Why Wouldn't Cha? - Finalized

Back to the story of the "Why Wouldn't Cha?" T-shirt (click here to see original post at Lisa Marie Creative). Alexis and I finally finished the last piece of the fun - Presenting Mike with HIS shirt! We met Mike out for Sushi and drinks, and he had absolutely no idea that we had done this for him (Thanks to all the NHG crew for not ruining the fun!) I had so much built up anticipation, waiting for him to open the BOX! He kept wanting to talk and discuss other things. Grrr... Open the Box Mike! I suppose we were being a bit loud, because we had the entire staff of Kotta over to check out all the commotion and they were all disappointed when he took it off. It was absolutely hilarious. He couldn't wait to show all his buddies his new shirt, and he swears that he is going to wear it proudly around town!

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Xmas at the Jolley's

This Christmas was a bit different than most years, but still a wonderful experience. “Santa” was up till 5:00 am prepping all the presents and getting everything ready for the kids on Xmas morning. My mom called at 7:00 am to tell me that they were almost to my place, and I was shocked that everyone was still asleep! I guess that keeping them out late the night before with Aunt Lexy looking at X-mas lights was a great idea! I don’t ever recall a Xmas morning where I was the one waking the kids, usually, they’re in jumping on my bed at the crack of dawn! (One year being 4:30 in the morning!)



One of Carissa's gifts was a replacement pair of her Hollywood white sunglasses that she had left on the airplane on the trip to California last summer.


Kasey was actually thrilled to receive this book! Shocker, I know, but we had so much fun with the others in this collection, that he couldn't wait to read it. He is still at such a fun age for opening presents. He is always the last one to still have gifts to open because he still is at the stage where he wants to play with everything the second he opens it and loses sight that there are plenty more gifts under the tree.



Carissa's gifts for everyone (Grandma, Papa Mike, me and her daddy) were all her own paintings this year. She made this one for Papa Mike to hang up in his pool room.



This one was made for Grandma, which matches the decor in her Kitchen. (Notice the new "signature" of Carissa's. Too cute)



Bakugan!!! Wow, how did Santa find any? Mom has been telling us that they're all sold out! (hehehe)



The big family gift this year (other than my new car; yea!!) was Rockband. The kids were thrilled and had so much fun rocking out. I was quite impressed with Gavin's skills on the guitar! Quite the coordinated lil guy. Kasey rocked the drums and Carissa took charge of the vocals.



The best gift of all. Not that it usually takes a lot to get me to tear up when it comes to my kids, but this gift was the topper. Gavin made this for me the night before Xmas and had it under the tree. I was wondering why he was so inquisitive about my eye color the day prior, but this was why. He wanted to make sure to get it right (which is a hard task, because my eye color changes, so he went with a middle-of-the-road color). Thanks Gavin! You're the sweetest kid ever!


Unfortunately, my battery died on my camera, so I was unable to get a lot of great pictures of Xmas morning, or my wonderful Xmas breakfast. (Note to self; purchase back up battery)

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One Down, Six to go

I've been slowly but surely checking items off my current project list. It was fabulous to take a weekend off, away from my laptop, but I’m afraid that now it’s back to the grind. Does Starbucks deliver?

This is a peak at a calendar that I created for a client of mine for 2009.


Click here to see the rest of the calendar atLisa Marie Creative

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It's Hard to Be Five.. Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell Books

Yesterday, Gavin and I were at Borders getting a book to help complete a 2009 Calendar project that I'm working on for a client and I came across the following book;

It's Hard to Be Five

I recommend their books to anyone who has young children. The reading was fun and educational and the graphics are hilarious. Kasey made me read it to him over and over again, and he cracked up every time!

We've already added her new book to Kasey's Santa Wishlist

Big Words for Little People



I glimpsed through this one and once Santa brings it, I'm sure we're going to have a ton of fun learning all the "Big Words".

Click here to view Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell Books website

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What's been keeping me busy?

2 Most Recent Works...

Go 4 Bling Event


and Centurion Food Drive



For more details, see my design blog... http://lisamariecreative.blogspot.com

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Thanksgiving

Our lil family decided to celebrate Thanksgiving on Saturday this year for 2 reasons. #1, the kids were with their dad this year, #2 - Go Longhorns!! I had tickets to the Longhorns game down in Austin. (Awesome trip)

We headed out to my mom and Mike's house early in the morning (as early as we could make it, due to the unexpected tragedy, see below). An Italian Thanksgiving is an ALL DAY feast, not just a single meal, and every year by the time we actually sit down to consume the bird, I am STUFFED. This year had it's challenges, (mom, don't kill me for saying it). The turkey was being the stubbornest bird I've ever encountered. My mom had a new recipe for "Juicy Bird" and for some reason, the dang thing wouldn't cook! We had it in the oven for an additional 2 hours than recommended, and it still never got above 160 degrees. We ended up slicing it anyway, out of simple frustration and everything else (including my delicious gravy and green beans) were getting icy cold. Good news is; No salmonella or late night E.R. trips. SUCCESS!

My kids found their new best friend, Craig (Cousin Katie's Husband). I hope you're able to get out of bed today Craig!! And Gavin and Kasey say thanks for all the horsey rides and wrestling lessons.

Another first for the Jolley's; Gavin drove the mini-bike all by himself!! We only had one minor mishap, a phone-line box jumped right out in front of him. Minor groin injury, but again, No E.R. trips! WOO HOO!

After Papa Mike took Kasey for his ride (and almost ran ME down), Kasey ran into the house exclaiming "I've never felt so ALIVE!!". Hilarious.

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Another Tragedy at the Jolley's

Sad, sad news. Saturday morning, we lost Minnie (Carissa's mouse). I've actually been quite surprised that the atrocious lil creature endured as long as she had. Carissa was quite upset, for a bit, until she started getting excited about all the new animal prospects. We buried Minnie right next to Mickey. Carissa dug the whole. Kasey said the following prayer;

"God is great, God is good, Let us thank him for our food, by his hand, we are friends, thank you for our daily breath, amen, let's be friends, you may eat"

Not exactly the typical burial prayer, but Kasey doesn't exactly do anything that is "typical".

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Halloween Firsts

A Boyfriend?? Wow... Brayden (Carissa's first boyfriend) joined us for Trick or Treating. We picked him up, headed south to Highland Park and met Taylor and Kennedy.

My gang, plus Brayden and Kennedy

Carissa and Brayden (notice there is no touching.... that's not allowed)

Gavin - The "Skater Punk Zombie" (What happened to my lil Buzz Lightyear?)

Kasey - The Zombie Mummy (what?? What is a zombie mummy? Why not just sponge-bob?)

Took the gang down to Highland Park. My favorite house was the one where the older gentlemen answered the door in his full suit and "served" the trick or treaters candy on a silver platter!

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Travis and Michelle's Engagement Shoot

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Catch Up

Alrighty, well, being that I'm sick (AGAIN!!) and spending the weekend at home, I figured it was perfect timing to catch up on some long awaited posting...

A lot has happened in the past month or so, but I'm going to take it one post at a time. So, I start with some new artwork I created that is currently running on the back cover of my magazine here in Dallas. Thanks Titan Home Theater for the opportunity.

PS. This jpeg doesn't do the ad justice. The actual page is beautiful. They loved it and said it was the best that any publication has ever created for them. (Self Promotion, yes I know)

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Isn't it Ironic?

Well, needless to say, I was alarmed by the arrival of a new unwanted guest in the kitchen; A mouse!!! I've been wondering for the past two days if the clicking noise in the kitchen is my fridge going out. Nope, I’m sure it’s a mouse. I put a call in for an exterminator on Sunday to come and rid my home of the unwanted thieving lil rodent.

The irony lies in the fact that shortly after the exterminator call on Sunday the boys mouse, Mickey, left this life. We’re not exactly sure what happened, could have been the gigantic waterbottle that fell off the side of the cage and possibly squished the poor lil guy to death, or he could have been sick with some atrocious rodent disease or maybe simply the fact that a mouse has the lifespan of FLY!! However, Carissa found him belly up, stiff and stinky on Sunday morning. It was quite traumatic. Gavin and Kasey were completely distraught over losing their beloved disgusting lil rodent. We had a small burial ceremony outside at the tree. Gavin dug the whole and buried Mickey, Carissa gave a prayer and Kasey gave the eulogy (as best as a 5 year old could).

So… Now I’ve got the mouse I don’t want dead... dead. And the one I would like terminated still alive and kickin. Se La Vie.

(I apologize for not having more compassion for the revolting repulsive vile lil rodent. Obviously, I'm not a big fan of mice. Whoever thought that giving children mice as pets was a very imprudent person)

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If you value your sleep...

Do Not Learn Photoshop!!! I have sooo many photos to edit, I don't know how I'll ever get through it! There are so many fun things to do, I find myself getting carried away and before I know it, I've completely over engaged!

I've been sick for quite some time and am just starting to feel back to normal. I came down with an intense fever 13 days ago. It continued for 10 days running an average of 100 with spikes at 104 followed with horrible chills. No other symptoms other than swollen glands and some strange pains in unmentionable areas. After several doctor visits (an co-pays) later, all my blood levels are finally back to normal and I think I've gotten rid of the infection. I go for my final visit on Tuesday to ensure everything is as it should be and that the lump in my throat has dissipated.

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First Day of School

Kasey started Kindergarten today! My baby is growing up. Before the drop off, there were no thoughts of myself being upset or sad to have my "baby" starting school, but wow... The tears reared their ugly head when I watched him being so independent in his class. It was so unexpected. He is such a momma's boy and secretly I LOVE IT! I eat it up! His teacher is already in love with him and his sense of humor. After all, who can resist lil Kasey? His charisma for life and fascination in small details is so magnetizing.

Gavin started the 4th grade. He too, was so independent. I suppose it's a good thing that my children have the virtue of independence, because it makes life a lot easier to not have them tugging on your leg, however, to be perfectly honest, I'll have to admit that I was a bit shocked to not have them hesitating at all to join their classes. Gavin's spirit is so mild and serene. He will always make a great friend, for he is incapable of peccancy. He is now the big man on campus without his big sister there to reign over him.

Carissa started middle school. WOW! What a dramatic ordeal! She was so nervous. She had everything planned out. She knew exactly the way she would wave high to people, how she would set up her locker. Oh... But I did find out today that we did NOT know the proper hair style for middle school. Apparently flipped layers with swoopy bangs is no longer "in". The proper middle school hair-do is long curled hair! How could we be wrong?

Texas schools require the parents to purchase an entire years worth of supplies in the beginning of the year. You are sent with a list of about 30-40 items for each child to bring on the first day (ie: 2 boxes crayons, 3 boxes markers, 5 packs paper, 16 glue sticks!!!) As you can see from Carissa's picture, it's a massive amount of items to carry on the first day. What happened to using hand-me-down crayons and paints from last year like how I grew up in Cali?

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California Here we Come!

The tickets are booked!!

We will be arriving Tuesday, July 29th in the morning and will be leaving Tuesday, August 12th in the evening.

I can't wait to see everyone! This visit is long overdue!

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Grapevine Festival

Last Saturday was the Grapevine Main St. Days Festival. The kids had so much fun. We went with Sven, Bianca, lil Emmy and Flo. Being from Germany, they were so surprised as to how we cater everything around our children here. It really is great!

The face painting was so much fun. They all choose out their favorite face. Carissa, of course, the pretty yet edgey. Gavin, the scary. And Kasey had to be the green alien. The paintings lasted for quite a while, through all the corny dogs, roasted corn and lemonades. Carissa and Gavin's didn't make it, obviously, through the scuba diving. This was the coolest thing. For only 5 dollars, they got 20 minutes in the pool with full scuba gear. They had to find toys at the bottom of the pool and got to experience the underwater breathing. (Yikes! That's way to scary for me!). Kasey got to bungee since he wasn't old enough to scuba.

We were FRIED by the time we got home, so we jumped in the pool then rushed off to Carissa's Piano Recital! Whew!

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Carissa's First Piano Recital

Carissa began taking piano lessons about six weeks ago. This is her first recital. She did great! She hit every note and on beat!!!

Click the box to activate the movie and let it load for a minute or so before watching.... Works better that way

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Student of the Month!!!

Congratulations Carissa!!! Student of the Month for March / April for the 5th grade. Thsi is a huge feat for her. Hard work and dedication has paid off! Her last report card was 4 A's and 2 B's. (Maybe the bribe of the Nintendo DS had something to do with it, but hey, whatever works)

Click the box to activate the movie and let it load for a minute or so before watching.... Works better that way

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Gavin and Kasey's Belt Test

Gavin and Kasey had their belt test to move from Yellow to Purple belt in Tae Kwon Do. It's always so fun to watch these little kids do these routines and break the boards. Plus, they get a trophy and what is cooler than a trophy???

Click the box to activate the movie and let it load for a minute or so before watching.... Works better that way

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Heart Wrenching, Life Touching Story

Dr. Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture - Life Lessons

Wow! I challenge everyone to take the time to watch the ABC special linked below. This touched my life and truly changed my outlook on life situations. We all at one time have thought that we had a bad day or "why me?" This man's words have changed the way I view my "Challenges".

The Wall Street Journal called it "the lecture of a lifetime" and those who have seen it have more than agreed.

Randy Pausch has terminal pancreatic cancer and has been given a sentence on his life. He has vowed to live everyone of his last days to the fullest and to create beautiful memories for his three children.

One of my favorites quotes from this special is:

"The metaphor I've used is … somebody's going to push my family off a cliff pretty soon, and I won't be there to catch them. And that breaks my heart. But I have some time to sew some nets to cushion the fall. So, I can curl up in a ball and cry, or I can get to work on the nets." - Randy Pausch

I hope to build strong nets for my children so that if anyone ever pushes them off the cliff and I'm not there to catch them, the nets will cushion their fall.

He says... "Everyone has a choice, to be the Eyeore or the Tigger. I choose to be the Tigger."

I have challenged myself to try everyday to be the Tigger for my children and to know that life is precious and to take every moment to the fullest.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/LastLecture/

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The Devil's Swimming Pool (A Piscina do Diabo)

In Zimbabwe , Africa, you will find the magnificent Victoria Falls at a height of 128m. The location is known as "The Devil's Swimming Pool".

During the months of September and December, people can swim as close as possible to the edge of the falls without falling over!

These falls are becoming well known amongst the "radical tourist" industry as more and more people search for the ultimate experience.

Would you dare?

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