make up your own title

Most anything nowadays sends me into a panic mode. This includes, but is not limited to, Blogger, Twitter, Facebook, Ravelry and even Gmail. Or anything related to computers... that, especially, is whacko. My computer is like my second (soon to be third) child! So I am currently in the habit of being lazy and just saying "no" to anything (or anyone, sadly) that requires much of my attention. It's a miracle the house hasn't burned down. Yet.

Sorry, no pictures and no stories about how this is our last year here, how all three of us Summers have celebrated our birthdays, and/or how we have decked our halls for the holidays! Someday I will, and maybe some day soon (tomorrow?!).

But not now, because it makes me panic. *B

tonight at midnight

me + friends + Edward = a good time!

And check out my new blog song :)
Man, I love being a dork. *B

freaking out much

I don't know who Miss Kim thinks she is, but she's obviously crazy! I mean, yeah, I like to make all sorts of stuff, because it's fun. But me?! I don't really fit in with all the other inspirational geniuses she's featured... I just keep shaking my head, feeling sorry for her bout of insanity ;)

If you haven't already checked out Today's Creative Blog, then please do so now. There really is a lot of eye candy over there. I just happen to feel like the brussels sprout of the bunch, HA! And thanks much, Kim. You rocked my socks today! *B

happiness is...

I know the day of thanks is coming up fast (where in the hey did the month go?!), and many have posted their thankfuls. Along those lines, I've been thinking a lot lately about what makes me happy. I'm still in love with our not-so-new (anymore) new place and I still find myself smiling at things around my home. We may not live in a house, and who knows when we will! But I'm glad I've been able to make a home for me and my family; a place where we can find peace and comfort in a time where our lives are still full of uncertainties... so, here are just a few things in and around my abode that make me happy:

my family room

especially my couch (thanks Andrea!) AND my newish pillows (thanks mom!)

my happy little tree towels

my sewing machine; she's a CHAMP!
I've got lots of fun things in store for you Miss Kenmore ;)

and most of all, this face!

See, so much to be thankful for! And believe me, I am :)
So, what brings you happiness this fine season? *B

making an effort

In an effort to be a better blogger, I have succumbed to many requests and am now posting some belly shots and prego stats. I have to admit that I'm kinda reluctant to talk much about my pregnancy because I'm worried that I'll jinx it. I remember what it's like to be pregnant one day and not the next. And I also know what it's like to want a baby so bad, but to not be able to... all of these thoughts and concerns are with me still, even though I am currently pregnant. My particular loss and accompanying trials will always be with me. But I am grateful it happened for many reasons, too. I now realize that there is a certain someone in charge and looking out for me: Heavenly Father. And I am grateful for the chance I had to grow closer to Him. Of all people, He knows me best and has prepared me through trials and blessings. What a blessing it is that things have worked out for the better. And what a blessing it is to have my eyes opened and my heart softened to those who have trials of their own. To those who have suffered in the past and those who may currently be suffering: I love you, and God loves you. Your courage, perseverance, and strength cannot be measured in this lifetime, but only in the next. Thank you for your wonderful examples to me and other silent observers. I can only pray that some day may be a happier one, if not in this life, then certainly the next.

With that said, I am now 22 weeks pregnant. Or in other words, I am five months along and more than half-way done! It really is crazy how fast it's gone. I'm worried that I haven't enjoyed or appreciated it as much as I should have, even after all I've gone through. It makes me feel like a spoiled brat... but I really am happy and thankful. Things continue to go well. According to today's weigh in, I've gained a total of 8 pounds and I'm right on schedule. We had an ultrasound a few weeks ago and everything looked great. And before anyone else asks, WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE'RE HAVING. This means that Brad wants to be surprised and I am supporting him. I personally would love to know, because I'm a planner. But I'm at peace with OUR decision and am excited to meet this mystery baby. So please, no comments about how I should be sneaky and find out what we're having :)

Also, we've decided that we're allowed to stare at the ultrasound for as long as we want in an effort to guess if we're having a boy/girl -- not having the tech tell or confirm the sex. And we did just that! We stared and stared and we think we know... William was so very obvious that we knew he was a he before the tech even said a word! With this one, it was more like an empty trough (maybe three lines?). So, according to our hypothesis, we might be having a girl! But we don't know for certain, and we won't know until she/he is born. And before anyone else asks, my next ultrasound is at 32 weeks. And yes, we will be staring and guessing again ;)

Wow, this is turning into a major post... so without further ado, on to the part you've all been waiting for: belly shots! Just so you know, I have officially popped as of two days ago. Here are two pictures, within five days of each other (the one on the left was taken in a tent in Anthro with a cellphone, and the one on the right I blame on our poor bathroom lighting).

It's amazing how you can go from looking thick in the middle to obviously preggers almost overnight. Kind of disturbing, but mostly fascinating. The human body really is amazing. And I thank God for it everyday. *B

because it's important

It's time for me to change things up a bit with this lil' ol' blog o' mine... I want to record more of our lives; of my life. I need, and want, a journal. Time is really passing me by and so is my memory! I need to be better about remembering and recording important dates, people and thoughts. It -the blog- may be more personal (and therefore more boring/interesting, depending on you as a reader), but it will remain public. I have a life that's worth remembering. I am a woman: a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a friend. I'm also creative: a writer, a picture taker (need to be better!), and an overall crafter. And while I have projects/talents to share, I also have thoughts, memories and beliefs that are worth sharing.

This is my life and it's important to me. *B

standing for something

I'm proud of our country and of the freedoms we have as a people. I pray that the decisions that we help influence as a people, and the leader we elect as a people (whoever it may be), will all have the support from us, the people. God be with us all, in the choices we make and in what we the people stand for. *B

to whom it may interest

I'm on Twitter now. I think, subconsciously, it is one of my life's missions to belong to every online community available. With the exception of Myspace. No thanks. Anyway, I find something strangely relaxing and poetic about the writing of short, random sentences. I'll just leave it at that. *B

it's time

We've been potty training for three days now...

Side note: Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the word "potty"???
HATE it. I'd rather say pee/poo. And we do. That is all.

Anyway, we have had some accidents, but nothing too bad. I think that part is unavoidable. I'm just glad we have a washer/dryer in this place! I've also got a sticker chart + candy + new underwear, which will hopefully = success! It's definitely trying my patience, though. Every 30 minutes for a bathroom break really takes its toll... but it needs to be done. After all, it's time. *B

photo by limonada

a rolling pumpkin gathers no moss...

I love pumpkins. And I absolutely adore Autumn! October happens to be my favorite month, too. The colors, the air, the quiet, the pace and of course, THE holiday! You better believe we've got our costumes in the works ;)

So yay for Fall and all it entails! Here's a little freebie for you to celebrate the season: it's a festive desktop wallpaper, and it happens to match my Spook Alpha and Sweetly Sinister paper pack. I designed all of these last year... but since that October was less than ideal, I'm busting out the goodies now. Consider it an early treat (not a trick)!

If it tickles your fancy, you can snatch the Fall Wall Freebie here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/66105787/5b359471/bsummers_Fall-WallFreebie.html

Also sweet: my new blog song! Love Kate Nash, almost as much as I love pumpkins :) I'm off to AZ for a week, and hopefully when I get back I'll have those pictures I've been talking about... and a lot more to share, too. But in the meantime, happy Fall y'all! *B

photo by Robin

what rhymes with worm?

Squirm does. And my little apple baby is squirming!
No kicking yet, just butterfly squirms. It's fun.
I've missed baby movements. It's my favorite.
Next week my little applet will be an avocado baby.
And then I'll be almost four months along...
time flies when you're having fun; fun with squirms! *B

photo by Jenna. Thanks J!

the nitty gritty

I'm so overwhelmed and busy with patent work that my graphic design side business has been put on the back burner. So sorry to some who feel like I've forgotten them; it's not true! I remember and my conscience is eating away at me --not to mention my complete failure as host of a couple giveaways and the one swap, all from times long since past! I will get to all of them, eventually. I promise. One step at a time, though. First step, designing all those designs I said I would! Also, I noticed that I still have two spots open ;)

1. Joe - baby announcements
2. Marcie - header
3. Clarissa - blog makeover
4. Lacey - blog design
5. Rachel H. - blog design
6. Leslie - ???
7. Aranne - blog design
8. Mandi - something (possibly a decor board)!
9. your name here
10. your name here

Also, for those who have asked about my pricing:

BLOGS
Blog header: $25
Blog background: $25
Sidebar titles: $25
Blog Design/Makeover: $60-75

CARDS, ETC.
$50 design fee

CUSTOM GRAPHICS
$20-35 hourly rate

And the quilt board was custom made for my mom's quilt group (please contact me if you're interested in a board design. Feel free to contact me to say hi, too! :) I'm a little into quilting nowadays myself... 'tis the season! Seriously, I've got fabric and crochet on the brain; my creative juices are flowing again, yay! Oh, and next week: updating all the links on my sidebars AND posting pictures of what we've been up to for the past month or two! We've been a little on the busy/stressed side of life, in case you couldn't tell... but all is good. Especially my little apple baby! *B

this stinks...

PATENTS SUCK!!!
That is all. *B

until next time

I have officially earned the worst blogger award! So sorry for being so lame and not updating frequently. Things are good, though. Still pregnant :) I'm just swamped with work, side projects and two sickies! Hopefully I'll get some extra time and motivation to post some pictures and/or some worthwhile reading. Until then... *B

finally

The camera is unloaded! Now I have the necessary memory to take pictures, which means this blog will be less boring (hopefully). Although, as to whether or not I have the necessary memory myself to remember to take pictures is an entirely different story... just wanted to share this trivial information with you before I'm off to do laundry, lasagna, cupcakes and FHE. Also, we had a tarantula on our porch today. No, I do not have a picture of it and I do not want to talk about it further! [shudders]

Bday pics of the birthday boys to come later this week! *B

time for an update

Holy guacamole, it's almost been a month since my last post! Sheesh. I suppose that means I should probably write something, before I lose any more readers. Or before my mother shoots me... whichever comes first. Just so you know, my camera is full of pictures that I have yet to transfer from five months ago. So, no new pictures, just a boring post. Also, I've had a LOT on my mind lately. Here's just a sampling:

whining about...
1. just trying to stay alive right now. Last month was beastly and this month looks to be the same, but worse. We are officially broke. No cash, credit or loans left over to live on. It seems like we have nothing but debt. It sucks.
2. feeling sick, exhausted and starving. All the time. Not necessarily in that order, though...

dreaming about...
1. money, obviously. Because then we could pay rent + utilities. And then I could get this, this and this/this. Food would be nice, too.
2. a baby girl. Her name is Elizabeth Rae Summers, but she goes by Elsie-Rae. She has blue eyes and brown, wavy hair. She also sleeps through the night.

lucky about...
1. jobs. Even though we live from paycheck to paycheck, it's better than nothing. I am hyper aware of how blessed we really are.
2. being pregnant. I am just about 9 weeks along and am due late-mid-March (like, the 19th). A couple of weeks ago we had an ultrasound to rule out another ectopic pregnancy. Good news abounds, because the baby is indeed where it needs to be (my uterus)! We also got to see the tiny heart flutter and hear it beat, too. I just hope and pray that things continue to get better, and in seven months I'll have my baby! And yes, I would be perfectly happy if she turned out to be a he, instead ;) Oh, and I haven't thrown up yet. Definitely lucky about that!

And for what it's worth, I thought Breaking Dawn was awesome! It basically rocked my socks. Time to find a new obsession... *B

three meanings...

makes for a REAL long post! It means three things. Also, it makes for a lot of "super" usage. You ready? You sure? You're sure you're sure? Ok, here we go:

1. Binary code. In other words, computer talk. And yes, at one point in my life I used to be able to read it... but in this case, it signifies my jobs that rely on my computer. First job: designer for Writing on the Wall. I've hinted at it before and I think it's safe to mention it now, because they're at market! Anyway, I've designed a handful of home decor boards for the lovely duo and they're being sold in boutique stores. Super excited! I just send them designs I come up with, they freak out and buy them, and then MY design is printed on wooden boards and sold in home boutique stores (my mom happens to work at such a store). I've also tried my hand at designing some other things for other people, but I have to keep my lips zipped on that for a while longer...


Second job: kicks butt! I've been officially hired on at Brad's firm in Malibu as a patent drawings draftsman. The extra money is killer (I make marginally less than Brad does, and he's a patent agent!), but the best part is I get to work from home! A couple hours a day really helps repair the dents in our wallets. It's not near as fun/pretty as things I've done in the past, but it is by far the best job I've had to date. Super lucky! Basically, my computer has become my best friend. Perhaps I should brush up on my computer speak...


2. Serious nerdism. I think it's safe to say that I'm a geek. Pretty sure I've made that pretty clear ever since I admitted to being a huge dork... but what's more is that our little family is going to Comic-Con next week!!! I've always secretly wanted to go, and now I am. Oh man, I'm excited. And nervous. Because I just happen to be going the same day when the author, director and actors of Twilight will be there. Not to mention all the super heroes, action figures, and dorkier dorks that are sure to dazzle us. Super cool! I've already been daydreaming up t-shirt designs for the three of us. Yes, Will is going with us. The indoctrination must start while he's still young.


3. And finally, but certainly not least, my eggo is preggo! It's true my friends --after almost a year of trying, succeeding, failing, waiting and trying again-- I am indeed just barely pregnant :D I've decided to share the news early because, truth be told, I need and appreciate a good support system. I'm being careful, trying to curb my enthusiasm because I really don't know what will happen these next few months. Hopefully nothing but a growing and healthy baby... but for now, all is well! I'm super happy. And always hungry. And very, very hopeful.

So there you have it! *B

photo by trikeratops

take a guess

What does it mean?
I'll tell you later...
because I'm mean.

Also, I'm kinda excited. *B

photo by Rakka

post script

I'm pretty sure I'm the worst blogger, right now! Forget posting regularly. Forget commenting regularly. Forget contests, or swaps. Shoot, forget Bloglines! And I can't guarantee that I'll be/get better anytime soon... but there are a few things I wanted to add since my last post. So here goes:

First off, we are poorer than dirt. I've never been so worried about money as I am now. These past few weeks and looking into the coming month is nothing short of frightening. However, we've been extremely blessed and things have just worked out, miraculously. Thanks to the law of tithing! Wow. Anyway, so I've been busting my butt to make a few bucks, ever since we got back from all our traveling. I'm venturing out more and more into the graphic design world and so far, so good. And hopefully next week, I can give you more details about what's been keeping me so busy. But busy is good, because it means money. And we need money. Now, more than ever.

Also, I am not pregnant. Just thought I would answer that question a bit more clearly. Yes, I wish I was, but apparently someone up high has some other plans for us. I'm trying to come to grips with said plan, and for most of the time I'm right on board with it. But then there are the times where no matter how logical I am (you know, realizing how lucky I am to already have a son and that there may be a darn good reason as to why I haven't had another one yet, etc.), it doesn't change the fact that I want a baby. I'm ready, waiting, and still wanting. So yeah.

And I am honestly amazed that there are people out there that like Apple Jacks! No offense. but I really don't care for them. And before you say/write anything, it has NOTHING to do with the fact that it's a sugar cereal. Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cocoa Crispies just so happen to be amongst my favorites! But Apple Jacks? Bluck. Anyway, thanks to everyone for answering my random question :)

Oh, and if you're interested in learning about what I've been reading, then be my friend on GoodReads. Good stuff. Good times. And now I'm off to read some more, and be with my brother. Did I forget to mention that he's been visiting with us for the past week? Oh, and WALL-E is AMAZING. Go see it. *B

PS- to anyone who might be interested: I'm working on building up my portfolio in graphic design. So, to the first ten people, I will help design your blog/website, t-shirt, cards/invitations/announcements or anything else you can think of, for free! Email me with any requests or questions. Help me, help you ;)

trying to stay sane...

{photo by Robin}

I'm back. From traveling, that is. I'm also back in laundry valley... honestly, I don't feel like doing anything. At all. Except read. I've been doing a lot of that lately. It's my way of hiding from the world. From things like laundry. And poverty. And pizza face. And non-pregnancy. And the HEAT! What else is there to do but lock yourself inside with your television, books, and bored (needy) child? And all of this leads me to wonder: who actually likes Apple Jacks???

No, really. I want to know. *B