sow.sprout.bloom.

Heiwa-Dorii

2012-01-28T20:44:00.005-07:00

Everytime I think of this street I remember this song because I'm a child of the 80s and putting things to music is how my brain functions.

So instead of "Hey now, hey now...," I think "Heiwa (prounounced hay-wa), Heiwa Dori-i-i-i." Okay, I've tortured you enough, now on to the story...

Two weekends ago, it was raining as it is apt to do in Okinawa. We were all sitting around with a little cabin fever, snipping at each other (the truth, folks, nothing but the truth). Ron asks, "What should we do?". I remember seeing an article about Heiwa Dori in a local newspaper and suggested going. At the time, I was reading this fine book:

Georgia Pellegrini (who is just GORGEOUS, isn't she?!) among other things discusses how we have a detachment from how our food gets from farm to table. We walk into these fluorescent lit supermarkets where our food is prepackaged into styrofoam and cellophane containers. We don't really think about how that chuck roast got there, just how we're going to pop it into a crock pot and have it for dinner.

I lived part of my primary and part of my high school years in Japan. During the summers, we visited my mom's family in Taiwan. Going to market was a part of daily life. Yes, there was a fridge, but that was mainly for leftovers. We bought that morning what we would cook that day. This happens in many countries around the world. It makes a whole lot of sense to me, your food is fresher and there's less waste. If we wanted chicken, the butcher would grab an unsuspecting bird from a cage and make it happen. At first, my brother and I were wide eyed and aghast. Prior to this our chicken came from the commissary or the local Winn Dixie, sans feathers. After awhile, of course, we adjusted. My husband spent part of his life in Guam and the Phillipines. He had a similar childhood, only his involved some of the actual harvesting of the animals. Part of us moving to Japan involved a longing for our kids to experience a different way of life that doesn't involve supermarkets and big box stores. This is a long way of me getting to part of why we went to Heiwa Dori. If you get a chance, take a look at this video and you can see what we saw and get a little bit of what my rambling is about.

Getting to Heiwa Dori is a bit like a treasure hunt. You park on a main street with lots of sounds and flashy signs to attract tourists. We ended up paying ¥500 (or about $7) per half hour for parking without realizing it. This is one of many reasons why I should really learn to read Kanji.

Then you walk by souvenir stores with wares somewhat unique to Okinawa.

Habu Sake {yes, that's a snake}

frog purse with Shisa dogs in the background

Hello Kitty store

You turn into an area that is like a tunnel with stores on either side. Still, you wind your way through souvenir shops until you almost miss the public market. I would have walked by it if Ron had not seen it and abruptly turned toward it. I'm so glad we didn't miss it because it was amazing to see all the shopkeepers and their wares. Most of the shellfish is alive. The fish is super fresh and in colors you've never seen before. The shopkeepers are all very nice.

brilliantly colored fish

fiesty lobsters with a topshell on the side

Fugu or Puffer Fish

I'm really glad we had the opportunity to experience the public market. We also took home some really tasty pickles after being offered generous samples by the shopkeeper. Pickled vegetables are a big part of a traditional Japanese meal.

I will be taking your orders for frog purses for a limited time, so take advantage. I'm only kidding, folks. Thank you for checking out our adventure. I hope there will be more to come.

I'm going to be a millionaire...

2012-01-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been in Okinawa for a little over a month. We have moved into our new home. It's 1600 square feet of apartment RIGHT ON THE BEACH. It doesn't have a dishwasher, but if I look out my sliding glass doors, I see a breathtaking view of turquoise waters, so I refuse to complain. I've become a little more acquainted with driving on the left side of the road, although I still prefer to hug the right. Needless to say, people fear me and my husband drives most of the time. Our favorite foods have so far been the bento boxes we get at Family Mart, a kind of Japanese convenience store. If you balk at that you're missing out on some really good food. They'll even heat it up for you right there. My favorite is the rice with shrimp tempura and a small bit of salmon. Yes, this is convenience store food. This post, however, is not about my posh digs, my bad driving, or my addiction to Japanese fast food. It's about how I will come back to the U.S. and make a gazillion bucks from things that make so much sense, that would do so well in the States, but just haven't made it there. Or it has and I've just been living under a rock.

1. Public Toliet Seat Sanitizing Spray

The Japanese are VERY clean people. Proof of this is this FABULOUS spray that comes in nearly ALL of the public restrooms I have used. You simply stick your toliet paper under the nozzle of the device on the right, spray a sanitizer onto the paper and wipe your seat clean. It just makes me feel better. There are also SEVERAL automatic toliets that have heated the seats on cold days, and will clean your nether regions, but I'm just not down with that, so I haven't included it as something I will make a gazillion dollars on. Next...

2. Some Like it Hot

My entire family used this yesterday as it was a bit chilly. You want a coffee? You want it hot?? You want it now?? Or tea?? Or hot chocolate?? Simply jaunt over to one of the MANY (I am not exaggerating, they're everywhere) vending machines and pop one out. It will come out hot in a can. So not only will you have a lovely hot coffee at your disposal, you will also warm your hands in the process. It's so ingenious I tell you! Starbucks would not approve.

3. Bathroom Bliss

Yes, this is another bathroom invention that has made me very happy. I have a child with a COPIOUS amount of hair. My genes are responsible for her beautiful locks, and the vast majority of duties involving said hair is also mine. Her hair is best done wet, and allowed to dry naturally. I know this from LOTS of trial and error with my own hair. That being said, it's not always easy to wet her hair in the morning unless she takes a bath or shower in the morning. So when we moved into our house and I discovered quite by accident that the faucet extends like a sprayer IN THE BATHROOM, I nearly knelt down and kissed the vanity. It makes my life so much easier & why didn't I think of installing one before?!

I'm sure I'll remember many more for later posts, but I am just in awe with these for the time being, along with many things about my new home. Happy 2012!!!

No right on red...

2011-12-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

I have to say I NEVER... let me say it again... NEVER thought I would drive a Cube. I've seen them in the U.S. They seem cute enough, but just not for me. Folks have been adoring these little cars here in Nippon since 1998, in the U.S. just since 2009. I thought they were too small for my "s/he keeps touching me!" kids. Actually they're plenty roomy, and in the cube³, I could've thrown one in the 3rd row of seats, but the cube³ was vetoed by my hubby. He, incidentally, is really in love with this vehicle. He mentioned that I was going to look quite stylish getting out of the car, but I'm inclined to believe that he's just trying to butter me up to like her more. I was actually quite smitten with a Cube in a really fun pastel blue, but we ended up passing on it. I think he was glad he didn't have to get ribbed by his fellow soldiers.

I thought I'd familiarize some of you all with some of the fun aspects of driving in Japan. I actually learned to drive in Japan as I was here when I turned 16. So, with my dad accompanying me with his hand wrapped around the emergency break {yes, he actually did pull it up}, I first learned to cruise the streets of Yokosuka before cruising Route 66.

1.

This symbol is basically one's answer to "What the....?" You know you've thought that when you've been driving. You see a driver do something crazy and you quietly {or sometimes not quietly} say, "What the...?!" Drivers in Japan who have been driving under a year get the Wakaba or Shoshinsha symbol to grace their car, so the rest of us know they are new and avoid them at all costs.

2. The bigger your engine & the greater your emissions, the bigger your road tax. So, bigger is not necessarily better.

3. A stop sign in Japan is an upside down triangle.

4. There is a Daihatsu "Naked" here among other colorfully named vehicles, one named "Dump." Hmmm...

5. You must prove you have a parking space before you purchase a vehicle.

6. Roads in Okinawa are actually mixed with coral so you actually have to take that into consideration when the road is wet, which is starting to look like nearly always.

7. The Japanese have a totally zero tolerance policy toward drunk driving & as a result very little DWIs. You cannot have ANY alcohol in your system if you operate a vehicle. To keep this law effective, they have "drunk taxis" consisting of 2 drivers, one for you, one for your car. GENIUS!

8. Japan ranks 2nd in the world for vehicles per square kilometer. Yes, there are a lot of cars.

9. When stopping at intersections, Japanese drivers will turn off their headlights to avoid blinding on coming drivers. Just another way that the Japanese are so polite.

10. ...and last but not least my favorite...

This is a Koreisha symbol. It is the polar opposite of the Shoshinsha symbol. While a Shoshinsha refers to a "new leaf" or a "beginner," the Japanese have required the Koreisha for drivers over the age of 70. The above is the older symbol. Elderly Japanese became miffed at the suggestion that it implied death with the yellowing of the leaves. The result? The Japanese Government changed it and here is the new symbol...

Good on them!

'Tis Better to Give....

2011-12-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the beautiful island of Okinawa. Yes, my little family has made it clear across the Pacific after reuniting with my soldier in early November, visiting family in D.C. in mid November, and taking a 13+ plane ride to the Land of the Rising Sun. Much more to follow about all of those adventures.

In the meantime, I am FAR overdue for a giveaway I promised to Liz Gardner from My Memories. I got to play with her My Memories Suite software for digital scrapbooking and I had a blast doing it. In fact, I was able to create a very special gift for my parents upon departing the U.S. Here are some of the layouts I created using this easy to use program.

I loved how user friendly this program is, from the install to the ability to add drop shadows to elements. Did that all sound like jibbery jab? Well, luckily they have a great forum full of helpful people & Liz has put together a bunch of easy to use video tutorials, too. Along with the software, you receive a fun selection of papers and elements to use, or you can download some more free goodies at the My Memories Store.

Even better, I have a discount code for you.
Use this code: STMMMS36831 on your order to save $10
on your own software or on the kits!!

AND {drumroll please....}

I will give away the My Memories Suite Software to one lucky winner....all you have to do is
check out the My Memories site HERE, then come back to this post and leave a comment telling me your favorite kit.

You have until Wednesday the 21st of December and I will announce the winner on the 22nd!
Good Luck!

We interrupt this blog to bring you...

2011-10-25T08:35:00.007-06:00

How funny! I had to push "Publish" before I typed this because the movers had showed up. It's been a long time since I've been to my Little House on the Blog, but it's not that I haven't missed it or wanted to be here. Things have been hectic preparing for our International move.

I can hardly believe it's only two weeks until my soldier is home for good {or atleast until the next deployment ;)}.

Lord knows I got a job to do
I just can't wait until it's through
I keep dreamin’ bout that homebound flight
Looking for those runway lights.

Just having him home is all we could ever want right now. I won't lie, it's been a really long, hard two years. I am grateful for the love of those who have supported us.

My blood family has been there every single bit of the way. I haven't always seen eye to eye with them in the past, especially my mama, but these two years have helped me grow. I am so very thankful for their unconditional love.

I walked into this two years with friends I held near and dear. I walk out with friends I hold near and dear, and so grateful to God for having them in my life.

I hope to pop in back here before we actually settle down in Japan to report on our adventures. Ron & I are surprising the kids by having him come in one day earlier than they suspect. I think I've been watching too much "Surprise Homecoming." A couple days after his homecoming we are headed to our nation's great capitol, Washington D.C., for a homeschool field trip and a visit to family. I'm sure there will be much to share.

In the meantime, hugs and kisses and many beautiful Autumn wishes!

everything's not okay....

2011-10-07T23:50:00.002-06:00

I want to talk to you all about something very close to me. This is something that has unwittingly affected me since I was a child, and I only now discovered a few years ago. It is something that is far too clear for our men and women returning from combat situations and their families. This is all about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.

Before even our soldiers from Korea or Vietnam, there were our soldiers from World War II. My Grandfather Isabel fought in DDay. In the short years I knew him he never spoke of the Purple Heart he earned in those infamous days. I only saw it later in the drawer of my Daddy's dresser. I did know he endured the hurt he felt with alcohol. He did get help, he did sober. Isabel Sanchez ironically died on July 4th 1988, from a drunk driver running him over.

Still it continued...

My daddy was a Navy sailor. He served right after graduating high school in the late sixties. He met and married my mama in those years, meeting her while taking R&R from Vietnam. I didn't know my father had an addiction until I was in college. I didn't know he had PTSD until I was in my 30s. For his generation, it wasn't a masculine thing to talk about the things you saw or did in war. He sought help through other vets, and found his way through the crazy maze and hoops the VA makes you maneuver and jump through as a veteran until he finally felt somewhere close to normal. Sometimes a nightmare will still wake him. One night it woke him with his hands around my mother's neck in a fit of discombobulated memories.

It doesn't go away. Not for my Grandpa Isabel in WWII, not for my daddy in Vietnam, not for our soldiers coming home from the Middle East now.

For this reason Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a huge deal in my life. We celebrate freedom when they all come home in ticker tape, confetti grandeur. We don't talk about the nightmares, the fits and starts, the depression, the addiction afterwards.

Our homeschool Roots and Shoots group held a Lemonade/Bake Sale for an organization called Paws and Stripes. They rescue dogs from a local NM shelter to help returning soldiers with PTSD . Please see http://www.pawsandstripes.org/ for more information.

Home & ♥

2011-09-18T22:43:00.000-06:00

I don't know if you know, but we're in the last last leg of our separation from our soldier. It's very exciting despite all the preparations that have to be made for our overseas assignment. I just can't wait for us to be together again! Every time I read this quote, I think particularly of military families. Although we are separated physically, our hearts are always with one another.

Okay, enough of the mushy stuff! This week at The Pink Elephant, we have the privilege of working with one of Ella's very own, Arielle Gordon! She is the owner of The Wax Fruit Company, a digital stamp treasure trove of all sorts of scenery and sentiment. We have a really sweet inspirational photo and beautiful work by our DT, so hop on over to TPE & check it out.

I used The Wax Fruit Company's Birdhouse Row for this project.

I also used:

Prima and K& Co. papers for the card background.
Girl's Paperie, Basic Grey, MME & Melissa Frances for paper piecing.
Seam Binding from Bella's Paperie {coming soon}.
Stamps from Papertrey Ink.
Bling from Jolene.

that's pictaculous

2011-09-15T22:48:00.001-06:00

I spend a crazy amount of time on Pinterest in my spare time. I just love to look at all the inspiration on there. Sometimes the inspiration comes in recipes, or crafts. Sometimes it's in color. For example, I came across this picture and was immediately smitten by the colors!

Image from Style Me Pretty

After spending some time drooling over the palette, I thought it might be fun to see what the hex colors are for this palette, you know, in case I'm in one of my many blog color changing moods & wanted to use the colors from this picture in my blog. Enter Pictaculous - A Color Palette Generator (courtesy of MailChimp). I downloaded the above image, saved it to my computer, fed it into the above generator & it gave me a lovely set of hex colors that I can use with the Blogger Designer to change the colors of my headers, the colors of my links, dates, what have you. What? I have to get out more? Yeah, I probably do, but I thought this was kind of nifty & might benefit those of you who like to play with color, too.

Happy Friday!

signed, sealed, delivered...

2011-09-12T12:29:00.002-06:00

Good Monday! My munchkins and I are fresh off a trip from Northern New Mexico where my Daddy was showing us a two hundred year old church that is part of the eleven generations of history our family has in the United States. I'll have to post pictures from that jaunt later.

Today, I'd love to share with you a project I did for The Pink Elephant using stamps from The Craft's Meow.

We were generously sponsored by TCM this past week with our "Vintage" challenge. I was blessed to work with "Telegram," a super versatile stamp set. Be sure to check out our challenge and Ella's Girls' projects. Play along with us for your chance to win TCM stamps. Here's my take...

Prima rubons
Melissa Frances pearl
Tim Holtz ink
Doily & seam binding from Bella's Paperie
Postcard from The Graphics Fairy

And this post would be incomplete without this little ditty...

tickled...

2011-09-07T00:29:00.000-06:00

Really, I'm not one who likes to be tickled, but if I were I'd want to be Tickled Pink...

Tickled Pink Stamps

Ella's Girls had the chance to use these sweet stamps this week for our challenge at The Pink Elephant. We have a sketch challenge this week, so head on over to be inspired by the sketch and the beautiful work of our DT.

Here's my take...

{I used 1920s Evie from Tickled Pink for my card.}

dancing in the rain...

2011-08-28T23:54:00.000-06:00

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain. ~Anonymous

I love this quote. I thought it went so well with the image I picked from The Greeting Farm, our sponsor for this week at The Pink Elephant Challenge. This week we are inspired by paper piecing. So get out your scissors, go check out the great inspiration from Ella's Girls & join us! Here's my take...

hugs & kisses

2011-08-25T21:12:00.001-06:00

I have found myself with some extra time, so I thought I would participate in CR8FN 36th Challenge.

Thanks for taking a look!

summer thanks...

2011-08-23T17:16:00.000-06:00

I'm thankful that we've had such a lovely summer. The rain has come, albeit late, but it's here. My garden has exploded! The kids and I had a busy, but fun summer. Our soldier came home to play with us for a couple weeks. Now we're back to school and I'm thankful for being able to have the chance to teach my loves at home. What are you thankful for this summer?

At The Pink Elephant we have an Inspiration Challenge. Hop on over there & take a look at the inspirational photo. Make sure you check out the beautiful cards Ella's Girls have made, too. Here's my take.

I KNOW you'll dance... {for Ella}

2011-08-16T22:03:00.002-06:00

This is one of my very favorite songs...

In 2000 when I found out I was pregnant with my first child, this song came out. It signifies EVERYTHING I hope for my children. In 2003 when I found out I was pregnant with my second, this song reverberated with me even more. Today, I hope this not just for my own children, I hope it for ALL children. Right now I'm thinking of a very special child. I don't HOPE they'll all dance. I KNOW they all will. To read more about this very special girl, please go here and here.

At The Pink Elephant this week, we are sponsored by Tiddly Inks. There were seriously too many cute images to choose from. It was SO much fun working with mine. Go to TPE to see our challenge & join us, and PLEASE join us in praying for Ella.

*****Update on Ella: The bone scan came back with NO SIGN OF CANCER!!!!! Praising God for His mercies & so happy for the Boyd family!*****

discover...

2011-08-09T10:14:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge at The Pink Elephant Challenge is all about butterflies. Go by to see our DTs beautiful cards & join us!!! Here's my take:

thinking of..."her"...

2011-08-02T19:00:00.001-06:00

Yes, the card reads, "you." She's the kind that will do everything for everyone else, give you the skirt off her waist, pray for you without you even asking. I have never seen her face to face. I only know her sweet voice with it's comforting Southern lilt, but I feel like I've known her for ages. Do you all know someone like that? I have this lovely, lovely cybersister of mine in prayer right now & I encourage you all to lift her and her sweet baby, E, up in prayer, too. E has been having some health issues and the docs think it could be something really serious. Only we know that docs are human and can be wrong, too. In about a week E goes to have a test to determine whether or not it is what the doc says. In the meantime, E is in great pain. I know you all, as mamas, know that when our babies are in pain, so are we. Please pray that this week speeds by, please pray the doc is wrong, please pray E and her mama's pain are nonexistent.

For The Pink Elephant Challenge, for There She Goes Stamps, and especially for E and her mama, here's my card this week...

fun in the sun

2011-07-24T22:43:00.000-06:00

...with Whimsie Doodles.

This week's challenge at The Pink Elephant is "Fun in the Sun".

Here's my card using an adorable image from Whimsie Doodles.

One

2011-07-23T10:39:00.002-06:00

One is such a monumental age. So much happens in the first of life. The child I made this card for is no exception. Violet was born a preemie, arriving nearly three months before her due date. Six months later her mama was hospitalized with life threatening conditions. I had the privilege of helping to take care of her and her siblings through the ordeal. Through it all, Violet thrived with an ever present smile on her sweet face. Today we celebrate one year of being blessed with her.

pixie dust

2011-07-20T10:30:00.000-06:00

...makes everything a bit better as proven by our challenge at The Pink Elephant this week. We are sponsored by Pixie Dust Studio.

And inspired by this yummy picture:

Here's my card:

Make sure you check out all of Ella's Girls' Creations and play along with us at The Pink Elephant.

bittersweet bliss

2011-07-14T11:20:00.000-06:00

No, I haven't been abducted by aliens. Although, we've been watching enough SciFi as of late to make me think it's a possibility. I'm in the midst of enjoying time with my soldier and my munchkins. He's home for a lovely 15 days as of the 3rd. Amongst our adventures, included time in Salem, Oregon, with my soldier's family. His father made a trip from Guam, something he hasn't done in 16 years. All the Q brothers and sisters were present for this lovely trip.

The bittersweet element to this post is the passing of my Grandpa Mike. He was 92 years old when he passed on the 4th of July. He's not my biological grandfather, but he was my grandpa just the same. I was three when my grandma married him. At his viewing, my uncle asked me when was it that I had met "Mike." I have the privilege of saying I don't remember NOT knowing him. He always showed integrity, intelligence, and kindness to everyone. We will miss him dearly.

I hope you all are enjoying your summer! I hope I can get some cutting & pasting done soon, in the meantime you'll find me loving on my family.

right now...

2011-07-02T16:23:00.003-06:00

...my soldier is heading home. Just typing that gets me all choked up. C and I saw an Air Force plane off Kirtland Air Force Base and I told him, "Your Daddy's on his way to us as we speak." Elation and love are all wrapped up in this lovely package in my heart.

...my Grandpa "Mike" aged 92; the man who has been my grandfather since my biological grandfather passed away on the 4th of July 1988 is in a hospital just blocks from my casita. A couple weeks ago he fell and broke his hip. While recuperating, he fell again. Amongst the already consuming dementia, and hip injuries, he has contracted pneumonia while in the hospital. While I type this he cannot eat on his own, and has trouble breathing without assistance. He has a DNR order, extraneous measures will not be permitted. So, apprehension and a heavy heart are wrapped up in a quiet place in my heart....

What is happening "right now" in your life?

lovely of you...

2011-06-28T18:41:00.001-06:00

Lovely of you for still hanging around despite my lack of posts... I wish I had more interesting things to post on this little blog o' mine, but it's life as usual here. Yes, we're waiting for our soldier to arrive sometime before the first of July with baited breath. Yes, we're praying for rain to fall in the southwest, especially in the Los Alamos, NM area. Otherwise, life continuous as usual :P

The challenge this week at The Pink Elephant Challenge is a lovely sketch! Go check out Lori's great sketch at TPE. Here's my take:

politics... not as usual...

2011-06-16T17:56:00.002-06:00

I think I've made it pretty obvious that I can be kind of political here at my little ol' blog. Today I stumbled across a quote from Republican NY Senator Roy McDonald. He was speaking in defense of gay marriage. If you balk at gay marriage, please continue to read because this is about more than that. I saw Senator McDonald's quote via Facebook on the page for the Fabulous Beekman Boys. If you have cable or satellite or whatever they call it, I recommend watching this show on Planet Green. I covet their lives on the Beekman Farm {minus Polka Spot- I have llama issues}. I love how they are striving for self-sustainability. The fact they are doing it with a little pinache is also very appealing to me. What can I say, I love pinache.

Anyhow, on The Beekman's Facebook page was a quote from Senator McDonald:

"You get to the point where you evolve in your life where everything isn't black and white, good and bad, and you try to do the right thing. You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, f--- it, I don't care what you think. I'm trying to do the right thing." (via Time Magazine)

Senator McDonald continues with:

"I'm tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I'm trying to do the right thing, and that's where I'm going with this." (via Huffington Post)

Okay, here's why this was so significant to me... We're in a civil war of sorts in this country. It's not North or South. It's Republican and Democrat. Yes, there have always been differences in opinions on how this country is run, but when we allow those differences to split our great country apart to the point it is incapable of operating, we all lose. I think we become a mockery of democracy. Yes, everyone gets her or his say, but when we're stagnant because of it, how does that benefit us?

Young Love

2011-06-11T18:59:00.003-06:00

I'm REALLY late at posting this challenge for The Pink Elephant. Lori aka By Lori Designs drew up a really cute couple for us to use in our designs this week.

This challenge is so timely because while my soldier is here for midtour {in less than a month!!!} we'll be attending our niece's wedding. It's so very special for many reasons, but a real treat for us will be the attendance of my father in law. We lovingly call him Grandpa George and my babies have not had the honor of meeting him as he lives in Guam. Here is a lovingly created card for this very special couple and their day...

If you are less of a procrastinator than I am {sorry, Lo}, please join us in the next couple of days for our "Here Comes the Bride" challenge at The Pink Elephant. Also, you HAVE to check out the other beautiful creations of our DT, including some very talented new designers!!

Dog Bless the USA

2011-05-30T14:55:00.001-06:00

From Memorial Day weekend (May 27th) to Independence Day (July 4th), Dog Bless You and explore.org will provide up to 100 companion and service dogs to returning soldiers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. For every 5,000 “likes” the Dog Bless You page receives, explore.org will donate a companion or service dog to a recent war veteran.

If you're a member of Facebook, please consider going to this site & push the "like" button. It costs nothing to you & it provides so much for our brave men & women in uniform. Of the soldiers serving in Iraq & Afghanistan, an amazing 95% are said to be coming home with PTSD. PTSD has personally affected my life as a child, after my father served in Vietnam. You can't see these wounds, but they leave scars just the same.

http://www.dogblessyou.org/

sacrifice

2011-05-17T04:33:00.006-06:00

This week's The Pink Elephant Challenge was courtesy of Trudi Wilbur. Trudi is not just a sponsor, she is also a TPE designer.

Recently Trudi's family laid to rest a member of her family who honorably served in Afghanistan. Please spare a moment of your time to remember Justin.

Trudi did not ask any one of us to post this information about her nephew. This is not at all a billboard to support her business in the midst of such great loss, but a message to show you how close this war effects us all. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice, CPL Ross.

snogging...

2011-04-29T21:06:00.004-06:00

I am watching the lovely Royal Wedding on DVR... I'm no where connected to the English culture. It's just fabulous to be so excited about something so beautiful and fantastical... What girl doesn't want to be a princess? I can account for sure that although I don't have royal blood, I am a princess in my dear Prince Ronald's eyes... I surely hope the same for my Bella... and for my Cristian...

{photo shared with consent from Naturally Sweet Photography )

girlie girl

2011-04-26T18:17:00.002-06:00

From the looks of these cards, I have been busy, but looks are deceiving. I actually made one of these late last year, just haven't had a chance to post it. It's for my high school friend, Hamlet's (yes, that's really his name) beautiful daughter, Olivia. Sshhhh, don't tell :) The other is one that I made quite recently having been inspired by many many designers, some of whom you'll see on the left. I just love the new line from Crate Paper, Emma's Shoppe. And as many of you all know, I'm a die hard Girl's Paperie fan. So this combines both.

Also, I've added a couple elements that I have in abundance in my craft stash: Lacy Hearts and seam binding. If you're interested, please see my shoppe Bella's Paperie here in the near future.

Papers: Scribble Scrabble, Girl's Paperie, MME
Chipboard: Crate Paper
Glassine Bag: Making Memories
Eyelet: A Million Memories
Wings: Frost it Pink
Seam Binding, flowers, buttons, lace heart: craft supply

Paper: Girl's Paperie, craft supply
Die Cut: Melissa Frances
Rub On: Basic Grey
Metal Embellishment: Lil' Davis Designs
Number Stickers: Making Memories
Font: Rought Typewriter from Da Font
Doily: Wilton's
Flower, ribbon, tulle, pearls: craft supply

hippity-hop-hop

2011-04-18T18:58:00.000-06:00

It's been a long while since I made a card. I had thought that my creativity had fled, which would be really bad considering all the beautiful paper & embellishments I have. I must have cleaned and cleaned my craft closet over and over, just at a loss with what to do with what was around me. So I figured I just needed to jump in the saddle again, and the first place I went to for inspiration were my girls at The Pink Elephant. We have a color challenge for this week...

using these lovely colors...

and here's my take...

{paper} Girl's Paperie
{frame} Pink Paislee
{lace} Prima
{white button} A Million Memories
{rubon} Melissa Frances

since i've been gone & a vintage Easter image

2011-04-05T22:28:00.003-06:00

No, I've not been here in awhile. It's not that I haven't thought of my blog, it's that I didn't think I had anything to type that would be of any interest to you all. Yes, we've been homeschooling. Yes, we've been yearning for our soldier Daddy. Yes, we've been here.

I think part of my absence has been because of an accident. Yes, an accident. In late March, I was in a car accident. Praise God my children weren't present, but it was a big one. I'm not prone to traffic accidents, I'm normally anal when it comes to traffic laws. This night I was sadly distracted. I was driving home after I had asked my dad to watch my babes for a bit. The light was green for both north and south traffic. I was facing north hoping to turn left. I thought I had enough time to turn, but I didn't. My north facing vehicle was now facing east. The young ladies in the vehicle once facing south were now facing west. Their airbags deployed. It was quite traumatic. All in all it was my fault for not yielding to their oncoming vehicle. The imact of the cars left one of the girls with a goose egg and a sore on her leg. The other (driver) seemed fine. We were all very, very shaken. I praise my Lord God in Heaven that not one of us were severely injured. At the same time, I'm still in quite a shock at times during the day, when I least expect it, to see the accident scene in my mind and it stuns me.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger...

In celebration of new beginnings and forgiveness for the old, I thought I'd offer this image. I accompanied my best friend to a conference in a mountain resort of New Mexico last year. I hung out with her lovely babes for a bit while whe attended a conference. Generously, she offered to watch my babes for awhile while I perused an antique fair in the nearby convention center. This was one of my finds. It was marked down for it's flaws ~ wrinkles, missing pieces. I thought it beautiful nonetheless. I love the colors the hope despite the damage. Coincidental, yes?

As far as I know this image is public domain, so please use this image as you wish in your Eastertide projects. Please share your project{s} should you have the chance.

Oh, fish sticks!

2011-03-22T20:21:00.005-06:00

I want to start this post by saying I never ate fish sticks as a child. My mom's idea of serving us fish involved traditional Taiwanese dishes with ginger and onions, and with the head still on {to this day if I see a fish served w/o one, I think something's amiss}. Nor did I think I would be a mom that served fish sticks to her children. My bff, who grew up in Washington State, shared horror stories of people working on the fish ships & the fisheries and the conditions they worked in. Let's just say it's not conducive to one wanting to scarf down fish sticks. My son, however, has other ideas about food on our dinner table. For the past couple of weeks, C has been eyeing the blue Van de Kamp boxes in the huge freezers of our big box stores. He yells, "Fishsticks!," while I shudder & usher the babes quickly away.

Bella has no say about it one way or the other. She has made it abundantly clear that fish is not something she cares to eat. She does, however, love her some Cake Boss. How do fish sticks and the Cake Boss meld? Well, I didn't think it did until this morning when we saw that the Cake Boss was doing a cooking show not involving cake called Kitchen Boss. I know, it was hard for me to wrap my head around, too. He had a really easy idea for fish sticks. I'm sure other people have seen this recipe elsewhere, but it's the first time I have actually watched a food show with fish sticks. Having a pound of halibut in the freezer, I was hooked to give this a go.

The consensus? It's a hit! Even with my anti fish eating daughter! So, I thought I'd share this with you... {P.S. We did ranch in exchange for the honey mustard. We have neither honey nor mustard, so it was an easy out}

Crispy Halibut Fingers with Honey Mustard by Buddy Valastro (via TLC)

1‑1/2	pounds skinned, fresh halibut filets
1‑1/4	cup panko
1‑1/2	teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2	teaspoon fine sea salt (plus extra)
1	large egg, beaten with a fork
Neutral oil for shallow pan frying
Lemon wedges
HONEY MUSTARD:
1/4	cup Dijon mustard
1/2	cup mild honey

PREPARATION:

Cut halibut across the width into thirds. Cut each portion into "fingers," approximately 3" x 3/4-1". Lightly salt and pepper the fish strips. Place in a bowl with the beaten egg and toss to coat.
Toss panko with Italian seasoning, salt and paprika together in a pie plate.
Heat a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium. Pour in enough oil to a depth of 1/4". When hot, remove pieces of fish from the egg, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Drop into the panko, turning to coat, and lay carefully into the hot oil. Place as many pieces into the pan as you can without crowding.
Cook, monitoring heat, until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove pieces to a plate lined with double thickness of paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt. When all of the halibut has been cooked and drained, serve with honey mustard and lemon wedges.

HONEY MUSTARD:

Whisk ingredients together in a bowl.

recycled roses...

2011-03-19T21:01:00.001-06:00

Personally, I love things recycled. We're active recyclers here. I even got my dad ~~obsessed~~... ahem... hooked on recycling. We compost with our worm friends. And, when we need "new" clothes, we go used. The only things I have issue with recycling are shoes, mattresses & underwear. No need to go there.
It was a FABULOUS surprise to see a tutorial on recycled paper roses. Now, the tutorial involves newspaper, a lovely thing to recycle. However, I plan on using some yummy vintage music or dictionary paper to do this. Just thought I'd share this beautifully simple tutorial with you all courtesy of Linda Albrecht and GlueArts {just click on the GlueArts link & you'll see the tutorial}.

{picture courtesy of Linda Albrecht & GlueArts}

I know you know...

2011-03-16T23:27:00.004-06:00

Japan holds a very special place in my heart. I spent 3 1/2 years there in my elementary years and another 3 1/2 as a high schooler. It's my second home, really. And it will be my new home this time next year. The tragedies that have befallen this country are monumental. I encourage you all to pray & if you can, donate. In particular, please pray for the power company workers pretty much putting their lives on the line for the whole of Japan. Also, please pray for their families. These men are sacrificing themselves for the good of the whole.

I just have to wait...

2011-03-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

We don't know how much we take for granted, myself included.... XOXO

I've put a countdown ticker to the side to mark how much time until we see our soldier again...

somehow I got there...

2011-02-27T00:33:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many of you could relate to this: you sit down to check out someone's blog, then you check out the blogs that THEY check out. Pretty soon you don't know how you got to where you are, but you're glad you were able to somehow get there. Well, it happened to me today. I'm checking out For the Love of Cooking for some dinner time ideas for this week. I happen to glance over and see she's a fellow fan of Pioneer Woman. I remember I want to show the kids upside down Charlie. Let's face it, those Charlie stories really provide great comic relief to a blah kind of Saturday. I glance down and see "Other Links" on PW's website. Oooo, I'm just doomed to be putting some kind of dent in the seat I'm in. I could be here awhile. So, then I come across Design Mom's blog. After coveting her chic style and the fact that she and her hubby packed up their family (they have 6 kids) and up and moved to France for a year, I saw this post. Which lead me to this book:

You can get there, too. It's a book you can access online. Make sure you have your kids with you. It's a great journey that will open your mind and your heart.

I hope you enjoy the trip as much as I did..

random randomness

2011-02-20T16:51:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in awhile. We've been kind of busy recovering from the Flu of 2011. It was horrid. Praise God for my mama & Nyquil.

Anyhow, we're better now & I thought I'd share some of our goings ons...

I played with some paper & glue recently. I know it's been awhile, but it's hard to squeeze in time between Pioneer Woman's new book & fighting off the ick...

Have you all ever met my third child? Didn't know I had one did you? He has this hair issue, and he likes to lick his bottom. I've tried to break him of it to no avail, hopefully he'll grow out of it.

When we got news of our future home, I knew we'd have to make a plan for our boy. Yes, we could take him, but for some reason most people think he looks like a dog. Can you believe that?! So, he'd be subject to six weeks in quarantine in order to go with us. This would break Dexter's (he's named after the naughty monkey in Night at the Museum not the serial killer, promise) heart. So, my parents have agreed to make a great home for their granddog. I think he'll be real happy there, but this mama will miss him greatly.

Even with almost 8000 miles between us, my soldier and I were able to celebrate a sweet Vday.

He made my drab winter's day very colorful.

I have plans for these lovely containers, ya'll just sit tight & see. For all your paper crafters, you're out of luck... These are workboxes for home school... Can't wait to share the concept to my fellow hs mamas...

When we went to see "Tangled" Bella saw the previews to the Bieber movie. She immediately said she wanted to go, even though I'm not even sure she's even HEARD a Bieber song. Okay, folks she's 6 ½ ! I think I might have gagged when she said it, I swear it was involuntary.

My BFF immediately spoke up & said she'd take her... traitor. :P Recently sweet Bella expressed her interest in the Biebs movie again. Coincidentally, my cousin was visiting with her 8 year old daughter & asked if I was interested in going. It's a conspiracy, folks, I tell you, but seriously what kind of mama would I be if I didn't take her? A little silly, right?

So, yesterday, despite my saying I would "never" take her to see JB's movie, I took her to see "Never Say Never." Admittedly, I was impressed. He's a very talented young man. He seems to have an amazing drive and commitment to his dreams. Despite the deluge of screaming, crying girls in the movie, it was really about working to make your dreams come true.

And now, I have Bieber Fever...only not like that. I am 35 folks...

Beautiful, right?

2011-02-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

Is it Hawaii? No. Is it the Virgin Islands? No. This, my friends, is Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan. Future home to The Quinata Family. We found out today that Ron's next duty station is Okinawa. We are elated! Ron and I are very connected to Japan. We both spent a great deal of time there in our teens as Navy brats. We're very excited to share this experience with our children as well. The fact that it's nearly paradise is just the icing on the cake.

Cookin' up a storm...

2011-01-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

My card mojo has gone South for the Winter. In the interim, I've been trying out new recipes ~~on my~~ ahem! for my kids. Does anyone else have children that are totally polar opposites with food? Bella will eat just about any fruit on the planet, Cristian won't. Cristian ♥ mac & cheese. Bella doesn't. Seriously, if one will eat it, chances are the other won't. It's about as reliable as the changing of the guard.

So, I stumbled upon For the Love of Cooking. There are great recipes here using ingredients I actually have in my fridge & cabinets. I like that. Also, Pam has two kids~ another bonus. I have made a few different recipes from her blog with great success amongst my clan.

Last night I fixed Turkey Meatloaf Muffins with Spinach & Mashed Taters. A couple changes I would make to this in the future is to incorporate the spinach into the meatloaf muffins & maybe add chopped carrots, too. Aside from that, Cristian ate four of these puppies. They were really quite tasty, easy & fun. I wish I had pretty pictures like Pam has to share, but Ron took our camera to Kuwait :(

The night before last was Daisy Scout night. Our Daisies meet about 45 minutes away. I could find a closer troop, but Bella loves her fellow home schooled Daisies, and Cristian has a couple of boys to be rambunctious with while we have meetings. The only problem is hungry kids when we get home. I need something quick & tasty to feed them almost immediately. Enter another one of Pam's great recipes Shredded Beef & Avocado Tostadas. I put the meat in the crock pot in the morning & was able to make a great meal when we got home. The one change I made was to make these into soft tacos as opposed to tostadas, so there was a little less mess. I used Trader Joe's guacamole in place of the avocados & had to omit it for Bella's tacos. Otherwise it was a hit. I never used Cotija cheese before, but now I see it being a return player in the future.

Tonight will be a toss up between stuffed shells or garlic ginger chicken. Go check her out, I know you'll be glad you did.

celebrations!

2011-01-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my dear friend Shelby & her new little girl, Peyton Elizabeth.

I used inspiration from my dear online friend Mona. She has a new online color challenge blog CR84FN. It should be a big hit knowing Mona's talent & the lovely work of her DT.

Thanks for coming by!

XOXO
Tina

be gone!

2011-01-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon be more with less through a minimalist digi blog I frequent {paislee press}. I know weird, right? I stack all kinds of embellishments on my cards, but I'm a minimalist? I have no explanation.

Anyhow, I loved this post at be more with less. The challenge is {per the blog post}:

The Basics

When: January 1 – March 31, 2011 (It’s never too late to start so join in anytime!)
What: 33 items including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear and shoes.
What not: these items are not counted as part of the 33 items – wedding ring or other sentimental piece of jewelry that you never take off, underwear, sleep wear, in-home lounge wear, and workout clothing (you can only wear your workout clothing to workout)
How: Choose your 33 items, box up the remainder of your fashion statement, seal it with tape and put it out of site.
What else: consider that you are creating a wardrobe that you can live, work and play in for three months. Remember that this is not a project in suffering. If your clothes don’t fit or are in poor condition, replace them.

I know I'm game. No, I'm not a "professional" needing suits or other gear to be in the greater workforce, but I'm a mom/homeschooler. There are certainly bits that I can eliminate in my wardrobe...if I have more than 33 pieces to choose from. Okay, I have a shoe addiction that needs to be addressed...

This is a great start to a wonderful 2011!

auld lang syne

2011-01-02T23:59:00.004-07:00

A couple days late ... can you guess what one of my goals for 2011 is? I thought it would be fun to do a little questionnaire to bid a fair adieu to 2010 & welcome in 2011. Feel free to join me & send me your link so I can check out your experiences as well.

1. What did you do this year that you've never done before?
~ I parented & homeschooled two amazing kids with dh in another country.
~ I painted my short finger nails & was okay about them being short. You gotta work what you got.
~ I lived in a house with hardwood floors & discovered how much work they can be.
~ I was published WooHoo!

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
- I didn't really have any for 2011 except to survive :P. With God's grace I did that. I do have goals/resolutions/hopes for 2011.

3. Any new births this year?
We had many new births in our home school group. I'm in baby bliss! In particular, I thank God for sweet Violet's safe arrival. She {and her family} had so many challenges, but God has shown that miracles continue to happen.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My Aunt Juanita went to be with our Lord this year. She is very much missed. However her beautiful spirit lives on.

5. What countries did you visit this year?
I didn't do any traveling outside the United States this year. I really hope to find us in a new country in the New Year.

6. What would you like to have in the next year that you lacked this year?
~My husband... LOL
~More organization to our home school & to my hobbies
~ More of the Fruits of the Spirit...especially self control.

7. What date from this year will remain etched upon your memory - and why?
~There was not a particular date that stood out. Each one held precious memories that can't be replaced. I hope to be more aware of what each day holds in the future.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
~ Being away from Ron and holding up the fort at home & in our marriage. We're closer than we've ever been as a couple & as a family.

9. What was your biggest failure of the year?
~je ne regrette rien {I regret nothing}

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
~With the grace of God, no.

11. What was the best thing you bought this year?
This coat...

A woman ahead of me at Target was wearing it & I found it online. Thankfully I didn't pay the original price for it, but I can't wait to wear it!

12. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
-my own :(

13. Where did most of your money go this year?
~gas :P

14. What did you get really, really, really excited about this year?
~Ron coming home.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
- happier or sadder? the same
- richer or poorer? the same
- thinner or fatter? curvier

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
~ lived in the moment.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
~ yelled :(

20. How did you spend the holidays?
~ with my kids and mom & dad... I love them to pieces

21. Did you fall in love this year?
- I am lucky to have already been in love and am in love with my soulmate...

22. What was your favorite TV program for the year?
- Eeek! True Blood.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
- Hate takes up too much energy and time.

24. What was the best book you read this year?
~Ugh! Where to begin?! I fell in love with Lisa See's novels. I'm currently reading Lit by Mary Karr & absolutely LOVING it.

26. What was your favorite film of the year?
- Well, "New Moon" & "Eclipse" of course!

27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept this year?
- I have been really striving to allow myself to love the things I love without the acceptance of others. I'm a bit funky, a bit classic, a bit trendy & at 35 I'm finally okay with that.

28. Whom did you miss this year?
~ Ronnie.

29. Who was the best new person you met this year?
- I've met so many wonderful people, especially in my homeschool group. I've been so blessed by them!

30. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned for this year.
~ Be yourself ♥ yourself ...unconditionally...

walking in a winter wonderland...

2010-12-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, we've been having 60 degree weather here in NM. Today we have had an endless day of rain and 50ish degree weather. I can't really say we're in a Winter Wonderland, but it's fun to pretend, right? We have a challenge up at The Pink Elephant celebrating Winter & all her wonders. You have plenty of time to celebrate the beauty of this season with us at TPE because this challenge will run until January 9th of the New Year. So, go check out Ella's Girls great inspiration & join us.

Here are a couple of recently made cards from my end...

Announcements...

2010-12-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Drumroll, please... The randomly selected winner of my Gratitude Giveaway is .... Casii!!!!! I wish I could give all my readers a prize because you all have given me so very much in the way of cyber love & support. Thank you all so much.

I also wanted to share a very special set of digital stamps available at Lori's site. These precious stamps were designed by Lori's sweet, sweet 14 year old daughter, Hannah. You would think a 14 year old would love the proceeds from such cute digis to buy something Justin Bieber'ish, but Hannah Bug is very different. The proceeds from her Bug & Roo stamps will go to March of Dimes in memory of Shyla & Jakin, two sweet, tiny souls that were taken from our world far too soon. To read more about Shyla & Jakin, please read their mama's blog. Please make sure you have Kleenex nearby. Personally, I ♥ Evie, she reminds me of my Bella.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I'll be posting more Christmas cards. Love you all!

Whew!

2010-12-08T19:35:00.003-07:00

It's been a doozie of a month. Ron's been gone about that time. We're trying to settle into a schedule here, but we're being thrown obstacles in the way of dying hamsters and long lasting colds {namely me}.

Ron bought two little hamsters before he left. One for Cristian, one for Bella. A couple weeks ago I woke up & saw C's hamster just kind of lying on the floor of the cage. I tried to pick it up & it seemed like rigor mortis was already settling in although her little whiskered nose was still twitching. So sad. I debated for awhile about what to do. Should I:

a) contact an exotic animal vet & have her seen?

or

b) find a soft place for her to die & replace her with a look a like?

Well, the mommy softie came out & I called a vet. My mom thought I was crazy. "Tell him that it ran away and get him another one." I just couldn't do it, Mom, sorry. The prognosis was bad. Way bad. Not only that, it was bad for Bella's hamster, too. Ironically, Bella's hamster had completely ditched her companion, only coming close to fetch water & food. I guess hamsters are not into long term care for the sick.

I explained the bad news to C. I hit the Net looking for possible help in what the vet called "futile" for Bella's hamster. Long story shorter.... Bella's hamster has lived with the help of an OTC rodent {ahem} medicine.

This has gone down in the midst of a cold that just WON'T GO AWAY!!! I've been confined to my house often hacking up a lung. My folks have been great about taking my kids and letting me rest. Mom's been bringing meals by. I think I'm finally seeing the downward slide to this thing.

So, I thought I might venture out to find a little critter to fill the cage of C's departed hamster. Well, C had a dwarf hamster. The local pet shop's hamsters were ENORMOUS in comparison. Luckily, we were in the midst of very cute gerbils. Gerbils seem to be a little bit more sociable than hamsters. C & B's hamsters were all about chomping down on us when we approached them, so this was very attractive. Too, they like other gerbils in their midst, so two gerbils were in order. Luckily, new 5wk old siblings had just arrived. So, we left with Choppy and Chippy. Hopefully their names won't imply that they will Chip & Chop at us.

As I've been stuck at home, I figured I'd get a going with the Christmas cards, right? Here are a couple cards I have created. I think I might be finally getting my mojo back. Now to figure out how to clear out my living room floor...

Sorry about the picture quality. I'm still trying to figure out this Mac!!! Ron was a sweetheart & got me an early Christmas gift! I ♥ it but it's like learning a new language. :P

I hope you all are enjoying your holidays! Remember you have 2 more days to tell me about what you're grateful for this Holiday season to enter my Gratitude Giveaway & By Lori Designs fab Gift Certificate. I've loved reading what Casii, Theresa & Karen have written. Thanks so much, ladies!

Gratitude Giveaway

2010-12-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so very thankful for all of you who come by, visit, and leave bits of love. It's an amazing blessing to have your prayers and support. Many of you I have never met in real life, but I feel a great kinship with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

One such person in particular is my girl, Lori Boyd. She is an amazingly beautiful, talented sister of God. I "met" her about two years ago and I very much thank God for her kindness, generous spirit. So in support of Lori and to show you all my gratitude, I'm giving away a $10 gift certificate to her store By Lori Designs.

Now I know Thanksgiving has come and gone, but to enter in this blog giveaway, I want you to tell me what you're thankful for. After all gratitude has no expiration date :) Leave me a comment and a week from today, I'll randomly pick a winner. Thanks you all!!!

my soapbox spleal on Amazon.com (rant warning)

2010-11-14T16:03:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you've heard of the Amazon.com controversy regarding their publication of The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover's Code of Conduct. If you haven't don't go look for it, because apparently it's no longer there.

Let me tell you Amazon, this is reprehensible. Your support of any author condoning that you can do the following to a child is not okay:

"Penetration is out. You can't do that with a child, but kissing and fondling I don't think is that big of a problem," he said.

Now, I'm a bibliophile. I LOVE books. I will continue to purchase, borrow, and barter for books. What I will NOT be doing is giving my business to a company that would even CONSIDER publishing material that would support the above activity. Our children are PRECIOUS. Far more precious than supporting a corporation who would endanger them IN ANY WAY. Perhaps you pulled this Amazon, but I'm pulling you. I think more than being influenced by the fact this was disgusting, you were influenced by the thousands saying they would no longer shop your site. You all are adults. You shouldn't need a "warning" to know there are "consequences to your behavior." I for one will not see this as "freedom of speech," nor will I accept your sorry action of pulling this ebook before the big financial boom of the holidays. It doesn't cut it for me.

mi familia

2010-11-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Before my soldier came home he visited his papa & brothers in Guam {where Papa Quinata is from}. Papa Quinata, like my father, served in the U.S. Navy. In fact, Ron and I met {as teenagers} while both our fathers were serving in Yokosuka, Japan.Of the four Quinata boys, three have chosen a career in uniform... John {the oldest Q bro} is an officer in the U.S. Navy... Ronald {my solder} is a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Navy... Robert is a police officer with Escambia County Sheriff's Department.

This is a beautiful picture of all five Quinata men, something that was nearly fifteen years in the making. My Ron went fifteen years between seeing his father who resides in Guam. This is a very special picture.

Inspired by being in his Army dress blues, my soldier requested I hire photographer to capture our immediate family. He particularly wanted a picture in his dress blues with our brood. I took the opportunity to enlist a very talented photographer here in Albuquerque to capture our family. Here are a few of the shots she captured....

If I have readers in Albuquerque and surrounding areas PLEASE consider Holly for your pictures, she's amazing...

gone, gone, gone....

2010-11-09T16:16:00.002-07:00

It was a FABULOUS forty days, but now my beloved is somewhere over the Atlantic en route to Kuwait. I feel totally numb. I don't think the entirety of the situation has completely hit me. Through my tears at the airport we agreed we would end this madness. Five years. Five more years, that's all we'll do of this. Okay, six including this one. That's all the Army gets of my man, then I get him back. I don't know how we'll do it, but we will. I don't ever want luxury cars or big, fancy houses. I want a husband that I can hold and kiss and smell whenever. I want my kids to be able to spontaneously wrestle or play practical jokes on their daddy. I want my family back together.

I know some may say that I knew about this life when I said, "I do." I did know about this life. I lived it as a child. My dad went on cruises with the Navy leaving us for nine months at a time. I, myself, swore not to marry a man in the military. Life and love have other plans for us. I married my soulmate. There is no one on planet Earth better suited for me than Ron. Only, when you're a wife and a mom, you look through the lenses of this life a little differently. You ache for the separation your children have from their father. You feel the emptiness of not having your partner present. It's a whole different enchilada.

I love my country. My husband loves our country. He has served proudly, doing whatever the army has asked of him. This is not a dig on the United States or the army. This is simply a wife missing her husband for another year.

fairy tales come true...

2010-10-25T12:26:00.002-06:00

I am so excited to announce that I have been published!

My "Believe" card was accepted for the November/December issue of PaperCrafts Magazine! I am so grateful for this chance!!!

just enjoying family....

2010-10-12T21:02:00.006-06:00

I have been a bit absent here. I'm sure you all understand. We have been revelling in the everyday of just being a family. It's something I certainly took for granted before this season of my life.

We have celebrated the union of my best friend's family...

We picked pumpkins...

Bella & her troop officially became Daisy Scouts...

Currently we're north of Denver, enjoying our home away from home with dear friends. I'd like to offer you pictures, but we're way too captivated by Colorado's beauty to use the camera right now. Catch us later when we've finally closed our dropped jaws ;)

Much love and blessings to you!

homecoming...

2010-10-01T10:28:00.002-06:00

my soldier arrived just shy of 9:30 last night...we're so so excited to have him home

.

if you give a homeschool mom a cookie...

2010-09-27T17:08:00.001-06:00

found this here, enjoy!

If you give a Homeschooling Mom a cookie, she'll want the recipe.
She will plan a complete unit study on the History of Cookies.
The family will take field trip to a farm and see where we get eggs, milk and grain.
At home they will make butter out of milk.
The children will want to start grinding their own grain.
Mom will purchase a Bosch Universal Kitchen System.
She will remember she will need a new list of cookbooks. So, she will order "An Introduction To Whole Grain Baking w/ CD","Desserts", "The Cooking With Children CD", and "Lunches & Snacks Cookbook"by Sue Gregg, also "Whole Foods for Kids to Cook"Mom orders a 100 lb bag of wheat berries.Now she will grind her own wheat grain into flour.
The children remember the farm field trip and knowing they can't possibly get a cow so they beg for a few chickens. So, to a trip to the library to research how to build a chicken coop and to how to care for chickens.
On the way out the door Mom sees the book, "Chicken Tractor" by Andy Lee &Pat Foreman.They stop by the Feed and Seed to pick up materials and ask where to purchase the chicks. There the clerk tells them about egg that can be incubated.He sells them a book on hatching eggs, eggs, and incubator.At home Mom and the younger children set up the incubator while Dad and the older children build the chicken tractor.Back to the library to pick up gardening books and more books on chickens.The oldest daughter now starts a business grinding flour for the her friend's families.While her younger sisters are selling homemade cookies to their neighbors.The boys have started building a new chicken tractor because they want more eggs for breakfast.That cookie that started this all, the homeschooling mom's three year old ate it.
By the way, I do not think this applies to all homeschooling moms, some of us blogger types would be doing our cookie history research online, blog about it, pass on a cookie meme, collect recipes in a new Word file, start a cookie blog, and add some great new cookie websites to our sidebar. To each mom her own style, I say!

can you spot the gay soldier?

2010-09-22T20:35:00.003-06:00

so you're old enough to vote...
old enough to enlist...
old enough to make the choice to give your life for life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness......

rain

2010-09-22T13:57:00.002-06:00

I woke up this morninng excited to see it overcast. Right now I'm listening to drip drops on the swamp cooler and the window. It's a very comforting sound to me. I love rain. I love to turn off the TV, snuggle up with my babies & read a book while it falls all around us outside. I put on comfy "inside" clothes. I make a big pot of soup. It's a happy thing for me.

meg...

2010-09-20T06:00:00.003-06:00

I grew up a military brat. I have very few people who I've known since high school, let alone child hood. In college, I met Megan. Aside from my soldier and friends on Facebook, she has known me the longest. And when I say "known", I mean she can tell what kind of mood I'm in based on how I say "hello". We survived college together. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding. She attempted to be there for both my childrens' births. When we were in Colorado and I attended a marriage conference or formal military ball, I'd call Meg up to see if she could watch my kids {even though she lived in Albuquerque}.

Last year, Megan made the decision to foster parent. Being that she is a Director of Adoptions at La Familia, this is not surprising. We both LOVE children. We love the process of adoption. What might be surprising to some is that Megan made the decision to do this as a single mom. For a long time she looked to this Scripture:

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint {NLT 40:31}

She had thought this was meant for having patience in finding her a mate. Only, she now felt God meant it in her desire to be a parent.

She first fostered a 3 month old deemed Failure to Thrive. For three months she nurtured this sweet child. However when she was presented with the option to adopt him, she said she didn't feel at peace with being the baby's mother.

The very day she turned the baby over to his prospective adoptive family, she received another call to foster 2 boys, four and three. Anyone who has parented ONE boy knows it's a lot of work. Multiply that by 2 and add in the challenges of them not being in a consistent home environment, and you have a lot on your plate. Nonetheless, these boys have thrived in her care. They are sweet, loving, confident children. A big difference from the reluctant, shy boys from last year. They have called Meg "Mom" for quite awhile. Only today is something different. Today, they legally become Megan's boys. They have been in spirit and emotionally her's for awhile. In a way, it's just a technicality. But, too, it's the closing of a book & the opening of a new set of books for her. I have NOTHING but admiration, love, and respect for her. I'm proud beyond all recognition for her, and I am over the moon for her.

Thank you for your support and please join me in celebrating this forever family!

like the deserts miss the rain...

2010-09-19T22:00:00.000-06:00

If I could custom make a tag on my defunct computer, this would be it for this card. I just kept thinking about this song:

LOVE this image {by Heather Ellis}, she has SO many sweet sweet images! AND she's our sponsor this week at The Pink Elephant!!!

So... take some aqua, add some designer papers and your choice of embellies & voila you have the recipe for our challenge this week.

Here's my take...

friday's flowers...

2010-09-17T17:14:00.005-06:00

I've been AWOL on the Friday Flower Front. I had a very busy summer: camp, swimming lessons, launching all out war on squash bugs {I lost :(}. So here, at summer's end, I share with you some blooms.

I bought these seeds at our local co-op. I've seen them here & there at natural food stores. Bought 'em on a whim...

Okay not on a whim. I confess I was attracted to the prospect of feeding my local songbirds for a lot less & having pretty flowers in the interim. This seed packet was less than a similar seed packet I found at an ahem... mass hardware store. Not only that, it was chock full of seed. I can't say the same about the mass produced seed. Well, the proof was in the pudding as they say. I was welcomed with an OVERWHELMING sprouting of seeds from the Botanical Interests seed, in less than a week. I was even able to transplant many of the seedlings to my backyard with little issue. I got nothing... let me repeat... NOTHING... from the competitor seed. I'll be a repeat customer.

Here are my colorful, recently harvested seed from my crop. Now, there is seed here not from Botanical Interests. You can't really see them but there are Morning Glory seeds in there. I've had to say "sayonara" to my morning glories as my trusty dog has decided to "water" them for me. Thanks, Dex. Grrrr...

The most important flowers of my Friday are these glowing faces from Bella's Daisy Scout Troop. Aren't they a lovely lot of daisies?

10 things you might not know...

2010-09-14T19:59:00.002-06:00

1) I HAVE to have coffee in the mornings. I'm not the same without it. Just try me, I dare you...

2) I love shoes and I have an unhealthy addiction to damask {please help me}.

3) I hang nearly all my laundry to dry. It's better for your clothes & the environment.

4) I like reality TV. Nearly all my shows on the DVR are reality {hanging my head in shame}.

5) I REALLY want chickens!!!

6) I ♥ me some Lady Gaga {shhh!!!}.

7) I'm mixed ~ some Spanish some Taiwanese. No, I don't speak Spanish or Chinese.

8) I lived a great deal of my life in Japan. I met my husband there.

9) I give my kids pedicures. Their seriously cracked heels leave me no other choice.

10) I would live with The Fabulous Beekman Boys in a minute.

on my soapbox (be warned)...

2010-09-13T18:27:00.006-06:00

It's not often I put myself on a soapbox here. I think the last time was about the election.... hmmmm.... {flashback}

Well, today, I get on another one: love & respect of other people REGARDLESS of ANYTHING. I'm a Christian. I don't, however, condone hatred toward ANYONE regardless of race, RELIGION, gender, & {I know there are some of you that will have a hard time with this one} sexual orientation. Why? Because JESUS said this: "Judge not lest ye be judged." {Matthew 7:1} Even with the woman at the well, Jesus did not say," You are tainted and beyond all forgiveness or grace, I'm gonna stone you like the others."

Why this soapbox rant? It's been coming, believe me, but primarily because of this Iraq, Afghan Veterans Call For Respect For Muslims: 'America, You Gotta Have Our Back'. I am a soldier's wife. I have a husband going to the Middle East in the next 2 months. I love God, I love my country, I love my soldier, I love God's Creation. What's that? Yes, I said I love God's Creation~ everyone! I'm not at liberty to be throwing stones, especially not at the expense of our soldiers. I understand we should lead others to Christ, but how are we to do this when there is so much outwardly vehemence toward those who do that which He doesn't allow? Who can say they've faithfully stepped righteously ALL the days of their life? Who really knows the intentions and heart of a person except for God? Certainly we can say we have/do, but we don't completely. I'm not a false teacher. I'm a daughter of Christ willing to live life as He has portrayed~ with grace, with mercy, with acceptance.

I'll be getting down now.

an update on planet quinata...

2010-09-07T20:21:00.006-06:00

Hi Ya'll, hope you all have received September as well as we have. We are in FULL homeschool mode here. So exciting! I've been blessed to be a part of a great homeschool group in Albuquerque, thanks Cari for introducing me! So, our days are full of park days and lessons, soon to be filled with Daisy Scouts for Bella & a local program designed after Design Squad for Cristian. It keeps me a very happy kind of busy. Unfortunately, that doesn't leave me with a lot of time for papercrafting, but with my soldier coming home at the end of the month, I hope I can squeeze a little time in for that between snuggling with my family and seeing King Tut.

I eagerly await the time for changing leaves, cooler weather, and hot apple cider. It's a very comforting time for me. We welcome Fall here in The Land of Enchantment with the roasting of our famous Hatch chile. You don't travel far before the waft of tumbling roasters of chile drift past you. It's about akin to the smell of an apple pie for the New Mexican soul.

Pre~Fall Blessings to You!!!

back to school

2010-09-06T09:14:00.005-06:00

This week's challenge at The Pink Elephant is Back to School. Our great sponsor is The Cutting Cafe.

Regina has awesome digis that can be used in so many ways {just check out our awesome DTs work :D}. Here's my take:

lotsa love

2010-08-23T08:46:00.003-06:00

This week at The Pink Elephant we were sponsored by one of our own girls, Joni. She is the owner of Inktegrity. Here's my take on Joni's sketch using one of her stamps.

a day in our life...

2010-08-21T17:22:00.004-06:00

What is a day in our life like? Well, to be frankly honest it depends on the day. We are active in our homeschool group, Roots and Shoots, and Popejoy's Schooltime Series. Sometimes this digs into our "regular" school time and we can't follow an 8am-3pm schedule. Really, part of the benefit of homeschool is that we complete all subjects, including life skills, only in much less time. Not to mention there's individualized attention to each student and a curriculum designed for them, but I digress. Here is our schedule more or less...

8am Just about everyone is up by now. Mom has coffee brewed. The kids have some downtime, while Mom checks email & such.

9am Everyone's been fed by now. It's time to encourage hygiene & getting dressed.

9:30am-10am abouts Let's boogee! Unless we have park day or a play, I usually start C off with something parent involved while Isabella works on the computer or has free time. C's subjects that are parent-involved are:
~history
~social studies
~spelling
~Bible/character
~science

If Cristian's familiar with the content, he can read, do math, and handwriting independently. During this time I work on Bob Books, Handwriting, and Math with Bella. She joins us for History, Bible/Character, and Science.

2pm We are usually done for the day! Yay! Now, it's time for jobs around the house. Earlier in the day, C fed & watered the dog. Bella fed (if necessary) and watered the cat. Now, I might ask for C to take out the trash and do general clean up of his things. I might ask Bella to clean the bathroom sink or do general clean up. Then it's free time!

Thanks for joining us on our day. I look forward to learning what you all do with your schedules, too.

This is the last in a series devoted to the Not-Back-to-School Blog Hop at Heart of the Matter. Thanks for joining me :)

ooo, sparkly!!!

2010-08-16T10:10:00.004-06:00

This week at The Pink Elephant we are asking for all things sparkly, with some ribbon thrown in. We are sponsored by the absolutely adorable images of:

Here's my take...

{paper} Melissa Frances & KI Memories
{bling} Michael's and Hobby Lobby

roster for quinata academy 2010-2011

2010-08-16T08:17:00.006-06:00

We're in another year of the pursuit of creative learning here at Quinata Academy. Here are the students that I am blessed to teach and love:

Cristian is our 9 year old son. He loves Legos and Star Wars. He was our inspiration to pursue home schooling 5 years ago, and we're so glad we did. He's a very kinesthetic/multi sensory learner.

Isabella is our six year old love bug. She loves cuddles and sparkles and unicorns. She's our sing song, imaginative child. Don't be surprised if you find her quietly carrying out a conversation between two unlikely objects.

Thank you for reading about our star pupils! We look forward to learning about yours.

where we learn

2010-08-13T16:38:00.004-06:00

This is our new school spot. It's working out quite well for us. My former school spot became our computer/craft/play room. We live in a little 2 bedroom house while my soldier is gone. The house is so quaint with it's hardwood floors and lovely moulding. It is, however, tiny. So, one room has to serve many purposes. For example, our schoolroom is our dining room as well. We have a whiteboard for our All About Spelling and other lessons (the one up there in the picture is Rod and Staff English). We have all kinds of maps, a calendar (mainly for Bella). A drawer organizer holds craft supplies the kids can access at their whim. The shelf in the corner under the very appropriate "Pray" sign holds C's stuff on one shelf & B's stuff on another, along with MUS manipulatives and HWOT gadgets. This isn't our first schoolroom, we've had two others since we've started HS'ing as a military family. We also consider a multitude of other places appropriate for schooltime. The couch is a great spot for reading. The Rio Grande Nature Center is a great area for science & nature study. Thanks for visiting with us! I look forward to visiting your spots as well. :)

sew honored!!!

2010-08-02T18:00:00.003-06:00

I was given the chance to be on Cora's Guest DT for Two for Tuesday! It was very exciting and challenging to get to work with two of her great vintage images.

The second project was inspired by Anna Corba's book Vintage Paper Crafts. I found it while on one of my jaunts to the local library with the kids. I have been avidly flipping through the pages over and over. Thanks for taking a look!

1st project:
{paper} Webster's Pages and Fancy Pants Designs

2nd project:
{paper} Girl's Paperie, MME, Melissa Frances
{brass flower & brad} The Paper Studio
{aqua brad} K & Co. Amy Butler

our curriculum...

2010-08-02T08:44:00.013-06:00

This week at Heart of the Matter, we're discussing curriculum. I'm very comfortable with the curriculum we're using this year for both my kids. It feels very organic.

History

I'm "doing" History @ the same level for both my kids. This is what we're using...

History Odyssey from Pandia Press

and...

Story of the World from Peace Hill Press

History Odyssey uses SOTW and CHOW as well as Usborne for the spines. H.O. also has it's own activities. I use some of them and don't use others. It's just nice to have the activity book for SOTW for additional activities.

Math

Math-U-See

We've used MathUSee since the beginning. I love, love, love this curriculum.

Language Arts

Rod and Staff

All About Spelling

Bob Books

The first is Rod and Staff's Beginning Wisely. It's a very thorough curriculum for grammar and writing. The next is a repeat favorite, All About Spelling. We're very much about multisensory methods & this suits us quite well. My youngest will be working with Bob Books for reading. Cristian will be using a variety of books that correlate with our History and just for fun.

Science

R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey

Again I'll be using the same curriculum for both munchkins. We'll hopefully get some nature study time, too.

Character

Child's Book of Character Building, Book 1: Growing Up in God's World-At Home, at School, at Play by Ron & Rebekah Coriell

Extra Curricular
We've been REALLY happy in our experiences this past year with Roots and Shoots. It was a great combination of service to community and ecological awareness. We'll also be revisiting Popejoy's Schooltime Series. I loved the chance to explore cultural and theatrical experiences with the kids for a really reasonable price. Cristian has expressed an interest in pursuing JOAD again. While Isabella would like to get back into gymnastics.

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out our curriculum. Can't wait to do the same for you!

mmm, mmm good!

2010-08-02T08:27:00.004-06:00

This week at The Pink Elephant Challenges, we got the chance to work with Lori's supa sweet lollipop images. I haven't been coloring my images long, but I will say that these are some of the more fun images to color. They are very easy to work with and versatile. I always look forward to playing with Lori's digis.

Our challenge this week is "Yummy". And as inspiration, Ella's Girls produced some very yummy work. Go check it out!

let's go to the hop...

2010-07-29T16:22:00.003-06:00

Part of my purpose for this blog, although it's not immediately apparent, is to talk about our homeschool adventures. One might say this year is our five year anniversary for homeschooling, if you say we started @ five with C. Many homeschooling parents feel that the "schooling" begins from birth. In any case, if you're a homeschooler or are considering homeschooling join us for the Not Back to School Blog Hop at Heart of the Matter.

This event is hosted by a really fun, genuine mama named Darcy from Life with my Three Boybarians. Here's the schedule for the hop starting on Monday. Check out the details here.

■Monday, Aug 2 – Friday, Aug 6: Curriculum Week
■Monday, Aug 9 – Friday, Aug 13: School Room Week
■Monday, Aug 16 – Friday, Aug 20: Student Photo Week
■Monday, Aug 23 – Friday, Aug 27: Day-in-the-Life Week

seriously cute...

2010-07-26T09:16:00.003-06:00

Our sponsor this week @ The Pink Elephant is Cocoa Studio Designs. I stumbled upon Terri's adorable creations through Google and I'm so glad I did! The are so many yummy goodies in her store. She generously offered to sponsor our 77th challenge with the Forest Friends digi stamps. Go over to TPE & play along with us this week to see our creations.

{paper} The Girl's Paperie, Melissa Frances
{ribbon} Frost It Pink
{doily} Wilton
{button} Dress It Up!

picnic, anyone?

2010-07-21T12:24:00.004-06:00

This week at The Pink Elephant Challenges, we got to work with My Favorite Things stamps and coordinated paper. I love the picnic theme for the project I did. So summery, yes?

Hope you are having a lovely Wednesday.

tuesday miscellany...

2010-07-20T17:01:00.002-06:00

~I'm in the midst of cleaning every inch of my house, purging, and reorganizing. I get great joy from this. I'm doing this because it looks like we'll be here for another year. Ron's going to Kuwait after his tour in Korea.

~I'm thinking of repainting, too. Details and a poll to come.

~The dog figured a way through the lock on the fridge door. If I didn't love him so much he'd be in the garage when we leave the house. Instead, I move a large object in front of the fridge everytime I leave.

~My new favorite show is The Fabulous Beekman Boys on Planet Green. If you are squeamish about an openly gay couple & their relationship, don't watch. I'm not at all. I think I secretly want to move to a farm and be fully self sufficient. Ron would be okay as long as he had his Xbox.

~We start school again after having off since mid-May. That's enough of a vacation isn't it?

~My friend Cari recently had a sweet baby girl, Violet, at 31 weeks. Violet weighed 3 pounds, 13 ounces. Sweet Violet is already off oxygen & doing incredibly well. Praise God!!!

Just thought I'd give you a synopsis of what's going on over here. Too, this is kind of a way for me to chronicle my life, so it's kind of nice to see where I was when I was. Hope you're having a lovely, cool Tuesday.

friday flower...

2010-07-16T11:57:00.004-06:00

My first sunflowers of the summer. I love how they follow the sun. Hope you all are having a happy Friday.

did you see that?

2010-07-13T22:32:00.008-06:00

...it's me dropping the ball! I dropped the ball this week with The Pink Elephant's challenge. Let's do a pocket card, as in "pocket full of sunshine". It makes me think of this...

Sorry I'm distractable {as if that weren't already apparent~ LOL}. Still, wouldn't you love to skydive from a skyscraper in some Christian Louboutin's? If the answer is no, then the song still offers great inspiration. :)

Sassy Studio Designs with their uber sassy stamps is our sponsor this week. So please join the sunshine at TPE this week.

friday flowers

2010-07-09T09:41:00.004-06:00

My lovely friend, Alisa, has been posting pictures from her etheral garden since Spring. She calls it Friday Flowers. I thought I'd join her this week as I finally have flowers!

My trusty squash plant has been pumping out lots of squash. I'm actually excited to say BEFORE my mom's. This is a feat if you knew what a serious gardener my mom is.

Zinnias! Finally! I have been trying to get zinnia flowers from seed since I've started gardening. It's not easy for me.

A container pot on my porch.

...and finally... say hello to my little friends...

We found these critters munching my mom's pansies yesterday. Bella had been begging for one of those butterfly habitats for awhile. We did one for Cristian in Colorado, but she was too young to remember. We're hoping these little guys will let us watch them turn into butterflies. My mom was more than happy to be rid of them.

you are the sunshine of my life...

2010-07-07T21:11:00.003-06:00

Today I celebrate the six years I've been blessed to be Bella's (Isabella's) mama. She is the child with the singsong voice entertaining herself. She presents as shy, but will warm up to you with stories of her and her brother's adventures. She is a risk taker, fearless, and an itty bit vain, but she is also cuddly and quick to cry if she is corrected. Thank you, Lord, for this sweet child!

summertime & the living is easy...

2010-07-06T18:43:00.003-06:00

Just a couple of projects that I have made in the past week. It was so much fun to get my hands dirty again! I hope the summer is bringing you some time to slow down and enjoy your pasttimes.

{paper} Cosmo Cricket, Girl's Paperie, October Afternoon
{die cut} October Afternoon
{buttons} Dress It Up!

{paper} American Crafts, Melissa Frances
{frame stamp} Little Davis Designs
{pearls} Zva
{font} KevinandAmanda.com "Bosshole"

i went, i saw, i conquered...

2010-07-05T21:36:00.003-06:00

I lost my Twilight Buddy this time around. My sister in law decided to go with her hubby. So, when Eclipse came out this past week I was at a loss for fellow Twilight lovers.

My BFF replied, "I'll watch your kids but I'm not going." She sat throught Twilight with me just to be polite ;)

Ultimately, I was left to my own resources...literally. Saturday night I got some moxie and I bought a solo ticket to Eclipse via Fandango. I was half mortified, half empowered. I'm 35, it's a little daunting going into a movie geared toward Tween-Teen-Whathaveyou solo.

I was comforted because...

~I have no issue being in my own company. There are times I actually prefer it... sometimes crave it.

~ I wouldn't have to scramble for more than one seat. Ever try to save more than one seat @ a popular movie. You might as well sell your kidney.

~It was the first showing of the day~ I got a fab price on my ticket (not to mention I snuck in a Coca-Cola)... yes, I'm a rebel :D).

~I didn't stand in a ridiculous line like I did with New Moon. Even though we didn't go to a first showing, we still stood in a line for like 45 minutes before the show.

Today, I went to my seat of choice and did my best not to budge. I had to move over once so a family could sit together.

To be frank, I thought solo movie going was for the lonely, the suspicious. Today, I went to my own solo movie. No one to slap arms with when Taylor Lautner pranced around shirtless, no one to ooo the love scenes, or jump at the action, but I feel like I conquered my own little bit of social taboo and maybe it's only a bit in my own imagination.

I write this for all you all doing whatever you can to hold up a family. You know you need some time solo. Don't be inhibited by the "rules" of our society... Sometimes alone is the only company you need.

arigato gozaimasu...

2010-07-04T21:30:00.003-06:00

Believe it or not, I've said this phrase several times in my life. I lived over seven years of my elementary & high school years in Japan. It holds a very special place in my heart. After all, I met my soldier there when I was a mere 15. It took us much longer than Japan to realize God meant for us to be together... {{shaking my head}} Please forgive my younger year memories. Whimsie Doodle's Miyako digistamp envoked these memories! Please participate in The Pink Elephant Challenge to win your own Miyako digistamp. All you have to do is follow this recipe:

3 layers of paper
2 die cuts
1 ribbon

I splurged this month on the Lite Lacy Labels cartridge from Cricut. I'm so glad I got it even though it's not as extensive as a traditional cartridge. I foresee myself using this quite a bit, as I did in this week's card! Miyako's background die, the frame die & the flower die are all from this cartridge.

{paper} Melissa Frances, GCD Studios & Girl's Paperie
{gems} Hobby Lobby
{ribbon} Michael's
{color medium} Staedler Pencils

Macie...

2010-06-26T16:12:00.004-06:00

She's gone and done it again. Lori has opened her amazingly huge heart to help others, this time through Mission for Macie. Macie is a Sugar Stick digistamp being sold by Lori to raise money and awareness for GLUT1, a condition that a family member on her husband's side has been diagnosed. Read more about the real Macie, GLUT1, and Mission for Macie on Lori's blog here.

Meanwhile here is my creation with Macie:

{paper} Fancy Pants*; Girl's Paperie
{journal tag} MME*
{rubon} Melissa Frances

*these products are from Freehand Scraps May kit

ella ella bo bella

2010-06-22T12:19:00.004-06:00

She's our mascot @ The Pink Elephant Challenges and the work of my sweet, fab friend, Lori Boyd. Lori is also the hardworking owner of TPE, which I have been blessed to be a part of for the past year and a half.

This week you have a chance to win an Ella of your own. Just join us for our color challenge~ pink and black, of course. Here's my take...

{paper}girl's paperie & jenni bowlin
{rubon} melissa frances

fernando ortega

2010-06-16T21:42:00.003-06:00

He is a local celebrity here in Albuquerque. His music is so lovely and soothing. Tonight we were afforded the opportunity to hear him sing at Calvary of Albuquerque. What a blessing!

rubber baby buggy bumpers...

2010-06-14T00:00:00.002-06:00

Hey, ya'll! I know it's been awhile since I last put a paper project up in my blog. It's not been for lack of trying, let me tell you. Sometimes your mojo gets sucked into the netherworld & you're not sure how to get it back. Suggestions welcome... ;)

At The Pink Elephant this week, we were blessed to work with...

I love these soft, sweet baby buds. I especially love their curly hair! My baby buds & I all sport curly hair & it's awesome to see stamps with curly locks! We have a sketch challenge @ TPE & we want you to join!

Here's my take on Lori's lovely sketch...

{paper} Girl's Paperie
{lace} Prima
{ribbon} seam binding
{buttons} pink button from Jenny Bowlin from the May kit @ Freehand Scraps; white eyelet button from A Million Memories vintage trims; all round non decorative buttons are vintage

Karate Kid a la Chinese

2010-06-12T16:58:00.006-06:00

I am a child of the 80s. We watched The Goonies, Back to the Future, and Karate Kid. So, when I saw that a remake of Karate Kid was coming about, I totally wanted to see it with my kids. You know, do one of those, "When Mommy was a kid, the Karate Kid wore stonewashed jeans." Throw in Jayden Smith, seriously how cute is he?! Add a little Jackie Chan & Chinese influence, what can I say they're my peeps. I'm totally in. Only, I was not prepared what an incredible movie this is. In my very humble, and non cinematic experience, it was better than the Mr. Miyagi version. It is beautifully, beautifully done. Yes, there's a lot of bootie kicking going on. Yes, you'll gasp when the kids throw each other around. But you'll also be encouraged by seeing the hard work and determination of young Jayden. You'll see a different Jackie Chan, one that's a little broken, but triumphant. So, if you need to take the kiddos to a matinee to beat the heat, take them to this one. You won't be sorry you did.

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T00:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you to those who so bravely serve, and for those who have given the sacrifice of their lives.

You gotta wear shades...

2010-05-30T22:15:00.004-06:00

...to play in this week's Pink Elephant Challenge. We want your brightest colors.

We were sponsored by the very cute Some Odd Girl Digistamps this week.

Here's my take...

I used Cosmo Cricket papers & a Melissa Frances rubon.

BTW, if you see my mojo can you send it back this way? I really miss it :D

superheroes

2010-05-26T20:20:00.003-06:00

I'm a bonafide Team Edward fan. Yes, I'm one of those Twilight crazies. I even have a t-shirt. However, one of my real life superheroes is Stephanie Nielson a.k.a. NieNie. Her recent visit from an actor who plays a wolf-like creature could cause a girl to change teams {click on Stephanie's name to see the blog post}.

blessings abound...

2010-05-24T23:22:00.003-06:00

I continue to be abundantly blessed by your comments about our soldier departing. I am comforted by your words and your prayers. I know he will be home soon. Still, my heart aches for those who have so much longer to wait. Please continue to pray for them.

I'm a bit late, but Sunday, my Ron and I celebrated 11 years of marriage. It's a bit funny because we've actually known one another for almost 20 years, but it just took him awhile to realize he was doomed to be married to me. I'd love to share 11 things I thank God for with regards to Ron. I totally would not be offended if you excused yourself to weed your garden or reorganize your coupons ;D

1. He knows me almost better than I know myself.

2. He makes polenta that makes your toes curl. Yes, it's that good.

3. He's really a kid in a 38 year old man's body. Our kids love that.

4. He's an amazing artist & he doesn't balk at my disgusting addiction to paper because as an artist he knows it brings me peace.

5. He is a man of integrity and he won't compromise his values.

6. He planted the sage, rosemary & thyme in our herb garden.

7. He knows I have my preferences for certain fruits/veggies being organic & our dairy being hormone/antibiotic free, but he will still indulge in some Spam. ;)

8. He and I share histories and cultures so similar, there is little to no explaining.

9. His favorite movie is Immortal Beloved, seeking to find to whom Beethoven's famous love letter was written. SWOON!

10. He can make me laugh even if I'm really, really not in the mood.

11. He has a very big heart & he truly is a hopeless romantic (besides being a fabulous gift giver).

vaya con dios, mi amor....

2010-05-17T22:06:00.000-06:00

The kids and I said good-bye to Ron at 7:30 this morning. He's on a flight right now back to South Korea to finish his tour. Thank you all so much for your well wishes. We did, indeed, have a wonderful time with one another. We didn't do anything extra ordinary for many, but we just spent time together & that was extra ordinary for us. :) So, as soon as I have a date when he gets back it will be on my ticker on the right.

I know you all are, but please continue to pray for our soldiers (mommies & daddies; wives & husbands; sisters & brothers; sons & daughters) in Iraq & Afghanistan & their families. Thank you & God Bless You

her name is rio and she dances on the sand...

2010-05-17T19:34:00.005-06:00

Sorry, folks, I'm a child of the 80's...

I was recently blessed to work with Betty Robert's a.k.a. Ms. Betty Boo's (as we affectionately call her at The Pink Elephant) cool & creative stamp creations. The one I chose was Rio. Rio is Betty's daughter (such a lucky girl). Betty immortalized her in ink!

I'm a bit late (I promise, I have an excuse), but here's my take on The Pink Elephant's newest sketch challenge with Simply Betty Stamps. If you likey, her images will be available June 1st!!! I tell you, I'm surrounded by total talent!

{paper}Basic Grey (I picked it up just for you Betty Boo!), Girl's Paperie (sorry, I can't help myself!!!); Scenic Route (brown edge); JoAnne's (purple paper)
{gems} Darice
{scissors} ProvoCraft
{pencils} Staendler & Sargent Art

Yes, my dear dh was big on helping me out once again with the colouring. I even inspired him to do one of our Bella. I'll have to show that to you at another time.

this little light of mine...

2010-05-10T22:09:00.003-06:00

This week at The Pink Elephant we have another recipe challenge. So fire up your craft kitchen & combine these ingredients:

designer paper
buttons
the color yellow

We were blessed to be sponsored by Meljen's Designs. Oh my stink! Talk about adorable images. You wanna go over there!

Here's my concoction...

I don't know if I have ever told you all, but in addition to being Army Strong, my hubby is a very talented artist. So with some help from him and my girl, Lori, I worked some more with the coloured pencils. It's really a lot of fun coloring! Big girl coloring that is ;)

My designer paper here is Girl's Paperie. Of course you could've probably guessed that :D

Birthday Wishes

2010-05-10T11:45:00.003-06:00

May is a big month for birthdays in our family. Cristian and I both celebrate birthdays this month. My dad's birthday is also this month. And sweet Anna Banana's birthday is on the same day as my dad. So, I only thought it appropriate to do a birthday theme for my entry for the Just Us Girl's DT Call.

{paper & rubon} Melissa Frances
{journal tag} Basic Grey
{button} Jenni Bowlin
{template for cake box} Mirkwood Designs

Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby...

2010-05-03T22:50:00.002-06:00

Okay, he's not my baby anymore. Nine years ago I sat in this very city wondering if I was feeling labor pains. I remember tracking my contractions from the timer on my Oral B toothbrush. I remember telling Ron that the contractions were "not that bad" and I thought I could handle them.

I had my sweet boy at 8:32 pm on May 4th, 2001. I thought I knew who I was, I thought I knew what I believed, I thought I knew what I was doing until this sweet boy came into my life. All that changed. He has taught me more about all of the above and then some. I NEVER thought I would be home schooling... I am. I NEVER thought I would cloth diaper a child... I did (the both of them). I NEVER thought my life could completely turn upside down, but it did.

I am so blessed by C (as I call him on this blog). He's remained predictably unpredicable. He challenged everything I thought I knew as a Family Studies major in college. He has and does surprise me with all he does. Thank you, Lord

Lovin' Mama

2010-05-02T22:24:00.005-06:00

This is our theme at The Pink Elephant this week. She gives and gives (even when she's just recently been in surgery & should rest ;D). For those of us who are mamas, we know it's just natural. We would give anything for those we love.

There are some changes at The Pink Elephant, so go check 'em out. Make sure to welcome Silvia to our DT. I know you've seen her as a guest DT, so Lori decided to make it official. We have had to say good-bye to some very talented members as well.

We had the privilege to work with our own, very talented Lori Boyd's Puddle Jumpers! In the weeks to come we'll also be sponsored by some other very creative souls on our DT, so stay tuned. So, be sure to check out the rest of the incredible work from our Pink Elephant DT.

This week I thought I'd try something a little different. Week after week I am wow'ed by my fellow DT members by their image coloring. Wow, to be surrounded by great talent, how could one NOT be inspired?! So, I stepped out of the box & colored my images. My husband has had these FAB colored pencils for a long while & it was time I gave them a go. It was SO much fun!!!

Sunrise, Sunrise

2010-04-29T14:12:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to thank you all for your continued notes asking about my mom. She's at home and slowly recuperating. She is taking it very easy. The good thing is she has an appetite and it appears the plumbing is working well. Tomorrow she will have her staples removed. Thank you for keeping her in your prayers.

Our Ron is home for the next three weeks!!! We are all so happy he's here and we can be together. He'll be leaving before our 11th anniversary (May 23rd). However, I was able to score 2 great seat tickets to a sold out concert of our very favorite artist, Norah Jones. We saw her last night. Her voice is like water on glass, so smooth, so beautiful.

Hope you all are very well. I'm looking forward to spending some time with my soldier and maybe get in a little scrapping. God bless you.

Creative Therapy

2010-04-22T16:31:00.004-06:00

Today I went to see my mom. She's been hospitalized since Sunday and she had surgery yesterday. My heart ached to see her so fragile. There were tubes everywhere. She could barely move without going through excruciating pain. I think I might have convinced her that it was okay to push the button that gives her the pain medication. Thank you all so so much for your well wishes and prayers. I pray she'll continue to improve and be home soon.

It might seem strange to create a card when there's so much going on, but it was certainly therapeutic. I found this really sweet digi stamp set on Two Peas. I love digi kits because I don't have to worry about actually putting stamp to ink. I still struggle with it. I used Laura's Sketch from 2S4Y for the card.

{paper} Girl's Paperie (of course LOL)

I found this wonderful seam binding & waxed string at our local store Papers! in Nob Hill. The store is absolute eye candy wherever you look & I always want everything when I go in there. Also, it's locally owned, so I feel somewhat justified in my trim indulgence.

We are being blessed again by Spring rains that always leave me surprises of small sprouts when I take my pup out the next morning. I pray you all have a lovely day.

Prayers for Mama

2010-04-20T16:12:00.002-06:00

Hi, lovely Blog Friends. I come to you all to ask for prayer for my mama. She's spending her 2nd day in the hospital with a bowel obstruction. The surgeons are leaning towards removing it in a relatively routine surgery. We're hoping she'll be in more comfort tomorrow. Please pray for a smooth surgery, her comfort, and my dad. God bless you all.

Queen Mother...

2010-04-18T23:56:00.001-06:00

...for all of us Mamas are Queens, yes? Here is my take on this week's Pink Elephant Sketch.

We wanna see YOUR take on this week's sketch whether it be for a Mama or some other special someone using Lori's fab sketch.

Here's my take...

{paper} Girl's Paperie & My Mind's Eye
{stamp} digi stamp from Les Jolies Accents de Fleurs by Rene' Bross
{glitter} Martha Stewart
{font} Traveling Typewriter from dafont.com

Dear Mama...

2010-04-16T23:46:00.003-06:00

...if I could write down all the ways you inspire me and support me I would run out of paper.

Yes, folks, she just that wonderful. Although I sometimes think I am living out "The Joy Luck Club," I absolutely adore my mama. She won't be here for Mother's Day so I'll be giving her this card early. She will be on her way to Taiwan to see her own mama.

{paper} ephemera from A Vintage Cottage
{chipboard} Tattered Angels & Maya Road
{rubon} Melissa Frances
{pearl} Michael's