The Evolution of A Blog

So, I know...the margins are messed up...I'm working on it.

I have been on this computer basically non-stop for the entire weekend. That is, except for the times that WB begs me to let him "just make one little scrap book page." Seriously, he's as addicted as I am. The truly sad (but totally believable) part is that he saw me getting frustrated with photoshop and came in and told me what I was doing wrong! His style leaves a little to be desired, but he gets the concepts...

Here's his file:



Here's mine:



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Still waiting on my photos to post. Working on a new blog look for September too. I am thinking that I need to zip off my history and have a book printed before I start getting too crazy and delete everything. Anyone have any suggestion/reviews on companies that do that sort of thing?

It's A SICKNESS, A Sickness I Tell You!

Last night was my fourth (post 2 am) night of working on this blog...LOL. (Obviously, some adjustments in my life are necessary.)

A couple of months ago, after I had tried and couldn't find the KEY to unlock HTML, I contacted one of the sites that had done design work on several international adoption blogs. I was willing to forkover the $90 for a customer site, knowing that a healthy portion of the price would go to IA charities. I just wanted to wait until I had the pictures from the session we scheduled for Little Sister's first birthday a couple of weeks ago.

And then...I found the "magic" link on Leslie's site...and the SICKNESS took root in my very soul...I've sure learned a lot in the last few days and gotten several questions to boot. So...here's the quick version (and I need quick because I am falling asleep as I type):

I started here. I scrolled through all their backgrounds, but honestly, the only one I really liked was the one that Leslie was already using. (I'm not hatin', I'm just sayin'). Anyway, they provide instruction in how to post background papers to a blogger or wordpress template. They also have a couple of easy cut and past HTML commands to add "BLINKIES" (Not my thing, but they've already made a customer one for Dianna.)



From there I linked to the Shabby Princess. I really like most of her stuff and there are some cute "free" kits for download. (Like the one used on this blog.) They also have a couple of really good video tutorials on using Elements. (several on U-tube too)

Next, I installed Photoshop Elements and starting playing. It isn't exactly easy, and there are a bazillion features, so I am having a real learning curve. Elements was $99. I didn't mind paying that because I am interested in moving from blogskins to photography so that I can justify a "good" camera at Christmas. However, I will say that I downloaded the free Paint.net product that I saw mentioned, but I found it to be difficult and no tutorials. Now that I understand a little of Elements, I could figure out Paint, so if you want to be frugal, watch the Elements tutorials you can find and then download Paint and you'll figure it out.

Ignore my typos...I'm watchin' BB10 and going to bed. I haven't been this tired since I brought a baby home from Vietnam...

School drama and a picture or two tomorrow...if I can even crawl out of bed....

See What YOU Started...

First, I notice that Julie is tryin' to be all cute with her fancy customer header.

Then, yesterday, Leslie busts out a new look for her blog. (Very cute, by the way....)

I couldn't take it...I just couldn't take it anymore. Not one more day of blogger's uncustomizable templates. Enough was enough...I will no be the U.G.L.Y. sister any longer!

Last night I was up till 2...trying to figure out backgrounds.

Today at lunch I went to buy Photoshop Elements...

And now it is well after midnight and I've been working on this blasted thing for hours. I know, I know...I've worked for hours and it still looks pathetic...but I'll get there. Oh, and after I master that, I'm on to correcting my pathetic photography. My friends, there is cuteness ahead...the likes of which we've never seen!!!

There is no way I'm gonna get suckered into reading about vampires now. That will have to wait until this new addiction wears off....give me another week.

Lawyerish

Meredith,

My heart breaks for you.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

This Little Piggy....

This Little Piggy had a party fit for a Piggy Princess!

The bakery thought our request for 4 dozen pig-faced cookies was a little strange. That is, until JB explained we were celebrating the first birthday of our daughter, who was born in the Year of the Pig. We decided that one of DoriGrace's annual birthday traditions will be that we celebrate with Piggy cookies. They are so adorable and I look forward to having something that is uniquely "her."



Of course, you gotta let the kid play in the cake...


(Folks say that she looks like me...I can almost see it in that picture ;o)



The party was a grand success and we are so thankful for all those that celebrated with us. (Near and far) Aunt Lo outdid herself and demonstrated unparalleled SWINE appreciation. (Who knew there were so many little pigs out there?? Even one from John Ross!!!)

Now...we've gotta get more shelves for this Piggy collection....

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On a technical note, I am struggling with this new computer and my old posting ways. I had the cutest slide show put together, but it seems the relationship between photobucket, blogger, and me has changed forever! This is maddening!!!!

Almost One!!!

DoriGrace is turning ONE on Friday!!!

I'm feeling very reflective about this first birthday. On one hand, I'm so thankful that she's been home for almost 8 months. She is so totally and completely integrated into our family. We are so happy and blessed.

On the other hand, I am having a hard time getting excited about her "birthday." I've really been thinking about it a lot, trying to get to the root of the issue and I think that it has something to do with not being there on the day of her birth. I guess her referral date, or her "Boothday" as I like to call it because it is when she joined the Booth family, is what seems more like a "birth" to me. After all, it was when she was introduced to us...when she joined us...when we came to know of her. I know...strange...and I'm sure I'll get over it.

I just have to look at that little crazy face, with the three-toothed smile and the insane hair and I'm so incredibly thankful for her birth, for her Boothness and for all she is.

Happy Birthday Busy Booth!

p.s. Her father picked the outfit, and yes, those are enormous macaroni and cheese noodles in her mouth. Not the greatest picture, but I got some good ones coming...

New Computer

My old laptop flashed the "blue screen of death" and permanently locked up on me a couple of weeks ago. I even managed to disable "safe mode." I guess I stumbled upon a pretty good internet bug...my IT guy said "it was fried." He also had to throw in..."I haven't seen this much damage since you caught that wicked adware reading British gossip rags. Have you been reading about George Michael's escapades again?"

So...I have new laptop...very secure (LOL) and no history! I'm missing all my favorites...all the surfing (life research) I've done...all gone. The internet just isn't the same on a new computer...

At any rate, I am trying to catch up with friends and forums. I'll have lots to say by the end of the week cause Friday is a special day in these parts....