Monday, February 9, 2009

Corianna's 2009 Valentine's Day Box

Each year Corianna looks forward to creating her Valentine's Day box and this year was no different. Her classroom was having a little friendly competition for the best box, so she wanted to make something extra special. After thinking about several ideas, Cori decided she'd like to make a "designer" bag/purse and here is all of the supplies we used. Everything came from my scrap stash except for the box and the monogram letter "C", we purchased those from JoAnne's for less than $3!

I will be back with the finished product! Cori loves to create crafts of any kind so she wants to start her creation immediately. However, I told her that we had to adhere the paper to the box and the monogrammed letter "C" and then cover it in glaze/Hodge Podge....and let's just say she was not happy about that at all! She was disappointed to learn that we'd have to let each item dry overnight.

Be back with the final creation soon!

Candice

Days #8 - 12

2009-01-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

So now I am on to week two through day #12. From this point forward, I am going to try and be a good girl and post each day; or perhaps every other day. I see some of you ladies rockin' the blogs posting each day, and I must say, I am quite envious. But...not so envious that I'll try to commit to such insanity! Oh goodness, I just don't know if I could keep up with that kind of madness! :-)

Day #8 x 2 - Picking my daughter up at school! This is one of those blessings I can count due to the fact I am not working right now. And while although I am searching avidly for a formidable position in the Corporate world, I do know that I am so lucky to be there for my baby girl right when school is out! When I am working, she attends the school's after-school program, which she loves, but it's nice to hang out with Mom, too. So until I get another job, I look at these things as "blessings"!

Day #8 (photo #2) - Again, such a beautiful, beautiful day here in Colorado. I just love the blueness in the sky and while although the trees are bare, I saw such beauty in them that day... another blessing for me! LOL! :-)

Day #9 - Whoa baby!!! Look how cheap gas is!! Now let's see where it's at next year... Gosh, I remember during the summer when gas was at $3.65. It was insane! It makes prices like this seem like a........ you guessed it - A Blessing!! See, we have a theme going on here! Not that I'll stick with this same theme, but all-in-all, my life itself really is awesome and I feel so very lucky!

Day #10 - Picking my daughter up from her Dad on Sunday, January 10th. This is the same mutual spot we meet each time we drop off/pick up. Gary and I haven't been together since 2003, but another true "blessing" (I swear I'll stop after this one) is that Gary and I are truly friends. We talk everyday, we are excellent co-parents, and we always have the same goal in mind...Making sure that we're on the same page when it comes to parenting. He is a great Dad!

Day #11 - Three words here = I loooooove Crocs! I would wear them with a dress or skirt if I thought I could get away with it! LOL! NOW THAT would look retarded!! I just think any shoe that weighs like 8 oz. (or whatever) is a gift from God! I love comfy shoes! I have several pairs and would love to buy hundreds more! I truly wish I had one pair of every single color sold. Now I don't like all of the Crocs they sell. I only like the Cayman or Beach styles....and now, I found that I want to buy the Mammoths, too, those rock!! I know some people think they're the most rediculous looking shoes, ever...but I sure do love them anyway! :-)

Day #12 - Those Blue Skies are gone, but it's still beeeaaautiful here in Colorado!

(Day #12 - photo #2) My silly dog loves the snow! Both dogs were outside acting CRAAZY! However, by the time I ran and got my camera, Roxie had already went inside....I am thinking she knew I was going to get the camera!! I swear!

Days #13 - 17

2009-01-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

Hello All! How are you?!?

Okay, okay, okay...I tried to post daily or every other day, but I got hung up on some photo editing that needed to be done! Day 14 (Jan 14th) my daughter was in the school's Spelling Bee. She was 1 out of 20 students competing (from 600 kids that were tested). It was an exciting day because she took 2nd place and she is now going on to the district bee. The photos that were taken that day were HORRIBLE!!! I am not sure what settings I had on my camera, but what I do know is, the lighting was very yellowish and therefore every photo just looked "yellow-y"! Oh! The were terrible! They're still not great, but I have consulted w/ some of my digital guru friends and I think I have edited the photos in Photoshop enough where they're at least presentable!! So here we go! Each day corresponds with the correct day of the month in January! I am quite impressed that I haven't forgot to take a photo once....yet! I am sure it could happen, but I am trying not to forget. This project is really awesome. I can already see how awesome it will be to reflect back on this year several years from now. I certainly don't expect anyone to read all of my jibber-jabber, this blog will help remind me why the photograph meant something to me.

Day #13 - Scrappy Goodness!

Here are some traditional scrapbooking supplies I ordered a while back. The boxes arrived months ago and I just never opened them! I know that is sinful, but I am happy to report the box is open now and all of this wonderful stuff is put in its place nice and organized. I am running out of scrap storage space! Geesh! I guess that is what happens when you own thousands and thousands of dollors worth of stuff!! Thank goodness for digital scrapping! With the two hobbies combined, it truly has saved me a lot of money!

Day #14 - Spelling Bee!!!

I could not have been more proud of my daughter. She tackled the spelling bee with confidence and pride and she took 2nd place! Way to go Cori! The District Spelling Bee is on February 6th! So we'll be studying each and every day until then!

1st and 2nd Place Winners of the Spelling Bee!!! Corianna is on the right! You can see what I mean about the "horrible" lighting.... I didn't edit this picture, but I will.

Day #15 - My Sordid Love Affair

So I have had this love affair going on for quite sometime now with....well....it's with my UPS guy. It is like one of those love-hate relationships. I soooo LOVE him when he drops by, and I soooo HATE when he doesn't!! HAHA! Just kidding. He was dropping off a stamp set that was back ordered from my last Stampin' Up! order. I heard the truck coming down my cul-de-sac and I jumped up running with my camera to take a photo of him! I know, I am an idiot! LOL!

And here is the lovely stamp set. It's called Season of Friendship and I LOVE it! It's beeeeautiful!

Day #16 - Oh No!!!!!!!!!! Bamboo??? Where's the Fun!?

I went to open up my brand new Bamboo Fun that I got for Christmas. On this day I had not yet snapped my "photo of the day" so with my excitement I thought, "I'll just take a photo of you, Mr. Bamboo!" Uh huh....notice how the box in the photo just says BAMBOO?? Where the HECK IS THE "FUN"!!!!???? It turns out I didn't realize that it was just the boring ole regular Bamboo...not the Bamboo Fun. Well who, might I ask, wants Bamboo with no Fun???? Not me....no way! So I jumped in the car, headed to Best Buy and exchanged it for the correct one and just paid the difference. All is now right now in the world of Bamboo! :-)

Here is the Bamboo (no fun):

And here is the Bamboo (that's lot's of) Fun!! :-) I highly recommend everyone get one of these babies!! Fun, Fun, Fun!

Day #17 - Webkinz, Webkinz, Webkinz....and other shopping!

If you have kids that are between the ages of 5 and 13, I am sure you've heard of Webkinz! Well, my daughter has been collecting these fury little friends for 4 years now. I am almost embarrassed to admit that she has 72 of them! And...I am even MORE embarrassed to admit that I have an account, too! I LOVE their games. I am all about the Wacky Zingoz's Baby! Uh huh! Oh, and let me play Quizzy's Challenge and you'll see me at my computer for hours trying to beat level 12. I just haven't been able to do it yet! But I will...yes, one day I will! Today we went to buy another as a "Congratulatory" gift for my daughter's spelling bee victory. After that, we went to Border's so my daughter could get the new "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book that she has been waiting to release for the last 3 months. If you have a 10-11 year old and you haven't heard of this series, I highly recommend it. They're easy to read, but they're soooooo funny!

Hmmmm.... decisions, decisions....which should I get???

Next on to Borders!

And lastly, we're off to Megan and Emily's for your sleepover! You're one of the busiest kids I know, Missy! Always on the go! I miss you and I hope you're having a fun night. Sleep tight, my dear! Love, Mom!

Days #18 - 19

2009-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

Day #18 - Dry Sledding??? Yes... Dry Sledding...

Yes, my daughter and her friends were actually sledding down the sidewalk....no snow, no nothin'! It was quite hilarious, I must say! It really is amazing to me how kids find ways to play and make life fun. They're not going to let a little lack of snow ruin their day....are they!? LOL! It helps remind me to relax and have fun - despite the circumstance.

Day # 18 photo 1

Day #18 photo 2

Day #18 photo 3 - Cori's Webkinz Heart

Yes, my daughter arranged her Webkinz into a big heart and then called me into her room to show me. She then came up with this game that we played for an hour and it was such a crack up!! Again, kids are so innovative! She took a locket and hit it under one of the animals and then I was allowed to ask her 5 questions to try and determine which Webkinz "had" the locket! It was quite funny and fun! And ya know what, as long as we're spending time together, it really doesn't matter what we play. It was really fun though...

Day #19 - The New Stampin' Up Catalog has Arrived!!!! YAY!!!

My daughter is a Stampin' Up! fan too! She is actually just as fanatical about scrapbooking as I am.

Ah, the beautiful new Idea Book/Catalog! I am in loooove!

And the new Decor Elements have blown my mind! I promise I am not selling my Stampin' Up! stuff on this blog, it just truly is a big part of my life. I have a totally different website dedication to my Stampin' Up! business....

I will be back with today's photo, Day #20, if all goes as planned! :-)

Hugs to all!

Day #29 - Daughter Goes Back to School

2009-02-09T05:40:00.000-08:00

It's Thursday and my daughter is going back to school after being home sick for 3 days. I must admit that I felt somewhat melancholy, it was nice having her home with me. I am still on the job hunt and not working has taken its toll on me. I am used to being at work each day and staying home just isn't my "thing"! New job leads are starting to flow in and I know that something good is just around the corner. The power of positivity will pay off soon...

Day #28 - My Silly Son!

2009-02-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

My son has been rather generous letting me photograph him this year. Typically, when the camera comes out, so do the moans and groans of, "Ah, mom....come on! I don't want my picture taken....do we have to???" Blah, blah, blah! However, both kids have taken kindly to this project of mine and they both think it will be very cool to look back on this year snapshot-by-snapshot. I must admit, as I look back through each day's post, it does help me recall what other things happened on that day. However, a year from now, I am not sure if those memories will still remain. I am trying to journal as much as possible. I never really looked at all the "ins and outs" of our daily lives so closely. This is a project that has turned out to be much more than a "project"....It's become a lifestyle.

Day #27 - Making Memories

2009-02-09T05:15:00.001-08:00

Okay, I admit, the picture you see before you is the website where I spent ALL day trying to win myself a Slice machine from Making Memories. Not the most productive day I must say, but well worth it. I had a lot of fun posting comments and seeing ALL of the action at CHA (the Craft & Hobby Association trade show!). I have always wanted to attend CHA, it would be a scrapbook-lovers' dream!!! Making Memories was giving prizes away all day long, so in between sending out resumes and taking care of my daughter, I was posting messages trying to win me some cool Making Memories stuff! Better luck next time for me! I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have a SLICE!