Crop-A-Doodle-Do

Every year in the springtime a couple of friends and I get away for a scrapbooking weekend. A couple of weekends ago we all headed to a bed and breakfast called Crop-A-Doodle-Do in Arcadia, Indiana! (You can check it out HERE.) It's an adorable old farm house in the middle of a wide open field that has been renovated to cater to scrapbookers. (I still dream of doing something like this one day.)

I must say it was a very relaxing and restful weekend...two things I desperately needed! However...with all of the struggles that I had just getting out of the house...I wasn't sure the weekend was even going to happen.

I was suppose to drop the kids off to Jeff at his work after preschool, stop by the scrapbooking store near his office for some supplies, then hit the road...but NOOOOO! As I was leaving preschool pick up I get a call from my oldest son's school that he's complaining of his stomach hurting (a stomach bug had been going through our house that week...it was now Logan's turn to get it). Then Jeff had a phone call go long and he was an hour later getting to our house than planned. In the meantime I'm trying to arrange for a sitter to come to the house around 5:00 so the sitter can watch the kids while Jeff takes a prescheduled conference call, figure out how Frank and Logan were going to get to piano lessons from 4-5 (before I knew Logan was sick), and then get Frank to his 5:30 soccer game...and not feel guilty that I'm heading out of town in the midst of all of this.

Needless to say it all magically worked out and I made it to Crop-A-Doodle-Do in time for dinner.

Over the weekend I got a few pages and cards done, had a lot of laughs with some really funny women, got two full nights of sleep (don't think that's happened in a long long time), didn't get out of my PJs all day Saturday, and ate everything in site! It was a good weekend!

Here are some of the pages I did...










I'm sure you noticed how some of the pages don't have pictures on them...that was another road block I encountered while trying to pack up and leave...our printer ran out of ink. So I just did the pages with papers and embellishments I liked and figured that I'd find pictures to match them later. This method was actually a little bit easier for me because I wasn't all caught up on the color in the pictures and the paper matching perfectly. My motto for the weekend was "Don't over think it...just do it!"

This layout I put into my new hanging frame that I bought from a friend's Creative Memories party. Where the 12x12 layout rests is magnetic...so it can easily be changed out. My plan is to change this with pictures taken from what is going on around here that month. It's my hope that this will allow me to keep up with a family album. A BIG hope...I'll let you know how that pans out:)

Well, that's all for now...

Some updates...

I just wanted to say thank you to those people who have been sending in cards for James and his family! When I go to my mailbox and find cards sent for James...it is truly more exciting than getting personal mail for myself! The furthest location one has been sent from is the Netherlands...AMAZING! I've also received cards from New Jersery (thanks Judy!), Wisconsin, and Texas! I'll be sure to post any updates I receive from the family in regards to the cards. Thank you again...and keep them coming!

Here a few that I plan on adding to the mix...

These are a few I made over my scrapbook weekend away at Crop-a-doodle-do...I'll be sure to share about that weekend soon!

The answer to the Knock Knock one is..."i - 8 lunch already...where's dinner?"

For Grace...

Obviously for James...

Another update...I've recently purchased my web address where I hope to sell my cards! My next step is to get with a designer and bring it to life. As soon as there is the tiniest thing to look at on the website I will be sure to post it here. So, I've put it out there...I've spent money on it...now I have to follow through!

Well, that's all for now...

I am a Flying Pig...

This past Sunday I was able to scratch one of my New Year's resolutions off of my list...I ran Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon!

Yesireee...I ran all 26.2 of the miles that it took me to get from the start to the finish. Although my goal was to finish in under 4 hours (I finished in 4 hours and 1 minute) I was still excited to have ran it nonetheless! (Don't you worry though...I will crush that 4 hour mark sooner or later:)

I have to give a huge shout out to my AWESOME husband who ran the marathon with me every step of the way. He encouraged and reassured me at all the right times. He knew when to make the conversation light hearted and knew when to keep it to himself :) Without him I never in my life would have considered running a marathon and never would have actually followed through with it! His drive is contagious...one of the many things I love about him! Thank you Jeff!...the last one to Boston is a rotten egg!

Several of my friends in our neighborhood were running the PIG as well so I decided to make up some little goodie bags (filled with runner type snacks) for them to wish them good luck...and of course a card!

These were not necessarily fuel for running...but a sweet treat when all was said and done. They're pink chocolate pigs!

Get it??? GU-d luck!

Overall I really enjoyed training for this marathon. Sure some of the runs were painful (getting up for a 5:00 a.m. run after dealing with a newborn during the night, running in snowy streets, the dreaded treadmill for a 16 mile run, dehydration, sore legs, chaffing...in unspeakable places, the hidden dog in someones yard that jumps out and scares the crud out of you, etc.) but the sense of accomplishment as I checked off the miles each week closing in on the marathon keeps me coming back. Will there be another marathon??? ABSOLUTELY!!!

Well, that's all for now...

PS - I'll be sure to post the picture from the marathon finish when I get it!

Card Drive for James...

At the start of this preschool year Frank became friends with a little guy in his class named James.

This is James...

Shortly after the Christmas holiday we received word from Frank's teacher that James was sick.
Here is James's story (taken from his Carepage - written by his parents)... "We wish that we didn't have a story, but the truth is we do. A few days after Christmas James experienced belly pain which was thought to be constipation. After visiting the pediatrician for an exam, we were sent for an x-ray. The x-ray confirmed a mass of some sort. At that time we were sent to Children's Hospital for an ultrasound which showed a 13 cm tumor in the left kidney. The probably diagnosis is a Wilm's tumor. James was originally scheduled for a left nephrectomy, however, the plan ended up changing due to a finding on the MRI. James has a small spot on his right kidney. This could be a "rest" which would be an insignificant finding -or it could be a bilateral Wilms tumor. Since we don't know for sure, he is being treated as though he has a bilateral Wilms tumor. The standard treatment for this is 6 weeks of chemo then surgery. James is a sweet, fun loving 5 year old with a big heart!"

With this being my first card drive to (kind of) initiate my wonderful and generous friend Heather is helping me to spread the word...and offering some prizes for those of you who send in cards! Although you may not be an avid card maker...any card with a heart felt sentiment, a joke, a nice picture, etc. will be sure to bring a smile to James and his family. Think about the joy that a personal letter or card brings to you...or better yet...your child! I know mine smile ear to ear and carry whatever it might be around with them for the next 5 days.

So, I need your help to make this card drive a success and put a smile on the faces of this family. All you need to do is create a card (or cards) with an upbeat cheery theme (please...no get well soon cards) and send them to me...

CARD FOR JAMES

c/o Shane Rieder

862 Gorham Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45245

*PLEASE INCLUDE A PIECE OF PAPER WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, EMAIL, and THE NUMBER OF CARDS YOU SENT because there will be drawings for PRIZES!

We are also collecting cards for James's family ~

Sister ~ Grace (3 years) and

Parents ~ Matt and Heather

Thanks for reading...and I hope you'll join me in bringing smiles to the Overbeck family!

I have a 7 year old...

It's hard to believe that my oldest just turned 7 a few weeks ago! Where has the time gone?...and most importantly, I'm way too young to have a 7 year old...hahaha!

When we asked Logan what he wanted to do for his big day he initially said a sleepover with his buddies. Well, with having a baby that's not sleeping through the night and just having planned Emily's baptism and Mary Kate's 2nd birthday...I couldn't muster up the enthusiasm for a sleepover. So, we went with his second choice...a party at Chucke E. Cheese.

I have two words to describe that party at Chucke E. Cheese...ORGANIZED CHAOS!

There were 5 other parties taking place at the same time as Logan's however all the services and excitement that we were promised were delivered. All of Logan's guests enjoyed playing games, eating pizza, cake, and ice cream. Logan danced with Chucke, received a coin crown, a birthday medal, and spent 30 seconds in the "Ticket Blaster" booth. The kids had so much fun that we that we ran out of time to open presents. (I have to admit...it was really nice to actually get to watch Logan open each of his presents at home and see what he received vs. trying to do it at the already chaotic party.)

When all was said and done we were all exhausted but we got to leave the mess and fun behind and return to our clean and quiet home to relax...I would definitely do it again!

The following Monday was Logan's actually birthday and I was excited to finally do something that I had been dreaming about doing since the day I became a mother...making Logan's birthday treats for his class! Silly I know...but it is something that I remember my mom doing when I was little and how excited I would be to pass out MY treats. I just hope that I gave Logan that same excitement on his special day.

I had this grand plan to make these cookie suckers that I would decorate with the name of each student in the class. As the wee hours of the night went by my swearing became a little louder and vulgar...however the smile that came across Logan's face when he saw all of the cookies was priceless! I completely forget about the cramp in my hand that I had from squeezing the icing bag. I vowed to never do that again...but when the next child asks for cookie suckers I know I will say yes without hesitation.

So, another birthday that has come and gone which only reminds me that this getting older thing (for them and me) can't be stopped. Sure I get a little sad thinking about the time that has gone by wishing I could savor every moment...but then that turns into happiness as I get to see my wonderful children grow up into great little people.

Well, that's all for now...

PS - Sorry about all of the large gaps in between paragraphs...I've tried to fix it several times without any luck. I wish I were tech-savy.

Quick share...

I just wanted to share some cards that I have been working on these past few days.

These first note cards I made are intended to be the thank you notes that I will send out for Emily's baptism. I just got THIS (that little link there is a first for me...so basic, yet so fun to learn something new) adorable stamp set from Papertrey. As with all of their stamps that I have purchased I love them! How can you not like something that has the word "tiny" in it?



My camera (not me) clearly has issues with taking pictures close up. Sorry...I just wanted to show off that tiny little strawberry better and how instead of using any of the sayings that came with the stamp set, I added Emily's name and then stamped around it.

These next two cards are samples I made for my friend Melissa whose daughter, Megan, is receiving her First Communion. She asked if I would make the invitations for the event...I wanted to give her a couple of new options to choose from.





Last year I had made these two cards for another client.




Megan will have the last say...I'll keep you posted of what she decides.

Well, that's all for now...

Bald is beautiful...

This past weekend Jeff shaved his head bald for a wonderful cause! Recently he learned about a foundation called St. Baldericks. This foundation raises money for pediatric cancer research. It is the largest money raising organization for kid's cancer research. Jeff's goal was to raise $2,000 but ended up raising $3,385! The support from friends and family was amazing! Thank you to everyone who donated!

Friday we headed to Indianapolis for the event. A reception was held at a K of C where there was food, music, and drinks for all the people participating. As soon as we entered the room we encountered one bald head after another...men, teenagers, little kids, and even women! The shaving of the heads was took place on a stage where there were several barbers lined up ready to expose your scalp. At 7:00 p.m. when Jeff's name was called he went up without hesitation...in fact I think he was looking forward to seeing himself bald.

Well...here was the end result...


Not too bad! No weird lumps or bumps were exposed...thank goodness:) In fact...the next day Jeff took a razor to his head to make it all nice and shiny. As of now he plans to keep it shaved for awhile and I must say I don't mind.

I am often amazed at what Jeff commits himself to. With his already busy life or running a company, traveling, raising 5 kids, training for marathons, involvement in several organizations...things like donating time, money, and even shaving his head are still on his mind. I absolutely love this about him!...and he inspires me to do more and be better. Now, does that mean I'll shave my head next year...probably not...but I am so proud of Jeff and to be his wife!

Well, that's all for now...

The complete party...

Awhile back I had made these invitations for my friend Julie who was hosting a baby shower for her friend Lani.

Well, Julie took the onesie theme and (with the help of our friend Kate) ran with it! I had to share all that they created for this shower...too cute!

The two (red and brown) chocolate suckers were made from a onesie sucker mold she found on ebay. The onesie on top of the cupcake was self made. Julie used the onesie stamp I used on the invitation and stamped it onto a piece of paper. She then placed the stamped image on a cookie sheet beneath some wax paper. Next she carefully drizzled melted chocolate on the wax paper using the onesie under the paper as a stencil. And the end result were these adorable onesies that topped her cupcakes.

Center pieces made from a brown lunch bag

Party favors for the guests...but I'm drawing a blank on what was put inside???

Another center piece...it's hard to see, but what looks like sand in the bucket is actually brown sugar. What a sweet touch!...hahaha

When I make an invitation I always try to create a thank you note to match. Here is what I came up with. It's a style that I've used before but changed it up a little with the papers, buttons, and wording.

The type might be hard to read but it says, "From the crib of the littlest Amann..."

Here is how I packaged them up.

It's really fun to see how one idea can generate another! Well, that's all for now...

A Birthday and a Baptism...

Last weekend was a busy couple of days at the Rieder house...

We kicked off Friday with Mary Kate's 2nd Birthday! Although Jeff didn't make it home because of a cancelled flight and Logan had Cub Scouts...the remaining Rieders managed to make MK feel special. While she was napping Frank and I made her cupcakes and wrapped her presents. After dinner we sang Happy Birthday, ate our cupcakes, and opened presents. Mary Kate seemed to be thrilled with it all! I know she is only 2 and most likely won't remember her 2nd birthday, but I still felt the need to make her actual birthday as special for her as I could.

Frank helping me make Mary Kate's cupcakes...he was truly a huge help!

The birthday girl thrilled with her cupcake tower!

This is her special birthday outfit that she wore the day of the baptism. Since everyone was coming over I piggy backed her birthday to the baptism...we had a cake and sang Happy Birthday! (The never ending "Mommy Guilt" of trying to make everything special:)

On Saturday morning I had to run 10 miles as a part of my marathon training. It's not the most I've had to run so far...but nonetheless it had to get done during this busy weekend.

Then on Sunday at the 10 o'clock mass Emily was baptized. Most of my family and all of Jeff's family were able to make it. Emily did great! She slept for most of the mass and when it came time for the water to be poured over her head she didn't even flinch. The entire event at the church was emotional...the baptism itself (my daughter being welcomed into this wonderful community) and the fact that this will most likely be my last child to be baptized. I held it together pretty well, but there was a moment or two where I was trying hard not to cry:)

Our big family...I love it!

Chris (Ken's wife and God mother), me and Emily, Fr. Bill, Jeff, and Ken (Jeff's brother and God father)

After church everyone came back to our house for lunch. It was a great weekend!

Happy Birthday to Me...

Recently I celebrated my 38th birthday. Yes, that's right...38...unfortunately that wasn't a typo. My birthdays are usually pretty mellow, but this year I wanted to spice things up a little.

We started the night with having some friends and family over to our house for some drinks and appetizers. During this time we of course had a break out a few games...because what would a night at the Rieder house be if there weren't a few games to be played???

Before we were about to head out my husband pulls me up in front of everyone, says a little speech, and then plays this video he made for me. Every time I watch it, it makes me laugh and brings tears to my eyes.

I have to admit...I've watched my video at least 100 times! It's such a great depiction of our life together so far. I absolutely love it! Thank you Jeff!...the best husband around:)

After the video was over we headed out to a karaoke bar where some of us sang (some pretty interesting songs) and danced. I had such a great night cutting lose and having fun!..which was the exact goal of the night.

When all was said and done...I couldn't have wished for a better birthday. Although the point of the night wasn't so that I could get gifts some of my friends were very thoughtful and surprised me with presents. Of course when a present is received and thank you note must be given. So, here are the notes that I will be sending out to thank my amazing friends and family.

Well, that's all for now...

Happy Valentine's Day...

Well, I did it!...or I should say we did it! (Jeff helped me with lining up the typed parts on the card.) I managed to make a Valentine's Day card for Logan (to pass out to his classmates) that he thought was better than a store bought card. Here it is...

Logan then wrote on the back who it was for and signed his name.

Nothing too too fancy or complicated to put together...but mission accomplished! I had big plans to attach a Star Wars pencil in some way...but it wasn't in the cards. So, Logan just passed out the pencils along with the Valentine.

Another year that I dodged the store bought Valentines...can I do it next year???...we shall see!

Well, that's all for now...

Valentines...

In years past I have made my kids Valentines to be passed out at school...however this year Logan has requested store bought Valentines...BOOOO! Jeff said I need to come up with a cool Star Wars, Transformers, or Bakugan type Valentine that he would like. Can I whip something up before his class party on Monday? We shall see...

But thankfully Frank and Claire have not yet out grown my Valentines. Here are some pictures of the ones they picked...

I used the same design that I used for the thank you notes that I donated to my sister in law's goodie basket...but instead of "thank you" I stamped the saying that came with each stamp in the set. Also, I embossed the front of the card with hearts...because you can't have too many hearts on Valentine's Day!

Frank and Claire loved how they turned out and are super excited to hand them out at their class parties today!

Well, that's all for now...

Poof...a new family room!

Last year we bought a new kitchen table due to our ever growing family. Well...that one purchase snowballed. After the table came the new paint in the kitchen and the family room, new light fixtures, a new counter top, and a new back splash. When all was said and done our kitchen had a new look that I wasn't even sure how it all happened...but I'm not complaining! I love the way it all turned out...and after looking back at some old pictures of the kitchen...I realized that it was desperately in need of a make over!

Well, the same thing just happened again recently. We decided to do away with our big sectional couch in our family room to open up the area between our kitchen and our family room and we bought a new couch and chair. When the furniture arrived we discussed where the TV should now go, the toy box, etc. From those few conversations a project was hatched. I can't really explain it as well as a picture can show it. So, here is a before picture of our family room...

And here is the after...

My husband and my brother in law Ken (who owns his own construction business) began talking about what we could do in our family room and the next thing I know we are under construction and our family room is getting a make over. I absolutely love the end result! Again, it was one of those things that snow balled...and then POOF...we have a new family room! My brother in law does some pretty amazing work! Thanks Ken!

I also have to thank my friend Sarah and her sister Stephanie who bought the decorations for the entire room. I had no idea where to begin...especially what to put on the shelves...but I knew that Sarah and Stephanie have the knack for projects like this. Sarah keeps telling me that I have to play it off like I did it myself...but really...I never would have come up with what they did in a million years. So, thank you Sarah and Stephanie!

Well, that's all for now...