I am so happy that the weather has warmed up around here. I’m not holding my breath but the last week has just been awesome. Our local outdoor pool opened last weekend and we’ve already been twice. I love that they are open later into the evening. I took the kids over there last night after dinner and it’s just such a great way for them to get some exercise before bed. My favorite thing was watching Simon swim on his back all the way down and back (50 yards) and watching the overall joy he gets from being in the water. It’s so good for him and it makes me so happy.

I am putting energy into my yard. I’m learning about stuff like the sprinkler system and planting more peonies and a few tomatoes and just generally doing stuff out there – joyfully. I attended a fundraising breakfast for Habitat For Humanity yesterday and it was another reminder to me of how thankful I am for my home. Also really loved this post from Tara the other day about home and wants and perspective and attitude.

I am making time for books again. I’m just about done with The Buddha In The Attic. It’s a quick read and the thing that really struck me right away is her writing style. It’s the first book I’ve read that employs the technique of repeating the same first few words for each sentence in a paragraph (a favorite journaling technique of mine). She covers a wide range of experiences and emotions with that technique. One of the reviewers listed on Amazon called it an “incantatory style.” I’m not sure it’s as effective for an entire book – after awhile the repetition feels well, repetitive. I almost stopped reading it before finishing, but I’m determined to get to the end now. The Newlyweds and The Reinvention of Edison Thomas (recommended by Simon’s developmental pediatrician) are up next.

I am thinking about a summer manifesto and looking at the calendar and figuring out the who, what, where, when and how of the next few months.

I am thinking a lot about my experience of writing my 31 stories for 31 Things. Rather than feeling burned out on writing I’m wanting to write more (there’s lots of projects where I get to the end and feel like I’m so done…this one has been a different experience). I definitely feel done with the actual project but I want to take that level of writing into other projects. I’m excited for the class to begin and hope it’s as meaningful for you as it’s been for me. If you’ve registered the message boards are now open and you should receive your first prompt via email tomorrow. There’s still time to sign up – registration closes on May 23.

I am thinking about unfinished projects and projects on my list and trying to figure out what travel album to tackle next.

I am really working on being present for Anna. I had one of those moments on Monday where she was looking at me and I was looking at her and we were engaged in a conversation about Bubble Guppies or Jake And The Neverland Pirates and in my mind I was thinking, “Anna, you are so awesome.” And then by later in the evening when she was having a 5pm meltdown (I should have given her a bigger snack) and needed to take a break in her room I was calm enough to be thinking, “Anna, you are still so awesome. How can I be calm for you so you can learn to be calm too.” Calm heart, calm mind, calm voice and a big deep breath.

I am in-progress with Project Life for last week and a video-overview of my Week In The Life album (a couple questions came up in the comments that I want to answer via video too).

One from Anna (with a little help from her teacher at school) and one from Simon (with a little help from Chris on how to spell “appreciate”). Both totally loved.

Had a really nice Mother’s Day. A little time to read the paper, a little time to chat with my Mom (she was here with me on Friday night and we got to go to dinner), a little time to work on my computer, a little time to run an errand to Target, a little time to play at the pool with the kids in the late afternoon (the weather was awesome – in the 80′s), a little time in the yard, a little time for popcorn (always time for popcorn).

In case you can’t read the photo, here’s what each note says:

FROM ANNA | Dear Mommy, I like to eat popcorn with you and go to Target and go on the swings. Thank you for watching unicorns with me and hugging me. I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!

FROM SIMON | Thank you for helping me around the neighborhood and the town. I really appreciate you. Love Simon. PS. I like to snuggle with you.

Man I love those two.

One person will receive a Silhouette Cameo.

#721 • Joyce said…Love the mirror idea. And a Cameo? Yes, please!

Congratulations Joyce! I just sent you an email requesting your contact information.

The Silhouette Cameo + Vinyl promotion is happening for a few more days. To purchase this promotional package go here and use promo code: Edwards. This promotion ends May 16th at midnight.

My new 4-week workshop, 31 Things, begins next Thursday at Big Picture Classes.

Here’s a few more details about this class for those of you that might be thinking about signing up (or for those of you who are reading about it for the first time today):

This is not a class where you’ll be documenting what you do each day for 31 days.

This is a class where you are invited, via daily prompts, to tell 31 stories from your life. Some people will tell stories from today. Some will tell stories from the past. And some will tell stories that combine the two together. Some stories will be serious. Some will be silly. Some might will be hard and others easy.

This is a class that will stretch your writing muscles and encourage you to tell your stories in more detail and depth.

This is a class that focuses on topics/themes you might dismiss when you are thinking about which stories to scrapbook/write about your life. Examples of some of the topics/themes include jewelry, technology, listen, shoes, carry, spirit, outside, covet.

This is a class that would be appropriate for anyone who is interested in writing stories about their life, even if you don’t consider yourself a scrapbooker.

This is a class for every kind of memory keeper (paper, digital, art journalers, writers, bloggers, etc because it’s really all about the writing).

Class begins on Thursday, May 17th and runs through June 16th. All the daily emails will be archived in the classroom at Big Picture – there will also be a message board and gallery for sharing your work and being a part of the class community.

As with all Big Picture workshops you have complete access to the classroom and the archives after the live class is over.

When you sign up there’s a video waiting for you with more details along with layered templates for Photoshop users and Word journaling templates for those that might not use Photoshop.

Registration closes May 23.

You’re invited. Learn more and sign up here.

I’ve got a couple fun things for you today including a Silhouette Cameo giveaway, special pricing on a Silhouette + vinyl package, and a freebie .STUDIO file.

Most of you know I’ve been enjoying working with the Silhouette. I’ve used it a bunch in Project Life.

This was my first time working with premium vinyl on my Cameo. Super easy and totally got my mind going on all kinds of other things I could do with this stuff.

I basically used this tutorial to walk through the steps of learning how to use the vinyl.

I started with a big phrase and then decided to go small.

Here’s the big one:

Nothing wrong with this at all except it just felt too big.

Here’s my (much) smaller second version (Font is Bebas Neue):

I put it right above the bottom of the mirror in my kid’s bathroom.

I love that it’s a simple little reminder (and reminds me of the great photobooth at The Ace Hotel in Portland) that the kid’s will see when brushing their teeth, washing the hands or face, etc. We all need little reminders like that.

I saved the file for you in case you want to add a little message for someone in your life. Enjoy.

Download the You Are Awesome. You Are Loved. file here.

In addition, there’s a great promotion happening right now featuring a Silhouette Cameo and a vinyl starter package.

Here’s the deal:
·         1 Silhouette CAMEO
·         1 roll 12-inch Black Premium Vinyl
·         1 roll 12-inch White Premium Vinyl
·         1 roll 12-inch Transfer Paper
·         All for $269.99 (MSRP: $344.96…almost 75 dollars off).

To purchase this promotional package go here and use promo code: Edwards. This promotion ends May 16th at midnight.

Silhouette vinyl is currently 40 percent off through May 16th.

TO BE ENTERED into this giveaway please leave a comment below (if you are reading this post on Facebook please come to my blog to leave a comment). Comments will be closed at 8pm Pacific on Sunday, May 13. The winners will be posted shortly after. Please be sure to check back or subscribe (click here to get posts delivered to your email box) to see if you are receiving one of the items.

REASON #163 WHY I TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS | Because most of the time school pictures don’t tell the whole story.

I mentioned recently (during Week In The Life I think) about my emphasis on creating new pathways. Doing things a little differently in the basic routines around here, catching up on things that have been neglected (stuff like changing exterior light bulbs), and generally making new memories. Some days it’s easy and others it’s really, really tough.

I’ve been baking bread. I’ve had the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day book probably at least a year. Two weekends ago I finally tried it – the basic recipe – and it was awesome. Simon’s a really big fan.

I made cookies from the back of this month’s Everyday Food magazine. Loved them.

I spent a good deal of time outside over the weekend working in my yard. We live in a place that gets a lot of rain and a lot of cloudy days so when the sun comes out it just feels wrong to do anything but be outside. I weeded and then bought a couple more peonies and two white hydrangeas (I’ve been dreaming about adding those to my yard for awhile).

I love that Anna likes to come outside and play and hang out with me. She’s also becoming an expert at going to the garden stores with me. I’m working on encouraging Simon to be outside more too. Yesterday the two of them spent a good portion of the late afternoon playing pirates outside – hunting for treasure in and around the front and back yard.

I think about my parents so often when I’m in the yard. Thinking about how much they love to be outside, thinking about how I had jobs to do in the yard as a kid when we weren’t at the pool or a soccer game like weeding or picking up the dog poop. I think about the energy and the love that goes into the dirt and the stress that’s relieved by digging and pulling and lifting and breathing the fresh air.

I had friends over on Saturday night for Cinco de Mayo. Anna and Emma ran around and around and played and made mischief (like painting each other and the carpet). Kim & Dave & I made my Dad’s margaritas and cooked and talked about books and gardens (I want to start composting). Simon and Ben watched lego videos on u-tube. It was so nice to have them here.

Here’s to new pathways in familiar locations.

My Week In The Life album is in progress – I’ve got the first five days of photos printed out. I stayed out of my office this weekend and will be on a field trip with Simon today so it will be a few more days before I share my album here.

10 people will receive the Dotty for You exclusive paper packet from Close To My Heart. Please note that this giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada.

• #44 | JeannieD said…Happy NSD! What fun giveaways…love the paper and the book looks awesome! Have been a fan of both for a long time. Thanks for the chance to win!
• #177 | Jill B said…More great giveaways….thanks for bringing them to us. Happy NSD!!! and looking forward to the day at BPC. Go Girl! You Rock!!
• #247 | Becky R said…THat is stunning! Thanks for a chance to win!
• #337 | Jean Marmo said…happy NSD!! thank you for a chance to win.
• #574 | Debbie D said…Great giveaways!
• #572 | Sarah pederson said…Thanks for another great giveaway! I’m looking for new inspiration!
• #244 | Bethany E. said…Happy NSD day!
• #512 | Peggy said…Thanks for a chance to win…have a great weekend.
• #695 | DarlaN said…Thanks for the opportunity! They look like great prizes.
• #662 | paula said…thank for for this amazing giveaway!! Always looking for inspiration!!

Two people will win a signed copy of Vicki Boutin’s new book Creative Foundations: 40 Scrapbook and Mixed-Media Techniques to Build Your Artistic Toolbox and two more people will win a set of Vicki’s new Creative Foundations stamps from Stamping Bella.

• #472 | Elizabeth P said…Love the Dotty paper – just can’t get enough of it and would be so pleased to win some ! And any time I can get a book that will help me craft – I am a happy girl !
• #284 | Carrie Whiteley said…Fun stuff! I love scrapbooking! Happy National Scrapbooking Day everyone!
• #643 | Lori H. said… I Would love to win the Dotty for You Paper pack or the Vicki Boutin prizes ! Thanks for the chance.
• #500 | Liana said…Thanks for the chance!!

Congrats! If you see your name above please email me ali@aliedwards.com with your contact information.

GIVEAWAY | 10 people will receive the Dotty for You exclusive paper packet from Close To My Heart. Please note that this giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada.

Close To My Heart is giving away 10 Dotty for You paper packets, featuring their exclusive National Scrapbooking Month patterned paper, Dotty for You! The trendy patterns on the front of the papers coordinate perfectly with the dots on the reverse side, giving you lots of options for crafting colorful layouts, cards, and other projects. Dotty for You includes 24 specially designed, coordinating B&T Duos® sheets (2 each of 12 patterns) and an artwork idea insert to get your creative juices flowing.

Each paper packet has a retail value of $19.95, but 10 lucky winners will get their Dotty for You paper packet FREE and shipped to right to their door! Please note that this giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada.

Close To My Heart is dedicated to showing you how to celebrate relationships through discovering your creativity, to preserve and share the moments that matter most. For more information about Close To My Heart, visit www.closetomyheart.com.

GIVEAWAY | Two people will win a signed copy of Vicki Boutin’s new book Creative Foundations: 40 Scrapbook and Mixed-Media Techniques to Build Your Artistic Toolbox and two more people will win a set of Vicki’s new Creative Foundations stamps from Stamping Bella.

Internationally recognized artist and teacher Vicki Boutin takes all the mystery out of those scrapbook and mixed-media techniques you thought you could never do! She”ll be with you every step of the way as you learn to paint, stamp, emboss and burnish your way to creating beautiful, unique and individual art.

In Creative Foundations you”ll find:

• 40 step-by-step demonstrations for easy, fun, messy, funky, innovative and customizable techniques for creating backgrounds, textures, supplements and embellishments.
• 40 finished single-technique pieces of art and an additional 16 gallery pieces created by Vicki using a “recipe” of two to five separate techniques layered together.
• 24 more exciting and inspiring gallery pieces created by powerhouse contributors, including Rhonna Farrer, Wendy Vecchi, Kelly Purkey and others.

So gather your arts and crafts supplies, choose your inspiration and get down to it! Whether you”re making scrapbook pages, cards, wall art, décor or something else entirely, with these Creative Foundations, you”ll find that the possibilities are endless.

Visit Vicki’s blog @ http://vickiboutin.typepad.com

Have you seen Vicki’s new stamps “Creative Foundations” from Stamping Bella?  Great for layering, art jouranling, cards and scrapbooking!

There is nothing better than finding something he likes and enjoys and wants to do again.

Last night, at the recommendation of his developmental pediatrician, we tried a gymnastics class at the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics.

Turns out they have a couple classes for kids on the spectrum. Turns out one of those classes has one other 12 year old boy enrolled. Turns out the teacher is studying to be an Occupational Therapist and is gifted with working with kids. Turns out there’s a class for Anna right around the same time.

Turns out, he loved it.

There were so many awesome moments (that started even before we left the house):

1. There was no issue about wearing the shirt we bought for him which was sleeveless (if you’ve been following along you know he has a strong dislike for short-sleeved shirts).
2. He ate all his broccoli at dinner without complaint.
3. When it was time to leave the house to go to gymnastics he was excited.
4. When we pulled up to the building he got out of the car, peeked into the big glass windows and saw a giant pirate ship along one wall of the building. Not only is there an actual ship structure coming out of the wall but there is a big pit of foam blocks under the ship for the “water” and the kids get to jump off the ship into the water. 
5. We went in and they immediately went over to the baby play area while waiting for their classes. They watched the other kids, paying particular attention to any and all action around the pirate ship.
6. Anna’s class started first. She got right in line and off she went. She loved it. Jumping, somersaulting, walking on the balance beam, etc. At the end of her class she got to play on the pirate ship and one of my favorite moments was watching her stand at the edge and jump off the side into the big blocks of foam. She hesitated just long enough for it to mean something and then jumped in.
7. While Simon was waiting for his class to begin he was playing Angry Birds on my phone. A couple minutes before class started another boy who looked to be about his age walked in, took off his shoes and looked around. I saw him notice that Simon was playing Angry Birds. He walked over to Simon and stood right behind his chair, maybe just a little too close for someone he didn’t know, watching him play. I  saw the boy’s Dad watching me watching them. He said the boys name in a way that meant “move back” and I said, “that’s okay, I think they are going to be in class together.” At that point the boys got introduced to one another (“Simon, this is M, he’s going to be in your class.”) and ended up having a little discussion about Angry Birds and Simon shared my phone with M so he could have a turn too. I live to celebrate moments like this – little social successes that maybe, just maybe will begin a friendship.
8. Around this time their teacher came over and met Simon and chatted about Angry Birds for a few minutes before they moved out onto the actual exercise area. It was beyond awesome to see him continue to be excited as the three of them took off for class. They started on the big trampolines which seemed to me like the perfect place to begin (and something Simon has loved to do before at another local gym).
9. Our goal with this class is exercise and strength building and if it can be fun, well, even better (and if he ends up making a friend that would be so awesome). He definitely got exercise and he was definitely having fun and if he keeps at it he will definitely develop some strength. The class was long enough (an hour) for it to mean something and long enough for him to get tired (which isn’t hard when you aren’t really that physically active in the first place). He was bright eyed, following directions, and he was trying. That willingness to try, in an of itself, is huge.

He ended the class the same way he began, with a very big smile – asking if we could go back tomorrow.