Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Jasmine dancing

I think this should work. Please excuse the mess behind her...Jasmine "decorated" :D

click here to see Jasmine dancing!

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

My list is DONE!

You can go see it here...it's finished! I hope I can do everything in the amount of time specified...and that they're reasonable goals. I'm excited to get started!!

Amen, Praise the Lord!!

I ordered the first four Psalty CDs for Jasmine's birthday, with money from Josh's grandma. They got here today, and that's what we're listening to now. Jasmine likes it :)She loves music of any kind, and I really like the singing on these CDs.

So yay for that!!

101 in 1001, getting closer

Okay, I've expanded my list. I still have 15 more to get. HELP! Have any suggestions for me?? If you know of anyone else (preferably someone who's a SAHM so that there's a chance we would have similar interests) with a list like this and can give me the link there, I can see what else people have come up with to trigger ideas for my last 15. Meanwhile, I've already done two of the things, so I'll post what I have here so that you can see my progress on writing the list and doing things on it!

In other news, Jasmine brought me the box of Cheerios. Think that's a hint?? :D

Saturday, May 27, 2006

UPDATE about Turkish Carpet kit

For some reason, the jpg file of "turkish-checks" isn't liked by photoshop. So if you have a problem with it too, you can re-download the kit. I'm so sorry! I have no idea what the problem is! So I saved it as a PNG, and you should be able to use it the same way.

Here is the link again. :)

Friday, May 26, 2006

a couple fun tests

Not a surprise at all, but it was interesting that they mentioned liking dogs as being left-brained. (warning: some of their other tests mentioned on the side were objectionable, but this test wasn't at all).





You Are 70% Left Brained, 30% Right Brained



The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.

Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.

If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.

Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.



The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.

Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.

If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.

Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.





And this one, just for fun :)



















Your Linguistic Profile:


60% General American English
20% Yankee
5% Dixie
5% Midwestern
5% Upper Midwestern

Link is up!

I added another paper to the kit, so there are now two patterned papers. I may try to add more as I get inspired, but I was too excited to get this out there to wait for more inspiration to strike.

Check it out!!!

Thursday, May 25, 2006

I made it!

I have a new kit! Unfortunately, I haven't installed Dreamweaver onto this computer yet, so I can't actually give you a link to it. (hopefully it will just make you want it more!!) But you can get a glimpse of it here:

It's called Turkish Carpet because, well, it's based on one of my many Turkish Carpets. It's colors and textures taken directly from photographs of it. Wanna see?


Hopefully I'll have Dreamweaver up and running in the next day or so, and can give you a link to the zip file so you can play with it! In the meantime, tell all your friends how cool I am! (they won't believe me if I tell them in person)

(I'm in a much better mood...Jasmine finally fell asleep, after being cranky and disobedient all day, and TDC is finally back up. Oh, and the sun came out!!)

I'm still working on my list...I've only added a couple more so I'll wait to post it again until it's done, or at least nearly!

TDC is down :(

Hopefully it will be back up soon.

That gives me more time on my new kit I'm ready to start working on.

But first Jasmine needs to give up and GO TO SLEEP!!! She's extremely tired but won't give up. I'm getting a little frustrated about it...she's not very happy, or I wouldn't care that she hasn't slept. I'm willing to take time off of scrapbooking, it's the unhappiness that's getting to me.

(sigh)

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

101 in 1001

I saw this in another blog and decided to jump on the bandwagon. I love lists, and I love giving myself specific challenges.
The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities. Need help figuring out your ending date? GO HERE.

The Reward: Personal satisfaction of a job well done...and lots of things accomplished you really needed or wanted to do!


Last updated September 23, 2008

Ending Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009

1. pay off credit cards well, we've started!
2. start investing started, 8/1/06
3. put all photos in books, preferably in some kind of order
4. pottytrain Jasmine
5. journal every day for a week (continued for 3 more...)
6. meet 2 or more friends I've never met but know well from being online met one 7/1/07, #2 6/6/08!
7. buy a houseplant and keep it alive
8. visit Sarah, Russ and Evan
9. take Jasmine to a circus
10. start playing french horn

11. see Yankees play in Yankee Stadium againThis isn't going to happen :(
12. meet up with Brad and Carrie
13. Go to baseball Hall of Fame next time meeting up with Karen and co!
14. find IRL friend
15. teach Jasmine 5 Turkish words Anne, Papa
16. learn to make Ali Nazik Kabob yummmmmmmm
17. read through entire Bible NT done, and Genesis, and Jeremiah through Malachi. So just Exodus through Isaiah left!
18. teach Jasmine "Jesus Loves Me"
19. exercise (at least) once a week throughout pregnancy
20. transcribe FIL's seminar

21. bake bread from scratch
22. wean myself off of margarine completely
23. go to a AAA ball game each summer with Josh's family did in 2006, going with my family in 2008
24. get out of the rat race in Cash Flow 3 times in a row, in under 1 hour each time
25. finish reading the book Josh gave me when we got married
26.organize linen closet
27.completely finish unpacking
28. make a souffle
29. have an entire week of going to bed with dishes washed and sink shined
30. visit Daniel and Kate

31. have a natural birth
32. take Super Nutrient every day of pregnancy did great until we ran out, and never got back into the habit when we finally got more
33. WALK 3-4 times a week during pregnancy This didn't happen either
34. eat healthy foods getting much healthier!
35. buy and read "The Wise Woman's Guide to the Childbearing Year"
36. Clear out inboxes once a week for a month
37. Read FLYlady's book, start to do it Doing Don Aslett's stuff instead
38. submit 10 scrapbook pages to magazines
39. teach Jasmine first ballet steps taught her plie
40. learn how to cut Josh's hair

41. Make two+ complete digital scrapping kits
42. back up all digital pictures onto CD
43. Decide what to do about rest of vaccines for Jasmine and Bekah
44. Take pictures for an entire week without any automatic settings on.
45. Try mom's ballet exercise video
46. start learning Spanish, with Josh and Jasmine (one entire CD of lessons)
47. visit Grandma D. met up with her July '07, and again in June '08
48. learn song from Funny Face with Katie
49. take Jasmine to the zoo
50. have Katie and Tim over for dinner

51. have Kenny and Sheila over for dinner
52. go to Georgia
53. clear top of fridge, keep it clear
54. take Jasmine to a parade
55. either finish or throw out afghan
56. organize pantry
57. Cook ALL our meals for family, no eating out, for two weeks.
58. Clean out my closet and give away all the stuff I cannot/do not wear
59. Try a new recipe every night for one week.
60. Learn poker...not to play it, but to understand references in books and movies Well, I know the basics now!

61. limit computer time for one week Did it for two different weeks, keeping the computer completely off!
62. successfully make a cheesecake
63. go one week with no desserts
64. teach Josh how to keep score in baseball started 7/25/06
65. get a nap every day for one week
66. learn 3 new techniques in photoshop
67. go to a waterpark
68. read and return borrowed booksof course, now I have more....
69. label all videos, mark which ones have blank space
70. Learn rules of Football Have the basic idea now

71. Host a fancy dinner party for a couple of our friends.
72. Go a week without watching any television.
73. finish Turkey scrapbook
74. finish Katie and Tim's wedding scrapbook Ummm, not sure this is gonna happen. :( I did do a few more pages digitally though!
75. finish Hawaii scrapbook Finished, just need 2 pages to be printed
76. Eat Genesis Diet for one full week.
77. get a pedicure
78. make NO excuses for a week. NONE. getting much better :)
79. burn all candles left over from our wedding (quite a feat) getting there!
80. go to the farmer's market

81. teach Jasmine Amazing Grace
82. take ballroom dancing lessons
83. replace spare kitchen chairs (w/ folding chairs)
84. hang curtains
85. wean myself back off of chocolate
86. perform at least one RAK
87. finish reading "The power of a praying wife"
88. join MOPS or a Bible study Went once! That's it for now!
89. wear skirts and or dresses for at least a week
90. sleep through the night

91. drink at least 6 glasses of water a day for a week
92. sing karaoke. Just once.
93. cook a multi-course Turkish dinner
94. cook a 5-course dinner
95. have the house company-ready for one week
96. memorize 6 new scripture verses
97. visit Kenny and Sheila in VA
98. go away for a night with Josh, letting grandparents take Jasmine
99. visit Grandpa's, Great-grandma and Great-Grandpa's graves (all buried in the same cemetery)
100. update this blog post as I do things, not all two months later. so far so good!
101. Come up with another 101 list when this one is completed.

Closure

Mom is planning on coming Friday to help with Jasmine so I can get something done. Thanks, Melissa...unfortunately it's not so much the crying as the fact that she's getting into things faster than I can get her out of them. I can wash dishes while she complains and pulls my legs, but I can't do anything in the bedrooms or she'sd pulling clothes out of drawers. KWIM? But I appreciate your encouragement. I think it's really an attack, "someone" wanting me to tell Josh to stop working such long hours so we stay slaves to the debt we've accumulated. So I want to fight it, and one thing I can do is ask for outside help :)

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

HELP?!?!?!

Jasmine finally fell asleep last night...I was in bed at 12:30. I like 11 to 11:15 better, so this was late. I didn't sleep well, either...not sure if it was excitement about the computer or Jasmine wiggling or both, or something else entirely.

So would anyone like to come play with Jasmine for a couple hours, so I can get something done around here?? I'm feeling so frustrated. I'm at home, carless, all day while Josh works (11-hour days), and I can't leave her anywhere to clean, and she undoes as fast as I can do anything. She only naps in my arms (great naps, but I can't exactly get much non-scrapbooking done during that time), and that's my day. I can wash dishes, usually with her clinging on my legs, only because she can't reach the dishes (yet). I put her in the high chair when I have to change the laundry, but that doesn't last long...she likes me in the room with her.

HELP?!?!??!

Oh...here's a page I made over the weekend :)

you can see it at TDC

It's too late for this!!!!

It's far, far too late for me to be chasing Jasmine tonight.

We got a new laptop (more on that soon...like tomorrow) and for some reason, that, or her late nap, is making her hyper and not willing to nurse to sleep. She's not exactly quiet, but Josh is a sound sleeper so hopefully he's fine.

The last storage bin is out of the family room. Unfortunately I can't get too excited about that, since I just moved it to the bedroom. But at least I have one bin-free room :) I'll try to post pics, maybe tomorrow, if I can figure out how to load them onto this computer. Because the thought of loading them onto the old one and then transfering seems a little silly.

Hopefully she'll relax soon...I'm ready for bed!!

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Quick update

Here are two pages I did yesterday.
Man, if you come here to read, this is getting pretty boring. Sorry about that! Jasmine didn't sleep great last night, so I'm tired and hoping to go back to bed when it's naptime (any time now) and get some more sleep.



You can see them both at TDC

Okay, so an actual update.
Jasmine found Josh's brush yesterday. She started trying to brush her hair, thinking she was pretty clever. Got some cute pictures, that's today's scrapping project. :)

The Yankees won their last two, both of which were extremely exciting games. Today's their last one against Texas, and tomorrow they play the Mets. Unfortunately that means we have to see Pedro Martinez again...life was much better without that. I love that he's not a Red Sox player anymore, since he just makes me mad. People couldn't figure out why they Yankees didn't try for him, but they wouldn't have put up with his prima donna attitude. That doesn't fly in Joe Torre's team, and I'm glad. It makes the players much more likeable :)

OKay, she's whining...hope that means a nap is coming soon!!!!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

More Layouts

In case anyone here (like my family) reads this blog but doesn't check out my Gallery at TDC, here are my two most recent pages.

A picture of Jasmine at her second birthday party, holding onto her new Baby Doll (named Jenny) :)

This is based on this week's challenge in the Ultimate Scrapbooking Contest that I didn't make it past round one in. My first thought was to use Jasmine pictures, but these pictures fit better with the challenge (at least 3 connected pictures, 40% of the layout is journaling...this week we're the storyteller)

Both are posted at TDC...you can read the story there, if you can't read all of it here.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Jasmine's Ball

Josh's mom bought Jasmine a fun toy ball. Huge, probably goes up to Jasmine's shoulders, it's clear with pink sparkles. Looks like so much fun!!

But for some reason, Jasmine is terrified of it. Starts shreaking in fear when she sees it. So they hide it away, and hopefully eventually she'll warm up to it.

Saturday we went to my parents' house to celebrate her birthday with them. Amy had to work, so she gave her her present before she left: a big ball with blue sparkles in it. I kinda hoped maybe the difference in color would calm her down. Nope. Amy held it for Jasmine to see, and Jasmine got more and more upset. Amy asked "is it the ball?" and I had to say, "yes," and tell her the story.

So we're really hoping she warms up to them, and trying to figure out what on earth caused it. Who can understand the mind of a one-year old??

the only thing I can figure, is the day she got the first ball, Josh and his dad, sister and her husband were kicking around a soccer ball. It rolled close to her, didn't touch her but was coming at her. She didn't like that, but didn't freak out like at the big ball. But that's the only other contact with a ball bigger than what she can hold in her hand!!

Meanwhile, she was given a Bitty Baby, and she thinks that's the best gift ever. She's carrying it around, giving it kisses and "love" (hugging it), touching its eyes and saying "eye," it's adorable.

And she slept through the night last night! Second night, ever!! :D So Mommy is refreshed! Happy Mother's Day (/night) :)

Friday, May 12, 2006

Matsui

It's so sad. Matsui is out for three months, possibly the whole season.

First of all, for my non-baseball-fan readers (assuming I have any readers other than Karen) Matsui is the left-fielder for the Yankees. Called Godzilla, he is an iron man...he had an incredible run of consecutive games (518 in NY, 1768 total counting his career in Japan).

What really gets to me, though, is that Mom saw him as being similar in personality to Josh. So of course he's my favorite :) He's so steadfast, so unassuming, so much an integral, but non-flashy, part of the team...and such a good guy.They're saying right now on TV that he's apologizing for having a season-ending injury. Can you even imagine?

Anyways, what I really wanted to say was that when today's game was about to start, they showed his wrist-breaking play about 10 times in a row, from different angles, at different speeds. Can you tell me why that's necessary? I mean, really. I hate it when they do that. I can kind of understand showing it right after it happens, when they're trying to figure out what happened, and how serious it is. But the guy had surgery on the wrist today. So obviously it was bad!

They did the same thing a few years ago, when Posada (the catcher) was hit by a bat that the batter just swung too far around. He fell over and was bleeding pretty badly. And they showed it, over and over and over and over.

I'll end this by saying that I'm praying for Matsui and Sheffield, that they heal quickly. Not for the sake of the team (though we miss them there) but so that they're not in pain anymore. We miss you!

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Scrapbook Pages

Just to prove that I haven't given up scrapping, here are pages I've done since I lost the Ultimate Scrapping Challenge.
"bling"
Jasmine looked so cute, wearing her pretty little cross necklace from mom, so I got a picture of her neck. Just for fun :)

This is from the kit I got for being a part of the challenge. So something good came of it ;) (no, that's not true. I got to know some of my fellow Chicks a lot better because of this, so other good things came of it)

You can see both in my TDC gallery.

Better

You know? I think I should take what I learned from my last post and remember that. If I'm feeling discouraged, rather than wait until I'm happy again to post, I should go ahead and write about what's upsetting me. Thank you soooo much for your encouragment and kind words.

I could no more give up scrapbooking than give up speaking English. It was a ridiculous thought I had that night, but I knew it wouldn't happen...I love it! I need that creative outlet, and when the computer was acting up yesterday and I couldn't use it at all, I realized that I have so many FRIENDS online. I felt completely isolated! And poor Josh heard all about it the minute he walked through the door...can't do that to him again.

Jasmine turned one yesterday. Where did the year go? Where did that little baby that laid there and wanted to learn everthing go? Where did this girl who walks and talks and entertains come from?
She had a good birthday, except that her teeth are really bothering her. The first molar came in on Monday evening, and the second is really, really close, and it's hurting her much more than the firs one did. We've had two kinda rough nights, and some rough patches during the day as well. She's being kinda cranky, so I should end this now so I can make sure she's relaxing while she nurses...she really needs some more sleep!!

Monday, May 08, 2006

To Thine Own Self Be True, Part 2

I deleted the earlier post (from yesterday) about the competetion I was in for scrapbooking. I didn't make it past the first cut, and was pretty bummed out last night, to put it mildly. Briefly considered giving up scrapbooking, which I knew was ridiculous but I was tired and discouraged.
I should know better. First off, it was far from being my best layout. It was one that I was trying too hard to be 'artsy' on. I'm not artsy. I love clean lines, pages that could be either "paper" or digital (i.e. realistic)...and I tried to be something I'm not. I was only sorta convinced it was ready to be posted in the competition, but people whose opinions I value highly said it was perfect, so I went with it, though I had plenty of time to keep working on it. All week, I said to myself, "if I make it through the first cut, I'll have another chance." So I knew the whole time that I was a long shot...

I also should know better than to try for competitions like that. There are some that I'm fine with. But something like this, no. I didn't audition for the Concerto Competition in college because I knew I wouldn't get in, but even so I'd spend the rest of my life thinking "if only" and trying to change the past. Why did I forget that here??

So it kinda made me dislike the picture of Jasmine that I used, which was horrible since it's an awesome picture. To keep from letting it be permanently scarred, I re-scrapped it. It doesn't count for anything, but it helps. Kinda like cleaning house AFTER unexpected company showed up and saw the house in complete disarray, this is my opportunity to remember the experience with a little less pain and frustration. And to prove to myself that i do still love to scrap.
(Credits: Shabby Princess' Sweet Serenity; paper under picture Susa Long's Life Is Good; Fonts: Arriere Garde)

Three blessings from God today:
1. Jasmine. She is so funny! Imitating us, getting more creative in her play...
2. This weather. I love it!!
3. Josh. He brought me lunch today since I was still a little down about the competition. Yay for DiBella's subs!! :)

Friday, May 05, 2006

Part Two

Scrapping. Again :)

Here are a few of my latest pages.
I've now scrapped this picture THREE times! Definitely a record for me!
Credits: DebF's Bouquets Kit; Nancy Rowe Janitz' Inked Edge
Fonts: Mom's Typewriter; MilleniGem



And this is from pictures I took today. Isn't she gorgeous???
Credits: Eyelet: Lauren Bavin; Stitching: Tiffany Brady (Cinco de Mayo); all else Holly McCaig (Easter Bouquet)
Fonts: MilleniGem


And here's one that was for a challenge in two areas: one where I used an ad they gave me as inspiration for the layout, and one about my goals. This is something Josh and I have decided is our new, huge, exciting goal.
Credits: DebF's Laura's Pocket kit and Date Stamp
Alphas from Shabby Princess and SG Refresh
Font: Century Gothic

I've done some other pages too but that's enough for now :)

Catching Up

It's Friday, the day to wrap things up. So the fact that I realized I haven't written here in awhile (thanks for missing me, Karen!) and that I have a challenge to keep up with, as well as other things, it's time to try to catch up.
I'm a part of an online friend's 10-week challenge she calls "the journey on my knees" This week I am focusing on:
"Take this week to reflect on your personal walk with the Lord. Where have you been? Where are you now? What have you learned over the past days/months/years as a Christ follower? What have been some big struggles? Some of your greatest joys? Do you find it easy to have faith and trust in God? How often do you spend time alone focusing on God? Are you still looking for God?"

Let's see.
It's kinda hard to put my walk into words. Since Jasmine was born, life is much less structured than it was before her (my choice as much as hers) So I don't usually take time to read on my own. But Josh and I read together...usually he reads while I nurse Jasmine, which is a really neat part of our day. I love spending time talking to the Lord (his dad teaches a course on hearing God's voice and Josh and I both love that we can get clear answers from Him when we take the time to listen) but don't always take the time to do it.

So I know what I need to do, but I'm not always (or even usually, if I'm completely honest) good about doing it.

What have I learned lately from Him? That He has more in store for us than we are ready to handle right now. I believe this to mean as a family (i.e. Jasmine's not going to be an only child), in our finances, and in our own personal lives. I'm excited about that, and we're taking steps toward seeing the financial part come to pass, but it's easy to forget and get carried away in the day-to-day happenings, and forget to let Him show us the bigger picture.

More later, on other topics.