Happy 3rd Birthday Audrey

Yesterday was Audrey's 3rd birthday as most all of you know. Thank you to everyone that called her and all the presents she received. She got so excited when she would answer the phone and people would sing to her and wish her Happy Birthday. It was great to watch her expressions. She is truly blessed with Great Family and Friends.

Since it rains every year on her birthday we decided it best to have it indoors this year, last two years we have ended up inside anyhow. She wanted to have a bowling party with all her friends. She invited 6 friends, Mia, Xel, India, Kati, Billy and Katie. They got to bowl for an hour and 15 minutes then we did pizza, cake and presents. The kids had a blast. So did the adults. Brent and a few of the other adults bowled as well. I tell you it was the best money spent for a birthday party. We paid them and we had 2 girls there to help us the whole time, got our shoes, drinks, food, and whatever else we needed or asked for. They did all the clean up. Really allowed for us to relax a bit and enjoy Audrey having fun.

Of course I can't believe she is already 3 and getting so smart and big. I am loving 98% of the time all that she has to offer and bring to our lives. The other 2%......well when you combine two stubborn people (no comments on this needed) you will get a stubborn child!

She recieved a ton of great things of course and is soo thankful for all of them. She would open her presents and immediately go around and give hugs and say her Thank yous. It was great. A few of her presents she is really excited about is her new bicycle, a new leapster game system, a barbie laptop and a card making kit complete with stamps (mom is excited she has her own now, and can create with me).

I have to say yesterday afternoon and all today so far she has played with everything and wants to play with more! It was a great birthday and she told us last night that was the best birthday party ever. I hope she continues to feel this way as the years go on.

Thank you again to everyone for an awesome birthday.....Loves to all.

2s4y card

I am still loving these sketches. I had some left over paper from doing Audrey's birthday invitations and sat down to play with the sketch. I have to say I really like the outcome and colors. Hope everyone is having a great week so far. Go check the site out it is a great bunch of gals, with tons of creativity. www.2sketches4you.blogspot.com

Sheetload of Cards

I have been very busy making cards lately as you all can see. I just came across this awesome site sheetload of cards

I just love how they give you a sketch then give you the demensions to create usually 6-8 cards out of only a couple sheets of cardstock, and pattern paper. So of course I had to create, and upon further reading they are having a contest with the August sketch. I must participate (love a good sketch). So without further a do here is my entry.......

All of creations and water play....Long Post

Loving the card sketches over at 2sketches4you, had a chance last night to do Laura's sketch #6. Also created many others to go with it, I used 2 8x8 pieces of patterned paper, I got from the retreat, and created a total of 6 cards. Thanks for looking.

hmmm so much going on where to start. I went on the retreat in Monroe and it was fabulous to say the least. Eat, nap and scrap is the name of the Ladies shop that was hosting it. Great escape was the name of the place where it was held. The building was enourmous. About 20 ladies all obssessed with scrapbooking all in one place. Eating, napping, scrapbooking and having a great time. I got about 10 pages done and 2 cards, not as productive as I liked, but I got to relax and have a good time. I also helped alot of people out. Some ladies got 50+ layouts done. I would go back and do it again in a heart beat. I am thinking I would like to open one up around here. We will see. Anyhooooo, here is a slideshow of my work. The pictures didn't turn out so great as I was in a hurry, but you will get the jist of the layouts. Enjoy!

It has been a little warm here lately, which is nice, so I have been letting Audrey play in a sprinkler outside. She loves it and guess it does keep the lawn looking nice! Here is some pictures of her playing.... oh and some of Guinness the same day.

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave your comments as Audrey and I enjoy reading them. Loves to all!

Life

Life seems to throw things at you and how you chose to deal with it is the outcome you will get. Well boy has life thrown some wrenches and down pours in Brent and I's world lately. But you know we are firm believers in "Everything happens for a reason".......so with that being said let's hear it for some sunshine and smooth sailing. I'm ready for it.

For those who don't know we have had issues with our front bathroom, our well, some dissapointment from job applications, extended family stress, and the list goes on.....to top it, today my car rubbed a little old ladies car in the parking lot at Curves this morning. Im not sure who's fault it really is, but it still happened and yah just another thing we did not need.

I'm hoping it will all blow over soon and we can get back on track. I am headed out tomorrow evening for a womens retreat that is also a scrapbooking retreat in Monroe. I can't wait. just need to pack up my stuff and head that way. Brent is also going to be gone as he is going to help and speak at the American Legion College Conference that he has attended before. Audrey will be staying with the wonderful McGuires that have agreed to watch her. It is a much needed break for all of us. Then on the 14th Brent will be going fishing in Canada with a buddy. At the end of the month Audrey and I will travel to CA early, for Mackenzie's 1st birthday and for the Henman Wedding. I am looking forward to spending time with my family. Brent will join us for the weekend.

Anyhow I finally got some pictures printed from Easter and plan to work on the pages while at the retreat. I have a few of my Aunt and her kiddos and new hubby so I worked on a card for them (relieved some stress) and going to mail it with the pictures. It is also a sketch for www.2sketches4you.blogspot.com
I just love their sketches.

Hope everyone's week goes alot smoother than ours has and loves to all.

Another Card

I know, I know, it is supposed to be Audrey's blog but sometimes you got to do what you got to do. After this post I will be sure to post some pictures of Audrey enjoying Paul and Suzi.

Here is this weeks sketch at http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/
I really like this sketch and it was a wee bit out of my comfort zone. In celebration for my oldest but smallest (lol) sister getting a promotion at work this week, I thought I would make her a card. She really likes the color orange and I had this orange ribbon I bought at Michaels that I have been wanting to use, so this was perfect for it.

I have had company the last few days which has been very nice. Friends that are moving out here from NY and we haven't seen in almost 4 years. Audrey also has grown to love them. Hopefully she wasn't too overwhelming for them. All in all I think we had a good time. I was able to sneak some card making time in while Audrey was napping today, allowing me to do this sketch.

We have over 6000 dollars worth of water damage in our front bath that was just discovered 2 days before our guests arrived. Very stressful....anyhow they are coming on Tuesday to take care of a mold issue caused by a leaky pipe..........as a result I have to have all of my scrapbooking stuff (crap my hubby says) completely out of my office by Monday. So.........I won't be creating much in the next few weeks. I am sort of bummed about it but maybe it will let me get a few more things done around our house! hmmmmmmmmm on second thought (hehe).

Hope everyone has had a great weekend. Loves to all.

2Sketches4 you card

I just love the sketches they are doing on http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/. This week is another sketch by Kazan. Here is my take on the sketch.

Guinness and the Goats

Summer Time Fun

Well just a few days ago it would seem that summer had finally arrived around here. Until last night that is. We are getting severe Thunderstorms last night and today. Rarely do we get thunderstorms around here, but last night the sky was very rumbly. Today it is raining pretty good and very very humid. Almost feels like Florida, maybe not as hot though. Anyhow, Audrey has been loving the sunshine. She has played in her pool almost everyday last week and a few this week. On Tuesday evening we had a wake to go to and she got to get all dressed up. Of course this meant a great picture opportunity. I think I will have one of them printed in multiples so I can get newer pictures out to everybody...........please don't hold your breath. Still need to decide which one and send them off to be printed. I have been wanting to do a Layout of her at 2 1/2 and I will definitely be using some of these pictures for that. She has such the personality right now and says some great things, not to mention funny. She has become quite her own little person, with of course some of Brent and I's wonderful traits!!

Enjoy!!

Celebrate

I have been a brower of the 2 sketches 4 you http://2sketches4you.blogspot.com/2008/06/kazans-sketch-3.html blog for quite some time now and finally decided to take the plunge and create a card using their sketches.. I just love this sketch and found it perfect for the 4th of July cards I have been working on. I fell in love with the fireworks paper used on the left of the card and also with the flowers.
Here is what I used:
Reminisce Glitter Bursts
Studio G $1 Stamp: Celebrate
Juniper stars on Cream PP
Got Flowers Primas 2 different styles
"Skittles" heat embossed in Red, white and blue
1 Memory Makers mini Star Brad

Daddy's Jacket

Yesterday we went to Jake's Graduation from 9th grade. He went to a private school that only goes til 9th then he will go to a High School. Anyhow afterward the graduating class took a stretch limo to the Olive Garden for dinner. When we walked outside the wind had picked up quite a bit and got really cold. We had left Audrey's Jacket in the car and so Daddy gave her his. She was beyond excited about this and it was the cutest thing. She had a grin from ear to ear and was telling everyone she got to wear "Daddy's Jacket". What a proud little girl she was. We had to keep back her excitement because she loves to do this little dance when she gets excited and she was almost stomping all over the suit jacket.

Telling Jake Congratulations and giving him a kiss on the cheek. This is a rare shot. When we leave their house, Audrey always gives everyone goodbye kisses, except for Jake. So here is a special one for you buddy. He looked very handsome in his tux last night.

Now you see the two year old coming out in her. Her "Cassi" brought her to the car for us, however Audrey forgot to give her loves goodbye. Cassi left before she got the chance. This is the result of no goodbye loves.

The birdie lip. She was really trying to push the buttons and sympathy card with that lip. Her little expressions really are something.

Audrey and "Kati Bug" the two of them have become pretty good friends/cousins/playmates. Two very strong personalities and really minimal issues when the two of them are together. I think the one main thing they get jealous over would be Uncle Greg (Kati's dad) and Grandpa Mike. They have both learned to share each of them, but you can bet you will find both girls on one or the others lap when together!

Audrey and Guinness what a pair. She is trying to convince Brent that Guinness is her puppy. Having him makes her so happy and full of excitement. Except for when he nibbles her or treats her like a chew toy. Sometimes she will go in her room and put her gloves on so he can't bite her hands, it is precious. He follows her around and pulls on her clothes to get her attention. They really do love each other. True case of Puppy Love.

Hope this post finds everyone well and in good spirits, with some sunshine. We are pretty darn tired of the weather as of right now. The lawn is about 3 feet tall and no calm in the storm in sight. Might just reach 6 feet and need to be baled by the time we get some sunshine. Loves to all.

Let Freedom Ring!

In loving memory of Those who have served for our Country and thoughts and prayers to Those who are protecting our Freedoms.

Brent and I just got done watching the Memorial Day Concert on PBS. We both had tears in our eyes by the time it was over. Tomorrow is Memorial day and so many things to celebrate and remember. I think back to 4 years ago and we were nervous but oh so happy to be detached from the Navy. I think Brent chose a great day to be discharged and rightfully so. So tomorrow as we celebrate Memorial Day it is not just a day off to us but a day of Rememberance and Gratitude. We will participate in a Memorial Day Celebration with the American Legion Post 245 in which all 3 of us our Members. Audrey too will help in the ceremonies by handing out flags and greeting the veterans and their families.

I took this picture last year at the Memorial Day ceremony in Maxwell CA. It still is one of my favorites. Here is in Memory of Esther June Dunlap Arnold, she will forever be in our hearts. We love you dearly and miss you. Audrey June speaks of you often and knows she is Audrey JuJu Bee after her great grandmother June.

God Bless America

The Arnold Family ZOO!

Chirp Newsletter

Holy Moly man I made the Cricut Chirp Newsletter with 2 of my cards. I have always wished my work would make the newsletter, read my thousands and thousands of people and guess what it did. I am sooooooooooooooo floating on cloud nine right now!! This is great. Yes I danced and shouted and of course Brent thought I was nuts with all my excitement.......but eh what does he know!! He is very happy for me as well.. Anyhow had to share my excitement with you all. Here is a link you can go to, to view the two cards that made the CHIRP!!

http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=2175524

Also there is a previous post about our 9 year anniversary!

9 Years

To think that 9 years ago today, there Brent and I stood in front of our friends and family at the church and exchanged vows. I was only 18 y/o + 16 days, he was just over 19. Many said we would not last more than a few years, lots of different things. Well I am here today to say, it has been 9 years and we are looking forward to many many more. We have a couple that are very dear friends to us and will be celebrating 50 years this June, Brent and I both looked at each and said we couldn't wait to celebrate our 50th!! Granted we have had our ups and our downs, good thing Brent likes roller coasters! I still love him dearly and he love me just the same.

So in celebration of today we went out and bought the WII fit game for our WII console. Well we have been doing exercise and games with it for the last 5 hours. It is a blast. I highly recommend it.....Audrey even started doing the exercises with Brent and loved it. I think it will be very good for her once she understands it a little more.

Anyhow...................Happy Anniversary to US.. Love ya like crazy Beibol.

Poppies

To read more on what Audrey did this morning please view this link!! What a very Awesome little American Girl. We are very proud of her.

http://www.king5.com/pix/news/?image_id=153350

Sassy

I hope everyone that is a mother had a Terrific Mother's Day. I know I did. We went to the Pacific Science Center over in Seattle. We went again yesterday after dropping Sassy off at the eye specialist. We had a great time. Audrey even got to go see her first IMAX movie.

About Sassy... She did have glaucoma in her left eye and had lost complete sight in it. After weighing the odds and costs of keeping the eye, we decided to have it surgically removed. She is in the process right now and we will pick her up this afternoon/ early evening. We think it is the best option for her so she can be more comfortable. We will continue to monitor the right eye to make sure we can try and prevent glaucoma in that eye. Eventually she will get it in that eye but it is possible to prevent it for a few years anyhow. Keep her in your prayers.

Anyhow I think we may leave early today and do something in Seattle until we have to go and pick her up. Have a wonderful day.

Audrey's new sand box

Yesterday I bought Audrey a new sand box from craigslist for $5 and she loves it. She must have spent at least 3 hours playing in it yesterday afternoon. Well worth the investment. Hope every one is doing well. Loves to all.

Just another post!

Not a whole lot going on around here. Weather was finally nice this weekend so we did get outside to play for a while and then it turned all crummy again today so.....I got my mother's day present early by my choice. Brent seems pretty into games lately and has been at his computer ALOT..... I started playing on the PS2 but he couldn't play with me because his controller just stopped working completely. So again it was him on his computer and me playing by myself....BORING. Not me, just playing video games by yourself. Anyhow we ended up going to Toys R Us today and buying a WII. It is awesome. They had plenty in stock which was unusuall, most places have been out of stock since Christmas. We got a bundle deal that came with 2 wireless controller, 2 nunchucks, and 2 steering wheels for the new Mario Cart game and a few games. Well worth the price and now Brent and I can play together and eventually get Audrey involved. I did the boxing training for a while and man it was quite the work out. Look out nephews Auntie Sarah is going to get some practice in and start kicking your rears next time I come down!! Anyhow Brent and I have been having a blast all afternoon with it. We are talking about getting the WII Fit when it comes out so Brent can work out. Should be interesting.

Also come June we will be getting a new puppy. Brent seems to have taken claim to him already and informed me last night that he would like to name him Guiness. We will see about that. Afterall I do think I named Sassy for him, and he was highly opposed to that at the time, but oh so fitting now. Maybe Guiness will grow on me as a name. Here is a picture of the cute little guy, I can't wait to get him.
Not really much else going on. I guess for me there has...I have been volunteering to be on the Boys and Girls State Panel for the American Legion and have questioned over 50+ kids in the last week about themselves, and why they want to be chosen to go to Girls/Boys state and was asked by another post to go ahead and do it again on Monday. I am really enjoying it, especially since I am an alumni and I enjoy learning about today's youth and what they are doing for their community, plus I am able to give back to ours by helping. Also it gives Audrey and Brent more father daughter time.

I hope this post finds you all well. Congrats go out to Danica!! I love you sister. Have a good week and I will try to post some more later this week. Maybe pictures from our Disney/CA trip. xxoxoxooxoxoxoxoox

Audrey's Hair Ties

Audrey never seizes to amaze Brent and I. She really can make us laugh continually throughout the day and lately with her newest fetish, she has really been putting smiles on our faces. I noticed every time I went to get a hair tie of mine there were missing. Well I would find them all lined up on Audrey's wrists, proudly being displayed and moved from one hand to the next. She would kindly let me borrow one! So I invested in a rainbow pack of 50 of them at the dollar store. What a great investment. Hours of entertainment for all of us, fine motor skill development and not to mention the fashion statement she has made!! The hair ties go everywhere with us, she is very careful to take them off before meals, so she doesn't get them dirty, before baths and of course before bed. However immediately following meals, bath and waking up they are right back on her arms. She has mastered moving them from one to the other and they can be taken off in multiples but may not be put on more than one at a time. Also when she picks one up she can now get it on her wrist with just one hand. Brent and she have also made their own game up with them, which I hear added about another 1 or 2 of entertainment. He shoots them across the room, 1, 3, 5 or 15 (etc) at a time and she quickly and efficiently picks them all up, puts them on her arms and then arms him with more!
Anyhow the other afternoon while waiting for lunch to be ready she was telling us all about her new hair ties. Then she transferred them all to one arm and shouts, "Hair Ties Rock" We of course laughed and reassured her of her craziness, which we tend to adore.

I apologize for not posting since being home but the computer is slower than molasses and takes forever to upload pics then to edit and blah blah blah, hopefully I will have my other CPU back soon and I can blog away. Iknow you have all just missed it terribly, or maybe you haven't. We love you all and miss you. God Bless