Let's Play #122.

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is __keep to yourself always. Avoid the politics and the drama___.
2. __Roll up your pant legs and collect a few___ clams.
3. When I think of carnivals I think of __cotton candy and Ferris wheels___.
4. __Lily of the valley are___ my favorite spring flower.
5. Things on my desk include _a cup of tea, a ball of yarn, knitting needles, a phone, and the remote for the TV____.
6. __Rain___ makes me wanna __dance like no one is watching and live like this is all I've got___.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __dinner___, tomorrow my plans include __a confirmation gathering___ and Sunday, I want to __shop like I'm going to drop___!

Recap: Mission - April

Let's see how I did.

Celebrate Easter. We did and it was wonderful. I even managed a post picturing it!
Hammer out logo ideas. I've thought about them and started playing but haven't solidified anything.
Print Jan to Mar photos. Oh the rant I could write about this one! Something went seriously wrong with the disc I burnt. I was standing at the picture machine when I learned this. I AM NOT GIVING UP! Photos, listen to me, YOU WILL GET PRINTED.
Study Study Study. OK.
File taxes (YAHOOO!). yes we did. it was painless. it got done.
Organize craft centre. i have! I also really like it. Like things are together and within reach. My crafter's stool is set up. I've even used it to make a few things. Three cheers!
Get Cornelia Bean tea x 2. One that I got isn't my favorite but I guess they can't all be.
Get to the end of this crazy book. It is keeping me up at night! With lightening speed. I raced to the end and I cried. Sometimes the realities of the monsters in this world are too much to take in. For me, now with children, they are even more intense.
Scrapbook 2 layouts. YES! I did it! they are both simple and small but exactly what I saw for the pics on them.
Paint the kitchen (Lisa, this is a joint project...lol!). Poop! nope. Paint is still sitting waiting to be displayed on the walls.
Create cards for class. I switched this up a bit. I made micro reminder cards for them. I love them. They are tiny and cute.
Place first Stampin' Up order as a demonstrator. Rock the party! Not only did I submit my order, I sold a bunch of things too. Hurray for creativity!

April, you were fun. You were busy. You kept reminding me how fast time slips by. I'm looking forward to BIG THINGS in May. See you later!

Easter Dinner.

Late, I know, but whatever. This is what it was.

Hello Blog!

I've missed you. Life has been fast and I've been running to catch up. I feel like Life has taken on the opening lines of Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat. There is no time for play there is no time for fun... It's not quite that way. We certainly are having plenty of fun.
I glanced at the calendar as I was getting ready to run out the door and was flabbergasted by how full May is already .. and there are so many more things to add to it. I'm brewing some ideas. Talk to you again...soon...maybe even later today.

Dear BBQ,

I can't wait to fire you up. The delicious aromas you billow out fill my nose with wonder. The food you cook up makes my mouth water. The creeepy crawlies that try to hide under you scare the bejebees out of me.
What are you cooking today?

Let's Play #121.

Frantic post this evening. Not enough hours in this day.

1. Apparently there's some sort of __frenzy that has opened a can of whoopass on me___.

2. __I yearn for the tranquillity in a ___ sunny day.

3. 2009 ___is awesome__ so far.

4. ___Yes, and__ that was it.

5. For too long I've been __struggling at finding myself instead of creating myself___.

6. I am not obsessed with __personal development___; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __=SNAP!= tonight is almost over___, tomorrow my plans include __chillin' with the kidlets___ and Sunday, I want to __party like it's 1999___!

She Did It!

Kamila was happily playing in her room this morning while I was dressing for the day. With mascara brush almost at my eyelashes, a #!CRASH!#.
The dog broke out into a barking fit. The cat sat nearby with eyes as wide as the moon and a look on his face pleading innocence. There, in the doorway to her room, was Kamila with the most accomplished smirk. She CRAWLED there! Then, to get my attention, she sent her gate crashing down to the floor.
Now here I sit, blogging the moment, as I watch her booting around the living room finding all sorts of treasures. My powers tell me there may be some rearranging in our near future.
Get out and smile today. I know we will be.

Ahead of the Game.

Today, that's how I feel. I was proactive this evening. Knowing that I have plans tomorrow night and won't have time to make dinner, I prepared dinner this evening for tomorrow so it will just need to be heated up.
Three cheers for thinking ahead!

Running.

Just a few things running through my mind:
Yes, I know it is late and this mamma should be in bed.
When I wake, I'm going to start a fitness regime again. There is something about Spring sneaking into the air that has blown motivation into my soul.
I'm creatively stuck which is a good time to rearrange things and spark a new flame.
I need to start (and finish) painting the kitchen.
I need to write a letter.
I need to make a Happy Home card.
I need to find my jump drive so I can develop pictures. I'm too impatient to send them online. All of my efforts to date have ended in frustration and sharp words.
I really enjoyed watching Patch Adams yesterday. That one jerks tears every single time.
Laundry needs putting away.
I would like Time to speed up and slow down simultaneously.
I am going to try and start reading one of many books sitting on my night table.
I am off to bed.
Good night!

Finding Things.

Every so often, I come across blog posts that just speak to me. The words of the author resonate in my mind long after I have finished reading the entry. The post that is linked below does just that. I cannot stop hearing this or thinking about this or trying to soak it all in and remember it.

To the author, thank you for changing me.

To the readers, TAKE THE TIME to read each word. Every single one is worth the time it took the author to type. Let this change your life.

What We Hold With Our Hands

Let's Play #120.

1. Join me in __sexy shoes and the world is my oyster___.
2. Put a little __love___ in your day!
3. Happiness is __yours to discover___.
4. ___Dazed__ and confused.
5. I'm waiting for __my sister to come in next week! I CAN NOT wait to see her and her man___.
6. __Lately, chocolate___ is hard to resist.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __meeting a new baby___, tomorrow my plans include __a wide open agenda___ and Sunday, I want to __run around the mulberry bush while counting the days until Lisa is back___!

Joy.

I came across this short clip. Have a peek.
The Joy Movie

Any better.

Steven had a sleepover at my grandparents' place last night. This morning, he calls home and makes small chit chat with me. Then he asks what Kamila is doing and if he could talk to her. This was his conversation:
"Hi Kams. How did you sleep? Are you being good for Mamma? I love you. Be good and I'll see you soon. Bye Kams...Mom, are you there?"
Priceless.

Wanted.

I am officially an Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator. Card making, Scrapbooking, Paper crafting, wall decor...I love it all. In the chaos that we often find our lives cluttered with, I am touched when I receive old fashioned Snail Mail. I am especially moved by the pieces that have a personal flair from the sender. Now, I can help you add flair to the things you send.
I am looking to book my first in-home demonstration*. YOU could be the first person. Contact me to learn about the exclusive specials I am offering for my first hostess. Learn about the great products we have to offer. You do not need to be crafty. I will provide all the stuff we need. Drop me a line. Let's roll with this!
*Note: in-house demonstrations open to Winnipeg area residents only.

He Is Risen.

May the celebrations of Easter be with you always.

Let's Play #119.

1. Anonymous...__own up. Claim your words as your own___.
2. __Challenge___ is a __blessing. It is what helps us learn and grow___.
3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, __add spice to my life, keep me humble___.
4. ___The secret blooms that burst overnight on trees that promise fruit are__ what I look forward to most about Spring.
5. Who needs therapy when __one day in my house will show you everyone is crazy, just like you!___.
6. __Hugs and Kisses (Baci)__ MUST go into the Easter Basket!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __creative indulgence___, tomorrow my plans include __frantic shopping for ingredients to make the dish my hubby has requested (thanks dear!)___ and Sunday, I want to __celebrate Easter___!

Peek-a-Boo.

You know you totally want to play, too.

Mission: April

Be it late, it is still better than never.

1. Celebrate Easter.
2. Hammer out logo ideas.
3. Print Jan to Mar photos.
4. Study Study Study.
5. File taxes (YAHOOO!).
6. Organize craft centre.
7. Get Cornelia Bean tea x 2.
8. Get to the end of this crazy book. It is keeping me up at night!
9. Scrapbook 2 layouts.
10. Paint the kitchen (Lisa, this is a joint project...lol!).
11. Create cards for class.
12. Place first Stampin' Up order as a demonstrator.

No time for chit chat. I've gotta roll out.

Gummie Bears.

We ventured out to the Marble Slab this evening for some deliciousness. Steven had one with gummie bears in it. He ate the ice cream happily and bit off pieces of sprinkles from the waffle cone. We noticed he was staring confused into the cone at which point he says, "um, Mommy, how do I get the gummie bears out?" I took his spoon, dug out a gummie and handed it back his spoon. He scoops up the bear and tries to eat it. Holding the red bear between his front teeth he says, "Hey Guys, why is the gummie bear frozen?" Just sweet.
I haven't forgotten about my missions. I am having a hard time with them this month. Maybe tomorrow.

Snapped.

I cherish the moments I get on camera with Steven because he wants to be behind the lens and not in front. He is a photographer in the making. It is in his soul.

Slow Sunday.

Sweet and slow is the way today rolled. It's Palm Sunday and this year, as we enter Holy Week, I find myself silently reflecting on my blessings, my shortcomings, and the things I take for granted every single day.
Remember to tell someone you care.

Let's Play #118

1. Angel or not, I will __go when the Man upstairs call me home___.

2. __I am me and so long as you know I will not change for you, you can have me___ any way you want me.

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of __baloney___.

4. __As tired as I may be, I feel refreshed___ after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms __there are times when I feel completely alone___.

6. ___The day the river crests here__ is a day fraught with peril.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to __stamping___, tomorrow my plans include __a special trip with my girl___ and Sunday, I want to __reflect on Palm Sunday___!

Thumbs Up.

Spring break is rounding out and everyone is getting a little kooky. We got outside today. We trucked through sloppy sticky build-me-a-snowman snow to get some fresh air. Steven was excited to splash in wetness. Kamila was glowing with rosy red pecked cheeks.
We scooted over to a mall just to look around. It was an eventful journey. I bought a series of prints from a local artist (Kal, she kicks ass!) and have been looking for the right frames for the set. I found an easel frame that will house five of them. I'm still looking for five more individual frames for the personal ones that need hanging in rooms. Pictures tomorrow.
On our way to the mall, there was a man who was trying to cross a road that has a steady traffic flow. He looked to be anxious to get across and being that we were in no rush to get to the mall, I stopped to let him go. A simple gesture that usually returns a nod or wave or smile. Not only did he hop and skip across the road, his smile lit up his face, he nodded, and shook out a thumbs up. That's what it's about. Give a little, get a whole lot more. My day was changed; My heart was touched. This stranger offered me gratitude and changed me. He reminded me that when we slow down and stop, things are different. We can appreciate everything if we look.
Make the time to give someone a thumbs up. It can be just what they need. It can also be just what you need.

Oye!

It is April First. It is still snowing here. Ridiculous. There is more snow on my tree right now then there has been all winter. My barbeque is lost beneath a blanket of white.
The delusional part of my brain keeps telling me that this is some silly joke ala Groundhog Day movie and I'm going to wake up again to see it is not real.