You are currently browsing the monthly archive for December 2009.
I think I’ve said this a billion times this year, but where did 2009 go?! Lots has happened this year — good and bad, of course.
At the beginning of this year, January 3rd to be exact, I ended up going to the emergency room. After that experience, I kept thinking to myself, “This is going to be one sh*tty year.” Boy, was I wrong! Thus far, it’s been the BEST year of my life. Does that mean that 2010 isn’t going to be as good?! No way! The way I see it, things can only get better from here on out. 
I never want to forget this year, so I picked some of my favorites. All lists are in no particular order!
Favorite photos 0f 2009:
Favorite moments:
walking down SoHo (NYC) in the pouring rain. playing and getting soaked at Washington Square Park. conquering my fear of flying. taking control of my anxiety. finding out about design teams and publications. meeting scrappy friends. adopting hilo. my shiny pretty bling. snow trip to the cabin. remodeling then our housewarming. working on the patio. being honest and free. weeding out unnecessary crap. ice skating. therapy. snorkeling in maui. christmas in the “new room”. pure entertainment from ignorance. scrapbooking opportunities. new friends.
Favorite layout: Over at TAAFOMFT, we want to know what your favorite layout from this year is. Out of the hundreds that I have created this past year, I think my most loved layout is “Before 26″. It’s a really simple layout, but I LOVE this one because it’s sentimental to me. On this layout, I wrote out a goal list, and so far, I’ve pretty much kept to it.
…so if you want to play along with a super easy challenge, head on over to TAAFOMFT. Just share what your favorite layout from 2009 is, and your name will be entered in a random prize drawing for a prize.
Yesterday, my friend, Jennie, was so kind enough to take us all exploring Marin County.
"My pawrents take me everywhere. Here, I'm going across the Golden Gate Bridge!"
We decided to take a little hike around the area.
This is just a random picture during our walk.
My silly friend, Jennie!
"Yes, Mommy?! I'm looking for squirrels!"
Cheeeeeeeeeeeese! I love Gloria's face in this pic! LOL.
Last but not least, here are some layouts that I created this past week. These will probably be the last ones from 2009.
…and because I probably won’t post until 2010 — hope everyone has a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Cheers,
sarah.
((loaded with pictures in this post))
Christmas is over?! How did that happen?! Although short, it was definitely a joyous celebration.
On the morning of Christmas Eve, we let Maui and Hilo open up one of their presents before all of the Christmas festivities started. Their tails would not stop wagging when they ripped the gift wrap in to pieces.
"Hmm... what could this be!?"
"Hilo, I'm going to open yours too!"
I spent Christmas Eve with Gloria and her family. Her sister was so kind enough to have all of us over for a delicious dinner.
Gloria's sister, Rebekah, was so sweet and even got gifts for the pups!
LEFT to RIGHT: Maui, Hilo, Milo, Mina
Early on Christmas morning, we packed the car up and drove to my parents’ place. When we got there, everyone was already up and antsy to open gifts.
"There are so many presents! They're going out the door!"
Finding a spot for our gift exchange is crucial in our family!
A Christmas tradition - Momma Clause!
"I found my spot, Mommy! Now let's open our presents!"
My brother, Sean, came in with a handful of gifts!
Christmas is always spent with my family.
"I'm the best present Mommy received... EVER!"
"No, I am because I'm spotted!"
"Opening all of my presents is a workout. Nap time!"
As Deana says, "Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"
All in all, it was a wonderful and joyous day. I didn’t expect anything from anyone this year because I’ve already been majorly spoiled this year, but I received some awesome gifts. My favorite gift was the time I got to spend with my mom; I think we stayed up until 3 in the morning talking about everything and nothing.
The day after Christmas, we all went bowling as a family. Even my mom decided to rent some shoes and play along; this was her first time to bowl, by the way!
Go, Mom, go!
Nice hair, Scott. lol. I guess Gloria didn't get the memo to turn and look at the camera!
I'm HORRIBLE at bowling, but I'm GREAT at waiting for my turn. 
…so there you have it — my weekend in a nutshell. There’s at least a couple hundred more photos, but it would take forever for me to share all of them.
On another note…
What do you all plan on doing for New Year’s? Leave a comment to this post by 11:59 PM, December 31st, Thursday, to be entered into a chance to win at least $25 worth of scrapbooking supplies! Share the news (your blog, facebook, twitter, etc.), and your name will be put into the hat FIVE times. Make sure to let me know if you shared the giveaway.
…and if you are in the mood for giveaways, there’s another one here. You could win some free Jenni Bowlin stuff.
I’ll be back with more. Besides, we are headed into a new year! 2009 was so good to me, but I know 2010 is going to be even better.
Hugs,
sarah.
…it’s officially Christmas! Maui and Hilo begged me to post some of their holiday photos and outtakes, so I caved in to their sweet little puppy faces.
If I don’t post before Christmas, happy holidays to all who celebrate this joyous occasion.
Love to all from,
Gloria, Sarah, Maui, and Hilo
Where we live, people are so fond of their dogs. Fond enough to have a dog birthday party at the dog park. Bella, a golden retriever turned six on Saturday, and her owner “hosted” a party for all of the dogs by handing out her homemade treats. On top of that, Santa came to pay all the good lil doggies a visit. To cut things short, let’s just say that Maui and Hilo had a blast this weekend.
All of the dogs were excited for Bella's pupcake!
The birthday pup is on the right.
Aren't my furkids ADORABLE! Well, I think they are.
Santa, I promise Hilo hasn't been naughty. hehehe. Okay, okay, fine. He's trying.
I hate when her beard gets all wet like that! ...but I still love her!
On another note, I have drawn names for winners to the giveaways! There are three winners, so if your name is below, please send me an email at redoaklines@gmail.com, and I’ll get some goodies out to you.
What a neat layout. The way you used the ribbon is so clever. Hope you feel better soon!
Comment by Kristin December 14, 2009 @ 11:11 am
I love your blog!! I just found it earlier this week. From where you ask? Your guess is as good as mine! LOL I’m sure I saw a creation of yours, clicked on it and now follow you! I don’t have a blog myself but do belong to Cafemom and will post your blog there for everyone to look at…I belong to 4 different scrapping groups on CM.
Comment by Jennifer December 17, 2009 @ 8:19 am
Wow — you are quite the rak giver, aren’t you?!? =D I found your blog through scrapbook.com. You’re both generous and talented!
Comment by Krystle December 18, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Is everyone ready for Christmas?! Only a few more days left!
Hope everyone has a great week!
Hugs,
sarah.
…so I have this list of things to do before I turn 26, and I’m pretty close to accomplishing everything on my list (plus more because I’m an over achiever, haha)!
Anyway, ice skating was NOT on that list, but mentally, I had it on my “before I die” list. Kind of morbid, I know, but it’s always good to set goals! …so, I have gone ice skating a few times before, but I was TEN years old when I last skated. We headed to this place called the Winter Lodge in Palo Alto, and this place has such a cute charm to it.
My anxiety started to kick in when they handed me my skates. “Was I really going to lace up these skates and get on the ice?!” I asked myself. I didn’t want to be one of those people who go to the ice rinks and just stand watching others zoom by them, so I said, “Screw my anxiety!”
The first step to conquering the ice was lacing up my skates! Go me!
I headed outside to find this:
Lots of people on the ice?! YIKES!
I guess even going on a WEEKDAY is still a busy day at the ice rink. People of all ages were on the ice, both beginners and experienced skaters. …so was I going to let that get in the way of me crossing something off of my list?! No way!
Ice skating was actually really FUN!
Ice skating. Did I fall?! Believe it or not, NOPE! Ask Gloria; she’ll tell you that I’m actually a stunner at skating!
Make sure that if there is something you want to do in life, give it a shot! Just trying something new or something scary is actually a rewarding experience. Besides, you never know where that experience will take you in life.
Scrapping updates — I haven’t been on top of things when it comes to me visiting everyone’s blogs. I’ve been busy with DT work and Christmas preparations, but please know, all of you are in my thoughts. Thank you to EVERYONE who has sent me happy mail during this holiday season! I LOVE all of the cards and gifts that keep getting dropped off at my front door! It really does mean a lot to me, and I’d like to THANK ALL OF YOU for your generosity.
When I first started blogging and sharing my work, I never intended to make friends doing the things that I love to do, but I am ever so grateful to all the wonderful people that have entered my life through my scrapbooking hobby. LOVE YOU GALS!
On another note, I also have a couple of projects to share today.
…a mini album for Scrapbooking Supplies R Us and Memories Live On:
Time for movie night/wrapping presents, which means time for me to pull out the pot and the popcorn kernels! We like to do it the old fashion way at our house!
Happy Friday to all!
Hugs,
sarah.
