Diary of a Scrapoholic Princess

T.G.I.F.

2008-08-01T12:34:00.002-05:00

I am so happy that the weekend is finally here... I'm very excited my buddy Erin is coming to spend the weekend with me...

I'm looking forward to some fun girl time with her. The last few times she has spent the weekend, it has been because of sad times...

So, this weekend we are going to just kick it old school...

Tonight we are going for pedicures, can't wait I need one so very bad!! Maybe we can talk Marty into sparking up the old firepit for us... Who knows... Shopping... We can always go shopping too...

HMMMMM...

We have set the date for our retreat... September 25th -28th.. A friend of mine is just starting a scrapbook retreat in Fountain Michigan - Outside of Ludington... We went last year and had a great time... She still needs a name for the retreat...

Any Suggestions??? It's on Bachelor Lake???

Name that RETREAT and if your suggestion wins there will be a prize involved!!!!

Melody Langworthy could be teaching at this retreat too!!! FUN TIMES!!!!

Life...

2008-07-22T06:55:00.003-05:00

I know it's been quite a while since I have posted. Things have just been so crazy busy... I'm really going to try to get better at Blogging...

It's not like it's that hard... I just need to make an effort to update more often!

Let's see the Puppies are doing great! I will have to share pictures later our computer is currently in the process of getting updated.

I said goodbye to my Nikon SLR this week. I love Craig's list! I have always been a Canon girl, but my brother had me convinced that Nikon was a much better camera. So I took his advice and went on over. Not sure which one is better, but I know I'm forever a Canon girl...

Hopefully I will have some pretty fun shots to share with all of you real soon...

Marty had Hernia Surgery and his Tummy tuck last week. SO things have been a little rough, he is doing pretty good now though.

I'm so glad that is behind us. He looks AWESOME and he's feeling better every day.

July is just flying by... I can't believe it!

I think that's all I have for now.

Take Care

Birthday update...

2008-06-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

I guess it's been a while since I have posted. I know that sometimes I'm a bad blogger... The truth is it just seems like everything has been non-stop lately!

June has been crazy busy for us. I'm so glad that it is almost over.

I did promise details about my 40th Birthday party... I'm so lucky to have a great husband and wonderful friends.

They had a surprise party for me that they totally out did themselves on. My mom and I spent the day at the spa.. and I came home to about 35 people yelling surprise!

All my girlfriends went in and bought me a Tiffany Charm Bracelet with charms.. I also received another charm and gift certificates. That was so sweet!!! I love it so much!!!

Marty bought me a new wedding band and I received numerous other thoughtful gifts from Friends and Family.

Despite everything that has been so hard on me these last 5 months. I am doing pretty well.

Fathers Day was a pretty hard day. But I made it through... I still feel empty more then not and I feel alone and angry.

Boomer is doing very well with out Brandi. He still misses her, as we all do. But he is adjusting. He is starting to get a long better with the puppies. Josie is such a little sassy girl that I can't help but smile when she does things!
Turbo is a little bit more puppy then I thought he was... Lucky he's just so darn cute, I think that's what helped him make the cut in the first place.

I will post some updated pictures of the kids next time. I still don't think Boomer will be ready to have his picture taking with them but I will try!

I sure do miss my girl, but these little puppies help ease that pain a little bit each day.

Carla

RIP B-dog...

2008-06-10T10:08:00.004-05:00

Well as many of you already know Brandi had stage 5 cancer and her organs were already starting to shut down...

We chose to do the best thing for her and put her to rest last Thursday. WOW I can't even put into words how much Marty and I will miss her.

We both took this very hard, I mean to us, she was our first born... Boomer misses her also... We were/are all so lost...

So, what do you think we did to try and make it feel a little less lonely?

Was this you guess???

Meet the newest members of our family Josie and Turbo...

Yes, we are CRAZY!!! But more then that we are both very stubborn... He wanted a boy and I wasn't leaving without a girl...

Boomer is adjusting... He likes being top dog with these little guys... We still give him lots of special attention.

I still need to blog about my b-day. I will try to post a few pictures with that update tomorrow.

TTFN!

Happy Birthday to my peep Staci....

2008-06-04T16:19:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday Staci... Lots of things have gone on that I want to share but today I feel very SAD...

Marty and My wonderful friends had a 40Th Birthday Surprise Party for me on Saturday. What a day! I will share the story and pictures later...

Today Marty and I found out that Brandi - our dog ( Oldest Child) has cancer... I really can't even put into words the devastation that I feel right now. Until tomorrow we don't know if we will have her 1 more day or 1 more month...

I feel Empty, Angry and Sad!

I promise to post about the party and my Birthday surprises later....

Family Day

2008-05-18T19:32:00.007-05:00

Hannah on the slide... She is so funny..... I love this little one...

Ant and I met my mom over our cousins for a family get- together we had so much fun at the lake spending time with our cousins....

This guy is my heart... He is such a sweetheart!!!

I love being an Aunt... These days they call me Larla...

Hannah and Nana BFF's forever!!!

2008-05-15T20:43:00.008-05:00

If one thing is for sure Hannah is crazy about Nana these days. She really loves her and wants to spend time with her.

Hannah is such a little Diva. You CANNOT make that little one do anything that she's not in the mood to do...
Mom and Hannah on Mothers Day

Hannah and Hunter came to my photography class on Tuesday to model for us... They were shy at first. But when I promised to take them to the DQ afterwards they were a little better!

I love this picture of Hunter. He is such an amazing little guy it melts my heart.

Here they are eating their very first DQ... Hannah wasn't sure about it... But Hunter, being the thoughtful guy that he is helped her out. He is a Martinez without a doubt.

Tonight we went and ordered our flower arrangements that we had preserved after my Dad's funeral. I'm so glad that we did it. Although it is a little pricey, it's well worth it.

I can't wait to see the finished project.

Ant was so cute trying to pick out the perfect one for Hannah knowing that she was such a papa's girl. He did a great job... Although he did tell the lady that he reserves the right to call and change the colors once he talks to Heather.

As the days go by I get closer and closer to the big 40... Hmmmm I wonder if I will have a breakdown like I did at 30?

Only time will tell 10 days until my Birthday week begins!!!!

National Scrapbook Day and Thomas....

2008-05-05T17:25:00.010-05:00

I love NSD ( National Scrapbook Day) for all you non scrappers.... Although it always seems to fly by way faster then you want it to .... Dawn hosted a very nice day... We all had so much fun...

Dawn,Miki, Erin, Mom and I all got a little WILD....

Sunday I spent the day at Greenfield Village with My Mom, Heather, Jax, Kamron, Hannah, Hunter and Heathers Mom... We had a great time with Thomas!

My little diva in training!!

Craigslist

2008-04-30T07:35:00.003-05:00

Well once again I hit Craig's list and found a typewriter... This one is the third one I have bought from there...

Isn't she pretty??? The first time I found a great deal I think it was $20 it works great... My mom uses it when she scraps at her house.

Then I found another one... But I made a big mistake and didn't try it out first.. The first time I actually plugged it in to use it was this weekend... Well it didn't work so well... SO I was back to the drawing board.

Once again Monday morning I went out to Craig's List - got pretty lucky!!! An Architect that works across the street from our office, had a BRAND new one listed that he only used once for sale. He listed it for $50 I told him I would give him $20 and we met in the middle... I love it...

I've been tagged!

1.Last music you listened to - No Air

2.Last thing you watched on TV - American Idol

3.Last movie you saw - Juno

4.Last book you read -Eat the Frog - Work related
5.Last person you spoke to - Ant

6.Last thing you ate - Protein Shake

7.Last time you laughed - Saturday night with my peeps...

8.Last place you visited - My sisters to see Kamron's school pictures....
9.Last website you visited - Staci's Blog

10.Last thing you scrapped/crafted - Saturday hanging with the Peeps. Mini book from Rusty Pickle.

Picklelicious....

2008-03-26T07:47:00.003-05:00

My Mom, Dawn and I spent the day on Good Friday at Scrappy Chic with Mr Pickle, himself! We had so much fun... Lance was great and an AWESOME teacher...
Hailey was great also... She was such a big help.... It was so much fun getting to know her. For those of you that get the Paper and Glue e-mail, you know that name...

I've always been a fan of Rusty Pickle... I love their paper! The projects we did were great. We learned how to put a pop up in our book. Very cool stuff!

Marty went to Florida with some friends last Thursday. He thought about staying home to be with me and my family on Easter. But I told him that I would be fine... If he only knew...

Easter was very rough for all of us. It was My Dad's big holiday, the one that he enjoyed the most. Even over Christmas.
The hardest time of day for me was first thing in the morning and then at dinner time before prayer. It was so hard to look around the table and not see him....

My Brother ( Ant) said the prayer and that was very emotional. He did such a nice prayer, my dad would of been very proud of him.

The tears and the emptiness is still there, although I am getting stronger everyday. I miss him like crazy and I feel so sad for my mom.
It's like she doesn't know how to live life without him... Not in a OMG! she's going to die way. But in a little lost puppy dog way.

Sunday was my first day back on regular food... It's been weird but I'm doing it a few bites at a time.

I guess that's about it for now...
Carla

Bunnies

2008-03-15T23:03:00.002-05:00

I met Ant and Heather with the kids at Heritage Park in Taylor today... I had a field trip there this afternoon for my photography class and so they met me there early so we could take the kids to the Petting Farm...

Banana- ( Hannah) wanted nothing to do with the Easter Bunnie... She didn't want it anywhere near her.
I love seeing them enjoy those moments of their youth. The Boys had such a wonderful time they really loves seeing all the animals.

Justin and Kamron were there also. I got a few good pictures... I will try to post them a little later.

After my class I went to Sandi's crop. We worked on a very fun project... I really enjoyed myself... Well I have an early day tomorrow. I better hit the hay!

Until next time.
Carla

Today...

2008-03-12T21:34:00.002-05:00

I've been doing pretty well these last couple weeks... I can talk about my dad a little more without breaking down.... I can even look at a few pictures here and there...

But today once again, it hit me like a ton of bricks that he wasn't here anymore... I miss him so much and I'm still feeling so empty, although it is a little better. But not TODAY...

Today feels just like I felt a month ago, maybe it's because 2 of our friends each lost their mom this week???

Maybe I'm just hurting for what I know they are going through... I really don't know but today I hurt.

Tomorrow I will go to a visitation for my friend's mom, at the same funeral home that my dad was at... So please keep me in your prayers to have the strength to be a good friend and be strong!

TTFN
Carla

She is going home...

2008-02-27T22:17:00.002-05:00

Well tomorrow my mom is returning to her home... She has only been there a few days here and there since my Dad passed away.

The rest of the time she has stayed with one of us kids. I'm not sure that I'm ready for her to go. I know that I need to let her go... She has been so depressed, I know that it will feel better for her to be back where she had her life with him and I know this is part of our healing process, But... I can't help but feel sad that she is leaving.

I just miss my dad so much, I think it feels like when she's here it's just like one of her visits when she comes and stays to scrapbook and he's at home...

But he's not at home... My Aunt and cousins have totally gutted her bedroom and made it "new" for her. She couldn't bare to be in their room without him. So now it's different and they took care of his clothes for her. I think that should help...

I know that time is the only thing that can make us all feel better... But I have to admit I'm so tired of feeling so empty!

Scrapbooking doesn't even really make me excited anymore... I want it to but I just can't get into it.... Maybe I just have to try a little harder... Maybe some of the new product will help get me there??? I don't know, I do know that he loved that I took so many pictures and he loved that I scrapbooked... Maybe that's why I'm having trouble with it... I got so much joy showing him my stuff....

I don't think I should blog at night anymore, that's when I think about him the most and it makes for some depressing blog entries...

Update on my Surgery:

I feeling good and getting stronger and stronger every day...I've lost 48 pounds since I got out of the hospital and I'm starting to incorporate pured-(sp?) foods... Of course I gained 18 pounds of liquid while in the hospital. But I'm very happy with my progress this far.

Until Next time...
Me

Tag i'm it...

2008-02-23T21:31:00.002-05:00

Today My Mom, Dawn and I took a really cool class at Paper Tales. We had such a wonderful time! We sat with a lady named Margie that was just a blast... She was so much fun!

We made Pixies and a Fairy House... What a fun project! Who would of ever guessed that I could turn Brandi and Boomer into Pixies?

Tonight my Mom and I watched Broken Bridges with Toby Keith, I do have to admit that man is sexy... I mean HOT and Sexy... OUCH!

I know that since I'm getting stronger every day and soon it will be time for my Mom to go home... I know that she is ready and I need to be strong.
But I do have to admit it's hard. I know that it has to happen, but the thought of life moving on with my Daddy is just so heartbreaking!!
I know that we have to start finding our way it's just so sad... I know that she is sad too and wants to go home and be where they were together. But I'm gonna miss her like crazy!

Okay enough of that Staci tagged me so here it goes...

The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves's them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 years ago: I was still in my 20's having the time of my life being WILD and CRAZY!! I had 1 nephew Justin, that I loved and spoiled like crazy... I worked for Connie Kalitta as a user support manager for the Help Desk. I hung with the Hoochies and had dinner with my family every Sunday. I believe that was the year that I started Scrapbooking also...

Things on my to-do list today: Go with Dawn and my Mom to our class... Come home and spend time with my mom... Marty went out with his friends...

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire: I would take care my Family and Marty's. We would build a custom home with a MIL Loft so my mom could live with us..
I would give all my close friends so money to make like easier. I would start in foundation in my Dad's name.

3 of my bad habits: smoking, not enough exercise and time management

3 places I have lived: Belleville Michigan, El Cajon Ca. and Westland Michigan

5 jobs that I have had: Cashier at Meijers, Proof operator at NBD, User support manager, Project Manager, Recruiter - Head Hunter

5 things people don't know about me: I was afraid of getting married for many years, despite the fact that my parents had an AWESOME marriage.
I baby my brother and sister and act like their second mother more then I should.
I'm afraid of heights
I'm a klutz
My parents spoil me rotten!

Alright there it is... I'm going to tag Heather, Jolene and Jen...

Carla

Gastric Bypass Surgery....

2008-02-21T13:46:00.002-05:00

Yes, can you believe it... With everything else that has went on in my life latly I took a leap of faith and invested in myself.

I hope that everything continues to improve on a daily basis, like it has thus far. My Surgery was 2-12-2008 and I have to say I feel pretty good so far.

I mean the first couple days were a blur... I slept quite a bit... I never even watched my T.V. at the clinic. If I wasn't sleeping I was walking!

Wow I will say that I'm glad to feel like a person again... It's still a little slow moving and going but I feel good...
I'm so blessed with my friends... I know that it's truly unique to have such great girlfriends in your life... Hopefully I'm just as good to them!!

Thank you Erin for dropping everything and coming to this side of the state to spend time with me... I know that it isn't easy getting someone to be with the kiddo's... It meant so much to have you here.
Thank you Tesh for spending Friday with me... I love you!!
Thank you Miki for coming and spending last Saturday with me... I love me flowers... But the BOMB pops - Sugar Free of course were the best present ever.... I love you!!

My mom and Marty spent the whole first day with me while I slept... Dawn, Scott and the girls paid me a visit - again, I was sleeping... Ant brought the boys to visit me. I think Justin and Kamron felt a little better to see that I was okay.

Thank you Jeneice, Staci and Sandi - For the cards to let me know that I was on your mind. That means so much to me.

Thank you Heather for understanding that I needed to do this for me and being there for me...

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and calls and the check-ins...

Please keep me and my family in your prayers as we continue to learn how to go on without my Dad.

Feeling lost...

2008-02-19T09:09:00.003-05:00

It's been a while I know!! Christmas has come and gone...and so many things have changed since my last post... I have an emptiness that I'm not sure will ever go away...

On Januaury 27, 2008 my Dad Joe V. Martinez passed away. It was very unexpected, then again are we really ever prepared to lose a person that we love and adore?

If you know anything about me, you know that I'm completely a Daddy's girl to the core and that my Mom is my Best Friend.

I'm very close to both of them and having a hard time with being me right now...

I know that there will be good days and bad...But it just seems like I miss him so much and that will never feel any better...

I look at my Mom and see the pain in her eyes , the pain that she doesn't share with anyone because she's so worried about being strong for all of us.

I know that my Dad was her whole world and that she is missing him like crazy but she doesn't show it to us... That's not who she is... She is Mama Bear that protects her cubs... Even though were all adults and supposed to be taking care of her.

I miss so many things about him... Even though I know he lives everyday in my heart I want him back!!!

So many people have been so kind and caring to us at this time. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people that have comforted!

The "Hoochies" My parent's little pet name for my close girlfriends, what would we have done without them???

They are still here for me and thank God because I still need them each and everyday!!

I know this is a sad post... But I have been told it helps to write about it.... let it out! So that's what I'm doing... Besides I don't think any one reads this thing besides Heather and Staci....

Tomorrow I will post about another big change in my life....

Until then...

Carla

It's been a while....

2007-12-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

I know that it's been a while since I blogged.. Our trip up north for Thanksgiving was good. Lots of relaxing, snow and deer sightings.

Boomer got his first squirrel - thank goodness he let it go.. I think that even he was shocked that he finally caught one of those suckers!!

They taunt him every day at his home in the city.. Marty's dad calls our dogs City Dogs! I guess Boomer showed him!!

I took a pretty bad fall while we were up North. I slipped on the wet tile floor and took a very bad spill. Ended up messing up my leg pretty good! It's just know stating to feel better.

Last Saturday I took a class by Melodee Langworthy 31 days of December. It's a really cool project I will post pictures once it is complete. I've been keeping track of what we've done so far in December and might I say we need to get more holiday festivities going on in our life!!!

TTFN

Headed North...

2007-11-20T20:18:00.000-05:00

Well I made it though the week and I'm very excited to not have to work for 5 whole days.

We are headed up north for the Thanksgiving holiday to spend time with Marty's Dad and Step mom. It's been a while since we took the 4hour drive to Frankfort. I always love going there, I also get very excited to come home.

My fil has a "new" pet sort of... A little Fawn has adopted them and I have to say I can't wait to meet the gal. Don't worry my camera is fully charged and ready to click away.

I'm still working on Marty's last B-day gift... I will be up late tonight trying to complete it. I'm thinking about loading up my scrap supplies and taking them with me.

All my Peeps are going croppin for Black Friday and I won't be able to go. That totally sucks. But I will get over it.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday. I will check in when I return...

TTFN,
Carla

The weekend is almost here....

2007-11-15T09:06:00.000-05:00

Last night was the kick off of Marty's B-day week... I gave him his big gift last night ( Authentic Michigan Football Jersey from the M-Den ) No Replicas here baby!!! :)

I wanted to give him his Jersey so he could wear it for the Michigan vs Ohio State game this year... It's so funny, it's always been about the Maze and the Blue in my family. Big time Michigan fans... All of us! I'm so blessed that I met a man that bleeds Maze and Blue just like the rest of my family.

Marty will get a few goodies throughout the week and on his actaul b-day I will give him a very special gift made with LOVE. I love B-day week!!

We are going up North for Thanksgiving this year. I'm excited to see Marty's Dad, he is such a great FIL. I do feel bad that I can't be with my family on Thanksgiving though.

My parents take it pretty well, but I know that they both wish they didn't have to share me with my inlaws.

My Dad trys to act like it doesn't matter to him, but I honestly think it bothers him more then my mom.

Not sure what I'm doing this weeked, however scrapping is in the forcast!!

Don't forget....

GO BLUE!

Live in your now....

2007-11-07T18:20:00.000-05:00

A very good friend of mine once referenced an American Idol song title to explain a feeling that she had about her daughter.

Still in my mind months later I've kind of made it a theme for me... " This is your Now"

I'm that person that feels like she needs to know what comes next... I'm still that person. But instead of stressing what each day will bring I'm going to live in the now and take what each day brings thankful for it.

Much easier said then done... But I'm trying!

Do you remember when life was this simple... Hannah's biggest worry is getting her brothers to leave her the heck alone... Picture courtesy of Lori Shannon Photography...

I still haven't downloaded pictures from Halloween... I will post soon...

TTFN
Carla

Need to find a costume....

2007-10-24T08:28:00.000-05:00

Marty and I have a costume Halloweenie party on Saturday and I need to figure out costumes for us...

It will be such a busy day for us. We have the twins B-day party from 2-4 and then the Halloween party after...

I can't believe they are already going to be 2 years old!! They are so cute... I can't wait to get some good pictures of them.

They really crack me up the way they interact... Anyhoo...

So, that's about all for now that is going on... I will keep you in the loop as things progress....

TTFN

Monday it is...

2007-10-22T12:10:00.001-05:00

I have a blogging pal that tagged me... So here it goes JEN!

I've been TAGGED:

Jobs I have had:

Executive Recruiter - ( Headhunter)
Project Manager - for 135 division Maintenance Manager
Help Desk Manger - Airport
Accounting Airport

Movies I could watch over & over:

Rain man
Sixteen Candles
Grease
Christmas Vacation

The Secret TV shows that I watch:

Greys Anatomy
Desperate Housewives
Ugly Betty
Bachelor

Places I have lived:

Michigan
California

Favorite Foods:

Mexican
Cheeseburger

Favorite colors:

Periwinkle
Pink
Lt. Blue

Places I would love to be now:

Scrapbooking
On a beach tanning
Spending quality alone time with Marty

Names I like but would not use for my children:

London Anthony
Martin John
Gracie
Catelyn

Now, let's see here..I tag:

Staci

TTFN

Happy Hallmark Holiday!

2007-10-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

At least that's what Marty calls Sweetest Day... Although I will say that I had a nice day anyway. I went to my mom's crop. She is a Close to my heart consultant and she had her monthly crop today.

Heather, Sandi and I had a nice time talking (you know code for gossiping) and Scrappin. Heather worked on a new doodle bug house. She made it like a haunted house. It was very cute... I think I will have to scrap lift her idea.

I had a sad week.. 2 of my very close friends and their families relocated out of Michigan this week.

I know that it's the best for both families, but sad all the same. The Michigan Game is getting ready to start very soon.. I'm excited about that... night games are cool...

At that note I will leave you with a picture to get you in the spirit...

Another ticket from the blogging police...STACI

2007-10-15T19:27:00.000-05:00

I suck!! I really do try to update this blog more often... It just never seems to happen quite the way I plan it...

Let me see... I went with some of the girls on a scrap retreat near Ludington...WOW talk about relaxing!! I even took a nap on Saturday afternoon... Which was okay because I scrap much better at night!!!!

Here is a picture from the deck of the house we stayed at.....

I have so much scrappin I want to do... Thank goodness things appear to be slowing down!

We had our annual trip to the cider mill Saturday when we celebrated my Dad's b-day...

Heather and Anthony brought the kids looking so cute I have to share a few shots that I took... You know me I love to take Fall pictures....

I do have a few more pictures to upload but blogger is going way to slowwwwwwww they will have to wait until next time...

TTFN

Carla

I know...

2007-10-02T07:32:00.000-05:00

I know that I have been MIA for a little while... I'm very surprised that I haven't received a ticket from the Blogging Police - I don't want to name drop but...( insert cough - Staci :) )

I just can't wait for this week to get over... I'm going away with some of the girls for a scrapping retreat...
I'm so excited, I think I'm starting to bug Marty a little because I keep telling him how excited I am...

It's not really about getting away from him that I'm so excited about... It's getting away from everything else... The idea of scrapping for hours at a time, hanging out with your girlfriends and just having a good time.

I received some news about a photo contest that I entered... I made it as a semi finalist and it's getting published!

It's the picture that I posted on here earlier in July of the dogs at Lake Michigan. I guess we will see what happens...

TTFN
Carla

And the last one arrives...

2007-09-12T13:32:00.000-05:00

Here is the last one to arrive he was born on September 7, 2007... Weighing in at 11lbs. 12oz...

WOW that is a big boy!

I have 3 friends that all found out they were pregnant within days of each other!!

All the babies are now here... 2 girls and a boy...

Thanks to the eye candy on Staci's blog I made a trip to the Zone... Had to get me some Thickers...

I can't believe it's only hump day... I wish the weekend would get here already...

The weather outside is so fall like today. I love that! I'm going to try and get a little scrapping done tonight I will have to see how that goes.

I know that Marty has homework and all the shows are still re-runs, so maybe...

TTFN

Carla

Manic Monday...

2007-09-10T12:09:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or does the weekend just fly by for everyone???

Let me see... Lot's of updates since I last posted!!!

My Friend Kelley also had her Baby... Both are doing fine! Avery Faye McKnight was born on 9/4/07 - 8 lbs 4oz 20 inches...
This picture really doesn't do her justice. I went to visit her in person on Friday and she is sooo FREAKIN cute!!! She makes the cutest little noises and she's really just a sweet girl!
Kelley and Matt are very blessed to have such a sweet little baby... They are very thankful parents!

Saturday I had such a fun day! I went to Borders in Novi to meet Judy Blume - She is my all time favorite author from my childhood...
My mom used to get so excited to bring me home her new books when they were released...
But my mom was a book person anyways... She loved to buy us books... I was just the only one interested in reading them...
COME - ON who hasn't read Are you there god it's me Margaret??? I love that book!!! I could go on and on about my experience, but I won't bore you!! Poor Miki she handled it like a trooper though...

On my way home I stopped by Scrappy Chic to see Jeniece. She started her Heirloom class there on Saturday and I wanted to see how things went... We chatted for a while before I headed home...

Marty and I went over my sisters for a bonfire on Saturday... It was fun hanging out by the fire with the kids!
I love her new house and I love that she has such a cute yard... I really like it that she lives closer now too!!

I think that's about all for now...

Carla

She is finally here... and cute she is!!

2007-08-30T21:05:00.000-05:00

Tegan is finally here... I just wanted to share a few pictures... She was born Monday morning...August 27, 2007 She was 8lbs and 6 oz. She is so freakin cute...

Dawn is doing very well you can hardly even tell that she just had a baby...

I'm so looking forward to the long weekend... I'm going Scrappin on Saturday can't wait...

I know that I haven't been the best blogger this week, however I've been having a rough time with my wireless connection. Hopefully I fixed the problem...

Carla

and the winner is....

2007-08-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

Staci Compher-cflattop... That was fun... I put all the names ( don't have a big blog following) in a tin and the winner was STACI!!!!!

I will have to do that again next month... I'm sure I won't have any problems coming up with things to give away with all the cool CHA stuff coming in.

I went to Scrappy Chic and bought some of the new Jenni Bowlin stuff today.... I'm trying my best to be good! I can't believe how much stuff I had that I no longer used when I cleaned out my room... It was crazy... I don't even think that I knew everything I had. But I do now...

I'm going to scrap in my new room tonight.

Who knows in the near future I may even post a layout...

Congrats Staci!!!

Here's a picture of my kids at the beach when we were up north in July....

I love them so much!!!

TTFN
Carla

In honor of my new room....

2007-08-12T20:42:00.000-05:00

I feel so good tonight that I am finally done with my scrapbook room that I want to do a give -away.

Last week I made this really cute frame to hang in my room... I thought that I had the perfect spot for it but I found something different for that spot... But it's pretty cute...

So in this give away you will have the choice to win a bare frame that you can alter your self or you can take the one that I already made that needs a home...

When leaving a comment make sure you tell me which one you would like, if I pick your name on Wednesday night.
I will post the winner Thursday morning...

If this is your first time here and you blog please leave a link in the comments so I can visit you!!! I love to read BLOGS!!!!

Carla

EDITED: Please check out my previous post to see some pictures of my new room!!! Blogger only let's you post so many pictures at once so I had to do 2 post's!!!!

Finally...

2007-08-12T20:06:00.000-05:00

I have been a very bad blogger... Hopefully that will improve now that I have a very neat and organized Scrapbook room!!!

I do need to thank my friend Denise and her very helpful family for helping to make this possible. She got a new Scrap-room so she sold her old stuff and man I am in love... They even delivered it and installed it...

Then Marty and I made a trip to Ikea to get some shelves and a board and we were all set... I can't believe this is actually my scrap room!!!

Can you tell that I'm very excited... Hopefully it will help get my mojo going and help me get some much needed scrapping done...

Are you ready to see some pictures? It's in the shape of a horse shoe. It's all counter top and drawers...

WOW!

2007-07-06T08:04:00.000-05:00

Things have been so crazy...

Marty left to go visit his dad up north a little over a week ago and it seems like things have just been so busy since he left!

Let me see... He left last Wednesday...

Thursday - I went shopping with my Sister and her boys. That's always a treat... They remind me of that commercial... " He's touching me" I mean they are so funny... They are non-stop when together...

Friday I went over Tesha's and then I stopped by Scott and Dawn's ( they just got a new patio and a fire pit...) - The Fire pit was very nice... the bugs started to get me a little at the end but very peaceful and relaxing...

Saturday - I took my first digi-class (I will always be a hands on scrapper!) But I wanted to see what all the hype was about! After class I went out to Miki's for a "girls night out" She had an adult toy party... OOOOOOOOOH LaLAAAAAAAAA....I'm really not into all that but it was a fun night out.... After the Party my peeps came over Jeniece and Staci and we laughed and scrapped the night away...I think we scrapped until about 3am... I love it!

Sunday - I sat and home and felt sorry for myself because my dogs and hubby were up north and I wasn't!!! I was missing them all...

Monday- WORK, WORK, WORK!!!

Tuesday - Same as Monday. But My mom and Dad came over to spend the night with me... I'm so spoiled...

I need to get some pictures up with the rest of my updates later!!! I just wanted to check in!!

TTFN
Carla

Sunday - I sat homoe and felt sorry for

What a long day....

2007-06-25T20:59:00.000-05:00

I HATE Monday's they are so long... I think I'm in need of a vacation. You know one of those vacations were you do absolutely nothing but hang out...

The kind you used to get when you were 12...

Yesterday we went out to the boat with Marty's best friend Frank, his wife and kids. The youngest Hailey is Marty's God child...

Hailey and Marty out on the tube...

Our Boat "Seas the dream" Sundancer 300

Chelsea and Hailey on the tube before we headed in for the day

She is just so freaking CUTE!!!!!

Such an easy subject to scrap.....

TTFN

Carla

Happy Friday!!

2007-06-22T20:23:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad that it's Friday!!! I know that some weeks are just meant to be long and this was that week.

I tell you I felt like this week just went on and on....

Tonight I went to my Friend Tesha, shes like a sister to me. We have known each other since I was in the third grade. I love her like she is my family. Tonight was her daughter Paige's "friend" party.

I tell you the girls in school are very lucky to get invited to one of Tesh's parties... She goes way over board and the girls always have an absolute blast!!!

For the last couple years she has done a scraping project with the girls... So, I go and help her out.
Paige loves it when I'm there... She calls me aunt Carla, so its cool to me that she wants me there. I will enjoy it for as long as it lasts.

Each girl got to take home a really cool paper bag scrapbook made out of wait paper bags and different shades of pink paper.
Tesh bought tons of stickers and ribbon. She even found diva themed puffy stickers.
The theme of the party was Fashionista - each goodies bag that the girls took home had...
Purse- Tesha's mom made it it was so glamour girl...
Sunglasses of their choice Tesh bought some cool funky one's from Limited 2...
Lip Gloss and other glamour girl neccesities....
Plus the scrapbook that they each made.

I don't know about any of you but back in the day way back when I was young :) I don't even think we got goodies bags...

Anyways it was a great time and I'm glad that I got to spend time with Paige...

I think tomorrow Marty and I are heading to the boat and later that evening my mom and Miki are coming over to scrap... Should be a good day! I will have to post pictures of the party later. Tesha used her camera I forgot mine... OOPS!!!

TTFN
Carla

Happy Fathers Day!!!

2007-06-17T18:51:00.000-05:00

Today we honored our Dad. Although we don't limit our gratitude for him to just one day we did give him some extra attention in honor of Fathers Day...

A daddy's girl to the core, I think he's quit the wonderful man... It's funny some of the things that Marty does reminds me of my dad in little ways here and there...

Marty also received some extra special love from our Golden Retrievers. They bought him a really fancy knife for cooking... :) I know that sounds weird but, since his surgery he really enjoys cooking. I think its because he's so limited on the amount of food he can eat that he wants what he does eat to be just right. The only way to control that is to cook yourself...

My sister Tina and her family hosted Fathers Day Dinner - As always Tina had way to much food... But at least now it's much healthier choices.

My sweet little papa was camera shy today but I did get some good pictures of the little ones...

Kamron - This little guy has the best heart of anyone that you will ever meet... :)

Hanni - B and her favorite Aunt... Shhhh don't tell Tina!

Justin, Hannah and Hunter...

The only one that I'm missing a photo of today is Elisha... I will have to ask my mom if she got one of that crazy girl... I also didn't get one of sweet little Lacey Tina's dog.

Marty called his Dad so we could wish him a Happy Fathers Day. He lives up north in Frankfort. I felt bad that Marty didn't get to see him on Fathers Day!! :(

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Day...

TTFN!

Carla

Happy Birthday Jaxon!!

2007-06-15T18:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Jaxon!!!!

Today is my nephew Jaxon's B-day. Marty and I went out to dinner with him to celebrate. Before I go much further I should fill you in on a little family history.

I have 1 Brother and 1 Sister and a 1/2 Brother. ( I don't see him very much he lives in Texas.) Ant has 3 Kids ( Jaxon-3- offical as of today! ) Hannah and Hunter - 1 1/2 year old twins. - and a sil - Heather. Tina has Justin -12 and Kamron -7 a step daughter Elisha and bil John.

Justin and Kamron's Dad passed away 7 years ago. Kamron was only 3 months old

Okay back to my story Tina's family didn't go out to dinner with us. Late notice from Ant and she couldn't get out of work on time.

So it was Ant's family, my parents and Marty and I.... All the kids were wound up...

I guess it's so easy to forget how crazy they are, because they are so darn cute!!

Here are a few pictures from Strawberry picking last Sunday

Hunter

Hannie-B

These two are going to be a handful!!!!

They both found peace sitting on each side of the Berries...

Thank You , Thank You, Thank You JEN!!!!! You are the best... I can finally post pictures...!!!

TTFN

Carla

I know that it has been a while....

2007-06-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

Hello there...

WOW! it has been a while since I have blogged! I couldn't make up my mind where I would land...

I'm totally a blog junkie so the problem I have is if I'm going to blog I want to at least attempt to be as interesting as all the blogs I stalk on a regular basis... :)

I know that one main factor for me will be to learn how to download PICTURES. For some reason I don't have that down yet...

Believe it or not I'm not a complete computer idiot.

I will work on the picture thing and get it down hopefully within a week.

There are so many things that have went on at the Lautner house since the last time that I blogged... Don't worry I won't bore you with all the details I will just highlight some of the finer moments in this crazy thing we call life...

Let me see...

Marty got gastric bypass surgery in April - WOW that was much bigger then I could of ever imagined. He is doing very well he has lost almost 70 pounds in 6 weeks.

I started my own healthier way of living and have lost 47.5 since March. I use a spreadsheet to log all my calories and food intake and Marty weighs me in every Tuesday. I think that in itself is enough to make me stick to it...

I also quit smoking again!!! This time it has been a month of pure smoke free goodness!!! I hope that this time I can stick to it. I really like not smoking, it's hard but I do feel better when I don't smoke!!

I joined a Happy Mail group on 2 Peas and that has been a blast... Thank you Staci for the referral.
My Partner Beth ROCKS!! She is DA BOMB!!!!

I had a B-day this month and anyone that knows me, knows how important that day is to me... BLAME my mom people... She always had a B-day week when we were growing up and that made me think that I could too.... I love it...

Marty was very good to me this year he got me a totally cool present and spoiled my for the whole weekend... ( He bought me a laptop..) I'm so in love!!- with the laptop- It is awesome. I'm still in the process of getting all my software and files transferred over. I also need to figure out how to network our printer. Then I should be good to go. I thought I was doing good to get it set up with wireless... Thank you Lori!! She ROCKS... What would all us Scrappin Whores ( inside Joke) hope I didn't offend anyone... Do with out her!!!!!

Okay I guess I should bounce for now... ( that's a new slang word that the little interns at work taught me) Just trying to remain cool and keep up with the lingo.... :)

Oh, one last thing... May I just say that My mom and I took classes with Caroline Lau one of the owners of Maya Roads on Saturday... If you ever get the chance I highly recommend that you take a class with her... She is a wonderful teacher and the classes were so much more then I thought they would be. She is AWESOME!!! We had the best time and we really learned alot from her..

I guess that's about it for now... Until next time!
Carla

I have been a very bad blogger!!

2007-03-11T20:09:00.000-05:00

I still can't figure how to upload my pictures over here... So I'm moving back to my old home!!!!

Maybe I will come back once I have time to figure out why I can't upload pictures!!!

http://www.myscrapblog.com/carlaandmarty

Lucky I am...

2007-02-22T21:33:00.000-05:00

I love this Man... I don't know what is today but I feel so very thankful for my husband today...

Maybe it's becase I came home from work and hanging out with my girlfriend Jeniece tonight to a SPOTLESS house... I mean he cleaned house... What a special treat!

Jeneice and I had fun tonight.. We met at http://www.scrappychiclivonia.com and then we made our way over to http://thescrapbookzone.com for a little shopping.. We also had some Baja Fresh and great conversation!!

Ordered some buttons today that are very yummy!!! WARNING- Enabler WARNING Proceed with caution!! http://www.acolorfulhouse.typepad.com/colorit

Thank goodness tomorrow is the weekend! I'm very excited to spend some quality time with my mom this weekend. I also am looking forward to getting some scrapping done...

I guess that's about all for tonight.. I'm going to sign off for now I want to watch Ugly Betty before I go to bed. I love that show ...

Carla

2007-02-18T20:32:00.000-05:00

Okay so I'm a bad Blogger...
Let me see... What's new? Valentines Day has came and gone... Marty decided to buy me chocolate this year. Cell Phone that is.. I love it! He bought me the Strawberry Chocolate from Verizon... :)
I've been working on my scrapbook room all week. It's still not done but it's getting there. I had tons of organizing to do... See my clothes have to share the room too! That is the only down fall. But I'm really starting to get there. Next time my mom comes over she just may be shocked. Hopefully!!
I went Croppin at Scrappy Chic on Friday with my Peeps... ( Got that lingo from Staci) Jeniece, Sandi, Staci, Mom and I. It was really nice to hang out with my mom... I love scrappin with her.

Jeniece had some really cool paper and tags from Jenni Bowlins web site... You know I had to have them... Ordered them can't wait for the Brown truck this week...

Went to Target today they had some cute pastel buckets in the $1 spot. LOVE THEM!! ( You know I couldn't resist for a $1)

My goal for March is to start posting more pictures. That will be much easier to concentrate on once my room is organized!!!

Well I guess that's about all for now. I will post more this week!!

Carla

Thursday it is...

2007-02-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

I love Thursday's... It's a great night for TV and tomorrow is FRIDAY!!
Marty is doing some work over at his mom's this weekend.. So I'm planning on getting in some scrap- time..

I want to finish up his Valentines Day book... If I get it finished a will post a picture this weekend.

I have some new sketches that I want to try out...

Can't wait for GREY's and Ungly Betty tonight!

Until later...
Carla

Winter is here....

2007-02-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

For those of you that live in Michigan I think you will agree winter has found us... The weather has been pretty mild for this time of year until now... WOW it is cold out!!!!!

I had such a nice weekend... Marty and I hung out with his sister and her boyfriend on Friday. I'm really starting to appreciate my SIL more and more everyday.

Marty and I have been together for 7 years and married for 3 1/2 exactly to the day. But I feel like I have really started having my own relationship with Susan since my MIL was ill and in the hospital.

I think things have really changed for us since then. Even she and Marty seem to be closer. I think sometimes watching someone you love get so sick and worrying about what tomorrow will bring really changes how you view your relationships. WOW! That got a little deep... :)

Saturday- was an AWESOME day. I went to a scrapbook class and boy did I have a blast... It was so much fun!!!!!

" TOp 5 reasons I love you" - Mini book for Valentines Day... It's so cute. I can't wait to get it completely done! Marty will be very happy to receive it this Valentines Day. He loves it when I make his gifts.

I will post pictures once I finish it...

Got to spend some quality girl time with my chulita -Dawn. She and I have grown up together. It's been so long since she has scrapped that I forgot how much I missed scrapping with her. She and Scott were married in Oct. and are expecting their first child together in August... Dawn has 2 children from her first marriage... So needless to say she has a lot of scrapping to get done... I love it when she comes out to play!!!!

Sandy and Denise were also at the Class... I hadn't seen Denise in so long it was so nice to see her... She had some very cute pictures of her new granddaughter to share. She also showed me a family picture with her daughter she is so cute.. But then again look at her mom...

Jeneice was the teacher - as you all know she is so very talented!! The class was at my new favorite store http://www.scrappychiclivonia.com/.

Jeneice, Sandy and I stayed and cropped for a little while... Good times!

While we were at the class Miki came by to visit, shop and spend time with us... She did have to leave though and head over to hang out with her niece for a while.

She did return with her SIL Samantha, who is going to start scrapping they came to get an Album and walked out with 1/2 the store... Well it wasn't that bad... But almost.. :) We all remember those days...

I also did a little shopping... BIG surprise there...

1.Prima - flowers that were corduroy and velvet - LOVE THEM.
2.2 new 7 Gypsies stamps - The flower and a tattered square... AWESOME
3.MM Valentines Day paper love it - from the craft line... I love that paper
4. RIC RAC Ribbon
5. HS Bling

On Sunday I did a little more shopping - I wanted to use my coupons for Joann's and Micheal's.

M-
1. Cool new colored pencils.
2. Velvet Ric-RAC Ribbon - WOW that's all I can say...

J's
1. 3 Piece basket set on Clearance for 2.50 Regular price was 39.99 - Love it when I get a good deal...
2. 6 Stamps @ 1.00 each -from the Autumn leaves RF Line. They are so cute... If you haven't looked for these at your J's you should they are a GREAT Deal...
3. Duck Adhesive with my Coupon
4. Buttons - They had some really cute one's on sale in the sewing aisle.

Took all my goodies home and watched the Super bowl with Marty...

The best thing is I won my office pool for the over and under so now I'm going to buy a new lens for my camera!!!

What a great weekend!!!!!

TTFN

I'm sore... But I feel soooo much better....

2007-01-31T08:40:00.000-05:00

Things went well ysterday... I feel alot better. Hopefully I will continue to feel better and better. Look out treadmill...
I'm having problems getting the comments section to show up in the blog entry below... That is so weird...

Oh well... Yesterday was such a fog I really don't have much to tell you other then I feel so much better today!

Thanks to Marty, Mom, Dad and Dawn for putting up with me when I was so loppy I love you all so much!!

Thanks!

Can't Sleep

2007-01-30T02:23:00.000-05:00

I know it's been a while since I have blogged life has just been so crazy lately.
Marty has been working very hard on the house and it's finally getting there...
We still have things to do but WOW does it look better!
We used to have this NASTY wall paper every where and he took it all down and painted...
Made some major improvements in the Bathroom, Family room, Kitchen and Dining room.
We also got new carpet and Family room furniture. It's a small room, but I love the furniture... It's from Lazy Boy... We choose the Brown, we already have our sofa the sofa chair and ottoman won't be here for a couple more weeks... Love it... Looks good in the room... Each side reclines on the sofa! Super comfy...

http://www.la-z-boy.com/SiteSearch.aspx?glblSearchWords=carmen

Brandi and Boomer aren't loving it so much... They are really having a few issues... But it's all about change! They will come around... I mean they really miss the old couch. I think they are working on a takeover of my side of the bed... They are way to spoiled...

Well in the morning if all goes well I will be getting a cardio version.. I have A-FIB to make a long story short its an electrical problem and they use the paddles and put you back in rhythm again. So I guess tonight I'm a little anxious and that's why i can't sleep...

So hopefully all goes well tomorrow and I will feel alot better! :)

Still a non= smoker and looking forward to feeling better so I can get on the treadmill!

Well I guess that's about all I have for now...

Random thoughts....

2007-01-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday!!!!

I can't believe how fast the days go... I have so much to learn about this blog world... I would love to start posting pictures on my blog I just need to figure out where to store them to do that... Does Photo Bucket work?? Hmmm... I need to take the time and find out!!

Day # 18 as a non - smoker!!! I'm so freakin happy that I've made it this long... Hopefully that's a sign that I can stay strong and stay away....

I have a big crop this weekend... I'm so excited I'm heading down to my mom's for the whole entire weekend!!! I can't wait!! I'm teaching my first class to adults on Saturday.

I have taught 3 other childrens classes before. I can't wait to experience this with adults to see if I like it...

Signed up for a photo class for my Digital Rebel... It starts the second week in Feb. I can't wait to learn how to really work my camera that will be exciting...

Still trying to learn how to totally work my IPOD that Marty got me for Christmas.... Hopefully after I learn more about it I will totally love it...

I guess that's about all for now... Have a great day!!

01/10/2007

2007-01-10T21:48:00.000-05:00

Today is my Nephew Justin's B-day... Happy Birthday Justin!!! My first born nephew... WOW, I can't believe you are already 12 years old!! Where has the time gone.

He received Pistons tickets for tonight for Christmas from his mom. I sure hope he had a nice time at the game. His sister called and said that his picture was on the big screen TV. I'm sure he enjoyed that.

When I asked him what he would like for his b-day he said money, not from Aunt Carla you get a gift... So think about it and get back to me... He said okay...

Since he is my first, and I act like my sister's other mother... I feel a very special bond with him, although I know soon it won't be cool for him to think I'm so cool... Oh well I'll enjoy it while I can...

Happy B-day Justin! Thanks for giving me so much joy I love you!!

1 week down and a lifetime to go!

2007-01-04T21:29:00.000-05:00

So Friday is the 1 week mark for me as a non-smoker.... :) I'm very excited about it... I know that I will be very happy about this as time goes on...

I haven't been feeling very good this last week so once I'm feeling better I hope to really notice a difference as a non smoker.

I can't wait to feel better so I can start using all the goodies I received from Santa Marty...

I got an IPOD- NANO Pink
He bought me a tripod and remote for my rebel - Thank you Jolene for the thought...
He also bought me some scrapping goodies from QVC and a few other little things... Not bad for a non- believer!!!!
I also received some very cool shoes
My mom bless her heart made me a really cool bracelet that I love so much.. Thanks mom!!!

I guess it's a bought time I hit the hay... Until next time... Lautner-OUT!

TTFN

Happy New Year!!

2007-01-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

Another New Year is fresh ahead of us and so many things left from the previous year that I didn't manage to see, do or complete.

SO, I decided that I wanted to approach the new year a little different this year. I'm going to make my goals on a quarterly basis. Hopefully I will only make goals that are achievable and I will accomplish them all...

So here it goes...

Q-1 Goals... Jan-Feb and March...

1. Find a church that Marty and I feel comforable at...
2. Loose 35 pounds - Not my final goal this is just for Q-1
3. Organize my Scrapbook Room
4. Blog 5 plus days a week...
5. Be a better wife... I think that I'm a pretty good one, however I would like to be better...
6. Quit Smoking - Smoke free for 4 days so far need to stay on track...
7. Limit caffeine -
8. Drink more water
9. Scrapbook More
10. Walk on treadmill 3 times a week.

There you have it... What are your goals???

TTFN

Here it goes...

2006-12-15T08:51:00.000-05:00

Why not give it a try, right? Everyone knows that I totally love to read blog's so why not give it a try myself??
I love it when I stalk blog's and find out what new tips or ticks they can offer about the scrapping world...
So, hey I'm going to give it a try and see how it works...

I actually started Blogging on another site but I have found it to have limited funtion's...

So, I thought I would give Blogger a try...