Burp

I got my next door neighbor these super cute burp cloths for her shower last fall. I was so pleased when she told me recently how much she loved them and how they were actually very useful! She wanted to know how to get some more. I shared with her the name of the Etsy shop and was disappointed to learn that it is currently closed.

Well, a trip to the fabric store later and I had the supplies to make them myself. I went over to Evelyn's today for some help and whipped up four of them for her. I think they are pretty cute - if I do say so myself! Thanks, Evelyn - couldn't have done it without your help today!

Precious

I don't know what is cuter. The fact that my niece Maggie has a picture of the two of us tacked on her wall. Or, her asking sweetly for me to paint her fingernails. Or, is it simply her precious little face? I realize I'm biased, but is she not one of the most beautiful little girls ever?

Camera One, Camera Two

First step in pursuing photography for 2010 - buy new camera. CHECK.

Last Saturday, we bit the bullet and purchased a Nikon D90 DSLR camera. I am so excited! I am in dire need of photographic direction, but in the meantime, I'm having fun!

Here are some of the shots I've captured so far. I'm hoping you will see my skills continually improve over the year as I actually figure this thing out!

My furry friends are my most willing subjects. Wilson is always up for posing.

And Libben just likes attention.



The monochrome setting (Anthony and Aunt Sue).



Aunt Sue and me.



A cool B&W of Libby.



And another fun shot.



My Mom had a Canon AE-1 growing up. She loved taking pictures and for a while there really got into it. She'd pose us in front of the tripod and everything. I'm exciting to pick up where she left off. The world of digital makes things so much easier. You wouldn't believe how many pictures I've taken and deleted. It makes everything so much simpler!

More photos to come, but wanted to share our fun news!

New Year's Weekend with My Girls

I am finally getting to posting pictures from the visit from Alyson, Kiersten and OJ. I had a cold while they were here, but it really took a turn for the worse this week. I had a fever by Wednesday that seemed to just keep rising and I've felt more than awful. Today's the first day in a while I'm feeling like myself again! So, here we go.

Remember when Alyson came last summer with two college students (Julia and Kiersten) on their way to a YoungLife (YL) camp? Al was back for a YL reunion in Gig Harbor along with Kiersten and they BOTH came for a visit.

Wilson was happy Kiersten was back to snuggle.



But, he still hogged the remote. No Jersey Shore for you!



Kiersten left a day early to go hang with her friend Mario and buddies from Bellingham.



We had to have a little silliness before they left.



OJ came down too and the three of us went shopping and to the movies (Sherlock Holmes). We went over to Sue's for a visit. We called Kiersten to let her know we were visiting the Sexytime rapper and OJ was going to rap/sing with him.



Anthony was pretty excited. He did a "freestyle" rap and OJ sang her heart out with him.



Then, Al decided they needed some back-ups - which led to our video.

Al preparing for her debut.



My favorite part about this picture is not me and the "ove gloves" - it is my crazy friends behind me.



Anthony and OJ.



OJ and Aunt Sue.



Watching our video.



So much fun!

Thank to my wonderful friends and family for such a fun night! I needed to laugh like that. I am required to be way too serious most of the time!

2010 Here We Go

2009. This was a year filled with many great lessons regarding money for Americans - I know it was for me. We have all paid the price for others' irresponsible purchases. My financial takeaways from 2009:

• Don't spend more than you earn. No credit card debt.

• Don't buy more than you can afford. You can't afford that vehicle if you can't pay it off in three years or less. You can't afford that house if you're assuming you'll make more money later to make the payment easier.

• Stick to your financial goals. If you've gone over your budget, stay home. Don't be embarrassed to turn down offers from friends. It is OK to say, "Sorry, I can't afford it."

• An emergency fund is a requirement. You can always start somewhere. We've all learned no job is completely secure.

• Avoid the pitfalls of consumer debt. Don't forget sneaking it into a second mortgage or refinance or those 12 months same as cash offers.

These have been valuable lessons. On to something lighter.

2010. My focus this year is on something a little more fun. My plan is to finally purchase a digital SLR camera (once I can save up for it of course!).

Once purchased, my friend Marcie and I plan to take a photography course. I'm hoping you'll eventually be seeing some nicer shots on this blog one day. I am so excited!