THE ATKINSONS

Charlotte's Birthday Party

2011-08-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Charlotte turned 1. I can't believe it. My how time flies. Well it has flown the last few months. The first seven months were s...l...o...w

We sure are lucky to have her though. She is the sweetest little thing. Some fun things that she has done this year are (mostly so I have written them down and don't forget when they happened):

crawled at nine months soon followed by walking along objects

She took her first step two days ago, it was very small but it was a step (August 22)

She got her first tooth soon followed by the second one at 10 months

Started waving this week and can now say ba ba (bye bye) Cutest thing ever.

Started saying momma well more like mammammmmmamaaa about a month ago and then quickly stopped and only says dada.

Can stand on her own for a few seconds at a time

Is finally taking at least a one hour nap a day.....huge improvement.

Though Tea misses the days of her "sleeping beauty" bed, we are all so happy to have little Charlotte in our lives and joy every minute of it. She is still so dainty. She is constantly giving hugs and kisses and constantly wants to be held....which can get annoying but is mostly the sweetest thing ever. She is a petite thing though growing by leaps and bounds every day. She is still in 3-6 month and even some newborn clothing but has major rolls to prove to eats. And those cheeks, my goodness those cheeks can't get any more delicious. Charlotte is very friendly and loves to be held by anyone. She gets sick a lot so we keep her home a lot but she is always happy no matter what we're doing. Charlotte loves to swim, loves to take showers, loves to do mirror time with her big sissy (I stand them on the bathroom counter and they dance in front of the mirror). She loves her big sissy and always follows her around. I can't wait to see them grow up together and become the best of friends.

It's been too long.

2011-05-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

What an almost year this has been. I feel like it's been a lifetime and seconds at the same time. This little girl that came into our lives has thrown us for a loop. We are so happy to have her and love the relationship that is building between her and her big sis, but man it's been a lot more than I ever expected. Charlotte is the sweetest thing but she is tough. She still is not sleeping through the night yet, nor does she nap. Contrast that to her sister who was amazing at both and still takes naps...that's right my almost 5 year old naps. Charlotte just recently started to roll and up until then she was a newborn. It was a 8 months of having a newborn. It still continues but she is starting to show her adorable, sweet, dainty (yep dainty), sensitive personality, she is her father - minus the dainty, Greg's not too dainty. She is much different from her sister, except in looks. She just had her 9 month check up and is 17 pounds, 27 inches, wears newborn and 3-6 month clothing which is opposite of Tea. She loves her big sis and her big sis is really starting to love her. Oh and she loves her real food. She has always hated drinking her food and is loving the big kid stuff. However, it's difficult for her to eat since she has yet to produce teeth, all in due time.

Her favorites right now:

Baths, swimming, always being at home (seriously, she is a major homebody), walks, Oreos.

Hates:

being scared, loud noises, sleeping :), grass, being alone

Fight for Preemies

2010-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today is National Fight for Preemies day. I never thought I would be personally affected by something that has a "day". I've participated in other people's "days" but it's eyeopening to have my own "day". Though my preemie was very healthy and mostly struggled only with eating it is still scary and there are many more out there who aren't as healthy as she was/is. So today I celebrate Preemie Awareness.

I don't think I've mentioned this (I guess I could read my blog posts to find out) but one thing that I have to express thanks for that I haven't and apologize for at the same time is the wonderful people who donate items to the NICU. There are so many wonderful things about the NICU but I want to focus on this for now. When I was in Young Women's (teenager group for my church) I was the first to complain about making blankets and burp cloths for Primary Childrens or other places. I thought it was boring, pointless, and a waste of time. But I have to tell you, being on the other side of the coin was a major wake up call. I walked into Charlotte's room one day to find several gifts. She had received a gorgeous blanket that looked so professionally done and was more than a blanket it was more like a quilt for her bed. She also got a burp cloth and a little toy from a family who lost their little boy a year ago. What a shock. It meant so much to me to have a little gift from a complete stranger. I will never complain if asked to help make a blanket for a family who is going through the unthinkable. I know it's little but it really meant so much to me. She will always have that blanket and I can't wait to tell her about some sweet person who took their time to make it.

So basically, donations don't always have to be in the form of money, your time and talents mean just as much. I hope that if I'm ever in Young Womens again one day or in another group that often does those things that I can tell them my story and how important it is to do those little acts of kindness and have them really get it.

Birth announcement

2010-10-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here is what I did for a birth announcement. I am going to frame it and hang it in Charlotte's room. What a sweet girl. It's on white background so it's little difficult to get a good feel of it on here since my background is white too but you get the idea :)

Dancing

2010-10-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

One of the young women in our ward is on the Charlonian team at Jordan (the drill team). They do Jr. Chars (I think that's what it's called) at one of the football games where a bunch of kids between 3 and some other age learn a dance and dance at half time. Tea went. During practices you would think it would be a train wreck with her. She didn't practice, she was in her own world and she kept going and standing and dancing by the teachers. Oh well she was having fun....then the night came and she did fantastic. Once she saw that crowd she came alive. On the way off the field she got in front of everyone and was waving to the crowd and smiling from ear to ear. She loves an audience. She is so opposite of me. She is shy until she realizes her voice will be projected over a microphone or she will be in front of hundreds dancing. I can't do that. I'm much better close up. Here's some pictures of our little star!

Eating the popsicle after.

Here's her leaving the field soaking in all the attention.

What a star!!

Her cute little group.

My girls

2010-10-02T18:45:00.001-07:00

Greg is obviously the photographer of the family but here is my attempt at it. I really need to take a class. I do love my girls though!!!

Greg is obviously the photographer of the family but here is my attempt at it. I really need to take a class. I do love my girls though!!!

The Due Date

2010-09-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Charlotte's due date. How is it that I have a seven week old on her due date?! I can't believe that A) she is that old and B) eight weeks ago I was given some of the worst news I've had in a long time. I know it's weird but the memories of the hospital will haunt me forever. The smell of the soap that I had to scrub with every time I went to see her, the sound of the monitors, not being able to hold her, wires coming out of her mouth nose and arms. It's crazy how that impacted me so much even though she was a healthy baby. I don't know how I'd handle it if she were sick. I still can't believe that a baby born that early (which in reality is not early compared to others, they've had 15oz babies there and they have survived) can be so healthy and do so well.

On a strange topic, it makes my heart break that abortion is allowed at all when you see those tiny little babies fighting to survive and some people in this world don't consider them gestationally human and can therefore kill them. I wish all pro-choicers had to do a mandatory walk through of the NICU to see a tiny baby fighting to live and surviving.

I have found out since having her that my mom, sisters and Greg were practically planning my funeral as I sat in the hospital. I'm glad they waited to tell me that. I didn't realize how sick I was until I started feeling better. Unfortunately, I'm still not 100%, I'm still pumping out the protein. Thankfully my blood pressure has come down so that is a good sign. Really I am thankful that everything went the way it did. I have a gorgeous healthy little girl, I'm pretty healthy and Greg and Tea are doing great.

I have never been so emotional in my life. This little girl has done it. She has made me a softy. I'm even liking people I rarely liked before and crying over dumb shows like Undercover Boss. Seriously, what is going on, I would maybe cry at funerals before her. I guess almost dying (maybe not that bad, but I felt awful) and having a tiny little baby lay alone in a hospital bed has thrown my hormones for a loop.

We joke that Charlotte came early because she wanted to be with her cousins. She had three come before her, two within just days before her. This is a picture of the three born on my side of the family. Jackson was born April Fool's Day, Jamie was born 10 days before Charlotte and then Charlotte. Greg's brother has a little girl that we have yet to meet but can't wait.

And I had to post a picture of Tea because she has been left out both on here, facebook and in real life. She has not done well with it either. For example, she called me scum yesterday. Yes, this adorable little girl said scum to mommy. Oh well, we will survive this somehow.

Cousins

2010-09-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

My sister had a baby the day before I was hospitalized. Cutie pie Jamie is just 10 days older than Charlotte. I have been dying to get them together and so now that Charlotte is home, we got our chance. They are so dang cute. The first one is my favorite picture. Jamie was a chunky monkey at birth weighing in at 9lbs 1oz (I think that was it, close to it at least). You'd think they were months apart. Nope, just a few days. But SO cute!!!!! I hope they'll be the best of friends.

The Million Dollar Birth

2010-09-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so million dollar may be exaggerating it a bit, but...

So most of this may be boring to you but I had to document it somewhere before I forget all the details. Feel free to just look at the adorable pictures!

It all started at my 32 week appointment. I had started feeling really tired and weak the week before. I thought I was just turning into a lazy person and was so nervous. But I could not get out of bed for anything. If I did do something I ended up needing a nap. My chest hurt, I couldn't breath and I started getting headaches. Well, sure enough, I wasn't going crazy (or lazy). At my doctor's appointment, which I thought would be same old same old, my blood pressure was sky high and I had 4+ protein. I was immediately sent down to labor and delivery where I thought for sure I'd go home that night. No such luck. I was admitted and sent to maternity to wait it out until the baby came. As my blood pressure was on the rise, my protein was at 8 (5 is high) the decision was made to take Charlotte. All the doctors and the non-stress tests assured us that she was and would be fine. On August 10th I was taken to the OR where there are windows that open up to NICU. I was warned she may not cry and I would not get to see her at all. Greg had about 1 second to take a picture. At 1:34 she was born. I could not believe it when they said here she comes and I heard a cry. That was music to my ears. I knew she was breathing at least. She weighed in at 4lbs 9oz and 17 3/4 inches long. Just a tiny thing but much bigger than we thought and had prepared for. Surgery went great and I was back in labor and delivery before I knew it.This is how I first saw her. It was the most scared I have ever been. To see her confined, covered in tubes and wires and there was nothing I could do while laying in my hospital bed and looking at her from afar. Thankfully the nurses were so great and put us right at ease, assuring us that she was fine just having a little trouble opening her lungs completely and this just helped that. Thankfully, the tubes were removed within a day.

This was her first visit from her big sister. That is Tea's hand. It just shows you how small Charlotte was. Just a tiny thing and a four year old hand covered her back. She was born with a ton of blond/brown hair...not red. Crazy!

We had to document every new development. She had to be under lights for a while, which we hated so much because we were limited in how often we could hold her. She was not a fan either. The nurses in the NICU are great. They do scrapbook pages for your baby, weekly feet and hand prints and all sorts of cute things. One of them drew little eyelids and eyelashes on her fashionable protective wear.
My gorgeous sister, Amanda, drove from California to come visit us. It was beyond sweet of her to take the time and drive by herself. We were so lucky and thankful to her for doing it. We loved seeing her and it killed us to have her leave. We miss you so much Amanda and loved having you here.

Finally on Monday we were told that she could be coming home on Tuesday. We were shocked. We didn't expect it to be so quick. The NICU has a service for parents who are about to take their babies home where you can stay in a hotel-like room right next to the NICU so you can get used to a night with your baby in the safety of the hospital. It was wonderful. On Tuesday we were given the go-ahead. We were thrilled. Our little girl came home!!! She is now 5lbs 5.5 oz and doing great. Preemies don't cry often if at all so she is very quiet and sweet. Once she hits term she will begin acting like a full term baby. This to me just means that I get an extra two months to love and cuddle my newborn.

Now all we're working on is getting her big sister to give her some space. She loves Charlotte so much but it's to the point of smothering. I hope the loves continues throughout their lives though Charlotte may not appreciate her sister kissing her so much when she's fourteen!

Here fishy fishy

2010-06-03T18:28:00.001-07:00

We live next door to a fishing lake (there's a technical term for it but I forgot it) and so for Tea's birthday Greg got her an adorable fishing pole and got himself one too. He kindly let me stay home since I, well I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the great outdoors. I hate worms, I hate fish (except to eat them), and I figured this would be a great adventure for daddy and daughter. I do like the beach and to swim but neither exist here. Maybe I'll buck up and go next time.

On to Tea. They had a great time, caught nothing but "gross stuff" in Tea's words and made it for almost an hour. All that matters was they had a great time together.

Tea has always been such a relaxer when it comes to water. Since she was little she'll just sit back and relax in her chair and take it all in. What a sweet girl!!

Happy Birthday!

2010-05-18T14:48:00.001-07:00

Oh my how the time has flown. Tea is now four. I'm sure it never stops shocking parents the older their children get. I'm sure my parents still can't believe they have an almost 30 year old! And there are two older than me. Such is life. I'm just so happy I was blessed with honestly one of the sweetest, kindest, cutest, funniest, happiest, sleepiest!, most wonderful little girl ever. Make no mistake she has her moments, but she is perfect for me!! I love you Tea and I hope four is as great as one, two and three (well the good parts of three :)!).

On to other news, for those who aren't on facebook I have neglected to let you know that we are having another GIRL!!! We couldn't be happier.

Finally some pictures and . . .

2010-03-04T11:19:00.002-08:00

That's right, I never thought I would announce this again but I'm pregnant with number 2 (and our last :)!). We are very excited. I must say that having a planned pregnancy is much different than unplanned. We're equally happy but it's different. Tea is the most excited though. Every time I leave and come back she thinks it's because I got the baby out. She's going to have a hard time waiting this out.

So the details. I'm one day away from 12 weeks. So I'm due September 18. We have an okay picture of the baby because it wouldn't sit still longer enough to have a really good one taken. Maybe next time.

In other non-baby related news, Tea is growing fast, as you can see. She is almost four (in May). She is happy to be around grandparents again and enjoys being the center of attention. She is in preschool and doing very well. She writes her name and knows what most words start with. You give her a word and she knows how to figure out what it starts worth most the time.

I am currently working full-time from home which I love. I love being able to pick Tea up from school and take her places during the day. We also just moved into a new place which we love so far. It's nice having our own space through we miss Grandma Loulee and Grandpa. We're still in their ward so we didn't go far.

Anyway, that's about it. Unless of course you know of an awesome Urban Planning job out there, Greg will take it!!!!

So hopefully we'll be more frequent with our pictures :)

Exciting news

2010-01-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

So anyone wanna hear some exciting news??!!! Perhaps it's only mostly exciting to me but indulge me......I interviewed last week and will again tomorrow for a stay-at-home job!!! Who woulda thought they really exist!! Well I know they did because my Mom and two sisters work for the same company but now it's my turn.....fingers crossed. This means I will actually get to stay home and for longer than the two months it lasted last time because I'll actually get paid. Amazing!!!

Oh and I promise Tea pictures are to come. I know you're all just DYING to see my little cutie patootie (aka spitfire, attitude, crazy girl)!!

Scentsy Party

2010-01-06T16:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this post is the first of more to come. I will have some pictures and updates but I first wanted to let everyone know that I am having an online Scentsy party. There is an adorable new warmer perfect for Valentine's day...and all year. There are also some really yummy new scents. As an added bonus, everyone who orders will be entered to win a Scentsy party pack. This includes a plug-in warmer, scentsy bar and car candle HUGE HUGE HUGE. So be sure to order under my party name here https://jessicaatkinson.scentsy.us/Home and click on order from Jessica's Party.

We are alive

2009-09-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have been more than horrible updating or blog, but I have literally no time. We did make it to Utah (in case you were worried that it was taking 6 weeks to get here!). We made it in two days. Tea was a champ and didn't complain once, even when we had to sleep in our car at a rest stop because all the hotels were booked. She was fantastic. Greg has been in NY this whole time and is leaving tomorrow to join us. I miss NY so much but having family around has been wonderful. Pictures of Tea to come soon.

And for all those Scentsy fans, if you buy something from my Scentsy site this month (September) you will be entered to win a Scentsy Three Pack with your choice of Scents!!!!! If you purchase and then post the giveaway on your blog, you will be entered twice. Be sure to order in September for your chance to win. Be sure to check out the adorable pumpkin warmer that is brand new and so stinkin' cute!

It's Oh-fish-E-al

2009-07-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

That's right folks, it's official, we are MOVING back to Utah. Not so excited about Utah but we are very excited to be with family and our great friends again. However, that means we have to leave awesome friends here in New York which we hate doing. Thankfully many have ties to Utah so we hope we can see you when you visit Utah. We have been so lucky with great friends here and great friends for Tea and babysitters for Tea too. We sure will miss it.

I start work on the 17th and Greg will chill here until our place sells.

Garage Sale

2009-07-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

We are having a huge four family garage sale this weekend. There will be a ton of great stuff there. Nintendo, game cube, stereos, dining room table, a ton of kids items, dresser, t.v. stand, clothes, and much MUCH more. Everyone is invited. It's at 23 Hiawatha, Clifton Park (the Hunter's). It's tomorrow and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come check it out. Priced to sell!!!!

Free!!!

2009-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Free clippie (of our choice) with all purchases on little loulees for a limited time!!!!

Scentsy, soo excited

2009-07-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

I've been excited over many things Scentsy but I'm REALLY excited about this month's scent.....BUBBLE GUM!!!!!!!! Yummy. And the cutest baseball warmer is the warmer of the month. Check it out :) http://www.scentsy.com/jessicaatkinson

The Visitor

2009-06-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

We have no idea how this Racoon (Catloon as Tea calls it) got in and out of our yard. Animal control only responds to emergencies over the weekend so I got my CO2 pistol loaded because I wasn't sure if he was rabid or anything but by the time I went outside he was gone.

P.S. this is Jessica speaking now (the other part was Greg) he got his CO2 pistol in hopes that I might be crazy and let him use it. Though I didn't mind that he would kill it (sorry PETA....not really!!) but I was more worried that our liberal neighbors would call the cops and arrest Greg. He's crazy!!! We need to live in Utah if he wants me to allow him to shoot animals.

The "catloon" did look sickly, I felt kind of bad.

2009-05-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

The joy of the quarter machine crap from Wal-Mart.

So where does the average three year old want to go for their birthday dinner, probably Chuck E. Cheese or something; where does Teadora want to go ....... Chili's. It is her favorite restaurant and she asks for it all the time. She had a great birthday and she appreciated all her presents, especially the dresses her grandma made her.

Here are some pictures from my graduation, I was excited Tea got to come, it was fun to hear a little voice from the back periodically scream "THAT'S MY DADDY". The picture at the top is of Professors Pipkin and Smith, they by far have helped me more than anyone else.

Funny thing

2009-05-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

My babysitter just IM'd me that Tea told her she speaks Japanese at home! No wonder I don't understand her sometimes, she's speaking Japanese....it all makes sense.

moving bows

2009-05-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you know that I am moving all my bows to a new etsy site www.littleloulees.etsy.com . I am uber nervous because we have so many sales on our other site and feedback too. Right now we are offering free shipping as an introduction and if any of you order you will get 10% off.

Easter pics

2009-04-19T20:46:00.001-07:00

Steve Songs

2009-04-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

I think we might be arrested for stalking Steve. Greg took Tea to proclaim her anger about taxation without representation (the highlight for her was she got to pet the police horse!) and then to a Steve Songs concert. She once again got front row seats, danced her little booty off, sang some songs and got her dvd/cd signed by Mr. Hotty Steve himself. Guess what she said to him....."thank you Mr. Steve", it melts my heart!! Sadly, I was stuck at work :(

P.S. be our 300th customer on Etsy and get a free tinkerbell bow! Only 3 to go and you win.

2009-04-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited. I've ventured out and started making glass pendant necklaces. Here's some of the ones I've made so far. I will have them up on Etsy within time. Check 'em out!! And if you want one of them or a custom one let me know :)

Crazy photobucket

2009-03-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Too all my friends who have had me do their blogs. I'm SO sorry for the recent blog background that is so not attractive. My bandwidth was used up in photobucket so it booted me out. I can redo your blogs but it will take me a really long time because I have to start fresh and I have about a billion orders for my business to fill. So, I love you all and I want to help you but I wanted to see if you could try another free blog service until I'm all caught up at which point I'd love to help. Those places are leeloublogs.com, http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/ or if you type in free blog backgrounds, you'll find a ton. I'm really sorry. If you need any help, let me know :)

Want six princesses get one FREE

2009-03-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Now's your chance!!! Etsy

Steve Songs

2009-03-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let my fellow fans know that he is coming to Albany for a concert in April. I'm not sure the dates but he has a website. So if you have a little one that is obsessed as Tea, you may want to check it out.

Line, line, circle, circle, square, square, square, square, triangle, triangle

2009-03-01T18:07:00.001-08:00

Who can guess that song???!!!!

STEVE SONGS!!!! If you don't know Steve Songs shame on you. J/K All you need to really know is that Tea is going to marry him one day. She loves him. The age difference and his current marital status have no meaning for her. I better warn his wife. What I didn't know is that Steve Songs is more than just PBS. He has been doing this for a long time. We went to Mass. for a PBS special at the basketball hall of fame. Tea was able to "meet" word girl, Sid science kid and Super Why. And of course the grand finale was a Steve Songs concert. We just happened to get front row. Tea got so close to him. He even looked at her through out it and danced with her. P.S. Moms, he's so cute in person :) She even got to do a meet and greet with him afterwords. However, Tea is in the fearful stage of her development and wouldn't get within 10 feet of any of them. Bummer!!! However, every morning she says "Mom, I love Steve Songs". So I know she enjoyed it.

Greg's note - The funniest picture is her with Word Girl because that is as close as she would let me come to her, but as we walked away she kept yelling THANK YOU WORD GIRL, THANK YOU!!!

The Problem

2009-02-25T21:22:00.000-08:00

So I'm wondering if anyone else has this problem. For the past few months we've been indulging in the new Little Ceasar's in the Albany area after not having it for a year. The first time I took Tea with me they gave her free cookies, and ever since then she associates Little Ceasar's with cookies. For a while it wasn't bad, she would tug on my coat sometime while I was ordering and say in a soft voice "cookies". But it's gotten progressively worse until the last time we went there I opened the door and she went in ahead of me, ran up to the counter and in a demanding voice said directly to the cashier "I want cookies". I'm not sure how to explain to a two year old not to be a free loader, maybe she's just catching the Obamian attitude of expecting something for nothing.

another season another photoshoot

2009-02-25T07:45:00.001-08:00

Greg took Tea out to our favorite picture place for the winter season pictures. We are going to do a four season picture frame with the pictures.

Last week

2009-02-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

Last week was a crazy busy week for me. My company was so lucky to have a wholesale order for a shop in North Carolina. We were/are so excited about it because it means a lot of exposure. But, it also meant that I had to make the entire order since I'm the only one that makes bows. However, my sisters have been very kind and offered to learn...thankfully. I had to make 160 bows in one week (plus regular orders coming in). My fingers were raw by the end. Here's some pictures of just part of the bows.

help with soap

2009-02-19T05:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, so lately I've been on a handmade kick. I love Etsy and I love handmade. One of the items I've begun to love is handmade, vegan friendly, goats milk soap. It's so smooth and leaves me feeling so clean. I love it!! The dilemma...I would love to buy from someone I know and/or a local store that sells it. Does anybody know either of these and would you be willing to share?! My dream is to go to a local market and pick up handmade, goats milk soap. Anybody?

I am so smart....SMRT!!!

2009-02-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

That's the saying I hear in my head whenever Pelosi or Obama speaks (well several more but just them for this discussion).

Nancy Pelosi almost had me convinced this stimulus package was a good idea when she said 500 million jobs would be LOST if it did not pass. Hmmm, dang, at first glance, that's horrible, of course I don't want that many jobs to be lost....oh wait, silly Nancy, she's trying to trick me. But I'm smarter than that. Unless of course EVERY American will lose their job and it will then trickle over to surrounding countries. Now everything that she says will hold credit in my book.....NOT. (that's right a throw back to the 90's)

And then there's Obama. So far so good buddy (insert rolling eyes here), nice choices on your cabinet. When asked, essentially, from a citizen in the audience in Indiana yesterday why we should trust his judgment when so many of his picks for cabinet members have committed some sort of crime. His answer, essentially, was that he wouldn't be able to pick anyone if he had to pick someone that hadn't made a "mistake". Oh, so that's what we're calling tax evasion these days...oopsies. I wonder how the government will respond if I make a mistake on my taxes. Oops, sorry guys, I forgot to pay my taxes last year, my bad.

Ok, so maybe this logic would fly if it weren't for these people who forgot to pay $130,000+ in taxes, being appointed to financial positions, or the position to monitor the government and make sure they are being honest.....hmmm, a little fishy.

I found this really great article you can check out.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123310466514522309.html

Granted it's an opinion, so take that into consideration, but the bulk of it was good I thought.

Stepping off soapbox now.

Another feature and giveaway

2009-02-07T08:35:00.001-08:00

My company is featured on another blog and there's a giveaway. Check it out and enter to win. You just have to make a card that was inspired by a product in our shop.

http://hearthugsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Contain your excitement

2009-02-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

If my gorgeous stuff didn't bring you to Etsy (he he) then maybe Rosie O'donnell is more up your alley. That's right folks, Rosie the little shedevil that she is has opened a shop and you too can own a part of Rosie. Her products are freaky and the price is high, but hey it's Rosie!!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop_sold.php?user_id=6794680

Great time for Scentsy

2009-02-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

Right now is a great time to order some Scentsy. They are having a special...10% off items in their Fall catalog. They are clearing out some items to make way for new product.

Click on the link to find out what warmers and scents are being discontinued

https://www.scentsy.com/images/photo/Fall08_Discontinued.pdf

My sister is having a party right now and you can order through that, have a party of your own, or order individually. Let me know if you have any questions.

I have some great incentives if you want to host a party, we can do it online or an in-home party, let me know.

Look how cool

2009-01-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

My company was featured on a really cool blog!!! Yummy cupcakes. I don't even know this person but they posted my clip. How cool is that?

All things cupcake

Don't her cupcakes look divine? I know Mindi will love them :)

It pays to work for attorneys

2009-01-20T12:58:00.000-08:00

Working for attorneys has come in handy a few times, and it didn't disappoint today. I was barely out of my driveway when I was pulled over. Not much of a shocker considering the amount of tickets I'm used to getting but I've been good here in NY and haven't had any...until today. Luckily it was a non-moving violation and won't go on my record. But it was, however, for not having an inspected car. As everything else in NY, registration and inspections make little sense to me. Your registration is every other year but inspections are yearly. So I misunderstood. Luckily, one of my attorneys is going to get my fine reduced. YAY. Oh and there is a fine (pretty hefty) and a surcharge (really hefty). If someone could explain to me why, that'd be great?

We're back.....

2009-01-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

We made it back after a wonderful trip to Utah. Nothing like a vacation to get a girl rejuvenated and motivated. We had a great time, loved seeing our family and friends. We hope to make it back again sometime, thanks for taking us in everyone and rearranging your schedules and life around us. We loved seeing all of you.

On a side note here's a quiz, what do burnt boiled peanuts smell like? April knows it all too well.

Answer: cigarette smoke. It smells like we started smoking in our house. Greg tried to make boiled peanuts the other day, before we left, which I'm not sure why because they sound disgusting and I've heard they are. But, he wanted to try it. However, due to his extreme schedule, anytime he sits down he falls asleep. So, yep, you guessed it, he fell asleep and woke to a smoke filled home and the smell of burnt peanuts. Which, by the way, after a week vacation, it still smells like burnt peanuts. Oh well, just know if you come over or sit next to me somewhere that I don't smoke, I promise.

Tinkerbell

2009-01-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to get on the Disney character hairbow bandwagon. But Tea saw this, is currently obsessed with Tinkerbell and wanted this bow. So I made it and will now sell it. There you go, I am ordered around by a two year old. She acts old for her age though and she's very demanding....it helps that she's cute as heck.

P.S. One day until Utah!!! YAY!!

Vacation

2009-01-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

I am so excited because we are going to be in Utah next week. It's probably the last time for a long time that we will be headed back there. I can't wait to see everyone! See you in three days :)

Christmas dinner

2008-12-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

Quiz: What do you eat when you have no family around, there's only three of you and no reason to make a big traditional Christmas dinner?

Why sushi of course. Granted it was kind of the default dinner seeing as how it was the only restaurant open. but oh so yummy....and little clean up:)

Ballerina

2008-12-20T15:54:00.001-08:00

I can't wait for Tea to be three so she can take ballet. I love tutus and I am now in love with this clippie. Available at scrapnscribe.etsy.com

Ice storm

2008-12-14T05:50:00.000-08:00

New York along with the rest of the Northeast got pounded with a severe ice storm, but we came out of it fairly lucky. Our neighborhood was pretty much the only neighborhood in the southern end of Saratoga County to retain power and no damage to our house. Clifton Park ended up declaring a state of emergency but unfortunately Jessica had work and I had a final at SUNY so we had to drive around trees and over power lines to get to Albany, it was almost like trying to get into East Germany which probably isn't far off from Albany.

Have a cupcake without the calories

2008-12-10T20:35:00.001-08:00

Are these not adorable?!!! Check 'em out. Scrapnscribe

Defeat

2008-12-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just feel beaten down by life!?! Like life took one look at you, laughed at you, called you names and proceeded to kick you?!!! Not just one person or one thing, but everything in general. I kind of feel like that right now. I feel like sleeping for two months straight sounds pretty sweet right now. I need something to rejuvenate me, to wake me up!

What's causing it, I have a few things I know of for sure -- too boring and petty to express-- perhaps it's because my life is so hectic, yet structured (how can that be!). I just keep counting down the days until the economy picks up, until Greg is done with school so we don't have to spend 5 out of the 7 nights a week apart because he has to work overnight, or 6 out of the seven days in different rooms because Tea and I are in one and he's sleeping in the other because he's tired from work and school and staying up 48 hours straight twice a week. I keep counting down the days until spring is finally here even though winter pretty much just started. I keep counting down the days until May when my sister is hopefully coming to see me. I keep counting down the days until I get to go on a week long vacation.

Maybe if I stopped counting, life would start keeping up with me and yet slow down when I need it to.

So, in an effort to realize that my worries are minimial to other or that I'm not the only with worries, what are you stressed about right now? What are you doing to help overcome life?

One thing that keeps me happy for sure and keeps me going is this adorable little girl. Without her, life would be boring.

2008-11-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to announce that I recently became one of the newest members of the Scentsy team! I am very excited to be a part of this company because I love their product and I love sharing it. Right now is a perfect time to host a Scentsy party, purchase Scentsy product or become a consultant yourself. These make excellent Christmas presents. As an added bonus, if you book a party with me before January 1, 2009 (the party doesn't have to be before January 1st, you can do it anytime you just have to schedule it with me before January 1st) you will receive a free plug-in warmer of your choice. How great is that! Also, the great thing about Scentsy parties is that you don't have to actually have one in your home. You can have an online party and all your friends and family can order from the comfort of their own home and you still earn free product. This is great for those who don't live close to me. I will get you set up with everything you need and all you do is get the word out. Check out my website for more info. https://www.scentsy.com/jessicaatkinson

Also, Scrap-n-scribe is making adorable dresses. Check 'em out scrapnscribe

Religious tolorance from the Daily Kos

2008-11-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

So I'm trying to think of the last time an extreme political organization targeted one specific religion that the majority of society was either against or apathetic towards to hurl vitriolic accusations against in order to blame them for a wide array of societal ills. Does anything come to mind? How dare a politically incorrect church with socially odd beliefs get uppity enough to feel that they could exercise their constitutional rights to fight for their beliefs whether that be through free speech, financial donations, or voting. I mean prop 8 was obviously all the Mormons fault even though this is the second time California has passed this measure. But don't worry, judges know more than the average peon and know what's best for us. So when California decides by popular vote to define marriage between a man and a women in the constitution, they will interpret that to mean the exact opposite, just like with the Second Amendment. Gotta love the liberal idea of interpretation (maybe its a Latin word for "it means whatever I want").

Greg

$24.73

2008-11-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

What a great dollar amount this is. I haven't seen this dollar amount in probably 6 years (maybe a little less). Why is this such a significant number you ask? Because that's how much it cost to fill my car up from completely empty, running on fumes, to completely full this morning. Ahhh, what a great number! Too bad it won't last. For now though, I celebrate!

My opinion

2008-11-17T10:45:00.001-08:00

As if I don't have enough opinions that I share with everyone, I thought I'd add another.

After being offended for the billionth time (my own fault, others don't seek to offend me, I realize I choose to be offended) and after a conversation with a friend who has been hurt by the subject way more than I have, I decided to post that I'm grateful I can work. I'm grateful people are willing to hire me. I'm grateful that I can provide for my family while Greg is working hard to one day take over the role (or at least share the role with me :P). And I'm grateful that I like my job so much so that I really enjoy working. I kind of discovered after staying home this summer that I enjoy working. I've been working for a long time and for me, I feel like a better Mom when I'm working--as weird as that may sound but it's true, I'm not a very good SAHM. I love Tea more than anything in this world and want nothing but the best for her and if that means a mom at home, I will do whatever I can to provide that for her, but she is doing just fine. She doesn't have anxiety, she doesn't have separation panic attacks, she isn't anti-social, she doesn't try to kill animals (except for the few occasions where she tries to rip Josie's, our cat, tail off) and she usually only beats people up when she's hungry or tired. I don't think she's suffered and I don't think a lot of kids suffer by having their mom's work. So for everyone who has completely unintentionally, no fault of your own, I don't blame you, offended me, sometimes Mom's have to work and that's ok. Some day you may have to work and that's ok. I only say this, because sometimes I wish someone would've said it to me before I discovered it on my own.

A walk in the woods...

2008-11-14T18:19:00.001-08:00

Greg took Tea out for a photo shoot today along the Erie Canal since it was the first day that wasn't the beginnings of bitterly cold. It was raining a little and overcast but I guess that's the best time to take pictures. I couldn't choose just one to share so here's a ton.

Holy cuteness

2008-11-10T17:39:00.001-08:00

That's right another boring post about the adorable things available in my shop. Hey it's my blog and I'll brag if I want to..... But, I mean, c'mon, all these bows, a whole year taken care of. Nice!!!

behind closed doors

2008-11-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Go back with me to two weeks ago. I was at ToysRus and as I was entering the store with my then well-behaved child (I add this because I may have felt differently if she was being a pill), a women was attempting to exit the store with her two children, one boy one girl, the oldest (boy) being around 12 and the girl being around 9. As I'm putting Tea in the cart near the exit I hear this lady screaming very loudly. She is standing with her children in between the exit doors (there is a set of doors, a little waiting area and then another set of doors). I look over and find this women grabbing her daughter by the back of the neck and swinging her around so her daughter's face was about 1 inch from her own. As she violently shakes her daughter (violently may be harsh, but it was extreme) she continues to scream and say things I can't quite understand except that her daughter must've demanded something in the store and this did not please her mother (obviously). I stared, gave her the evil eye, hoping that she would calm down and realize she was being ridiculous. Now, I am no prude. I realize children can be real pains in the #$@ in stores and sometimes it takes everything within you to not blow your top or send your child packing with some lucky customer, but how much is too much? I often wonder if you are willing to act so forcefully with your child in public, what are you doing at home? Am I the only one?

I realize I only have a 2 1/2 year old, but they (well I should speak for myself I suppose and say she) can be pretty rotten in a store. Granted she doesn't beg for anything too often and when I tell her no the worst she does is scream -- no profanity's thus far. So I can't really speak from experience, except from my own childhood, which I don't remember my parents publicly beating me (though I could be suppressing it I suppose).

I feel I should add again that I am not someone who feels that a child should never be spanked or that disciplining a child will ruin them forever, I think just the opposite in fact. What are your opinions on the matter? Too much or deserved? Do you think worse things are happening at home?

For my sister

2008-11-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

My sister put some pictures up of her kids playing in the snow and I fell in love with this picture. So I worked some photoshop loving on it. I hope you enjoy Emma! I LOVE you and this picture.

All in the family

2008-11-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

The first post was me, then Greg and Tea would like to add GO OBAMA! Our poor misguided child is obsessed with him. However, if it was her choice (based on popularity in her mind alone) it would be Obama/Palin. Contradiction, yes, but she loves them both dearly.

Talking out of your...

2008-11-05T10:01:00.001-08:00

"Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity." - Obama acceptance speech

Actually President elect Obama, the republican party of the 1800's had very little to do with the republican party of today. It was founded as a moral crusading party hellbent on abolishing slavery and polygamy at any costs. This utilitarian approach included such "individual liberty " measures like revoking civil liberties including habeas corpus during the civil war and revoking just about all civil rights of mormon pioneers through horrible legislation such as the Edmonds Tucker act. Imagine if today you saw a Right to Life party or Marriage for all party, this is what the republican party was founded as. It has very little to do with self reliance, and it did believe in national unity, but that unity was at the end of a Smith & Wesson. Lets hope President Obama learns to speak from the other end when he takes office.

Well that just sucks....

2008-11-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

Hold on to your wallets folks, it's gonna be a bumpy (expensive) ride. I wasn't excited about either candidate and for the first time in my life (voting life that is) I felt that I would have to vote for the lesser of two evils (so depressing)! My only hope now is that Republicans take back Congress....which is bound to happen when people start seeing their paychecks dwindle all so "others" can "survive". Who needs a paycheck anyway!?! And don't even get me started on socialized medicine, that's a disaster waiting to happen. Have fun waiting 4 months to have your chemo started. Don't believe me, how fast is that line at the DMV? How easy is it to fire someone who works in government even though they don't do anything or do it all wrong, harassed others, watched porn at work (I have first hand experience with all of these)? Remember all those horrible news reports the biased media was airing about military hospitals? Welcome to your new clinic. My family knows first hand how great military hospitals are. My mother, when she had me, was required to make her own bed, come get me if she wanted to see me, change her sheets! Have fun doing that next time you're in the hospital. As if we aren't infiltrated with lazy, I-deserve-everything-because-I'm-me kind of people, you aint seen nothing yet. Am I being a cry baby? Of course, but now I just fit in with Obama's crowd!

One good thing about this election, it's OVER!!!!

party time

2008-11-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

I'm currently having an online Scentsy party. If you haven't heard of Scentsy, it's this awesome home fragrance system that is truly the best out there. You buy a warmer (they have tons of options) and Scentsy bars and the bars are melted in the warmer by a light bulb. No smoke, no wick, no fire hazard. If you accidentally leave it on, no problem, it's completely safe. Scentsy also recently introduced plug-in warmers. So if you don't have the counter space for a bigger warmer (i.e. bathrooms) you can get the plug-in warmer and still have a great smelling house. Check out the site and if you place an order, be sure to do it under my name. http://scentsy.com/charissap These make awesome Christmas gifts and so this party couldn't have come at a better time!

Also, everyone who places an order will be entered to win a mini-notebook in the color palette of your choice made by me. It will look like this, just in the colors of your choice.

http://scentsy.com/charissap

So excited

2008-11-01T15:32:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to be adding to my shop tutu's. I've been wanting some for Tea for a long time so I decided to start making them. check 'em out. I can do several colors and sizes too. I will be adding some Christmas ones so watch for those. Also, if you have a special theme you'd like, let me know and I will see what I can do.

our angel

2008-10-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

As you can see, Tea was an angel for Halloween. And her Dad was the devil. The face she is making in the picture with him is after 2 hours of trying to avoid him. She was freaked out by him, but so was I so I can't blame her. I think this is the first and last year he will dress up....well at least in something so scary. We did get a load of compliments and Greg was given candy several times for being such a sport and dressing up with his daughter.

Some of these are from her very first night of trick-or-treating which thankfully turned out to be a warmer night (in the 50's instead of the 30's that we've been having).

The other ones with pumpkins were taken at the Keene, NH pumpkin festival. It was another beautiful day this year, rather warm, just how we like it.

I hated Halloween until I had a kid. It's so much fun to see her excitement. She got hooked up too. Full size candy bars....thank you trick-or-treating!

Giveaway

2008-10-27T09:34:00.001-07:00

The giveaway has begun. Be sure to check out my tips and tricks blog and enter for your chance to win some great stuff. Hurry, it ends November 3rd.

Oh and tis the season for giving, my friend is also doing a giveaway on her blog so enter to win. http://www.thestingerfamily.blogspot.com/

For USU Alumni

2008-10-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

I thought Seth, Melanie, Amber, and James and any other Utah State alumni from earlier this decade would appreciate this. After Kermit Hall left the presidency of USU he came to UAlbany until his death, and University at Albany decided to plant this tree and place a plaque under it in the library commons.

Introducing

2008-10-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Korker bows to my shop. Check it out, they are so cute.

gift giveaway

2008-10-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up, on my tips and tricks blog starting Monday, I will be doing a gift giveaway. There are some awesome companies that are giving away some great stuff so be sure to check it out and enter to win. There will be chances to enter multiple times so be sure to check that out too. After all, who doesn't love FREE stuff.

What in the world!!!!

2008-10-20T13:43:00.001-07:00

Not much surprises me these days and this really shouldn't have surprised me having done a thesis on voting in the US. And, really, it doesn't surprise me as much as it infuriates me. This is the voting public, maybe not the majority, but way more than I care to think about it. Hopefully the statistics hold true this year and many Americans who are this politically ignorate will stay home on election day. We can only pray.

Jessica forgot...........

2008-10-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

Jessica forgot to mention the highlight of the trip, our stop to the only good tasting Mexican restaurant in the eastern United States. I got my annual Mexican fix and sadly now I have to wait another year. I felt like and probably looked like a dork taking these pictures but I thought some of you in Utah might get a kick out of the newspaper.

P.S. (Jessica speaking now) I didn't forget to add this, I just thought he was a nerd for taking pictures. I made him wait until the last trip there (yes there were multiple trips) and he had to wait until we were done eating. I'm sure everyone thought he was a dork and not just me :)

Maine

2008-10-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

We went to our favorite state, Maine, last weekend. We all just love it there so much. It has to be the prettiest state that I've seen. Tea had a blast at the beach, she definitely takes after me there. She is so calm and relaxed when at the beach. She loved looking for sea shells and found some huge ones. In this picture she kept standing near the water as the wave went out and would run as soon as it started coming back in.

P.S. with any of my pictures on here, just click on them and it will make it bigger for you.

Isn't this pose hysterical? I don't know where she came up with it, but she does it a lot.

While in Maine we decided to go to downtown Portland. We happened to park next to a children's museum and decided to go in. It was dated but really cool. As you can see Tea loved it. They had a shuttle model that kids can go in and play fly.
Outside they had a huge pirate ship which Tea loved once the annoying, loud boys left.
There was this news room where you videotape your news report and then you can play it back and watch it. There were a couple older girls in there, (maybe 12 years old), and Tea went in there and thought she was their friend. She acted so grown up and kept laughing when they laughed and copying them. They weren't too into her, but they were nice to her at least. I fell in love with this picture because she looks so grown up. My baby is no longer a baby.

We wanted to go to Salem, Mass., but parking sucked so we left and went to Concord so I could go see Louisa May Alcott's house. Ahhh, I love Little Women.
Here are a couple more pics from Maine.

Here is the lucky lobster that got picked to be our dinner. It freaked Tea out a bit and of course Greg being the Atkinson that he is, took the head off and scared Tea with it. Lovely.

movie debate

2008-10-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

Greg and I often have debates late at night when we should be sleeping....oh well. As I'm sure many of you can imagine, they can get fairly heated because we both, mostly me, like to debate. So our current debate is what movies are more destructive or cause kids to behave in that manner, sex or violence. This debate arose from the seemingly lopsided ratings given to movies by the MPAA, where movies are more likely to be given an R if there's sex and a PG-13 if there's violence.

So it started out that which movie would you rather your kid see (if they saw one)? Die Hard or American Pie?

My stance is that movies containing sex is equally destructive as movies containing violence. My argument is that while I don't believe kids will watch a violent movie like Die Hard and immediately want to go out and bomb buildings or kill people,I think violent movies lead to violence as well as violent video games like Grand Theft Auto. Just like sexual movies will make it seem cool for teens to have sex.

Greg, on the other hand, feels that movies with sex are more destructive and have a greater impact on kids than violent movies. Though he wouldn't want his kid seeing either, if he had to choose, he would rather they see Die Hard because they won't take it as something that is cool to do or be tempted to copy as likely as a sexual movie like American Pie. American Pie is much more likely to influence a child's real world behavior than Die Hard.

We chose two R rated movies, though not all violent and sexual movies are R rated and are therefore more readily available to our children. So should add the debate targets these lower rated movies too.

What's your stance on this? (And I should add that Greg and I are not exactly the moral authority on most things--or anything for that matter. So if you feel that we are passing any sort of moral judgments, we're not. This is not intended to offend because essentially we would be offending ourselves if it was the case. This is purely for debate sake....I love debate! props to the U of U poli sci department)

Who doesn't love handbags?

2008-10-10T04:47:00.003-07:00

Click on here http://www.handbagplanet.com/ and enter to win a free handbag. Hey, who doesn't love a new handbag. (ok so I might be slightly more obsessed with them than others!)

What's the dating age again?

2008-10-05T18:05:00.001-07:00

Our daughter knows what she wants and doesn't let anyone get in her way. Tea has been begging to see her friend Aidan for a few weeks now and when she finally saw him this is how she said hi. Anyone know of any all girl schools in the upstate New York area?

P.S. This was not-planned, this actually happened while she was at the babysitters. She did this all on her own. Too funny.

The Presidents

2008-10-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Halloween Haribow

2008-10-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

These adorable halloween hairbows are available on my Etsy site. Just in time for Halloween!!!

8 things....

2008-10-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

8 things I am passionate about...
1. family
2. reading
3. travel
4. photoshop
5. digital scrapbooking
6. my Church
7. decorating
8. bug removal

8 words or phrases I use often...
1. son-of-a
2. NO
3. I love you
4. for sure
5. good morning/afternoon Balzer & Leary
6. enough!!!
7. go to bed Tea
8. pumpkin pie (I must add, since my sister made fun of me, that while I do love me some pumpkin pie -- yay for Thanksgiving -- it is my nickname for Tea, I don't know why or when it started but I call her my pumpkin pie. And she calls me it sometimes)

8 things I have learned from my past...
1. Don't loan anything out
2. Don't lie to your parents, somehow they always find out!
3. Say what's on your mind
4. Don't let people walk all over you, stand up for yourself
5. Don't buy things just to buy things
6. Get out your frustrations right when it happens, don't hold it in
7. Your family will always be there for you.
8. let everything bad that happened go sooner rather than later

8 places I would love to go see or visit...
1. Europe
2. Australia
3. North Carolina
4. Georgia
5. Martha's Vineyard
6. Disney Cruise
7. Prince Edward Island
8. Key West

8 things I currently need or want...
1. Money
2. Money
3. Money
4. Greg to be done with school
5. a vacation
6. a master's degree
7. a new mattress
8. it to be summer again

8 people I tag...
1. Charissa
2. Amber
3. Amanda
4. Emily M.
5. Ashby
6. Melanie
7. April
8. Heidi

For the family in Utah and abroad

2008-09-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Bathroom remodel

2008-09-26T05:48:00.001-07:00

Before

After

What to say

2008-09-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Greg and I are unsure of what to tell Tea to call her private area. I am not scared of the words vagina and penis, (even though I giggle like a 12 year old when someone says vagina) though I don't know if it's appropriate for little kids to use these words (why, I don't know, I think I heard it somewhere). I am not opposed to her calling it what it is, but is that socially acceptable (not that I'm always socially acceptable, but that's another story). So what do you tell your kids to call their private areas? I'm a fan of cha chi and chi chi's but I would like Tea to know their real names eventually.

New blog

2008-09-23T19:11:00.001-07:00

I have started a new blog for tips and tricks. Check it out and hopefully you will find something that is useful to you. If you would like to know anything specific that you think I can help you with or you want me to figure out, or if you have a tip or trick that you would like to share or you want to advertise on the site, let me know j4atkinson@gmail.com.

Mutilation, it's the new black.

2008-09-23T06:04:00.001-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5165121&section_id=5104323

Am I the only one who finds this disturbing? I think I'm mostly disturbed that 116 people have purchased it. Who wears this stuff? If you do, please explain to me why! Is there something in the fashion industry that I'm missing? If so, I think I'm better for not jumping on this bandwagon. Mutilation, it's the new black.

Oh and p.s. check out the price tag on these puppies!!! (ooh, that's a good business idea for this jeweler, puppy parts!!

Tourettes????

2008-09-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

For sometime now Teä has been repeating the last letter of the last word she speaks. For example: I want breakfast t t t t t, Mommy's s s s, that's Teä's s s s s, Daddy's s s s s. You get the point (and if you don't, that's sad...just kidding or for those who can't give up the the 90's, sike). Anyway, I was thinking it was a slight case of Tourette's, however, Greg thinks it's her sounding things out in response to how we sound them out to her--she just doesn't do it right. Who knows, I just hope that if it is Tourette's, she'll have the kind that force her to use profanity at all the wrong moments. I think that would make for a much more interesting Sacrament meeting :) (Not that ours aren't interesting now--just in case the Bishop's wife is reading this, although I have a feeling she would admit that herself, she's cool like that!--it would just liven it up a bit)

EDIT: Greg and I discovered, at further investigation, that she only does it when the word ends in a consonant. The most common ones she does this with is k, s, t, and n. Amber if you read this, do you have any clue what it is? I should record it so you can get the feel for it better.

Hi-ho, Hi-ho, it's off to work I go....

2008-09-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

....yep, off to work I go. Go ahead, cry with me, join the pity party that is in session -- I am back at work. I did find employment with a really great law firm in dowtown Albany -- my hood. I love the street I work on, it's a mini-San Francisco and I LOVE it. New characters every day, lots of good food and Dunkin Donuts next door. Life is good. Sadly, I have to leave Tea again but she is a trooper and is doing great. She does give me more loves and kisses, which I simply adore. So, there you have it, like I said, feel free to cry with me :)

Story boards

2008-09-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

I decided to start making story boards because they are just a really pretty, fun way to share your trio favorites. If you would like one I can make one for you for $10.00, it will be a new offer in my business. I will make it any size, color, wording and different shape options too and then send it to you through email or disc and you can print it at your favorite place.

HA HA HA, case in point.

2008-09-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

Follow up of my contradictions post:

Yesterday we were walking into our house and their was a frog on our front porch and so we told Tea to look cause there was a frog. She walks over to it and says "oh, froggy.....froggy(in a semi-fascinated voice) and then...........stupid frog (in a disgusted voice)" Yep, that's my kid. Stupid frog. I have to agree with her though. Oh and then she proceeded to try and step on it, all while laughing hysterically. Where did I go wrong?!?!

Katie Couric

2008-09-02T19:20:00.001-07:00

Katie, FYI, all I have to do is watch you ONE time to tell you exactly why your watchers are dropping like flies. YOU'RE NOT NON-PARTISAN. Get a clue Katie. If you are trying to be a journalist with no political affiliation, then you are going about it all wrong (take a lesson from the late, great Tim Russert). You are the worst news anchor I have EVER seen, and that's even behind Dan Rather. I can't stand her, I hope she reads this (yeah, right). I'm watching the ding-bat at the Republican conference talking to someone about Palin and he gives her facts and she says, but isn't it true that she originally ok'd the bridge to nowhere....but, but, but isn't it true....let's get it straight. Let's do get it straight Katie, you're an idiot, with the lowest ratings of anyone in your position, and you still don't get it. Why don't you just come out and say it "isn't Barack Obama just too perfect, you loser Republicans will never be as good as Democrats.....gimme a D gimme an E gimme an M gimme an S....GO DEMS...YAY!!!!"

Contradictions

2008-09-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

My friend made a post a while ago about her contradictions in parenting. I would like to read something like that and think, not me, I'm perfect.....but that would be a load of CRAP, a big steaming load of crap to be exact. I read that, laughed and then realized just how many contradictions I make daily.

For example:

Me: Tea do not touch the diapers or so help me.....
Me later on: Tea, can you go get mommy a diaper.
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Me: You are not allowed to open the front door EVER, you know better.
Me later on: Tea, can you go open the front door for mommy?
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Me: Do NOT take your diaper off.
Me later on: Tea, take your diaper off so we can give you a bath. (I really need to stop this one and then maybe the poor girl will not be put through the duct tape torture, perhaps I should have to wear duct tape as well)
****************************************
Me: absolutely no more cookies.
Me two seconds later: OK, just one more.
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Me: Tea we don't say stupid.
Me later on: That person is so stupid (probably in reference to Barack or some other shady, stupid (see) politician...ha ha ha).
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Me: Tea we don't say shut up.
Me later on: Whatever, shut up.

Wow, and she's only two. How screwed up will she be when she's 16. She'll need to learn the art of do as I say, not as I do when it comes to me :) (because we all know that kids love that!!!!)

coolest picture

2008-09-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Greg took this picture of the Boston harbor. Isn't it cool? I really want to sell it on Etsy or something. I just think it's so cool. We are for sure blowing it up and framing it. He is so good.

Boston

2008-08-31T18:34:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to Bawston. Some are duplicates but I did different effects to them and wanted to show them off :) We went on a trolley for the tour pawt and a boat trip of the hawba pawt.

Both Greg and I didn't have a huge desire to go but we are so glad we did. We really loved Boston. It's so friendly, inviting, touristy and fun. We had a lot of fun and are glad we got a chance to see it.

These are both from the temple. Isn't that a cool flower? They are even cooler because they hang down from a tree like a bell.

This is downtown Boston. There are so many cool buildings with so many different architectural styles.

This is where Paul Revere's journey began.
Quincy Market is this awesome indoor/outdoor market with food and goods.

Isn't it awesome how they merged old and new.
An awesome pic of the harbor. It looks so dreamy. What a pretty city scape.
This is Tea taking in all the people in the market. There were thousands there. We happened to go on the same day that 125,000 students moved into the city. Oh my!

Here we are waiting for the boat. While in the line we got to experience listening to the conversation a Japanese girl and German girl had in broken English. It was quite entertaining listening to the German girl repeat Berlin over and over again until the Japanese girl understood what she was saying. And we also witnessed a severely drunk women fall out of her chair, bonk her head and then lay there for a minute before she stood up, finished her drink and a cigarette. Ahh, good times.
This is how much Tea enjoyed the boat ride. Yeah, we went home right after that.
This bridge is part of the amazing, successful big dig. Did you catch my sarcasm in that.....so did I. I know, I know it's only $70 billion over budget so I shouldn't declare it a disaster.

Temple

2008-08-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Teä's new favorite song, well one of them, is I love to see the Temple. We have to play it over and over for her in the car, sing it about 40 times a day and she is constantly talking about it. I don't mind, it could be worse (like NIN or something). So yesterday we headed to Boston (more pictures to come) and since we were so close to the temple we decided to head over and see it. She was so excited. Especially since when we first got to Boston she kept calling every building the temple and we had to tell her no that's not the temple. So we hung out there for a while and took some cute shots. I wish she was close enough to see one all the time because she sure does love them. She gave my parents an over-the-phone concert with all of her favorite songs. We will record them and post them here because it's really cute.

calling all digi scrappers.....calling all digi scrappers

2008-08-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

In my head, the title above, is set to the moment in the show, Super Why, when Super Why calls all readers to the book club (PBS) . Can you tell that is on Teä's top ten favorite shows list and I have to admit, I don't mind it either.

Anyway, on to the real topic. I ask all my digi scrapping friends to let me know what kind of kits you wish you could find. Is there anything that you wish you had or any ideas for kits? Colors? Embellishments? Anything? I want ideas so I can start making those kinds of kits. Thanks ahead of time.

2008-08-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

I would go so far as to say ALBANY: Where moronic ideas thrive like mold on bread. Albany county recently thought it appropriate to give $10,000 to a local church to get guns off the streets. They then gave the same church $70,000 to promote the $10,000 to the general public. But this is the same county joining up with other moronic municipalities to criminalize plastic grocery bags. Don't worry about huge budget deficits, high crime rates, poor roads, and insane taxes, yes grocery bags are the real enemy to a ideal society.

shame on

2008-08-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

Daily vent take 3, well it's been a while and don't you worry I have plenty of daily vents but some are a little more offensive than others so for now I'm sticking with this one and perhaps I'll work my way up if I get mad enough.

This vent is in honor of those stupid SHAME ON.... signs. That's right how dare (insert your favorite company here) use their freedom (by the way we're in the U.S.A) to choose a company that does good work or does what they want. How dare they!!!!

Or how about SHAME ON you lazy goons for not accepting that decision and going to get another job instead of standing in front of the accused business holding a sign. Guess what, I choose to shop at those places more just because I can't stand those signs.

Hill Cumorah

2008-08-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went over to Palmyra to see the Hill Cumorah Pagent. After being in New York for over a year, it was very odd to be surrounded by members again. It was like being in downtown Salt Lake during conference in that there were people from all over. There was quite a few from Utah and Idaho but we met people from all over Canada and the Eastern Seaboard as well. It was definitely worth the small fortune in gas to get there.

Desperate Times

2008-08-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Teä was such an easygoing infant and toddler, but the terrible twos have hit us like a bag of hammers. I would like to think that other parents get as desperate as we do, case in point the duct tape around Teä's diaper. She has developed a nasty habit of ripping her diaper off while showing absolutely no sign of wanting to use the potty. During the day we can catch her and put it back on but during naps and at night she can greet us with a nice surprise afterwords. We don't think of it as abuse, we call it "innovative parenting".

kind of scared

2008-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been a little MIA from here and other places because I've been busy learning how to make my own digital scrapbook kits. I have been wanting to learn how to do it for a while now and finally sat down and researched it. I've made about 5 kits, 3 are fully done. I am hoping to sell them once I find a free website to do it on (I'm cheap). But for now, and here's the scary part, I will post them on here and if anyone wants them let me know (I was thinking of asking for $3.95 each but that may be way too high for my inexperience so let me know what you want to pay or if you don't think they are good enough to pay for :). It's scary because you put so much work into something and you hope other people like it. If you hate, please don't tell me :) (j/k, I can take it) I'm really excited to learn more and get better.

Food storage

2008-07-28T17:14:00.001-07:00

I decided to listen to the prophet for once (ha ha ha) and build up my food storage. I have been working on it for a few months now and tonight was the icing on the cake. We went to Price CHOPPPPer (as we say to Tea) tonight because of some deals I found in the paper. Everything purchased tonight was for food storage and I found some freaking good deals. They had frozen veggies, 10 for $10, Frieherhoffers (sp?) bread, our favorite, half off so I bought three and put them in the freezer. Aussie shampoo and conditioner 1/2 price, so $1.99. Soft soap buy one get two free. Cheese 1/2 price, toothbrushes and toothpaste 1/2 price and the best deal of all, CFL light bulbs normally $13.99 for $4.99, yup you read that right. This info of course is only good for people who live in NY but as you can tell I'm proud. So all in all, our bill came to $202, and with the advantage discount it was .....drum roll please..........$130!!!!!!! How amazing is that???? Even the cashier was impressed. So, I continue my quest to building up my food storage. Let me know if you find good deals :)

new floor

2008-07-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

We received a nice gift card to Home Depot so we decided to immediately change the floor in the bathrooms. The floors were hideous so I was beyond excited. Here's the downstairs bathroom. I will post the upstairs later.

The day Tea almost died.

2008-07-28T08:29:00.001-07:00

Well "almost" wasn't as close as it may sound, but it could've been bad. So here's the story. We went swimming at our friends house and Tea was sitting on the edge of the pool (note: not this pool, a real pool). She is deathly afraid of the water so I don't ever worry about her jumping in. I told her to stay where she was so I could get out. While I was swimming to the stairs I hear my friend yelling that Tea had fallen in. I swam back as fast as I could which seemed like forever and as I am swimming I see my friend, holding her daughter no less, jump in the water and grab Tea. We have no clue how long she was there, I'm guessing seconds or fractions of a second, but she made no splash or anything. My guess is she tried to reach for a toy that had fallen in and she fell in by doing so. She didn't cough up any water so I don't think she swallowed much. She was scared...no kidding. Thank goodness my friend was right there to grab her and thank goodness nothing bad happened to Tea. So, lesson learned, Tea will never be near water without a life jacket. How horrible do I feel?

Tagged

2008-07-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tea got tagged, so really I got tagged. I'm supposed to name 10 things you hopefully don't know about her. So we shall see if you know these.

1- Tea's the perfect mix of tomboy and girly girl. She loves her dresses, bows, earrings, necklaces, high heel shoes and dancing, but her other favorite things in life are cars, airplanes, "helpadoctors" (helicopters), Elmo, dirt, being naked, tennis, and spongebob. Of course those things are non-gender specific, but they aren't very girly girl.

2. When Tea gets a spanking (which isn't often but we have done it lately) she yells "THAT'S MY BOOTY" And she's right, but I still spank it :)

3. Tea has Green Eggs and Ham and her favorite Hop on Pop completely memorized.

4. Tea is probably the only person who truly knows how to drive me crazy.

5. Tea gives the BEST hugs and kisses. She loves to grab our cheeks and kiss our lips. Also, when she hugs you she pats your back like an adult would do.

6. She often leans over or hugs at random moments and says Thanks Mom, I love you. How sweet is that?!

7. When I do things for Tea she will say thanks babe, because that's what she's heard Greg say. Sometimes when she calls out for me it's babe. Which is really sweet but I feel bad because she calls Greg by his first name and not daddy or babe because I just say Greg. You should hear her at a store when we get separated, it's hilarious because she screams "GREG, where are you?"

8. I think Tea is the perfect candidate to be an only child. She is content playing by herself, she makes friends easily and she loves the attention.

9. Tea thrives on being a helper. But not in the traditional sense. She won't clean her room or playroom if her life depends on it, but she loves to help with laundry and dishes and yard work.

10. One of my favorite times of day is when Tea wakes up and comes down the stairs, the first thing she usually says is "good morning" in the sweetest voice and singing it almost. (no matter the time of day". Next to the thanks babe, thanks mom, I love you, this is my favorite thing she says.

Oh and one more since we're on the subject, if she's sees one of her favorite shows on tv she runs over and runs in place shaking her arms and screaming the name of the show, it's hilarious.

We tag Maggie, Eli, Jonas, Makai, and Ryley. Feel free to do your other kids so they don't feel left out :)

Don't laugh

2008-07-16T05:11:00.001-07:00

Don't laugh, I think this is true. Not that everyone falls in love with me and can't resist me (or even the gentle soul thing --well I am gentle until you make me so angry I can't control my emotions :))

You Are Snow White!

Pure and trusting. You are a gentle soul who can get along with just about anyone. Everyone you meet instantly falls in love with you. How can they resist? You have a pure, lovable nature that's irresistable. Just don't trust everyone who comes across your path.

Which Disney Princess Are You?