Our Christmas

My parents and brother came to our house for Christmas as they do every year. On Christmas Eve it is tradition for my dad to read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to my boys before they go to bed. This year, Zachary wanted to read the story. He is such a good reader. They really love this and look forward to it every year.
Christmas morning, the boys woke up at 5am! We managed to hold them off until 7:00. I'd say it was worth the wait. Zachary and Connor were such good boys all year that Santa got them
a WII!

As you can see, they were quite excited! I think Zachary was in shock. They got several games for it and have been playing it non stop. One of their favs is Guitar Hero. Zachary is really good at it too!
My brother, Tony got the boys these jerseys. Connor's is a Travis Hafner and Zachary's is Peyton Manning. They wore them all day long.
I love this photo. It is my mom, dad, and brother with my boys on Christmas day. Don't worry mom, I will email you a copy.

Nicole, her husband Mike, daughter Allie and mom Elaine came over for dinner Christmas day. My mom and I made our traditional Italian feast. We started off with antipasto. The main course was stuffed shells, meatballs, and eggplant Parmesan. Everything was yummy and I think Elaine died and went to heaven! After dinner, Erika and her family came for dessert. Nicole brought Cannolis and some other Italian pastry that I cannot spell. Both were so good.

Now we are getting ready for Christmas part 2. Eddie's family arrives this afternoon.

Tomorrow's the day!

The Grand Opening of All Moments Remembered is tomorrow!

Make sure you stop by and check out the new site complete with message board, gallery and the announcement of the new Design Team. Stacey has filled the store with lots of new products so make sure you stop in.

Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish all our family and friends a Very Merry Christmas! Hope everyone enjoys time with their families and I hope the present you were wishing for is under the tree tomorrow!

Finally I can share...

this layout. It is from the Memory Makers 601 Great Scrapbooking Idea Book and is my first pub! There are so many great ideas in this book from so many great people. Including my two best buds Nicole and Erika.

I got some more exciting news yesterday! I got a request from Scrapbook Trends Magazine for their May 2008 issue! It is my first time with Scrapbook Trends and I am over the moon about it! I have to brave the busy post office today to get it in the mail on time.

In sports news, Zachary's basketball team won their tournament championship game last night. Honestly, for playing together a few short weeks, their team has it together. Of course I didn't have my camera so no pics, but one of the moms snapped a few and promised to share! Their coach surprised the boys before the game with an early Christmas present. He gave them all warm up shirts complete with their last name and number on the back. He really is so good with all the boys and a great coach to boot.

OK, I need to get some more cleaning done. My parents and brother arrive tonight from North Carolina. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

More Crafts and some Exciting News!

Yesterday was Zachary and Connor's last day of school. They are officially on Christmas vacation! Last day of school means Christmas parties. I am a room mom for both their classes and it was hectic to say the least, but everything went off without a hitch. Except for a small third degree burn to my finger with a hot glue gun! LOL! Just look at the beautiful crafts they made during the parties. Zachary's is a centerpiece/pen holder. I have it right by the phone. If you need to right down a message, boom, you have a pen right there.

Connor's class made this snowman ornament. Isn't he cute? I just love all the handmade things my boys have made through the years. My mom still has crafts my brother and I made and displays them every Christmas. I hope to do the same.

Now, for my exciting news! I found out yesterday that I am a finalist for the All Moments Remembered Design Team! The announcement of the new team will be made on December 27 along with the launch of their new site, complete with message board, gallery and a new monthly kit club starting in February! There is also a store, which will be packed with new goodies. Stacey, the owner of All Moments Remembered is planning some really fun stuff on the 27th with lots of RAKS! Make sure you check it out! I have added a link on the right side of the blog.

Hope everyone is enjoying the season! I need to go help my son, who tied his pajama string to the pantry door! Boys!

Crafts, Treats, and Basketball!

When Zachary came home from school on Friday, he immediately asked me for wrapping paper. He went up to his room and came down with a box. "Merry Christmas Mom", he said. This candy wreath was inside. I was floored! It is beautiful! Everyone in his class has been working on one for their families a little bit here and there during their school day. And if you feel like a peppermint or butterscotch candy, just take one off! I absolutely love it! He did a great job!

Zachary's first regular season basketball game was on Saturday. Before this, they have been playing in a tournament. They were playing against their science teachers son so needless to say, they really wanted to win this for bragging rights today at school. The coach told the team they needed to be more aggressive on defense and boy did Zachary listen. Now, if you know my son he is not aggressive except when he plays sports. He really stepped it up as did all his teammates and won the game 16-11. ( The scores are not that high in 4th grade B ball)
On Sunday, during the blizzard, they had another tournament game. The weather was treacherous and I am surprised they didn't cancel. They won this game as well, 13-11 and will play in the championship game Thursday night. I will keep you posted.



On Saturday, the boys and I whipped up these little treats. I don't know what they are called, but they are super easy and super delish! I found the recipe through Becky Higgins blog. All you do is lay pretzel snaps on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Place a Hershey kiss or Hershey hug on each pretzel. Put in a 170 degree oven for 4-6 minutes. Take sheet out of the oven and place a holiday colored m&m on each kiss, pressing down slightly. Place in fridge to cool for about 5 minutes. That's it. So easy and my boys practically did all the work!
Only a few more days until the boys are on Christmas vacation and my parents and brother arrive for the holiday. So much to do. I better get in gear!

My little helpers!

It rained practically all day Sunday so I decided to get some of my Christmas baking done. The boys are very eager to help and they did a great job! Here they are rolling some "Sugar Balls" as my mom calls them.
Connor was facinated by the Kitchen Aide mixer and wanted to mix everything at warp speed! We also made a batch of chocolate chip cookies but I think we will have to make a second batch real soon. Eddie and the boys had to make sure they tasted ok, if you know what I mean!
After you bake these beauties, you roll them in powdered sugar. They are delish!

Since I am working at the preschool all this week and today is my only day off, I decided to get some cooking done for Christmas dinner. I breaded and fried all the eggplant for the eggplant Parmesan will have for Christmas dinner. I then popped it in the freezer. All we will have to do is assemble it on Christmas day.

I have mailed my Christmas cards and wrapped some presents last night. I just have a little more shopping to do. I think I am in good shape! That is so unlike me!

Yes, I am still here!

Sorry about the lack of blogging. Things are crazy busy here and they are about to get busier! Between the holidays and working some at the preschool, the days are just flying by! I still have Christmas shopping to do, baking, wrapping, cleaning, oh my! Ok, here is what we have been up to this past week.

Last Thursday and Friday, I helped out with Santa's workshop at my boys school. This is where the kids can shop for presents for their family for 5.00 and less. It is always a hoot to open up their presents to us on Christmas day!

Saturday we went to Breakfast with Santa at the school. The kids always have a great time! They got their faces painted, and of course sat on the Santa's lap!

Nicole and Erika came over to scrap Saturday night. Always have a blast with these two! Was really happy with layouts I got done! I will share some real soon.

This week has been filled with working at the preschool and Christmas shopping. I still have more to do, but I am making a dent! We got about 2-3 inches of snow yesterday which was just what I needed put me in the present buying spirit. Zachary and Connor played in the snow every moment they could.

Ok, I think I have you up to date. I promise to be a better blogger.

We had a great trip!

It was so nice to get to see family in North Carolina! When we arrived on Wednesday it was 75 degrees! Quite different than Ohio!

The above pic is a shot of all the cousins! They had a great time with each other. Even though they only see each other about once a year, they pick up where they left off and get along great!

To say my boys had a good time would be an understatement! Their Aunt Marybeth and Uncle Kit spoil them rotten. They live just down the street from Grandma so we can walk over. They spent the night on Wednesday playing video games and watching movies until the wee hours of the morning. Then on Thanksgiving night, they invited Zachary, Connor, Patrick and Nathan to sleep over. Yep, another late night. Alexandra and Kaitlyn spent the night at Grandma's with me and Eddie. Those girls are too cute. Alexandra was fascinated with Uncle Eddie's tattoos. She asked him a million questions. (Tom, I think one is in your future!) They really got a kick out of Eddie. He is what you might call the "crazy uncle". Always trying to make them laugh. At one point, Alexandra looked at me and said, "I'm so glad you married him." Me too!

On Friday, we all went to see Fred Claus. It was too funny and the kids loved it! Who can resist Vince Vaughan? On Friday night we went to Tommy and Kitty's house for some ham and leftovers. I got this great shot of Eddie and his mom too.

We are going to decorate the house for Christmas today. The kids can't wait. Also, Eddie's sister Marybeth is going to have surgery tomorrow. Please say a prayer that all will go well and she will be feeling like her old self soon.

We're Crafty!

Zachary and I have been in the mood to create lately. The above pic is Zachary's Ohio State banner he made on Saturday while watching Ohio State beat Michigan. He is learning to sew in art class and wanted to get in some practice. He cut all the letters from felt and sewed them on by hand, all by himself. I had to help him thread the needle one time. Other then that, it was all him. Kinda sad that he sews better than his mother!
Here is what I made on Saturday. After seeing these cute trees by Tia Bennett on Two Peas and on Ali Edwards blog I decided to give it a whirl. It was so easy and I love how it turned out. I am going to make a smaller one as well. Also got some paper mache cones to alter a la Nicole Harper! She made the cutest trees out of them. Check em out here!

We are leaving tomorrow for North Carolina. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Gotta go do laundry and pack!

So excited for...

THIS! They just hit the newstands this past week! My first ever published layout is in this book! I cannot wait to get my copy and check out everyone else's awesome work. What makes this even more special is Erika and Nicole are also in this idea book! What an awesome thing to share with your best friends!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? You know what that means? Christmas is just around the corner! Have you started shopping? I have done a little and hope to finish within the next week or so.

We will be traveling to NC for Thanksgiving to see Eddie's family. It is the only time of the year when we get to see nieces and nephews from his side. My kids are looking forward to playing with their cousins. We are especially excited to meet Owen! He is the newest member of the Emch clan!

And because posts are boring without pics, I posted a recent layout I did. Don't know why blogger always puts pics first because I wanted the pic to be lower in my post but oh well!

Have a great weekend!

TGIF!

Looking forward to a somewhat relaxing weekend! Our lives have been so busy lately that it is nice when we can just take a breather and relax.

Lots going on. The boys both got excellent report cards for on Wednesday! Connor is learning so much and totally enjoying the first grade! He is reading and spelling everything! I can't even spell out a word that I don't want him to hear anymore. He knows what I am saying now!
Zachary made first honors with a 3.98 GPA! So proud of that kid! He was the only one in his class to get first honors.

I had a yummy lunch with Nicole and her mom, Elaine today. (Sorry about the spilled pop) Nicole's mom is so funny and sweet. Tomorrow night Nicole and Erika are coming over to scrapbook.

Wanted to wish my parents a belated Happy Anniversary. It was November 7 and they have been married for 42 years, I think.

Ok, I am rambling and I have to pick the kids up from school. Have a great weekend.

Let's start with a layout!

Made this with the October kit from Studio Calico. I just love their kits. They are so well put together and pay such attention to detail. April and Scarlet outdo themselves every month. If you haven't checked them out just click on the link to the right. You won't be disappointed.
I love this picture of me with my parents. We went to Myrtle Beach in August with them to celebrated my birthday. Eddie snapped a great shot of us just before we left to go to dinner.

Our football season is over. We lost our last game a few weeks ago 8-6. The boys were so upset. They wanted to go out on a winning note but it just didn't happen. Our record was 3-3 much better than last years 0-6 record. There is talk of an indoor football league for the winter which Zachary seems to be interested in. He has his first Basketball practice for his school's CYO team tonight. It will be the first time he has played for his school and he is so excited.

Boy, the weather sure feels a lot like winter here today. A high of 39 with chance of a rain/snow mix. Brrrrr! Ok, gotta go buy some food. It is looking like Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard around here!

I give you Ghost Chopper and Motorcross Rider!

Well, another Halloween has come and gone! It was a little weird trick or treating when it was still light outside but it didn't stop the boys one bit. As you can see, Zachary is still into scary costumes. Connor has been wanting to be a dirt bike rider for two years. We just couldn't find one. This year he got his wish.

The boys always go trick or treating with Dylan, Carter, Abby and Alex. The dads take them around the neighborhood while the moms stay and give out the candy. Erika and I always sit outside in her driveway. This year we were joined by three other neighbors. This way the kids got to hit 5 houses at once. It works out perfectly and we always have a good time!

Want to wish my friends Erika and JR a Happy Anniversary! Also, Erika has found out she is having a girl! I am so happy for them! Let the buying of the pink begin! After two boys, she deserves to have some pink!

Happy Halloween!

Besides Christmas, Halloween is my kids second favorite holiday! All the candy, costumes, parties... how could they not love it? Last night we carved our pumpkins. Well I should say Eddie carved them. You see, Connor was happy just drawing a traditional pumpkin face and cutting that out. But Eddie said, "lets look on the internet and see what cool designs they have."The boys thought this was a great idea. It really isn't hard. Your find a design, tape it to your pumpkin and follow the outline by poking holes. They cut out the design that was transfered to the pumpking. The problem is it is time consuming. Zachary was all into it but Connor lost interest and watched "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" instead.
I give you our Halloween pumpkins! Skeleton and Scooby Doo. Can you guess who picked what?
I have to get moving. I have to be at school for the fourth and first grade Halloween parties this afternoon. Zachary has been fever free for over 24 hours and went to school today. He is so relieved he can go trick or treating tonight.

Before I go, I wanted to give a special shout out to Eddie's sister Marybeth and her husband Kit. They both have stopped smoking! It has been six weeks! Congrats to you both!

Happy Tuesday!

Thought I would share a layout. I have blogged before about Connor's love of homework and getting it done right when he gets home from school. That was about a month ago. Guess what? He still loves it! I just had to do a layout about it and you know what? I think it is one of my favorites! I love those Scenic Route letter stickers. They really pop!

Zachary is sick and has missed two days of school. Other then a fever, he has no other symptoms. I hope he is better for Halloween and is able to go trick or treating. Just in case, Connor said he would carry his candy bag and trick or treat for him.

It is a beautiful fall day in Ohio. The Halloween forecast looks great too. Highs in the upper 60's. I can't wait to take pics of all the festivities and share them with everyone!

I've been a bad blogger!

I can't believe a whole week has gone since I blogged. Thanks for the anniversary wishes!

Ok, let me fill you in on what's been going on this past week. Zachary was inducted to the student government. He is the fourth grade representative. The school has a nice ceremony in the church and a little reception afterwards. We are so proud of him. This is his second year he has been elected by his classmates and although he won't admit it, I know he really enjoys it!

Connor was quite the social butterfly last weekend. He had birthday parties Friday and Saturday for two of his classmates. Chuck E Cheese and bowling! How can you beat that!

Saturday night was the Youth Football Steak Fry that I helped plan. We had 300 people attend! We did have some hiccups but they were minor. All in all, for our first steak fry it went well.

Just wanted to show a pic of Zachary's cloud science project we both worked on. These projects turn on to be just as much work for the parents as they are for the kids. We both had fun and learned alot about clouds in the process. FYI, dryer lint makes for a great stratus cloud!

I think that about covers it. I am off to clean the house and do laundry.

16 Years...

ago today we were married. I can't believe how fast these 16 years have gone! I was thinking yesterday that I have known Eddie half of my life! We dated for 3 years and were engaged for a year before we married. I truly am lucky to have found someone like Eddie. We are best friends. We keep each other grounded. He is a great dad and husband who would do anything to make us happy. He has a crazy, gross sense of humor which means our lives are never boring! Love you Eddie! Here's to 50 more years!

Pumpkins Everywhere!

Yesterday, we made our annual trek to the pumpkin patch. We usually go to Apple Hill. After hearing how disappointed Nicole and Erika were with the selection, Nicole suggested we try Grobe Farms. Boy, I am glad we did! They still had a huge selection and their prices were great! I was able to get these pics of the boys as they tried to find the perfect pumpkin. Zachary always finds his first. He knows what he wants and doesn't mess around. Connor takes his time and never can make up his mind.
Finally, after much deliberation he picked out a beauty.

Grobe Farm is also an apple orchard. They had a big variety of apples already picked which was just fine by me. They also make their own apple cider. I have to say last night Eddie and I sampled some and it was delicious! The apples tasted so much better too! I may have to stop by this farm a few more times before the end of the season!
We are gearing up to watch game 3 of the ALCS tonight. The game is in Cleveland and the town is buzzing with excitement! GO TRIBE!

Also, wanted to say Happy Anniversary to our special friends Nicole and Mike. They celebrated 12 years together on Friday! I know it is a little late but wanted to say congrats! Love you guys!

It was a late night!

Nicole and I were up til 2am watching our Indians stuff the Red Sox in the 11th inning with 7 runs! What a game! We were supposed to be scrapbooking but we just couldn't concentrate with the game on in the backround. I kept getting up and down to see what was going on and just finally decided to watch. Luckily, Nicole is a sports nut too so we hunkered down and watched the game. Nicole taught me some funky superstitions to do with your hands during certain game scenarios. Her hubby Mike was a catcher in high school and college so she has all the moves. For example, when a batter has 2 balls, 2 strikes and there is 2 outs you pretend you are shaking dice in a hat and when the pitcher throws the ball you throw the hat at the t.v. Weird... yes. Fun...absolutely. There were a few others too. Zachary was cracking up.

Speaking of Zachary, his football team won 41-0 yesterday. He had 1 fumble recovery, 1 sack, and tons of tackles. He even got the ball to run in the extra point. He didn't make it but it was a huge deal for him since he really doesn't play offense that much.

We are going to try to go to the pumpkin patch today. Finally have some decent fall weather. Zachary has a birthday party at 2 o'clock for a friend on his team.

I am sensing a theme in our lives. Sports and birthday parties! If you have been keeping up with my blog it seems that is all we do!

GO TRIBE!

In case you haven't heard, the Cleveland Indians beat the NY Yankees last night 6-4 to win the division! No one really gave us a chance and look at us now! Now it is off to Boston to play the Red Sox Friday night in the American League Championship! I know we can do it! It has been so fun watching the games with my boys and hearing them tease their grandparents and uncle who are big Yankee fans. I have been told that they are now Indian fans and want them to go all the way!

As promised, Here are a few photos of Connor's birthday party. The kids had a blast! Everyone was cheering each other on as they bowled! I was so impressed with how well everyone behaved too! You never know with a group that big.

I think the weather here in Ohio is finally cooling down. Fall is on its way. Which is a good thing. Who feels like going to the pumpkin patch in 90 degree weather?

Happy Birthday Connor!

I cannot believe my baby is seven! Where does the time go? We are having a super fun party for him at the bowling alley today! I will be sure to post pics of the party next time!

I cannot believe the insanely busy weekend we are having! Friday night we took the boys and two of their friends to the Indians playoff game vs the Yankees. Wow! What a game! Jacobs field was filled with excitement and craziness! The Tribe won in 11 innings and has a 2-0 lead in the series. Game 3 in NY tonight.

Just one more win and we are off to the American League Championship! Go TRIBE!

Saturday morning I had a 3 hour training class. I sometimes sub at a Preschool and needed to have this class. Then Zachary had a football game at 1:00. It was so hot. Temps were near 90! this is October in Ohio! It is not supposed to be 90! We lost the game but the boys did their best and had fun.

All these activities knocked me out and I was in bed at 9 o'clock.

Ok, I am off to Connor's birthday party and will share pics soon.

This made my day!

First, I wanted to share a layout I made while in Michigan last weekend. I am in love with that 7 Gypies paper and Jennie Bowlin rub-ons are like buttah!

Now for the news that made my day!

I found out today that I was named an Honorable Mention in the 2Jills Design Team call.


Jennie, the new owner has totally redone the website and kits. Their big debut was October 1st and they are celebrating all month long with contests and challenges! You should check it out.


The news totally put a smile on my face!

Last Weekend

was so much fun! Erika, Nicole and I went to Michigan to the Scrapbook Zone to crop for two
days. I so love this store! Even better, all of my purchases were 20% off! It has been months since I bought anything so I went a little crazy. They had lots of new stuff from CHA summer.
I got several layouts done. I will share some in a little bit. It has been raining and I can't take pictures of them just yet.

Even more fun was that a friend Nicole and I made at CKU-Detroit, Theresa was able to join us Friday night. She lives in Michigan. It was so good to see her and catch up. On Saturday, Staci a friend from Two Peas came to shop and stopped in to say hello. It is so fun actually meeting people in person that you have come to know online. If you guys are reading this, we all need to get together and crop!

Would you believe I took my camera but didn't take one picture! Sorry, I know a post is boring without pics.

I am thinking I might dig out my Halloween decorations this week. Have you started decorating for fall? I'd love to hear some great ideas!

Looking forward to my weekend

with these gals! The three of us are going to The Scrapbook Zone in Michigan to crop this weekend. Nicole and I discovered the Zone while in Detroit for CKU this past April. It is the biggest scrapbook store I have ever been to. Their selection is amazing. They get every piece and part of a line, not just one or two things which can be so frustrating when you are trying to find something. Since we don't have a decent LSS near us, this has become our LSS even though it is a 2 hour drive!

It has been crazy busy with football this week. I have had a football fundraising meeting every night since Sunday. Tuesday, Joshua Cribbs from the Cleveland Browns came to the local high school to tape his local show and put on a mini camp for the players. I didn't get pics, my battery died. I am hoping some of the other moms got some good ones they will share.
These rest of the week has been filled with football practice getting ready for our big game against the gold team on Saturday.

Be on the lookout for crazy pics and stories from my weekend. You never know what will happen when we all get together.

Treats for the babysitter

Apparently when you are six, this is how you woo your new babysitter!

Madelyn was Connor's swim lesson instructor and a lifeguard at the pool. He had such a crush
on her this summer. She loves to babysit and Connor couldn't be more excited.
So while Eddie and I are helping out at Zachary's football camp out, Connor and Madelyn will be
enjoying yummy treats while watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! What more could a girl want!

Soccer and Friends

Connor's first soccer game was this past Sunday. ( Does it seem like all we do is play sports?) They started a new format this year and it is very unorganized which drives Eddie and I nuts. But, Connor loves it and that is all that matters. Zachary told Connor for every goal he scored, he would run a lap around our backyard. Connor scored twice so Mr. Zachary has some running to do!

I also wanted to share a layout I did over the weekend. I am just so lucky to have these two in my life. Snapped this pic when we were taking Karen Russell classes in Columbus. Really, a girl couldn't ask for better friends.

37-0!

Amherst Green Team kicked butt yesterday! Our defense didn't even allow a first down! I am so proud of these boys!

While on defense, Zachary was able to tip the ball which allowed one of our players to intercept the pass! I know these pics are not the best but Zachary is number 28. He is wearing an orange tshirt which hangs out the sleeves of his jersey a little. The head coach picked him as one of four captains for the team. It was a good day.

Scrapped into the wee hours of the morning with Nicole last night. Really happy with what I got done. I will share soon.

Today is Connor's first soccer game of the season. More pics coming soon!