Polka Dot Prints

The Weather Channel 3

2008-12-13T17:17:00.001-08:00

The Weather Channelgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Fallen Hero

2008-01-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

At this time I can't find the right words to type. I hope the photos will say it all for now.

my new blog

2007-04-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have set up a new blog. I started this one for work and my personal life took over (what's new?). I find myself censoring what I write and I just need to be able to let it all out. So here is the link to my new blog. I am not quite sure what I will be doing with this one yet.
http://spacey-lacy.blogspot.com/

quick MILF weigh in

2007-03-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

I only have a minute so here it goes:
Total loss: 7 lbs.
this week: 2 lbs.

Go Lacy, it's your birthday!!! (dancing)

MILF Weigh In

2007-03-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

I know I am a day early but I have a busy day tomorrow and doubt I will be able to post this.

Total weight loss: 5 lbs.

This week's loss: 3 lbs.

And my secret: drum roll please.......STRESS!!!

Who says money can't buy happiness?

2007-03-14T18:32:00.001-07:00

My very sweet friend Kim and I put together my son's log cabin that came today and he is ecstatic. He loves it. And I am hoping to love the free time it gives me while he plays. Now to find him some cool play food for his little (really, it's HUGE) home.

Tuesday's Mind Bender

2007-03-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Why do senior citizens feel the need to buy the biggest vehicles available to man? Perhaps to protect themselves from their own horrible driving? Who's going to protect me in my smaller gas efficient car from these crazy old people?

It Never Fails

2007-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Anytime I want to run somewhere quickly without being seen....I run into someone I know. It never fails. Yesterday I ran to Home Depot in my painting gear to pick up more paint and sure enough it happens. Then later in the day my hubby wants to go to Target to grab something and get some Starbuck's. So I just change out of my painting gear, throw my hair up in a pony tail and run to Target. We managed to run into 3 separate people!!! Of course, I avoided 2 of them by sending my hubby out as bait.

And if it wasn't bad enough to have people see me looking like I just woke up but we ran into this couple and well...hmmm, how do I explain what this woman looks like? Maybe a Asian hooker that weighs about 100 lbs, and 20 lbs. of it being her boobs. I swear those things are like flotation devices. This is the second time we have run into this couple and both times she is dressed to go clubbing all the way down to her red stilettos. Let me remind you this is in Target. I am sure that Boobs McQueen is a really nice lady but she is making me look bad here!

Most of the people we see work with my husband and with his upcoming training and new position they must all wish him luck and congratulate him. Now I think that part is great and he totally loves it. BUT...it's as if I am with a celebrity sometimes or he is packing to go help Frodo find the ring. People will ask him the stupidest questions like, "Did you run today?", "Are you ready?", or my favorite "Look at the big INSERT JOB TITLE HERE guy!" I swear I should start selling autographs.

I think I am just still adjusting to this small town thing. You know where you see someone every time you go anywhere. I used to be able to sneak into a place and pick up some milk without anyone seeing me. Now I must be completely dressed with make-up and all just to go to the market!!!

Oh, and just for the record... I love my hubby dearly and I am his biggest fan.

Under Construction

2007-03-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

My whole house is under construction. Well, kinda. With my husband never home I have given up emotional eating and picked up a less fattening habit...emotional shopping and decorating. I have been redoing our bedroom and my son's bedroom and to be honest...I am having fun and keeping busy. The truth of the matter is that both rooms needed to be decorated and redone though. When we moved in I just left my bedroom a mess in hopes that one day I would get to it. Well, today is that day. As you can see from the picture (my paint chips hanging on the wall) that I still plan to paint and add a few more touches. I will post more pictures when I am done.

My excuse for redoing my son's room...
He is moving from a toddler bed to a twin bed and frankly he needs a 'big boy' room now. I ordered this cool black wood bed and it should be here soon. I am still trying to talk my mom into buying the matching dresser for him since she wanted to get him the bed for Christmas and we never got around to it. I am also paint a striped along the wall with magnetic paint. It's been a pain in my ass but it's done now. I have to run to Home Depot and pick up the paint for the stripe (navy blue) and the paint for my bedroom and bathroom (a maroon shade). I also want to add another stripe on another wall of his to hang his artwork but I am growing bitter towards this magnetic paint and need a break.

I just want to come into my home and feel at home. I want to walk into a room and have it look done and put together. We have moved so much in the past few years that I haven't been able to finish anything anywhere. So now is the time to do it. And I spend so much time at home that I deserve it.

My shopping has been super frugal as well. I bought my down suede comforter from JC Penney's for $20, my sheets, curtains, and throw pillows at Target on clearance (50% to 75% off). I also got some good finds at Pottery Barn with free shipping. And for my son's room I got his bed at 75% off. My husband is supportive in all of this as well. Probably because he knows I get a rush when I find a super deal. lol Well, I am off to tape off the bathroom.

One week and counting

2007-03-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

The days are just flying by and in one week from tomorrow my husband will be on his way to his training for a whole month. Waaa!!! Yes, I am throwing a pity party. And to make matters worse I am expecting my evil aunt flow only days after he leaves. BEWARE! I will be a mess of emotions and hormones and I will find all the chocolate on the house and devour it in one sitting. Wanna join me?

Cha-Ching
We had our dreaded garage sale this past weekend and I am happy to say it wasn't all that dreaded after all. We sold almost everything and even closed up early. I am pleasantly surprised with how well we did and plan to have one each year. I was however lucky to have a friend who lives near by stop by and keep me company and that helped the time fly. I have already put the money to good use. I am expecting some Pottery Barn boxes soon, and I even managed to score a great deal on a new bed for my son. I love shopping...too much.

The low down on my slim down
I am planning on working out 3 days a week and eating super healthy while my husband is gone. After all, he will be working out and getting in better shape (because he already looks like an underwear model) and so I want to keep up. And to be honest we have been eating so bad lately. I think it's because my hubby knows he will be eating chow hall food soon and wants to indulge before he goes and I am not one to turn down greasy food when it's right in front of me. My friend Rachel is doing a diet that seems to be working really well for her so I am going to have to get her notes on it and see if it's something I can do as well.

Work
I managed to find my envelopes at a decent price and ordered a 1,000 of those suckers. I will not be without again! I have one order open right now and it's a big one. I think that after this one I am going to close shop for a few weeks and concentrate on my diet and getting some stuff done around the house. You know...some ME time.

Check it out!

2007-02-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

My website is being featured on Polka Dot Mom's Blog for being the crafty Polka Dot Mom of the week. Pretty cool, huh?

Sally's blog is really cool because she finds awesome polka dot products (like my cards) and features them with some info about the creator and details of the product. So take some time to check out her cool finds.

Random stuff

2007-02-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Work, work, work
This week has been so crazy for me. It really just flew by. I am super busy with my business, on a wild goose hunt to find more envelopes. My supplier has apparently ran out completely and doesn't plan to reorder. Just my luck for this to happen when I have 5 orders I am trying to complete. Do you think my customers would mind sending out their invitations or announcements in paper bags? Yeah, I thought so.

If I was a dog...
I have decided that if I was a dog I would be a Queensland Blue Heeler. This dawned on me after taking my son to a local park for a playgroup meeting. I found myself wanting to bite his ankles, fairly aggressive, and always herding him back to the flock.

At the homestead
I am still trying to get my husband ready for his training and so far so good. I almost have everything he needs and should only need to make a few more stops. That is of course IF the shirts I ordered him are a true gray and not a heather gray or charcoal gray when they arrive on my doorstep (thank you e-bay). Since when did straight guys start being able to tell the difference between these shades of gray?? There has to be an angry woman behind this.

My son's rash has showed up...again. According to his Dr. this is unheard of. Go figure. But we are just going stay on top of it and try some new cream. I am proud to say that he has used the potty a few times and is really starting to grasp the concept. I think we are onto something here.

MILF update
If you have made it this far then you know I have been busy. I am just going to plead the 5th here. I lost 5 lbs. and gained back 3 lbs. Ok, I admit it. I have been seeking comfort from all this stress with a bowl on yummy cheesy potatoes. I did try running with my husband a few days a week but I hurt my back doing that and had to take a break. I think I will have to start riding my stationary bike again as I watch and try to solve the next mystery on The First 48 . Next week I will be better...I hope.

Cut my hair off!!!! PLEASE

2007-02-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

After hearing me complain almost daily about my long obnoxious hair my husband did the unthinkable and told me to finally cut it. It's like I had to hear someone else tell me to do it before it clicked in my own head. I was on a mission to grow it out like Rapunzel and I came pretty close. But living in the Sahara desert long curly hair doesn't do well. So I cut it off. I also highlighted it. It's weird to have such short hair but I am adjusting. And of course it wasn't supposed to be this short but my new hairdresser got a little scissor happy. I also got some new blond highlights which are always fun.

On a mission to prove that blonds (or just those with highlights) have more fun we went out to a nice dinner and to the bar afterwards that evening. My son was visiting his grandparents for the weekend and we needed to get out. It was fun. I did however drink and dance a little too much. I wasn't feeling so great the next day and my legs still hurt today from all of the dancing. I twisted and bent in places that haven't been moved like that in a l-o-n-g time. But it was fun and a great workout. I might have to start dancing for my exercise. I wonder if it would defeat the workout if I drank a little before dancing? Hmmm...

Well, my son is home and life is back to normal (if that's what you call it). My husband is training for a new job within his job and has been very busy with that. He also has to go out of state for an upcoming training academy so we are getting him ready for that. He has to buy certain color clothes, some gear, and other weird stuff that I can't find in this small town. Well, I am off to shop online for black swim trunks.

Pee-On-A-Stick-Asitis

2007-02-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

So the cat's out of the bag. My husband and I want to have another baby. We have been wanting this for some time now but apparently my eggs and his sperm are in a disagreement on this one. It took us a year and a miscarriage to conceive our son so we knew it might take a while this time and we have been pretty patient (kinda). We have seen the dr. about it, started psycho chick meds, and have been taking care of my husband's favorite part as well.

After months of disappointment and the murder of yet another tampon you would think that I would just give up when aunt flow is due. But every month I get excited at the littlest things. Oh, my left boob hurts...I'm pregnant. I want chocolate...I'm pregnant. Yet, she always shows.

What sucks the most is that everyone I know is pregnant. And maybe I just notice all the emerging bellies because I secretly want one of my own. It's so hard to be happy for all my fertile friends sometimes.

And to add insult to injury I started my period today...on Valentine's Day. It's like a sick, cruel joke. Well, I am off to buy a hundred more ovulation tests and pregnancy tests to feed my sickness. Yes, I suffer from pee-on-a-stick-asitis, and I will until one of those damn sticks start showing two lines!

my thoughts on flaky people & potty training

2007-02-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

I think we all know someone who is flaky, but why do we put up with it? I just don't get flaky people. Maybe it's just easier to put up with them than to say something and start a fight? I try to be a stand up gal and yes since having my son I have had to turned down many offers but I don't stand people up. I don't lie about being somewhere and I just don't understand it. Can someone enlighten me?

Now on to the subject of potty training. My son is 2.5 years old and has no interest in peeing or pooping in the potty. We have started to take off his diaper and let him run around naked for a few hours a day. We put him on the potty every 20 mins. or so to reinforce using the potty. Within 30 minutes of doing this on the first day my son managed to pee twice on my carpet and poop there as well. My husband's only comment was an odd comparison between my son's and dog's poop and it's ease of cleaning up. Oh, and he did suggest that I should continue this potty training exercise while he is at work. Sigh!

Just a good day

2007-02-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

I was catching up on some blogs I read and realized that it's been a while since I posted a new one. My friends' blogs have so many cool stuff happening like starting new businesses, their adventures in a foreign country and so on. And to be honest I really don't have much to post. If you know me well you realize how odd it is for me to not have anything to say. I always have something to say about everything.

Today we had a Super Bowl party and it went very well. We had a ton of people here and there was barely any room to move. But it was great. I love hanging out with the ladies while my husband argues with his buddies about the game and my son plays with his friends. My in-laws and nephew also came out (they live 5 hours away) and it was nice to have them here to help out. My mother in law was a godsend helping me with all the food and my nephew entertained my son. I wish I would have taken photos but I really just enjoyed catching up with the ladies and having fun. I love having parties and get togethers and we'll have to do it again soon. So all in all today was just a good day.

Project: M.I.L.F.

2007-01-28T21:37:00.001-08:00

I was reading Nicole's blog about joining the M.I.L.F. coalition and realized that it's been a while since I have posted an update about my success...or lack there of.

I started off all pumped and stuck to the diet like my life depended on it. Then life happened and I fell off the wagon. But I am back on now. Just not starving myself. I decided to modify the south beach diet to work for me. I have lost about 5 lbs so far and hope to have better results next week.

I also started this 2 week intestinal detoxification program (I know...GROSS) and I think it will also help me out. I am already starting to feel better and I am about half way through it. I have also been stocking my fridge with healthy stuff and have a menu planned out. Ladies, I am setting myself up for success! And with summer around the corner (I live in Arizona so it's summer like 9 months out of the year) I want to be ready to break out in full M.I.L.F. mode.

(wo)man's best friend

2007-01-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

I go to the store and pick something up for my husband only to find out it was the wrong size, I get my son a red toy car only to find out he wanted a blue one. But I buy my dog a discounted Christmas squeaky toy from Petsmart for a whole $1 and he thinks I am the greatest and carries it around all day. I could do no wrong in my dog's eyes.

"Hurry up close our bedroom door...

2007-01-22T18:31:00.000-08:00

people are coming over and I don't want them to see our dungeon. " I say to my husband. Now I hope you aren't getting a mental picture of me sitting in this rock dungeon feeding my crocodiles while sitting on my recently skinned animal fur. The only crocs in my room are my bright green ones in their shoebox. And I am not big on hunting but will admit to owning a beautiful leather Marc Jacob's purse (don't tell my animal rights friends, please).

But you all know how it is. We spend so much time decorating our home and somehow forget that our bedroom is attached. My son even has his own holiday flannel sheets, and the walls throughout most of my house are freshly painted in a trendy color that connects all the rooms transforming it from a house to our 'home'.

And then I walk into our bedroom and there isn't a single wall painted, my comforter (quilt) is the focal point of the room with it's loud faded colors and the second eye sore is our tv with all it's gadgets (you know the satellite box, dvd player, some weird antenna, and lets not forget the 10 remotes). I have however managed to hang a photo above our bed that was my father's and is very dear to my heart. It's a beautiful hand drawn picture of Puerto Rico (yes, I am Puerto Rican. I bet that explains a lot, huh?)

Back to my point here. I was reading about a January challenge in the happy housewives forum and it was to do something special to your bedroom. Especially with Valentine's Day coming up. So I am getting on the ball and trying to finally get my room decorated.

I saw the comforter (pictured above) online and really liked it. Of course, the second thing that came to my mind (the first was the price) was how pet and kid friendly would this set be. I just like the formal feel that it has. And it would match some of the stuff I have already put together in my master bathroom and our bedroom furniture.

I still haven't decided if I will buy this set but at least I am on the right track. And just think...one day I might just leave my bedroom door open when people stop by.

Tom's Panty Dropper

2007-01-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

My days are (for the most part) pretty predictable. We wake up around 7am, my son wants his yogurt, watches his morning show (the show changes often), and I stumble into the kitchen. I open the fridge and close it about 3 times trying to find that 'perfect' thing to eat. And then I realize I have to cook if I want to eat something good and instead I grab some water and a banana (or a cookie...shh!) and start my day.

And sometime in the afternoon as my husband's stomach starts growling he calls and asks...what's for dinner? Here I am still trying to get the floam out of the carpet (who invented this crap?) and I just spit out, 'it's a surprise'. And while my husband is thinking 5 star restaurant surprise I am thinking to myself, what the hell am I going to make for dinner. I open and close the fridge and pantry a few times and then it hits me. I pull out a can of green beans (I know fresh is better but I don't see you shopping for me).

And the light bulb turns on...I will make Tom's famous panty dropper tonight.

No, there is no need to send the kids out of the room. This is pg rated. Here is the short version of Tom's Panty Dropper.

Back when I worked at AOL I was outside chatting with some co-workers. The infamous question comes up...what's for dinner?

The answers start flying out of every one's mouth...

McDonald's, leftovers, I am on a diet, cereal, Tom's Panty Dropper, etc etc

Wait...did he just say panty dropper? So I ask Tom if he could repeat what he just said. He tells me about this great and easy (he is a man) recipe that he makes for his girlfriends that they love. They think he is a great cook, see some future with him, and well the rest is easy to figure out by the name he gave it. So I asked him for the recipe. You know I had to try this recipe if it was making girls drop their pants. So here it is:

1 can of cut green beans (not fancy)

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 can/bottle of your favorite marinara sauce

about 4 slices of cheese

some Italian seasoning (think oregano)

preheat oven to 375

in a dish or pan add 1/2 of the marinara

plop down the two breasts

add the green beans around the chicken

add the rest of the marinara

top with muenster cheese slices

add some oregano to the top

cook for 35-45 min. (depending on your oven and chicken)

It was easy & good. (no pun intended)

So tonight I made Tom's dish. I changed it a little though based on what I did and didn't have. I breaded the chicken and used mozzarella. I also added a yummy salad with homemade dressing (thanks to Pampered Chef). My husband was pleased with his 'surprise' dinner.

So thank you Tom (wherever you are) for the recipe. It saved me tonight...but you might be sad to know that no one dropped their pants in this house after eating it.

It's just too quiet

2007-01-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful day here in sunny, Arizona. Mainly because it's not sunny. The temps are in the 70's and it's overcast here (a rarity). And as I sit out on my back porch watching my son play oustide I think to myself...it's too quiet. Well, aside from my neighbor's annoying dog who won't shut up. And I hear my son laugh and I start thinking. It's a beautiful day and there isn't another child outside laughing and playing. It's just the two of us (and that dog). And a sense of sadness overwhelms me. I start thinking about all the kids on our block. There are at least 8 around my son's age(too young for school). And then I am reminded that they are all in daycare.

Now what I am about to write will piss some of you off and that's fine. Just stop reading. It's my blog and I will write what I want.

All of the families that I know of with kids my son's age are married and we live a pretty nice neighborhood. Now I am not saying we live in mansions, have a housekeeper named Lupe, or should have reality shows about us but the majority are driving new cars, going on fancy vacations, have boats or other fun toys, have new homes with pools (and maybe even some pool boys). And I can't help but wonder why are all these moms are out working 8-10 hour days when they have little ones at home. I could easily see a single mother or a family with a tight bugdet having both parents working. And to be honest I don't know their financial situation. But I do know that new $35k car or a boat (there are no fishermen here) sitting in their driveway is not a necessity.

Who do so many of us feel like we have something to prove? When did a fancy car become more important than digging in the dirt with our kids? Hold on, I have to help him down the slide.

Ok, I am back. Now where was I?

I guess I just look at life differently and up until we moved here thought I was the norm. My son is 2.5 and those 2.5 years went by so fast. And they will just continue to fly by. If not having a BMW or my hair done every week means I get to stay at home with my son then that's ok...for me.

I find myself drawn to movies about the sixties. You know when families used to sit down to eat together. When the kids in the neighborhood would play while the women would chat inside as they prepared dinner. Dad would come home and the kids would run to great him. (and maybe I just long for other mom friends in my position) Are you following me here?

Not all of you know this but there was a time when I did go back to work full time. My husband was away for training for months and so it was just me and my baby (well, he was 1 but he'll always be my baby). He went into daycare. And I was picky about the daycare. It was a home daycare and it cost more but that didn't matter beause it was my son. I worked for 3 months. Turns out there isn't enough money in the world to compare to mom being at home. My son was miserable. I was miserable. You will only know this feeling if you have experienced it yourself but the worst thing is walking out of a room while your child is screaming for you. All you want to do is swoop them up in your arms and run. As if it were that easy. Not only did my relationship with my son suffer but I was so tired all the time. I woke up at 5:30 am every morning to get ready before he woke up. I finally got home around 6:30 every night. Who wants to have to clean house or cook after a long day like that? Everything in my life suffered. I quit. It just wasn't worth it. And I was lucky enough to be able to quit. A lot like some of the moms that I was talking about earlier. The extra income meant nicer things and more vacations...but at what cost?

I just don't get it. I know as stay at home moms we don't get the glory we deserve but we are the glue that holds our families together. At this point in my life I could really care less if someone doesn't consider this a 'job' because at the end of the day my son, husband, and I are happy. And when you take away the fancy cars and pool boys that's all that matters, right?

I have included a picture of my goofball (or my inspiration to be the mom I am). He was filling in for Bob the Builder and needed a lunch break. If I was working right now I would have missed that cheesy smile.

Yeah...you read it right!!!

2007-01-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

I am sure that most of you know what M.I.L.F. stands for and if you don't you should rent American Pie or just do a quick Google search. Who knows you might even get some explicit photos to share with your hubby (I wouldn't).

I have officially joined the future M.I.L.F. coalition. Yeah, that's right ladies...it's time to lose some extra lbs. and start pulling out the sexy underwear again. Goodbye granny panties (I know...too much information).

But it really is now or never. I find myself saying, "Right after the party or the holidays (or pretty much anything) I will go on a diet and lose this extra weight." And then something else comes up and it never happens. Now as you already know I don't do New Year's Resolutions and so I waited until the 3rd of January to start.

I was planning on starting yesterday (Friday) but I went out to eat (to a fattening, yet delicious Mexican restaurant) and while waiting for our food I saw this mom with her two kids. She was wearing a very unflattering pair of sweatpants and a mismatched (and did I mention huge) sweatshirt. Oh, and don't let me forget the sandals she had on with this outfit. She was overweight, wearing no make-up, and her hair was a mess. And the thing that got me was that she was pretty but I don't think most people would look past the other stuff to see that side of her. It's like she just gave up. And let me just say that I would never knock another woman or mom. I think we all need to stick together and fight society's view of the perfect woman...a stick figure. (no offense to Olive Oyle) But there was just something about this lady. I saw myself in her. It's like I could fast forward and see myself sitting in her chair in 5 years.

I am guilty of running out of the house in my yoga pants, baggy t-shirt, and green crocs (that my husband HATES). I hardly wear make-up and my hair is summed up in one word...MESS.

Anyways, I decided as I tucked myself into bed that if I didn't do something now...I never would.

I am doing the South Beach Diet and I have lost 3 lbs as of my Friday weigh in. It worked for me in the past and aside from the first 2 weeks (HELL) it's a healthy way of eating.

So ladies let's raise our water bottles to some new sexy underwear and burn those granny panties!!!

Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T16:09:00.000-08:00

Apparently New York is the place to be to ring in the New Year. Well, I am passing this year. Not that I have ever been to New York but if I was invited I would pass. Who am I kidding...I would be there in a heartbeat (if all expenses were paid of course). Yeah, (sigh) it's all a part of my dream life where I have the nanny, the personal chef, buns of steal...uh, you get the point.

Tonight I will be hanging out with the two coolest guys I know. And based on nap time today we might stay up until 10pm if we are lucky. And tomorrow when I write a check or the date on something I will comment on how time flies and go ahead and write out 2-0-0-7.

Now for resolutions...they are forbidden. Well, not forbidden per say but I just don't do them. If I want to change something or start something new then I will start after the New Year. I think the probability of me actually following through with something would be much better if started later. I think most people vow to lose weight for the New Year so that they can just gain it all back the next year. Isn't that what the holidays are all about? Well, that is what my scale says but what does it really know, right?

I will be planning to lose weight and become the MILF my husband thinks I am (or wishes). I just won't do it starting tomorrow. Instead tomorrow I will eat!

Oh, and Happy New Year!

I got a raise!

2006-12-28T08:08:00.000-08:00

Now maybe this is just my husband but I have a feeling it's the male species as a whole. My husband can't seem to clean out his pockets before throwing his clothes on the floor...oops I mean the laundry basket (love you honey). I have washed pens (ruined my white clothes), papers, wrappers, candy (very sticky situation), and of course on occasion...money. When I say money I mean a measly 25 cents here or there. My husband isn't a change guy. He really only carries quarters and the occasional dime. But either way I was always happy to get my 75 cents or so a week. I put my earnings in a plastic container (pictured above) and cash in at the end of the year.

Lately it's been slow though. I haven't made my usual wash women wages and have been starting to wonder what's going on. Has my husband been abducted my aliens who trained him to clean out his pockets?

And then it happened...I found $12 dollars. I finally got my raise.

5 little snowmen

2006-12-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Something about the holidays just makes me want to bake and be crafty. And now that I am a mother I find myself trying to capture every moment of my son's life. I love that he is now old enough to start venturing into my craft projects with me.

So this is one of the many Christmas craft projects we have completed. I just love the way these turned out and had to share. My son really enjoyed making them as well. What 2.5 year old wouldn't love sticking their hand in paint and squeezing a ball (that is what he calls the ornament). Anyways, as you can probably see his hand print is white and I added some details to turn it into little snowmen. He is very proud of his little snowmen and I am sure this will be an ornament that will bring great joy to my heart for many holidays to come.

School's Out

2006-12-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

It's official...I am done with my card orders for the holidays. I think I have one to do for a New Year's party but aside from that I am free and clear.

Now don't get me wrong here. I love being busy and making $$ but it's just nice to be done for a couple weeks and to be able to focus on Christmas and my family. I almost feel like a kid who just finished their last day of school before Christmas break. Woo-Hoo!!!!

choo-choo

2006-12-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

I finally finished sewing Elijah's over-sized Thomas the Train stocking (my son is a huge Thomas fan). I wanted to embroider his name and add a few more embellishments but I am just happy to be done with it. I did however sew on some cute little buttons on the tree and sew over the lines in the fabric to bring out the picture. Unfortunately, you can't see this in my picture (sorry, another toy was being thrown in the toilet and I only had one chance at a decent photo...I failed).

I started this stocking about a month ago and to be honest it was very easy to make. While shopping at Wally World my son had to have the Thomas the Train stocking in the fabric department and so I picked it the fabric and some batting. The only regret I have aside from the time it took me to get it done was using the iron on batting. I clearly remember Chasley saying that it just doesn't look right when you use the iron on batting and she was right. It doesn't have a smooth look. But it is only a stocking so maybe next year's stocking (whatever his latest passion will be) will look better.

I am woman, hear me ROAR!

2006-12-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been a victim of sexist old fashioned men's ideals of how you treat a woman. And to be honest at first I just blew it off. Why let an ignorant person get me down, right? But that was after an older wealthy man thought it was ok to punch my car for blocking his precious path to the parking lot. Now if my husband were in the car would he use the same tone or force? Umm....not a chance in hell.

Well, it happened again. I was simply reserving a table for some friends with my toddler at a local restaurant. Now living so close to the border of Mexico (20 miles) we get a lot of men who still believe they own their women and they are to be seen and never heard. And of course I get to run into the leader of the idiots at this restaurant. And over what you ask? My table that I was reserving. Apparently I had a better table than this man and so took it upon himself to let me know that he will be taking it. Um....NO. So I tell this man who by the way was doing all of this in front of his small young daughters (watch a learn girls) that he will not be dining at this table and he needs to leave. He said some really stupid stuff and continued to let me know that he will be taking this table. But I wasn't giving up the table.

There is one thing that anyone could tell you about me and that is that I don't and won't back down. It's just not who I am. If I believe strongly in something I will pursue it to the end. I am the same way with defending my friends, family, beliefs, etc. So back to the story.

All while listening to this man babble on I think to myself. If my husband was here would he be doing this? Um...NO. And speaking of the devil (or my knight in shining armor in this case) my husband comes walking up. He tells the man a few stern things in Spanish and the man walks away.

All I could think is..."WHAT??!!!"

So what do I need to do to let all these sexist men know that I am an equal and will not tolerate their actions? Can I not be a young hip mama and still be taken seriously? Do I need to wear a suit or always be accompanied by a bilingual man to get some damn respect?!

Wha- La!

2006-12-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

I did it! At last I finally got over my stump and was able to create our Christmas card. I swear I went through several designs and cards in the attempt to create this card.

Whats weird is that I am always creating cards and designs for customers and they usually take me about a day or less to complete. Of course that depends on the customer. I think that I was trying to create a card that would break the mold when it came to digital cards. One that would make my grandmother cry with happiness and a rich relative call in an order of 500 cards asap.

But... it didn't turn out that way. But I am happy with them and that is all that matters, right?

And I must give credit where credit is due. I got my graphics at http://shabbyprincess.com. She has some really great digital scrapbook stuff. I am thinking about buying some for my business as well.

another ornament

2006-12-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

My progress is coming to a hault with these ornaments. I just get bored too easily and must move on to the next project. I am like that with everything in my life. When I was a child in school and people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up I would either give them a list of occupations or just change it every week. Heck, I am still undecided.

Back to the matter at hand. I had some beautiful scrap paper just laying around and I just so happened to have the set of paper and not just one (like I usually do). So I am attempting to create a whole set of matching ornaments one day. And my goal is to be done before Christmas!

...and baby makes 3!

2006-12-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Recently a friend of mine asked me to take their family holiday portraits. This is the same friend who sat pregnant in that very same spot in my backyard just 4 months ago. And now she sits once again in my grass with her sweet little boy and husband. All in matching sweaters and looking like the perfect little family.

The photos came out great and to be honest they were so easy to photograph. Even the little baby smiled for me. I have a hard time getting adults to smile and yet this 3 month old little guy is sitting outside in the cold weather smiling away. Life must me good, huh?

Can you see the bunny rabbit?

2006-12-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

After visiting the pet store and petting the pretty white bunny they had on display we headed home. Elijah did what he usually does when the weather is nice...he ran outside to play. He came across some chalk and just started coloring. When I came out to see what trouble he was getting into I stumbled across this drawing on the floor. It's looks like a bunny, right? I thought it was pretty impressive for a 2 year old.

So maybe and I mean just maybe he is getting his mom's creative side? We all know he got his temper from his Irish daddy and his dramatic side from me. Maybe I will pass down some creativity to even it out a bit.

My contribution to our tree

2006-12-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Lacy and I am a Mod Podge addict. No joke. I have decopauged everything down to old cereal boxes. I can't stop.

I am however proud to say that I have moved on from cardboard to wood. I saw these cute little wooden ornaments at Michael's and picked up a few. Everything else was just stuff I had laying around like the paper, ribbon, paint, and of course the Mod Podge.

I think it turned out pretty cute, don't ya' think? I have started many of these in different prints and shapes. I will have to share when I finish them.

Chaos and Cameras

2006-11-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

It is a rare ocassion that I am in front of the camera these days. Last weekend an old friend who has made it big as a photographer in New York (www.aarontaylor.net) took our family photos.

It has been over 10 years since we had 'family' photos done so this was a big deal I suppose. And of course my son decided that this would be the day that he would act like a 2 year old.

But the show went on and Aaron took tons of photos of us just being us at a local park. And I even found a few of myself that I like. So thank you Aaron for putting up with us and capturing us all in our natural state...chaotic.

Puppy Goes Potty

2006-11-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

So this is what happens when you are trying to potty train your 2 year old and you take your eyes off of him for 2 minutes. I think he has the concept down now. Next step: get him to use the potty and leave Puppy out of it.

Fluffy

2006-11-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago while driving home one night we have this little white fluffy object run out in front of our car. After we stop we realize that it's a little dog. This dog didn't have a clue in the world and was wondering aroun like it was her first time outside of her home. Now being the big hearted person that I am I told my husband to stop the car so we could grab this little thing. So we get her and throw her in the car. Once home we realized she didn't have a collar, tags, or any identification and I was sure someone would be missing her. We lost out cat a month ago so I know how heart wrenching it can be.

First thing in the morning my son and I go around the neighborhood posting FOUND signs, then I call the Humane Society with her info, and I even ask around the neighborhood. Surely, someone is missing this little fluffy dog.

Well, we had a few calls but none of them were Fluffy's owner. Oh, and I called her Fluffy at first as a joke and it stuck with my 2 year old so the name is now Fluffy. At first this dog drove me insane. She is a little princess dog and nothing like our other dog who could probably live in the wild on his own. She barks at everything (even my son), and you always have to comb her. She's high maintnance and up until she came into our home I was the only "high maintnance" chick. She has already managed to get an eye infection, and a blister on her foot.

But ....she has grown on us and we have decided to continue to post "found" signs but maybe and I mean just maybe she has already found her home here.

Sugar & Spice...

2006-11-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

and everything nice. That's what little girls are made of. Well, that rings true for this little cutie. I had a photo shoot today with little Katie. I just love photographing young children. They really make you work for it and they are just so much fun to watch.

I am still editing the photos and I feel like I will be editing them forever. Hey, it's a part of the job, right? Whenever I get more than 3 photo card orders at a time or do a photo session I don't seem to see my husband but for about 20 minutes. I go into my office and work and work and work. But in the end it's a beautiful thing because it's perfect, I'm happy, the customer is happy, and I am on to the next project. But for now....
I am off to bed.

Christmas is Coming!

2006-11-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

It's seems like so far away every year and then before you know it there are just weeks until Christmas. It gets me every year. But...this year will different. I have already finished half of my Christmas shopping, and I am getting my photo card samples up and ready!

I have a new sample I just put up for Christmas on my site. And wouldn't ya know...there are polka dots. The boy in the card is the son of an online friend and he always takes a good picture. But I think that might have to do with the fact that his mom is a photographer.

Well, I am off to get ready for the day. We have exciting things to do today like going to the park, and picking up some Tigger toys. I know...it's a rough life.

Thank You Ladies!

2006-11-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

So after seeing a few blogs from some online friends I decided to create my own. What better way to write about life and share my current projects and creations than a blog....right?

So here I am....Lacy. A mom, wife, owner of www.polkadotprints.com and superwoman at night. But in all seriousness I love all of my jobs and look forward to sharing it all here. The good, bad, and yes...even the ugly. So sit back and enjoy the ride.