Baby Shower Time

I hosted my sister Tracey's baby shower on Sunday. After 2 boys (age 5 and 3) she's having a girl!  It was a Ladies Only afternoon - great food, great conversation, a great time. My mom took care of the food and I handled decorations and favors. I found 2 great projects on Pinterest. The popcorn favor boxes and the onesie message board were a big hit. I used NewArrival Cricut cartridge for the cutouts.  I just wish my spray paint job on the frame for the board would have come out better, but overall I was pleased with it. 

Tracey has a great circle of friends and family. Everyone was so generous. She got the cutest clothes and gifts! I love baby showers. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

The guest of honor, my sister Tracey

Ahh..Summer

I can't believe summer is over. I enjoyed being home, although unemployed. Of course I got none of the things done that I said I would do if I ever had months off, but I'm thankful for that time. We headed back to our annual summer vacation destination, the Outer Banks. We had to skip last year, so I was so thankful to be there for a nice relaxing week. I absolutely love that place. The days seem so long and I actually forget what day of the week it is there. The beach is my happy place, the place where I re-energize myself.
We did something new this time. Went down to the beach at night. OBX doesn't have a boardwalk and there's not much light pollution so it was pitch black. We took our flashlights so we wouldn't step on the "ghost crabs" these white crabs(sand crabs) that were crawling around everywhere. those creatures are so fast! It was so quiet  and peaceful. We even watched the moon rise and its reflection on the water was an awesome sight. God's creation at its finest. My family had an amazing time and we're planning for next year. It was a perfect way to end the summer.

Top 3 highlights of our beach trip:
1) Jordan swimming with no arm floats! I was so proud of him. Big brother Jared helped him with some pointers.
2) Jared's cannonball with full clothes on. He kept saying he wasn't getting in the pool and just surprised us. I was worried his iPhone was in his pocket..lol It wasn't, whew!
3) The cool nature that we saw right next to our house - the deer and huge garden spider.

Our house for the week.

Jordan swimming on his own!

Brother teaching brother., proud mom moment

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I am so not a fashionista unless I have to be. I do clean up pretty well, if I say so myself. I could however, live everyday in graphic tee shirts and jeans. I have a variety of graphic tees and love buying ones that I don't see anywhere or on anyone. Needless to say when I scored this one for $6 on walmart.com it made my day! Jackie Robinson's story is so inspiring, what a hero! I love baseball and African American history and this was the perfect combo of both. I cannot wait to wear it to my next O's game. Excuse the wrinkles, it's fresh out of the package.

And on the creative front, this is all I've done this week. Saturated Canary is one my favorite sites for digi stamps. I'm going to use this cute little momma on a card. I'll post the finished project in a couple of days.

Summer Fun!

I wasn't expecting a summer off, but I am enjoying it. The job search is in full effect but nothing yet. I'm staying positive and focused, God has it all in control. One of favorite things I love about summer is sitting in my backyard and watching the kids play. I love that my nephews love coming to Aunt Laura & Uncle Aaron's house. When my hubby fires up the grill and we set up the pool plus water guns,  it turns into an instant party. Ahhh the joys of summer!

God's beautiful clouds! A sign of a perfect day!

Gotta have bubbles!

Big Jerry setting up the pool

My nephews, never a dull moment. Check our Super Soaker Rambo!

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Life Happens

     Wow, I haven't realized it's been so long since I've updated my blog. So much has happened since October. Let me rephrase that, so much has happened in the past 2 weeks. Our youngest is on to middle school. He missed his 5th grade closing due to that darn asthma. He did receive several awards (thanks to Grandma for picking them up) Student of the Month - May, Honor Roll and Citizenship Award. The middle child is now a senior in high school (whew!) Just one more year and he gets to experience the real world. This should be interesting..ha, ha!
     AND, after almost 10 years at my job I was told on last Friday that my position was going to be eliminated. I can't say I was too shocked that it happened. My place of employment, like many are experiencing economic hardships. We knew job cuts were coming and I just had a feeling mine was going to be one of them. I didn't cry or have a meltdown, which I normally do in stressful situations, after which I compose myself and create a plan of action. Instead, I gathered my belongings and left. I took a deep breath, knowing that God has a reason, a purpose for everything. This is my opportunity to find something new, something better, something full time. I have been working part time and looking for a new job, but not fully putting myself out there. This is my new beginning. A new chapter in my life. Only God knows where it will and lead, all I can do is trust Him.

Hurricane Sandy is gone!

Wow, these past two days have been something. Hurricane Sandy slowly made its way up the East coast making landfall at Atlantic City, shutting down everything including the casinos and NYC! Baltimore got heavy wind and rain, but thankfully my home stayed dry and the power stayed ON! I got 2 days off from work that I enjoyed although I'm afraid of what's waiting for me when I get back tomorrow. My kids are dancing because city schools are closed again tomorrow. A career in education is looking good for the snow & rain days alone. Just joking, being an educator is hard work! But back to the storm, I'm thankful it didn't hit Maryland as hard as it could have. Praying for those in NYC (my 2nd favorite place in the world) and NJ.

I did a little coloring with my sister's Prisma pencils I've borrowed. (Drea, I'll return them by Thanksgiving..lol) I'm still learning, they say practice makes perfect. I plan on getting some layouts done this weekend. I am so behind. I love Saturated Canary's digi stamps. here are a couple I worked on during the storm. Coloring is so relaxing, takes me back to my childhood.