The Past 3 Weeks...

Well, it seems to have gotten a little monotonous around here....all scrapbooking posts and really none about my everyday. I usually try to balance things out, but taking a peek back through my blog posts and I noticed that I am missing from my own blog. Definitely can't let that happen...right?!

I have been doing more with my life besides scrapping and blogging about scrapping. For starters, I finally registered my business with the state of New Jersey. It's called Photographic Memories Galore, LLC. An old college friend of mine is helping me get a website up and running. I still have lots to learn about running a business, but I'm working on it slowly but surely. In the mean time, I have come to the decision that I need to get a job to help pay off some of my debt until my business can sustain itself. I've been looking, but the job market is bleak to say the least! We all know that, though...don't we?

So let's play a little catch up!

Three weeks ago (May 21st), I attended Scrapbook Expo here in NJ. I was excited to see one of my fave shops, Creek Bank Creations there again. They always carry the best and most up to date products at the show. This year, the owner had me swooning over the vintage buttons (not recreations either)...the real deal...I bought 3 packages. I also fell head over heels for the actual vintage bingo cards and pieces.

I went there with a plan this year, so I didn't over spend. I definitely needed to get lots of new Pink Paislee stuff...that was a MUST; more bling from Want 2 Scrap (their packages of bling was only .99...and it's good quality stuff too...needless to say, I racked up just like last year); and I found lots of the new Girl's Paperie products. Can't wait to break those in.

I met one of my blog readers there while I was entering a project into the contest. HI KIM!!! I was in her presence for just a few minutes, but I loved her spirit and her bubbly personality.

This is what I walked away with...


The next day I drove to South Jersey with the boys and hung out with my sisters, my 2 nephews, and niece at the Fun Plex in Mount Laurel for my nephew Jaden's early 6th birthday celebration. Definitely had tons of fun...the indoor and outdoor raceway were my favorites!

At the end of the night we all ended up doubled over in laughter because this kid who worked there told Donovan no couldn't have a bear when he asked for one in the sweetest voice. He looked at Donovan and told him he was too old, but gave one to my nephew who's the same age as Donovan...but about 7 inches shorter. Through my laughter, I squealed out "they're the same age" and the guy, I guess felt badly, and gave Donovan one, too. He was so happy, he hugged his bear for the rest of the night.

We're still giggling about this especially since my sister was cracking jokes before we arrived at the funplex, saying that Donovan was going to be too big for the rides! BTW, he was too tall for the kiddie bumper cars, so my older nephew had to get on the big ones with him...LOL!


Not too long after that, I captured this photo of Xander. What is it with little boys and their mommy's shoes? He walked all the way from the living room to the kitchen in my wedges. I was on the phone with my friend Quina cracking up at him. She's camera crazy like me and reminded me to take his picture!

This is a blackmail picture to pull out during those pesky teenage years!



On the 25th of last month, I spent the day attending an event at B and H in NYC. We started at the event space gaining info from the folks from Canon and Wescott and pro photographer, Rick Sammon. Then we took a lunch break and caught the subway up to Central Park for a "shootout". It was hot as heck and just pure craziness! We were in groups of about 15 photographers of all different levels, in all different fields...all vying to get the perfect shot of the models that were provided for us. It was a great opportunity...and it was free!

Here's a straight out of the camera shot that I took that afternoon. Look to the left and you can see Rick Sammon's shirt sleeve and pant leg in the photo. I'm going to eventually have to get over my fear of photoshop and put it to use to salvage this picture.



I chaperoned Donovan's school trip to the farm on the 28th. I was surprised to see that he was willing to touch some of the animals...he WOULD NOT milk the cow, though no matter how much I pleaded. He's the one seen here with the striped shirt, petting the baby chick.

Donovan and I marched in my town's Memorial Day Parade on the 31st. We usually march with the OEM group that I volunteer with, but this year we marched with the soccer organization.

One of the reasons I love being home is that I get to spend lots of time watching this little guy grow up right before my eyes. They grow up so freaking fast and despite my financial woes, I am so happy for this opportunity.

I captured this on June 1st, the day after the "unofficial" start of summer while we were walking home from the playground.

Don't you just love those wildly swinging toddler arms?

I drove to South Jersey again on the 5th with the boys in tow. This time I went to my Aunt Jackie's house for a graduation BBQ. My cousin Sierra, her oldest child, graduated from high school and is heading to Howard U!

Yesterday, I attended Donovan's Field Day. His principal really outdid herself and all of the kids, parents, and teachers had a fantastic time!! There was a ton of food, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, lots of fun games, and music!

My little dancing machine...he has little rhythm, the only updated dance he can do is the jerk, but that doesn't stop him from shaking his thang!

Go 'head baby...dance like no one is watching...always...

I've had my sisters 3 kids since Wednesday night while she's in Punta Cana with her beau. My house is filled with two 14 year olds, two 6 year olds, and a 2 year old. The only time I hear quiet is when I'm asleep.

We had a few minor incidents, like my nephew watching Xander take a pair of playdoh scissors to Donovan's deodorant and then eat it (eeewww), my younger nephew's mouth hit the back of my older nephew's head and knocked out his tooth. Thankfully it was already loose! There was some blood, so I made him rinse with warm salted water. Donovan was kind enough to lend Jaden his pillow so he could leave his tooth under it for the tooth fairy. This morning, my niece woke up with a fever of 102.5. She was complaining that her joints hurt. She's14 and I had to take her temp with an underarm thermometer that I use for my kids. I gave her some children's Tylenol...because that what I have on hand and she's been sleeping all day long.

I took everyone, minus Xander, to see The Karate Kid yesterday. We all loved it!

...and of course I have to cart Donovan to his recreational activities, karate and soccer, six days a week! We went to his soccer game at 10:00 this morning. His team lost 3-1...so far his team has lost 3 games and tied 4 games...no wins yet...but there are still 2 games left in the season...here's hoping, right...

I'm about to make some spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread for everyone (remembering to leave some sauce without meat for my vegetarian niece) and attempt to clean my scrap room in preparation for the projects I'll have to create for CHA. My sister returns tomorrow to pick up her crew, so we'll be spending Sunday making sure everyone has their belongings and putting my house back in order!

This has been one long, photo heavy post...but that's the past 3 weeks of my life all summed up...

Later,