It's All Good

All about Greenwich - part one

2012-01-07T06:58:00.013-06:00

I AM THRILLED to be back in Greenwich. J and I moved here back in 2000 and had an apartment right on "the Ave". We walked everywhere and the best part was there was a French bakery underneath us and a Starbucks next to that. Every morning I woke up to the smell of pastry. It was awesome.

The thing I love MOST about it here is that it is so charming and so safe. I could walk on the street here at any hour and feel super safe. Also, there are business that have been here for years and also new things popping up all the time. I say it is the perfect amount of eye candy.

Here are some shots I got one morning after I dropped Brenna off.

This was taken at the point.

I just want to say I did not edit this picture in any way shape or form - I wouldn't know how! Look at that amazing sky...........

A view from the very top of "The Ave".

some lovely little stores...

that white building with the white awning is home of PASTA VERA and makes the best tri-colore salad with goat cheese I've ever tasted.

oh, Sephora....I love you!

Jonathon Adler is the new kid on the block. He has a "twenty - four hour pot dealer" sign in his window. whatever!?!?

The prettiest jewelry store ever. We purchased our watches there way back when we used to buy ourselves really nice things!

The view from the Lewis street intersection. There is a lot more to see......

Ralph Lauren's "Rugby" store. I have never been in, mostly because I'm not really a "dress.for.riding.in.the.country.clothing" kind of gal. Gorgeous window displays all year round though!

Our old block. Unless I walk, that Starbucks is impossible to get in-and-out of if you are in a rush.

Well, so there is a little introduction to our town. I've got a lot more to come!
Have a great weekend!!
xo
Chris

right now...

2012-01-06T07:54:00.000-06:00

It is 37 degrees!! Cold!

Praying for my MIL who is in the hospital with pneumonia.

Just finished making a hat last night with Jino for Brenna's "crazy hat day" at school - it is super cute!

Just finished these layouts:

This layout was a true labor of love. I think it took about 4 hours total which is about 3 hours too long for me, but I kept coming back to it. I love how it turned out. This was made from the Brooklyn Flea and Handmade kits from Studio Calico. That picture was our Christmas card picture this year. It feels like it's impossible to get both girls happy, smiling and looking at the camera at the same time!

Another SC kit layout here. Way more simple, I adore those buttons used on here and that sweet tag. Misted it in Dragonfly by Tattered Angels.

We are off to visit Brooke's new school that she is starting next week! I hope she loves it and they love her.

Have a blessed day!!

time for a bit of crafty.good.ness

2012-01-04T06:01:00.003-06:00

I've got a layout to share today. I did this for the color combos galore challenge.

As soon as I looked at the inspiration board, I wanted to embrace all the loveliness and pulled my inspiration from that.

I love this picture of Brooke. You will see a lot of layouts with this picture. It is true Brooke. So sweet yet naughty. She makes no apologies for it either. Lord - I love this child!!

Patterned paper: Studio Calico
Screen Print: Hambly
ribbon - unknown
Doilly - Martha Stewart
Paint - Jenni Bowlin
Chipboard letters: American Crafts
other: gems, crystals and siver pearls

Have a great day!
xo Chris

I'm back - for real for good......

2012-01-03T15:59:00.000-06:00

we made a big, HUGE mistake and moved our family and all our belongings to Sarasota Florida.

In the long and short of it, it was not for us.

What we now know:

We are New Englander's. We love clams and cold weather and rocky beaches.

We love living close to our family.

We love being able to get prosciuto at a moments notice and not have the deli person look at you like you have two heads when you ask for it.

I love calling my sister in law and saying "put the coffee on, I'm coming over", and be there in 15 minutes.

I love hearing the train.

I love being back in Greenwich. Right downtown. It's busy, and charming and safe.

I love that my mojo is back. That I want to create something with my hands every.single.day.

I love that we go to the BEST Church ever. Grace Community Church ROCKS!

I love that the Lord has blessed us so much and in so many ways - even more so it seems since we made it back.

I drove 1300 miles with two little girls who did AWESOME. Jeno drove the rental truck and thankfully, we were only seperated once in Maryland (cause they have some crazy roads!)

So that is it. If you are still here, I know, that is a lot to read.
Just wanted to say Hi!

xo
Chris

the inevitable....

2011-03-15T07:15:00.001-05:00

No matter how hard I try, taking Vitamin c and not kissing them on the lips, J and I have managed to catch whatever the heck the girls have.
Doesn't the good Lord know that if I'm down and out, then it's a free for all here?!? Like babies escaping the family room gates, opening boxes of cereal and having their way with them??

Poor Brenna was not herself on Friday when I picked her up from school, and by the time we were having dinner I could feel she had a fever. The next day she didn't get out of my bed, fevers returned as soon as the medicine wore off, she did not even to come down stairs. Brooke seemed fine, so we went for a ride to my dad's house to drop off a birthday card for my brother.

Fast forward to Sunday, Brooke wakes up with a 102 fever, coughing, crying, and J tells me he thinks he's coming down with "something". So I decided to miss church and take care of everyone. Last night was rough, everyone kept waking up for medicine and drinks and to put in complaints to Mama.
Hmmm, guess who woke up and felt like a truck hit her this morning? Yup, you guessed it. My back is hurting something fierce and my throat and chest feel raw. Not good! I can't even sit up straight! I think I have to break down and get some Nyquil or something to take stronger then advil.

I did however get this layout done on Friday night with my March Studio Calico kit. It is beautiful, with fun bits and pieces.

That bee stamp is so cute, I'm going to keep that forever!!

Well, I had better get some meds, juice and some much needed rest.

Just breathe......

2011-03-08T07:38:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was so super productive! I love accomplishing everything on my to-do list.

Jeno cooked, and after a record early dinner (4:45pm), we took a drive to see the swollen rivers around town. Some had clearly flooded and there is something so awesome about a river run wild. I guess it will be something I will miss about living in Connecticut.

After that, we wanted to kill some time, so we went to TJ Maxx and got the girls CAAUUUUTE Church clothes. Matching little outfits. Those days are going to be far and few between, so I might as well get my fix in. (well, that is what I told J when he gave me the eye roll when showing him the outfits). And I got a pair of black flats. yay!! And while I was trying on shoes, Brooke cleared off an entire shelf of size nines. woops!

The BIG NEWS for the day is that Brooke said three new words. She's been slow to talk but tonight she said eyes, nose and mouth. Up until now it's been No No No and why in here sweet as can be voice.

I made this little page to document her last month. And, again more Candy Shoppe happiness here!

Oh I love this girl! She is so kissable and lovely and I so enjoy her. She is a mess and gets into EVERYTHING! When my friends tell me to bring her over, I usually ask them to up their insurance policy - and I'm serious! She is like a tornado entering a room every time!
Well, I am off to run some errands and enjoy the day! I hope you have a fun filled day!!
xo Chris

Isn't it something...

2011-03-07T09:02:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, at Church, we heard how the prophesy of Jesus Christ was linked throughout the Bible, the exact scriptures all linked back to Abraham. For the record, I was raised a Catholic and went to private Catholic school for eight years, and never once was the body of Christ / sacrament ever explained to me like it was yesterday. Now, I'm not knocking the Catholic Church in any way shape or form - let me just say that, But, when they gave us the sacrament, we had to hold it until a certain scripture, and the entire time, I was reflecting about how the apostles must have felt when Jesus gave it to them at the last supper. This was his body and blood, did they understand what it meant? I looked down at my little piece of bread and wine (grape juice) and I had a moment of pure grace. I think it was the first time I practiced Eucharisteo and told the Lord, thank you for giving me you. Isn't that something?

Then we came home from Church, and the grocery store and napped for four hours! Jeno made us one of our favorites for dinner, pork chops with potatoes and vinegar peppers. It was delish!

On Friday night, I participated in some of the Jenni Bowlin crop challenges. I love timed challenges, they really push me to move my butt and to not over think a page. I love this first one and look how simple it is! All made from scraps too! For this one we had to use a quote:

and this one had to be about me:

Both were made from the February Studio Calico kit, Candy Shoppe and the add ons.

Well, I have a HUGE to do list ahead of me and I love nothing more than crossing off items on it. Today feels like it's going to be very productive!!

I hope you have a great day!!

xo
Chris

four on friday

2011-03-04T08:24:00.006-06:00

Right now

Just her and I, no makeup or shower yet, hair pulled back. Au natural.

The house is quiet and the dishes from breakfast await me. Homemade chocolate chip and pecan waffles and freshly cut pineapple, mango and strawberries. They loved it!

A layout:

Finished reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp last night. Loved it. Inspiring faith.

The office needs a cleaning, especially my desk:

Just a quick post! Off to tackle the office and dishes, and some shipping and the most important thing of all, Miss Brooke.

Hope you have a great weekend!!

Chris

I would want to know about this...And a giveaway

2011-03-03T09:42:00.003-06:00

Okay, those who read my blog, know that I never advertise anything we sell on eBay. In this case however, since most readers are women, fabulous savvy creative women, I thought this was worth sharing. Believe me if my friend were selling crazy cool designer items, such as:

Jimmy Choo boots, Prada boots, Current Elliot jeans, Elizabeth & James boots, Stuart Weitzman shoes, Prada shoes, Gucci shoes, Prada jeans, Donald Pilner bags, Ralph Lauren black label clothing, Made & crafted Levi's jeans and so MUCH MORE at a fraction of the original price....I would want to know.

I have just received hundreds of designer shoes, jeans, bags and accessories and i'm loading up my ebay. If you would like to see the listings, please check out this link:

http://shop.ebay.com/she_does_designer/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

I have 100% feedback, I combine on shipping and take precise measurements!

And of course if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

For my blog readers and friends only, I will take $5.00 off the shipping of even just one item!! Just shoot me an email to let me know that you read about the shipping discount here!!

Have a great day!!

Chris

In the thick of it....

2011-03-01T19:06:00.002-06:00

The terrible two's that is. No lie, the day she turned 20 months she has started this crying - for - two - hours - a - day - business. And, she won't sit in her high chair, nooo that is just not good enough and for the love of Pete, don't try to help her eat. Big mistake, like HUGE. She has her own agenda and we had better get on board!!

Last night when I was trying to wash dishes and clean up she was having a major meltdown and was just screaming/crying so badly. I have no idea what the problem was, but I had to stop and just hold her for fear of a neighbor calling Child Services - it's that bad. Poor thing, I held her for about 20 minutes and she calmed down. I pray that this passes quickly.

I do love to comfort her, she is still letting me know she needs me. She is still a baby, my very big baby! She loves to be held a lot, and minus the screaming in my ear, I love it. Her breath warm against my face, sweet pudgy hands holding onto my neck. Those blue eyes like the sky in heaven, she melts me so.

Because, you know, they grow too fast. Brenna who is 3 months away from the big six, has her first loose tooth. She was so excited when I told her it wasn't a toothache, she was jumping up and down! Jeno and I just looked at each other and didn't have to say a word. We knew what each other was thinking, "where has the time gone?" . Too fast!

These plus so more are the reasons I scrapbook. To capture and hold onto memories, stories for later. I don't want to forget how excited she was by a wiggly little tooth.

I have a few more Candy Shoppe layouts to share, thanks for hanging in there!!

because she really is:)

and, well, my reason for everything!

Well, I hope you have a beautiful day!
xo
Chris

the flu - part deux

2011-02-25T07:24:00.000-06:00

Brooke now has it. fun! Poor Brenna started the other night at 1:50 am and less then one minute later Brooke was standing on my bed throwing up too.

Boy I cleaned like a maniac all day yesterday! It seemed to be out of their systems within 24 hours but, oh the poor babies! I made jello and soup and let the ginger ale go flat just like my mom did for me when I was a kid.

Something happened as I was carrying Brenna to the bathroom. I gave thanks. As in Lord, thank you that I get to be a caring nurturing mother to these babes. Thank you for these children. thank you THAT I have the privilege of cleaning up this mess. I am so grateful that I have these girls, grateful that I had no problems conceiving, and that they are the perfect little creatures that they are. While about a year ago I would have been complaining under my breath, giving thanks felt right.

I find myself giving thanks through out my day and life has become wonderful. I know or knew I was blessed before, but I came to the realization that if I'm complaining about "having" to clean the house or "having" to get the kids ready or fed or whatever, well, it just doesn't sound very thankful. And I am most definitely thankful. I've started reading a wonderful little book that was the icing on my "trying to be the best Christian/wife/mother/sister/friend" I could be - cake. When I read that one line "Eucharisteo always precedes the miracle" it clicked. I got it. Ann Voskamp is a poet, a Christian poet and her words have been sewn into my soul.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled programming. Scrapbooking. Yay! More candy shoppe, more layouts. Today when Brooke napped, I came down and got one layout done that I'm loving. It's about a 12 year old me. Ha! I don't have many of those and well, I'm glad I did it!

Here it is!

and one about this girl, who has my heart and who I adore!

and I wanted to share this sweet picture of Brooke. She's actually resting, which doesn't happen too often.

It's usually a little more like this with her:

She keeps me on my feet, this one!

Well, it's time to start another day. Brenna is off from school on a vacation day and it's pjs and waffles to start!
Hope you have a blessed day!
xo
Chris

just loving all things Candy Shoppe!

2011-02-22T07:04:00.000-06:00

I really look forward to getting my monthly kit from Studio Calico, but this month, February, this is hands down my favorite kit ever! It is filled with all things pretty and lovely and I refuse to waste one bit of paper!

I'll share these that celebrate my precious girls. Oh, how I love them!!

The story behind this is Brenna's Sunday school teacher, Julia, approached me after to tell me how bright Brenna is and how impressed she is with her knowledge of Jesus. I was so happy that I could not have stopped smiling if you paid me!

This one here is for the Studio Calico Sunday sketch.

There is so much catching up to do on documenting my Brooke. I thought I would start with her crazy baby personality.

This picture just took my breath away. Six is just around the corner and more often than not, I'm wishing she was a small baby in my arms again. I feel like I blinked and she is so grown up. I'm crazy about this kid!!

Well there you have it! Aren't the products in here just delicious?!

I will try with all my might to be back with more layouts from Candy Shoppe.

Hope your day is filled with all things sweet!

Chris

it's looking alot like....

2011-02-10T08:06:00.005-06:00

Valentine's Day! I love everything associated with this day.

The pink and red and white, hearts and glitter and of course the sweet treats!

Last year I made this banner for the house. It has been up since New Year's Day!

It was super easy and fun to make.

Another reason I love Valentine's Day is that I love to make and give out handmade Valentine's. I had planned on putting them on etsy.com but somehow, time escaped me.

Here are a few:

and some new layouts I have completed:

and that is it for today.

Planning on taking Brooke to a local children's museum that has a play area just for her age. This baby needs some serious exercise!

I am also so relieved that my knee was fine when I woke up the day after my fall. The rest of my body feels like I was hit by a truck, but I think that is God's way of saying that I need to start working out.

I'll be back with a mini book tomorrow!

Have a blessed day!

Chris

My knee is hurting........

2011-02-09T07:35:00.001-06:00

because I tripped and feel directly on it then the rest of me fell flat on my face. Literally.

I was trying to get out of the car to put my jacket on and the diaper bag (which is black) has really long straps and was around my black ugg boot and since they are big and loose, I never realized it was wrapped around my foot. And when I felt it I kept going forward, almost fighting it, not bothering to look down, not that I would have been able to tell since we were in a under covered parking, and down I went. As I was going down, I just saw my two girls watch me go down. It hurt immediately but since I was schkeiving the fact that I was laying on the ground in Queens picturing the millions of feet and car oil under my nice black and white shirt, I got up quickly. I wanted the girls to know I was okay. Jeno missed it since it happened when he was paying the parking meter. He came back and I was crying and was like "Uh I was gone for a minute, what the heck happened to you?" My hands are scraped and my knee is a mess and my chest hurts too - but I'm grateful that it isn't worse. Thank you Lord!

On the way back, I wanted to stop at Michael's in Port Chester. It is 100 times better then the store I usually go to, and Jeno felt bad about my accident so I limped around to the scrapbooking section and treated my injured self to a Martha Stewart hydrangea punch and the new Smooch Spritz and some masks by Hampton Art. Hoping to play a little and try the new goods out!

Speaking of Martha Stewart, I promised a book giveaway a few weeks back....and I'm offering the Martha Inc book. Hardcover. I will ship it anywhere in the US. So if you are interested in this, leave a comment and check back on Friday to see who the winner is and make sure I can get in touch with you.

I will be back tomorrow with some Valentine's Day cards.
Hope you have a great day!!
xo
Chris

Come back Monday!!

2011-01-21T12:59:00.002-06:00

We have had more snow than I can tolerate so I have had my hands and time busy keeping the girls happy! I promise to come back Monday with layouts and the first of many book giveaways here on my blog!!

We are off enjoying yet another snow day from school!!!!!!
Have a great weekend see you Monday!!
xo
Chris

Monday Monday and the first book giveaway

2011-01-10T07:16:00.000-06:00

Good morning!!

We got lots of snow on Friday. Pretty, fluffy, winter wonderland kind of snow.

We got the girls dressed (which took at least 20 minutes) and headed out side. The loved it. We pulled them in their sleds and made a huge snowman that greets us when we leave our front door.

Do you ever feel like when Monday comes, it's a huge relief? I do! Especially after a three day - stuck in the house because of the cold and the snow- weekend?

I love Mondays. Brenna goes to school, I clean house, early dinner, homework, early bedtimes etc.

So with said Mama being stuck in the house, on the weekends I enforce "quiet time" once a day when Brooke naps. Brenna can either color, play with Barbies or watch tv. She usually does all three but she is quiet and that's just fine! I usually take that time to read in bed with a cup of tea or sneak down to my office/scraproom. It is my time. Not to fold laundry, not to clean - just for me to create and check out blogs, etc. I always feel refreshed and ready to go again!!

I've been in the mood to not only scrap but make cards for Valentine's Day! I have some tags that I made that are just sweet little fun bits. They would be perfect for adding to a bag of chocolate treats or goodies. I'll be adding some of these tags to my etsy shop!

Tomorrow I'll be sharing some new layouts and I'll be doing the first of many book giveaways here on my blog. I usually get books at tag or estate sales and rather than toss them, I will be giving them away!

Hope you have a fantastic start to your week!

Chris

TGIF!

2011-01-07T08:48:00.006-06:00

I am happy to be warm and cozy sitting here in my house and watching the snow fall! We made the executive decision to keep Brenna home so I don't have to drive on the narrow and steep roads to get her to school for three hours.

I just finished two layouts I thought I would share!

My favorite thing (right now) is clustering embellishments. Love how this turned out. My sweet girl is getting so big!

supplies used: Making Memories and Teresa Collins pp, Basic Grey borders, Glimmer Mist in tutti-frutti, Maya Road stick pin, Tattered Angels chipboard wings, Making Memories sequined heart and Dear Lizzy chipboard glittered alphas.

Another Brenna layout, but don't worry, there are just as much for Brooke! This took about 20 minutes to do from start to finish. love that!

Supplies: Bazzill Basics Cardstock, Sassafrass pp (i think!), paint by Apple Barrel, Chipboard letters unknown, decorative tape by Basic Grey, and Making Memories butterflies. The stitching is actually done by my handy dandy Sharpie.

One of my new year intentions is to just take pictures! I broke my lens on my Nikon over a year ago, and we ended up purchasing a cheapy little Kodak for eBay and such but it was a huge bust at getting good pictures of the kids. So on Christmas morning, Brooke thought she'd keep things interesting (because opening tons of gifts isn't enough fun) and took Jeno's cup of coffee and dumped it right onto the camera. Adios! My sister in law came to my rescue and has let me borrow her Canon until I buy another lens for my Nikon and I love how it takes pictures! What a huge difference!

I snapped these on New Year's Day:

Gee, they are so pretty!! Don't you think?

I'm heading upstairs to play with the kids. Baby dolls, polly pockets and dominos are waiting!!

Have a great day and stay safe!!

Chris

and just like that

2011-01-01T16:44:00.004-06:00

it's a new year!

In years past, I've always fought with depression around this time of year. Always right after the holidays, especially last year. I don't know why and try as I might, it was dark.

I'm happy to report that I don't feel that way at ALL this year. I feel great and I'm in a great place with my faith, my family my creative efforts and that is because of two things. One is watching Joyce Meyer every morning and really focusing on my faith before I set out on my day. The second is, PMDD medication which is basically Prozac, but it's a small dose and it's made a HUGE difference in me.

I have a huge list of intentions/resolutions for 2011. My word is PROSPER. And I know that I can do all things through Christ. I haven't done a true "list" in years, but I do indeed to prosper, and it will be a reminder of my accomplishments as the year progresses.

Part of that list is some big plans for the blog. Really put it out there, share and hopefully enjoy it in the process too. If you have been a follower, a patient one at that, please come back so I can make it worth your while!!

And because I can't live without posting a picture in every post, here is my first picture of 2011.

The lovely Brenna and her mischievous little helper, Brooke.

So, friends, Happy New Year! 2011 is going to be fantastic and meaningful and filled with purpose! God Bless!!

love,

Chris

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-13T07:25:00.001-06:00

Hello there!!

Where in the world does the time go in between my blog posts. Uggh, it annoys me to no end!

We are ready for Santa here in the Dodaj household. We have prepared a letter, have presents wrapped, have half a decorated tree (Brooke!!), and lots of lights up all around the house. It looks so pretty!

I'm ready to bake, I have a mock list for the grocery store and a cabinet ready to hold the goodies. I love this part about the holiday, baking kind of finishes the deal for me. I love driving to pass out the cookies sharing some holiday cheer.

I HAVE to mail my Mom's gifts out on Monday so they get to her in time, other than that just really enjoying my girls and the Christmas spirit.

I'm leaving you with my trademark Christmas cookie. Everyone LOVES these and I make hundreds of them.

Dirty Snowballs

1/2 cup p. sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter
2 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips
extra powered sugar for rolling

cream butter, salt, vanilla and sugar together
add flour 1/2 cup at a time
finally add pecans and chocolate chips

refrigerate dough for 1 hour. If you want to do this ahead of time - wrap the dough in plastic wrap.

set oven to 325
roll teaspoon size balls and place on cookie sheet

bake 8 - 10 minutes. They do not turn golden brown. Touch to see if they have set. Immediately roll in p. sugar 4 times and place on cooling rack.

I store mine in air tight containers in about 1/2 inch of powered sugar.

Enjoy!!

I'll be back tomorrow with some handmade Christmas cards to share.

Close, but no cigar :(

2010-11-19T05:08:00.001-06:00

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed about not making Teresa Collins' design team. I'm sure it was a difficult decision and I'm happy for the girls that got it.

When I told Jeno, he came up, wrapped his arms around me and said that there is always next time. He's right!

So I will share what I did make for the design team try outs.

And there you have it!

I'm going to have a fun day with my little one and my Sister in law Val for a little holiday shopping.

And, get ready for my kids free Saturday night. My Sister in law (not Val - she knows better) Vjollca is going to have her hands full. Brookie is BUSY and will deconstruct any room no time flat. And, when she wakes up in the middle of the night looking for me.....umm....I don't even want to warn her :) She may back out.

So I'll just keep my fingers crossed that Brooke behaves herself!
Hope you have a fun weekend!

Got any plans?

Chris

Pinch me!

2010-11-17T15:02:00.002-06:00

I was chosen to as a finalist for the Teresa Collins design team. I was reading the names and there was Jeno Dodaj. Hmmm, I don't think so mister!! We have an email confusion thingy but no it is me!!

When I read that Teresa was going to have the dt contest, I jumped at the chance. I looooove her products. I only had four sheets of her patterned paper and 1 pack of chipboard so I had to make it work. I have to say in all the years i've been scrapbooking, making the three layouts I submitted were almost effortless and I did all three in about 2 hours. And all three are now on my favorite pages list of all time.

Now the waiting game.... So my prayers have been sent, I'm thinking positive thoughts and am ready to receive this opportunity should I be chosen.

I

Plain ol' gratitude

2010-11-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

For lack of a witty, wonderful keep 'em coming back post, I have a list of things I'm grateful for

my family. Jeno is the love of my life, and I can't think of life without him. My girls are well, the air that fills my lungs. I have a love for them, that words can't describe.

Friends. Val, Jenny, Yvette - My besties are really my heart. We are all different and complicated in our own right but love and respect each other. These girls lift me up and make me laugh till my sides hurt. Never judging, always pure friendship.

My house. It's warm and safe and has been a haven for us since "the tree". I'm looking forward to decorating for Christmas.

Scrapbooking. I love it. The paper, the adhesive, the embellishments and most of all the friendships I have made because of it.

My faith. Stronger every day, the Lord has blessed my life. I am grateful.

Stuff. Like my keurig machine. love that I can have a cup of tea or coffee within a minute of turning the machine on. genius. Also, dvr seriously life changing! Disposable diapers. I can't imagine that duty any other way.

for Opportunities. Like packing up and moving to a different part of the country. Not going to be an easy thing to do leaving 99% of my family and friends, but it will be better for my family of four.

well, those are things I'm thinking about today. And because I can't post with out a photo, here is one of my favorites:

Hope your day is lovely!

Halloween recap, December daily and the 21 day challenge..

2010-11-06T07:19:00.005-05:00

Morning!! It's a crisp fall morning here and the heat is definitely on! I begged Jeno to pick up some firewood, so in the mood for a fire!
We had a fun Halloween, the girls were a witch (Brenna) and a devil (Brooke)

getting a good picture of her these days is like getting a winning lottery ticket. Always moving!

if you follow Rhonna Farrer http://rhonnadesigns.blogspot.com/ she is hosting her annual 21 day challenge. I've decided to take part in this and day one went well. It is personal so I'm not going to put it out there just yet but I am hopeful that I will succeed!

it is officially 49 days until Christmas! I love the holidays and plan on documenting them with my December daily album. I basically made this from scratch, and I used my very neglected bind-it-all machine. So here are the cover and first page:

I'm trying to follow http://aliedwards.com/2010/11/december-daily-2010-qa.html Ali's rule of keeping it simple and it not being about the decorating and about the story.

Well, I have to get breakfast for the girls! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Chris

tuesday offerings

2010-10-26T06:07:00.002-05:00

We are enjoying way warm weather here...in the 70s and it's divine! Warm weather and gorgeous foliage is a great combo. Yesterday Brooke and I were out doing errands and I think I must of ooohhhed and ahhhed only 100 times. Fall is by far the most beautiful season here in New England. I shot this last weekend and they have really turned since then!

I am beyond excited for the chance to try out for the Teresa Collins design team. Her beautiful products really speak to the girly girl in me and are perfect when scrapping the two girliest girls of them all, three if you count me! Keep your fingers crossed and perhaps put a kind thought out into the univerise for me - it would be a dream come true!!

On a creative note, I have been playing with some door hangers here, I loooove me some Melissa Frances and these were both fun and easy to put together! The Halloween one is just tons of layering, stamping on glimmer mists and mister hueys and it's hanging in our little Halloween display among the rest of the spooky goodness.

Halloween Hanging:

supplies here are : My Minds Eye stamps, Martha Stewart stickers, chipboard, Tattered Angels glimmer mists and SC Mister Hueys, Memriemare vintage seem bindings and vintage lace

Melissa Frances vintage kit, House of Three Parisian Anthology stamps, Tattered Angels glimmer mists, vintage lace, memriemare vintage seem bindings, vintage buttons, jute and MME patterned paper

more of the same here with a Maya Road pearl stick pin, House of 3 patterned paper (distressable) love...

Well that is all for today!

Hope your day is sweet!

Remember how I said

2010-10-25T07:23:00.000-05:00

I was going to Typepad?? Well I've decided to stay here.
So I hope you keep checking in and ofcourse, leave a comment if you wish! It always makes my day :)

In order of importance, long overdue pics of the girls.

She is such a character and and has so much energy, I wish I could bottle it! She is a total Mama's girl and I won't tell you I don't love it. Her still...wanting to be near me every second, kissing and cuddling 24/7. It's a gift.

And her Sissy is adjusting to kindergarden just fine! She is always writing words and is always at her desk coloring. She is excited for Halloween, still not sure what she is going to be. Either Tinkerbell or a spooky witch! Stay tuned!!

And some new cards going up on etsy. I'm enjoying playing with layers and fun details. I've really missed making cards. I used the new HOUSE OF THREE Parisian Anthology stamp set on this. fun!! And..glimmer mists, a Maya road envelope, distressed ink, sequins and some lace and seem binding from MemrieMare http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemrieMare on etsy.

And Christmas cards on etsy too. More are in the process of being made. They'll be listed here soon, hopefully right after I post this! My store link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetchristine413

These were made using some Papertrey Ink stamps (love...), Making Memories Slice, Maya Road snowflakes, KI Memories papers, tags and mist and ofcourse more beautiful seem binding Memriemare. http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemrieMare

I have to get some recipes in order for Brenna's school spooktacular, I'm baing for the bake sale and the treat bags are....adorable!

So that is it for this fine Monday morning.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

i've moved

2010-08-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

and this is where you can find me! Hope to see you there!

http://christinedodaj.typepad.com

xo
Chris

AND, I'M BACK....

2010-08-16T11:48:00.004-05:00

Hello Again, are you in shock i'm back so quickly?!?!

I have a couple of things I thought were worth sharing!

first up are cute recent pictures of the girls. We spent last week going to a pool everyday and I got BURNED bigtime but it was worth it!

Brooke, such a little gem.

And those eyes. Seriously could stare at her face constantly!

Katherine and Brenna taking a quick break long enough for me to get a quick picture!

Me and my sweet girl! Need more shots of me with the girls for sure!

And, currently cooking this amazing soup. Light, lowfat, delicious and full of clams!

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Ingredients:

2 - 28 oz of chopped clams
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
2 cups finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
3/4 cup diced carrot
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/4 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
1 cup chicken stock
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes,
1/4 cup chopped parsley leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt

Directions:
In a large stockpot bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add clams and juice in cans, cover and cook for 5 minutes. If not, add enough water to bring the volume up to 6 cups.) Set clams and broth aside.

In a large heavy pot add bacon and render until golden and crispy. Pour off all fat except 4 tablespoons. Add onions, celery, bell pepper and carrots and cook for 10 minutes, until vegetables are softened. Do not allow to color.

Add garlic, bay leaves, oregano, thyme and crushed red pepper and cook an additional 2 minutes. Increase heat to high and add potatoes, reserved clams and broth, and chicken stock and bring to a boil, covered. Cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the broth has thickened somewhat. Add tomatoes and continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and add reserved clams and parsley and season with pepper and salt, if necessary. Allow chowder to sit for up to 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, then reheat slowly over low fire if necessary.

We serve it with crusty italian bread and butter. So delicious!

I'll be back tomorrow with a Chinese Chicken Salad recipe and so new layouts and mixed media stuff I've been working on.

Have a great day!!

Well Hello There :)

2010-08-07T09:53:00.007-05:00

I know, it's been soooo long.

Summer is flying by, way too quickly.We have been seriously so super busy with birthdays and family events that it's taken up practically every weekend so far.Both girls celebrated their birthdays and both were so fun!Here are some recent photos of my two lovelies

Brenna on her graduation day from pre -K

and Brooke's one year photo.

So cute, they make my heart happy every second! Brooke has chilled out and is really fun now. I've been letting her cry at night which is heart-wrenching for me, but I have to break her from her little agenda. She wants me all the time!

Brenna is so excited to start kindergarten. I am in love with her little school and know she will love it too! We said goodbye to her nursery school last week, and we all cried. They were so good to her and our family when we had the tree disaster, and will miss seeing them everyday.

I've been cooking up a super storm lately! I'm on Weight Watchers and so far I have lost 4.2 pounds. I haven't had a chance to weigh in in over two weeks, but I'm feeling pretty good.

Hmmmmm, what else???? Crafty stuff has included some painting on canvas, a little altered art and layouts.

my new favorite layout. EVER!

I don't know why or how my bold and underline is on, so excuse my ignorance!!

I plan on posting more often and even including some challenges and new recipes, so i hope you will come back soon!

chris

what do you think??

Do you know what today is?

2010-06-09T08:46:00.003-05:00

Today is World APS Day.

My sweet sister in law lost her twin brother, Jason, suddenly from this awful and mostly unknown disease.

Please take a moment to read here and if you have it in your heart, say a prayer for Tarra. Every day since Jason's passing has been so very tough for her. I admire how hard she is working to bring knowledge about APS.

What is Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS)? APS is associated with recurrent clotting events (thrombosis) including premature stroke, repeated miscarriages, phlebitis, venous thrombosis (clot in the vein) and pulmonary thromboembolism (blockage of an artery found in the lung due to a clot that has traveled from a vein). It is also associated with low platelet or blood elements that prevent bleeding. Recently, however, even more disease states have been linked with APL including premature heart attack, migraine headaches, various cardiac valvular abnormalities, skin lesions, abnormal movement/chorea, diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases of the eye that can lead to visual loss and blindness.APS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies against them. There are two known forms of APS. APS may occur in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, other autoimmune disease, or in otherwise healthy individuals. Sadly, when most people hear about APS and it being referred to as autoimmune disease, they incorrectly confuse the terms autoimmune with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS); or they think this is a form of cancer.Women are more likely than men to be affected by APS. Some estimates say that 75% to 90% of those affected are women. For example, it has been estimated by some doctors that one third of all of young strokes (defined as under the age of 50) are due to APS.In obstetrics it is estimated by some doctors that up to 25% of all women with 2 or more spontaneous miscarriages have APS. Some doctors believe that 1 in 5 of all Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and even worse, amputations are due to APS. And it is believed that 40-50% of patients with Lupus also have APS. Still, with these statistics, APS rarely is discussed as a women’s health issue and is misdiagnosed often. Therefore the total number of people affected and true statistics are unknown really.

I hope you have an amazing day!

Chris

Forgive me!!

2010-05-29T10:22:00.003-05:00

Julie won the giveaway, I contacted her and the goodies are going out next week!

We are in full birthday preparation for the coming week. Some how my sweet baby girl is ready turn five. FIVE!! It feels like yesterday I was bringing her home and putting 0-3 month clothes and she was swimming in them.

She has been such a wonderful child, so healthy, happy and just wonderful. She is strong willed and sensitive a perfect little lady.

When I think of how much I love her, my heart feels like it will burst. And in a few months she is going to kindergarten. God help me. How am I going to hold myself together that day?!?

I'm leaving you with a picture of my sweet birthday girl and me!

Hope you have a great long weekend!

Happy Memorial Day!!

Chris

Happy TGIF!!

2010-05-21T07:44:00.006-05:00

Monday seems soooo long ago! Where did the week go?

Back before kids, I was ALWAYS early and on time. I was the one on Friday nights that was always ready and waiting for my friends to pull it together! Ha! How those days have changed!!

I promised I would be back with my give away, and I'm late! Lots of cool products, lots of Studio Calico papers plus some new SEI and Fancy Pants patterned papers, a Studio Calico stamp plus Hambly and SEI rub ons and some fun vintage ribbons and lace and new Studio Calico buttons.- all new stuff!

Blogger isn' t cooperating so I'll try and up load a photo after!

Open to US residents only!!

I'll try and get picture up and loaded but for now, leave a comment and I will pick a winner on Saturday. I'm going to leave you with new pictures of the girls!

Hope you have a fantastic day!!

I {heart} Mondays and other fun stuff

2010-05-17T08:18:00.004-05:00

I really do. Both kids at school and daycare, a quiet empty house ready for me to clean it. Time to work on my menus for the week, grocery list and my goals and errands to do.
There is something very hopeful about Mondays for me too. The chance to catch up with so many days ahead. love it!

It seems like May starts off birthday season around here. And other occasions too.
Last week we had a birthday at the zoo then a bbq at my brother's house. This weekend we had another birthday and a bbq. Such fun. We still have a birthday this Friday, a confirmation on Saturday and a tag sale on Sunday. June is filled with Brenna's birthday, Matthew's baptism and Brooke's first birthday. By July, I'll need a break!

My youngest brother is leaving for Iraq soon and we are trying to squeeze time in with him as often as possible. It is totally freaking me out, but I KNOW he will be back. I know it. It still sucks and I don't like it, but I wouldn't dare tell him that. We were thinking of doing a family blog so he can see pics of the girls and videos of all of us. I think not being able to say, Come over for dinner, or just shooting the shit on the phone with him at any given time is tough for me too. He mentioned that he has to wear a bullet proof vest like 24/7 over there kind of brought it back to how serious the situation is over there really is. I made this layout for his scrapbook:

Well, time to get moving here. I can't sit around on the computer when there is complete silence here. Things are begging to be done!

I'm doing a huge giveaway this week, filled with lots of stuff from my Studio Calico kits and other scrapbook goodies. Check back, I'm thinking Wednesday will be the day!

Have a great day!

insert witty title here

2010-05-04T09:02:00.004-05:00

cause I'm not feeling creative at all!

Probably a good thing as I have a TON to do today! And none if it is on the creative front!!
It is however a gorgeous day, going up to 78! Love this weather! Feels like a real treat after last years rainy spring summer and fall.

We celebrated our 11th anniversary on Sunday, and he forgot. I finally let him know via Brenna around 6 and he practically flew down the stairs to apologize then he conveniently ran out get gas aka a cake and such. Honestly it is fine, I guess if I wanted him to make a big deal I would have been reminding him round the clock, but that isn't how we roll in our relationship.

We did go for pizza for lunch to one of our favorite spots. Frank Pepe's in Fairfield which is truly authentic new haven pizza - coal fired. If you ever come to CT you must try this pizza - you will want it over and over again!

and somehow I forgot to take a picture of the pizza, except for the piece Brooke stole off my plate! Even she loved this stuff!

And a little layout love:

Well, friends, please don't forget to say hi! It's so lonely not knowing you are there! Are you there?

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

2010-05-01T11:28:00.005-05:00

We won't even discuss the blog blip. I know. two months....It's all Brooke's fault.

I have been scrapping my heart out since last night. I really wish I had a place to go to scrap with other scrappers, but my dining room will have to do!

Speaking of Brooke, she turned 10 months this week and is 17 pounds! She is waving, clapping and scooting all over the place! In true Dodaj fashion, my babies just don't crawl. Maybe they don't want to get their hands dirty? That's it!

Brenna is growing like a weed and is such a love. She is my saving grace some days! I don't think I could love her one ounce more, my heart is just so full. Both my girls, pure heaven.

So being that it is NSD, I should show some of the layouts I've been working on!

The first is my new beautiful nephew, Matthew. Born April 6th and was huge! 9 pounds 11 ounces. I was asked to be his Godmother and I'm honored and delighted! I finally have a man in my life who won't talk back to me, hehe!

Well, I am going to clean up my huge mess. Hope your day is special!

Chris

eight months ago....

2010-02-26T09:27:00.001-06:00

We welcomed this beautiful baby girl.

and some days have been wonderful

some days have down right, stunk.

but we are learning and still getting used to eachother

and we are having fun

and before we knew it, she was 8 months old

how did that happen? Now she has 2 teeth on the bottom, is sitting up like a big girl, loves cherrios and sweet potato puffs and pretty much anything that isn't baby food.

Here is to 8 wonderful months of you!

We love you so!!

some crafty stuff

2010-02-25T09:06:00.003-06:00

Most of you know I scrapbook, and I love it, I really love getting kits in the mail each month. This month I received my Studio Calico kit plus an add on. So far, I've come up with these:

ahh, some ppd ramblings,I feel so much better since I got this layout done,my heart doesn't feel this heavy anymore, thank God!

ahh, some banner love, I want to make banners morning noon and night!

ode to Nana. Miss her so much. Why does Hawaii have to be so far from us??

Chocolate covered strawberries and marshmellows - need I say more?

Just docmenting one of the times we got snow. We've gotten close to 2 feet this year with another storm on it's way today. joy!

sweetness for sure. Brenna girl is my love. Sometimes we butt heads, but she is so much like me, how can I not love her for that even more?

Other than that just trying to pass the days, doing some reading, playing with the girls and watching the Olympics. Planning on making some potato leek soup later while the snow falls. Life is good.

Hope you are having a great week!

xo
Chris

hello from the land of sick....and snow

2010-02-16T10:46:00.000-06:00

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day!! We went to Joe's Shanghai in Queens for soup dumplings and scallion pancakes and it was wonderful. I think I could eat those every day for the rest of my natural born life.

Alli - week 3, down 8 pounds. sweet! I have even made an effort to walk. Despite living in the arctic.

I usually bundle up Brooke and head to Cove and do two-four miles depending on the temps.

All us girls have had a lovely cold with lots of flem thanks to Brenna. Jeno has been lucky enough to escape it!

Poor Brooke is a total Mama's girl, even more so when she isn't feeling well. At close to 8 months, she loves to be held until she falls to sleep. Yes, I know, I am creating a little monster, but if you could hear the scream on this child, you would hold her too. Plus, she's damn cute to look at up close and personal like that.

Brenna is as independent as they come. She wants to what she wants when she wants and how she wants. If she wants to paint, she does it. Even if it means breaking into my Claudine Hellmuth paints (which are not washable in any way shape or form - FYI) and knocking herself out. Trust me, I walked into the kitchen to find her and a sea of teal foaming out of my sink. Then I turned around to see where the actual damage took place. My Valentine's Day red table cloth.

PERFECT.

She knew I was PO'd cause she kept saying "mama don't be mad at me" so I told her it was wrong and that she was going to buy me a new table cloth from her money in her Hello Kitty wallet. At first she was adamant about not using her money and I explained that she ruined something of mine so she would have to replace it. So she says, "then you won't be mad at me???" and I say "I'm not, just a little disappointed, you should have asked", and she says, "you would have said no, you are ALWAYS busy with baby Brooke".

Break my heart. She was probably right.

So I didn't have her replace it, in fact we saved the red one for when she wants to paint, and we are painting together even more, and she is very talented.

Leave it to a four year old to give me a life lesson.

I'll leave you with a few newer pics of the princesses.

Have a lovely day!!
xo!!
Chris

Perhaps

2010-01-24T10:08:00.000-06:00

I'm the worst blogger ever.
I know. It's true.

Happy belated, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.

For the sake of getting back into it. Check out my lovely girls:

Brenna is now 4 1/2 and Brooke who, by the way is giving me her "come save me face" is now almost 7 months.

It has been way harder then I imagined. I find solace in my bathroom where, at least 2 times a day, I take a time out. Sometimes I read, or just run the water and close my eyes. I also have to lock the door. Sad but true.

I've started a new journey too. I'm on the road to losing weight. I started Alli, clean eating, WW (for tracking) PLUS walking into my life. I've also given up smoking - even one here or there for good. I want a change not only in how I look, but how I feel about myself. Another good reason to keep this blog going. I'd love to here how you have been successful at weight loss, working out, Alli and even kicking the habit.

I'm going to leave you with a layout of the girls.

I'd love to hear from you. Just let me know you are out there. I may be doing a little give away soon, putting some fun stuff together :)

Have a great day!
xo
C

KERR FAMILY PHOTS AND MONDAY RAMBLINGS (and happy birhthday Paul and Karen)

2009-11-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

First things first, Happy Birthday to Paul, my brother and to one of my besties,
Karen,

who is beautiful inside and out, kind, generous and who opened her home, her heart and her house to us and never complained, ever.

We love both of you! Hope you had great birthdays!!

Brenna is finally back to normal. THANK THE LORD!!

And of course the day she is finally back to normal, I get a call from the school.

"we have a case of swine"

ofcourse you do. sweet..................

So, we will send her back tomorrow, and hopefully she wont get sick, but we suspect that she had the "swine" flu anyway.

I had the pleasure of taking the Kerr Family's pictures today, and they were a fun and busy bunch! Boys are sooo much different from girls. Geeesh! The family is beautiful so it's no suprise that I have over 200 great shots. And they are edited and ready for the Kerr's to print Christmas photos and gifts. Yay!!

Brenna couldn't stay away from the camera either. I asked Robin to get some of us too. have a look see:

And a glimpse and my favorites from the shoot!

And....there are so many more. Can't wait for the Kerr's to see them!

I am one kid less for the first time in 10 days, and off to get some bills paid (yuck) and work done. I have lots of cool things going up on eBay today.

Hope your day is great!
xoxo
Chris

in the midst of flu

2009-11-10T07:40:00.000-06:00

Brenna has it bad! She has had a fever since Friday, went to the ER Saturday night and has been on tamiflu since Sunday. We are going back to the doctor today for a follow up.

Brooke has become the most happy and pleasant and sleepy baby. I gave up nursing last Thursday and don't you know the day she is on formula for 24 hours she started sleeping through the night (with the exception of last night - but old habits die hard I guess ???)

We are busy, things are good.

We are opening up a booth at the local auction / antique gallery this weekend. Filling it with lots of cool items. Can't wait!
And if you are in Connecticut, and need photos for holiday cards, I am booking sessions. $125 for an hour and a half. Which includes your photos (125-150 edited) given to you on a disk and full rights. I can also have them printed for you. I'm getting booked up, but have days still available so if you are interested please email me at christine.dodaj@gmail.com

And because you know I can't leave you without some photos:

a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c0ugjdRryTs/Svlwzcko0pI/AAAAAAAABa0/OrLVMIVD1-M/s1600-h/023.JPG">

Have a great day!!
xo

I know I know!

2009-10-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'm a blog slacker, I know!

Same excuses as before, some new! I won't bother you with those though!

Brooke is now 18 weeks old. Still CTE (cutest thing ever)

and Brenna is still MBTE (most beautiful thing ever).

I can't believe Halloween is tomorrow! Brenna is going as a cheerleader and Brooke is a flower.

We lost all of our Halloween/fall decor with the tree, so with a little punch, orange papers and glitter we have these little beauties to show for it!

not much, but a little start.

Believe it or not, I've been a slacker scrapper too. I usually do it on Friday nights when Jeno hangs with the boys, but sometimes I'm soooo tired that the comfy couch just is a better alternative. Thanks to the amazing kits at Studio Calico, making these were almost effortless.

Brenna loves school, even though some days she says she doesn't. she loves the new music teacher and we sing all the way home some nights.

And, can we just talk about the new TV lineup?
we are LOVING Modern Family. Also, Cougar Town, Grey's, Everything on Bravo, and Project Runway. With a new baby, and me still nursing, dvr is a must. It definitely makes waking up ALL hours of the night a little more comforting.

Well, that is a lot of info! I do promise to be back soon. I think I am starting Project 365 November first along with Dr. Oz's challenge, so I'll keep updating here.

God Bless!!

xoxo

Chris

happy day - StudioCalico

2009-10-16T08:27:00.001-05:00

happy day - StudioCalico

Shared via AddThis

she can fly

2009-09-28T08:06:00.001-05:00

well, on rides at the Fair she can. lol.

I love to see her smile like that, I could just frame her right up. She was so good waiting for Jeno to come home, she kept asking me if there was anything she could do so we could go sooner.

Brenna: "Mommy, can I help you do laundry, if we go sooner?"
Me: "sure if you want to, that would be great, can you bring me the clothes in your bin".
Brenna: "sure", and runs to her room and I hear her making several trips from her room to the laundry area.
Me: "ummmmmm Brenna, these clothes were already clean"
Brenna: "but you wanted to do laundry, so I got you clothes to wash"

bless her heart, she thinks I like doing laundry!

and this one, who is so cute I'm afraid I'm going to squeeze the life out of her.

well, it's another Monday and I have SO much to do today and before I know it I'll be picking up my number 1 (that's what Brenna calls herself, Brookie is apparantly no. 2)
Hope your day rocks!!

xo
Chris

here and in pain.....:(

2009-09-25T07:30:00.001-05:00

I am in the process of having a lot of work done on my teeth this week. Tuesday I had a tooth extracted and some gum removed on another and I'm in some serious pain.
To make it worse the doctor was a complete ASS and made a few really rude comments to me and when I told him I could still feel where he was about to cut, he through the instrument down, told me that "that's impossible" and grabbed the Novocaine and started stabbing me with it. MF.

So yesterday I had to go to a consultation to see if the tooth could be saved where he removed the gum, and it can't and when the doctor told me that I started balling. He was awesome, and knew that Tuesday had been a really bad experience, he was gentle and totally numbed me up and I when he started to inject the Novocaine, I didn't feel not one needle. What a difference. So today I'm going back to the nice doctor, who will take care of a couple cavities and crown build ups then I'm going to go to a new oral surgeon next week to surgically remove the other tooth.

But, last night I scrapped. It felt really good and relaxing to just sit and play. Both girls were asleep and Jeno was over his friend's house.

Brooke is 13 weeks today. Where did the time go. I just love this sweet girl, and even though I'm exhausted (she still isn't sleeping through the night) I can't even imagine how life was like before her.

Last Sunday we went for a picnic at a historic mansion here in town, and I put the girls in the cutest matching outfits (from Target) so.darn.sweet!

here are some of the layouts I have been working on

the first and last layouts were made using my September Studio Calico Kit.

Well, I've got to run, hop in the shower and get Brooke ready before my appointment.
Have a great weekend.
xo
Chris

I'm here......really I am :)

2009-09-19T07:55:00.000-05:00

I know, it's been like 3 months since my last post. I could easily blame it on having a baby, moving, managing and keeping Brenna happy, unpacking, and well, actually, let's say that is what has kept me so busy.

Believe me, I have atleast been thinking about blogging.

So bringing you up to speed.

Brooke is 12 weeks old.

and seriously the CUTEST.THING.EVER. I hear how some parents have a hard time bonding with the second and third, but from the moment I laid eyes on her, I was head over heals. I feel like my heart just expanded. Can't explain it. She is like a breath of fresh air.

and there is my sweet 4 year old, Brenna. Who is a really good girl. She loves her baby sister so much.

Brenna is now in Pre-K. I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around that.

So we moved into our new home, which is a townhome, 4 days before I had Brooke. Then my Mom arrived the day before Brooke was born. We unpacked as much as we had, and we were doing massive amounts of laundry and dishes. We pretty much lost everything when the tree fell, but had an entire set of Pottery Barn dishes, serving bowl and platters in the garage boxed up. Score!

So now, Jeno is buying again, and eBay is up and running.
And I unpacked my scrapbooking stuff last Friday and felt a burst of creativity.

See:

Studio Calico was to thank for all of the layouts above except the sweet feet and Brenna's birthday layout. That was the first kit I had since April, and well it saved the day! My cardstock and patterned papers are in storage, and I'm heading down there today to rescue them!

I will be back Monday with hopefully a few more layouts and some projects I'm working on for the girls room.

Have a great weekend!
xo
Chris

Brooke Paris Dodaj is here!

2009-06-29T10:56:00.001-05:00

Our gorgeous little girl was born on Friday, June 26th at 10:16 am.
7lbs 2 ounces
19 1/2 inches long.

She is absolutely perfect in every way, and I'm thrilled, we all are that she is finally here!!

I am heading back to get my feet up, but had to share some pictures.

Will be back with more as soon as I'm out of the hospital.

xo
Chris

let the countdown begin..........

2009-06-18T07:52:00.000-05:00

8 days........next Friday will be here before I know it!
I'm so excited! We have LOTS going on before then.

We are moving into our new home on Monday. Saturday I get to go shopping, more than I want to buy, but we are starting from SCRATCH. I'm going to refer to my "life on 12 pages" and cut out what isn't necessary. shoprite, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Babies R' Us, and Penzeys, here I come.

Thursday morning my Mom arrives. I can't wait to see her! It's been 2 years since I was last with her and like I said, I AM SUPER EXCITED. She promised to make potatoe pancakes, which are one of my favorites, before I have the baby.

And, alas Friday Morning.......I go to the hospital around 8:00 (after I drop Brenna off) and head in. She should be here by 10:30 am.

Life feels really, really good right now. A new home, my Mom visiting, and a precious baby girl. After the past eight weeks, we all deserve some really really good. Finally!

I'm off for another stress test and a visit with my OBgyn. Then I have to buy a bag for the hospital and some pj's and travel size shampoo, toothpaste etc. Brooke's clothes are washed and ready to be packed. Have to sterilize some paci's too.

Have a great day!
xo
Chris

Still here, still pregnant and very photo heavy

2009-06-10T11:12:00.000-05:00

just checking in after a long break from blogging.

A lot has been going on in the past few weeks! My family and friends gave me a wonderful baby shower and we received so many beautiful gifts! Brenna turned four, (yes four) on June 2nd.

Still very pregnant, and uncomfortable! Brooke is breach, she seems to love this position, me - ummmm not so much!. Maybe the doctor will be kind and take me earlier, lol, wishful thinking!

Here are some of the most recent photos in no particular order from my shower

and some cute ones from Brenna's bday (we had cake for her at my in=laws on her actual birthday)

and last Thursday, we went to meet Baby Hadley who is just so precious. I took a few (well 40) photos of this gorgeous girl.

and I have to admit, I forgot how tiny newborns are! I helped give her a bath and held her. So so sweet!

Today we are looking at apartment communities. Let's hope that goes well! I'd like to be moved in before this little girl enters the world!

Have a great day!!

Still here.....

2009-05-19T07:10:00.001-05:00

I apologize for the blogging interruption, but I haven't had that much to talk about besides the darn tree.

Here is a glimpse of what the inside looked like after.

enough of that.....

As an update, we are still waiting to hear about the house at our friend's estate he manages. We should know this Friday/weekend. Say a prayer that this works out!!

I finished the list of loss for the insurance company yesterday. We didn't have renters insurance, and our landlord did cover so I guess for that fact we are lucky. So the past 13 years came down to 12 pages. Our life's accumulations on 12 pages. Now, they will depreciate everything and we will be blessed to get what ever they give us and start from scratch.

I'm 34 weeks pregnant. Only about 4 to go. So far I gained 10 pounds and lost six in a week, probably due to stress. For a total of 4 pounds, this baby feels HUGE. I'll get an idea of how much she weighs today at my ultrasound at the hospital.

We had a quiet Mother's Day. It was really windy and all I wanted to do was sit at the beach but like I said, the wind was not letting that happen.

Brenna has been AMAZING through all of this. Believe me, she has her moments, and so do we, but when they say kids are resilliant, it's true.

This is what life looks like here at night after bath time

me on the cell and computer, Brenna wrapped up like a mummy.

Our other neighbors who we love, have a little girl, Samantha and her and Brenna are like peas and carrots. The girls made pizza (with a little help from Jeno) last week

and it was delish. Jeno is such a good cook, he should have been a chef. Seriously.

I am hoping to get my thank you notes started today, the list is long and I don't want to forget anyone that has helped my family over the past four weeks.

Brenna is off from school, and I'm hoping to get her to the beach or park for some fresh air and a little picnic.

Hope your day is amazing!
xo
Chris

the thing about stuff is

2009-05-08T04:07:00.000-05:00

that it's just that.....stuff.

For the past two and a half weeks, I wake up usually for a bathroom trip, but then when I'm trying to get comfy, that's when I start remembering the important things I can't get back.

For example:

Brenna's artwork (up until now, I pretty much had everything she ever made) from daycare and school. This just breaks my heart. The bright side is that she is only four and will have many more creative years ahead of her.

Brenna's little hospital shirt. You know, the really tiny ones they wear when they are newborns. I loved showing her the shirt and she loved to hear stories of how beautiful and tiny she was. I still have my pictures. HUGE miracle.

My first Mother's Day gift. It wasn't crazy expensive or lavish, it was a big sterling silver flower ring, and I loved it. I pretty wore this every day for the past three years. I picked it out at TJ Maxx on Mother's Day after we all went to breakfast at the diner. It was only like $14 but I loved it. And when Brenna was little she always loved to touch it and tried to put her entire mouth over it and that always made me laugh. Bless her heart. Here is a picture of me on my birthday (a week before the tree came down) wearing my notorious flower ring. (CLEARLY NOT A GOOD PICTURE OF ME)

Pictures that were on my mantle. Gone. On file somewhere, but they were favorites and I enjoyed seeing them everyday.

And then there are my creature comforts. Proof that I was a huge supporter of our economy. I loved to shop, more for bargains, I loved that score of getting something super cute or cool on sale. As a person who likes to gain a lesson from things like this, I know I won't be waisting money on stuff like that in the future. Knowing we have to start over, one room at a time is a daunting task, but I'm thinking I'll be buying from flea markets and consignment shops exclusively and keeping our new decor to a minimum. I had all this great stuff I hadn't even taken out of bags yet "waiting" for a time and a place. Well, I'll tell you - that time and place is now in a dumpster in my former front yard.

Another thing that I have reminded Jeno about are these William Sonoma stacking/nesting glass bowls we had. They were expensive, I think over a $100 but Jeno loved these bowls. There were like 12 of them. Jeno is the main cook and he likes his kitchen stuff organized and in tact. Over the last couple of months, those dang bowls were starting to get to heavy for me to lift when I had to put them away and a couple of times I just put what ever one I was putting away on top of the stack. (and it was usually the one we used time and time again so why bother right?)
For some reason, this would annoy Jeno to no end. A couple of arguments ensued over this stack of bowls too. The point of this story...........they were just bowls. They were here one second and gone the next. Not worth ever arguing about. He has promised to not sweat the small stuff ever again. I believe him.

Since it is now almost 6:00 I'm thinking I'll try and get back to sleep.

I'll be back with some cute pics of Brenna in the coming days.
Till then
xo
Chris

today marks 10 years

2009-05-02T08:05:00.000-05:00

that's right! Ten years married for Jeno and I. It really did fly by.

We were married on a gorgeous day, sunny and 75.
We had a small wedding, around 75 people
I had a bouquet of peonies, my favorite flower.
My girls wore Lilac and held lilacs.
We have lived in CT, FL, NY and back to CT.
We have had some fun trips, Arizona, Miami, Sanibel, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Sanibel, St. Martin, Hawaii, and Mexico.
We worked to have really nice material things, and lost it all in a matter of seconds.
We realize that things don't matter, our family is our core, stuff comes and stuff goes.
We know who our real friends are and what family we can count on in times of need.
We have been humbled by peoples generosity.

We can't wait to find and settle into a new home.
And, to welcome our next little girl, Brooke. And, to hug my Mom who will be coming home to help when Brooke is due. Two years is too long in my book.

Well, that's it folks! I'm off to Hallmark to get a card for Jeno.
and Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

xo
Chris

when they say life can change in a second............

2009-04-24T06:25:00.000-05:00

it's absolutely true.

Monday night mother nature showed us exactly what that means.

I had a group of girls over and the last ones left at 9:45. So for the next 10 Jeno and I were washing wine glasses and the cheese platters and dip bowls and just tidying up. I turned out the kitchen lights, grabbed my bottle of water and headed into the bedroom.

It's fifteen minutes later, my Monday night show was coming on, Brenna was getting ready to settle in (Mondays are her late night, she dosen't have school on Tuesday) and she was kissing Jeno goodnight. I called to her to come put on her jammies and then I heard Jeno start screaming to me "what is that noise, what is that noise?" and I had never in 13 years heard my love sound like that. I heard some popping, muted the tv when I felt the earth shake and what I thought was thunder rip through my world. I heard him scream to Brenna to run and thank GOD she is smart and on the ball becuase as soon as she ran to me, the ceiling above where she was standing came crashing down.

I heard all this and Jeno still screaming "oh my God, run" and as brenna came in I grabbed her hand, I was on the end of the bed on my left side, struggling to get up as I grabbed her. I pulled her and as I was doing this I looked up and saw our ceiling and beams come crashing down. The beams missed her by a split second. Jeno had come flying in and was crouching down and told me we had to run and get out. I scooped up Brenna, he opened the front door and we were running, in bare feet in the pouring rain straight across the street. He screamed the entire way there and our neighbors had heard the tree come down but didn't know that it hit our house.

My poor baby was shaking, she never cried, but wouldn't let go of my neck for a second. Andy, called 911 and the fire department, police department, builidng inspectors and news reporters (they must have scanners??) were there in a few minutes.

We lost everything. A few pieces of furniture were salvaged,so much is soked and our weekend is going to be going through everything.

God surely had his had on us that night. The house was condemned and we are staying with friends until we find a place. Actually, Brenna's amazing little school, paid for us to come to a hotel for a few days and we are going back to our friends on Sunday.

Here are a few of the pictures of the damage.

Our connection at the hotel is making uploading pictures miserable, but I'll try and add the inside shots Jeno took a little later on.

I have to get Brenna ready for school and drop her off.
Have a great day and try to make it a day you appreciate all the little things, because in an instant, it could all be taken from you.

xo
Chris

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!! ( very picture heavy )

2009-04-13T08:53:00.001-05:00

Yup, I'm the big old 36 today!
No major plans, but tomorrow when Brenna is off from school, we will be doing some fun stuff. A mani and pedi for each of us, lunch at either Joe's SHangai or Cheesecake Factory and some playing, maybe a trip to NYC last minute style - I haven't deciede but regardless, I can't wait!!

We had a fun, non-stop fun Easter.
First we went over to our neighbors. Nancy and Andy are a really cool couple and their daughter and Brenna are a year apart - and get along so well. They had a great spread and coffee and a fun easter egg hunt and our other neighbors (and good friends) Karen and Marvin came over too.

then we went to Nanny's retirement home.

we met Jon there for a little lunch.

Then we headed over to my brother Paul's house. We set the kids free for the 2nd annual Easter Egg hunt. there were over 200 eggs and the baskets weren't big enough for all the eggs.

and BTW, this may just be the most gorgeous picture ever. seriously. ever....

seriously, seriously this one took my breath away. Can you say GORGEOUS???

then....Val (my sil) made me a cake (chocolate w/ cream cheese frosting = yumO) and Jon got me a Carvel cake and everyone sang me happy birthday. I was suprised and excited.

Well, thanks for hanging in there! I will be back in a few days cause I want to give away these adorable embellishments I've been making. You scrappers are going to love them!

Have a greattttttttttt day!!
xo
Chris

terrific tuesday.......(let's hope it is!!)

2009-03-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

I need a nice, happy day. Yesterday, I had this pain over my belly button since Sunday night so I broke down and called the doctor. He ordered me over to the hospital and was there for close to four hours. Sheeesh!

Everything is fine, Brooke is already 3 pounds and growing so fast that she literally popped/tore my muscles over my belly. And, it's not going to feel better any time soon according to the resident at the hospital. Sweet. Actually as long as it's not my back - I'm cool with that.

We got a good look at this little chunkster and according to the resident she is very photogenic. Jeno and I are sure she's coming out with a full head of dark hair!?! LOL he wants one baby to slightly resemble him I guess. Were just hoping she's got Brenna's one of a kind blue eyes.

Today we are playing catch up. Funnnnnn. Garbage, cleaning, the never ending pile O laundry, and work. Brenna and Jeno are suffering from allergies but I'm determined to get her to the park for some good fresh air (and some benedryl) this afternoon.

I wanted to share this layout of Brenna I did on Saturday. Dosen't she look heavenly?

Patterned papers: Scenic Route and My Minds Eye
Ribbon: Studio Calico
Chipboard: Basic Grey
Vintage pin: Maya Road

Well I'm going to get a jump on this day.
Hope your day is fantastic!!
xo
Chris

Pause and reflect...........................

2009-03-30T04:16:00.000-05:00

What a weekend! Not the good kind either. It started with such sad news on Saturday. Our friend Phil, past away after suffering for a long time. He was a great man - sweet and kind hearted, always polite and welcoming. His wife who I loved dearly died three and a half years to the day he did. I take comfort in knowing that they are together in heaven.

Sunday we got up and just left cause it was raining and wanted to get out of the house. So we drove to Cracker Barrel which is about 25 minutes away but so darn worth it. We had such a good meal. We love country food. We had chicken and dumplings, green beans, hash brown casserole, mac n cheese, fried apples, biscuits and sausage gravy, ham and eggs and corn. Total carb overload but so worth it. Brenna and I went home and slept for two hours after. Delish!!

Jeno and I have been thinking about what's important to us lately. Things we always knew, like beliefs and morals but more to the point of what we will allow in our lives that is not positive. We live in an area of "keeping up with the Jones" and where everyone is living WAY outside their means, not that we have ever done that, but when you have kids, it's hard for them not to feel that kind of pressure. We both grew up always wanting more, but for me more meant a stable home environment, no addictions, quality time with my family, no screaming or violence and I'm happy to report, we have achieved that. Our unit is tight and our little girl knows she is loved, safe and confident. We may not be able to buy her a car at 16, but she will always know her value to our family.

I found this quote on a blog and I just felt it was so appropriate for how we are feeling right now:

Life is too short to live with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't and believe that everything happens for a reason, never hold on to the things that hold you down.

just love that. love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't. it's easier said then done, but I'm very close to that. I'm so sick of b/s and games and jealousy. What a friggin waste of time.

On a more upbeat note, I have had some fun scrapbooking this weekend. This is my one thing I do for me. It is such a release for me. It's really allowed me to make friends that have so much in common with me. Where there is no judgement. Scrapbookers are my kind of people. Creative, sharing, kind, caring and funny.

Here are some of the layouts I mentioned in my last post:

this layout here was for the one little word challenge.
http://onelittleword.typepad.com/olw/

These were all made using Studio Calico kits - February and March to be exact. Good stuff!

And, I've been meaning to say hello to my blog lurkers that just don't ever leave a comment. Hello Robin, Jenny, Melissa, Tarra and Paul. Be kind, say hi! haha! And if I'm forgetting anyone, it's because I don't know you have been here!

Well, I've been up since 4:00 am and I'm going to do some ironing. It always makes me tired!
Have a great day!!
xo
Chris

SPRING CHICKS...

2009-03-27T07:21:00.000-05:00

are seriously the cutest thing ever! What a way to start spring! Brenna's school bought 35 eggs and after about 3 weeks they have started to hatch. Here are some pictures:

Unfortunately, the one Brenna had named Ariel, then Cinderella then Arial again, was born without eyes. NICE. Of course they didn't tell her, but the poor little thing is in seclusion because the other chicks aren't being nice and are pecking at her. What a life lesson that could have been if she was, oh...about 8 years older.

I scrapped 4 layouts last night that I will try to post soon. I'm feeling super creative today so hopefully I can spend some time making a few more.

Have a great day!!
xo
Chris

I'm keeping my word.....sort of

2009-03-26T06:56:00.000-05:00

I'm back to show off the mini book I made for Brenna when she was "rainbow of the day" at school. She was so excited that day and her teachers insisted she was the first one because she is filled with self-esteem and confidence (not to mention she's so damn beautiful) - way to make her Mama and Daddy very proud. Enough gushing, here's the book:

Products: Bind-it-all book cover and binding, Patterned papers and flowers are Chloe's Closet by Making Memories, Stickers are American Crafts (orange thickers and black alphas) and the yellow flourishes are Thickers.

So, I went for the glucose test, will have to wait to hear the results. While I was waiting for Quest to open after lunch I treated myself to a french manicure and a 15 minute back massage - which was free from my points at the salon - awesome!

And.......as soon as I picked up Brenna from school, she says to me "Mommy, you got your nails done without me?" So what is a mother to do in order not to make her little princess feel bad you ask?? I lied. Jeno was mumbling under his breath "liar liar". I'll remember that friend!

Speaking of my self esteem filled, confident, damn beautiful sweet princess - she's up and wants to snuggle! I'm trying to savour every last minute of it just being just the two of us (girls that is). And lucky for me that 95% of the time, she's such an awesome little person.

Have a great day!!
I'll be back tomorrow to share some new layouts!
xo
Chris

blah..blah..blah...

2009-03-24T07:54:00.000-05:00

Sorry, the blogging lapses are annoying to me beyond belief.

I am feeling blah today, but I'll bring you up to speed.

27 weeks and counting

{ me on St. Patrick's Day with my Amy Tangerine shirt }

going for the dreaded glucose test today (wish me luck)
It's friggin freezing here yet again. Spring is never coming.
Made a few scrapbook pages

Yellow polka dots are making me very happy right now. I plan to use a lot of yellow and Tiffany blue in Brooke's room. Once we move that is. SHe'll be bunking with me and Jeno in the beginning.

Brenna is home with me today, and wants to do some arts and crafts with her Mama.
I'm happy to oblige!

I'll try and post again tomorrow, I have a cute little mini-book to share.
Have a great day!!
xo
Chris

Spring, come back please....

2009-03-12T07:33:00.000-05:00

It's a chilly, actually freezing 32 degrees! March is so unpredictable here in the Northeast.

Brenna was "RAINBOW of the day" yesterday at school. It was the first day of this self-esteem exercise and all the teachers picked Brenna because she is all about sharing, and is very self confident. You know that makes a Mama proud to hear that.

I sent her with a favorite movie, Dora dance mix cd, Cow and her favorite bear/blanket, a Barbie, and a mini book I whipped out Tuesday night and her favorite snack to share with all the kids - popcicles! You should have heard the kids when I walked in with those yesterday - so cute.

On today's agenda, I have to get to our new church and get Baptism forms and make an appointment with the Pastor. Then I was thinking we might have lunch with Nanny, Brenna keeps asking to see her. Then I would really love to scrap some.

Received my new Studio Calico kit on Friday and it is my favorite kit ever. Yellows, pinks, fun florals - it's got my name written all over it. Here is what I've made so far:

this is from my Jenni Bowlin kit:

that is my favorite picture of the girls. That's exactly how they are too.

And for Brooke's album, another pregnancy page:

Well, that's it from me. Stay warm and have a great day!!
xo
Chris

What a weekend..........

2009-03-09T10:44:00.000-05:00

It was gorgeous here. Upper 60's low 70's both Saturday and Sunday. HEAVEN.

Friday - Studio Calico March Kit "garment district" arrives - need I say more???

Saturday I headed to Robin's for a Women's Integrity Gathering. Awesome time! I always feel so inspired after those gatherings.

Sunday was our family day.

Started with coffee and breakfast at SONO Baking Company. Always Flipping delish.
Then we went to Vet's park to feed the seagulls (and take pictures)
then to pick up her bike and to the most awesome playground ever (and take pictures).
then to Pear Tree Beach to feed more seagulls and ride her big girl bike but there were too many cars coming in so we scratched that and went to the college to ride in the parking lot (and take pictures). My 3 1/2 year old is truly riding a big girl bike. Makes me so happy I spent the $100 on the darn tricycle last August. Thanks Doc!

Some of my favorite shots from the day:

hang in there, I have a few more:

So that was our weekend! I've already heard this weekend might be cold :(
I'll be back tomorrow!!
xo
Chris

Spring can't come soon enough

2009-03-05T07:42:00.002-06:00

Seriously.

After getting 12 inches of snow on Monday, followed by 50 mph winds, then 25 degrees for the two following days, I am so OVER winter. The good news is that it will be 65 over the weekend. YAY!!!

This winter has really turned us into tv junkies. The Real Housewives, Top Chef, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, The first 48, Survivor and The Millionaire Matchmaker are on our top favorites.

I like the NYC housewives much more this season. Being from the same area, I must say - I don't know anyone like Ramona! Jeno and I have decided that the only reason she's on the show is for the "drama/completely nuts" factor. Love Jill, Bethanny and Luann. Alex and Simon are well, a little dry. Not sure about Kelly yet, but I'm getting a fake vibe from her. We will see.

Baby Brooke is kicking and moving all the time, especially at night. I can't wait to hold this sweet girl. Brenna and I started shopping and she's not jealous of all the new things we are buying for her sister in the slightest. She is a total enabler. "Mommy, get this, it's soooooo sweet". Jeno is screwed.

Speaking of Brenna, we took her to feed the birds, one of our favorite winter things-to-do.

Jeno and I had a date night on Saturday, her Hallah (aunt in Albanian) took her overnight and it was soooo appreciated. We slept, I went for a mani/pedi, then we went for dinner at our favorite Italian spot, Papa Joe's and had a delicious, decadent dinner. It was so weird not to swallow the entire meal in 10 minutes or less. We sat, held hands, enjoyed a glass of wine and just enjoyed each other. I wish we had more time like that together.

Holy super long post. Brenna is here today, and I have to bring her to get Baptism forms at our new church. Then we are off to feed the birds.

Have a great day!!

Spring can

2009-03-05T07:42:00.001-06:00

TGIF, a winner and pictures.................

2009-02-27T06:09:00.000-06:00

No one is happier it's Friday than me - I'm pretty sure of that!!

Brenna is going to her Auntie's house overnight tomorrow and Jeno and I aren't even sure what do with ourselves!!! The possibilities are endless (wink)! Thinking a movie, dinner, a glass of wine (yes, I'm having one) and sleeping in or scrapping in peace are at the top of my list!!

I've just moved my entire scrap supply back into the master bedroom so it's out of the family room. It's cozy and I have everything right there. I'll take some pictures of my new set up over the weekend.

On the creative front, I haven't really scrapped all week, but I made these last Thursday:

both layouts are using Making Memories lines, Chloe's closet and Sabrina. I'm in love with those round flowers. I want them in every size in color.

I also have pictures of baby Brooke from the ultrasound follow up. I'm not bragging, but her little profile is like the sweetest thing ever!!

Well, I'm off to make Brenna's lunch and get her ready for school - the dentist is visiting today, and Brenna isn't all that excited about it. She kept saying "Mommy, I don't want her to give me a cavity". Oh, the logic just kills me!

Have a great weekend!!
xo
Chris

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS..............

2009-02-26T06:28:00.000-06:00

Sorry, I didn't mean to take that long of a break again!!

************The RAK is still up for grabs, Courtney never responded and doesn't have an email provided in blogger. SCROLL DOWN TWO POSTS TO SEE THE RAK AGAIN!! Remember to include your email if you want these goodies :)***************

Okay so onto the questions about Women of Integrity cash gifting. ALL I CAN SAY IS HOLY WOW!! I had about 47 emails and many of you asked similar questions so here are the answers.

How long has it been around?

About 20 years or more.

Who started it?

Women to help women. Surviving disease, divorce, a bad economic situation, etc.

Where did it start?

It started in Florida and has spread to Georgia, Michigan, Connecticut and California! My mom will be the first in Hawaii to join. In total I believe there are now about 1200 women and men that have joined.

How does it work?

You are invited in. Once you are, you gift the women in the receiving position. You send either a bank check, cashier's check or if they are in the same town, then cash. Once you fall into the "gratitude" position, 8 hearts have to fill in order for you to complete your journey.

How much is it?

There are two different kinds of hearts (that's what they call them).
There is the $1K heart and a $5K heart. If you join a $1K heart, you receive $8K. If you join the $5K heart you receive $40K. You can take one heart or split it with 1 person, or two people or three. You work that part out for yourselves.

How is this legal?

It's legal because by law you are not able to receive more than $12K from one person per year. Here you are only receiving either $1k or $5K from one person.

It's legal because this is not a corporation. There is no one person running this. There is no documentation. You gift and you receive gifts - its that simple. No one is skimming off of anyone, you don't "pay" to get in and most importantly IT'S NOT A PYRAMID!

What if I have people that are interested and want to learn more about it?

Then you have a gathering. Three girls came from Michigan to Connecticut on their own dime to share the knowledge of this group. They came, and shared and left. I really can't stress the "integrity" part enough. If you are local, there is another gathering in Ansonia, CT next week. Let me know and I can get you directions!!

How many times can I do it? Is there a minimum?

Nope, no rules. You can do it once, or twice, take a whole heart, share a heart - what ever works for you. I have heard of women doing it once a year just to keep their families afloat or to pay for their kids college tuition. It is totally up to you.

What does it mean "charity based"?

That means you should give some of the money you are gifted to a good cause. What you give is entirely up to you. It could be the American Cancer Society or St. Jude's (that's my charity) or your friend who is about to have her house foreclosed on.

What did you mean by sponsor?

If you know someone who desperately needs the money, than you can sponsor them. That means you gift the person in "gratitude" and then they can either repay you that once they are in gratitude or you can tell them to keep it.

How long does it take?

You know, this really depends. My bff was invited in by a girl at her job - this girl was in and paid out completely in 10 days. My bff was in and out in one month. I joined about four months ago in the big heart $5K and it's moving slowly and I believe it's totally because of the current state of the economy, but we are talking about it and sharing and gathering frequently.

The $1K hearts are really moving fast right now. It's just easier to get $1K together than it is to get $5K. The $1K heart was designed as a stepping stone to get to the big hearts.

Who can join?
The 5K hearts are for women only. The $1K hearts are for both men and women. 18 or older of course.

How do you know your status?

You are welcomed in an email once you join. Every time a new person joins, you receive an email from the person in "gratitude". The person in gratitude keeps the master list and turns that over to the person after them.

What are the rules?

Basically, give some of your gifting to a charitable cause, or in other words PAY IT FORWARD!! Take care of your family first, but remember this is charity driven. DO NOT TRY AND CHANGE THE HEART. It works, don't try and change it. Be respectful, and share with like minded individuals.

What made you decide to do this?

Well, who couldn't use the money? I definitely could. My husband and I have our own business, it's small and steady, but we are not driving Range Rovers or living in a mansion - and I honestly don't want all that. We have bills like everyone else. And, we like to give. We give to St. Jude's, and a local shelter in Stamford helping women get off drugs and keep their children, and the homeless shelter here in Norwalk. Everyday I hear of someone new or another story, and my first reaction is: how can we help them??. It helps me help other people while taking care of my family. What more could you want in life?

I think I have covered it, but let me know if there are more questions or want me to mail you the documentation I have, I'd be happy to share this with you.

Have a fantastic day!!
xo
Chris

And the winner is..............

2009-02-20T09:58:00.000-06:00

Courtney said...
Your pages below and your daughter are very cute! I love the layout of your blog! Thanks for a chance to win

Courtney send my an email with your addy so I can send you the RAK. My email is christine.dodaj@gmail.com

Lots of you emailed me regarding my Women's cash gifting group. I will post more info about the group on Monday. Our call last night was amazing and there is so much good happening.

Have a great weekend!!
xo
Chris

A give-away and a shout out to my WIG girlies

2009-02-19T07:33:00.000-06:00

Wow.....I swear I didn't mean to drop off the face of the earth.....again!

In my last post I mentioned a give-away. Well here are some of the contents:

1 cope of Scrapbook Trends January - with the cutest layouts in it ever!
1 pack of Maya Road ribbon and bling flowers
1 pack of American Crafts mini-marks alphas "Kate" rub-ons
1 pack of American Crafts mini-marks alphas "elegant book one" rub-ons
2 Studio Calico stamps
3 more cute new stamps
1 chipboard book
1 pack of Amy Butler designer paper
a bunch of pretty patterned paper (MAKING MEMORIES, SASSAFRASS, BASIC GREY ETC)
and a trio of vintage trims and lace what I was selling on Etsy.

Here is a picture of the pile of goodness:

I would like to say hello to all my Sisters in my Women's Integrity Group.
I am really enjoying my journey and look forward to speaking to you all tonight on the conference call.

I joined this group after I witnessed my good friend have her life change right before my eyes. Basically you give and you receive. It is by invitation only. It is for women only. It's a cash gifting group that is charity driven. It is totally legal and even Oprah did a big article about cash gifting groups back in October.
Also, since I have always been a giver, I can give way more becuase of this. And now that the economy going to crap, I know my family is being taken care of and I that I am helping other women too. If you want to know more about this, just send me a message at christine.dodaj@gmail.com.

On the home front, feeling good. I'm feeling lots of little kicks, especially at night when I get in bed. Last night Brooke was very active and I was just in awe of her. I had Jeno feel too, and the man who never gets choked up did. This baby is surely a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to see her. I bought her some cute outfits last week, I scored big at Carters. I'll share those pics tomorrow.

I'm going to leave you with some new Brenna pictures:

She doesn't go to school today and is telling me she wants breakfast. Duty calls!!

Just leave a comment for the RAK and I'll pick a winner tomorrow morning!
Have a great day!!
xoxo
Chris

11 FRIGGIN DEGREES

2009-02-05T08:23:00.000-06:00

Yes, you read that right, 11 degrees. Then of course there is the windchill. So it's basically 0 right now. I need a warm vacation. Heck I'd take 60 degrees at this point.

My house is feeling so super clean. Love that. I killed myself to give it an overhaul yesterday and after about four hours of dusting, washing windows, vacuuming, bathroom scrubbing and Murphy oil soaping the floors, I was winded.

Any who, Brenna is off today, and I plan on taking her to the indoor playground at the mall, aka germ fest. I'll get a London Fog, and watch her just climb like crazy. Poor kids needs some exercises. I think she's all crafted out!

I have been fighting off a cold/cough for a week now and to make things that much better my back/sciatia (sp?) is starting to really ache. Fun stuff!

Speaking of crafty, I made this last night:

and a month ago, I was in the mood for making cards:

Tomorrow I'm having a give away here on my blog. Lots of scrap goodness plus a copy of Scrapbook Trends. I'll have pictures of everything in tomorrow's post.

Stay warm!!
Have a great day!
xo
Chris

just a quickie

2009-02-04T07:52:00.000-06:00

trying to keep the blog posting momentum going!
Got Brenna off to school, she only cried for about 15 minutes - which is just about making me want to cry myself!
Today I'm home all by myself, Jeno is at auction and wouldn't you know it - the house needs to be throughly cleaned. I'm blaming it going to crap so easily on the 15 degrees it is outside. There has been no playing outside, miss b hates the winter and won't even walk in the snow.

I made the butterfly collage yesterday for Brenna's room and I really like how it turned out. It looked like it was missing something, so I added a little bling to each of the butterflies. Brenna is thrilled with it! We have decided to make one for my niece for her room as a Valentine's Day gift. Shhh, don't tell!!

and I finished this sweet little page yesterday, it's also like a collage, with a felt background, I am thinking i'm going to frame it for display. It was fun to used the felt and thread, feeling like I'll be doing more of this in the future.

I'm off to clean!
Hope you have a fantastic day!
xo
Chris

Hello Tuesday

2009-02-03T07:41:00.000-06:00

and another snowstorm! I have had enough New England winters to last a lifetime. Ugggh, really I'm ready to move somewhere warm like California or Florida. I am a beach girl, Jeno and I are sick of the winters. Brenna is not a fan either. enough on that.

Today I am 19 weeks pregnant. I'll have Jeno take a picture later when it's snowing.
I have decided I have to have an Amy Tangerine t-shirt. I put in a special request!!

I've been feeling so super creative lately. I want to do all kinds of little projects for Brenna's room and Baby Brooke's room. Today I am going to make my first collage, wish me luck!

Yesterday, my desk looked like this:

I finished the layout except for the journaling, and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to display it.

And, Brenna decorated our front door to get in the spirit for Valentine's Day.

see how gray it is, that means snows-a-coming.

And if you are in the mood to get some good deals on Valentino shoes, Manolo's, designer jeans etc, check out our ebay listings. If you say you came through my blog, I'll discount your shipping. Most of the items are buy-it-now so make an offer! Here is the link: http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/123jeno_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ hope that link works. If not our seller name is 123jeno.

Well, that's all for now. I'm going to clean up a little, make some bacon and start my day!!
Hope your day is fantastic!
xo
Chris

Well, hello there

2009-02-02T07:47:00.002-06:00

TGIM. Yup, I am a happy it's Monday kind of girl. B is off to school, I start a fresh week, house is clean and I have time to work in peace.

I can't believe it's over a week since my last post. What the heck?!?
Things here at the nest have been busy. Ebay, Brenna, a snow and ice storm, me getting sick (again!!!) and the superbowl (aka scrapbowl). Basically, just life stuff.

I was so bummed I missed yet another CHA, but next year I will most certainly be there. By then I will probably need a break and some big girl time :)

Brenna went for a haircut on Tuesday, and I had to spray her bangs down, God planted a huge cowlick right in front at her hairline, so if I don't her bangs are crazy. I just took this while getting her dressed for school!

hair before spray:

hair after spray:

I have also been feeling really inspired lately. Inspired by aqua and pink, and bows and Brenna's baby pictures.

and more aqua and bows and some red here:

and a fun one just for me:

and one for Baby Brooke's album:

and because I felt playing with paint and stamps during the superbowl:

Well, I had better start my day. Hope yours is fantastic!!
xo
Chris

He was listening

2009-01-23T07:46:00.000-06:00

to my prayers, to your prayers. We went to the ultrasound yesterday and were told that our sweet baby is as "normal" and perfect as can be. None of the markers for trisomy 18 showed up. The brain is perfect. The heart is perfect. the stomach is perfect the bones, the growth and development are all where they should be for an 18 week old baby.

So we opted not to do the amneo. We are going back in two weeks for another big ultrasound to make sure the baby has progressed and everything still looks good. The ultrasound doctor told us in the 1000 plus babies that she has seen, she has never seen a perfect u/s then have a baby be born with trisomy 18.

Praise God.

Also, we now know that we are having a baby girl!! A sweet baby girl how has the most darling profile who waved to us through the u/s and Jeno and I let out a big sign and I finally cried tears of joy.

We also decided that we are going to call her Brooke Ellen (or Erin) we aren't 100% about the middle name, but it's Brooke for sure.

And after all that, I didn't get a picture. But I will at the next ultrasound!

Jeno and I want to thank everyone that prayed for us during this scary time. Your prayers and friendship mean so much to me, and I'm eternally grateful for all of you.

I'm off to love on my first little girl, who was such an angel for her worried mama the past four days. And some work. we have like 50 packages to ship!

Have a wonderful weekend!!
xo
Chris

today I pray

2009-01-22T06:35:00.000-06:00

I'm praying that my baby is healthy,
that my trisomy 18 test is a falst positive,
that the ultra sound will be perfect,
that the amneo won't be so painful, and safe for my little one.

I pray that my fears will be rested
and my faith not be tested.

I pray that this is just a bad dream and when I wake up it will be just that.

I believe in the power of prayer, so if you are reading this, please say one for all of us. And, I thank all of you for praying for me and my sweet baby today. For my dear Jeno who is just as scared but is being a rock for me. And for my sweet Brenna who dosen't know what is going on, but is definately sensing the tension.

I should know more after the ultra sound, but the amneo will take anywhere from a few days to a week for all the results to come back.

I'll post later with hopefully a great ultra sound result.
hugs,
Chris

Christmas recap

2008-12-29T08:55:00.001-06:00

Christmas was awesome.
We went to my in-laws on Christmas Eve had everyone had a really good time. The house was packed, but it was fun! Brenna looked so flippin cute in her outfit I got for her (on sale) at Children's Place, before we went she posed for a picture:

It is really fun having so many little ones together. Rylee is second to youngest, and man she is busy and sneaky! I caught someone tearing up the gingerbread house when we weren't watching:

Brenna received a Barbie play set from her grandparents, which just tickled her:

and a new baby, which by the way almost forced me to call a paranormal investigator because for the last month, it has been going off in my basement for no reason. Scared the living crap out of me one day when I was doing laundry.

But, Christmas morning was the highlight, hands down. Poor Jeno had to assemble the Barbie McMansion with all of it's 100 working pieces. He was less than thrilled. She loved it. We were itching for her to finally wake up after seven so he went and got the bells and shook them by the door. Nada. She didn't stir. So he opened the door and shook the bells again. Then we heard in her sleepy voice "Santa, you here"?
so out she came with bed head that I couldn't invent myself. Ha!

then after we played for a while, we got ready and went to Phil and Imani's house.
Phil is my sil Val's brother, and they invited us to spend it with them which was really nice. I really couldn't ask for a nicer or better SIL. Brenna and Katherine were completely decked out in Christmas dresses, and well, were more than happy to let me snap some amazing pictures of them:

I'll share more of the Christmas pics tomorrow.
Here are a few new layuts I've done in the past week:

well, I'm off to list on eBay. Lots of good never used scrapping supplies so have a peak later. Our store link is up on the left.
Have a great day!!
C

Merry Christmas and the baby bump

2008-12-24T07:21:00.000-06:00

Yup, it's official I have popped.
What I would like to know is why do 2 pounds look like 20?
Seriously?

and don't you love my sexy fleece sweats? Those comfy pants got me through my last pregnancy. You can imagine my delight when I came across my old maternity clothes a few weeks back. Jeno was kind enough to cut off my roots which are driving me nuts!

I don't think I shared this last time, it's Brenna's picture we used for our Holiday cards.

Is she a Christmas cutie or what??? I am beyond excited to see her face tomorrow morning.

So now it's time to hit the post office, pick up some Zyrtec for poor Jeno who is having a bad case of allergies. And I have to hit the store for some icing for the Christmas coconut cupcakes.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Have a blessed and safe holiday!
xo
The Dodaj Family

it feels like forever

2008-12-22T09:33:00.000-06:00

since I last blogged! Almost a month, actually.
I'm sorry, I feel so guilty!

I have finally recovered from the worst/longest viral cold in history!!
I am 13 weeks pregnant!
It snowed about 7 inches here on Friday, our first real storm this year!
We baked all weekend. Snowballs, key lime coolers, filled Russian tea cakes, sugar cookies, brownies, pretzel hugs and chocolate thumbprints.

And today is Brenna's Polar Express Party at school and all the kids and teachers wore PJ's. Life would be so much easier if they could wear PJ's to school, wouldn't it?

I have lots of pictures to share so bare with me!!

and on a creative note, I have a few layouts to share!!

Well, that just maybe my longest and heaviest picture post ever!
I'm off to go and wrap the Santa gifts.
I'll be back tomorrow with a photo of me and my baby bump! Have a great day!
xo
Chris

ps Anyone have a fantastic appetizer recipe to share??

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T09:27:00.001-06:00

Sorry I haven't blogged, just trying through my first trimester.

Lots of nasuea, sleeping, not sleeping at night and keeping up with a very demanding Brenna is taking everything in me to keep up!

So I'm in the middle of cooking for Thanksgiving and wanted to wish everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. There is so much to be grateful for this year.

Have a safe holiday!

love,
Chris

time is slipping away

2008-11-14T07:39:00.000-06:00

seriously, I made a promise to myself about keeping my blog up to date and this pregnancy has definitely thrown it off track. The exhaustion is starting to subside only to be replaced with insomnia at night. Which of course is leaving me very very irritable and not exactly functioning up to par during the day. For example our day yesterday:

Woke up at 7:00 made everyone breakfast, cleaned up, Jeno worked on the computer and Brenna and I went to sleep from 10:30 to 1:15. Went to Stew's for a disappointing purchase of Chinese type foods, I mean really bad. Brought groceries home. Brought Brenna to the bookstore for a new book and a coffee. Went home, missed Jennifer Aniston on Oprah, heated up the food, set Brenna up with her new Barbie water color painting book, ate dinner, cleaned up. watched Oprah at 7:00.

Watched a movie with Brenna, Barbie's Christmas Carol and she was still wide awake. I'll just cut to the chase..........she was up until close to 11:00. I finally just turned the lights out and she passed right out.
3:00 I'm up and wide awake. Went and fetched my What to expect when your expecting book, and fell asleep around 5:00.

I had all these grand plans about making some glitter cone trees for Christmas and well it never happened. Maybe this weekend.

We went for our first ultrasound on Friday. One baby, so tiny, but now that I have seen it, I just love it. Right now, we are calling it "Bean". Since I'm 35 I have to go for a high tech ultra sound at the Hospital and they measure all kinds of fun stuff. Have to go for blood work next Tuesday too. I'm bringing Brenna so she can see how brave I am!

I can't forget that tomorrow is my little brother Paul's 32nd birthday!!
Happy birthday to my sweet brother! I love you and am so happy that we have an awesome relationship. I do love you dearly!

Well folks, that's all for now, I'm off for my morning nap!!
Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
xo
Chris

.Election Day 2008.

2008-11-04T08:06:00.000-06:00

Go and Vote today.

I have a sick kiddo on my hands, just what I need right? Waiting for a call from the doctor to get her in asap. Sounds like a bad, bad cough.

Morning sickness continues to SUCK.

I scrapped last yesterday, it almost felt foreign to me since it's been so long.

I made this:

actually, I just put finishing touches on it, and it looks better in real life, but it's done. Wooohoo!

I'm making this tonight for dinner:

It's Chicken Casserole, craving this actually, here is the easy recipe:

1 box cooked large shells (I love Barilla)
1 can of cream of mushroom
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar (freshly shredded makes a huge difference here)
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup diced onions
1 cup of frozen peas (canned do not work here)
1 large can of chicken breast or cook 1-2 chicken breasts and shred
1/2 cup of freshly graded Parmesan
3 tbs if butter

saute celery and onion until translucent in butter
add to cooked pasta
mix in cream of mushroom soup straight from the can
add 1 cup shredded cheese
add frozen peas and mix all together
put in a greased pan and top with the Parmesan and the 1/2 of shredded cheddar

cover and bake for 25 minutes on 350
take off the foil, put on the broiler and let it sit for 3-5 minutes or until slightly crusty.

I have also added mushrooms that I sauteed with the celery onion and it's totally yummy too. Enjoy!

Well, I'm off to the store, have a fantastic day!!
xo
Chris

hello morning sickness

2008-11-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's why I have been absent.

It comes on so strong, it did with Brenna too. And let's not forget extreme exhaustion. That I didn't have so the combo of the two is well, leaving me out of sorts.

I'm a get up early, get it done kind of girl. I normally try to create something and complete it every day. Not these days. Getting Brenna up and ready for school and a decent lunch made is a huge task these days. Poor Jeno, I almost lost my lunch at a deli when we were food shopping on Thursday. How embarrassing would that have been to be throwing up all over little Italy? I'm SO grateful that didn't happen.

let's see what else can't I stomach?
anything sweet or cold the smell of cheese or fish.

craving salad with homemade ranch dressing (and chickpeas), baked potatoes, crackers, Pellegrino and lays potato chips - but I'll stay away for now. Also Meat - give me a steak or a pork roast and I'm feeling fine. Jeno is making homemade chicken cutlets tonight so that will be yummy.

And poor Brenna got sick last night, like throwing up everywhere kind of sick. Another smell I really can't tolerate. that started around 12:45 and we didn't go back to bed until almost five. Sweet. We went through 4 sets of clothes and one comforter, one Persian carpet and a few towels. Jeno was staying at my brothers they went out to the bar and didn't want him driving so I was handling this all on my own. Not fun but I will say it was a huge bonding experience for me and Brenna. We spoke about the baby coming, and that she doesn't have to say sorry for throwing up all over the house and that she will be the best big sister EVER. God I love this girl so much. She fell asleep in my arms, and even though I don't want to catch what ever she has, it felt like heaven. How am I ever going to love another child as much as I lover her?

Just look how cute she looked today all dressed up for Halloween:

Well, I'm feeling like I need to finish the laundry and sterilize the bathroom.

Hope you enjoy this beautiful fall weekend!!
God Bless!
xo
Chris

FB...........I'm not in the mood!!

2008-10-25T11:09:00.000-05:00

Fat Bastard has struck again.

This time he's upset my sweet little girl.

Luckily I will be able to fix the situation.

Tonight I'm leaving out exlax and candy coated alka seltzer and see how much he likes it. I'm so pissed I might have Jeno rig a fishing hood to a chunk of meat. The fish was a big upset, but a three year old little girls pumpkins is just wrong.........

He did this last night (and we had a wind/rain storm and that is why my front steps are covered with pine needles and leaves)

in other news, feeling good and tired. it's still a little rainy here and B is feeling much better so we are going to go for a nice little lunch with Daddy.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
xo
Chris

Hello Wednesday

2008-10-22T08:40:00.000-05:00

So sorry I have been MIA, so much going on, taking care of a sick Jeno and a sick Brenna. Unfortunately, when I'm busy, the blog suffers!!

But, right now I'm feeling

overwhelmed and
overjoyed
scared and excited
delighted and yet a little terrified all at the same time. See we just found out yesterday that

just when we thought it couldn't happen, it did.
I was so tired yesterday, thinking it was the umpteenth night of broken sleep, but it must be the pregnancy kicking in. Anything but nausea. But after taking a nap, or maybe because my mind was racing, I was up until 3:30 this morning.

So now I have to schedule a doctors appointment to make sure all is good and get a due date. Thinking the end of June/early July.

I wanted to share some layouts of my first baby who will always be my baby, even though she says she's a "big girl" now. Truth be told I am ready to have babiness back in my life.

Have a blessed day!!
xo
Chris

seven days later.....playing catch up!

2008-10-16T07:29:00.000-05:00

and I'm finally back. First order of business, PROJECT RUNWAY WAS FANTASTIC!! I knew Leanne was going to win, but I will say that I liked Korto's dresses and Kenleys more than Leanne's, but she was consistently good. So good for her!

Jeno left and came back. Brought us a huge trout only to have it stolen by fat bastard, the racoon that tore through our screen porch to get at our garbage can. Seriously he had better not show his face around here :(

Brenna and I stayed busy while he was away. Friday am - dropped B off, I headed out to tag sales. Friday pm we met Val and Kiki at CPK for salads and went to Target after. Saturday am: tag sales with Brenna then in the afternoon we went to Philip's first birthday. Sunday we went to Eden Farms and had some fun. It's weird going to pick pumpkins in 80 degree weather, but whatever. First we stopped by my Nanny's nursing home. We brought her outside and Brenna found leaves for her

and then she had some real fun going through the hay maze

then we waited for 20 minutes for the pony rides. She was a natural

and then there was the face painting, and she insisted on having both cheeks done!

she opted for a rainbow and a pumpkin

then there was the task of picking out pumpkins. Let's just say the girl has good taste. This farm is really small but so cute. Just look how picture perfect:

sorry and thanks for hanging in there, but there are so many cute pictures, it's hard to only pick a few!

And if you are looking for some very good deals for the upcoming holidays - even socking stuffers, check out our ebay stuff. And if you mention you were directed through this blog, I'll take off 20% on the shipping. the link is up on the top left of the blog.

I'm hoping to scrap today. If not, then at least get some cards for heroes done.

Hope you have a fantantic day!!
God Bless!!
xo
Chris

day in photos: day 4

2008-10-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

First off, My top 3 favorites from Project Runway are going to Bryant Park! Yay!!

And, Brenna slept through the night in her big girl bed. love unbroken sleep.

Okay so I was a little lax again yesterday with the camera. Trying to keep it up along with everything else.

1. Brenna was super excited, dancing on my bed to go to "big girl school" and how cute is that outfit from Target - only $8 total! Gotta love Target!

2. My breakfast now I don't eat until like 11:00 am. WW egg sandwich, yogurt and a honey crisp apple, YUMMY!

3. I shipped like a mad women yesterday and my arms are so sore today!

4. I cleaned my scrap nook yesterday cause it needed it badly, then I scrapped and messed it up all over again :)

5. Getting ready to make Christmas cards for Cards for Heroes.

6. got B ready for bed - she usually falls asleep in our bed, then I move her.

and that's about it! Today is busy, and I've already taken a few pictures. Lots to do before Jeno leaves tonight. I'm hoping to take a nap so I can stay up super late tonight doing all kinds of creative things!!

Have a great day!
xo
Chris

day in photos: day 3

2008-10-08T08:30:00.000-05:00

I have to admit, I was not so good about taking pictures yesterday. Here they are

1. I shipped
2. Ran out to buy a salad after I
3. dropped my WW entree on the floor :(
4. blogged
5. enjoyed my Venti/quad/no foam/3 splenda/2% latte

also not in the pictures is my trip to Target, picked up Brenna, heated up leftovers for Jeno, made Annie's organic mac-n-cheese for Brenna and a WW entree for me which Brenna ate.

Not exciting, but still hanging on to this challenge by a thread!
I'll be better today!

I watched the debate last night. I'm more sure now than ever who I'll be voting for. How about you?

Well, I have to get some cookies baked for Jeno's fishing trip, I can hardly wait!!!
Have a great day!!
xo
Chris

Day in Photos day 2 and Happy Birthday KIKI!!!

2008-10-07T07:11:00.000-05:00

first things first, Happy Birthday to my totally sweet and adorable niece, Katherine! I can remember peeking at you all snuggled up in a blanket. You were tiny and adorable, and I just love you sweet girl!

Here are some of the pictures from her 3rd birthday party

and that is my SIL Val, putting the fire out in her hair!

So yesterday, I kept my camera within reach all day and here's what my day looked like

up at 7:00

Brenna brushed her teeth with no crying tantrum

my breakfast (WW egg sandwich, yogurt and a new favorite HONEY CRISP apple)

and I peeked at my craft nook, but didn't have time to create yesterday

Monday is laundry day

and Ebay day

and then when I left the house I was programming the GPS and I caught the roaming

wild turkeys. there had to be at least 2 dozen of these big birds

then I went and got my toes done

and there was traffic on I-95(what a shock)

then I picked up B after school

and she had a complete crying meltdown over pretzels

and I had to high tail it to the post office to drop off some packages

and after we met my Dad for pizza at our favorite pizza place

after pizza we went home and Jeno gave Brenna some Halloween stuff his friend gave to him.

and since you guys asked, here is the recipe for the pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS

1 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. ground pumpkin (canned)
1/2 c. cooking oil
3/4 c. chocolate chips (use good ones here)

Mix dry ingredients together. In another bowl mix the remaining ingredients except for chips, then incorporate dry ingredients, when it's all combined, add the chips last. Fill muffin cups and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Have a great day!!
Is it cold where you are? We woke up to 45 degrees!

xo
C

.Monday.

2008-10-06T07:42:00.000-05:00

Hello Peoples!

Today I'm happy to finally have some quiet time.

Brenna is on her way to school.
Jeno is driving her.
Time to clean, dishes already washed, laundry in the wash.

Need to finish Katherine's scrapbook.
Need to get Jeno's stuff ready for his fishing trip.
Need to make cards for Cards for Heroes.

I started doing Ali Edward's challenge this week. Documenting each day in pictures. I started yesterday.

some groceries from a trip to Shaw's

then I made chicken cassarole for dinner

Brenna helped me make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins

that turned out perfect

and on Sunday's we get all the recycling together for Monday pickup

and Brenna was a good girl and brushed her teeth before bed

and after she went to bed, I got her lunch together for today

Hopefully I will be able to do this everyday.

Have a great day!!
xo
Chris

P.S. Hello Sharon (another friend that reads but never comments) Ha!

countdown to crazy

2008-10-02T07:36:00.000-05:00

...we are having a tag sale tomorrow. If you live in the area, email me and I will give you the link to the ad for directions

Here's the list so far:

Knoll international 60's retro vintage table
Knoll International 60's retro vintage pair of two brown swivl chairs in excellent condition
household
decor items
vintage items
HIGH END furniture
chairs
cabinets
tables
lamps
tools
movies
dvds
electronics
outdoor furniture set
girls clothes 0-2T
womens designer clothing
mens designer clothing
winter coats
christmas decorations
china
crystal

grandfather's clock

Scrapbooking supplies
ribbons/lace/trims
papers
stamps sets
Paints
Christmas crafts
material/fabric
storage
kitchen items (vintage, collectible, utencils, equipment)
cook books
paintings and art

nice kids toys
kids books
kids movies

excellent stuff - something for everyone
CASH IS KING
EARLY BIRDS PAY DOUBLE

still I have to:

rent tables
make signs
buy poster board to make signs
hang signs
put out everything
price

OY!! but I really want to clean this house out so Jeno can buy new inventory.

We also have a ton of unusual stuff on eBay this week. Here is the link to what's for sale: http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/123jeno_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ (sorry, the link feature is not working)

we have new things every week, Jeno buys constantly and always different stuff. One week it will be tools, the next will be Victoria's Secret undies.....you have to keep checking!!

Well, So I don't leave you with a boring post, here is a picture

of my sweet Niece who's birthday scrapbook has yet to be made. the party is at 4 on Saturday after 2 days of tag sale hell. hmmmm!

Have a great day and if you want the addy to my sale, email me at christine.dodaj@gmails.com
xo
Chris

October 1st

2008-10-01T07:28:00.000-05:00

I seriously don't know where the month of September went.

The trees are beginning to turn just a hint of fall, and it's gorgeous.

J and I are in awe of this government bailout situation. WTF!! for the record I am not a political person - but I really feel like the need to hold everyone who gave the loans out a little more than a slap on the wrist.

Watched Rachel Zoe last night (twice) and I just can't get enough of the vintage clothes and jewelry. I would kill for just one of her big old chunky bracelets.

I took super cute Brenna pictures last week, and look how adorable they turned out:

I just can't get enough of her.

Here are a few more from the wedding

and on a creative note, I'm happy to report that I scrapped after I cleaned and reorganized my scrap nook yesterday. I needed to just be inspired and make some pages. Fall makes me want to get "messy" on my pages. I'll be breaking out the paint today. the pages:

Today, I'm going to make an October calendar similar to the one in the pottery barn catalog, just not $59.00.

Well, have a great day!!

today....so like...totally rocked

2008-09-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

yeah, that's right.

I shot my first wedding, and on the beach none the less. The pictures are awesome even if I must say so myself. The weather totally held out, no rain, a little grey..........but it all worked.

And then I met an actor I really like, Aaron Eckhart and he was as sweet as he was super good looking, sexy if you will. He was there taking photos of the beach with a (inset me sighing) vintage Pentax. Kylie and Thiago took a picture with him and so did I. I also did not have a hot celebrity meltdown and totally kept my cool.

really wishing I didn't look like Barney with that shirt and btw those photos still need to be edited.

It felt easy to shoot this happy couple and all of their friends and family. Here are some of my favorites:

A lot of the guests were from Nebraska and well, they are some nice people! I asked this really young guy named Chase if he could possibly help me and grab my tripod - he just ran for it. Like no problem.

Anyway, I'm exhausted, my feet hurt like crazy - they hate shoes. Don't ask me why I wore shoes to a beach wedding, when I knew the bridal party was wearing flip flops.
and.....
.....Thanks Kylie and Thiago, I loved spending the day taking your photos. I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together!! God Bless..

xo
Chris