Weekly Art Journal – Weeklong for April 4

And here’s another one of my weeklong pages. This one was inspired by Dina Wakley. This piece specifically. I love Dina’s pages so much.

Here it is empty:

I made my stars using the Parisian Anthology line from Pink Paislee which is perfect since it has built-in resist.

here it is, closer up on the left side:

and the right side:

And here’s the filled page:

I love all the color on this page.

Weekly Art Journal is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here. And you can find out more about the weeklong daily journaling here.

May 3, 2011 | Art, WAJG, Weeklong Daily Art Journal, Weekly Art Journal | 8 comments

Daily Diary – May 2 2011

Well here’s Monday. Not at bad day but a longish one. I woke up and was obsessed with the news of course. I couldn’t sleep all night and I was so so thankful. I was in New York during September 11. Working on Wall Street and so was Jake. Either of us could have been killed. We were both extremely lucky. And I am deeply thankful for today. I know this is not the end but it’s such a big milestone.

So I had CNN on pretty much all day while I worked and the little boy played.

And lined up his cars.

Here’s me yelling “Nathaniel” and getting a “What?” look back. A blurry one apparently.

And then he plays again. Love the way he’s sitting.

I try to get his attention again and still blurry.

Then he naps. Then we go get David. And he is so so sweet.

I adore him.

And here we get the little one to laugh, too!

We did our reading, I sketched, he did his workbook, I worked, Jake came, they ate dinner, etc. Life. And now they are getting ready for bed and we will have friends come over tonight for games. Lovely, simple, lucky life. I am thankful today. For every breath I get to take. For every minute I have with my boys, with my parents, with my sister, with my husband. I am very lucky.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for the closure that comes today. At least in some form.
2. I am grateful that I still made the time to sketch. Even if a small one because today was too hectic.
3. I am grateful I did a layout last night. It had been a while since I scrapped and I really enjoyed the process so much.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I did my sharing at school of my sticker book. {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I shared stickers with some of my friends.
3. I am grateful that I will take a lego class this summer.

May 2, 2011 | Daily Diary - 2011, DPGallery | One comment

The Comfort and Security of a Blanket

I had the honor to guest design for My Creative Scrapbook kit club in March. This is one of the layouts I made with their main kit.

Journaling Reads:
You’ve sucked you thumb from a very young age but this blanket obsession is all new. You started taking this one blanket everywhere you go. You sleep with it and go in the car with it. David never had these comforts so I wasn’t sure how to handle it. The more I watched you, the more I realized how much comfort and sense of safety it gives you. So I decided to support you fully. I love you my son and I love the blanket, too.

And some details:

May 2, 2011 | Layouts, Scrapbooking | 3 comments

Daily Diary – May 1 2011

Happy May! Ours was relatively quiet. We got up and then I exercised. Now that it’s May, I am up to 3.0 miles a day. It was a bit hard but I did it anyway. Then I showered and it was time for family photos. Lately the portraits have been harder and harder to get.

There’s the refusal from the little one and the funny faces from the big one.

The fight over the remote.

Looking anywhere but the camera.

But alas I still love taking them anyway. I love having these photos so much even if they are all taken at the same spot in our house. I love love love them. Then we went out to exchange some things and pickup other things. When we came home, we rested a bit and David watched Sound of Music. Not sure why he looks sad here or maybe just focused.

Then David and I read our new book while the little one played.

And played.

After David was done, they played and played and hugged so much.

And then it was time for game night.

We played and David won. And then David and Jake played connect four so I could process my photos. Now they’re both asleep and I hope to backup my stuff, do my leg lifts, art journal, read and relax. Tomorrow starts another stressful week.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for game night. I love game night.
2. I am grateful that I am still sketching. So far so good.
3. I am grateful for a quiet and peaceful day.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I got a star wars lego sticker book. {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that we had family night.
3. I am grateful that I played connect four with daddy.

May 1, 2011 | Daily Diary - 2011, DPGallery | One comment

Reading with David – The Secret Garden

David says:
I gave this story five stars because I liked that in the end everybody is happy and the father really cares about his son.

I like that Mary found the key and the robin showed her the way. I also liked how Mary went from being grouchy to happy and became friends with Martha. My favorite character was the robin cause she was really cute and she was the first “person” to befriend Mary.

I liked that all the animals like Dickon and that he’s nice to everybody. I liked that Colin taught Magic to everyone and that they did exercises each day. I liked that Dickon’s mom gave them extra food so they could make sure the nurse didn’t know Colin was getting better and could surprise his dad. I like how the three kids became such good friends and worked and played in the garden every day together.

Reading a book a week with my six-year-old son David is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.

May 1, 2011 | Dbooks 2011, Reading with David | One comment

2011 Priority List and Goals – April Check-in

I thought it might be a good idea to review my goals at the end of each month and see if I am still making sure to prioritize them. I also thought this would be a good time to shift, adjust, add, take away as needed. So here we go. This is still going off the list I posted on January 1, minus the few I deleted in Feburary, with status updates for April.

Family
1. Read and do workbooks with David daily (Project A Book A Week with David).
All of April was our new Mystery series. It was fun for both of us and even though we’ve taken a break, I really enjoyed all four books we read in April.

2. Take photo of full-family and write updates weekly (Project Us Right Now).
Still going strong. This project still makes me so very happy. I am so thankful I decided to do it.

3. Write a daily diary of us + gratitude (Project Daily Diary)
Still keeping up with this as well.

4. Start a family night where we all play games or watch movies together (Scheduled for Sunday nights 6pm)
Family night is going strong. We need some new games but that’s in the plan for tomorrow. I love that it’s a little reserved time for all four of us together. We always prioritize it and look forward to it.

5. Sign up for a mommy/me class with Nathaniel (this still needs to be scheduled)
Something I dropped on the floor this year. I did find Nathaniel a music class for the summer so I will schedule it for us during then.

6. Schedule minimum bimonthly date nights with Jake
April had fewer date nights than usual but we’re still doing them and spending us time.

Health (Project Healthy For Life)
1. Do a combination of walking and running daily, work your way up to 5K a day
2.9 miles a day in April for a total of 87 miles. This month also marked 500 miles and 211 consecutive days of exercise.

3. Do strength exercises 3x a week
I am not doing strength but I have done 30 leg lifts (on each leg) and 10 crunches a day. Every day.

4. Track exercise+food+sleep+water using the fitbit
I am still tracking sleep and exercise. And paying strict attention to food. I’ve gotten better about the food planning too. Now that the summer is here, I stock a lot of fresh fruit and salads at home.

5. Get minimum 7hours of sleep every night and 8 on the weekends
A little less-good on this area. Not for lack of trying though. I am going to bed early but unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. Mostly due to stress. I have faith this will resolve itself and summer is coming soon and my wake up time will get a little later which makes a significant difference.

6. Eat at least one serving of vegetables daily and chicken/fish 3 times a week
Doing well on the veggies. Not eating enough protein still.

7. Walk at least 8500 steps a day and work your way up to 10,000
I didn’t add the 15-minute walk I mentioned last month but I plan to do so in May. This will bring me significantly closer to the 10K number.
8. Walk/Run a 10K
This is still a November goal 🙂 Though I must admit I am not feeling it at all. November is not as far away as it used to be and I fear this might not happen.

9. I also want to work on the coffee+graham crackers intake but not sure of the plan here yet.
Bleh. Still on hold with this one.

Art + Photography
1. Draw and paint a portrait six days a week (Project Six Portraits a Week)
Well I am not doing portraits now but I have sketched every single day since April 10. I even did two sketches a day for three of those days. I did 25 sketches in April. I am quite proud of that.

2. Art journal weekly (Project Weekly Art Journal)
This project is still going strong. I am loving the pages and the process. All of it.

3. Sketch something small daily (15-30mins)
Ah, see #1. 25 sketches baby!

4. Go on a Monthly photo excursion alone or with a photo buddy
I completely forget about this for some reason. I need to remember to schedule it. Now that the weather is pleasant again I think it’s easily doable. Will put on my calendar to schedule this for May.

5. Write weekly extended photo articles on my blog
Yeah, let’s just say this is not a goal anymore.

6. Figure out for once and all if I want an etsy shop and what will go in it
Finally progress on this one! I have come up with an idea. It might or might not pan out but I will work on it in May and we’ll see.

Scrapbooking
1. Create one layout a week just for me
Well I did create several layouts in April but mostly for work.

2. Do monthly The Girls’ Paperie layouts
Since the company is no longer, I doubt I have to continue this but I have done my share for April anyway.

3. Do monthly Pink Paislee layouts
I am all over this. I did both my April layouts in one sitting.

4. Do monthly Creative Therapy layout
Didn’t do any more in April. I am still caught up until July so we’re ok here.

5. Do monthly Write.Click.Scrapbook layout + write one more week during 2011
Same here. All caught up.

6. Successfully teach all four scheduled 2011 classes at Big Picture Classes and the one I am a part of in Masterful Scrapbook Design
All done with classes for now.

7. Aim to do 5-6 guest design spots or classes (that I teach) this year
I have a new guest design opportunity coming up this summer. I am not really trying too hard here at the moment.

8. Submit to one magazine a month (maybe, I can’t decide if I want to do this just yet.)
This is another area where I am not focusing enough. I will have to sit and have a good think about it and decide what to do here. It needs to either be more of a focus or not a goal. I don’t like doing things halfway.

Reading
1. Read a book a week (Project A Book a Week)
2. Read one book with David each week (Project A Book a Week with David)
Still reading a lot. Mostly young adult but I love what I am reading so it’s all good.

3. Regularly attend both book clubs
Well mostly down to one book club now but attended it in April.

Writing
1. Write at least one long thought/idea oriented blog post a week
I didn’t do as well as March here but I am still focusing on this. I will see if I can do better in May.

2. Write one new class (if you have requests, please share)
3. Write one downloadable pdf for my site or etsy (if you have requests, please share)
I do have some ideas here finally. We’ll see if anything pans out.

4. Write+email a newsletter each month
Doing this so far! Next one goes out in two hours 🙂

5. Possibly do NaNoWriMo (not sure of this one…)
We still have quite some time till November thankfully!!

6. Journal at least 5 times a day. Even if just for 15 minutes a day.
Yes! Journaling. Daily. Every day. Missed maybe one or two at most in April. Finally doing good here!

Learning
1. Learn to draw and paint portraits (Project Six Portraits a Week)
On hold for now. But learning to sketch!

2. Take 5-6 online classes this year
I’ve already taken 8 this year. I’m taking Chrsity’s class in May and will sing up for Alisa Burke’s watercolor class that she will announce on Monday. I am also taking Soul Restoration II in June. And I’ve finally figured out how I can use the Remains of the Day class so I will sign up for that one toward late summer likely.

3. Learn to write an iPhone/iPad application (sort of out there but achievable – let me know if you have an app you want)
Well I had made some progress but we’re at a standstill for now. Not focusing on this.

4. Learn how to make a stop-motion movie
No focus on this either. I have an idea but haven’t spent effort on this yet.

Community (This is a particularly hard one for me.)
1. Do a weekly-open house for Nathaniel’s moms group
This is still going strong. Some weeks it’s a few of us, some weeks just one and others none. But it’s great just the way it is.

2. Invite guests over for dinner at least once a month
We had girls’ night here and it was great. Already have a May social night scheduled on Monday.

3. Go out to breakfast/lunch once a month (to work or elsewhere)
I did one in April but to be fair I am not really doing a good job working on this.

4. Reach out to people I admire more often (leave more comments/send emails)
Did less so in April. But I believe in this goal and will keep at it.

And that’s it for April. Overall, I think I did pretty great. Lots of good goals met. Let’s bring on May!

April 30, 2011 | Personal, Yearly Projects | One comment

Daily Diary – April 30 2011

We had Nathaniel’s little birthday get together scheduled for 10am this morning so I exercised soon after I woke up and by the time I showered and got dressed, it was already time to go. David was in a good mood and playing with his brother. He put the hat on and told me to take a photo.

Then he put it on himself.

These are the looks Nathaniel gives me when he knows he’s doing something wrong and he’s been caught (he was putting stickers on the stool.).

And David asked me to take a photo of this, too.

Since the boys were all dressed up nice I asked Jake to take a photo of me with them. They didn’t really want to accomodate though so this is the best we got.

Last night I found this dress on sale at Anthropologie. It is a size two. TWO! I have never been a size two in my life.

Nathaniel was not in a good mood when we gave him his cake.

He didn’t care for the candlelight and didn’t understand why everyone was staring at him.

And gave us all a good “nooooo!”

He played until 11am or so when he started having continual meltdowns and I knew it was bedtime. So we put him down and brought everything back inside. I was in quite a lot of backpain (still am) so I rested and sketched and did a bit of art. David played Wii. When Nathaniel woke up, they both had lunch and then it was time to open presents. David was super frustrated with how long Nathaniel was taking and how patient he had to be.

But they both loved all the presents and Nathaniel played with them immediately when David went back to the wii.

A lovely fulfilling day. For the first time since I started my project I didn’t like either of the weeklong pages I made in my journal today. I’m ok with that however because I think I can likely turn them around when the week comes and if not i’ll deal with them. That’s the great thing about a project like this: it’s the sum of the parts that counts, not each part.

Plans for tonight are small. A little time with my love, the April check-in, a little journaling, and bed. Btw, the newsletter goes out tonight with new digital downloads so last chance to subscribe to make sure you get the May one.

I hope your Saturday was peaceful and joyful.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that our neighbors showed up for Nathaniel’s little cake time and it was so nice to see everyone with their kids.
2. I am grateful that I did some art, even if I am not 100% pleased with it.
3. I am grateful for my size two dress. The numbers on the scale might go up and down and I know Anthro clothes run a bit big but it’s amazing to fit into a size two of anything.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I had some of Nathaniel’s cake. {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I played wii and did my workbook.
3. I am grateful that I rode my bike, played soccer and chess with daddy.

April 30, 2011 | Daily Diary - 2011, DPGallery | 3 comments

Us Right Now – April 30

jake
Jake had a great week this week. Got several accounts open and started his new company. He worked a lot and I think things are going well for him. I am really proud of him. He’s also helped me a lot with my work and taking care of things this week. I’ve had a long week so his support and kindness was felt extra-strong this week. I am so thankful he’s around so much more now.

karen
A very long week for me. I expected it to be stressful but nowhere near what it turned out to be. Several last minute fires, late nights, sleepless nights from stress and worry. Overwhelming exhaustion. That was my week mostly. A quick trip to David’s new school. A two-year appointment for Nathaniel. Lots of exercise. And an overwhelming sense of tired. That was pretty much my week here.

david
David went back to school this week and he’s getting back into his routine again. Nothing bad this week from him. He came home happy every day and we’ve done a lot of reading and a lot of workbooks. We’re also starting to plan the summer for David since it’s coming soon. We’re hoping to sign him up for soccer, swimming, and gymnastics classes. And then a weeklong Lego camp, too. I’m excited for the summer. I always like having David around more and always miss him when school starts back up again.

nathaniel
Nathaniel is now officially two. He had the quiet celebration last Sunday with just the four of us and some cupcakes. Then he had his two-year well-child checkup and all was great. And then, today, we had a little party for him at our community area where we live. Many of the neighbors showed up and it was super-sweet to see all the little boys and girls running around together. Nathaniel had a lot of fun, too. He got some wonderful toys and has been playing with them all day. Happy Birthday, my sweet sweet boy.

Us Right Now is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.

April 30, 2011 | Family, Us Right Now | 2 comments

Daily Diary – April 29 2011

Today feels like one of those days where several days are rolled into one. Early morning, I exercised and work and then we went to David’s new school for a meet-and-greet which I suck at. Gave them the tuition check (ouch!) and then came back home for a lot more work. Thankfully Nathaniel napped for a long time so I did my work and took a brief lunch break to sketch/eat. And then back to work.

We picked up David and I did my routine with him and then did more work and then ran out to Anthro and bought a dress and a shirt for March and April (I know April’s not over just yet but tomorrow’s Nathaniel’s birthday celebration and now I can wear my new dress.) Then I rushed back home so we could go shopping and get Nathaniel’s cake. The boys sat in the little car in the cart for the first time ever and they both had such a blast and they were hugging and laughing and so so happy that I took a photo with the little camera in my bag. I want to remember that for ever.

When we got home, I still hadn’t taken a photo so I quickly snapped one of David.

But Nathaniel wasn’t nearly as accommodating.

Even when Daddy held him, he just would not let me have it.

So I gave up and Jake gave the kids baths and they went right to sleep. I am hurting all over and drained from a very long day. My plan is to rest and recuperate a little and then go to sleep. I’ve been working on getting more sleep. Tomorrow’s a quiet day with the exception of a brief celebration for Nathaniel. So I will do some art, writing, sketching and just enjoy the weekend. I hope you do the same!!

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that this long week is over and i really hope next week is quieter. And I am grateful for the weekend
2. I am grateful for my husband who is always patient and kind with me and who alway forgives me.
3. I am grateful for a fridge full of fresh fruit.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I worked on my workbook {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I sat in the car in the shopping cart.
3. I am grateful that I played soccer with daddy in the backyard.

April 29, 2011 | Daily Diary - 2011, DPGallery | One comment

Healthy For Life – Week 17

Here were are. Another week. This week might look sad since I have a very slight gain but to be honest, I expected significantly large gain. We were on vacation the end of last week and I didn’t eat nearly as carefully as I usually do. I also didn’t eat that well over the weekend between Nathaniel’s birthday and Easter. To be fair, I didn’t do anything really really unhealthy but I certainly ate more junk than I usually do and I figured I would have to pay for that dearly. So seeing +0.2 wasn’t so sad for me. And it also motivated me to be more careful.

Exercise was hard this week. Every month, there’s that one week that’s super hard and I think this week was it for me. This month has been on the rough side for sleep and hormones and stress so none of those things help with food or with exercise. But, thankfully, they always pass and I go back to being ok. Sunday I increase to 3.0 miles. Big milestone for me and I am proud of myself for making it this far.

This week, I just wanted to put a photo of me. I haven’t gone shopping for March yet and April is almost over. I will do both soon. For now I am happy that I finally get to wear everything I’ve been buying.

and here’s this week’s card:

Healthy for Life is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.

April 29, 2011 | Health, Healthy for Life | Leave a comment

I Hope and Pray Everyday that I did Right by You

This second Pink Paislee project was an inspiration piece, too.

It was inspired by this amazing cake:

source

White, teal, pink and red might be my favorite color combination of all time.

The journaling Reads:
My sweet boy, as your mom, I make daily decisions that shape your future. What school you get to go to, which friends you can play with, what activities are best, etc. And while I always do my very best to think it through I also worry every day that my decisions are the best ones for you I hope and pray that I am opening and closing the right doors. One thing I know, I am doing my very best to do right by your every step of the way.

Details:

April 29, 2011 | Layouts, Pink Paislee, Scrapbooking | 9 comments

Daily Diary – April 28 2011

Well last night’s issue meant working and working and then having another sleepless night and getting right back to work this morning. But thankfully, it all went ok. At least appears to be so far. One can never be sure.

Little boy is obsessed with David’s Didj. Loves it and tries to play with it.

And I love him.

Even with the way he scratched his face. Especially with that. And all his little boy stuff. I adore him. So much. So deeply.

And this one, too. I adore him. Just looking at the photo makes me feel like hugging him.

I love how excited he gets when he’s telling me a story.

And how he smiles and laughs so much. I’m so blessed.

We tried to cajole the little one to come but he was playing didj and would not leave. Laughed at us a bit, though.

I did finally get him near the light. look at this boy. my boy. my angel.

While I worked in the afternoon, David drew pictures for him. Choo choo, Nathaniel requested.

I love how they are head to head.

And here’s David’s masterpiece. It’s so awesome!

I am completely wiped. From head to toe. My plan for tonight is to work on my art journal and go right to bed. I really really need the rest. I’ve been thinking about summer planning lately. I think I might finally have an idea for my etsy shop and for some other things and I am working on plans for David, too. Too much to think of and I am so exhausted. So thankful tomorrow’s Friday.

Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that the stable push happened successfully (again!)
2. I am grateful that tomorrow is Friday. I need rest so much.
3. I am grateful for all the help i have around me, at work, at home. I am so blessed and lucky and people are so kind and generous and I am so grateful for that.

Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that mommy and i finished our book {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I am watching the Sound of Music.
3. I am grateful that I played on the phone for a little bit.

April 28, 2011 | Daily Diary - 2011, DPGallery | Leave a comment

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