SLACKER?

Yep, apparently I am.  I was called out by Joni last night for slacking on my blog.  For that, I'm sorry.  I've been busy making cards and mini albums and entertaining Ronan in between all that!

I pinkie swear promise that by this afternoon, I'll have some new pictures posted!

Check back tonight.....

Forging Ahead

I was talking to a few moms yesterday about this, which got me thinking about what makes me happy in life...

We've seen them, those moms that come up with some sort of contraption that everyone uses, they end up millionaires and then on Oprah, telling their story.

I want to be one of those women.  Well, not necessarily...I wouldn't mind the millions and being on Oprah, but mostly, I want to be doing something I absolutely love.  I have that opportunity now and although it's only in its beginner stages, it feels good and it feels right.

WeAreFullofScrap was created with the intent of just making a few cards or albums and selling them.  But now that I am really into it, it has become so much more than that to me.  I sit at our dining room table during the day (in between playing with Ronan, movies, naps and meals) working on cards that people are going to use to send to loved ones and albums that they are putting their most prized possessions (their pictures) in.  It's an amazing feeling.  

I told Ryan that it would be absolutely insane if this business picked up and took off...can you imagine?  Me, doing something I love?  And getting paid for it?  It couldn't be more perfect.

I want to thank my friends who have extended their support thus far and appreciate all my friends who have passed the word along about this new venture.  Nothing is stronger than word-of-mouth and the Creators of WeAreFullofScrap stand behind everything we make...it's all done with great detail and most of all, passion -- because we love what we do and we hope you love it too.

If she were a twin...

Riley would look something like this:

There is a photobooth application on our iMac which Riley is completely entertained by.  She will sit in front of this computer and take dozens of pictures of herself using all the different special effects.  Some of them have been pretty scary (enlarging facial features, double heads on one body...) but others turn out cute like this one did.  

It's neat because I don't sit there beside her and tell her what to do.  This is all her and what she comes up with.  It's natural and it's unscripted, which I love.   

A Creative Endeavor

A couple friends and I have decided that we would give a go at making cards and mini albums to sell...and we've started a blog to showcase a SAMPLE of what we can do for you.  

We Are Full of Scrap was created so you can get some ideas and hire US to do the work for you!  

Visit and check back often, as projects will be added on a regular basis!  (The blog is still in its beginner stages, so don't mind it if you come back and it looks totally different!)

AND, you can email us at WeAreFullofScrap@gmail.com if you want to place an order or have any questions.

Thanks for your support!

Call me a working woman...

Yep, I finally got a job.  For those of you that don't know, I've been job hunting for a while now...mostly to get myself out of the house and mingle with adults...but now, it's also to help contribute financially to the family -- as Ryan has held that burden for almost two years all alone.

What started off as a quest for a full-time day job, ended up as a part-time night/weekend job. Why?  Well, I didn't want to put Ronan in daycare and have to pay for it.  Daycare is freaking expensive.

So, I put my applications in everywhere.  I applied at all retail locations and even at Publix.  I was willing to wear Publix polyester, people.  Believe it.  Me, in polyester.  BUT, I didn't get so much as an email from many of those places -- however this week, within 3 days, I had 2 interviews for the same company.  Bath and Body Works AND Victoria's Secret.

Bath and Body Works was looking for temporary help, mainly for the holidays.  I had a group interview with 4 other people...and let me just tell you what an experience that was.  I know the manager wanted to be efficient with her time, so for that I understand, but it wasn't the most comfortable experience.  It was almost as fun as getting my eyebrows waxed.  Painfully necessary.

Then on Saturday, I had an interview at VS in the morning and the manager was from Pittsburgh.  Imagine that!  The interview lasted less than 5 minutes and was more like a conversation with a friend, than an interview.  BUT, I was not going to complain.  Within 6 hours, I had a job offer from VS...and not for the position you think.

They asked me to model their bras and underwear for their "short and stocky" line.  They said I would stand in their window for 4-hour shifts and show people what a "real woman" looks like in their underwear.  I agreed, as long as I could wear thongs and heels... The manager concurred.  

Okay, so now that you have the visual in your mind, I'm kidding.  I'm gonna be working part-time in sales.  Should be fun.  At least it'll get me out of the house for a little bit each week. The best part is that I don't have to wear their clothes.  I mean, I probably should wear underwear...so yeah, I guess I DO have to wear their clothes...but I don't have to spend my entire paycheck on a VS wardrobe.

Beloved Keepsakes Star

This is what I won!!!  I love it.  I wish you could see it in person, but it is absolutely beautiful. Please check out Lori's website and if you know of anyone in the Armed Forces, this would make such an amazing gift.  (Our star is actually on her website, too...so technically, we are famous!)

The star has 10 pictures that I emailed her and it's even got Coastie paper!  I just love it.

Thank you, Lori, from Beloved Keepsakes!

Ronan's Expressions: Taken within 2 minutes (oh how his mood changes!)

What did we do tonight?

We played at Shelley's pool.  

Click here to see the pictures/video Shelley took.  (I forgot my camera.  What kind of good Asian am I, to have forgotten my camera.)

Could they be...

any cuter?  I know, they are my kids, I'm supposed to say that...but there are just some days when they are so much cuter than others!  Yesterday, was one of those days.  Riley had her first grade picture taken yesterday.  She had originally chosen this outfit that was so wrinkled, you could barely make out what print the shirt had on it.  So, I axed that and said, "pick something else."  

Well, I didn't really look at it until she had it on and told her no way.  The skirt was the same wrinkled skirt she had previously picked and the shirt, well, it just wasn't what I would have picked.  BUT, rather than get into a fight with her about the outfit, I said, "okay, it's cute...although I wish you would wear this (pointing to a solid colored shirt.)"  She had a disappointed look on her face, and wanting to not have her be all puffy-eyed from crying, I just went on to say, "oh Riley, you'll look beautiful in whatever you wear.  You made a good decision.  I like what you picked out."

Reverse psychology baby.  

She immediately perked up and said, "No momma, I wanna wear what you picked."  I responded by telling her, "no baby, just wear what you picked, it's adorable."  She then insisted, strongly, that she wear what I picked telling me that, "Momma, I love what you picked, I WANT to wear it."

Well, after she put it on, I told her she made a great decision and that the outfit SHE decided on was perfect.  She was happy because it really sounded like SHE made the decision and in the end, I had her wearing what I wanted her to wear.  Mean?  

Anyway, I didn't get to snap a picture of her wearing it, but I did manage to take a bunch of pictures last night at home.  

This is the two of them posing together...when I told Ronan I wanted to take a picture of him standing with Riley, he pleasantly obliged.  I couldn't believe it.  I even got a picture of them hugging, if you can believe that!

And here he is hugging his doggy from Build-A-Bear.  No, I didn't get one for him yesterday. This is the same dog that Riley talked me into getting for Ronan because SHE wanted something and I refused to buy her something without getting something for Ronan.  After that trip, I vowed to NEVER go to that store again.  Cute and all, but man, too expensive.  And all they do is throw them around....

"Family?"

I have to vent.  Get ready.

If you have been reading my blog from the beginning, you know that the term "family" is loosely used in our home.  We've been burned by biological family members -- on both sides -- and in our journeys across the country with the Coast Guard, we've adopted and been adopted by amazing and great friends who ARE and have become our family.  We've been extremely fortunate and lucky, despite the fact that we've had major "family" issues.

Ryan's sister is getting married sometime next month.  Obviously, we weren't invited to the wedding or else I'd be able to tell you the date.  BUT, Ryan opted to not be a part of her wedding when she asked and that brought upon a fury like you would not believe.  He didn't choose to not be a part of it 'just because'...there was a lot behind that decision and one that I am glad he made.

That brings me to my sister-in-law, Courtney, and her family.  They ARE a part of the wedding and it's funny because my in-laws are treating them just like how they treat us.  They don't call, they don't visit and you would think they were outsiders.  I just find this so strange.  Ryan's sister has her brother, niece and nephew IN the wedding...yet, my in-laws don't call and don't visit them...I just don't get it.  Courtney and her family have tried.  They have gone to family functions.  They have made calls, yet it isn't reciprocated. 

So you ask, "What business of this is yours, Maria?"  It's not.  I just am frustrated for them.  I think that it's really awful that people who claim to be your family can treat you this way.  I think it's atrocious that they have all these grand expectations of people and then turn around and treat their children like they are complete outsiders.  I have no doubt whatsoever, that my MIL, Mt. Lebanon's National Enquirer, has made horrible statements and comments about us -- knowing that we wouldn't be there to defend ourselves.  To her, the world revolves around her and her feelings... no one else.

While Ryan, the kids and I have been completely cut out of the "family" -- I take it as a blessing. I only think about it when Courtney and I chat about it...but on a daily basis, I don't stress about it.  Am I a heartless person for feeling that way?   Maybe.  But, can't I just be done with it all?  Can't I just say that I'm tired of being made out to be the bad person when for years and years all I did was go above and beyond to be accepted into that family?  Can't I just move on?

My friend, Tara, inspired me with her blog.  She questioned when she should be able to wipe her hands clean of all that is negative in her life.  Of course it made me think about our life and the negative forces around it...I hope that this is one of the last times I have to vent about them. I hope that if I ever write about them again, it'll be in my next book:  How to Divorce Your In-Laws...and who knows, maybe I'll have to thank them in the preface for making me millions.

  

I won?

I don't win stuff.  I don't.

BUT, I decided, what the heck.  Enter the contest.  

It was at Beloved Keepsakes and guess what, I won!

I'll show you the prize when it gets here...but I got a sneak peak of it and man, it is one of the coolest things I have ever seen.

Getting creative....

It's not often I find time to work on little projects and it's even more rare that I have time to finish and make more...but I did the other night!  This album above is one I made for my neighbor's daughter, Thalia.  She's about 5 months now and I thought, what a better way than to have a little album with pages for each month until she turns 1.  I used Stampin' Up! DSP Berry Bliss (from the last catty), along with Purely Pomegranate, Close to Cocoa and Regal Rose.  I used a couple punches from Stampin' Up! and baubles and stickles.  Bound it together it with one binder ring.  

My other friend, Joanna, just had a baby about 5 weeks ago named Ryan...so while I was at it, I made him one, also.  I couldn't decorate this with flowers and baubles, but I think it turned out great.  The paper is from Stampin' Up! (Home Again package), Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Bashful Blue and River Rock Cardstock.  I also used Close to My Heart's stamp set for each page (Month 1, Month 2, etc.)  This one was also bound with one binder ring.


And then I got my second wind when I decided yesterday after I picked Riley up from school that I would grab a stack of paper I had lying around and make another mini album.  This one uses Stampin' Up! DSP Cutie Pie (from last  year) and coordinating cardstock.  It's a "Friends" themed album -- which I had a lot of fun making.  I used some stamps in there...ones that I had randomly lying around and it turned out pretty cute...at least I think so!

Sometimes I shock myself at what I can come up with.  By no means is it crazy creative like some of the projects I have seen on scrapbooking websites and blogs...but for me, I think it's pretty good.  It is amazing how much the mess and the chaos can relax me (although while I'm in the process sometimes, I get majorly stressed!) but in the end, I have this finished project I can be proud of...

I think I am going to try and sell some...don't you think they would make great gifts?  Especially with the holidays coming up, some mini holiday albums would be soooo cute for friends and family (grandparents would probably love this...)  So, if you know of anyone that might like one or if you want one, let me know!!!  I could probably even do it with pictures already in them (if you email me the pictures!)

Anyway...hope you like it.  Maybe I'll get creative today and make something else.

Garage Sale Haggling

I don't think that if you are a push-over, you should be allowed to have garage sales.  I have had them in the past and I know that the early birds show up as you are setting up (still in the dark) and that those very people are the ones that will offer you pennies for that treasure you spent hundreds of dollars on years ago...

Today was our "multi-family garage sale" that I had spent days advertising on craigslist.org.  I had enlisted several of my friends to come and bring their stuff and experience this garage sale phenomenon.

It's scary.

I wasn't selling all that much.  What I was planning to sell, wasn't anything I was in any hurry to get rid of, so I figured that if I didn't get close to the price I was asking, that it was no love-loss and that I would hold onto it until the next time.

Well, for something I had tagged for $75, I had someone offer me $30.  I thought he was joking. I quickly said no.  To which he then said, $35.  Joke again.  I told him the lowest I would go was $50.  He offered me $40 and I told him there was no way I would go any lower and that I would rather keep it in my closet than give it to him for that price.  I had already gone as low as I was willing.  He later agreed, but not without more pressure.

Much of the day went the same way.  I had people offering me nothing for things I wasn't willing to budge on.  I know, garage sale...you gotta be willing to give.  BUT, most of the stuff I practically did give away...it was the stuff I wasn't going to settle for that gave me the most grief!

Anyway, the garage sale ended up being a success for most of us.  A few friends that dropped off their stuff made some money and those of us that manned the tables couldn't complain.  For the time of just chatting with girlfriends and laughing at the ridiculous offers we received, it was worth the work...

Until next time!

Our little rockstar...

Check out Shelley's blog for some video and a picture of Ronan...I lost this off my camera the other night...

Ronan on the Potty

Don't expect to see a picture of my little dude on the potty...because when I tried to upload it, it WASN'T on my camera.  Not sure what happened, but pictures from the last few days are gone...

Anyway, the big news is that two days ago, we put Ronan on the potty (a little one we bought him) and he loved it.  He sat naked on it for a while in the morning and after we dropped Riley off at school, gave it another shot AND...he PEED on the potty.

This wasn't without help from me turning on the water on the sink, but it was pretty cool.  He was so proud of himself (although he jumped up when he heard the music blasting from the potty!)  I took a couple pictures of him standing next to it, before he decided that he was going to point at his pee and touch it.

YUCK!

He's only 2 weeks shy of 22 months and so I'm not pushing it.  I have read that boys take longer than girls to potty train, so I don't plan on forcing him to sit and sit and sit and sit and sit...but, it was really impressive that he has taken such a huge interest in it at such a  young age.

I only wish I could share the picture...

Date Night

Ryan didn't want me to post a picture of him on here...and I was going to blur his face out so he wouldn't be mad...but I'm proud that he's my husband and I was excited to have a picture of us together -- so here it is!

Last night, thanks to Shelley, Ryan and I were able to go out on a date.  Becktor had tickets to a Mixed Martial Arts fighting thingy at the St. Pete Times Forum and we figured it would be fun to get out.  Ryan and I went out to dinner at a place in Channelside called Tina Tapas and it was DELISH!  One of the two best places I have ever eaten (the other is Sinigual, in Brandon.)  If you have never been to a "tapas-style" restaurant, they basically have all appetizer-type foods. You order as you feel like you want it and you share.  Ryan and I loved everything we ate. It's definitely a place we would go again (whenever income becomes disposable!  haha).

Anyway, it was nice to get out and have some adult time and "be on a date with daddy," as Riley would say.  Thanks, Shelley, for putting up with the nuggets...and thanks Becktor, for inviting us out!

My babies...

I have no other reason to post this, but for the simple fact that I thought this picture of Riley was cute.  This was her this morning, with bed head.  

Riley went to a birthday party today at the new bowling alley for a classmate and one of her BFF's, Hannah, was there...couldn't resist taking a cute picture...
After a fun time at Becky's Latin Girls Night, I came home to see this little man passed out on our couch.  Too stinkin' cute.
And I had to get a picture with my girl today while at the birthday party.  I realized that I don't have many with me and the kids and need to make more of an effort to get those special pictures (even if I hate how I look sporting a double-chin and bingo arms.)

Tuesday Dinner with Shelley

We had our regular dinner with Shelley this week (except instead of Wednesday, we did Tuesday because of a commitment Shelley had on Wednesday -- whatever, Miss Important.) I made tacos. Yum. The kids, of course, LOVED the visit, as both Shelley and Elsie provide a great deal of entertainment for them while they are here. Poor Elsie was tortured by Ronan...after he held her for a bit and then decided to take her shopping in his cart. He pushed her to the couch before she decided to jump ship.
And what dinner with Shelley is complete without a few minutes of Wii play time? They were playing Mario Kart (Ronan, not so much. His controller was sans batteries.) Riley was not too happy to be in 12th place (out of 12.) She's over the whole losing thing, I think.
Ronan plopped his little chunky body down right next to Shelley when he knew he would be able to play with Elsie. Lots of laughter and lots of wet kisses from that tiny dog.
And thanks to Riley, this is what we caught Ronan doing at the end of the night. She likes to do handstands and then flip onto the ottoman. Ronan didn't do a flip, but he did walk his legs up the side of the ottoman to get into this position. He should be in gymnastics with Riley, huh?

My Workout

To keep me somewhat accountable, I said I would post if I worked out. I did. That's what started all this Ronan madness...because while Ryan and I tried to workout in the garage, Riley had a meltdown and Ronan had a freak out and I was completely stressed. The exact opposite of how you are supposed to feel when you work out.

Here is what I did: Lots of sets and reps of each -- and I did them quickly!!!

Shoulders -- shoulder presses with the kettlebell and shoulder raises with the dumbbells
Triceps -- overhead tricep presses with the dumbbells and tricep dips on the bench
Biceps -- bicep curls and hammer curls
Chest -- Incline bench press and dumbbell flies
Legs -- squats with the kettlebell and stationary lunges on the bench
Abs -- crunches on the big squishy ball

Ryan and I couldn't complete too many of these together...but I finished them off on my own. I'm proud of myself and I hope I can motivate myself to get another workout in tomorrow...we shall see, I guess.

Why Won't He Stop...

CRYING?

Ronan had such a good day today and for the last 3 hours since Ryan has been home, I swear all Ronan has been doing is cry. Or whine. Or freak out. Enough that Ryan decided he was going to take a drive and return some things.

All I wanted was a shower and I got one, in less than 2 minutes. He started freaking out when I walked into the shower. Freaking out.

I pretty much can't do anything without him...I swear, sometimes I think he wants to get back into the uterus. (Which, would be the most utterly painful feeling at this point, considering how big he is and how much he squirms...yuck.) But, I'm getting a little frustrated and all I want to do is cry.

I can't make phone calls. Did you know that? Because when I pick up the phone, he screams for me to pay attention to him. And when I make lunch, you would have thought that I took away his birthday or something, because he cries. And even though he is happy to see Ryan when he gets home from work, he stays with me. He might run to give Ryan a quick hug, but then he's back in my arms again.

Many times, I have to remind myself that he's still a baby and that these moments will only last for so long. But, it's hard to do anything for myself when you have a little person who won't give you but one minute to sit on the toilet and pee. (He used to freak out when I did that. Now, he'll just stand there, hand me toilet paper, say "stinky" and wave bye-bye when I flush the toilet...and that's just for the peeing part of it.)

Right now, while I type this post, he's standing on my right foot, holding onto the mouse and moving it all over the place and grabbing onto my hand. I know he loves me and that's what I have to remember. But, it still doesn't mean I can't cry for a couple minutes because motherhood has made me forget about who I am sometimes...