so is this how I make a link?

Here's my shot:

The website is www.twopeasinabucket.com

I want the word/link to simply say 2Peas

Here we go: [url=http://www.twopeasinabucket.com]2Peas[/url]

so why aren't they showing up?

Anyone? Wait, I don't think anyone actually reads this! Ugh! My last few posts aren't showing up...what's up with that?

brandon & olivia, august 2007

I made this as a 4x6 photo to bring to work. I used a free kit from

2Peas

called "Mary Mary Quite Contrary" by Sande Krieger.

august 2007

My super-cool desktop for the month of August. I got the template at

shabby miss jenn designs

.

two and a half?

How can that be? My sweet little boy is growing up right before my eyes. I know they say time flies, but does it have to take the concorde? What's wrong with, say, a glider or something?

Anyhow, this is Brandon, sitting on my lap, saying "Take me". So I did. Could he be any goofier?

toilet paper, anyone?

We were all out in the family room...except Olivia, obviously. When down the hallway came a ball of white, toilet paper that is. It had seemed too quiet, and we all know what that means!

catchin' up

It's been a while since I've posted anything, and since I want to switch over to blogger only (so I don't have to send monthly photo emails anymore), I better get cracken'!


Every morning Brandon invites "Sissy" into his crib so they can play together. It is so cute, and it gives me at least 10 minutes of "free" time to put stuff away!


I got Brandon this cute bug hat at Joann's for 89 cents! Silly me only bought one (since he wore it around the store)...whoops! Fortunately they had one left a couple weeks later when I made it back there for another one. Now both of them can wear them all the time!


Considering I grew up in Northern California, and I *love* wine...this is the first time I've been to Napa, and it was only because we had a wedding to go to! My parents had the kids overnight so we didn't have to drive home after a fun wedding. So we took advantage of it & went to a couple of wineries...we couldn't come home without a thank you gift, right?


Okay, this isn't really the best picture of a trip to the water park in Rocklin with our playgroup, but it is cute! And Olivia is wearing a bikini...although it sure looks like she's in her birthday suit :)



Now doesn't Olivia look ready to hit the town! Hey, she's got her bling shades, hairbow, binky, & her very own purple water bottle!


This is Olivia's "smile" of the month. We've got more than a few shots of her with this look...not sure if she thinks she's smiling or what. But it's cute!


"Mommy, take me." Brandon-speak for "Mommy, take my picture." And he's cute too!


I heard this weird noise in my room, and found Brandon trying to get the portacrib out of there into the hallway. He settled for leaving it in our room so he & Olivia could play. Whatever floats your boat.


And finally, our last trip to Folsom Lake for the season. The sign when we got there said "Launch at your own risk. No refunds." The water was so low that we had to park in the dirt (well below the "regular" launch ramp) & launch from the normally under water one. We had no problem launching, and there was enough water to drive around. And we had a great sandy beach to picnic on.

The problem came when we were driving back to the launch ramp where David was waiting with my dad's pick-up. All of a sudden we heard this awful noise & we didn't move; we had hit a rock in the water! Great. We did get free & were able to get the boat back to the trailer, but....Let's just say it's a good thing that it's the end of the summer! The prop is totally chewed up! The good news: David wasn't driving & it's not our boat. Sorry Dad!

good times

I love to stamp! Good times :)

And for any random person that might actually be reading this, I post my creations & recipes for my own future reference. And in case someone actually checks these out!

fabulous

At first I wasn't sure about this stamp set. Then I kept seeing it cut & layered, like I did here. Now I *love* this fun set. And since I'm now co-leader of Moms & More, I get to send cards to new moms. Yay! I think this is a great set for that...dare to be fabulous!

Details: chocolate chip, rose red, & confetti white cardstock; tres jolie patterned paper; chocolate chip & versamark ink; whimsy stampin around wheel; fabulous flowers stamp set; clear embossing powder

my first bella!

I got my first bella stamps in the mail today, this one & Cosmo Bella.

Since both Niki & Lorraine are newly pregnant, I thought I'd make them each a card. I've known about Niki for quite a while, and I've been anxiously awaiting my new stamp. I got the "expecting joy" stamp by A Muse a while back, right after I found out she was pregnant.

This isn't my favorite card, but like I said, I wanted to get something made. I really need to get more patterned paper specifically for cards!

And speaking of cards...as the new Mom's & More playgroup co-leader, I get to send out cards to the moms when they're new, sick, pregnant, etc! Yay! I can start sending out more cards (& therefore making more too). Message to David: GOD called me to send cards :)

ugg

I am so proud of myself right now! I just printed out a picture on my printer that I created in photoshop! Yay! Using a tutorial from Jessica Sprague on masking (which I had used before on my "You" layout of Brandon).

I love the look of masking (at least with her grunge frame). And I was able to change the background color by using a "cheat sheet" of Stampin' Up! Colors...so much easier (for me) to know what color it is I'm looking for, you know? I used the RGB codes for So Saffron for this:



That became the title for this page:


(patterned paper, Tres Jolie; epoxy stickers, Provo Craft; font, Hootie; tools, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 & mask from Jessica Sprague)

gingerbread

I finally finished this layout from Christmas time! Yay!

Supplies: Patterned Paper, KI Memories; Cardstock, SU!; font, Century Gothic; digital techniques, Jessica Sprague; Clear epoxy stickers, Making Memories (KI Memories patterned paper punched behind them).

"October"

I finally finished Olivia's scrapbook page for October...getting closer to finished (hey, she's not two yet!).

Journaling reads:

Well, little Missy, you’re now almost six months old…where does the time go?

You entered October with a yucky tummy flu. But, you finally mastered sitting up on your own with only a little bit of support from the boppy pillow.

On the 7th, we made a trek up to Apple Hill, where you weren’t too thrilled to be placed in the pumpkins for mommy to take your picture. Sorry! It could’ve been cute!

The next week for playgroup we headed out to Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm, where you seemed to enjoy looking at all the animals & pumpkins. That weekend we went to another pumpkin patch (Zittels, here in Folsom). You had fun there riding in a wagon with Brandon.

You had mastered sitting all by yourself by the time you were officially six months old. However, that was little consolation to me. You see, you had spent the better part of the month crying & clinging to me non-stop. And as much as I loved that you only wanted me, and cried for me when I was gone, I was exhausted! So, we took you to the doctors, only to find out nothing was wrong except that it was time to get you to take a bottle so that I wasn’t your only food source. And what a world of difference that was! Looking back, I think you also had at least one ear infection during this time (the first of many!)

By the time we had our Halloween picnic for playgroup, just two days after getting you started on formula, you were almost a different baby! So happy! And everyone knows, a happy baby means a happy mommy! You were so cute as a little monkey!

That Sunday we had Trunk or Treat at church, and you were a cute little decoration for our car  You did really well, even though it was a long day. And you even went trick or treating on Halloween, although you didn’t last long for that! WAY past your bedtime.

Overall it was a great month, though at the time it seemed like a very long month! Here’s to November!

(Supplies: patterned paper & letter stickers: Basic Grey; Big Blooms stamps, Blue Bayou ink, & white grosgrain: Stampin Up!; font: Arial; circle punches: EK Success & Marvy Uchida)

crocs

We did it.

We joined the league of those who wear Crocs. Well, at least the kids did.

Olivia had a cute pair of sandals that were getting too small (and after being washed in the washing machine to get the puke off, they were too small). And Brandon was complaining that his were hurting. So...heaven forbid that you want to buy sandals in the middle of July! We didn't have much of a selection, & Olivia liked the pink. And her feet are really wide (sorry!), so they fit well. And of course Brandon wanted a pair like her's (in pink too...well, he got blue). So here's to the Crocs. The kids love them.

palm springs

First let me point out that I was not too excited about going to Palm Springs in the middle of July. Yes, we were going to stay in a nice hotel with a nice pool. Yes we were going to visit with David's parents. Yes it was going to be over 100 there (and here too most likely). But...it was going to take 10 hours in the car!



But it really wasn't too bad...actually it was quite nice & I wish I could've stayed a bit longer. I'm now actually looking forward to going again...although preferably when it's greener & cooler (and, unfortunately, more expensive!).




Our hotel was great; we had a suite so we could put the kids to bed & still hang out. And we were right off of the pool, so on Weds night we put Olivia down, opened up the doors, and went into the pool. Awesome!




We got to visit with David's dad & step mom (Ted & Nancy), his Uncle Lenny, cousin Cassie out from Ohio, & his cousin Lori & her girls (sorry, no pictures!). We also got to see Ted & Nancy's new house in Indio.

Unfortunately it was a bit too hot for me to be out & about with Olivia, because the shopping there looks phenomenol! I can't wait to go back.

more fun stuff

New stickles on my flip flop stamp...also some fun crystal flowers from Heidi Swapp. So pretty...can I have a pair?

And this fun card used up some of my Basic Grey from a recent layout...heck, the above card is using up some BG from an older layout. Yay! I love to use from my stash...unfortunately that pile only seems to be growing :)

when life gives you limes...

I'm just having WAY too much fun with my margarita stamp! I case'd the idea for the limes from Julie Ebersole over on Paper Truffles . I used the spiral daisy stamp in white craft & embossed it with white embossing powder (not SU & so annoying...it's starting to clump up!). Anyhow, I punched that out of the certainly celery with my 1" punch, then I used Kathy's 1 1/4" punch in old olive for the rind. So cool!


I made the first one here last weekend at my parents' when Kathy was up. I didn't have the cool "When life gives you limes" stamp that I've been drooling over...I *love* A Muse! So of course I headed over to Paper Garden in Sac on Tues when I was supposed to be heading to work! Yay! Amuse-a-palooza was going on so I got to do a make & take. And I got to try out Copic markers...SOLD! I didn't get any since I was picking up a couple of stamps, some more stickles, and a tray for embossing (to make clean up easier).


So as soon as I could, I got to work & made card #2! And I even used some old KI Memories patterned paper...woo-hoo! I'm so pleased with myself! This time I was able to use my new lime green stickles on the rim, which I like better than the clear. I know it's supposed to be salt & not green, but it shows up better this way. And of course I used my crystal effects that Stephanie Nishikawa made up for me (well, and other shoppers too). So happy!

two cutie pies

David brought this cooler in on Friday when he was getting everything packed up for his camping trip with the boys. So Olivia decided to push it around the house like a car & of course she had to climb on in!



And then Brandon wanted his picture taken too...Is this my little boy? Wow!

Happy Fourth of July!

What a week so far! And it's only the 5th...

On Monday night we all headed out to a River Cats game in West Sac. Fortunately we took two cars since there were 7 of us & it would've been a tight squeeze. Olivia lasted until the TOP of the 1st inning until she barfed all over the place, including all over me! Eww! Although I had pj's for her in the car I could change her into, I did not have an entire change for myself. Oh well. Everyone else had a great time, and Brandon got to meet Dinger (the mascot). David even got a video of it, but I don't have it on the computer.

Tuesday I worked, and fortunately Olivia didn't get sick again. So we thought everything was A-OK.

Wednesday was the 4th, and we had no real plans. And considering it was 105, I'm glad! We were going to picnic lunch at the water park in Rocklin, but darn...the kids' naps interfered! So we bbq'd chicken at my parents & set some fireworks off. Brandon thought it was great, Olivia wasn't too sure. That's okay. So we took off since it was bedtime for the kiddos & we didn't want to have too many drunks on the road with us. Just as we were about a mile & a half from home (and thankfully NOT in the rodeo traffic!), Olivia barfed again. Big time. Thank God she had her blankie from my mom...or it would've been ALL over in the car! Eww! I was the lucky one to remove her from the car when we got home...how I didn't throw up is beyond me. David got it all cleaned up while I showered down Olivia (who was covered...poor thing!).

Then this morning I thought we'd take it easy. I had no idea what caused Livi to get sick, and it was 90 by 8:45. And then I saw Brandon's butt. I'll spare you the details of what really happened, but needless to say I think both kids got some bug. And they both got a bath this morning.

David takes off tomorrow for a weekend of four-wheeling. So hopefully everyone is okay.

tickled pink

I *love* this sentiment & the dress is adorable! Both stamps are from A Muse, and both caught my eye as I was searching for some inspiration (aka, shopping!) for a baby girl card for my friend Laurel.

Anyhow, it didn't come out exactly as I envisioned it. Not that I'm not happy, but....I didn't have enough paper! Ha! Well, not in the right colors. I couldn't justify putting "tickled" pink on green or purple, so I did this. I even "made" my own patterned paper (a first?) with a stamp from Polka Dots & Paisley. Maybe my next attempt will have some green or purple, but for now it's pink!

Farley Farts

Kathy found this cute book, Farley Farts, at a bakery in Aptos (?). It even farts when you push the button! Okay, it sounds gross, but it's actually pretty cute. And Brandon wanted to read with her...even better.

Rocklin Water Park

Last Friday (June 29) instead of going to the Folsom Cattle Drive, mom & I took the kids over to the water park in Rocklin. The weather was nice & warm (but not hot), so it was perfect! The kids had a blast.

It was a bummer to miss the Cattle Drive, but it's every year. And Olivia was battling her 4th ear infection in 3 months. So...we had to work in a doctor's appt & deal with a cranky baby. And the parade is at "high noon"...so we also were going to have to deal with two hungry little ones. Hey, there's next year. And I think they had plenty of fun at the park!

breakaway to the galaxy

This last June I volunteered at our church's version of vbs. We call it Breakaway. It was so much fun! I worked in arts & crafts for the 4 & 5 year olds. This photo was taken out front...amazing! I love how they always have photographers at the events so you don't have to constantly have your camera on you...or know how to take great shots!

Olivia, then & now

I love our glider! Besides that it's super comfy, puts Olivia to sleep in a minute, and makes a nice bed on "those" nights, it photographs so nicely.

I took this first picture last June 23. Olivia was just 2 months old!

This one here was taken two weeks ago, June 14, one year later. Wow. What a difference.

bathing beauties

Okay, so Brandon isn't exactly a "beauty"...but they're MY kids so I can call them what I want, right?

Pretty Princess birthday

Alexis is going to be one next Saturday, but her party is this afternoon, so last night at my parent's I made this.

Stamp is Pretty Princess.

Happy Happy Birthday

For a friend's 2nd birthday party this afternoon.

How to: barely banana, old olive, & whisper white cs; SEI ptn paper & epoxy stickers; MM number stamp; All Year Cheer II (SU) sentiment

PHS '94

Holly posted this challenge on Myspace so of course I had to respond & share it here:

Body: Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be.

1. Who was your best friend?
Elizabeth Smith, Karen Erickson

2.What sports did you play?
nope

3. What kind of car did you drive?
'86 5 speed iridiscent mint green Ford Escort, hatchback (& my parent's car)

4. It's Friday nite...where r u?
Dennys

5. Were you a party animal?
nope

6. Were you considered a flirt?
was voted "Ms. Hey Baby What's Your Sign?"

7. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
band freshman year

8. Were you a nerd?
I hope not

9. Did you get suspended/expelled?
nope

10. Can you sing the fight song?
umm, no..

11. Who were your favorite teachers??
Ms. Victoreen, Mr. Foletta (yummy!)

12. Where did you sit during lunch?
the quad, senior bench in senior year

13.What was your school's full name?
Pioneer High School

14. School mascot?
Mustangs

15. Did you go to Prom?
of course!

16. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
hmmmm....probably

17. What do you remember most about graduation?
senior cruise on the Bay

18. Where did you go senior skip day?
I have no idea!

20. Were you in any clubs?
Interact, CSF, NHS, Journalism (not a club, but), & others

21. Where did you go most often for lunch?
the quad (closed campus, though we did buy the "narcs" Togos so we could go there too!)

22. Have you gained some weight since then?
yes

25. Who was your Senior prom date?
MIke Stone

26. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?
We didn't have one :( But we're hoping for a 15th

27. Who was your home room teacher
didn't have one

28. Who will repost this after you?
???

29. Who was your high school sweetheart
no sweetheart, but David Quesada was my big crush & heartbreak

30. Do you still talk to people from high school?
a few on myspace

31. Did you win prom queen or king?
No

POST THIS WITH YOUR SCHOOL'S NAME AND YOUR GRADUATION YEAR

beautiful nail

Kathy sent me this video a while back & it is HILARIOUS! Anyone's who's gotten their nails done...anyhow, just had to put it on here for the few of you who check it out!

tomster's survey challenge

My friend Audrey posted this on myspace, & of course I had to take her up on it. I love how with email & now myspace you are never at a loss for these silly surveys!

I'll take you up on this Audrey!

1. I've come to realize...
that you don't get a rewind button, so do it right the first time.

2. I am listening to...
a humming sound in the distance...power lines?

3. I talk...
too much!

4. I love...
my kids

5. My best friends...
are few

6. My Car...
is full of cookie crumbs

7. My love life...
could use a pick-me-up

8. I hate it when people ask...
if my kids are twins

9. Love is...
undescrible

10. Marriage is..
frustrating!!!!

11. Somewhere, someone is thinking...
hey, there's a rock in my tire...oh, wait! Score! It's a diamond in my tire!

12. I'm always...
up WAYYYY past my bedtime

13. I have a secret crush on...
Boo from Survivor :) love the eye candy on that show!

14. I love to eat...
sushi

15. My cell phone...
would be prettier in pink

16. When I wake up in the morning...
I tell Olivia to shut up & go back to sleep (in my head)

17. Before I go to bed...
I take a shower, no time in the morning

18. Right now I am thinking about...
what to answer to these silly (but fun) questions & whether I should post this on my blog too

19. Babies are...
a gift from God, but a LOT of work

20. I get on MySpace...
more often now than before

21. Today I...
went to the grocery store...yes, I was THAT lady with the 2 screaming kids that should've been at home

23. Tomorrow I will...
have to go to work :(

24. I really want...
a new big diamond :) Hello insurance!

25. Someone that will most likely repost this...
Audrey sent it, Holly replied....hmmmm....

choo-choo

These aren't exactly the photos of me that I want to share, but....Brandon learned how to be the choo-choo train (we're guessing at church?) recently. He had my mom "choo-choo"ing around the house while I was at the dentist on Monday, and then all 3 of us once I got home. Too cute!

new slideshow...will it work?