What has 2 thumbs and needs a vacation?

THIS GIRL!

Here is where I really wanted to go. But, in reality, this is where we ARE going. It's all good, though...it's always nice to visit with family and old friends. And, you can't really complain when your loving mother is footing the bill for your ungodly expensive travel with 2 small children and a dog. Yep, Sake is going along for the ride (under my seat, of course). She's a pretty mellow gal, but just in case, I procured some doggy narcotics for the plane ride. Plus, I really hope to meet up with her while I'm there. She's one of my fabulous fellow Tulip Girls, and she literally lives just down or, rather, up the road from my mom. Small world, no?

Anyway, that was a little longer absence than I had intended from the old blog. We've just been enjoying having our house back to ourselves, and working in the yard. Bryan and I intend to bite off more than we can chew in the landscaping/gardening department. During his fabulously long 4-day weekend last weekend, we decided to install a new flower bed that will run the entire length of our walkway from the driveway to the house. And, as if that wasn't enough, we are starting to install our all-American perfect white picket fence around our front yard. Seemed easy enough to accomplish on a long weekend. Or not. We scrapped our plans to go to the beach THIS weekend so we could attempt to finish our projects. I'll post some pics when we're done. In the meantime, I'll share this from my garden:



We planted that magnolia tree as soon as we bought our house 2 years ago. The first year...no flowers. Last year...a measly 2 blooms. This year? More than 13 beautiful, fragrant flowers! I belong to The National Home Gardening Club, and they are having a photography contest. This will be my entry. The only stipulation is that the photograph come from your own garden. No problem there. And, they have some pretty sweet gardening prizes. Wish me luck!

If you missed my Garden Journal class over at Label Tulip on the 27th, not to worry! It's still available here. Let me know if you have any questions. I had promised to post some photos of what have inside the journal. Keep your eyes open for that sometime this weekend.

I'd also like to take the time to say a quick thank-you to all of you fabulous gals that have posted comments, and sent such kind e-mails in regards to the whole blog-stalker issue. It means a lot to me. And, the biggest thank-you to my now-favorite blog buddy for sending me the fabulous Johnny Cash video (you know who you are). ;0) Who would have ever thought that there was such a PERFECT song?!? Anyway, enough wasting time talking about all that crap. Moving on...

Two other quick notes...I am looking for a roommate at CHA in July. Otherwise, I might not be able to go. It's still up in the air as it is, but a solid roommate confirmation would help out a lot. Let me know if you're going and are interested in sharing a room. If you don't want to post a comment, you can always e-mail me at charmedgirlnc@gmail.com. And, about the round robin art journal that I mentioned a few posts ago...I'm still planning on doing it. But, I was thinking about pushing it back more towards the fall/winter. Let me know how that sounds. I just know how busy summer can get here, and how time can get away from us. I know that the paper and glue definitely takes a backseat to the gardening gloves and shovel for the next couple of months...at least for me.

Have a fabulous weekend!

The full reveal...

So, here's my Label Tulip projects for May in all their splendid glory...


This was a project inspired by a class taught by my dear friend Tina a few years ago. I needed a new garden journal after all these years, and decided to make another one with a few different touches. It's such a simple little book-binding project, and thought it would be something fun to teach over at Label Tulip. So, there will be an online tutorial offered on May 27th. Check out the front page at LT for more details! Moving on...

My next addition to the family canvas collection. This month's kit goodies were so boy-centric...it undoubtedly had to be a canvas for Luka. Next...

Actually, there was a lot of focus on Luka this month. Not that I don't love the ladies in my life. This kit just had so much yummy boy stuff in it! I freakin' ADORE that Cosmo Cricket Mr. Roboto paper! It was one of those papers I was terrified to cut up for fear that I wouldn't do it justice. Anyway, I managed to work through the fear and this is a memory box that I made to keep all of his baby and childhood keepsakes in. Right now, it has his hospital bracelets, coming-home outfit, ultrasound pictures and some locks from his first haircut in it:

A LO of my mom in her wedding dress from way back in the day when she married my dad. If I remember correctly, her mother made that dress. You can't tell from the picture, but it was green. Green with white daisies. For a wedding dress. A little odd, but SOOOO... 70's-ish, don't you think? Love it! It is actually my first attempt at going through boxes full of old family photos, and getting them glued down alongside some pretties.

What else, what else? Oh! We were lucky enough to get the fabulous Maria Grace Abuzman as our guest designer this month. You can check out LT for her original LO that we had to lift. Here's my version:

And, finally, our challenge for this month was repetition. I've been diggin' on some circles lately. Can you tell?

I guess that's about it for this month. Fabulous kit, once again. But, isn't it always?

Dos Mas

So, here are the last 2 sneaks from this month's Label Tulip kit.


Tune into Label Tulip tonight at 6pm PST for the full reveal. This month's kit was AMAZING, and the sneaks from all of my fellow Tulip Girls look wonderful. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

So, we had to take Luka to the orthopedic surgeon yesterday. Ever since he started walking, he has been rather bow-legged and pigeon-toed. The bow-leggedness has gotten better, but not so much with the pigeon toes. It doesn't seem to affect how he gets around, though. But, they measured his legs, turned them all about in their joints and sockets, took x-rays, and made Luka generally, well, pretty uncomfortable. Fortunately, it doesn't look like he needs braces or orthopedic shoes. The doctor feels pretty strongly that his legs will correct themselves over time. Whew! What a relief. They DID say that if the pigeon toes didn't self-correct by age 8, that they would consider breaking his lower legs and re-set them at the correct angle. Ouch. We'll just keep our fingers crossed, and cross that bridge when we come to it.

As for our house guests...where to being? I have one that is driving me absolutely ape-s**t. He has the maturity of a 5 year old with ADD. You can only image how his behavior manages to get my kids totally wound up. He actually gave Luka an ice cream bar for breakfast last weekend while I had made a quick run to the restroom. WTF? Who gives a one-year-old ice cream for breakfast?!? Sheesh. He was only supposed to be here for 3 weeks. It's been a month, and there's no end in sight. The military lost his orders for his next duty station, and now he has wrecked his truck to the point where it can't be driven. Who knows when he will actually be leaving North Carolina.

And, the one thing, I discovered, that kept my kids on an even keel while Bryan was deployed was a schedule. A strict one. We ate at a certain time, took naps at a certain time. We had a strict cleaning schedule. Everyone knew what to expect. And, of course, when Bryan came home, I expected a certain amount of change. It's hard enough getting back into a schedule with your spouse back home. But, add in two extra house guests, and it's damn near impossible. People are in and out of my house all day long. I cook for them. I clean up after them. It's like having 2 more kids to cater to. You would think that they could at least unload the dishwasher or maybe even wash some dirty dishes. For $200 a month they get nightly home-cooked meals, unlimited utilities (including long distance and television), and a place to stay. Am I the only one that finds that a little bit ridiculous? For crying out loud...you can't find a place to RENT for $200 a month...let alone have that cover your utilities and food (not to mention a personal maid)!

I'm 30 years old for God's sake. I'm past the 18-year-old living in a dorm phase of life. I have my own home, and I'm trying to raise a family. I think it's about time Bryan and I reclaim our house. I can't even sit on my couch and watch whatever I want on tv. Most of the time, the guys are playing Guitar Hero. The kids and I can't even manage to get our hands on the Wii to save our life. And, I can't even walk into my living room in my pj's sans a bra on the weekend. You just can't do that with house guests. It's too stressful. I have already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and this living situation is really exacerbating the whole thing. I feel bad for asking them to leave. Bryan and I really try to help people out as much as we can. But, I don't think it is my responsibility to house 2 grown adults for pretty much FREE just because one doesn't want to stay in the barracks, and the other one's wife took off and moved to another state. And, I certainly don't feel like I should have to do it at the expense of my sanity. I feel for both of them. Really, I do. I just don't feel like it's my problem...I think I've done my part. And, I don't feel like this is a healthy living situation for a married couple with 2 young kids. Our house has just turned into mass chaos.

One of them even had the audacity to make the remark last week that since I didn't bring money into the house, that I shouldn't have a say-so in anything around here (and that was the NICE roomie). Effin' EXCUSE ME?!? I think if we were living in a cartoon, I would have had smoke coming out of my ears at that point. It was all I could do to bite my tongue. Sorry, but that ain't how it works around here, buddy. For one thing, although Bryan has always worked, I made the the vast majority of the money the whole time I was employed. Then, we made a FAMILY DECISION to have a second child, and for me to stay at home with the kids. Second of all, Bryan wouldn't even begin to know how to budget or pay bills. That's my department, and he doesn't have a problem with that (although, I frequently wish that weren't the case). I just really hate when people make remarks like that. Go back to 1950, sweetheart. You're living in the wrong decade.

Okay. Vent over. If you made it this far, thanks for sticking around. Tee hee! Don't forget...Label Tulip..6 pm PST tonight. Be there or be square. In the meantime, I have a hotel to clean up.

It started off so well...

The weekend, that is. Doesn't that ice cream look yummy? Maybe not so much. Electric pink and purple cotton candy flavored ice cream really isn't high on my list of faves, but Hazel really seemed to enjoy it. She had been such a good girl on Friday, that we promised to take her out for ice cream after dinner. The chili turned out wonderful, by the way. Two thumbs up from the hubs, and there isn't a drop leftover for lunch on Saturday. It was even a pleasant ride to Baskin-Robbins Friday night. No screaming that the car was too hot...or too cold...no screaming that the window being down was blowing anyone's hair. Just pleasant child/parent chatter. Everyone enjoyed their icy cold treats. Bathtime and bedtime were a snap. Pure loveliness.

But, you know what's even worse than pink and purple cotton candy ice cream? Pink and purple cotton candy ice cream being spewed all over my bed at 11 pm. Of all the nights to have given in and let the little princess sleep in our bed, right? Believe it or not, cleaning up technicolor puke from every stitch of fabric on my bed is not my idea of a kickin' Friday night. Although, to be honest, there wasn't much to clean up, as Sake managed to lap it all up before I even realized what was happening. Gross. Any way, unfortunately, it seems that, as of late, more of my nights are spent partaking in similar activities rather than something actually enjoyable. Ahhh...such is the life of a parent.

Actually, some sort of a 24 hour stomach flu seems to be making the rounds at the Hanks household over the last few days. First Luka, then Bryan, then Hazel. Let's cross all of our fingers and toes that mom doesn't get hit with it. There's nothing I hate worse than throwing up. Nothing. Nada. Hate it. Anyway, everyone seems to be feeling better after a weekend of the yuckies, and I actually got some scrapping in. So, a few more sneaks with the good old Label Tulip kit. Actually, just one sneak because my silly self forgot to take detail shots of one of the projects and my final LO. I'll be back with those first thing tomorrow morning. In the meantime, here's something to tide you over...

As for tonight, I'm exhausted and it's time for bed. I have had an exhausting day at the orthopedic surgeon, and dealing with 2 house guests that have gone beyond wearing out their welcome. But, more on that tomorrow. I'm off to catch some zzzzz's...

Peek-A-Boo

Here are a couple of sneaks from this month's Label Tulip kit:



I have 2 LO's and 1 project completed so far, but there are at least 2 more projects, 1 LO and possibly some cards in the works. Hopefully, I'll get those done tomorrow. The hubs promised to take the kids out of the house so that I could actually get something done. He's trying to earn brownie points so that he can go play paintball on Sunday. Although, he actually already scored some points for buying me his first Mother's Day gift on record. Yep, that's right...in the 4 years we've been together, he had never gotten me a Mother's Day gift until this year. Before, all I got was a card. But, in his defense, we have always been on a tight budget, and I really didn't want him to spend the money. I don't need anything.

But, this year, not only did he get me a gift...he got me something I actually WANTED. As much as I love my Canon digital SLR, the thing is kind of bulky to drag around EVERYWHERE. Unfortunately, it often gets left at home because of that. I can't tell you how many times we've been somewhere spur-of-the-moment, and I've wanted to take a photo. I really just wanted a little point-and-shoot camera to stick in my purse. That way, I'd always have some kind of camera on me. Lo and behold...

This little guy was wrapped up all nice and neat for me on Mother's Day. I have yet to actually take it out of the box, but then again, I have yet to leave my house other than to go grocery shopping this week. So, there really wasn't a need for quick photo taking. I'll be busting it out tonight when we take the kids out for a promised treat of Baskin-Robbins.

Anyway, I had better get going, and tend to the chili that is cooking away in the crock-pot. Hopefully it won't get poo-pooed by the hubs this time around. Tee-hee! TGIF! Hope everyone has a great weekend, and check back Sunday night for some more sneaks! Oh, and tune in to Label Tulip for the gallery reveal on May 20th for something special. *wink*

About a week ago...

we were celebrating May Day at the local botanical gardens. Hazel rode a horse:

There were pony rides available. Or, should I say, there was a pony to ride on...and a horse. Most of the kids were terrified to get on the horse, and had managed to stack up quite a line waiting to get on the one lowly pony. But, not my little girl. She jumped right in front of kids that were twice her size, and got on the big horse. I was so proud of her...until she informed me that she didn't want to do cheerleading anymore, but would rather show horses instead. Of course she does. Let's pick the most expensive hobby, and go with that. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be trading our set of pom-poms for a set of reigns anytime soon. After we giddyup-ed, we headed on over for a run around the May pole...

And, amazingly, amongst this gaggle of girls...

Hazel managed not to get completely tangled up in the ribbons OR fall squarely on her rump! After all that running around, it was time to refresh ourselves with an order of hot dogs and soda all around...


Once our bellies were full, we headed over to the little make-and-take booth where Hazel made her own beautiful flower basket (with a little help, of course)...

She was so proud of her bloomin' treat...

And, we rounded out the day with a stop at the reptile education center. Luka was a little hesitant, and suspicious of this slithery little guy...

But, Miss Big Brave Girl decided that she would like to see one of those guys up close and personal, and actually held one for a little while.

Then, I came and had every intention to blog these photos no later than last Monday. Of course, as luck would have it, I started to feel a little scratchy in my throat while I was making dinner that night. At first, I chalked it up to irritation from all the drainage from my never-ending allergies. By the time I went to bed that night, my temp was at 100 degrees. The following morning, I couldn't breathe out of wither nostril, and my fever was up to 102. Sweet. I just wanted to crawl in bed, and stay there. But, no...Bryan had to work, so I was left to my own devices with the kids. Then Luka got sick with the same thing that night. Hazel was soon to follow. I spent the better half of last week hopped up on NyQuil, pouring Gatorade down my throat, and eating the most Top Ramen noodles I have dared to allow past these lips since my starving art student days. I FINALLY started to feel better this last weekend, but am still left with an incredibly runny nose, and a little boy in about the same boat as myself. The good news is, I was able to relax a little, and get some scrapbooking done with the latest Label Tulip kit. So, I should be back with some sneaks tomorrow. I know I say this EVERY month, but I swear...this is the best kit YET! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend, AND Mother's Day!

Yes, I dress her...

She who chews on the legs of my dining room table shall be subjected to the wearing of embarrassingly glittery outfits. Said outfits were picked out by the 4-year-old fashionista that resides in my home who probably wishes nothing more than that the dog's outfit came in children's clothing sizes. And, no matter how hard Miss Sake tries to get it off by furiously rubbing herself all over the grass...

Eventually, she will realize the she is just S.O.L, and succumb to the humiliation.

She's still not very happy with me about her new wardrobe. But, I'm not particularly happy that she crapped in my house this morning, and has assumed that the table seating is her own personal chew toy. Oh, well. We'll both get over it I suppose.

So, I forgot to mention that I won the monthly drawing over at Hambly last month. And, these goodies came for me a few days ago...


Pretty, huh? The bright colors got my imagination churning, which got me to thinking about this book:

Ever read it? It is seriously one of the most inspiring paper arts books of all time. I got it years ago as a Christmas gift, and hadn't picked it up for a reexamination in WAY too long. I started thumbing through it the other day, and got to thinking...a Round Robin journal would be fun! See, the whole purpose behind True Colors was to showcase the art journals of some very well-known and talented paper artists. They all got together, decorated the covers of their own art journals, then passed them around to their fellow Round-Robiners, and they all had the chance to work in each other's books. Their theme was color. Each artist chose a separate color for their own journal. So, for example, if I were to pick blue...everyone that worked in my book would use the color blue. In the end, when my journal was returned to me, it would contain artwork from every other participant using the color blue. And, as a challenging little catch, each person had to come up with a uniquely constructed journal to begin with. For some, the unique part was in the size or dimensions of the journal itself. For others, it was the material of the journals, such as cloth. Others selected a blank antique scrapbook, an antique photo album with frames on each page, etc. Does that all make sense?

Anyway, I was putting feelers out there to see who would be interested in participating in such a project. If you are, just leave me a comment, or feel free to e-mail me at charmedgirlnc@gmail.com. I will see what the interest is like, and if it turns out to be good...I'll get back to you with more details.

Well, I'm off to kick-start my weekend with a little Wii playing. We just got it last weekend. I'm totally addicted to Cooking Mama, and I'm NOT a video game person! And, I'm still gradually getting caught up on my blog reading. Slowly but surely...