I really can't say I'm excited about Christmas this year. Not that I get totally ecstatic about Christmas any year....BUT, this will be my first Christmas morning without kids (well, prior to having children). The soon-to-be-ex will be getting them Christmas Eve. And, I honestly can say, this doesn't really bother me at all. The thought of being able to sleep in on Christmas morning is absolutely bliss.....

I just can't get into the holiday buying. My girls tend to get A LOT of gifts! I mean, A LOT!! Not from me (or previously "us"), but from my family and his. What is a mom to do with all that stuff? Good thing is, the stuff can be split up at different houses now.....hence, that means, anything I don't really want at my house, can go to his!! HA! That means....hmmmm......the talking doll? the one that poops and pees? Sounds like a good toy to have at dad's house! Hey, this may be fun!! LOL!

And, I have decided. I am NOT sending out Christmas cards this year. Don't really want to. But, I will be taking the annual Christmas picture! I already have THE idea buzzing around my head. Can't wait to actually do it. Maybe this weekend. AFTER Yvonne and I make peppermint bark! SO looking forward to this!

Been working on my photography skills. Am really needing a new camera, as there are little quirks on mine, and my focusing points are slowly going. Alas, this will have to wait. Too many other things that I need to take care of.

AND, my little sister, Sha, is getting married next June to Wesley! Such a great guy! And, he treats her SO good.


Promise to post some more pictures soon! As I took some awesome ones recently of another couple!

Everyone knows that Donna Downey rocks! She is totally all inspiring and the fact that she likes vampire smut makes her so much better! Not to mention, her friendly personality and zany sense of humor!

I got to meet her at CHA this summer in Orlando! She's great!! Anyways, I dropped by her blog today, and look what I found! Marianne of Pickled Pear Lane has donated these wonderful fat quarters to be given away to one lucky person chosen off of Donna's blog!




So, I am keeping my fingers crossed, as this awesome fabric would look great in a project I am cooking up!!

I admit, I have a difficult time brushing my teeth. Not because I'm lazy or don't want to. It's just since my second pregnancy, brushing my teeth makes me gag. It's just not a pretty sight.

Well, tonight as I brushing my teeth, as usual, I experienced that wonderful sensation. Apparently, my face looked distorted. Who knows?! I can't honestly say, I watch my facial expressions as I am gagging over toothpaste.

Bo looks at me and asks, "Mommy, why did you make that face? You know, the one where your eyes go up like you're looking into your brain?"

Hmm. I guess that's an interesting outlook on that experience....

I made a friend on my blog. Her name is Julieta, and she is from Argentina. What do we have in common? Well, we can't wait until New Moon comes out, and it seems we have some similar tastes in music. She introduced me to Shakira's new song, She Wolf. Except on Julieta's blog, Shakira was singing in Spanish, and I admit, I could not understand what Shakira was singing. But, I did find it in English, and I added it to my blog. Love the song!! Thanks Julieta!

Oh, and did I mention? We apparently admire Rob Pattinson/Edward Cullen!

I was stalking my blogs today, and I came across this on my friend's blog. In case you are wondering what to buy me for Christmas, I really, really want these!!!!!

Apparently, Mattel is jumping on the Twilight kick, and I couldn't be happier! At least, I have two little girls, who love playing with Barbies. I have an excuse!!

Syd was sitting on the couch, when she asked me if she could turn the air conditioner on. I told her it would be okay if she turned it down a little.

A few minutes later, I was sitting her on the computer, and I was FREEZING!! For those of you who know me, I am NEVER cold! I swear I am a perpetual hot flash!

m: "What temperature did you turn the air conditioner down to?"
Syd: "47."
m: "What? Did you say '47'?"
Syd: "yes."

I really thought she was kidding when she said that. When I pressed the button, sure enough. She had turned the AC down to 47 freaking degrees!! Does your AC really cool things that low? Wouldn't the unit start to freeze? Heck, the inside temp had only gotten down to 74, and I was cold!

Bo was looking at a picture book the other day. When she brought me a page to look at.

Bo: "Mommy, this is what the fish looks like."

Bo: "This is what the fish looks like after he bless yous!"

Since you are not really "here", and I don't know how much computer access you have.... here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz2VYBREPLg

For all you die-hard Twilight fans.....here is a 14-second teaser BEFORE the official trailer of New Moon comes out!!

http://www.mtv.com/videos/movies/395980/new-moon-mtv-movie-awards-sneak-peek.jhtml

Due to the most recent post of my BFF, Yvonne, I find it necessary to post this picture of Edward and Bella....and I am totally anticipating the release of New Moon! To some of you, you may find these Twilight posts redundant, boring, yada, yada, yada, but I really don't care!! :D
This is SO part of my life and a constant source of "gossip" with my Bff's. We totally got into the books and then, Twilight. So, New Moon just continues what we already love....EDWARD!! LOL!

Also, I am SO excited about the upcoming venture of Yvonne and my other BFF, Stephanie. They are going into business together and opening "SHE SCRAPBOOKS"!! Totally ecstatic about this new time in their lives! Plus, I'm really going to need a LSS to shop at, as Griffins is closing. I'm upset about this too, but life is about change. And, really, anyone who knows me, knows that I HATE change!

I went to a scrapbook expo yesterday with Yvonne and Steph. Um, really only impressed with two things. Tattered Angels had this AWESOME stamp! And, yes, I did refrain from purchasing that, but with all of my inspiration buzzing around in my head, I really could have used the stamp. Maybe at a later time. The other company was Ten Second Studios. Totally inspirational again! We won't say anymore other than, I have plans for that :D!

And, so, I leave you with the lovely picture of Edward and Bella. Hopefully when I FINALLY get my current project completed (only waiting on this ridiculous paper), I will post it! I really am going to be more creative...I promise!

Girls, it's the moment you've all been waiting for!!! But first...



It's almost 2:30 in the morning.

Can't sleep.

Ever have one of those nights?

So, I am sitting here on the laptop with nothing to do.



EXCEPT....FIND THIS!!!

The official release of the New Moon poster! Ah, so great to be back in the loop!

As to my creativity splurge this weekend...well, I'll blog on that tomorrow. It's so hard to top this poster :D

OK, girlies. For those BFF's of mine that are as into Twilight as much as I am, I came across these New Moon posters. They are NOT official!! But, they were made by someone who had WAY too much time of their hands! But, I am not complaining! Totally gets me psyched for November, when New Moon is to be released. Yeah!!




As for the beach, it was a much needed getaway. I admit, I did not take many "great" pictures! I feel as if I did get one really good one of my nephew, Dae-dae (yes, it is a nickname). I will post that one when I sit down to play later.

Bo woke up this morning with a smile on her face.

B: "Momma, guess what I dreamed about this morning?"
M: "What, honey?"
B: "I had a dream that I found a crab on the beach."
M: "That's nice."
B: "Momma, guess who was in my dream?"
M: "Who?"
B: "Edward. Edward was in my dream, and he went to the beach with me. I took my shoes off, and Edward did, too."

Hmm. I bet Edward shimmered when the sunlight fell on him. Sounds like my Twilight obsession has rubbed off on my little girl, huh?

So looking forward to tomorrow! The girls and I are going away to St. Augustine for a little R and R. This is so what I am needing! My parents, sisters, bil's, and nephews/nieces are all going to. So, I have warned everyone that I do want to take some pictures on the beach. That will be nice. Will post some pictures when I get back! Have a great weekend!

New Moon The Movie and Twilight News

This morning, Bo and I were snuggling on the couch. Just talking about the beginning of our day, when my cell phone rang.

Bo: "Mommy, just let it ring. Don't answer it."
Me: "It might be someone important."
Bo: "Don't worry, mommy! The washing machine will get it!" All smiles.

Hmmm...I really didn't realize my washing machine was good for that!? I thought that's what answering machines and voicemail were good for! Gotta love technology!!

Of course, I haven't edited it, yet. Just too many things going on around here. Between work and life. Kids. There is just never time for me.

BUT, this Friday, I will be getting together with the BFF's to scrapbook. Much needed time. Good food. Happy juice. Time to just play and create.

These are the times I cherish. Can't wait!!

Life changes from day to day; it changes constantly. Things that SHOULD be a constant in our life change; we evolve. We grow with that change, and we adapt. But what happens when you cannot grow with the change? When you cannot adapt?

You must create a new path...a new road of life to travel. You close the "chapter" on one aspect of your life and begin anew. Proceeding with cautiousness but a with a new appreciation of what came before. Now open to all possibilities. Searching for a purpose.

Pretty short, but deep for one who rarely blogs, huh? Needless to say, change is coming, and it's all around me. I'm hesitant about it, because, honestly, who really deals well with change? But, I have my friends and family to help me through this. I know I will come out of this a stronger person, and with that, I will also have more of an appreciation for my friends and family. You all know who you are, and that I love you dearly.

HMM. I have to admit, blogging has been the furthest thing on my mind. Too many issues I am currently dealing with, and I admit, I really don't want to dwell on them right now. Maybe at a later time, but for now, well....

Still have my Christmas tree up! Yes, you read that correctly. My goal was to have it put away this past weekend. Maybe this weekend.

I'm getting ready to make dinner. Maybe I'll work on a new header later. The one that's there is a little boring, I know. I really need to post pictures, too! Will work on that.

Did I tell you I discovered Facebook? OMG! I have caught up with so many friends from high school! Even friends I see occasionally around town but never have the time to call. And, guess what? I discovered that I LOVE to take pictures. I just am lousy at actually posting them (does this seem to surprise anyone?)

Found this great blog template on the AWESOME Rhonna Farrer's blog. This is too cool! Rhonna is so talented, and she is truly such an inspiration! I must admit, I have inspired but not as much as recently. Thanks to Rhonna starting up a blog again!

I am currently at a scrapbook crop, and I am sitting here playing on my computer. See, Rhonna? I am INSPIRED! And, I must admit, I am having fun. Having a little trouble trying to type and talk at the same time, but I am having fun!

Well, off to create. Time to put the blog away!

OK! Since everyone who I sent a Christmas card to has seen this, I figured I would post my absolutely favorite picture! I took the girls out to take the annual Christmas picture ~ I must admit, it is the ONLY Christmas tradition I do with any regularity each year. Though, I think one year, I took the picture, and due to time constraints, I didn't mail out the cards.

Anyhoo...This was the AWESOME picture.....(drum roll, please)......



I am SO happy with the way it turned out. In fact, just last night, I played around with it (AGAIN), printed out the picture, and put it into a frame. And for those of you into digital scrapbooking, I made a kick-butt transparent frame, which I mounted to the glass around the opening of the picture. It is SO me!

Got tagged by Kristy...So, here goes.

1. name: Nita
2. birthday: December 7
3. wear silver or gold: silver
4. favorite restaurant: Ming's Dynasty in Orlando. They have the BEST dim-sum!!
5. favorite junk food: I love all junk food!
6. favorite candybar: Does it have to be a candy bar? I'm not really a candy bar type-person. I like Godiva truffles!
7. favorite candy: Um, Godiva truffles! Oh, and Lindt milk chocolate balls!
8. favorite store: target, michaels, hobby lobby, griffins
8.5 favorite online store: designer digitals and a million little things
9. do you collect anything: my husband says "junk".
10. favorite movie: HELLO? Twilight!
11. favorite book: TWILIGHT SERIES and the Harry Potter Series
12. something you could never get enough of: craft supplies. books. new plants for my garden.
13. favorite band: My music taste varies. I honestly could not narrow it down to just one.
14. favorite indulgence: starbucks
15. something you never buy yourself but want: a real diamond ring....1 carat....emerald cut. I SO will NEVER see this. The DH does not believe in jewelry. He'd get me a new camera, and honestly, that would be fine with me.
16. favorite color: red.
17. something you are wishing for right now: some new digital brushes, a silver beaded necklace from Target, and a camera lens. Oh, and someone to clean my house :D
18. favorite symbol: hmmm...flourishes and swirls. Does this count?
19. who are you tagging: Bre, Kim B., and Melle

HAPPY NEW YEAR! And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little bro, who is 20 this year. Wow! Does time fly by fast or what? And, speaking of time.....

A few friends of mine, Kristy and Yvonne, have chosen a word to live by for 2009. This is based on Ali Edwards yearly word challenge. I think it's a great concept. For the last few years, I considered joining in the challenge, but I felt I never could commit to this. But this year, I have decided to join the challenge. So, my word for 2009 is TIME. It seems as if time is something that goes by so quickly. It always seems as if I never have enough time. For myself. For my family. For my friends. This year, I am seriously going to try to prioritize the things in my life, and I am going to strive to make more time for my family and most especially, for myself.

I have really wanted to begin a small photography business for a while now, and I admit, I just don't have enough faith in myself to go through with it. This year, I am really going to try to focus more on my photography hobby. I want to take more pictures. So, I feel as if I need to set a goal for myself. I want to take at least 50 pictures that I am truly, absolutely, positively happy with. Whether it be of my kids, which tend to be the subject of my pictures, my nieces and nephews, or my friends and their kids. I want to do this. I want to strive to be a better photographer. If I never get discovered as a supremely awesome scrapbooker, and honestly, if someone said I sucked at it, I would be completely OK with that. But, I would LOVE to be known as a supremely fantastic photographer. I would LOVE to be this areas Tara Whitney. She's fantastic! I would so love to have my pictures taken by her! Maybe someday! Like the DH would really let me do that!! But, one can dream, huh?

I also am really going to strive to be a better blogger. To post more pictures. To scrapbook my families memories more often, and to post those layouts! And, I'd really like to get the projects around my house in order. This will definitely happen slowly but surely. Such is life! But, if I can spend more time with my girls, then, I will definitely be accomplishing something in this new year!!

********* Wishing you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!! *********