National Scrapbook Day and Thomas....

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

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....

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

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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....

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...

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....

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....

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....

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...

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!

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

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...

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...

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...

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