I've been bitten by Twilight...

Well, it has been over a month since I have posted! Partly because I haven't had the time but mainly because I lost two weeks by doing nothing but read the Twilight Series. I don't understand what about the books sucks everyone in... Something about the lure of vampires, the passion of their love for each other and the mystery of it all. Typically I stay clear of the latest trend, I'm not hooked on reality TV or any TV for that matter, I purposefully stay blissfully ignorant of the news (it depresses me too much), yet for some reason when I bought the book Twilight I couldn't put it down. That was the beginning, then I read the other three books of the series in 1.5 weeks, staying up until 1:30am because I couldn't stop reading! And now with the release of Twilight the movie, I have seen it twice and intend on seeing it again this Friday. Why? I don't know... I find myself saddened that Edward (the lovely vampire) is only a fictional character... There is something to be said though of the wonders of a good book, to take you out of the reality of day to day life, to spark your imagination and make you feel alive again. Through all of this, I have come to realize that so many of the qualities that draw me to Edward, my dear Jeremy already possesses, so I must consider myself lucky.

Best Friends

Last week the weather was beautiful and it was the perfect time to take some pictures of the girls, outside, in their matching "Best Friends" sweaters. I bought the sweaters when Jilian was only a couple months old, so I was excited to finally see the girls in them, together. Fortunately Grace still enjoys the idea of matching with her sister. It has been so neat watching their relationship blossom. When Jilian was just born Grace was disappointed they couldn't play together, like she had hoped. But now that Jilian is older, they do play together and I love to watch. I was blessed to have a big sister and am grateful for our friendship. I pray that my girls are blessed by their relationship with each other.

Halloween Greetings

I'm not sure what it is about this time of year that makes me feel all warm, cozy and crafty inside! Each time I walk outside and see all the beautiful Fall colors and feel the cool breeze, something inside me shouts "I want to make something!" So, with Halloween approaching, this last weekend I made a welcome sign for our front door. Complete with a vintage Halloween postcard reading "Halloween Greetings".

79 Days to Christmas and...

this is what I have done so far! I've created a Christmas journal to keep track of ideas and lots of list. I've started my list of giftees and gifts I'm considering for each person. I started updated my address book for Christmas cards. I've even started my Christmas shopping! In years past I would hide the gifts all over the house and then forget where that "perfect" hiding place was! So, this year I have designated a large rubbermade container for Christmas gifts, now they are all in one place! Lastly, I bought Jilian's Christmas dress which will serve as the inspiration for Grace's Christmas dress. Traditionally I make the girls' Christmas dresses but this year I saw one I loved for Jilian and figured, "hey give yourself a break and only make one this year!" Already I feel less stressed for the holidays!

Weekend Away

This weekend I was blessed to have a weekend away, out at the coast, with friends to visit, relax, eat and most importantly scrapbook! It was so refreshing to have some grown-up girl time to be silly. I got to work on my own scrapbook this time and not one for my girls, although, my girls were in the pictures, of course! But the best part of the weekend was coming home to my two girls (hubby is out of town, the girls were with Grandma) and getting lots of hugs and kisses. I am such a better mom after a break and a chance to miss them, it reminds me of how blessed I am.

The Tip Spot Contest

There's a fun contest going on at The Tip Spot where my friend Heidi is giving away a set of Christmas photo cards, check it!

A week in the life: of me

So, I was reading a posting at Creative Organizing which lead me to Ali Edwards' (one of my favorite scrapbookers) blog. She's doing a project, A-Week-in-the Life, by documenting her life through lists, photos, journal entries and at the end of the week will create a scrapbook layout with all she collects. What a neat idea! Starting tomorrow morning I'll be documenting my life Tuesday to Monday. I'll post some of my "research" to share with you all. Consider doing the project as well. Just think of the new things we might learn about ourselves, our families and our daily routines.

Christmas is coming!

After another year of being too stressed about making the "perfect" Chirstmas (yes, I still believe there is such a thing as perfect!) for my family, at the end of 2007 I vowed to have all things Christmas completed by Dec. 1st this year. That way I could enjoy the season with my family and have time to do fun, crafty, festive activities with my girls. My friend Heidi told me about the blog 100 days to Christmas which gives you a daily/weekly activity to prepare for the season. I am excited to follow it and get ready for a wonderful holiday season! Maybe you'll join me in making life less crazy. :-)

Monday Night Dinner

I love to cook, Grace loves to cook and wants to learn to cook. But it isn't always easy finding the time (or patience) to let her help, especially in the rush of life. So, we have decided that each Monday Grace will help me cook dinner. For our family creating a schedule for everything insures that it will actually happen! Last night we took the easy way out and did Papa Murphy's Pizza. But Grace preheated the oven, placed the pizza in the oven, timed it, took it out and cut it up. She sure was proud to help cook and use her own oven mitts!

Apple Orchard

Jilian and I had fun at Oregon Hertiage Farms on Wednesday. She wasn't sure what to think of sitting on the hay but she did enjoy the tractor ride! And isn't she a cute wittle worm?!