ramblings

Wow! Time has flown by...

2010-11-18T12:28:00.002-06:00

and many things have changed in our lives. We are a very happy family of four with our first mortgage and expecting a male addition to all the estrogen floating around here.

The girls are very excited to be getting a baby brother. So many funny things have been said by them. One of my favorites came from Pooh. "If my baby brother doesn't treat his girlfriends right, I'm gonna whip his butt." I burst out laughing. I just couldn't help it. She was not even playing around. Sunshine says he better date the "right" kind of girls, none of those hoochie mama-trash types are gonna do for her baby brother. Good grief I kinda fell sorry for this little man, and he is not even here yet.

We bought a very nice home in an established neighborhood. J got his trees, and I got my space from the neighbors. It is super quiet here except for the laughter inducing cry of Sammy, the neighborhood peacock. We get to see deer and other wild life in our neighborhood. Even the occasional snake. YUCK!

Life has been pretty good this year so far. And next year seems to hold many beautiful possibilities.

ScrapSupply Sketch #36 Challenge...

2009-05-14T18:05:00.003-06:00

For the 5yr Anniversary party, we had to chose one of 3 sketches and produce a layout. This is mine.

Amy N and Melita, I really do think you two will like this site because each month they post 3 new sketches. For the past couple of months that I've been part of the community, these sketches have been part of the Scrappy Day(online crop) challenges.

By the way, these are my mother in law's hands. She never keeps them still. She is always busy doing something and most of the time it is for someone else.

Thanks for looking, ya'll.

Get a load of these beauties...

2009-05-14T10:11:00.003-06:00

that I pulled out of the carton this morning. I was so shocked and amazed at their size I had to take a picture. You'd think they'd be tough or not so tasty, right? Nope. They were firm, sweet, and delicious. Of course, they were not Plant City, FL strawberries, but who can really be so choosy? (Yes, Amy N., I check where they come from now.) These came from California.

ScrapSupply 5 year anniversary party...

2009-05-13T12:52:00.003-06:00

is a party where you could walk away with the gifts! Join me and others at ScrapSupply forum/gallery for the fun. There are many challenges yet to participate in still. (Sorry for posting this so late. Travel and Mother's Day kinda kept me busy.)

For all of you Scrap Etc. girls, this could very well be a great new home for you.;) It's just 41/2 hours from B'ham.

Moving on...

2009-05-13T12:34:00.002-06:00

My home scrapbook store, Scrap Etc., is closing its doors. With so many big craft chain stores surrounding it, I can certainly understand how Lucy feels; like being surrounded by sharks. She seems fine with this decision as she is not stepping totally away. Lucy and her team will continue to put out the Scripts Kit. Plus, the events will continue. This has pleased many people.

So to this I say goodbye old friend...

and hello to my new one, ScrapSupply. I really do love this store. It is an online store right here in my new town. Thanks to Stacey Fike who had asked me if I'd already checked it out. Well, that night I went online to check it out and haven't turned back since.

Let me tell you about Wendy. Wonderful! Her nature alone is giving and caring, so you can imagine how she treats her customers. Fantastic! She has lots of stuff that you can't get elsewhere. Love this little store. Check it out. By the way, there is an anniversary contest going on right now. I will put up a post of it all on it's own. It deserves it.

OH! ScrapSupply also has a forum for us all to chat and a gallery with a section just for kids! How great is that?

Sunshine's creations for NSD...

2009-05-08T05:30:00.002-06:00

It was her day to scrap with Momma. Unfortunately, it didn't start off so well and she decided to go with Daddy and Pooh to Chuck E Cheese for a bit. See, she wanted to do some challenges too, but wouldn't listen to me when I was trying to explain them to her. Then when I was trying to explain to her how to use certain tools and such, well lets just say neither of us were having too much fun.

When she came back, we both had cooled down and got to play nice. After a pep talk from my friend, Wendy (owner of Scrap Supply), on the phone I just let it go. So these are the creations Sunshine made.

For Memorable Seasons' Eyes Closed (She learned to use Stickles on this.) and No Cardstock Challenges(She learned how to do hidden journaling.): For Scrap Supply's Ad Challenge: So when the day was through, we were both happy and exhausted. We will do this again, but next time will flow much smoother, I'm sure.

NSD creations...

2009-05-08T05:01:00.003-06:00

So this one I did to win a Cricut over on www.acherryontop.com . Didn't win but am happy with how this layout turned out. The patterned paper and transparency is My Little Shoebox. Isn't it the cuteset? Love it! Then I created this one for a challenge I submitted to others over on www.memorableseasons.com . Again used My Little Shoebox. The scalloped circle behind is using one of MLS's scallop edged papers; just used a brown sharpie to trace the edges onto my cardstock.
I created this layout for a challenge over on www.noelmignon.com's message board. We had to choose three items from a shopping list and use them on a layout. Mine were Thickers, glitter, and buttons. I put Stickles on the flower center and put the pearl button on top. Then I ink the Thickers and covered them with Stickles. I was going for the grungy and vintage look on this one.Another one for NM's challenges was Virginia's vintage. I did this one for my mother in law. It is her and her little brother. A few more for Memorable Seasons': 1. No Cardstock2.Multiples (Had to use 10 or more of one thing. I used flowers.) 3. Date (5-2=7 of something. I used brads.) I did one for Scrap Supply too but I'm not pleased with it. It is not quite finished for me. So, I'm not gonna post that one.;)

Thanks for looking ya'll. Hope you all have a great weekend.

GMac blog inspiration...

2009-05-05T18:01:00.002-06:00

That is where I got the inspiration for this layout. Gretchen McElveen posted a layout and told a story about going her grandfather going to the store for toilet paper all the time. I too don't like to get low and refuse to buy that hard, scratch, papercutting stuff. Nope. Only fluffy, velvety, softness will be found in this house.

So, I created it for a NSD(National Scrapbooking Day) challenge over on Memorable Seasons.com . We had to close our eyes and pick three patterned papers and use them all on one layout. Strangely enough they worked for these pictures. I sprayed the largest piece with Glimmer Mist to tone it down.

I'll be back later with all the other things I created this weekend.

Buttons...

2009-04-23T19:12:00.002-06:00

Those of you who know me, know how I resisted for a very long time in using real buttons on my layouts. Not anymore. I have even bought quite a few. I may take a pic of them once I get my scrap space rearranged.

But anyway, the challenge over at Cafe Mojo is to use buttons. Here is one using buttons that I have not shared here. .Here is another one: And here is a box that I cut, painted and embellished for my rubons so they can be right at my fingertips. The thought was so I'd use them more. Have I? Nope. I keep reaching for the stamps. Also, I didn't even realize until I looked at this picture that I picked up all the colors that are in my scrapspace. Cool. So dig out those buttons, don't have any? Bet you do. What about those that are on the hang tags from clothes when you buy them? See you do have some. Now get busy.

Thanks for looking ya'll.

I knew it!

2009-04-23T19:07:00.002-06:00

I knew that there would be something that came up to prevent me from going to the Scrap Etc. event. And unfortunately it has. A close friend's granddaughter has passed away this week. My husband may also be going on an urgent trip. Oh well. I will be there in spirit anyway.

I'm just hoping that Sunshine and I get to have our scrap day. I will see just what I can do to make sure it happens. We are too flippin' excited about this for it not to work out.

Have a great weekend all.

Gearing up and chores

2009-04-21T10:45:00.003-06:00

Hi all! It's been kinda busy lately. I had caught a cold then my asthma has been flaring up pretty badly, but it's alright. I guess I'm just gonna have to deal with the fact that Symbicort is just gonna have to be added back into my daily regiment. Uggh!~another drug!

Anyway, for part of Sunshine's birthday present, she and I will be spending all of National Scrapbook Day together scrapping our hearts out while Pooh and J go do their thing(maybe the zoo). Well, today I decided to go to Hobby Lobby for a punch that was 1/2 off. The trip should've only cost me about $5. Nope. Of course it didn't. I managed to make it out of there only after leaving $53 behind. What did I have in my expensive bags you may ask? ALL of this:
I honestly think I am more excited than she is about this.

As for chores, I came up with this little number.(Sorry pics are a bit blurred, but you get the idea.) The idea came from my friend Wendy, owner of Scrap Supply. So far so good. I started their week off with the chores. Whomever does the best job this week will get to chose their chores next week. Above the butterflies are the daily chores. It even has an abbreviation code for getting ready for school in the mornings. So far this has helped. When I check the chores, if I am satisfied then they will get a green check by said chore. If not they get a button which indicates that the chore needs to be done immediately.(I made them big so I wouldn't have to say anything to them; they can see it for themselves.) When they have done the buttoned chore, tell me. I check and change to green check mark if I'm satisfied.

There are also punishment chores. If I or J have to get onto them about a chore not being done, then one of these gets added to there day off. Wendy said this is working really well for her. Also, if they have three"Bad Buttons" left at the end of the week, then they will get 1/2 or no allowance plus another punishment chore. Hopefully this is going to work. Crossing our fingers.

Scrap Etc. 2009 Event....

2009-04-01T05:25:00.002-06:00

Wanna get away to have a scrappy weekend April 30-May 2nd in Atlanta for FREE? Well, here is your chance to win one of those precious spots.

Go to the Scrap Etc. blog <---click on the words---read the post for today, April 1. Be sure to do all of this. I would love to go just to take my wonderful friend, Gretchen's class. (I promise to try to behave if I do win.) Of course, meeting Margie Romney-Aslett would be so freakin' cool! She is funny I tell ya.

If you read this and want me to put your name in the pot, the first one to do so, I will post for you, as the friend, to go too.;)

Want a little more info about this spectacular event? Go here.

I've lost my mojo...

2009-03-21T07:55:00.001-06:00

and don't know where to find it!!! All creativity has left me for now. I have lots of new scrappy stuff and just can't get with it. I think I'll pull out my inspiration book and see what I can find.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

No School today...

2009-03-13T07:11:00.004-06:00

Why? Because it snowed last night after a bit of freezing rain. A lot of it has already melted, and it is time that I would've been leaving to take the girls to school. They could've gone today! I was hoping to spend the day with them anyway, so it just worked out better for me. hehehhe.

So for today our plans will be to clean the house. It desparately needs it. I was sick for two weeks so it has piled up. My pile of laundry to be ironed alone is gonna take me a few hours. Ugh!!!! Anyone want to come do that for me.;)

The girls will be busy in their room cleaning. I pulled everything out from their toy closet. Oh my!!!! I covered their whole floor with the stuff. My statement to them when they had such pitiful looks on their sweet little faces? "If you would put it back where it belongs after you are finished with it, you wouldn't have such a large mess. Therefore, you would have more play time, tv time, or whatever-you-want-to-do time." All the while knowing my scrap space is a huge disaster. BUT I am not complaining about cleaning that up. I made the mess but am looking forward to making it pretty again.

Company is coming today. In 9hrs. Lindsey should be arriving at our front door. She is excited. We are excited. Hopefully it will be enough to motivate the girls. We will see...

Here is what greeted me when I looked out the front door after J started his truck to go to work.

Holy Guacamole!!!!!....

2009-03-13T05:26:00.001-06:00

I was browsing V's blog list when I stumbled upon this little jewel! Total awesomeness. Go check it out! I'll be putting it over there on the right for later reference. Yeah, it's that fantastic.;)

Red,red wine...

2009-03-11T18:19:00.004-06:00

Alright, so my sometimes(j/k) sweet friend, Grethen(only I get the fortunate priveldge to call her "Hoffman" or "Hoffy"...Ehehehehehehehehehe!), recommended a wine on her blog the other day. Well, I can't seem to find it anywhere up here. So today at the store I found this wine. It has a raspberry and citrus flavor mix. Plus, get a load of the price tag...I'll let you know later if I pay for the price or not. So far, it is really yummy. Thing is, should I be worried that my almost 9yr. thought it smelled really good and that my 6yr. old ask if she could have a drink of my "wine juice"?

You know what else? I'm really digging the label. I love that truck. When I thought I could actually make it thru medical school to become an MD, I had envisioned myself driving a truck like that, only in blue or a green color with rust. For some crazy reason, I had the idea that some men would see as a possible sugar momma should I drive the candy apple red sportscar my heart still desires to this day. Crazy, huh?

Anyway, Back to the label...it is inspiring a layout. Look at the colors. Look at the simple design. LOVE IT!!!

Tagged...

2009-03-10T14:59:00.004-06:00

So I was tagged by Melita to post the 6th pic on the 6th folder then tag 6 people to do the same. I'm changing it a bit cause I don't like all those numbers.;) I am going to choose the 3rd picture on the 7th row and tag 3 people.(My logic is I was married on 3/21/97...3x7=21 and March is the third month of the calendar year. And let's be honest...probably only three people are gonna see this right?lol.) So, here it is...from my cd because there are no pics on this computer...It is my daughters saying goodbye to my husband right before he left for Iraq. So now I tag:

Stacey F.
Amy N.
Susan O.

confused...

2009-03-09T08:06:00.004-06:00

about how I should really feel. See, for those of you who don't know, I have had to let go of some people in my life to relieve a lot of stress and eliminate some reoccurring depression. One of those people was my dad, step dad really. I miss him a lot sometimes, but every time I'd talk with him I would be depressed for days on end.

Well, I received a message that my niece had called. She left word that her dad, my oldest step brother had passed away two weeks ago. She said they had been calling but didn't leave a message. Why not leave the freakin' message?! That kinda ticked me off. Anyway, my brother had his share of problems and rounds of depression. His life was really messed up; some was of his own doing while some was not including abduction of said niece when she was only 16. I thank God almost everyday that she was found alive and seems to be recovering from it all fairly well.

Back to my point of confusion. I don't really know how to feel. I don't know what happened. How he died. Did he kill himself. Did he accidentily overdose on his prescription meds? Did someone kill him? Did he die of natural causes?

Then there is the whole thing with my dad. I haven't spoken with him in more than a year now. He wasn't there for me when I needed him the most. Now both of his biological sons are gone while he is living on borrowed time himself. Should I call him and send my condolences knowingly opening up a chain reaction of depression, guilt, remorse, etc. for myself or should I just leave it all alone, deal with it and move on?

Honestly, I'll feel regret either way. The question is which way do I go?

(Sorry, this is just what is on my mind today.)

Scrap time...

2009-03-07T14:59:00.002-06:00

This is the first Challenge I have finish for the online crop over on scrapsupply.com . You had to use one of the sketches found here. I chose the first one. I created the layout and the card from the very same sketch. I will add the sentiment on the card later.

FYI...

2009-03-04T14:26:00.002-06:00

Online Crop is going to be held over at Scrap Supply on March 7th. Not sure of the time yet but there is already a jumpstart on a challenge posted since it might take more than one day to complete it.

Today, I went browsing thru the warehouse prioritizing my wish list. Ummmm, needless to say there were several things that were added to said list. It is awesome though. I put in my order yesterday morning, thinking I'd get to pick it up maybe Thurs. or Friday since Wendy has sick children. NOPE! It was ready by the afternoon. Granted it was a small order but still! I will have a somewhat larger order going in probably Friday or Sat. Stuff I want like right away, especially the stuff she has only one left. So if the website says there is only one left, you better get it before I do, cause those are the things I'm getting first and foremost. hehehehe.

Happy day to all of you!

Scrap Etc. #9 Challenge...

2009-03-03T14:38:00.003-06:00

was to create a layout about a birthday(s) and hand make at least one embellishment. Well, this is about my recent birthday and the little rosette is handmade.

I made the rosette by making several different size circles, spraying the back of each circle with Glimmer Mist, inking edges of rosette, and then roughing up the edges with my finger nail. Attached all the circles and inserted a brad in the middle. These were extrememly easy. Got the idea from Prima's lollipop flowers. I used the heart shaped candy boxes from Vday to make the big and little hearts. All patterned paper used was the Daisy D's that I have been hoarding since about 2005. Also the card that came with the roses is behind the picture and the raffia was tied around the roses when they arrived.

It seems like I am getting board with one layout at a time and eventually start throwing down whatever just to hurry up and get it done. I did it on the last one and did it on this one too. Hmmm... i think I need to just have some fun with my layouts and not really care how they turn out.;)

I LOVE STACEY FIKE!!!...

2009-03-01T12:14:00.002-06:00

Just had to shout that out to the whole world! She is absolutely WONDERFUL!

1. She offered to pick up for me whatever I wanted from the SiStv warehouse sale. Only thing I really wanted was the Hambly Raffle transparency. So she got it, and I was trying to figure out when I could go pick it up from her.

2. She calls me on her way home and meets me at Starbucks so I could pick up said transparency. I cannot tell you how excited I was. Not only did I get the transparency but got to spend time with her. The added advantage was my Sunshine getting to meet her. Sunshine has stars in her eyes. It was so cute.

3.Did I mention how wonderful she is?

4. She told me about this site that is local. I've already contacted the owner and will be placing an order this week to pick up this week. Need anything, Stacey?

Thank you so very much Stacey! I love you very, very much. I am already thinking of the collage I'd like you to help me create for the girls' room. I'll need it pretty soon, so... I see a road trip for one of us in the near future. :)

Sick bug...

2009-02-28T05:58:00.004-06:00

has hit my house. My oldest came home with a cold last week. She then gave it to me who gave it to Pooh. Well, I was sick most of the week but poor Pooh doesn't feel so good.

Now this bug has ruined my plans. That really ticks me off!!!! I planned on meeting my sweet friend, Stacey, down at the SiStv warehouse sale. About to cry cause I will not get the Hambly Raffle goodness in my hands today, if ever. My heart is just broken. I'm sorry I can't bring you yummy coffee, Stacey.:(

I'd also planned on looking around Nashville in scrapbooking stores. I was on the hunt for certain pieces. That just flew out the window. Dang it!!!!!!!!!

I'm still hopeful that I will be able to run into JoAnn's to pick up a die or two for my Sizzix. Yes, some people still use those. Not everyone is as fortunate to have a Cricut or Silhouette. Plus, have you seen the new Hello Kitty dies for the Sizzix? So cute!

Guess, I am gonna go sweep and mop my floor then scrap a bit, get ready to go to pick up my baby from the airport. Woohoo! That will be the best part of my day.:D

Crop Addict is having a weekend crop here. There are lots of prizes to be given away. I'm hoping to get to participate in some challenges this evening as the snow falls here and then tomorrow.

Even though I can't smell it, I am enjoying the glow of my candles.Hope everyone has a good Saturday.

WOWW!...

2009-02-27T13:00:00.002-06:00

I was in awe of this sight at first glance. Besides that the name says it all for me. Snickerdoodle is my absolute favorite kind of cookie! The link will be permanently placed in my little list of stalked blogs if you ever need it again. I can't wait to sit down to read it all! Even those non scrappers will like this one.;)

My Name Is Snickerdoodle

Do you...

2009-02-27T06:50:00.002-06:00

ever stumble on a blog and just stay on it for the longest time because of the music? Ok. Maybe I'm the only one. But during my morning time it really puts me in a great mood. I need to make a list of all the songs I have found that I like, buy them from iTunes, upload on my little ole Shuffle and play every morning. Here is one site I stayed on to here the music this morning. HEY!

I think I am gonna create a music journal of the songs!!!! Most of you know I don't do minis but that is the perfect thing for this. I'll just decorate the front cover and back with a few added touched and voila! Of course, you know I will have to have Janis Joplin all up in there along with some Hendrix, Doors, Fleetwood, etc. (My husband says to be such a good girl I listen to some druggy music. lol. It just relaxes me and makes me happy without the drugs.;))

Enjoy the music. I will try to add to this list soon. That'll be as much for me as you. hehehe.

Cafe Mojo and Scrap Etc. #2 Challenge...

2009-02-26T14:08:00.004-06:00

Cafe Mojo's challenge was to use Glimmer Mist. I just bought some last week. I had no idea that I could make it myself. I will be poking around trying to find the best recipe and will try to report back with my finds.

Amy S.'s challenge on Scrap Etc. was all about savoring the moment. I savor the very first moments when I first get up each morning. The house is so quiet and I can usually get my first cup of coffee down, check most of my email(even though I sometimes don't get a chance to email back.), and surf the internet. FYI most of the surfing is scrappy ideas. So anyway that is what I decided to do. It will go in the book that I've started about myself for the girls. Hopefully once I lose my mind completely they can show me this book and tell me all the things I have forgotten.

Keep in mind this is not at all how I had planned for it to turn out.

Also, there is only one challenge left if anyone wants to participate in them all. Remember that if you do them all your name will be put in a drawing by Lisa for some really good stuff!

Happy Birthday to YOU!...

2009-02-23T14:35:00.003-06:00

My little Pooh turned the whopping "6" this weekend. Yes, I say weekend because it seems like in our family birthdays tend to last for a few days not just one. So we went out for pizza and cake on her birthday after she had played Playdoh with her big sister upon Pooh's demand, went to a friend's birthday party, spent alone time with Momma, and went to pick out her present with us all. Last night we made cupcakes for her class today. The decoration of said cupcakes took place this morning.

She decided she wanted the cupcake blue with purple icing and Twizzlers on them. So this is the result. I think they turned out pretty cute. The teacher was greatful that we make her cupcake white with white icing because we figured she wouldn't want a purple/blue mouth.

Scrap Etc. #8 challenge...

2009-02-23T14:17:00.007-06:00

For this challenge we had to list 10 things that we liked about ourselves. I had to have help on this one because sadly, I couldn't come up with ten things on my own. I really like some of the responses that I got from my girls, my husband, and my oh so sweet friend.

I did a lot of different stuff on this one. I used a new Tim Holtz mask for the bg paper. I sponged pretty much everything on here to distress it. I used diecut paper to cut out my patterned papers. See the paper under the pictures? Well it didn't match at all. Totally wrong shade of pic for this layout. My solution was to sponge/smear brown and red inks on the paper. I think it worked out very well. And of course no layout of mine would be complete without a little stamping.

I also realized while doing this layout, I don't really have too many pictures of myself. These are all very old. I'm talking at least two years old!

NoelMignon and OLW Challenge...

2009-02-18T10:56:00.003-06:00

Here I am with yet another combo. I really do like doing the combination challenges because it gives me true direction with a real challenge. I do like preciseness and a little brain work.

Here is the challenge from NoelMignon.

Here is the challenge from One Little Word.

Now this is how I saw they should be tied together. It was perfect for this too. At least I think it was since I'd been sitting on these pictures and journaling for months now. I used pearl white paint on the kraft cardstock- just dab and smear with a foam brush. Then I used black paint on some salvaged bubble wrap and stamped it on top of the pearl paint.

NoelMignon and Scrap Etc. Challenge #1...

2009-02-15T22:01:00.002-06:00

So I'm a little behind. I had this subject idea when it was posted to the Scrap Etc. message board; Create a layout with your new year's resolution(s) or lack of.

Then this week I saw Jana's Vday crop Challenge over on Noel Mignon's message board. So I tied the two together.

Now I think I have only one more plus the new one to do over on Scrap Etc. then I will be caught up on those. If you haven't done any yet, now is the time to get it done because there are only 9 Challenges total and then Lisa will be drawing for the prize. So what are you waiting for...Get busy!

Want some motivation...

2009-02-15T07:04:00.003-06:00

Spiritual motivation that is? Well go here. He is real! I was blown away by the sermon I went to that he was giving at Grace Community Church. It is a non-denominational church. This (The Morning After) is the sermon that I attended. Last week I missed because we went home. This week I am missing because my asthma is kicking my tail. (Note to self:I absolutely MUST start walking my 2hrs a day again to get this stuff in check again.) They haven't put last week's podcast up yet. I can't wait to hear it or this week's.

But if you are in this area, try this church out. I was absolutely blown away by it. My girls love it. I dread telling my babies that I can't make it today. There were other errands that needed to be ran but I think they will just have to wait until tomorrow; I suppose.

I feel like God is telling me we need some one on one time today. Maybe? Well, I'm going to dust off the daily devotional book that Aunt Pam gave me over a year ago(Just couldn't do it then because you know... the separation leading to a divorce which by the grace of God never happened), grab my Bible and cup of coffee, and go spend that time with Him.

Then maybe do a little lesson with the girls when I have the energy and breath. lol.

Hope everyone(all three of you) that reads this has a very blessed and miracle filled day.

Scrap Etc. Challenge #7...

2009-02-13T18:55:00.006-06:00

Wooohooo! I made it on time! You've still got time too. Mandy gives some awesome RAKs so go check out the challenge. It is super easy. Just do a layout with the word "Crush" somewhere in the title. That's it!

I bought the diecut paper today. I didn't even bother putting it away when I got home. It was the only thing in the scrap store I got and was itching to use it. I immediately set out to work on this layout. It only took a couple of hours because I got distracted, by oh you know...laundry, picking the girls up from school, etc. Sunshine absolutley LOVEs it. So that makes me very, very happy. (I do have to say it looks much better in person. I can't get the colors/exposure right since I took it in the dark.)

Journaling reads:
1. Josh Heacock-age 19: You- age 4
2. Connor *****- age 5: You-age 5
3. Matt *********- age 5: you-age 5
4. Jackson ******- age-7: you- age 7

By the way, the circle polka dot button was from a RAK from Pat's Scrap Etc. challenge. I embossed it with one layer of clear embossing powder. It was just enough to give it some umph.

TFL ya'll.

Scrap Etc. Challenge #5...

2009-02-12T13:52:00.002-06:00

Use Christmas patterned paper on a non Christmas layout. This is what I came up with. I love these pictures of Sunshine and a friend's son. They are the funniest pair. I am so glad she had a friend that was a boy that she could just be her and not all googly and giggly around. He is neat and she is a slob. They are so extremely funny! I miss this.

I have three different tags in a pocket. One for his mom, one for Sunshine, one for me. IF, that's a big if, his mom can get him to just tell her something about the time they spent together, then I'd like to have that on one of the tags too. It'd be nice to read them all 20yrs from now. (I will wait til I have all journaling before printing them off.)

Since I have this posted and see it, I may change out the title font. I'm not too crazy about it. To me it kind of takes over the stars. I'll let Sunshine be the judge since it is for her after all.;)

Scrap Etc. challenge #6...

2009-02-11T14:39:00.001-06:00

For this challenge you create a layout regarding something you absolutely canNOT live without. For me it is coffee in the morning and peppers throughout the day. I found I'd already created a layout about this sometime ago while I was looking through my scrapbook on Saturday. So here it is.

Scrapbooks Etc. Sketch Challenge

2009-02-11T12:03:00.002-06:00

This is the result of my attempt to do this sketch challenge on Scrapbooks Etc. It was fun to do. It stretched me a bit. After I finished sewing, and saw how crooked some of the stitching was, I decided it was time to eat. lol.

On with the Scrap Etc. Challenges.;)

Woohooo!!!!

2009-02-10T08:47:00.003-06:00

Lookie what I found in my mailbox just now! Wonder how I got it? See post below this one. You don't have to have a fantastic, absolutely beautiful, magazine worthy layout. Just do the challenge. Post a link to your blog where the layout is posted or put in the gallery at www.scrapetc.com with a link in the thread of the challenge you participated in. It is a RANDOM drawing. Meaning all participants have a chance to win the prize. So get busy. You still have time to win the one for participating in as many as you can! So get busy.;)

This wonderful package came from Pat (Lucy put the stamps in there. She knows me well, huh?:D). THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm thinking the cleaning can wait, I want to play now.

Scrap Etc. Challenges...

2009-01-28T08:45:00.002-06:00

The design team over at Scrap Etc. have been posting weekly challenges since the beginning of the new year. Some are different. Some are fun. Some will help you get those creative juices flowing again. AND if you play along right now there is another contest in which you can when prizes. Click here if you wanna see the details.

To participate and see each weekly challenge, all you have to do is register of course, if you haven't already. Click on the Forums tab to bring you to the main list. Click on "Challenges and Crops", second forum down. Next Click on "2009 Challenges." This will give you a list of all the challenges that have been posted.

Have fun, Ya'll!

Eva Cassidy...

2009-01-25T14:32:00.001-06:00

see her here: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=46068544647&h=efJse&u=V9ePM . She sung like an angel. It is my understanding that she passed away at the age of 32 from melanoma. It gave me chills listening to her beautiful voice.

Making Memories at CHA

2009-01-25T14:00:00.000-06:00

They are running a live feed at www.ustream.tv/makingmemories . They are showing the Slice and lots of other goodness. Since some of us can't be there, it's the next best thing. Thanks, MM!

So...

2009-01-24T18:31:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile since I've been on here. Just very busy.

Here is a little something I just finished for Challenge #4 over at Scrap Etc.

Wishing everyone a very...

2008-12-23T06:15:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas! A safe one too.

We will be heading south for the holiday. Yeah!!!! I can hardly wait to get there. Will I ever get everything done before we leave? Lets hope so.

Have a blessed one ya'll.

Take a look at this piece of art...

2008-12-21T20:56:00.005-06:00

Here . Found in this Etsy shop. I abosolutely love the composition, flow, and colors. Oh the colors!!! It is almost perfect for the girls' room.

There are so many people who put links up for Etsy finds. I just had to share this one with you. Of course, I do know this artist. Yes. I said "artist." Stacey is well on her way to being extremely well known. I'm sure of it. This is just an example of her collages. Her paintings and drawings are simply amazing!!! Wanna see somemore of her B-eautiful stuff, including photography? Check her out at happygirlstacey .

O! The weather outside is frightful...

2008-12-16T08:55:00.002-06:00

a fire would be so delightful.
We have so many places to go,
don't let it snow,
don't let it snow,
DON"T let it snow.

Girls are home from school because the roads are iced over. I have so much to do today, but here I sit on the computer surfing thru happy scrapbooking sites putting lots of new things on my wishlist. The top of the list is an ATG by the way.;) I am seriously wanting some new Sizzix dies. Well, the original stuff. Did you know that they now have Hello Kitty dies! Those are way up there too. I think my girls would horde those to the point I'd never get to play with them.

All that wishing certainly has put me in a much better mood. Enough to go hurry and get the house cleaned up and then make crafty stuff with the girls. That is if they get their room cleaned too. I'm sure it won't take too long to get it done when I break out all the scrapbook papers, stamps, glitter, glue, and Sizzix. They get all excited when their eyes hit they stuff. Especially if they get to play with my stuff.

Well, it is best that I get busy. Hope you all have a super, fantastic, wonderful kind of day. Keep warm and safe.

Wrong thing to do...

2008-12-15T05:54:00.002-06:00

for me is to go browsing thru Ralph Lauren website. Now I want this shirt, this skirt, this shirt, but I desperately want these jeans along with these.

Now how am I going to get them? That is the big question. The only answer I've got is to get a J-O-B. That will happen hopefully after Christmas when things slow down quite a bit. It is gonna cost a fortune here for after school care then the summers are ridiculous. So... hopefully I can figure out something.

Anyway, thought I'd share my finds and what is going to be running thru my mind all day.lol.
Have a great one everybody.

Twilight series...

2008-12-14T08:16:00.002-06:00

To be honest, I just didn't understand all the hoopla my friends were giving this series, but I endured thru the end. Can I just tell you right now it was fabulous!!! I didn't care too much for the first two. They were ok. Fast reads, but the third book was much better. The fourth book was absolutely, positively WONDERFUL! I can't wait until this movie comes out.

Speaking of the movie...no, I have not seen it yet. It will be one that I will watch alone after it comes out on DVD. With all the mixed reviews, I want to be able to watch it uninterrupted without any remarks being given during the movie.

As for the characters, from the very beginning, Jacob has been my favorite. I absolutely adore his character.

Well, enough of that. I'm sure you seen enough reviews of this to make you sick. lol. Just had to give you mine as well.

We are doing well, just can't really get into the holiday spirit. Everything is going by too quickly. Oh well, that's life though isn't it?

War Eagle!!!!....

2008-11-29T19:07:00.002-06:00

anyway. I still love my Tigers and still bleed Orange and Blue. Yes, I am upset but it was bound to happen sooner or later. Our team is young and their team is just getting their money's worth from their coach.

Now...a lot of you know, but for those who don't...my husband and I are working things out. It truly is a miracle. Only one person/being could have done this-God. Anyway, it is not easy for either of us everyday, but we are trying hard. It is hard for me to forgive and let go, but I really am trying. Each day gets a little bit easier I must say.

Anyway, the girls and I have moved up to Clarksville, TN. We really do like it here so far. The girls love their school. Sunshine is being challenged, so school's no longer boring for her. Pooh loves her teacher, so that always makes for a good day. I am about shopped out. I can drive to the whole mall with Hobby Lobby, Target, Kohl's, and Sam's Club nearby, in about 10min. That's the time it took me to get from my house to Walmart at home. ALSO, there are 4 different Walmarts in 15min. or less of my house. 2 scrapbook store are 10min. or less from my house. It is amazing.

Then there is the library. IT IS HUGE!!! That will be a few hours adventure for the girls and myself. Dear husband may even go with us for that.

All this and we are only about 45min. from downtown Nashville! How much wonderful can one girl take at once? Apparently I can take a lot, huh?

So, so far so good.

Busy girl...

2008-10-13T10:12:00.003-06:00

that's what I've been. Wanna see what I've made for my girls? Well, what I've taken pics of that is.

I only made the pants and skirts with shorts underneath.I had the shirts made. These were extremely cheap to make and super easy.

I always love a good RAK...

2008-10-13T09:52:00.004-06:00

especially from Mandy! I posted a few words to her blog one day and this is what she came up with using my words. Pretty awesome, huh? By the way, thanks again for picking my name PJ and Clover.
My words were: Orange
Spunky
Rain
Lemonade(As in whatever life hands you, turn it into lemonade.)

And the result:
Some things are missing, like a pack of Tic Tacs or two. I'm not sure how many times little fingers have roamed thru this little orange bucket of joy. lol.

Thank you Mandy!!!! I love it!

I know, I know...

2008-09-29T08:30:00.002-06:00

I said I'd give updates but times just flown by on me. Actually right now I should be doing a whole lot of stuff, but wanted to let ya'll know something. Well, dh and I are going to try to work things out. The girls and I will be moving to TN. VERY excited because I will be 5hrs. closer to my best friend. Only 1.5hrs. from this wonderful friend!!!!

Besides already being behind by about 2wks, Sunshine went and slammed her hand in the car door last night. Yep, it's broken. Just a minute fracture though. It's in a splint right now, tomorrow they will put a cast on it probably after the ortho surgeon decides. She was crying pretty hard when I told her that if I didn't know any better, I'd think she was Ms. Amy's (my best friend who is a MAJOR clutz) child. That brought on the laughter. She later told me that she almost said a cuss word--friggin'. I told her I wouldn't have said a word to her if she had because I probably would've said several. She had a humongous hematoma but luckily it went down a lot. She didn't have a whole lot of pain so she says. I think she just didn't want to take the Tylenol 3. She hates the stuff. lol.

Well, I am off. Gotta figure out dates and all for the move. Gotta rent a Uhaul, turn in my resignation; which I dread by the way, see the dentist and chiropractor one last time. So much to do and so little time to do it in. See ya'll later. Please say some prayers for me to keep some little portion of sanity.

God bless you all.

I'm alive but even crazier than before...

2008-08-18T09:11:00.003-06:00

Until I can post later, here is a little something I picked up from Stacey's blog. You can answer the questions with only one word.

1. Where is your cell phone? PURSE
2. Where is your significant other? NOWHERE
3. Your hair? RED
4. Your mother? HEAVEN
5. Your father? UNKNOWN
6. Your favorite thing? FAMILY
7. Your dream last night? NONE
8. Your dream/goal? NURSING
9. The room you're in? BEDROOM
10. Your hobby? CRAFTS
11. Your fear? ABUSE
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? MASTER
13. Where were you last night? HOME
14. What you're not? SANE
16. One of your wish list items? WEALTHY
17. Where you grew up? US
18. The last thing you did? WALKED
19. What are you wearing? SHORTS
20. Your TV? OFF
21. Your pet? NONE
22. Your computer? BORROWED
24. Your mood? FRUSTRATED
25. Missing someone? YES
26. Your car? OMEN
27. Something you're not wearing? SHOES
28. Favorite store? MACYS
29. Your summer? GONE
30. Love someone? ALWAYS
31. Your favorite color? ORANGE
32. When is the last time you laughed? TODAY
33. Last time you cried? THURSDAY

SU! asst. pp pack

2008-05-11T12:26:00.002-06:00

This is an assortment of several lines of Stampin' Up! designer patterned paper. 45 sheets in all for just $8

Unopened pp packs

2008-05-11T12:01:00.003-06:00

All are unopened and from Stampin' Up! All contain 2 sheets of each design pictured.

The first pack is Splash. It is great for those baby boy pages/cards, as well as beach and bathtub pictures.

Second is Sweet. Lots of great fun with these beautiful patterned papers. Good for boys or girls.

Last but not least is one whose name I can't recall but was in a SU! holiday mini catalog. Let's just call it Holiday.

Kit #4

2008-05-11T11:53:00.003-06:00

Includes:

(1) sheet Cosmo Cricket die cut buttons
(2) Daisy D's pp
(2) silk flowers
(3) felt flowers
(5) asst. SU! metal edge tags
(5) asst. SU! eyelets
(4) asst. buttons
(1) lace trim
(1) pearl trim
(1) ribbon trim
(1) small memo book

Price: $4.50 SOLD

Kit #3

2008-05-11T11:44:00.004-06:00

Includes:

(16) Die Cuts w/a View patterned papers
(1) lace trim
(4) asst. ribbons
(1) layered silk flower
(4) asst. Prima flowers
(4) Making Memories metal words
(4) buttons
asst. eyelets and brads

Price: $7

Kit #2

2008-05-11T11:36:00.002-06:00

includes:

(8) Die Cuts w/a View pp
(4) Die Cuts w/a View textured cardstock
(1) Die Cuts w/a View sticker sheet
(5) asst. ribbons
(3) marbles
(3) felt flowers
(3) buttons
(11) asst. SU! eyelets
(8) gold SU! brads

Price: $6

The time has come...

2008-05-11T11:18:00.008-06:00

to sell the scrapbooking supplies I have not used or have been hoarding. I know I will not have much time to scrapbook when I start school so the time for hoarding has come to an end. I need to clear out as much as possible so this is only the beginning.

All lace, ribbons, and trim will be 1yd. each unless otherwise noted.

If you would like to purchase any of the items I post, please let me know asap at jmhutch002@yahoo.com. After two weeks, I will put these up on ebay.

Shipping will be actual shipping cost, so assume most will be at least $5 depending on the size and weight of items purchased. I will combine shipping if you choose more than one; possibly use the flat rate postage option. Also, if you live locally, or close to the B'ham/Montgomery area, it is possible that we can meet up to get your package.

I will also try to set up a new PayPal account in the next couple of days if that will help some of you out. I will also accept money orders and personal checks. If writing a personal check, keep in mind that your package will not be mailed until your check has cleared.

PleAse help me find a good home for all of this. Somewhere it will actually get used would be really nice.Thank you all for looking.

Featured here is Kit#1 which includes:

We R Memory Keeper pp(3) and tags(1)
Making Memories pp(1)
Misc. pp(1)
coordinating WRMK mats and strips
buttons
little marbles
small clocks
felt flowers and large layered silk flower

Price $6 SOLD

Have you ever...

2008-04-23T19:02:00.003-06:00

been cursed out in bird? Well, my mother in law has. LOL!! She lifted the lid to the grill last week. Well, the momma bird came flying out at her just a fussing! She checked again today, and she was sitting on the nest just a cursing her. lol. Momma Bird now has SIX eggs in that pretty nest.

Then today I was spraying this antique rose bush before the Japenese Beetles came to devour it and before any blackspot consumed it. Well, looky what I found...

And this is one of my cute little, extremely helpful friends. I love seeing these little guys around.

As for my job, it is going fairly well. I am recalling a lot of things. It is a totally different world in there with a different boss. I really think I am going to love it or really going to hate it. It's all just so lax. Not at all what I was expecting. I think I am going to like everyone that I will work with.

I got to see an old roommate. I am so freakin' proud of her. She started out like me. Her dreams were big. Well, she has almost succeeded! She went to LPN school, then to RN, got her BSN, then MSN, then her Nurse Practioner's liscense. Now she is only two semesters away from her doctorate. Can I just say again, I AM SO PROUD OF MY FRIEND!!!! She worked hard and has done so well! She deserves it though. She had a rough life and overcame it all. I'm just in awe of her.

Now the girls are not that crazy about me working so much. It really hasn't impacted them too much yet. Just having to go to bed earlier and getting up earlier. The next few days will be different I think. Also, next week.

Well, gotta get everyone ready for sweet dreams. God bless you all as well as those who you love and love you.

Home Sweet Home...

2008-04-10T18:52:00.003-06:00

Ok. You may be saying to yourself, "Why in the world is that crazy girl taking a picture of some old dilapidated, paint peeling, rusty grill?" (We still use this grill. Or at least did. I mean, come on, it is used to start and maintain fire so it doesn't have to be pretty.) Then yesterday, when I lifted the cover, I found this. Something thought it was just perfect. Perfect enough to start a family in.
I looked inside and found this little treasure. Got my camera took these pictures and replaced the lid. Called my friend, Amy B.-animal lover extraordinaire, to find out what to do with it. *Would've loved to use the grill but decided to use the other one. *Amy called the wildlife preserve in IL where she lives. They told her if I must move it, put it in a cardboard box with one end open. The momma bird may come back or not. They usually don't lay just one egg.

Well, today, I wanted to see if there was evidence that the momma had come back. Lo and behold, there are two eggs in the nest now. I decided to leave it alone. She must of laid it sometime during the night or early morning. Maybe there will be a bunch of little chirpies zooming around soon.That's a good reason to smile. Babies are always great. That is unless it is baby snakes! Those I can live without.

A few pics to enjoy...

2008-04-08T12:56:00.006-06:00

(Don't cry Amy B., when you look at these.)

If you are in the central Alabama area and in the market for a GREAT outdoor, natural lighting photographer check out Amy Nabors. These are some pics she took of Pooh and Sunshine. I love how she captured the many personalities of Pooh. LOL! Keep in mind Pooh had viral pneumonia and Sunshine had just gotten out of school so she was very sweaty from playing so hard.

*Pooh had to have her hair up in dog ears. She also picked out the outfit. Of course, I had to put those big ribbon in her hair. She loved it.

Got a job offer!!!!

2008-04-07T09:16:00.002-06:00

The local hospital just called and offered me the job I interviewed for the other day. It is 94cents less than what I asked for but I think I can deal with that. I would've really liked about 44cents more. Lets face it, I'm worth it. Two or three dollars less and it wouldn't have been worth my time. It is only prn, as needed, so I think it will work out with the girls. I told the lab director that if I could find child care when she needed me then I can work or if I got enough hours to justify putting them into permanent daycare then I would.

I pretty much felt the job was mine. I worked there a long time ago before I met my husband. A lot of the lab techs had been telling me to go back out there and give a resume or put in an application. I'm sure many of them had something to do with me getting the job. Plus, the asst. director is an old roommate-just friends. He seemed very happy to see me, so...

So, now I have two prn jobs. I'm hopefully going to get into a nursing program in the Fall or Spring. It looks like things are looking up for me.

'Jacking Laura Kurtz

2008-04-04T12:25:00.003-06:00

OMG! This was so easy!!!! Seriously, I had Tex in my ear (really in my head-yes, I'm a little kooky. I'm not ashamed to admit it. Sometimes it makes life a little fun and exciting.;))the whole time saying, "JUST THROW IT DOWN!!" Well, I did it. This layout took me literally about 10min from start to finish. I grab cardstock then the other stuff that was around me. The stamps weren't even clean yet. I just picked them up, grabbed some orange ink and went to town. So I gotta ask...are you proud of me , Tex?

PANIC ATTACK!!!!!

2008-04-01T09:37:00.002-06:00

is what I have been having(well, almost) for the past couple of hours.

My cousin decided to cancel go to see her mother this afternoon due to the storms that are suppose to roll in this afternoon. I am gonna sub for her Thurs. afternoon instead.

Was gonna take the prep test but the test administer will not be back in until next Monday.

So I decided that I need to use this extra time to make myself a checklist for schools and scholarship applications. So should have mentally prepared myself for it because when I was writing down the deadlines, I realized today is April 1. AAAAAAArrrrrrrHHHHHH!!!!!! I have less than 2mos. to get everything completed and submitted to the nursing schools. I have a little bit longer, but not much, to submit for scholarships/financial aid. I broke down in tears. I am truly going to try my best to make my dream come true.

Last night I was watching "Big Idea." The inventor of "Spanx" was on there. She said, "what have you got to lose?" I thought to myself, " you know, you are so right." What do I really have to lose? Absolutely nothing. I have so much to gain from all the effort I have put in so far and will put in once I am accepted and enroll in a nursing program. (Notice, I didn't say "if" I get accepted.)

Also, I didn't take my resume by but received an email this morning asking for an interview. I told them tomorrow would be great. So can you see why I am kinda panicing here?lol. Everything is going to happen right. I just have this overwhelming feeling. It feels like something else truly spectacular is about to happen with me.

AND I just got called in to sub for another teacher this afternoon. So I best go get ready.

Ya'll have a super great day.

Twiddling my thumbs...

2008-03-31T10:54:00.002-06:00

is pretty much what I am doing at the moment. I really need to be starting the ironing and taking out sweaters and coats from the closets, but here I am at the computer wishing it were April 1. "Why?" you may ask. Because tomorrow will be a new Scrapjacked day. I'm getting into the groove again and can hardly wait for the new one to be posted. It got me so in the groove that I have done about 6 different layouts since I finished the "Tex" one. I'll try to post some of them soon.

I seriously need a real job or start school. Tomorrow I am going to have to take a reading test for entrance into a nursing school. I have not taken any form of test in probably 10yrs. Hopefully, I will do well. After the test, I get to sub for my cousin who is a seventh grade science teach. The class that I get to sub for is my absolute favorite of hers. Shhhhh...don't tell anyone that though. They are all bright kids and so fun. LOVE THEM!

Going to go give my resume to the lab director today too. It'd be nice if she asks when can I start, but not getting my hopes up. I just keep telling myself the right thing will come along for me in time, whether it be school or employment.

Hope you all have a super great Monday.

Thank goodness....

2008-03-28T08:36:00.002-06:00

Just had to share with all of you what a do-do I am. I couldn't get music loaded on my little iPod Shuffle again. It just kept winking(blinking) green then orange over and over again. No matter how many times I turned it off then on again, same thing. Finally I decided to hook it up to the puter and restore the factory settings. Loaded music on there again. Lo and behold! Would you believe that it worked? Well, it did. I'm so excited. It has been winking since I flew back from San Diego Feb. 2.

So now I'm excited about it working I think I can get motivated to walking again. I had gotten up to walking about 2hrs. a day. 1hr in the morning and 1hr in the evening. Of course, I was really burning off a whole lot of anger. The girls have both been sick with different stuff since I returned from SD so it's gotten me waaaaaaaay off schedule. So I must get busy again.

Also, yesterday I submitted two layouts to two magazines. Crossing my fingers here. They are layouts noone has seen. I think I am going to submit another one today. I'll never know if I don't try, right?

Well, hope you all have a great Friday. Off to do some challenges. Ya'll have fun now.

So here's part of the story...

2008-03-27T12:51:00.004-06:00

I am getting a divorce. Yep, that's right. I said the "D" word. I am doing ok though. A lot happened when he got back from Iraq. Don't worry about me though. As soon as I can work out some kinks things are going to be just fine for ole Mare.

You know how in an old post I had said I may not be where I want to be, but I am where I am supposed to be? Well, I am. I firmly believe that God is leading me to where I am suppose to go for Him not just for me. I asked Him to show me His path. Now I ask Him the strength to follow and stay on said path. Trust me, it sure ain't easy. lol.

Through all of this I have found out who my true friends are. Those who stuck by me and stuck their necks(as well as pocketbooks) out for me. To those of you who did all of this, I don't know where I'd be without you. You have been my security blanket thru it all...and still are. I really do believe God put you in my life to be my rocks when I refused to let Him be.

Yea, I was angry with God. I'll admit it. How could He let such horrible things happen to me...to us? To my babies? But I came to the realization, thru church and lots of talks with the Heavenly Father, that we all have choices to make. God gives us the wonderful thing called "Free Will." It is up to us to make the choices whether they be right or wrong. There were lots of bad choices made, but I must move on.

Friends have always said I am a very strong person. Well, you know what? I never really saw that, but now I do. BUT I am only strong because of those who kept me up when I was falling. So to all of you I say, "thank you and may God bless you all today and thru your whole lives." God blessed me by bringing you all into my life.

Alive with new Scrapjacked...

2008-03-21T13:10:00.003-06:00

Yes, for anyone who has been checking this blog, I am still alive. My life has truly turned into a whirlwind of events. More on that later. For now I leave you with my Janine Langer Scrapjack.

My friend, Sally, is absolutely wonderful. I felt I needed to go ahead and do a page about her so my girls would remember her and what she means to me if I leave this world today. So what better time, right? The picture is digitized( I think that is the word for it anyway. lol.), but for fear of truly leaving my daughters motherless, I chose not to use the other photos I have of her. Those pictures will only be used for emergency blackmail purposes. Ehehehhehehehhe!(Btw, that's one of Sally's little saying things.) So here you are....
And here is a little pic of the brads used on this page that I won from Jana during my very first ever cyber crop over at Crop Addict. Thanks, Jana I love EVERYTHING you sent.

On my soap box, but...

2007-10-26T09:21:00.000-06:00

my Pooh has been sick so I must cut it short. When she is feeling better, she drives me absolutely nuts to the point that we both bounce off the walls. Only problem is I bounce harder then hit the floor harder. lol. I'm so hoping she is on the mend-and quick! I could've subbed 4days this week had she not been sick. Uggggh!

Today my plan is to put her and her coloring books on my bed and turn on PBS Kids. She can lay there and watch tv or color while I am scrappin'. Hehehhehehe. There are two IT challenges over at Scrap Etc. that I need to get done today then I'll try to get some other challenges done. Just had 200 pics printed and have only gotten a few scrapped so, I best get busy.

Hope you all have a great weekend. Not much fun gonna be had around here since all weekend plans have been cancelled. Oh well, life happens. At least we have the bad times in order to fully appreciate the good ones, huh?

Go SOX!!!!

2007-10-26T09:10:00.000-06:00

Have you guessed it yet? I LOVE the Boston Red Sox!!!!! And the Jacoby Ellsbury-Oh my! Is he not the cutest little thing? Simply adorable. If you don't know exactly who I'm talking about, here's a little linkage: http://ladiesdotdotdot.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/hump-day-hottie-jacoby-ellsbury/ . Look at that smile would ya. I think I'd swoon if I saw it irl. lol. Not really, but he is awefully adorable.

And the spunk of J. Papelbon is so fun. Love those Sox. What about you?

Can't wait to see what's ahead.;)

Dina Wakely Scrapjack...

2007-10-20T18:48:00.000-06:00

Well, this is it. My intention was to just throw it down. For the most part I did. The exception is the little dotted swirls to the left of the flower. Those folks, are the inside part of sequins. Yep, that's right the little bitty insides of sequins that were in the bottom of a bag. They were the exact colors that I was looking for and since I didn't have any bling those colors I had to use them. I liked how it turned out, but good grief did it take some time seperating and gluing them all on.

Also, I had started with plain paint at circles with glitter glaze over them on white cardstock. Didn't like it. Just didn't suit Pooh's personality, so ... I watered the paint and covered the entire thing. Took about 2min.

The circles are three different stamps. I really do love how they turned out. I also like how none of the three are the same because I tilted the outside stamp on each one. This was really fun, but the best part I have to say is when I showed Pooh, she said, "Momma! That is beautiful." How wonderful is that. Who cares that it took me almost two hours to complete the darn thing. She loves it so it was well worth my time.

So, for some reason I cannot post a pic of the layout on here. Hmmm...anyway, you can go here to take a peek: http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/portfolio/view_layout.php?layout_id=43206&user_id=698 .

My Red Sox and other stuff...

2007-10-19T08:43:00.000-06:00

Ok, so after that first game I have honestly tried to watch the duel between the Red Sox and Indians. But I just can't seem to do it to myself. It gets me just too wound up and then I can't go to sleep. LOL! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster. Wow! I will probably watch tonight( I think it is on tonight.) because I badly want to see Boston win. Of course my husband and two friends want the Indians to win, but I hope they get very disappointed. hehehehe.

In other news, I have been subbing for Sunshine's school and the junior high. Let me just say, I love subbing seventh grade. It is by far my favorite so far. I can still see the innocence in them while they have all the possibilities in the world ahead of them. Of course, the hormone frenzy is another thing entirely. I hate it! When I see it I can't help but think of my two at that age and how it is gonna be. Also, I think of Tex's two and what it's like for her. You poor thing. lol.

Speaking of Tex...I had been meaning to call her back since I had rudely interrupted her shopping adventure about two weeks ago. Never got around to it. Then my cell rang the other day. What do ya know? My phone caller id read "Sally ........" My heart skipped a beat and leapt for joy. That girl seriously makes me giggle. I just have to think about her and I start giggling. Silly I know, but true. Oh! And did you know she is one of the lastest additions to the Scrapjackers? Big Congrats to you, girly! You so rock and soon the whole world will know just how much.;)

Well, hope you all have a super great weekend.

Some great tv...

2007-10-14T17:08:00.000-06:00

was watched today. I watched Alabama almost lose to Ole Miss. Unfortunately, I missed Auburn squeaking a win passed Arkansas. But then as I was finally crawling into bed, Jon Bon Jovi was the host to Saturday Night Live. LOVE some Bon Jovi. Jon has certainly aged well. I could not get over how old Richie Sambora, my teen crush, looked.

But then I flipped the channel when SNL went to commercial. Boston was playing Cleveland!!!! How could I have not known this? Duh! Well, I flipped the channel back and forth thru most of the game. Couldn't miss BJ now could I? Then ET came on and I got a little too wrapped up watching all that stupidity that when I switched back to the game, Cleveland was up by 3. Urggghhhh! No way!!!! So sad. Then another run was made. I was so upset that I couldn't go to sleep right away. This was 1am! How crazy is that?

Anyway, got up and went to church. Came home and ironed a week's worth of clothes. Now more good tv is about to come on. Gonna watch Zoey 101 with my girls, put them to bed. Go to my room and watch DH and B&S while scrapping. Already have the pictures trimmed down for one layout. Gonna have some fun tonight.

Hope ya'll have a great night.

So very lucky....

2007-10-13T17:48:00.000-06:00

Do you have a friend that is always there for you thru thick and thin? One who knows when you are downwithout you saying a word. One who knows when you are just putting up a brave front? One who brings you up with just a simple smile? One who has that connection to your heart that can be felt miles apart?

Well, I have to say that I do. I am such a lucky girl. I can count on both fingers and toes the number of friends that I know without a doubt would be right here beside me should my world come crumbling to my feet. I just have to ask HOW? WHY? What has made me so special that I should be loved so much?

To all those who are my "true" friends(You know who you are.;)), thank you and I love you so very much!!!!! Your love, strength, and thoughts of you sometimes are what get me thru my day. Of course, the love, strength, and thoughts of my very best friend-Jesus-does too.

God bless you all.

I got my Scrapjack on...

2007-10-10T19:54:00.000-06:00

and almost forgot to upload it.

I had this picture out the other day on my dresser with the intentions of doing something with it. I then looked up the new Scrapjack. I only had a little bit of time to get it done if I was going to do it. Well, I honestly pulled scraps and stuff that were laying around the picture to make this layout. Well, with the exception of the stamp. Everything else was at my fingertips including the reverse scallop edged cardstock. I kinda like how it turned out-especially since it took at total of about 10min. AND can you believe I used real buttons!lol. Yes, folks, that's right those are the genuine real McCoys right there on my page. lol.

Have a great day!

Amazing Grace...

2007-10-10T12:46:00.000-06:00

Things have been really crazy lately. Never knowing how my life is going to go at any minute. Sometimes it is very stressful. Other times I just really have to laugh about it. And then there are those times when I just get really frustrated and mad when things don't go my way or don't go fast enough.

Well, I ask God for help and guidance, but then I don't completely turn it over to Him. Yesterday, while driving back from Auburn I turned on the Christian music station. It always seems I can hear His message clearer thru music. lol. There was a very pretty song that was already on. BUT then the one that followed really got my attention. I don't know the name of it but I will soon. It spoke of how you might feel very alone and down, but He is there with you. I started sobbing cause that is so true. I started to pray and was so overwhelmed with His presence that I almost had to pull over to the side of the road and recollect myself. It's funny how when I say that I need Him, He is always there. Through my life He has always been the one constant that I know will never leave me- through whatever I go thru in life.

Just thought we all might need a reminder: Let Him carry you through the tough times. He is the only one that can handle it all.

War Eagle!!!!

2007-10-08T07:53:00.000-06:00

If you know anything about me, you know that I adore everything Auburn University. One day I will become an Auburn alumni. It may be when I'm 90, but hey if the old noodle is still working by then so be it. At least I can have "Auburn Alumni" put on my headstone. lol.

Anyway, I took my girls down to the Vandy game on Sat. to tailgate. We don't go into the games because it gets too loud for Pooh. Their friends-kinda-cousins weren 't down there so it was a little boring for them at first, but things got better. We walked around a little before the football game and went in to see the baseball team practicing. That is until Pooh started climbing over seats and hanging on the bars. Urggghhhhh! So we went back across the street to the RV.

Eventually, Pooh went inside and stayed awhile. Sunshine had kept asking me if we could go back and watch the baseball team. So I asked some of our family to keep an eye on Pooh while I took Sunshine back over to the park. The only other people there were the players' parents. One batter hit a foul ball into the stands. Sunshine asked if she could go get it. I told her to let the player who was in the stands get it. Then when another foul ball hit the other side of the stands, a pitcher's mom(Ms. Emily), got up. Well lo and behold, she had gone to get the ball for Sunshine. Sunny was so amazed. Honestly, so was I. She was so proud of that ball. Then after practice, Ms. Emily took us down to where the players come out. She made sure all, but I think two, signed Sunny's ball. She thought it was the coolest thing EVER!!! By the way, I believe my child has a huge crush on Paul Burnside now. lol.

I remember before the park was built, waiting for the guys to come out so we could all go home, eat, take naps, then get ready to go out. (Some of my friends dated some of the players. One eventually married one of them.) Anyway, watching the little kids run up to them asking for their autographs was so touching. I looked forward to the day when I could do the same with my child. Well, one of my dreams came true on Saturday. Thank you so very much Ms. Emily. We look forward to seeing you this spring. Sunshine is so very excited about baseball season now.

As for Pooh, she was Princess of the Day while we were gone. lol. A little later her friend in the next RV came out of the game. So they got to play for awhile. That made the day all better.

And to end the day on campus, Kodi Burns (The QB for all those who don't know.) was coming down past the RV. Well, I asked my cousin who it was because he looked so familiar. It took Jordan a minute but then he kinda gasp and said, "That's Cody Burns!" So off he and his wife, Brandi, and Sunshine go to meet him and get Brandi and Sunny's shirts signed. I think Jordan was more excited about it than the girls were.

After the game we went back to Mr. Rick and Ms.Jamie's. The girls adore them. And Sunshine thought their big lab, Ally, was the sweetest dog ever. She's been talking about her ever since. Which says a lot since it is a big dog and she's terrified of large dogs. This is because of a German Shepard trying to attack her when she was 2. Anyway, thank you for your hospitality Mr. Rick and Ms. Jamie.

MIA again...

2007-10-08T07:49:00.000-06:00

Sorry for all of you that might keep checking here and to those who've just givin' up. LOL!

A lot of life has happened lately. I finely figured out why I don't like reality shows. I have enough of real life drama in my own life that I don't need to watch more. lol. Seriously, folks. I have had so many 90 degree turns in the road called life that keep me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next. Who needs thriller movies/shows when you have a life like mine. I just have to giggle at how funny it is sometimes.

I will make a new post in just a bit of what happened this weekend. Super great weekend.;)

Grandjack

2007-09-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

Here are all seven of my jacks. Obviously I had to change the hohum 2ndGrade one. The third one from last was done in 30minutes thru many tears. (It was my tribute to all of our troops and their famililies and friends. This time I didn't know anyone on the list, but that doesn't mean that each one listed here isn't very special to me. They truly are. Thank you to all you men and women who serve.) Also, on the "Blessing" there really isn't white behind it; my scanner is starting to act goofy.LOL>

For Molly

2007-09-01T18:04:00.000-06:00

Here is the picture.

Do you ever get tired of...

2007-08-25T08:48:00.000-06:00

living? You know that life is just too tiresome and you're ready to go "home." I'll admit it. I do. Things in life just sometimes get too exhausting, and I have no control over them. The other day I was feeling this way. It seemed everything that could go wrong did. I was laying on my bed talking with God asking Him my usual question,"Why?" Then I looked up and saw hanging on my inspiration board the paper cross my girls had made me. Then the response to my usual question came..."Go read."

So I went and picked up my Bible. Sure enough I simply opened it and the answers came to me where I opened. I read from Matthew 16:20 until I was interrupted around 18:35. It tells of how Jesus had to struggle, work, and forgiveness. It really put my problems into perspective. I do not have the weight of the world upon my shoulders as Jesus did. I do not have people hunting me down to kill me because they don't like what I have to say. I have simple, some not so simple, problems that can only be resolved with the help of God.

I normally don't ask people to pray for me because I feel it would be selfish when so many others need them, but I am asking you today to add my family in your prayers. I have seen first hand how powerful prayer can be. And here is the proof that Jesus said it would be so; in Matthew 18:19-20 Jesus said toHis disciples, "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

God bless you all today.

Where do I begin?

2007-08-21T11:13:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I've been MIA from the blogworld. See, I only thought things would slow down once the girls were back in school. Was I ever wrong!!! August seems to be flying by just as quickly as July did. So briefly here is what's been going on...

As for the car, after a week I finally got it back. They put me in a rental that I loathed. The brakes on my car are still not right, so I have to take it back in. When I do they have replace my passenger side door speaker; driver's side has already been replaced. They have to fix the cushioning in the dash because it is coming out. They also have to look at why it is pulling/bogging down when in 3rd and 4th gears. AND to top it off I got pulled over Fri. because my windows were too dark. I had to have it removed this morning. I can't afford to have them retinted right now so... Luckily they came from the factory with a minor tint or I think I would burn just driving around town. ;)

I'm trying to get the girls on some type of routine. Don't really know how it's gonna work come timeto start Children's Choir at church. See right now, we come home from school, do homework, eat, play a little/swim, shower by 6:30 and in bed by 7pm. They can watch tv until 8pm but then it's lights out. They seem to do very well with this. It isn't that difficult to get them up at 5:30am(I have to be ready in case I get called into sub.) anymore. Plus, getting up that early makes it easier on Pooh's teachers because she's ready to take a nap when naptime comes.

I also have been looking for a job. I had one interview, but obviously didn't get the job. I think the principal already knew who she was going to hire. She just had to go thru the procedures. There is another job that would be extremely easy for me to move right into- a med lab asst. job- but the hours are conducive to the girls' schedules. So, here I sit jobless. Boohoohoo.

Today is the first day I have felt decent in the past two weeks. I think my girls gave me two different colds back to back. Also it is what I get for bragging to Sally. When I last spoke with her, I just looked like something out of a horror movie. Well, I should've kept my darn mouth shut cause two days later I felt like something out of a horror movie. Anyway things are looking much better now. yeah!!!

AND have you heard? The registration opened for the 2008 Scrap Etc. Event. It's gonna be in Nashville, TN. So exciting!!! Lots of great teachers and sponsors. It's not til April but if the next few months fly like the last two have it'll be hear in the blink of an eye.

Hope ya'll have a super fantastic day. Love you all.

OH! If there is anyone else out there that wants to see what stamps I have for sale please let me know asap. I will soon be putting what's left on ebay.

Scrapjack...

2007-08-21T10:30:00.000-06:00

I've been meaning to "scrap" these pictures for awhile. So I just pulled them out and decided to use this scrapjack to get them done. The picture isn't that great, but after 20 shots it is the best I could do. (Asthma meds made my hands a little too shaky. Plus, I got too frustrated with trying to stitch it together with PSE.)

When I do pages for my girls' portraits, I make pockets on the layouts to be able to keep all the pictures and the order receipt for each sitting together. If there are a lot of extra pictures, I make gussetted pockets. I sew the pockets on to make them really stay. If you decide to do this, make sure you use the longest stitch on your sewing machine. Too short a stitch will perforate the papers.

This is the part that Sunshine liked the best of the whole page. She thought it was so cool that I pleated the paper.

Meg Scrapjack...

2007-08-09T07:39:00.000-06:00

Ok, so this may be cheating, but apparently I scrapjacked this a couple of weeks ago without knowing it. I had the pictures, cut down to the "core" as Stacey Julian says, grab stuff sitting on or near by my scrapspace, and just threw them down on the cardstock.

Of course I will be trying to do a better one if I get a chance.;) I have to do one for Pooh. ;)

By the way, Stacey I will try to blog again in the next couple of days. Things have been CRAZY!!!

KC Scrapjack...

2007-08-07T20:10:00.000-06:00

Ok. Well, it is dull, boring, and hohum BUT at least it is done.;) I wrestled with the pics all yesterday and all of today trying to make them a little better. Something is seriously wrong with my camera. I need a new one but have no funds so I guess I'll just suffer thru with what I have. It sure ain't fun being poor. lol. Well, I'll keep you no longer in suspense. Here it is...

Blogs...

2007-07-29T06:55:00.000-06:00

Goodness! I have just realized that I've missed a lot of blogs lately. This has been one crazy month. If I haven't gone to your blog in the past two weeks, please leave the link here. After changing things up and switching computers, I've lost a lot of my faves and have been trying to find them.

I so need to get bloglines set up. That way it will remedy this for me.

By the way, Cyndi, I am still getting hung up when I go to yours but I love you just the same.:)

Lots of stuff...

2007-07-28T07:10:00.000-06:00

Did you realize that it takes 4 days to change the oil in your car to the dealership if you take it in on a Friday? NO? Really? Well, it does if you are me. See, my car was down to 20% on the oil gauge. When it gets to 15%, the oil must be changed soon. Since I knew I would have no time to get it done next week, I decided to call and see if they could get me in yesterday. I needed to have the brakes looked at anyway so off to Auburn we went. Well after sitting there for almost 4hrs. they inform me that I have an oil leak plus they have to turn the routers and put on new pads. They were going to put me in a rental. Thank goodness all of this was covered under warranty and they are paying for the rental.

We get the rental. They were going to put us in this little bitty car but the manager decided to put us in a Passat instead because of the girls. Thank goodness he did because Sunshine's legs were scooched up. So after getting the rental off we go to get something to eat. The girls had only brought some snacks with them and had eaten them all. Pooh and I get Chick-Fil-A while Sunshine gets a pizza from inside Target. We eat then head to look at some pants for me to sub in. Most of mine are worn out or faded. No luck there. So we head into Hobby Lobby to pick up something for a friend. Get it. We had something to take back to Best Buy but I was tired, the girls were fussing so I just said we'd go back on Monday when we pick up the car.

I've been itching to scrap but I have lots of other stuff to try to get done. I plan on cleaning out my room next week while the girls are gone to the beach. I'm cleaning out my closet too! For me a room really isn't clean unless the closet and all cabinets/drawers are organized. Also, I am not going to keep a ton of clothes that I don't wear or haven't worn for a while. What's the point, they are just taking up space, right? Time to purge.

Speaking of purging, Deborah, I will get the list of stamps I'm going to sell to you asap. It will probably be next week though because that's when I will go thru the big box. Amy did get the ebay thing figured out. So I will give the list to those interested then post what's left on SplitcoastStampers then ebay. I choose ebay last because sometimes the bidding gets ridiculous. While I'd love to get more money for the sets, I'd feel extremely guilty for taking more money than what the stamps are worth, so... that is my game plan.

Did I say that I'm ready for the girls to go to the beach? I'm getting as excited as they are. Everytime I walk into my room I want to cry. Can't wait to tackle that job. And what a job it will be. If it works out I may be asking family for some more time to take them. LOL! Especially a certain aunt whose house they've been begging me to go to for months. Hint, hint if you are reading this. hehehehehehe. I need to make a list of all the things I want to get accomplished without the interuptions.

Stacey, I can't find the recipe that I had wanted to send so I will just send one right off the top of my head. The other one was for my sweet potatoe soufle. I tweaked it a bit from the regular ole sweet pot caserole and can't remember how much of everything to use. So I'll send something else instead.;)

Well, we have our Sunday School party today. Hopefully it won't rain and the kids can swim. No matter it will be lots of fun.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Funny bloggings...

2007-07-26T12:24:00.000-06:00

I've been meaning to post this for awhile and just keep forgetting. If you want to read funny blogging about everyday adventures of other people's lives, you must check out these two blogs: http://www.howeveralthough.typepad.com/ and http://lifeattheburrow.blogspot.com/ . Sometimes the things that Mandy and Katie say have me literally in tears laughing.

Also here is the image on my last scrapjack that was thought to be a rubon:

It was made with a Making Memories stamp and three different colors of ink. After stamping I used a Versamark pen on the stamped image, sprinkled on Stampin' Up!'s Glassy Glaze(super thick clear embossing powder), heated the image and Voila! I really do like how it turned out. I had forgotten how much fun embossing powders are.

Jacking again...

2007-07-20T19:31:00.000-06:00

I've been jacking again and here is the result:
I make myself finish my jacks before looking at all the others that have been submitted. I already had the pictures for this ready to go before they even posted the new Jack. Guess what? It worked perfectly! I've had this one done for a couple of days but haven't had the chance to scan/merge/post it. Now I'm off to look at all the others-or at least half of them anyway.;)

HELP!!!

2007-07-17T07:40:00.000-06:00

I need help with setting up an ebay account to sell my rubber stamps and some excess paper. Is there anyone out there that can help me figure all this out? I've read over it but still have a few questions. There are some other things I want to sell too, like baseball cards and costumes, etc. Please help me if you can at email jmhutch002@gmail.com. Thanks!

You might be a clutz if...

2007-07-16T20:40:00.000-06:00

You fall going up the stairs. Yes, that is exactly what I did today. Don't really know how I did it. I got a little dizzy then all of a sudden when I took a step forward I was sprawled out on the steps going up from the garage. Crazy! The foot that hurt right after is fine, but the other one is about to kill me. I'm almost ready to chop it off myself. But then again, that might hurt a little more, huh? Well, it's fine if I keep it down or stand/walk on it, but as soon as I put it up trouble starts. So of course I've been workin' on the new Scrapjack which has been super easy!

If you haven't tried Scrapjacking, see the link over there on the right under "Inspiration"? Click it and see the newest jack. Try it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I am finding myself waiting on pins and needles for the new jack to come around on the 1st and 15th of each month. I even had pictures set aside to be able to use for this jack several days before it was posted. And it works perfectly in my opinion. There is only one little section that I just can't figure out. Hopefully I will see the light in my dreams tonight and finish it in the am.

Speaking of dreams, I figured out why I love Stacey Fike's artwork so much. The colors she uses typically are so vivid. That is how my dreams almost always are. Sometimes they are in normal colors, but the really happy ones are vibrant. This conclusion hit me after waking up one morning. It was one of those Ah-ha moments.

Well, hope you all are having a great start to your week.

What a week!

2007-07-13T19:09:00.001-06:00

First of all, Deborah, you are going to win our little challenge. I didn't get to walk but once in two weeks for all the following reasons...

We were going to take the girls to Six Flags on Friday but Pooh still wasn't feeling really great.

Saturday and Sunday we went looking for J a truck. I looked on Yahoo! Autos first thing Monday morning and found one to look at. He liked it so off we went. After an hour and a half drive there, we came home with the truck. It is used but had low miles and was in the price range we needed to stick to.

On Monday my father-in-law had a cardiology appt. Well, things didn't look so great. He had to go back on Tues. for a test. J and I decided to take the girls to the McWane Center while they ran the test. That way we wouldn't be but a few minutes away if something needed to be done. Well, he had to have a stint put in right away, but we didn't go to the hospital until later. It would've upset Pooh to see her Poppa in so much pain. When we got to the hospital, they had given him some Morphine so he could rest. Pooh was ready for him to wake up. I asked her why? She said, "So him can give me hugs."

Since he had to spend the night in the hospital, we didn't want to be too far away so we stayed at a hotel right down the street. It was raining so the girls didn't get to go swimming at the hotel which was kinda a bummer. Plus J was so tired from staying up all night worrying about his dad. So we all just went to bed.

When we got up early the next morning, Pop was on his way out the hospital door. He was doing well. So we went on over to the McWane Center to watch Harry Potter in IMAX. It was so cool. A lot left out, but with that huge a story with so many details, a lot had to be left out or it would've been about 5-6hrs. long. Honestly, I'm ready to go see it again on the regular movie screen.

After the movie we played a little at the Center. We then went to Best Buy to exchange the RAM J bought for my computer and to eat at Guthrie's. YUM! Such great chicken fingers. (I really wanted to take the girls to the one in Auburn for their first Guthrie's experience. Oh well...)

We then went home just to get J ready to go back. He is up for a promotion and had to get several awards that he has earned put in his record that weren't showing up. Hopefully he will get it this year. The last two there has been someone on the selection board that absolutely loathes him. J's not alone though. This person has screwed up many a Marine's careers just cause they wouldn't kiss his butt.

Yesterday, the girls and I went to the library. Got just a few books because we will go back tomorrow. After the library we went to swim with some friends. Pooh scared me a few times. She has no fear at ALL! She kept jumping off the diving board. Lost one of her floaties one time. Then another time she had taken them off, used a ring, and jumped in. When she hit the water, she decided to come out of the ring. Well, she didn't realize it was so far from the side of the pool and freaked a little. And yes, I'm sure she will be doing it again. That is why I am going to be looking into the inside pool lessons. That way it is an ongoing, all year thing. Not just summers.

Then today was a rough start because allergies and weather was kicking my asthma in high gear. I was out of breath just getting into my walking attire so I knew it was a no go. We just watched tv, read books, ate some pizza and ice cream. I even got to scrap some. YAY! Now I am headed off to bed after I take some allergy meds. Ya'll have a great weekend.

If you will please say a prayer for my father-in-law. We should would appreciate it. Love you all!

Scrapjackin' Ed Two

2007-07-08T22:20:00.000-06:00

This is the other Jack that I came up with. I had to smudge out the girls' faces since they are not my children. This was a great jack obviously because I turned out two, plus Sunshine did her own journaling on this one.;) LOVE IT!! Plus this one only took me about 10min. total.

Scrapjack Ed. One

2007-07-08T21:51:00.000-06:00

I have done two Scrapjacks this time around. This is the first one. Please excuse the photomerge. I still haven't completely figured the darn thing out. Anyway, this is what the journaling says:

1. Time passes quickly. Make every moment count.

2. Love completely.

3. Be true to yourself.

4. Sometimes the risk is worth the reward. Take a chance.

5. You will not always find an open door. Sometimes you will have to knock it down.

6.Embrace life. It molds & shapes who you are. At the same time, if you don't like what life hands you, it's up to you to change it.

7. Keep an open mind. YOu just may learn something,or seewhat God is trying to show you.

8. Be certain of your decisions. You are the one that has to live with the consequences.

9. I love you. Whether we are together or apart, I'm always there.

10. Blood is thicker than water. Noone, other than God, will love you more than your family. Never turn your back on those who love you unconditionally. They will be there when everyone else leaves.

The past weekend...

2007-07-06T09:14:00.000-06:00

we had a huge wedding weekend. Our cousin, Bethany aka "B" (Yes, Aunt B to her niece. Sorry, B that just makes me giggle everytime. Seriously folks, she doesn't let her call her that because she hates it, but I find it hilarious.) got married to a really great, not changing for anybody, I am who I am man. Love you just like you are Matt! ;)

And the party began! In this picture you see two of my wishes for 2007 come true. B is married to a wonderful Christian man. And her sister is growing beautifully with a very special addition to our large family. Seriously, I love these two as if they were my very own sisters. B, I hope you two will always be as happy as you are right now. One of my wishes for 2008 is that you are huge with at least one baby by next summer. Of course I wouldn't mind sharing my b'day with a beautiful baby either.

I didn't get a lot of walking done this past week. It's been a really busy week for us. Also, my math was really off last time I posted. I didn't walk 12,000 steps; just 10,400. But still that is really great. I've been striving for at least 6,000 a day. It's only happened like 2x this week. Oh well, that's ok. I'll get back on track after my husband goes back and life is a little more normal again.

Let Freedom Ring! For the 4th we had planned to just BBQ some chicken. Well, Aunt Pam called and asked us to go over to her house for a cookout with all her family and some friends. It was a very impromtu thing since the wedding tuckered most of us out. lol. It was so much fun and so much good food. Aunt Susie brought her super incredibly yummy teacakes. Some were in the shape of the Liberty Bell, complete with the crack. Others were stars and flags. We also had homemade strawberry icecream. YUMMMMMM.

It wasn't long before dark when we got home, so J set up the fireworks before we went to visit Aunt Margie and take her some watermelon. We stayed for just a few minutes then headed back across the road to start the explosions. The girls and J had a blast.(No pun intended.)

We had planned on going to 6Flags over Georgia today, but Pooh got really sick yesterday. Weds. night she had a runny nose. Gave her some meds for it. Then yesterday morning she woke up fine but a little bit later was sleeping again. I knew she didn't feel well so she and I stayed home while J and Sunshine ran down to Auburn to pick up some stuff for my computer. While they were gone she started vomitting. That set my laundry completion back a few hours. Anyway, she slept most of the day yesterday. She slept thru the night and is much better today. So soon as she eats something other than a popsicle-and able to keep it down, we are headed out of town for the day.

Hope you all have a great day and weekend.:)

Nic Howard...

2007-07-06T08:55:00.000-06:00

is my newest scrapper find! Check out her blog here . Her style is clean and simple but kicked up a little-well, maybe a lot. ;) Her new book, That's Life , was just released on Weds. I can't wait to see it irl. Go check it out and see for yourself how right I am on this.;)

I Got Mail...

2007-07-03T19:44:00.000-06:00

And the best kind too! Look at what Ms. Stacey did for me. And without much begging and pleading! She used a picture from our Disney World trip last summer. Also she used every color that is going in my scrapspace when I get one. I was going to wait to share it until after I have it matted and framed, but I just couldn't keep it to myself any longer. Sunshine LOVED it too. Pooh's statement was, "Wow! Your friend did that for you?" So funny. I can't wait to hang it on my wall. I see a trip to Hobby Lobby or the framing shop uptown coming on Thursday.;)

Editted to add: Stacey informed me that the rose cluster on the washer is from a piece of her great-grandmother's costume jewelry! The collage may be about my family but it has a piece of Stacey's in there too. That makes it all the more special. Thank you so much, Stacey. I love you, girl!

For Britney

2007-07-03T12:31:00.000-06:00

The top shelf shown shows my stamp sets in the CD cases. The lower shelf shows my background stamps in clear Stampin Up! boxes setting on top of black photoboxes. In the black boxes are my larger and unusual shape foam stamps.In between them are more sets in CD cases.
Upper shelf seen here is a basket holding supersized foam stamps. Then my threads, some fabric, bobbins, needles are in the case. Next to that is some more SU! clear plastic boxes for foam brushes and flat foam stamps.

The bottom shelf holds a case with all of the girls' craft stuff-well some of it., then some more flat foam stamps.
This is one ofmy smaller acrylic sets. I still have them on the plastic backing stored in a CD case.
Here is rubber stamps in CD case. I put Alene's Tack It Over & Over o the back of them.

Yummy Rewards

2007-06-29T16:11:00.000-06:00

For all that walking I did I rewarded myself with this at lunch.

Then after swimming and doing some more excercises in the pool, I rewarded myself with this.

By the way is my tiny torpedo. She has gotten to the point of wanting to go without her swimmies. Notice her butt in the air? That just cracks me up!

And this is my little hammerhead shark in action. When she is looking for things that I throw on the bottom for her to retrieve, she swings her head from side to side searching. Then when she spots it, she zooms to the bottom. Hilarious I tell ya!

I got up early again this morning but didn't have time to walk or anything because we had a bridal luncheon for our cousin. About to head out to the rehearsal, but I digress. When I woke up this morning only my foot hurt from turning my ankle over the other day. But it's ok now so in the morning I will be walking my butt off again so I can chow down at the reception.;)

Did you realize...

2007-06-28T08:25:00.000-06:00

that it's hard to walk while dancing? Seriously, it's true!

My darling(sometimes) husband plugged in his old Dell MP3 player before he left again. Don't know why, but he did. Anyway, I saw that it was fully charged up and decided to see what songs he had on there while I was walking. I figured it'd be smothered in Gangsta rap. Yeah, it was on there but so was Kenny Chesney, Wade Hayes, Brad Paisly, George Strait, etc. BUT what really got me movin' was the hidden treasures of Will Smith, Beyonce, Jodeci, and Eminem(the cleaner stuff). With all that I couldn't walk just the usual 20min. Get this- I walked for about 52min! I counted up that it takes me an average of 1min. to make 200steps. So if I have it right, I made approximately 12,000 steps already today! So exciting for me!!!!!

Also, I got a little suprise yesterday. My little Pooh is going in the water face first off the ladder in the pool! My father in law said she's been doing it. Well, she never did it with me around! And dang does she get across the pool quickly! She doesn't really use her arms but she's got some awefully powerful little legs. Just using her legs she can get across almost as fast as Sunshine. I now call her my Tiny Torpedo. It's funny though because she doesn't take off her swimmies yet so her little butt sticks up in the air. I will try to get some pics of that today. So hilarious!

Well, I guess it is time to go feed the natives since they are getting a little restless then must hit the shower. Hope you all have a super fantastic, fabulous day!!!!

Arrrrrgh!!!!!

2007-06-26T11:53:00.000-06:00

So no weight loss but I am losing a few inches. My body is shifting and a changing so much that I have friggin' stretch marks everywhere. With each passing day I find a new one. Anybody got any suggestions? They are driving me nuts I tell ya!

I absolutely LOVE this oatmeal. I always get the blueberrry flavored. I am finding myself wanting this at night instead of the regular meat and potatoe supper. It is so yummy! You don't even have to add sugar, butter, or anything. I've been eating it every once in awhile with a piece of toast with a little honey. Sometimes I wrap the honey toast around a piece of sausage for breakfast. Of course I have to have some coffee and OJ with it. I ran out of this incredible oatmeal this morning or that's what I'd be having for lunch. Oh well....

Hope yall have a great day.

'Jack time again...

2007-06-22T15:30:00.000-06:00

Scrapjack time that is. Here is my MGA jack. It just hit me all of a sudden this morning what I wanted to do. Let you know on a little secret-the paint is covering up a little Oops!