She's ready to head north . . .

Viv and I are headed north with friends to Great Wolf Lodge. We have never been so Vivian was most excited about packing versus the pools, slides and FOOD. During the week she asked me every single night if it was time to pack. Friday night couldn't come fast enough so we could start packing. Tonight we packed her clothes in her suitcase and she asked if she could pack a couple extra things. This is what I found in her suitcase when I went back to check on her . . .


Really?? A microphone and TWO General Hospital magazines? Seriously? I couldn't help but laugh and wonder how her brain works. Then . . . I went to the kitchen only to find ALL of her bags that Justin helped pack. We are only going for one night!!!

We might have a couple of divas that live at this house . . . and that doesn't include me and my ONE bag (that's not inlcuded in the photo above)!

Tough Competition

I've got some tough sewing competition. Santa brought Viv her own sewing machine last year for Christmas - She loves it! Lately Viv has been spending a lot of time at her machine making 'ties' for family and friends . . .

The Craziest 4th of July EVER . . .

We had a relaxing day at the pool and were about to head out the door to watch the July 4th fireworks when . . . .

Little Miss Thing thought it would be fun to play with the Mama's rotary sewing cutter . . . OUCH!

Little Miss Thing did not realize how sharp the "pizza cutter" was and sliced her finger very, very deep and 10 percent of her nail was gone. As we were trying to get the bleeding to stop someone realized they were a tiny bit dehydrated from being out in the hot sun all weekend. Moments later Wife and Mama called this big guy for help . . .

Mr. Dehydration was also dealing with this . . .

Yes . . . that would be poison ivy, but picture the postules (orange goop) peppered from the ankle up to the knee on both legs. The doctor diagnosed it as a 'nightmare case of PI'.

The story ends with us watching the fireworks from this lovely place . . . I have to say we had a great view from the ER parking lot.

Viv's finger is doing really well. For one week she could not get her hand wet - which meant no swimming. It all worked out because Justin needed a break from the sun. Justin is doing well too. The poison ivy is still a little itchy, but (thank goodness) no more orange goop.

I will never forget that crazy July 4th.

Kellie Podsiad Photography & Hottie Mottie Collide

I am loving this Etsy shop thing . . . My friend, Katie hooked me up with her sister Kellie who is a photographer in Bay City. Not only is Kellie talented, but her kids (Bella and Jack) are so adorable and make fabulous models!! I am absolutely thrilled with how the photos turned out. I haven't added all the photos/items to the shop yet, but wanted to give my followers a sneak peak. Also, please check out Kellie's photography blog for more information on her work:

Kellie Podsiad Photography

http://www.kelliepodsiadphotography.blogspot.com/

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jfree5303

Hottie Mottie on Etsy

My Etsy shop (Hottie Mottie . . . I knew you would love the name) is almost ready to open. I still have lots to do, but wanted to share the link so you could take a quick glimpse.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jfree5303

Brenda is coming back to GH

During the school year Viv made friends with a boy named Peter and his mom, Shauna. Shauna and Viv bonded over General Hospital happenings. Grandma Becky and Viv watched GH every afternoon . . . unless Justin was going to pick her up at 3:30 . . . Grandma is a little addicted and would set the DVR so she could watch it without any interruptions. Tonight Viv made a video for Shauna to update her on the biggest GH scoop . . . Brenda is coming back August 11th!!!

I know Vivian is a little to young to be watching soaps, BUT Justin and I both grew up on GH and turned out okay, right? Well . . . Maybe Justin did . . . .

One Mile Fun Run

On Saturday the local community center was hosting a One Mile Fun Run Race - I signed the Freeland family up for the run. Viv did a terrific job. I don't think she knew what to expect, but loved all the cheering and familiar faces we saw in the crowd a long the run. She never stopped for a break, but shouted "My feet are killing me!" a couple of times. We finished the race together in about 12 minutes.