just that the roller coaster ride is over, and you have to get back to real life. At my birthday, i have found that the only way around the post-birthday-you-are-another-year-older doldrums is to carry out festivities equal to a small country's celebration of independance, or perhaps Chinese New Year. Now, don't misunderstand me, I don't have an over-inflated sense of self importance. This is all for my mental well being. I won't list all the details, but Paul agreed to take me to this wonderfully tacky restaurant in Denver called Casa Bonita. Since we were already in town, my considerate husband talked me in to going to a gun show. They sell really great jewelry at those things! Who knew?! One night during the week of festivities, my parents and Paul and I took our three kids and my oldest brother Byrne's three kids to eat at the fabulous Texas Roadhouse! You should see the looks you get when you ask for a table with four adults and six kids! That was a party in and of itself. To top it all off, after unsupervised trips to Michaels and Hobby Lobby( I still can't seem to find those receipts!), my husband bought me a video camera that records right onto those cute little DVD's. Something I had asked for a long time ago. All in all it was a very successful, I mean happy, birthday. And,I don't feel the least upset about turning 26! 
Ahhh... Scrapbooking! Along with recipe sharing and facial waxing, I thought scrapbooking was just another thing for silly old married ladies with too many kids and nothing better to do... Anyway, it all started the summer before I met Paul, when my cousin started selling Stampin' up! Well, in an effort to support her business endeavor, my mom and I bought a couple ink pads and stamp sets. Six years later (much like their owner) those few little items have multiplied, and just as we have filled our little house to the brim, the paraphenalia I took home that day now has it's own room. Yes, the stamping stuff has become a full blown obsession. And while I am very careful to always buy everything when it is on sale, the money invested in this harmless hobby sometimes causes me much grief. I am torn. I love preserving the memories of these days for our children and their families, but I often look at my non-recyclable paper and plastic embellishments that were of course 'Made In China', and wonder if that money couldn't be spent a little bit more wisely! Until I decide, it seems silly to let all these wonderful embellishments and paper to go to waste!
It seems to be a little easier on the eye.
I love the weather here! I might be the only one in the whole state, but I think it's just plain fun to have a little variety in your day! Spring is especially nice. I love to see pansies and tulips pushing their way up through the snow.
