Nick Turns Four

My baby turned four. Just the fact that he turned four probably means I should not be calling him "my baby" anymore, but I just can't help myself. For Nick's birthday this year, we took him to Disneyland so that he could fight his arch nemesis, Darth Vadar. We also had a small family celebration where the birthday boy wanted cheeseburgers, his favorite "white chips" aka Ruffles, and a clone trooper cake. He had me until clone trooper cake. So, I busted out my cake decorating class paperwork and remembered a simple technique using rice paper to create the image I needed. He loved it! The best part about Nick's entire birthday was his baby girl cousin, Audrey, was born on his actual birthdate. How exciting is that?!

If You Give a Mouse to Nick

Nick had his first "homework assignment" last week. His teacher read their class the book, If You Take a Mouse to School,  so it was his turn to take Mouse home and chronicle his adventures. Even though this seemed more like a homework assignment for me, I was happy to take pictures and create a scrapbook page of all the fun stuff they did together. Mouse watched Nick swim in the pool while relaxing on the chaise lounge. Mouse also went to the library with us and had a visit with Papa & Tita.

Back to School

The kids are back in school and it was pretty emotional for me to send Paige off to kindergarten. We have been talking about it a lot all summer and, boy, she was definitely prepared. So, when she walked into that classroom, I was the one with wet eyes, not her. She loves her teacher and enjoys making new friends each day. Nick, too, has adjusted very well to his new preschool and has already charmed his teachers. I used the Imaginisce Geek is Chic line which is full of bright colors and cute die-cut images to create the layouts.

Beach Bliss

The rules from last month's scrapbook club class was to include a Tim Holtz item and something else that I have already forgotten, but I think I did include it. With that being said, my two Tim Holtz items are the keyhole and washi tape. I love this picture of Paige taken on Nick's second birthday when we stayed on the beach at Camp Pendleton. Making it black and white gave it a little bit of a 40s vibe, which I think adds to the layout. Most of the papers are by Authentique.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

I am in love with these itty bitty stamps from the Papertrey Ink Hanging Out line. I paper pieced the little clothes once again, woohoo! I also included the bingo card from Jenni Bowlin and a Tim Holtz keyhole. This card is not a typical card that I make; however, I was so happy with the way it turned out that I hope to stretch and bend my comfort zone more often. Oh, and, this card was made for my little niece who is due to come soon. I can't wait to meet her!

Puzzles

One of our favorite activities we have been doing this summer is working on puzzles. Paige and I can sit there for hours together. We get so excited everytime we find a tough piece. I love these 500 piece puzzles by the artist, Jane Wooster Scott. They are so full of color and interest that it makes for a great intro puzzle for Paige. I have always loved doing puzzles since I can remember, so it has been a lot of fun passing that down to her. Nick likes it too, but his interest never lasts more than five minutes. Typical three year old boy.



Thank You Melody!

My best friend's mom and dear friend, Melody, was so generous and kind to give me a huge stash of her stuff. I felt like a kid in a candy store sifting through all the paper pads. She also gave me a few Pure Innocence stamps which are simply the sweetest. I inked one up right away and even paper pieced it. I never seem to paper piece because it always adds to the amount of time to make the card, but I love how it turned out, which means I might just become a paper piecing machine now. Paige asked to see the card when I finished and she said, "Mom, you make the prettiest cards." And instead of saying, "You should see Melody's", I said, "Thank you".

Summer Camp

Paige and Nick thoroughly enjoyed their gymnastics camp this summer. They ended the week-long camp by doing a performance. Nick performed to a Beach Boys song, hence the sunglasses. Paige loved twirling a long ribbon in her show. Both performances involved somersaults, cartwheels, and some moves on the trampoline. They both had so much fun, which made me smile from ear to ear just watching them.