Our First Floor (3662 sq. ft.)

Probably way too big. We will probably have to cut something... somewhere? There are still 4 bedrooms and a bonus room upstairs... and we are shooting for 4500 sq. ft. We will see what happens with the next meeting.

Decisions, Decisions

So I am in my friend, Mallie's wedding in July of next year and would like some feedback on dresses. She has given us a couple of options. They are both very pretty, and I am having a hard time coming up with my vote. Here they are:
The back detail on the 2nd one is very pretty with a row of buttons and the collar has a little beading. The first one is also very pretty in person!!! So hard to decide. What do you think?

OUR FIRST FLOOR!!!

OK so it has been forever since my last post. I am just overwhelmed right now with so much of everything. Hopefully I will find the time to become a little more regular with my posting.

So since my last post... we bought a lot in Olive Branch, MS and have hired an architect to create our houseplan for us. We have just received the first floor of the plan and are thrilled.

To give some perspective, the master bedroom is 16 x 20 and the living room is 27 x 20. Also, the craft room (CR) will be switched with the laundry room (L). SO (drumroll please) Here it is!!!!!

2nd Attempt at New LO

I was really stuck on this layout. I had a vision in my mind that just wasn't quite making it to the LO. SO I posted and showed it to my friend Barbara and she was able to give me some constructive criticism...Thanks for the helpful advice Barbara.....How is this one??

New Layout of the Boys

I was playing around with some pictures that were taken on Easter and came up with this Layout. It didn't turn out exactly as imagined, but I think it looks OK.

Cucumber Cool Kit by Kim Crothers

Say Cheese!

Seems simple to get three kids and a dog to be still for a photo, right?? If you answered yes to the previous question it is apparent that you have no kids and have never had contact with any either! LOL

Rainy Season Kit by Kim Crothers

The Taylors - ONLINE

There is NO lack of TECHNOLOGY at the Taylor House!!

My Three Sons

Sloppy borders kit by Kim Crothers

Easter Pics 2

Note: the Jack's hair is standing on end!!

21 Day Challenge - way behind but here's what I have...

American Dogwood Kit by Sarah Bardorf

Spring Fever Kit by Kim Crothers

Easter Pics Part 1

Pastel Crush Kit by Kim Crothers

Easter Egg Kit by Kim Crothers

Font: Courtney Babcock
We had a great time hunting Easter eggs today! The boys were so excited that it was difficult to get them to sit still for this pic, but I think it turned out really well!

21 Day Challenge - Day 12

I woke up early to get to the gym and do my "baby steps" class. I got there, walked on the treadmill to warm up, set up my step out on the aerobics floor and got ready. Then Lisa, the instructor got up there and announced "POWERSTEP" starting now. ARGH. I immediately said that I couldn't do it. Lisa encouraged me to stay and at least give it a try and surprisingly, I made it through the entire class (except the abs part) And I did at least do crunches while they were doing their complex ball routine. I am so proud of me!! Now I feel like I CAN do the powersteps. I wonder if I would have ever tried it otherwise?

21 Day Challenge - Day 11

Exhaustion has overtaken me. I stayed up way too late last night and fought dozing off all day long. SO I didn't go to the gym. I did however go walking with the kids to the park. (it is something). There is a baby steps class tomorrow morning at 9 that I would like to make it to. Surely I will be rested by then.

Day 11 Layout: Bubble Gum Machine Kit
by Angie Briggs
Font: Vivaldi Italic

21 Day Challenge - Day 10

Looked forward to going to the gym today! I did my "baby steps" class and actually made it all the way through without stopping to gasp!

Day 10 Layout: Majestic Night
by Lisa Cohen
Font: Perpetua Tilting MT Bold
Staples: from Smudge Kit
by Kim Crothers

21 Day Challenge - Day 8-9

didn't get around to post yesterday... things were so busy around here. Did work out and feel great !! I even looked forward to going today!

Day 9 Layout: Camp
by Kim Crothers @ CreativeSnaps.com
Font: Papyrus

Day 8 Layout: Splendid
by Shabbyprincess.com
Font: Papyrus

21 Day Challenge - Day 7

Ok so I was bad today. I didn't work out, but I missed it. I am looking forward to tomorrow's routine!
Day 7 Layout: Autumn by Ping Designs
Font: Matura MT Script Caps

21 Day Challenge - Day 5-6

This weekend has been pretty good for the challenge. I did a workout tape last night in lieu of going to the gym, and I took today (Sunday) off. So this week I went to the gym or exercised a total of 6 times! (My goal was 5 times). The only problem I am having right now is my house is an absolute disaster area. When I leave school, then go to the gym, then feed the kids, and do my journal it is LATE. I didn't post yesterday so I could catch up a little. Anyway, maybe I will do better with that this week!


Day 5 Layout: Sunny Side Kit
by Kim Crothers @ CreativeSnaps.com
Font: Papyrus

Day 6 Layout: Rainy Season Kit
by Kim Crothers @ CreativeSnaps.com
Font: Showcard Gothic

21 Day Challenge - Day 4

RELIEF! It has finally happened. The pain is slowly retreating. The quote for today makes me think about yesterday. I had in my mind that I absolutely could NOT do that class one more time. But with some prodding, I DID the UNDOABLE! And I am stronger for it! I know that I CAN push myself, and I really DO feel better. I didn't have the conversation with myself all day about whether or not to go... I didn't think up one single excuse and I went! And on a Friday afternoon, I was the only one there :).

On another issue... I guess I have a sub goal on this challenge. I have just begun to try digi scrapping. As a matter of fact, the two Lay Outs that are posted on this blog are my first attempts. I Promise to catch up on Saturday or Sunday! I am really enjoying learning PSE4 in the process. It just takes time.

Day 4 Layout: Shabby Mommy @ shabbyprincess.com
Font: Ribbon131 Bd Bt

21 Day Challenge - Day 3

OUCH! It actually hurts to type... Ok so I am a huge Baby! I again had the whole do I go... do I not go... conversation with myself today. (I am beginning to appear a bit insane). I even went as far as to talk to my trainer and beg her to tell me it couldn't be good to be in this much pain.. She laughed at me and MADE me do babysteps again. It was SOO much harder today. BUT I sweated through it AND put in an addtional 15 on the bike. Right now as I sit here at 11:30pm in PAIN, I have to admit I don't feel a sense of accomplishment. I sorta feel like I am in a downward spiral. Which leads me to the quote for today. I absolutely LOVE it. So I will embrace the pain and have faith that everyone isn't lying to me when they say it will GO AWAY!

I Promise that on Saturday I will catch up with the artwork. For tonight I don't have any more energy to fight with PSE4. Gotta get my sleep so I can kill myself at the gym tomorrow. LOL

Day 3 Layout: Dirt Kit
by Kim Crothers @ CreativeSnaps.com
Font: Tekton Pro

21 Day Challenge - Day 2

OK... so it was really difficult for my "legs to carry me" out of bed this morning... so much for that BABY steps class I did yesterday. Yet still standing in that scalding shower allowing the ache to flow from my body this morning, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I have been having this conversation in my head all day about whether or not it was worth it to go again today... I mean I KNEW it was, but there were SO many excuses in my mind. In the end, I knew I had to go. I made a commitment. As I was working out this afternoon (30 minutes of treadmill, 15 minutes of bike, and my weights routine) I felt GREAT!! NO MORE EXCUSES!! Now the dreaded ache is back... they say it will dissapate soon - Lets hope so!

Day 2 Layout: Silly Flower Kit
by Kim Crothers @ CreativeSnaps.com
Font: VinerHand ITC