Caleb through the years...

I'm putting together a slideshow to put up on the Wii tomorrow during the family birthday party. And right now we're having a sleep over. 4 boys (my two plus Caleb's best friends, Peter and John). It's quite an experience. I'm tired already and it's only 7:45PM!

We didn't go 'digital' until December 2002 so some of Caleb's photos were scanned in. I have a few professional shots in here as well.

I have a photo of Caleb actually being born but since that's not really blog appropriate, here's a photo of Caleb a few hours old...

Caleb was born at 8:40 AM on the 4th of January. I remember that when I finally was brought back to my room after his delivery, it was snowing out. I had a beautiful view of the Church in Weymouth. The same church my grandparents were married in.

On the day that Caleb was born, we had over 15 visitors in our hospital room. He was the first Grandchild born on both my side and Patrick's. There were a few other Great Grandchildren born to one set of my grandparents but unfortunately Christina and Annemarie live too far away for them to visit the day their babies were born. Caleb had visitors before we even left the recovery room. Nana, Opa, Great Grammie and Great Papa Randall all came out to visit him before we were brought to a room.

Caleb was a really good baby. By 4 months old, he was 14 pounds 12 ounces and very independent. He slept through the night from 9 1/2 weeks and by 4 months old he was sleeping from 8:30PM until 6 or 7AM. In mid April he pulled his pacifier out of his mouth and would throw it at me. He didn't want it again.

Here's a photo I love of Caleb enjoying some Cheerios. Patrick licked them and stuck them on his head. I just love the look on his face, he's so happy.

Caleb actually got his first tooth on September 11, 2001. I noticed the tooth before the tragedy of that day struck. I actually remember writing in his baby book that the tooth didn't arrive in the next day, not believing that something so joyous in our house could happen on September 11th. But it's one of those memories that will stick with me. I probably should change the baby book to reflect the real date.

For Caleb's first Halloween he was a cow. Isn't he cute...

As first time parents, Patrick and I bought him a Superman costume but it was way too thin and flimsy for New England October so he ended up with this one. I think my Mom might have bought it.

Here's Caleb at 1.

Now here's where I'm missing some photos. Well not missing so much as they just aren't scanned into our computer system. So, I'm going to jump to Caleb's 2nd year photos. In December 2002, here is a Christmas shot...

For his Second Birthday, he really enjoyed his cake. So much that we had to strip him of his shirt...

He had received a electric train for the Christmas before his birthday, and he would ride until he fell asleep...

In May of 2003, Caleb became a big brother. In June he went to his first circus and by the end of July 4th weekend he was potty trained. Look at the proud big brother...

Just like Mom, Caleb loves his Chocolate...

Here's a silly picture of Caleb on his 3rd birthday...

Here's another cute one. The look on his face, trying to figure out what he picked up in the bushes during Easter that year...

In June he graduated from his first year of Pre-School. Because of his age, he actually went to pre-school for 3 years but with no other kids his age in the family, we thought this was the best choice for him. And now, with him in the 2nd grade, I can tell that it made a difference. Here's his graduation picture...

In July of 2004, right after Uncle Mike's and Aunt Jessi's wedding, we went to the camp in Maine for the first time - all 4 of us. Here's one of my favorite photos of Caleb helping Great Grammie make bread...

In August of that year, we went to his first baseball game (PawSox) as well as to the Marshfield Fair. He also got stung by a bee for the first time. Thankfully he's not allergic. His ear swelled up but no allergic reaction (thank goodness!).

In September he went back to Pre-School (where he met John and Peter by the way - they've been friends that long!)...

This is all Caleb does (STILL!) when it snows out. Eats snow. This kid has always loved to eat snow....

And Lastly for today, just in case you're wondering where I got this kid... They came as a two pack...

They still love playing in boxes.

Tomorrow I'll show you pictures of Caleb from 4 through today. I can't believe this little man will be 8 tomorrow!

Having Fun!

Patrick and I were supposed to have a New Year's Eve shindig but with the New Year's Eve Snow storm that blew through and dumped 7 inches of snow on our step, we postponed it. To New Year's Day! We had a great time playing with the new Wii and Balance Board, everyone got a shot - well Mimi came back over today to play some more - and I thought I'd show you some pictures of all of us having some down time and some fun...

But first, here's a few pictures of Kerriann, Traci and I getting together to crop and have some fun last Monday...









And now, here's Steve, Katie, Kerriann, Susan and Bryce trying out the Ski Jump...

I just love how Bryce looks so proud of himself, with his undies showing. So cute!!

Then Steve and I tried the tightrope walk...










And now, no party is complete without some type of fight breaking out. (OK, if you're in college maybe but this was all in fun anyhow!)...











Look at the concentration on our faces, huh!

Tomorrow I have a sleep over party for Caleb and Sunday we celebrate his 8th birthday with family. I'm going to start with some projects to show you on Monday. I have some cards I've thought up and I'm going to share. But be sure to come back tomorrow and Sunday to see my baby grow up. My friend, Bernadette did a little montage about her son Dylan for his birthday and I think I'll do the same. It'll give some of the distant relatives a glimpse of Caleb through the years. Until then...

Happy New Year!!

Happy 2009 to everyone out there in blog land! I hope you all had a Safe New Year's Eve.

Patrick and I postponed our party for tonight but we'll get together with friends tomorrow evening.

I wish all a wonderful and prosperous 2009. I'll be back soon with some fabulous new projects...

Holiday Reflection...

Look at those happy faces! Santa was super good to these little boys! And we haven't stopped playing with that Wii ever since! My arms are sore, my legs are sore and I think I might have a little bit of a cold coming but I couldn't be happier. Patrick's off from work this week, we've got three parties this week and a whole bunch of household projects but we're together and we're happy. And that's all that matters.

Every year the Holiday's are stressful and full of way-too-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time-to-do-it stuff until that day. Then it's here and it's joyful and finally peaceful. OK, OK, it's not all joyful and peaceful but it's the Holiday's and it's supposed to be full of family chaos. That's what makes it so joyful and the love you feel from the family, well, I hope that brings all of you some peace. To know your family is safe and healthy. Or even if your family isn't safe or isn't healthy, it's truly a time of reflection of what you have and what you can strive for in the future.

Which brings me to my next thoughts... 2009 goals. Most years I sit and write down my goals for the following year. I haven't completed the list but I have already put some things in motion that will push me in the right direction. For instance, one of the items on my 'goals' list was to get a blog award. I know, I know, this isn't something I can just ask for or something that I can obtain myself but it's something that I want. I've had my blog now since July and I was hoping that sometime within 2009, I would be nominated for some type of blog award. Corny? Yah, maybe but hey, these are my goals! Imagine my surprise when I opened my email on the 27th and found I had been given a blog award!!! WOW!! Already my goals are coming to fruition! I hope some of the others come this quickly (say, like those 10 pounds I need to loose before my Sister's wedding - yah the dress just need 10 little less pounds in it. ugh!).

So, I'm thrilled to tell you that the lovely Sharon House has nominated me for the Marie Antionette Real Person Award! Wow! I'm super honored.

As with any blog award, it comes with a price. Here are the rules for this award . . .

1. Please put the logo on your blog.
2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs.
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

So here goes...

I nominate, my good friend Bernadette. While she wishes she blogged more, the quality of her blog posts are most important. She's got some fabulous photography on there!

I nominate, Sherry Goodloe. She's got a fabulous blog give-away right now. Check her out, her art rocks! - OH, yah and she lives in the most artistic place on Earth, always got some art show around or near her!

I nominate, Lynne Forsythe. A true nut but a very creative nut! Lynne can change anything and everything with just a little ink!

I nominate, Cheryl and Megan Darrow. OK, these ladies just KNOW how to keep it real! They are an inspiration to all. - And don't forget to check out their videos, this week looks to be a funny one!

I nominate, Janice Reynolds. Every day she creates a new ATC for us to look at and enjoy. She's a fabulous artist!

I nominate Suze Weinberg, since starting her blog in July I've been hooked. Reading every entry on melt art, UTEE, beeswax, the need to spay or neuter your pet and most recently a "Chanukah Sermon".

And Lastly, I nominate Calv, because real men play with stamps and ink! If you haven't already, you've got to check out his blog. He's been inking fruit for some time. It's fun to see what they look like.

And to all those other people out there I didn't nominate, many of you deserve it too. Thank you to all of you out there in blogland who inspire each of us every day. I hope that 2009 is a wonderful year for everyone!!

Happy Holidays!!

The Holidays are always a busy time of year. For just about everyone. I'm going to go 'no blog' for a few days and I thought I would leave each of you something special.

Just for all my blog friends, I thought I'd give you a Christmas Card.

I sent out 50 of these, 45 in Pearl Metal and 5 in Aluminum Metal, so you choose which you'd like...

I hope you all have a Wonderful Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas. Stay Safe this Holiday Season! I'll be back to some regular blogging after Christmas.

Warm and Cozy...

Oh the weather outside is frightful~! And has been for about 44 hours. I'm telling you, I don't think it has stopped snowing in my area since 2 pm on Friday. And it's 11:30 AM here on Sunday now. When we woke this morning to make pancakes, here's a photo out my kitchen window into my backyard and a photo out my side door onto the driveway and street...

And it's still snowing! And supposed to continue until this evening at about 8, with maybe a little rain mixed in. School tomorrow - I doubt it. I'm so glad I finished my Christmas shopping on Thursday of last week. And last night, all wrapped. Yup! I'm ready! I'm gearing up.

Friday, Patrick came home about an hour early and I didn't have to work so we finally had time to set up the new living room. I have it on good authority that Santa is going to bless my boys with the one thing they want the most... Wii. Yup, Mr. Claus called and told us that maybe we should think about rearranging our living room as this game can get pretty physical. This also led Mr. Claus to recommend that we get a flat screen LCD TV and mount it on our wall where perhaps it would be safer. And, oh yah, by the way, that's a joint Christmas present. Ah-hem. Oh, really. Mr. Claus already had the TV picked out and (ah-ha!) it arrived on December 5. ~Only to sit in my living room until last Friday. Yes Mr. Claus is always well prepared but knows there are limitations to Mrs. Claus and sometimes waiting and not overloading her with work is the best way into her heart. So, the TV is up... but the living room isn't quite clean yet (notice the vacuum and the box?)

In the picture, Bryce is playing Super Nintendo's Zelda. Wait until they see the NEW Zelda. Oh, my!! And look, I surprised Krystal with a picture. She's so cute but so scared of the camera. After I took this shot, she ran upstairs and didn't come down again until I put it away. Silly Puppy!

I postponed my Winter Canvas class until next Saturday. I did do a private class for two ladies that came up from Rhode Island. They were already on their way and since I was already at the Scrapbook Cupboard, why not? The class will be on Saturday, December 27th from 10AM-12PM. If you're in the area and want to take the class, call the store.

Today, we're going to get a new mattress and box Spring. After Patrick snow blows the driveway for the 5th time (yup, 5!). The boys are outside right now enjoying the snow and I'm going to start cleaning up the house for Christmas. With all my crafty obligations, I've been real slack on cleaning my studio. What a pit!

I have some new organizational racks I'd like to use, so hopefully I can figure that all out before Wednesday night.

Oh, and before I leave, I thought I'd share Whitey's new home.

On the dry sink in the living room. Patrick and I are thinking this is probably the best place for him. So, here's a cute photo of Caleb and his fish. That fish is like a dog, very curious. Follows you around everywhere. Greets everyone that walks into the kitchen. A couple of weeks ago, I had bought an Algae eating fish but when I fed it the Algae wafer, it died and so our other fish, Baseball. So all we have left is Whitey. He wasn't looking so good for a while but he bounced back and now better than ever. Do fish get lonely, though? I hope not.

Oh, one last thing. Patrick just came in. He measured the snowfall so far. 17 inches. And it's still falling. We have another 8 hours of snow fall. Yikes!

Tired... and done

I'm done. Finished. All my Kandi samples are completed and have been photographed. I'm going to send them out Saturday morning. ~ I dare not leave my home tomorrow as it appears that a large pile of white, fluffy precipitation will fall upon me. They are predicting between 8-12+ inches here in my area.

Yikes!

So tomorrow I'm going to type up the directions to each project, clean my area, start wrapping Christmas gifts and spend some time with my kids. Maybe we'll even start a snowman! Oh, and I have the rest of my Christmas cards to make and send. I'm proud to say I sent out 21 today! Only about 29 more left to send...

As for tonight, I'm going to curl up with a book and hit the hay early.