Sunday, January 15, 2012
Think TINK!
In the past I have been afraid of making super intricate cuts. Well, I have decided to just GO FOR IT! I mean, the worst thing that can happen is that I won't love the final product and the BEST thing that can happen is I will LEARN something new and gain more experience.
So, even though I was worried Tink looked demonic because of the way I did her eyes (which is WAY hard with the Cricut, IMHO), here is what I worked on today.
In the past I have been afraid of making super intricate cuts. Well, I have decided to just GO FOR IT! I mean, the worst thing that can happen is that I won't love the final product and the BEST thing that can happen is I will LEARN something new and gain more experience.
So, even though I was worried Tink looked demonic because of the way I did her eyes (which is WAY hard with the Cricut, IMHO), here is what I worked on today.
The glittery puffy stuff are Stickles and I think it looks better in real life (see, there I am being critical!).....And here is the card I made with it:
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Was inspired by a wonderful tutorial I saw on http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/ created by http://paperboutique.blogspot.com/ and some blogs I checked out today, so I made my own Purse Shaped Card using Kate's ABCs and again, using my stash!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Couch to 5K!!!
I did it completely- that is Week 1, Day 1!!! Woooohoooo! And it was GREAT! I have started this before but usually I cannot run all 8 of those 1st runs. Sounds like I am a sloth, right?? Well, I have NEVER wanted to run, and I have NEVER liked running. I think it goes back to 4th grade when Mr. Byron was my teacher and I thought he hated me, and we had to run laps in PE. That was back in the day that the classroom teachers also taught PE. So in my mind, Running = Mr. Byron. Yes, I probably should go to counseling about it, but then there is the running "apples" @ Jackson Junior High that would also have to be resolved, and I can't afford THAT much therapy.
You may be wondering WHY I am doing this and I have a few reasons:
1. If I am over being chased, because this is very likely to happen, I want to be sure I can run away (quickly). The thought of NOT being to be to take "flight" in the face of danger seems just WRONG.
2. Running or Jogging or Walk/Running is the FASTEST way to lose weight and get fit. You get the most BANG for your minute, and if I spend LESS time doing harder exercise, that will leave me MORE time to play with my Cricut and SCRAP.......um, I mean I will have more time for my family, home, and work.
3. If I can run or jog, I will be able to do ANYTHING!! Yeah, I kind of think running is THAT hard! If I can conquer running and someone asks me to ZUMBA, I will be like, "Sure, that is a piece of CAKE!" Or if someone wants me to teach kickboxing, I will surely be able to do it, right?
4. People who RUN say they see progress quickly, and I kind of want to see if they're full of crap! I think they are all in some kind of CONSPIRACY or something, and I need to verify.
5. I am wondering if I jog will my boobs just bounce right OFF so I won't have to PAY for a breast reduction??? Or just maybe some random highly skilled, qualified, and generous plastic surgeon will see me running and he/she will notice how HUGE I am when I bounce way too much and will DONATE a BOOB job!
6. And lastly and most importantly, if I run I may be able to run at least a 5K or Half Marathon @ Disney so I can say I did, and I can wear a super COOL medal around my neck afterward!!!
Ok, so now it is here for the world to see the inner running musings of someone who HATES to run. Wish me LUCK!!!
I did it completely- that is Week 1, Day 1!!! Woooohoooo! And it was GREAT! I have started this before but usually I cannot run all 8 of those 1st runs. Sounds like I am a sloth, right?? Well, I have NEVER wanted to run, and I have NEVER liked running. I think it goes back to 4th grade when Mr. Byron was my teacher and I thought he hated me, and we had to run laps in PE. That was back in the day that the classroom teachers also taught PE. So in my mind, Running = Mr. Byron. Yes, I probably should go to counseling about it, but then there is the running "apples" @ Jackson Junior High that would also have to be resolved, and I can't afford THAT much therapy.
You may be wondering WHY I am doing this and I have a few reasons:
1. If I am over being chased, because this is very likely to happen, I want to be sure I can run away (quickly). The thought of NOT being to be to take "flight" in the face of danger seems just WRONG.
2. Running or Jogging or Walk/Running is the FASTEST way to lose weight and get fit. You get the most BANG for your minute, and if I spend LESS time doing harder exercise, that will leave me MORE time to play with my Cricut and SCRAP.......um, I mean I will have more time for my family, home, and work.
3. If I can run or jog, I will be able to do ANYTHING!! Yeah, I kind of think running is THAT hard! If I can conquer running and someone asks me to ZUMBA, I will be like, "Sure, that is a piece of CAKE!" Or if someone wants me to teach kickboxing, I will surely be able to do it, right?
4. People who RUN say they see progress quickly, and I kind of want to see if they're full of crap! I think they are all in some kind of CONSPIRACY or something, and I need to verify.
5. I am wondering if I jog will my boobs just bounce right OFF so I won't have to PAY for a breast reduction??? Or just maybe some random highly skilled, qualified, and generous plastic surgeon will see me running and he/she will notice how HUGE I am when I bounce way too much and will DONATE a BOOB job!
6. And lastly and most importantly, if I run I may be able to run at least a 5K or Half Marathon @ Disney so I can say I did, and I can wear a super COOL medal around my neck afterward!!!
Ok, so now it is here for the world to see the inner running musings of someone who HATES to run. Wish me LUCK!!!
Monday, January 09, 2012
My One Thing for January
January Pages for my MOVE MORE, EAT WELL CLASS! Yes, my goal to move more is to SLEEP!! Sounds funny, but I KNOW that lack of sleep is the root of MANY of my issues. I am hoping by SLEEPING a normal night's sleep, I can be more energized, focused, and motivated. In addition, studies show that there is a correlation between weight gain and poor sleep. I know this will take time because my body is used to my 1-2 am bedtime, but I will be in BED with NO computer every night by 11. That is EARLY for me!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
New Year, New Thoughts Kind of..........
Last night by daughter, Amanda (17), and I stayed up late together watching Snow Bird and the Secret Fan and then we talked and talked about friendship, family and LIFE. She asked me questions about my childhood, my marriage, experiences, basically my life until now. I had an oppurtunity to share stories I had not thought of in years. I was able to share the stories of how I had all 4 of my beautiful children and to tell the stories of my brothers and how they're so important to me. I shared stories of my parents' young escapades and told what my grandmas were like. I was reminded that my husband has been so incredibly supportive to me throughout so many rough patches, and despite the ups and downs of any 20+ year marriage, I am so lucky to have him on my "team!" As I spoke I realized I truly am a product of all those things I had experienced- bad or good.
After our chat, some laughs, and some tears, I came to an amazing conclusion. If I were to die right now, today, I know I have already made my mark on this planet. As a teacher, mom, aunt, sister, daughter, I know for a fact I have made a positive impact on lives that will continue to reach into future generations. Yes, I am sure, there are people that don't think I am all that, and that is OK because I am just a regular person. It is only by touching lives, sharing love, finding our calling to serve humanity that we are able to contribute any lasting effect on this ever-changing planet. While we can discuss our religious beliefs and debate everlasting life that is not what I am thinking of as I write. So many times people want to "find themselves" and want to find "purpose" but I have already done that and I am only 40! I think that's pretty amazing. Now, that does NOT mean I want to die anytime soon and it does NOT mean I am "done" but it was very comforting and liberating to think that from here on out it's just "icing" on life's cake! I pray and hope I can continue to grow and learn and be the best at anything I try. But most of all, I am eternally thankful for every experience and person that has helped make me who I am right at this moment and I can't wait to see what's next.
Last night by daughter, Amanda (17), and I stayed up late together watching Snow Bird and the Secret Fan and then we talked and talked about friendship, family and LIFE. She asked me questions about my childhood, my marriage, experiences, basically my life until now. I had an oppurtunity to share stories I had not thought of in years. I was able to share the stories of how I had all 4 of my beautiful children and to tell the stories of my brothers and how they're so important to me. I shared stories of my parents' young escapades and told what my grandmas were like. I was reminded that my husband has been so incredibly supportive to me throughout so many rough patches, and despite the ups and downs of any 20+ year marriage, I am so lucky to have him on my "team!" As I spoke I realized I truly am a product of all those things I had experienced- bad or good.
After our chat, some laughs, and some tears, I came to an amazing conclusion. If I were to die right now, today, I know I have already made my mark on this planet. As a teacher, mom, aunt, sister, daughter, I know for a fact I have made a positive impact on lives that will continue to reach into future generations. Yes, I am sure, there are people that don't think I am all that, and that is OK because I am just a regular person. It is only by touching lives, sharing love, finding our calling to serve humanity that we are able to contribute any lasting effect on this ever-changing planet. While we can discuss our religious beliefs and debate everlasting life that is not what I am thinking of as I write. So many times people want to "find themselves" and want to find "purpose" but I have already done that and I am only 40! I think that's pretty amazing. Now, that does NOT mean I want to die anytime soon and it does NOT mean I am "done" but it was very comforting and liberating to think that from here on out it's just "icing" on life's cake! I pray and hope I can continue to grow and learn and be the best at anything I try. But most of all, I am eternally thankful for every experience and person that has helped make me who I am right at this moment and I can't wait to see what's next.
Big Picture Class!!
Ok I have no internet except on my phone and no access to scrapbook stuff but I signed up for a class!! I can't wait! It is entitled "move more eat less" and I am hoping it will combine my crafty hobby with my weight loss/ health goals!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas Eve!
Ok, right now in this house is my whole family: my hubby, William. and my 4 kids: Anthony (20), Amanda (17), Alex (8), Addie (2) AND my little brother, Tony. Now I say "little" but he is actuallu 32 but we havent spent the Holidays together in years, so I am so thankful he is here!
William and Anthony just got into town last night and it was CRAZY to see the presents they added under the tree. It made me picture what future Christmases will be like as my children become adults. William and I have always tried to give generously for Christmas and I see it coming back to us- I guess we paid it forward. While being together has always been our favorite, and most important way, to celebrate Jesus' birth, we have always tried really hard to get our kids what they ask for during Christmas, even if at first it may seem a little out of reach. Now we are not extravagant people and we don't spoil our kids throughout the year too much, so Christmas is extra special and I imagine it will be HUGE when I have 4 adult kids. I pray we are all alive and healthy to enjoy this beautiful holiday for decades to come. I can't wait!
We're about to start all our Christmas traditions with church at 1pm, a little different than midnight mass, but I am ok with it! Can't wait because our church (The Summit near downtown Orlando) is awesome! Now tonight is our traditional Cuban/Peruvian/American mesh of a Christmas Eve Party and this year it will be pretty small. However, EVERY year these is always someone new, and this year it will be Tony! My best friend's family and my family and friends prepare a traditional Cuban Pork Roast and beans, rice, and other goodies and we open 1 present @ midnight. Also at midnight we eat Panetonne and drink hot chocolate like in Peru. We dance, and hang out, go to bed way late and the American part comes in the morning when we let the kids wake up early to open presents.
The BAD part is I have to clean up and put away all my crafty stuff that's on the dining room table! No worries, it will be back out tomorrow!!!
Have a wonderful Christmas Eve everyone!
Ok, right now in this house is my whole family: my hubby, William. and my 4 kids: Anthony (20), Amanda (17), Alex (8), Addie (2) AND my little brother, Tony. Now I say "little" but he is actuallu 32 but we havent spent the Holidays together in years, so I am so thankful he is here!
William and Anthony just got into town last night and it was CRAZY to see the presents they added under the tree. It made me picture what future Christmases will be like as my children become adults. William and I have always tried to give generously for Christmas and I see it coming back to us- I guess we paid it forward. While being together has always been our favorite, and most important way, to celebrate Jesus' birth, we have always tried really hard to get our kids what they ask for during Christmas, even if at first it may seem a little out of reach. Now we are not extravagant people and we don't spoil our kids throughout the year too much, so Christmas is extra special and I imagine it will be HUGE when I have 4 adult kids. I pray we are all alive and healthy to enjoy this beautiful holiday for decades to come. I can't wait!
We're about to start all our Christmas traditions with church at 1pm, a little different than midnight mass, but I am ok with it! Can't wait because our church (The Summit near downtown Orlando) is awesome! Now tonight is our traditional Cuban/Peruvian/American mesh of a Christmas Eve Party and this year it will be pretty small. However, EVERY year these is always someone new, and this year it will be Tony! My best friend's family and my family and friends prepare a traditional Cuban Pork Roast and beans, rice, and other goodies and we open 1 present @ midnight. Also at midnight we eat Panetonne and drink hot chocolate like in Peru. We dance, and hang out, go to bed way late and the American part comes in the morning when we let the kids wake up early to open presents.
The BAD part is I have to clean up and put away all my crafty stuff that's on the dining room table! No worries, it will be back out tomorrow!!!
Have a wonderful Christmas Eve everyone!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Ok, I am probably the ONLY crafty girl that has not sent out Christmas cards yet, but I am working on it! The way I look at it is that anyone that really knows me and loves me knows about my life and will appreciate the card when it finally arrives! I am off work from school till Jan 3 and no 'Ohana for a few days, hubby and oldest son coming home, so I am hoping to get craftin' those cards out ASAP! The hardest thing for me is DECIDING what I want to do! Do I keep making those nativity cards or make a new design? Hmmmmm.........
For now, I have errands to run, but I am so inspired by all the beautiful blogs I perused this morning that I can't wait to get back to my Cricut!! Then Hanukkah PARTY tonight! Happy Christmas Eve Eve!!
For now, I have errands to run, but I am so inspired by all the beautiful blogs I perused this morning that I can't wait to get back to my Cricut!! Then Hanukkah PARTY tonight! Happy Christmas Eve Eve!!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Nativity Cards Revisited
Well, I really loved that Nativity Card tutorial but mine not so much. So I decided to purchase some better cardstock (Bazzill Basics Paper & Tim Holtz Core'dinations), dig out my distress ink, and got some sandpaper. I used a GLUE Stamp Pad, My Pink Stamper stamps, and GLITTER for the sentiment on the cover. I also tried this new Martha Stewart adhesive you sponge on and it worked great on this project. Here are the steps and results. I wonder who I will send these to?? Please comment!
Well, I really loved that Nativity Card tutorial but mine not so much. So I decided to purchase some better cardstock (Bazzill Basics Paper & Tim Holtz Core'dinations), dig out my distress ink, and got some sandpaper. I used a GLUE Stamp Pad, My Pink Stamper stamps, and GLITTER for the sentiment on the cover. I also tried this new Martha Stewart adhesive you sponge on and it worked great on this project. Here are the steps and results. I wonder who I will send these to?? Please comment!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Nativity Card
Ok, so I thought this tutorial by Angela at http://www.scpapercrafts.com/was super cute and I tried to make my own. I found out I need to splurge on better quality cardstock, but I think it still looks pretty cute! Except my donkey is as big as my camel...oops! I actually spent more time figuring out if I wanted to use the Cricut Craft Room, my Gypsy, or Cricut Design Studio with my new Cricut Expression 2 than I did actually making this card. I have so much to learn with my toys! Oh, and thanks to my friend, Tara, for letting me borrow the Cricut Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge- I think I love it!
Ok, so I thought this tutorial by Angela at http://www.scpapercrafts.com/was super cute and I tried to make my own. I found out I need to splurge on better quality cardstock, but I think it still looks pretty cute! Except my donkey is as big as my camel...oops! I actually spent more time figuring out if I wanted to use the Cricut Craft Room, my Gypsy, or Cricut Design Studio with my new Cricut Expression 2 than I did actually making this card. I have so much to learn with my toys! Oh, and thanks to my friend, Tara, for letting me borrow the Cricut Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge- I think I love it!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Christmas Tree Link Up Party!
Ok, I have never done this before, but looks like a cute idea- I am joining a Christmas Tree Link Up Party hosted by Docerela Creations! Check out her super cute blog!
My hubby and oldest son were home this weekend for Thanksgiving and before they headed back out to Alabama, where they're currently working on a work project, I made sure the Christmas tree was up and the house was decorated. It wouldn't be the same without them to enjoy (and help)! One of my very favorite traditions of Christmas is choosing and decorating our natural Christmas tree. I absolutely love how the scent of the fresh tree fills the air!
Ok, I have never done this before, but looks like a cute idea- I am joining a Christmas Tree Link Up Party hosted by Docerela Creations! Check out her super cute blog!
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Vacation
I am on vacation right now, in a very quiet condo......baby sleeping, Anthony out, the girls in their room, Alex and William went to a baseball game..... and I am alone. This very rare quiet moment I use to peruse my favorite website- www.twopeasinabucket.com. I know some may consider this quite lame, but I love seeing others' creativity. Strangely enough, looking at scrapbook pages, design team layouts, and other fun creative stuff makes me happy. And this moment of happiness make mes me think about what else makes me happy...and right now just being at this amazing ocean, spending the days playing in the sun with my family makes me truly content.
It took me probably 2 days to remember how to even slow down, enjoy the quiet moments, enjoy being STILL, and remind myself how to simply RELAX. This quite simply my "control + alt + delete" where I can reset myself, look at my daily life and think about how I will handle life when I go back to "reality." As a wife, mom of 4, teacher and server at Disney, I never seem to just STOP. I jump from call to call, project to call, to cooking or cleaning, paying bills and/or worrying about it ALL THE TIME. It doesn't overcome be all at once, but as I get consumed by life a little at a time, I let it all get to me.
So, while most people make a New Year's Resolution, I will make a Vacation Resolution. One of my goals for this coming year is to RELAX at least once a day for at least 30 minutes and either do something creative, read, or just simply take a breather. I know this may seem so silly, but if you knew me, you'd know how hard this will be for me! You see, I am a little hyper!!
The other goal I have for this year is to stop worrying so much. I can only do so much, and I can start leaving more up to God. It doesn't mean I will just be a bystander in my life, but that I am not going to worry about stuff over which I have no control.
Another goal for myself (and for my husband) is to know every item on my credit report and by Dec. not owe anyone except the mortgage and student loan.
Lastly, I want to take time to be more creative- whether it's my scrapbooking or photography.
My family is waiting for me to watch them play Jenga, so this will have to wait as I am also resolving to spend more fun times with my kids!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter!
This beautiful and very significant season makes me spiritually fall to my knees and humbles me.
May Jesus' sacrifice for me not have been in made in vain. I can't help but want to beg for forgiveness:
May Jesus' sacrifice for me not have been in made in vain. I can't help but want to beg for forgiveness:
Lord, help me to be a better follower of your son, Jesus. Help me to lead by example, and let me always make choices out of LOVE- the same kind of love God has for me. May the Lord use my gifts in a way that brings glory to HIM. Allow me to learn from my faults and failures. Help me overcome strife and struggles so I can be the kind of woman the Lord wants me to be. Let my actions, more than my words, speak volumes about the amazing God that created us. Help me to overcome fear and worry so I can lead the life of ultimate freedom that Jesus has ALREADY claimed for me. When I bask in success may the glory be to the most HIGH- Jesus, the one who died for us and loves us still.
May Jesus' sacrifice and love for you give you peace.
Happy Easter 2011
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