I spent the evening scrapping with the world's best scrapping buddy ever. Funny no matter how much I get done, or how much coffee I drink, or coffee stomach I end up with, I wonder why we aren't together all of the time scrapping the night away like we did tonight. I am just putting the final touches on my layout but I did have the best time just hanging with my friend. Love you Halls!
Me.
So last year Ali Edwards was talking about a word for the year. Heck, it might have even started a few years ago. Anyhow, at the beginning of last year (or maybe the year before) I said to my dear friend Holly that my word was going to be ORGANIZE. She laughed because for years she keeps telling me how organization will help me in my scrapbooking. Well, I like to revisit the same subjects around the same time each year. You know, it's kind of like you can tell when fall is coming because the weather is changing, or you can tell when Valentine's Day is closer because all of the retail stores turn red with themed decor and gifts everywhere. Well, Holly and I have discussions at certain times of year and I just had my big "get organized" declaration. I starting thinking that I never really have truly accomplished that WORD for whatever year it might have been. SOOOOO, being the go getter that I am, I have OPERATION ORGANIZATION underway in my life. Nice thing, I am really doing it. In the last week or so I have...Cleaned out
Evan's closet, toy boxes, toy organizer, and drawers. The rafters in the garage. The hallway cupboards. The cupboard under my island, another cupboard in the kitchen, & the silverware drawer. Not a bad start! Wow, with a few month's left in the year I might actually accomplish my organization goal. Wow, I might get a new word!!!! With my organization, I am hoping to make daily life less stressful. I'll let you know my progress. 
With that out of the way, here's what has been going on...
The girls went back to school. Alyssa is in 4th grade and Megan is in the 2nd grade. For the first time ever, I rolled into "Flight Reservations" at school to find out teacher assignments and felt very sad. I felt like a black cloud just swept on in and opened up on me and my two little girls. I found the class lists and was surprised to find Megan in a job share situation and Alyssa in a 4/5 combo class. I tried so hard to put my brave mommy face on and not throw the tantrum that was brewing inside. It kinda worked but Alyssa saw right through me. She always sees what I am really thinking. Long story short....the Bailes version (that's a story in itself) is that they are both doing well and I HOPE AND PRAY that it will be fine. Alyssa is actually really loving the 5th grade math she was exposed to this week. She was so proud each day to go back to school and turn in her work to her teacher. Megan is so easy going and loves BOTH of her teachers. Yes, I said Meg is easy going. With all her spice I am amazed at what doesn't bother her!
I keep on meaning to put my projects and classes up on my blog. Well, all I can do is just start. I have visions of great albums and slide shows to highlight my work. Apparently that's not happening yet so here are a few views of two layout classes I have going on at It's About Time Scrapbooks and More.
"Sun Kissed" is my kids class layout featuring beautiful Kaiser paper. I always have grown ups buying kits for this class. The class/kit it just 15.00. The class will meet on Tues August 12th at 4:30. Call the store at 951.304.3422 right away to reserve your spot or kit.
Below is my "Rockin Good Times" layout class, part of my Capture The Moment series I teach each month. This layout is great because it can be easily adapted for many types of events or pictures. I can even see the Hannah Montana twist that can be taken if you have a little one who LOVES Hannah or Miley. Class date is Thursday, August 21st. 6:30-8:30pm. Again, call IAT at 951.304.3422 to sign up.
OK, lots to do but I think i might go to bed early tonight. Yes, I know you're looking at the time on this post and wondering just how crazy I am but seriously, it is QUIET in the house right now. Hard to beat that!!
More later....
Lauren
So things are busy, and I could probably work on one thing or another for a week straight. But, in the midst of feeling stressed, I looked back at the three little faces in the back of my car and decided we needed some good old fashioned park time. What a good way to put things into perspective. How can you beat this?
Funny because this is the park near our old house in Temecula where we used to take Alyssa all the time. I remember deciding that Megan would be named Megan one day while I was here pushing Alyssa on the swing. WToday we had the park to ourself. I guess no other mom's were crazy enough to be at the park at noon on a summer day. Kinda nice to have no distractions. The girls had the best time trying to help eachother in the tree. Evan was cool running all over the place and following his sisters around. Looking at these pictures makes me realize just how fast my life with my little ones is going. As much as we like to comlain about the daily grind on being parents, times like these make it all worth it. I only wish Matt was home today to enjoy the park with us.
Just a few pics from the day.
Have a great weekend.
Lauren
