6th and 7th day

Are you ready for the ball to drop? I can't wait. Times square will be on my tv tonight, waiting for the infamous moment when we put another year under our belts and bring on hopes for the new one. What's your resolutions for the new year? Here are my new year's resolutions... 

1- Enjoy - both life and my children more. This year was totally insane for my children and too many things that they had to endure because of me. I want to be there, 110% for them and make the most of the time I have with them as children. 

2- Stop trying to prove myself to others- or prove my ability as a person. You said it perfect Sherry the other day, pride is something that far to many hold highly- and mine has been beyond insane. Not everyone is a perfect soccer mom (no offense meant), nor can everyone handle everything by themselves. Help is a 4 letter word that works miracles.

3 - Make amends to what I have destroyed in the last 7 years of my life by sheltering myself and allowing my life to be altered by someone else. I talk alot of cheery happy things here, but reality hits things a bit harder. Everyone has their skeletons in the closet, and its time to bury mine. I know its not going to be easy, nor is it going to be overnight but "liz gots some splanin' to do" 

 4 - Become Liz again.  I have lost myself until very recently to being only "mommy" "honey" and "caretaker" I tried with getting with the band to gain myself again (but that failed on more levels than you would imagine) I tried by pretending I really was happy with just being those things but you just simply can't go on being a mere "exsitance" No one can. So this year scrapping, theatre, music, long bubble baths and reading are coming back and my brand new 365 Challenge for myself!  

5 - Get well - I am desperately in need of shaping up and getting healthy (in all aspects) Not only do I want to loose weight (thats pretty much top everyone's list LOL) But also work on the other aspects that are in need of rejuvenating. 

Ah, I could ramble forever as there is so much that I have learned this last year and have been woken up to. I just know that the year coming is going to be completely different. The fork in the road is here, and there is absolutely no turning back now. I just pray the light I see isn't a train ;) 

Well, I guess my kind of confusing mess up of playing catch up has turned out to be rather awesome...because it means New Years  is like Christmas :) Well something of the sort. I have 3 downloads right now, and will ring in the new year with 2 more :) And then...dare I say it? No rather not, as it might jinx the good "mojo" going on today. 

Okay, now what you all been waiting for .......

The 4th, 5th and 6th days of Christmas

*Belated ;) *

Enjoy

 *Sorry These Gifts have been opened*

*Please click ALL the images to download completely*

note the downloads will be available until Jan. 1st 11:59 pm EST

 And for those that missed the last gifts- here is what was hiding inside: 

 

All gifts go directly into my shoppes (both personal and at ACOT) and are available for $1 for anyone wishing to pick up any missing pieces.

**ALSO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN VIP ACCESS TO ALL SWEET DIGI SCRAPS DESIGNS HERE*** 

For a limited time only!

Thank you all so much again! I will be back shortly after the sparklers, pots and pans and pigging out on some craut ;) Next post will share the new 365 journey that I will be taking in the coming year- Nope it isn't photos ;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

4th and 5th day.... hey we make it up as we go ;)

Yep, I'm a mess- all over the place and welp, we are going to make the most out of it LOL. Today was my birthday (the big ol 26) So I got caught up in all the fun and festivities of it you could say. The kids made me cards and we ate reese peanut butter cake my sister made for me.  They sang happy birthday to me all day, however bub couldn't quit get the "birthday" part out. So most of the day was him skipping around the house repeating happy happy happy LOL.

The kids have really been excellent since Christmas. Games have been the foremost thing for the days.... and they have rather worn mommy out to the core with the constant non stop play all day. If its not barbies, its trains or dora, olivia, kahlan, or the board games. I guess you could say for the last few days mommy has become the 5th kid in the house. I can't for the life of me win at Hi Ho Cherryo, and Buckeroo has probably put more gray hairs on my head than anything! Everytime that game pops, I swear I jump about 10 ft. That game was definitely developed by parents, to watch their kids jump and get scared. I know it has to be like tape on cats feet- Sooooo mean to do, but stinkin hilarious!

I am cutting this post rather short tonight, only because I have some major uploading to do :) And another blog post to prepare tonight- HEY I am determined to get myself caught back up LOL

Okay, now what you all been waiting for .......

Both the 2nd and the 3rd days of Christmas

*Belated ;) *

Enjoy

 *These gifts have been opened*

*Please click both images to download completely*

note the download will be available until Dec. 30th 11:59 pm EST

And for those that missed the last gifts- here is what was hiding inside: 

 

All gifts go directly into my shoppes (both personal and at ACOT) and are available for $1 for anyone wishing to pick up any missing pieces.

**ALSO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN VIP ACCESS TO ALL SWEET DIGI SCRAPS DESIGNS HERE*** 

For a limited time only!

Thank you all so much again! I hope you had a holiday that you will never forget!

Much Love until tomorrow :)

3rd Day of Christmas

Well the holidays have that sort of way of turning all things around and upside down for ya don't they? Mine did nothing short of that, this was a Christmas that I will never forget. To many firsts and lasts, emotional roller coaster of a weekend that made me feel pretty much every feeling a person could possibly feel. I have come to realize that it is what makes our holiday seasons so monumental. Its not about the lights, or the presents, or the food we eat. I always believed it was about the children, the joy on their faces and the "giving" factor. But Its about the people we see, or miss - the memories we build never to forget, and even some we wish we could forget. Its about the laughs we share, and the tears we shed. I think everyone goes through that every year, its our time to reflect and gear up for new starts in the new year that is fastly approaching us. It's the funny thing about Christmas (or the holiday you celebrated) No matter what we could or couldn't give, no matter what we put into it or didn't put in, we are still left with lasting impressions and pieces of personal growth that make every last second of holiday and the year prior worth it. (Well at least this is the case for me) 

I will say this, the kids had a wonderful Christmas. Their eyes all lit up when they realized Santa had visited. The dinner I prepared was delicious, and there are still tons of leftovers (hey thats what happens when you cook a 20lb turkey LOL) My sister got engaged to someone we found was a kid that I played with when I was 8 (hows that for a twist of irony) My dad had a wonderful and happy holiday, which was a first in a while. And my family managed to all get together and enjoy a day with each other without a single argument, which is another first in a good long while. 

Christmas Eve was wonderful. We spent a few hours over at the girls grandparents for their dinner, and then I went over to my aunts ( a little backwards from what I had planned- But still I was determined to make sure it happened) We shared laughs, tears and for the first time ever I felt a bond with my aunt. Its funny- but I already know my momma was there too laughing right along. 

And this Christmas I found amazing people from all over the world, right here through this blog to share amazing memories with. I have learned so much from you, and about you through your comments and I have found a sense of comfort being able to talk with you all. Its amazing how little things effect us so greatly- and all of you have had a huge effect on me this entire month, and I couldn't be happier for what we have shared together. 

Ah- but enough of my mushiness. If I don't stop babbling now, I will never get caught up LOL :) Since I got busy with the hustle and bustle- we are EXTREMELY behind LOL- Its actually the 3rd day of Christmas, but I am going to double up on gifts each night to get us back up to the right gifts. SOOOO Today I have both the 25th day of Advent and the 1st day of Christmas for you to download. Both of these will be available until December 28th at 11:59 pm EST (that gives a little of 24 hours) AND I will still be posting the 4th day of Christmas later this evening (which will contain the 2nd and 3rd days gifts) And then on the 5th I will be caught up with both 4 and 5 being posted. (Confused yet? I am surprisingly not- YET LOL) 

Okay, now what you all been waiting for .......

Both the 25th day of advent and the 1st day of Christmas

*Belated ;) *

Enjoy

 *Sorry These gifts have been opened*

*Please click both images to download completely*

note the download will be available until Dec. 28th 11:59 pm EST

And for those that missed the last gift- here is what was hiding inside: 

 

All gifts go directly into my shoppes (both personal and at ACOT) and are available for $1 for anyone wishing to pick up any missing pieces.

**ALSO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN VIP ACCESS TO ALL SWEET DIGI SCRAPS DESIGNS HERE*** 

For a limited time only!

Thank you all so much again! I hope you had a holiday that you will never forget!

Much Love until tomorrow :)

24 days down!

Are you ready for it? Its coming....less than 24 hours and not a soul can hide from it LOL Don't worry if your still not ready, because I ain't either LOL. I thought I would be, but alas those unexpected things just have to pop up!  I had to go out tonight to the store to get the last minute dinner items, and a new ham! Hows that for crunch time? The cat decided it was going to have a feast day while I was out looking at lights... since some little man in this house (no mention of names) opened the fridge and left it cracked enough without me knowing it. 

However, turkey in the sink- prepped food in the fridge and ready for popping in the oven tomorrow. Christmas gifts 3/4 wrapped, that will be my task for all night tonight between basting times and clean up on the house for tomorrows dinner- Because we have made a mess today for sure. Now to manage a nap in somewhere this morning before all the running and cooking today. I tell ya, I ain't no superwoman thats for sure- this lady is lacking those powers!! I wish I had them. I confess however, I started preparing for the advent and 12 days in late October :) I cheated :) So It has allowed some freeing of my schedule a bit. 

I do know I have to fix my tree, AGAIN before I even think of napping before the kiddos awake. Bub and Ana felt the need to throw ornaments at the cat because it stole a piece of bubs ham from his lunchable while I was taking the dog outside. So now I have a little bare spot in the middle, as well as lights out again. In the midst of pulling off ornaments, I do believe bub pulled a light loose..... heaven help me find that thing! I swear its like looking for a needle in a haystack! 

The lights however tonight were absolutely beautiful. The best display was the same as last year, with added inflatables- but still stunning! But the highlight of the evening was of course the Courthouse. It is completely decked out in lights, and synchronized to Christmas music. Each year gets better and better, as well as the Charles Dicken's Village. (The entire downtown of Cambridge Ohio becomes a Victorian Village each Christmas season, with Charles Dickens figures and houses everywhere) This year they added horse pulled sleigh rides to the rooster of things you can do downtown. I am really tempted to go for one with the kiddos before my birthday rolls around. 

Either way, Here is a video pulled off youtube so that you can see the Courthouse display that we all sat and enjoyed this evening. (There are a total of 4 different light shows (Each one 12 minutes long) that they do to suite everyone's taste in holiday music) and it goes on every hour from 5 until 9 pm each night, and will keep going until January 9th- i think -  not totally sure. But its PHENOMENAL! 

Okay- I know I am rambling a bunch this morning LOL- However, I also have another calendar to share with you all. This one is done with my more "modern/funky" kits. Just in case you are still crunching for last minute gifts, or you just want one for yourself, or of a different style the one I previously had available for download. 

You can download the Mod Calendar HERE

It will remain available til after Christmas. And here is a run down of the month/kit usage for each one so that you know in case you wish to modify them

January- Mod Squad

February- Secret Crush

March- Precious

April- Sibling Love

May- PhotoShoot

June- Me Myself and I

July- I Didn't Do It

August- Three R's

September- This Is Me

October- Autumn's Medley

November- Spunk

December- All Wrapped Up

Okay, now what you all been waiting for .......

with 24 days down and only 1 to go.....

Here is your 24th little gift from me to you,

Enjoy

 *This Gift Has Been Given*

*Today's gift is a teaser of the 12 part collection that will be released Tuesday*

note the download will be available until Dec. 24th 11:59 pm EST

And for those that missed yesterday's gift- here is what was hiding inside: 

 

All gifts go directly into my shoppes (both personal and at ACOT) and are available for $1 for anyone wishing to pick up any missing pieces.

**ALSO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN VIP ACCESS TO ALL SWEET DIGI SCRAPS DESIGNS HERE*** 

For a limited time only!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Eve! To all those traveling tonight, or heading out to spend time with the family- Be safe! And have a VERY Merry Christmas!!! You are all so very wonderful, and have made my holiday season an awesome one! Much Love until tomorrow :)

23 Days Down

 Tonight was nice. I did exactly as you said- I took a moment for me and breathed! LOL I did a few more batches of cookies and prepared my butterhorn dough (this is a sweeter, more fattening and smaller version to the nut roll LOL) Picked up some marble for rolling it out- Since the table this year was an epic fail for it, and hoping that today I have enough steam to get it all done. (prepping all the Christmas dinner dishes)   I KNOW what you are thinking- WHY? LMAO


Well I have to get the ones I can for my own dinner prepared by tonight latest. Like the green bean cassarol, cookies, pies, cottage cheese salad, veggie plate- You get the idea.  Either way, My aunt Debbie called me last night and it was such a pleasant surprise. We don't talk that often (she is my mother's sister) as differences in the past with the family kind of made that whole side fall apart. I have talked to her off and on since my mom passed away, but always avoided calling her because she sounds exactly like my mom on the phone, and well.... it's hard. Either way, her phone call last night did exactly the opposite of what I thought it would. Hearing her voice was a god send, really. It was the uplifting encouragement that I needed, and I think was the ticket to give me the goodnight sleep that I had so desperately needed for so long. 


She informed me that she was going to fix up a Christmas dinner for herself, by herself. Well I won't be having any of that- No one should be alone for Christmas, especially blood. Soooo tomorrow afternoon I am heading over there while the kids go with their dad for a bit and help her create a good old fashioned Christmas dinner. Then afterward, I need to take the kids out to their dad's grandma's for their dinner and exchange- then back in to go up to dad's and cook and play Santa. Friday will be SLAMMED!! LOL


Now for today- its prepping, wrapping, Christmas light hopping (we go out for a drive every year to see all the displays) and last minute shopping- Even though I SWORE i wouldn't be this year LOL.  AND AND AND- Before I forget AGAIN LOL- On the sidebar there is a swagbucks widget. EVERYONE GET THIS TOOLBAR!!!! I am telling you, start it now and Christmas next year for you will be free!!! SERIOUSLY- No scams or gimics, nothing like that. I cashed in my swagbucks this month ( I had been using it since July or so)  for $100 in Amazon Gift Cards and grabbed up a bunch of gifts for Christmas (which all came in today WOOOHOOO!!) . Its simple and easy- You just use it like you do a yahoo/google search engine. Everything you want to look up, use that tool bar and it starts adding up points for you- I think at 250 points (at least as it stands now) you can get a $5 amazon card. But there are various other things you can cash your points in for as well, just trust me. If you start using it now, like I am, by December next year you can get all your Christmas just for doing what you already do now on the web :) Since the 18th I have already racked up 205 swagbucks for next years gifts :) I am sorry I am spamming you, but since I had been sharing holiday gift ideas, this was one I DEFINITELY had to share! LOL


Okay, now what you all been waiting for .......

with 23 days down and only 2 to go.....

Here is your 22nd and 23rd little gifts from me to you,

Enjoy

 *Sorry these gifts have been opened*
*Please click BOTH the trees and the words for your downloads*

note the download will be available until Dec. 23rd 11:59 pm EST

And for those that missed the last gift given, It is still available for download. Please click older posts and both Yesterdays and the day before has the downloads for some holiday hybrid printouts. 

 And to answer Jewel's Question- Here is a run down of what kits were for what months:

January- To Us
February - Cupid Struck
March - Time Flies
April - Pass The Peas
May - Mama Mia
June - Mister Happy Go Lucky
July - My Pet
August - Family Tree
September - Spunk
October - Fall Feelings
November - Thrifty
December - A Cozy Christmas

 

All gifts go directly into my shoppes (both personal and at ACOT) and are available for $1 for anyone wishing to pick up any missing pieces.

**ALSO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN VIP ACCESS TO ALL SWEET DIGI SCRAPS DESIGNS HERE*** 

For a limited time only!

Hope you all have a wonderful day! Much Love until tomorrow :)