A little of this and a tad of that...some a bit random while others a bit thought out

More dance frames!!

2009-06-18T08:42:00.003-05:00

I've been working away in the studio this week. Working on the outstanding orders that I have...trying to finish a couple each day. Here's what I've done since the last blog update. For better detail and a brief description of each, click on the photo for a larger view.

This one isn't a dance frame but I don't think I shared it here on the blog. A custom baby frame...this was given as a baby shower gift but is available as a special order.

As you can tell, I haven't listed anything new in the Etsy shop lately. This is because I'm working on all of the custom orders that I have right now and haven't had a chance to create anything "new" for the shop. If you're interested in seeing the latest goodies, be sure to follow my blog and "become a fan" on my business Facebook page. I share pictures as things are finished. I'm hoping to get more in the Etsy shop in a few weeks but if you happen to see something that sparks your interest, drop me an e-mail or Facebook message.

Until next time!!!

What I've been up to...

2009-06-13T11:23:00.006-05:00

Lets see...where have I been? What have I been up to? Where do I begin?

The school year is behind us and with that comes a High School Graduate! Yep, that's right...my Josh has graduated! And with honors, at that. It was a tough year but it has certainly ended on a good note. Josh has matured so much over the past few months and has made us so proud. He's off to Florida State University in just a few weeks where he plans to study Political Science. Way to go Josh!!!

With the end of the school year comes yet another dance recital. Emily was in four numbers this year. The most classes she's ever taken. She did very well too. I love to watch her on stage. She loves to dance and it shows. She gives it her all and just lights up when she music starts! She's planning to do three classes next year and hopes to make the Company again too.

And of course, with the recital...comes lots of new dance frames too. I'm working on a little each day and am posting photos of them on my Facebook page for "Handmade Creations". If you're on Facebook, check it out and become a "fan" if you'd like. Handmade Creations by Denise Baker

Here are a couple of the latest creations...click on the image for a better view.

Today, I'm home alone...with just the dogs. And they're both sleeping nearby. With that, I'm going to take advantage of the quiet time and get a few more things going.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by!

-D

Dance Dance Dance

2009-05-13T08:52:00.003-05:00

Well, its that time again!

The dance season is drawing to a close. Our dancers and instructors have been hard at work putting together the dances for our upcoming recital. This weekend is the big dress rehearsal weekend. I'll have a table set up in the lobby, once again, taking orders for your custom frames.

I've been gleaning inspiration from the photos of the costumes for this year and have a few new designs as well as some of the designs from last year to display. I cannot wait to see everyone dressed up and I love to watch everything come together during rehearsals.

I thought I'd share a few of the designs from last year. The new designs will be shared soon!

Until next time! Enjoy!

Awwww...thanks!

2009-05-01T10:47:00.003-05:00

My wonderful friend, Dorana, awarded me with this fun friendship award today. I can't thank you enough for this Dorana. I apprecieate your friendship and all the kind words and support you've given me over the past few months!!

I'd like to share this award with some of my favorite blog friends too. These are some of the girls that I check in with regularly. A few of my friends and other blogs that I visit for super inspiration too! Check out these blogs:

Michele's Creative Mayhem
Tamara's Noodle Soup
Tami's Favorite Things
Inspirational tips and techniques!!
Dawn's Stamping Thoughts
U Stamp 4 Fun
Sketches from Creatively Yours

Wanna share this award with some of your friends? If so, then here's how to do it (as passed on to me):

1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message for the nominees on their blog

Thanks again Dorana!!

Slowing down a bit...

2009-04-30T08:03:00.005-05:00

Whewww...what a week its been! I just realized that its been more than a week since I posted. I wanted to get in here and give a little update before the weekend.

Last Wednesday, I posted my latest frame creation. This beautiful 25th Wedding Anniversary frame. This one started as a dance frame idea originally but as I moved forward, it wasn't coming together as I had planned. So, I took it in a completely different direction. Ending with one of my most favorite frames to date.

I listed this one in my Etsy shop and sold it within 30 minutes. What a great boost to the ego! (thanks Laurie!!) I was also contacted by a couple of others for frames JUST LIKE THIS ONE!

The fun didn't stop there though. I also got a phone call from a guy from a not so local crew team that had seen my samples on display at a recent regatta. He needed THREE frames for his end of the season banquet. Add these to the other crew frames that I'm working on.

That same evening, I see a regular customer of mine and she gives me a photo of her son and his prom date, and asked me to do TWO frames for a similar photo.

So...Wednesday turned out to be a VERY good day for my business. I couldn't be more thrilled! I have custom frames, in all stages, working at the moment. No complaints from this end!

This past weekend was our States Championship Regatta in Sarasota. We knew going into the weekend that our lightweight 4 had a good shot at doing well in this race. The took first in their heat on Saturday, moving them straight into the Grande Final on Sunday.

I have to admit...Sunday morning was so stressful. Alex and I agreed that we couldn't remember ever being as nervous as we were for this race. In all of Josh's 4 yrs of rowing, this one had us nervous. We just knew how badly they wanted this win!

With much anticipation, we wished the boys (and Teri) the best of luck as they headed off to get on the water and we waited until race time. The parents waited at the finish line for the race to begin and listened to the screaming and yelling as everyone cheered on their favorite boat. We were sooooooooo happy to see that our boys were ahead. We were even MORE THRILLED when they crossed the finish line in FIRST PLACE!!!! Not only did they take first, but there was about TWO BOAT LENGTHS OF OPEN WATER between them and the second place finishers. Oh my goodness...we were so proud! I was in tears before they even made it across the finish line.

What an incredible way to finish your last season, Josh! After all that we've gone through this year. The serious ups and downs of this season. You went back, gave it your all...and this is your reward! You rowed hard and fast! Congrats on your win!

Next...its STOTESBURY!! You know I'll be cheering you on all the way!

So, this is the latest from this end. Now that our time with Boone Crew is coming to an end. Things should start to slown down a bit. Weekends won't be so crammed full of this and that. For now though, I must get the to-do list completed for the day and get productive. I have phone calls to make, frames to paint, laundry to be folded.

Until next time...

Another one for Mom...

2009-04-21T13:34:00.004-05:00

Another crazy weekend here.

Saturday was the Orlando City Champs regatta. This was our very last regatta at Turkey Lake. Its hard to believe that our four years of rowing is coming to an end. I've been counting the days and weeks but now that the end is near, its kind of bittersweet.

I was so proud of Josh and his lightweight 4 boat this weekend! They rowed an incredible race and finished in first place...with LOTS of open water too. Nothing at all like the same race last year where they placed second by a fraction of a second. This coming weekend is the Florida States Championship Regatta. They've got a darn good chance at taking this one too. Good luck to our boys! How awesome it would be to finish on top! To be the first place Florida State champs!! It'd be nice to see them go to Nationals but they've opted for Stotesbury, no matter what the outcome this weekend.

Last night I worked one of my last Amway Arena events too. We had a hotdog stand for the Fleetwood Mac concert. Not the best concert I've worked but it was still fun to see the people that I knew there and the group that worked with me last night were a great group. We sang to the music, danced a bit and laughed too! It wasn't nearly as busy as I'd expected it to be...guess that's a sign of the times, eh?

I slept in till almost 11 this morning and I admit that haven't done much since I got up. I did finish this frame that I started yesterday though. I love this one too. So feminine, I think. I can imagine a new mommy pic in this or even a pic of a mom with only girls. The lime green is of course, one of my favorite colors and paired together with the pinks...I'm loving it!

I've listed this in my Etsy shop already. Feel free to share the link with family and friends!

Now, its about time for Em to get home from school. (already) I'd better get up and get something done before she gets here.

Till next time...

Mother's Day...

2009-04-15T09:54:00.009-05:00

is just around the corner!

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I was working on a frame for Mother's Day. I listed it last night in my Etsy shop. You can see other photos of this frame and my other listings by following that link. Check it out when you get a chance!

For those of you wondering what ETSY is...its an incredible website to buy and sell handmade items, supplies to make handmade items and you'll find some beautiful vintage items there too. You'll find a plethora of handmade gift ideas there from jewelry to knitted items and even handmade cookies, cakes and other yummy treats too. I found some very unique gifts for my family for Christmas this past year.

Here are a couple of my favorite shops at Etsy:

LillyPotDesigns

This shop is owned by my very good friend, Michele.

She does a lot of hybrid scrappy stuff and her goodies always turn out so pretty. She never ceases to amaze me with her creativity!

Michele owned a kit club for a while and is working on getting a lot of the supplies that she has left from that, listed too. Cool stuff at cool prices!

Next is...

Mad Hatter's Pottery

I met the owner of this shop through the More Meaningful Gifts BnR thread in the Etsy forums.

I've purchased one of Mad's soy candles and can't begin to tell you how amazing this candle was and she makes her own pottery too. Be sure to check out her other incredible items too.

You're sure to find something for everyone here!

Then there is...

Dorana Design

Let me tell you about Dorana!!

She is the host of the More Meaningful Gifts thread that I mentioned above. She also owns the My Handmade Registry site too. (a great place to show off your favorite etsy stuff...think wishlist, gift registry for friends and family)

Anyway, Dorana is the most helpful and thoughtful person! She's always so quick with answers about Etsy and offers incredible words of encouragement to so many in the Etsy forums, My Handmade Registry and also on Twitter.

Not to mention, her jewelry designs are INCREDIBLE! Congrats Dorana on your first (an certainly not last) wedding design!!

And the last shop to share with you today is...

Jen's Closet

This is a shop that I happened to come across on Twitter.

Stepping into this Etsy shop is like taking a walk down memory lane. These leaf glasses that I've shared here are some of my favorites in her shop. We had these when I was growing up and when I saw them, it brought back a flood of memories!

Check out her huge selection of vintage Dinnerware, China, Glassware and MORE!

I've enjoyed sharing Etsy with you. I hope that you've had a chance to check out the shops that I've mentioned. Feel free to pass these on to friends and family too. These shops are just a few of the MANY incredible shops at Etsy.

Maybe I'll make this a regular feature on my blog...

But, for now...it's time to get up and get a few things done around here. I have a couple of Thank You cards that I need to get finished today and a couple of other custom frames too.

Till next time...

Its raining, its pouring...

2009-04-14T10:46:00.004-05:00

And while we definitely need the rain...the storms that accompanied this rain can stay away. As far as I'm concerned anyway. I'm such a sissy when it comes to storms. Even more so since the Hurricanes of 2004. The thunder doesn't bother me much...the lightning scares me...but the tornado watches and warnings completely FREAK ME OUT! I find myself worrying about the trees that were left standing after those hurricanes. And remember all too clearly, the damage that was left when the two trees fell on the house. (compliments of Hurricane Charley)
I had every intention of making today a productive day. It even started on a good note. That is, till I caught a glimpse of the weather radar on the TV. It was not a pretty picture! My mom would be proud though...it made me break out the weather radio. Needed to listen for warnings in our area.

Having my kids at school with all of this around us doesn't make me too comfy either. The mother hen in me comes out and I want everyone here, at home, where I know I can do my best to keep them safe.

Anyway, things got kind of nasty for a while. I think the majority of the bad stuff was at one point, just north of us. Then a second band came through and that went just south of us. The rain poured but I've seen worse. The weatherman even said that the band of rain was dropping 9-10 inches of rain in an hour...but luckily, it was moving at about 30-40mph and wouldn't leave that much rain in any one area. I did get out there to snap a few pictures though...from the front door anyway. (I do sometimes have sense enough to stay in, outta the rain.)

I wanted to share this picture too...poor Koda.
She's an even bigger sissy than I am when it comes to storms. The second she hears thunder, she starts trembling and usually won't leave my side. I was in our room watching the weather on the TV and caught her like this. Hiding her head under our bed. Poor thing...she's such a baby!

Looks like things are clearing up out there now. By the looks of it, we might not even get anymore rain today. Either way, I'll be checking the radar every so often, just in case.

I'm off to reboot the laundry now and get dinner in the crockpot. Having Savory Lemon Chicken tonight. Another recipe from e-mealz!! I have a Crew meeting tonight and Alex usually has to take of dinner on his own. Won't he be surprised to have something waiting for him when he gets home?!!? I'm being such a good wifey. LOL

I'm also working on a frame today and trying my hand at some handmade flowers for this one. I hope it turns out as good as the picture in my head. If I get it finished today, I'll post it here and put it up on Etsy too.

So...with that...I'm off!!!

Monday Monday...

2009-04-13T08:32:00.005-05:00

What a week, what a week!

We decided to go ahead with the garage sale again on Saturday. The day after the rainout. The number of folks that we had was pleasantly surprising and we certainly can't complain about how much stuff we got rid of!! Alex even wants to do another one in the fall. So, we packed everything up that was left and have already started a new "donate pile" in the garage.

The kids went back to school last Monday and I was back to getting things done around here. My daily to-do lists were chock full...each and every day. Sure makes for the time to go by quickly! But, the tax stuff got pulled and taken to our tax lady, the carpets got shampooed and even the laundry got caught up. It was a rather productive week for me.

On top of all of the every day things that I did, I also completed a few frame orders. I finished nine of the Boone Crew frames that were ordered at Hood Cup. It was nice to finish these and be able to deliver at the regatta this past Saturday. Now I'm waiting to hear from another team about doing a few frames for them...to be delivered at the States Championships at the end of the month.

I've got a few more orders to finish up and am starting on the Mother' Day and Teacher Appreciation ideas too. I would also like to get a few things done for the Grads too. Might need to come up with something for the Grad in my household too.

Easter weekend was another crazy weekend for us. I had my scrapping buddies over on Friday night for our monthly crop. Its always so much fun to get together with this bunch. We've been together for more than 6 years and when we're together, the stories that are shared make me laugh so hard. I love getting together with my ya-yas! Oh, and I started a mini book at that crop too!

Saturday was spent, like most Saturdays, at the lake. I cannot believe that I now have only TWO more regattas left. That's it...JUST TWO! City Champs this weekend and States in two weeks. Gosh...what will I do with my Saturdays again? It's been a very challenging season and I know that as much as I look forward to it being over, I will miss it all the same. Four years with the team...the last three being on committees and even the board...being so emotionally involved. All of it has taken its toll...but I'm sure I'll miss it when it's gone. I'll certainly miss watching Josh race...that's for sure. He truly enjoys rowing and I love to watch him on the water. He's so passionate...wants to be the best that he can be. I will miss that part of it, for sure. Row hard, row fast, Josh!!

After the regatta Saturday, we spent the evening with our friends, Bruce and Nancy. They invited us to participate in their Passover Seder. This was the first time we'd ever done anything like this but we thoroughly enjoyed it. And of course, the company was awesome. We knew some of the folks there but met a few new people too. We connected with them on so many levels...some were from St. Louis and Michigan...and one girl's sister started the crew team at FSU a few years back. It was fun to sit back and listen to Alex reminisce about things in St. Louis and Josh enjoyed learning more about crew at FSU. He's looking forward to rowing in college and he now has a contact name to find out more about the team!!

Easter Sunday started off with yet another wonderful churc service at Fellowship Orlando. I love this church! I've never, in my life, found a church that I feel so comfortable with. The people at Fellowship are all so welcoming and Pastor Rodney Gage is so inspiring. He is such an amazing speaker and he puts everything into perspective. I look forward to going to church each week and I also look forward to enhancing my relationship with God. Fellowship has so much to offer and I look forward to being a part of such an awesome Church!!

The rest of our Easter Sunday was spent with family in Winter Haven. Complete with the Easter Egg hunt, a delicious meal and great company. It was fun to meet the friends of Bob's that Alex has told me so much about.

We were home by 7 last night and I was asleep by 9. I was exhausted! Now, its the start of another week. Time to get up and get started on this week's to-do list. I'll be sure to post any of the newest creations on here, so be on the lookout!

Until next time...thanks for stopping by and be sure to let me know you were here.

Happy Friday!

2009-04-03T20:16:00.003-05:00

Since my last update, I've been feverishly working on pulling stuff around the house for a garage sale. I enjoy shopping garage sales every now and then but the thought of having one myself...YICK!! I usually toss everything into the back of the car and haul it off to the local Goodwill store but thought I'd give it a go this time. For two reasons actually. 1) Because my good friend Nancy was going to have one and asked me to do it with her. and 2) Because since joining the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University, Alex and I are working hard on paying off our debt snowball and any little bit of extra money will help that snowball roll quicker.

So, today was our big GARAGE SALE DAY...and wouldn't you know...IT RAINED! We got a couple of hours of dry time but ended up closing up shop around 10am. The plan was to only do it today but now, looks like we'll be trying again tomorrow morning. I would really like to sell a few more things...otherwise, I'll be making a trip to Goodwill tomorrow afternoon. (which I'll probably do anyway, for the stuff that doesn't find a new home at the garage sale) Alex likes his garage to stay neat and tidy and I'm tired of hearing him ask, "what are you going to do with all this stuff??"

Wish me luck!!

Since my original plan of the day was scratched, I decided to spend some time in the scraproom.

I finished this custom frame tonight for Stevie, from Sarasota Crew. I promised to post a picture of it. Just in case anyone wants to peek. So...with that...here it is!!

Stevie, if you stop in take a look, please leave a comment. And be sure to forward this on to your friends on the team too. Its not too late for them to place an order.

I'm off now to work on the other orders that I have outstanding. Then I hope to get something fun made for Mother's Day and also for Teacher Appreciation Week. That will be here before we know it!

Until next time, thanks for stopping in!

Spring Break...

2009-03-31T16:51:00.002-05:00

The kiddos are on Spring Break this week...this means that Josh has less than 9 short weeks till he graduates. Can this really be possible? Time is FLYING! But I'm sure you get tired of hearing that one, eh?

Em spent the day with a friend today and is on her way home now. Josh is with Teri, of course. I've stayed home,trying to get things done around the house. I've done a bit here and there but definitely haven't accomplished what I could have accomplished. Once again...this computer...sucks me in and moves the hands of the clock ahead at least a few hours, without me seeing it happen.

Right this second though, I have dinner in the oven waiting for everyone to get home to eat. I just joined E-Mealz at Mealtime Makeover. This is a site that was mentioned on the Dave Ramsey podcasts that I listen to. Here, you can choose from a selection of various menus. Menus that range from a family of 4-6, to cooking for 2...and even meals put together for those that are following certain meal plan type diets. (think Weight Watchers)

Anyway, I joined the family menu option and it just so happens that they have the option for my local store too. So, my menu comes to me on Wednesday...based on my local grocery store sales paper for the week. I LOVE THIS!!!

Last night, we had Cajun Chicken Pasta with baked bread and fresh strawberries. Tonight, we're having Chicken Divan, rice and cantaloupe. The other meals on the menu for this week are just as appealing to my family. I am loving having a plan that I don't have to put together.

Alex had been a little skeptical because he didn't want to spend the money. I asked if I could give it a shot...just to see if it helped ME with cooking at home AND helped us to save a bit of $$, in the process. He agreed...and here we are.

I strongly suggest that you check it out.

I'm off now to finish picking up the scraproom in hopes of getting a bit of stuff done in here tonight or tomorrow. I have a total of 13 orders that need to be completed. I'd love to get these done and delivered by the end of Spring Break.

Oh...and did I mention??? I'm working on a garage sale for Friday too. I know...I'm a glutton for punishment. But hey...Dave Ramsey would be proud!

Till next time!!

;)

Happy Saturday morning!

2009-03-28T09:41:00.005-05:00

Good morning all. It is a cloudy Saturday morning here and I'm trying to get my groove on...trying to get the to-do list done for the day and also to find the motivation to get started on it too. I've only been up for about 45 minutes and am only on the first cup of java though. Maybe I need a little bit of time for it to kick in before I get moving.

Yesterday was the start of Spring Break for my kiddos. We started the break with a day at Florida State University. This is where Josh will be headed in a few months and yesterday was our first visit to the campus. Needless to say, he is far more excited now and cannot wait for August to get here! I'm pretty excited for him too but I know that things are going to be a lot different around here with only Emily living at home.

The weather in Tallahassee yesterday was awful! It started off a bit cloudy but by 11am, the storms were coming in and there was even a tornado warning for the area. I could not believe how dark it got for a while and the rain was coming down in BUCKETS!!

However, because of the rainy day, we were able to see the latest fashion trend. WELLIES!!!! Or at least that's what we used to call them. Not sure what the official name for them is now but they were EVERYWHERE!! And there were hardly any two alike! As the day progressed, it became a joke between Alex and I...and probably another something for the parents to use to embarass the soon to be college student too...when we saw someone else with them on, we'd point them out and "ooh and ahh". There were soooooooo many different styles...stripes, polka dots, hearts, camo, citrus fruit, frogs, rubber ducks and plain...just to name a few. It wasn't till the end of the day though that I thought to take a couple of pictures...duh!

Speaking of pictures. Josh told me before we even left Orlando that he would NOT pose for any pictures while we were there. And boy, did he hold me to it. I was able to snap a couple while he wasn't looking...like he and his dad mapping out the course of the day...but other than that...NADA! At the end of the day though, we at the stadium and I snuck a couple of others but when he saw me...this is what I got. I sure hope that he changes his outlook on pictures and takes LOTS in college. Now my job is to start working on him...warning him that when we move him up there in August...I "WILL" be getting a LOT of pictures. I gave him this time and might even go without pictures at orientation in June...but college move in time is MINE!

Well, Alex just came in and told Emily that its time for her to "get to work". I guess that's my cue too. Darn it...time to get the to-do list done for the day and get busy! Ho hum! But hey...on a good note...if I get my stuff done now, I can play later...right? (that's what I tell the kids...maybe I should start by example?)

I read all of my LOM handouts in the car and listened to Stacy's audio messages too...I'm ready to catch up on the LOM assignments. Excited about them actually...excited to scrapbook again soon! I haven't done a layout since August and by golly, (yes, I said by golly) I MISS IT!

Till next time!!!!

I think I can...I think I can...

2009-03-26T14:04:00.003-05:00

November...December...January...February...MARCH. SERIOUSLY??? Has it really been close to 5 months since I've blogged? Funny how life throws a few curveballs and things start going in an entirely different direction than you thought you were headed.

Back in November, things started getting a little interesting here with the teenager. Everyday seemed to bring a new challenge. I have to say...Josh is a GREAT kid. He gets decent grades, is in the Nat'l Honor Society, is an Eagle Scout...an overall really good kid. A Sr. in High School...counting the days till he turns 18. Wanting more and more freedom as the days progressed. These things took a lot of time, energy and even more patience. I won't say that life with this teen is all peaches and cream but we seem to be in a MUCH BETTER place at the moment.

The time and energy that I was putting into these family issues made me rethink my position with SumpinElse...the partnership that I had formed with Maggi and Carmen. I had to reprioritize things and decided to leave the SumpinElse trio...to get through the holidays and then try to do what I can, when I can...on my own.

I opened my own shop on Etsy and am adding new things here and there. I've been blessed with new orders locally. I'm certainly not complaining, this just hasn't given me the chance to create new stuff for my Etsy shop. That is certainly a goal that I have. I also have a few frames that I did while with SumpinElse that I would like to relist in my own shop.

Lately, I've been doing very well with my daily to-do lists. Concentrating on one item at a time, on the list, for 20 minutes at a time. My friend Michele and I call these our "20 minute challenges". They certainly help to keep me a bit more focused. Updating the blog was one of the items for today. Another item that I can now cross off the list!!

My 20 minutes are about up and the laundry is ready to be folded and rebooted. We're headed to Tallahassee this evening for a Campus Tour of FSU with Josh. He's soon to be a SEMINOLE and this will be his first time on campus. I'd better make sure I charge the camera batteries. (although he's already said that he refuses to 'pose' for pictures...WHATEVER!)

Before I close...I'll share my latest creation. One of the wonderful paraprofessionals at Em's school is retiring today. She is a customer of mine who is always commenting on my work and how much she loves it. I wanted to give her something that I knew she would appreciate. So I made her this lovely set of notecards. I was inspired by Trendycards...someone that I follow through Twitter...if you get a chance, check out the gorgeous items that she carries in her shop.

Till next time!!!

I KNOW I CAN...I KNOW I CAN...

We've got spirit...

2008-11-04T09:28:00.005-05:00

DISCLAIMER: LOL...this was supposed to be posted on the Sumpin Else blog...but, since I've been such a loser on my own blog, I'll leave it here for now....and post it at the other one too.

Ooops...

Yes we do...
And we want to share it with you!!

No...I was never a cheerleader. Can you tell??

We just did a custom frame for a South Orlando Braves cheerleader. And I have to say that I love how it came out. The colors are so true to the uniform...and the stripes on the frame mirror the stripes on the uniform too.

Do you have a cheerleader? A dancer? Maybe even a soccer, football or baseball player. (any sport, any color scheme...) We can create a frame to coordinate with your child's team colors. And we'll personalize it for your little star, at no additional cost.

How about a frame for the coach?? Maybe an end of the season gift? We can customize a gift for the coach...a one of a kind, original gift...that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Drop us a line at sumpinelse@gmail.com to find out more information about ordering yours.

And check out all that we have available now at www.sumpinelse.etsy.com too

B O R E D

2008-06-21T13:35:00.002-05:00

I am BORED OUTTA MY MIND!!!

I got home from surgery around 6ish last night and have been in bed ever since. I wasn't nearly as groggy as I thought I'd be so I've not been sleeping as much as I'd expected. I'm supposed to keep the huge bandage on and the leg elevated for the first 24 hours. I have about an hour and a half left...the bandage is itching and very immobilizing. I guess that's supposed to happen, huh?

I've been surfing the net for most of the day. I've put so many layouts in my favorites at both Two Peas AND at Lifetime Moments. Now, I'm so inspired to get into the scraproom and scrap.

I think I'm going to take a few minutes and punch the holes in the mini book and put the rings in and tie the ribbons. I can do that here in bed, right?

I have to do something...I'm going out of my mind. LOL

Tomorrow...

2008-06-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

Is my surgery day. I'm not really nervous about the surgery itself, I'm worried about the pain afterwards. I'm also worried about developing another Hematoma in my leg like the last time. I can deal with the surgery pain but that sucker hurt worse than anything else. Think charlie horse on steriods really...I sure hope that doesn't happen this time!! I've got a pretty good threshhold for pain so to be afraid of that...maybe I'm being a big ole baby. Huh?

Can't remember if I posted that I delivered all of our orders from Dress Rehearsal. Pretty much everyone ooohed and ahhhed over their goodies. So I think everyone was pleased. I took in a couple more orders when I made the deliveries and a few of those folks have since ordered other stuff too. Right now, I have a mini book in the works for one of the current orders.

We took the plunge and signed up to vendor at Nationals. Now, we just need to get busy and get LOTS of samples done and more stuff made to buy right then and there. I think I'll focus on that next week...just need to get these new orders complete first.

Oh...and...we registered our domain name too. We're currently working on getting our blog set up and going. My wonderful friend Michele is helping us do that. Right now you can see it at www.sumpinelsegifts.blogspot.com but soon you'll be able to go to www.sumpinelse.com to check us out. We'll have pictures and stuff there...and we might even be able to take orders from the site too! That would be AWESOME!

Em and I have an appt shortly to get our hair done. Mine is getting cut but Emily likes to get her hair "styled" when I'm there. And my hair stylist LOVES Emily and will do just about anything for her too. She's been cutting our hair since Em was about 1 1/2 and has watched her grow. She spoils her rotten when we're there too.

Till next time!

Sign sealed and delivered!!!

2008-06-15T14:20:00.003-05:00

Goodness...this week is FINALLY over! Wow!

What was I thinking when we offered up the orders to be finished in time for Tech Rehearsal...giving us less than two full weeks to fill close to 50 orders? I swear I wasn't on crack...I just wasn't thinking that it would take as much time as it did to make everything that we had to make. HOLY COW!

I went to Maggi's at around 11, last Saturday and didn't come home till 8pm on Sunday. Then I got up on Monday morning, stopped at Joann's for the last of the supplies that we needed and then went BACK to Maggi's till almost midnight Monday night. I worked all day Tuesday here while Maggi did stuff at her house too...and then again on Wednesday. Needless to say, Alex wasn't too happy with not seeing much of me for that many days in a row. From now on, there's a 4-6 week turn around on orders. With each item being handmade...there's just no way we can turn that many orders around in only 10 days. I think Maggi will shoot me if I ever do that again. LOL!

I've added a few other pictures to the slide show in the previous post too...a couple more frames that we did. (no where near all of them though)

I delivered all of the orders to the folks at tech rehearsal on Thursday and Friday. I have one letter to change...we made it the wrong "main color" and then we have a mini album to add stuff to. I want to get the mini album done before Wednesday so that I can give that to her and close that order. The letter may take a little longer but I hope to get it done soon too. We also got four new orders while I was there.

I'm setting up again at our studio on Tuesday and Wednesday. Our photographer will be there with everyone's photos and a lot of people told us this week that they didn't even know we were at Dress Rehearsal. We may end up getting even more orders then too. Wish us luck.

I have to call tomorrow to sign us up at the Dance America Nationals competition too. Its at a Disney Hotel and Maggi and I think it will be a good opportunity to get our name out there even more. That will be July 6th through the 8th. We want to get more samples made and also want to get a few things done to sell "as is" on those days. There will be over 800 dancers at that event...we might need a LOT of stuff. We hope.

Yesterday was Emily's dance recital. She did such a fabulous job on stage. She loves the limelight and it really shows in the smile on her face as she dances. A few weeks ago she told us that she was going to take next year off...that's already changed. She's talking about doing everything she can next year. Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop...you name it...she wants to take it. We'll see about THAT! This is one of the pictures that I took during the recital. Not the best shot but one of the better ones. I took this one in a dark theater with only my 29-200 lens...while she was dancing. I can't expect much better than this.

This week brings the rehearsals for Dance Company again. Em's in two of the dances that will be performing at the Nationals competition that I mentioned above. They already know the dances but they'll be working on polishing them up so they can do the best job possible at competition. I have to look at the calendar but I think we practice 3 out of 5 of the next weekdays and then 4 days the following week.

This Friday, I'm scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on my knee...AGAIN. I tore the Miniscus in my left knee AGAIN...so I'm having the same surgery that I had back in Sept. 05. I slipped, down a hill, at the last regatta we had in Tampa. My good leg went out in front of me and my bad knee buckled under me. I knew then that it wasn't gonna be good. I'd like to wait till after the kids to back to school to have the surgery but we're going on vacation in a few weeks and I really don't want to be bothered with it. Soooo...this Friday...at 4pm. It's outpatient surgery but I expect to be sleeping when I get home till at least Saturday afternoon.

That's the latest on what's going on here. I'm off now to make Beef Stroganoff for Alex for Father's Day. That's one of his favorites!

Frames, coasters and more...

2008-06-06T12:51:00.002-05:00

Well, we did it!

Maggi and I finally had our first "set up" for our new company, Sumpin Else. We've been talking about doing something for a few months now and we finally took the plunge and set up a table at Emily's dance rehearsal/picture day. We took a few samples and took custom orders for everything and anything.

Surprisingly enough, this was a HUGE success. We took over 40 orders for stuff. FORTY ORDERS!!!! Can you believe that? Everyone LOVED what we had on display and now Maggi and I are working feverishly to fill these orders before recital next weekend. I'd like to have everything finished and delivered by tech rehearsal on Thursday. Wish us luck.

Now, I think we've decided to set up at the Dance America Nationals competition that's here in July. Aaaaaaaack!!! LOL

Here are a few more of the frames that I've done for the orders. I'll post more as I get them finished. I've got PLENTY more to do and trying to get as many done before I head over to Maggi's tomorrow to work on some other stuff that we plan to do together.

Another frame...

2008-05-30T10:00:00.002-05:00

This one is definitely in the dance theme...so shiny and sparkly. I used blue holographic paper to cover the frame and then added the rhinestones. There is a silver ribbon with a silver and rhinestone trim just under the photo box. You can't really see it in the detail though. The flowers were originally white but I sprayed them with ocean glimmer mist and added a couple of rhinestones and some silver stickles. I think this one is the favorite now.

I'm working on a red one right now for the studio owner's daughter. She's in a red costume with silver spots on it. I'll add her name to it too. I hope it turns out as pretty as it is in my head.

A busy weekend ahead...

2008-05-30T06:33:00.003-05:00

We're winding down to the end of our school year...where has the time gone? I'm actually happy that we're almost finished. Its been a tough year for Emily and we can only hope that next year will be better.

The end of the year party is today. We've gone with a Jungle Safari theme and I've planned out a few fun things for the class. I think they'll enjoy it. I bought pith helmets and mini binoculars for everyone...can't wait to get that group shot.

We also have Josh's crew banquet tonight. I've heard that Josh will be getting an award so I'm excited to see what that will be. We'll also find out if he was selected as one of next year's captains too. The boy is so passionate about rowing and plans to carry it over into college. Being a Captain would certainly be a great thing for him, both for his ego (for lack of better words) and for the college apps too.

Then...we have dance dress rehearsals this weekend. Oh boy! Another sign that the school year is ending. Its almost recital time! I actually enjoy this time of year. Getting to see all the costumes and dances before recital. All the girls are always so excited and happy at dress rehearsal. Of course, its also a good time for me to get a few good pictures of Em too.

Not only will we be doing dress rehearsals...but this is the weekend that Maggi and I are setting up our crafts to sell too. We've done a bunch of different themed frames and stuff and will be setting up at dress rehearsal. We'll be taking custom orders and filling them between now and recital day. Alot of folks have already shown interest in doing a frame as a recital gift, instead of flowers. If that's the case, we could be VERY VERY busy! (lets hope so anyway!)
I did this cute little hanger to display this weekend too. Made it out of drink coasters and decorated it like one of Emily's competition numbers. I want to get photos on it and hang it up while we're there tomorrow too. I've shown it to a few of the moms that I know from that dance and they seemed pretty interested too. I'd like to get another one made, in another color scheme...to show too. But I think I might just be outta time. Maybe if I get up from here and get on with things, I can squeeze one in today. Fingers crossed.

OK...the shower is calling my name. Need to get my butt in gear.

Have a great weekend!!!

A big 'ole vent...(warning...very very long)

2008-05-27T22:26:00.006-05:00

I tend to allow myself to feel guilty when I spend part of my day working on something creative. I don't know why I do this...why should I feel guilty for doing something that I enjoy so much? And the things that I'm creating right now are being done to sell...to bring in some cash to make up for the $$ that I gave up when I quit my job. Even though I wouldn't be making any $$ by working and putting Emily in daycamp for the summer...AND driving 30 miles round trip to work. (with gas prices as outrageous as they are.) I'd honestly be putting out far more money each week than I brought home in a paycheck weekly. So...I'm planning to sell some of my crafts and will probably be listing a bunch of scrappy stuff on Ebay to make a little extra this summer. Maybe a bit of play money. Maybe enough to make me NOT feel so guilty.

But to have things to sell, I must take time to create them.

So today I made sure I got a few things done before I moved into the scraproom to play. I scrubbed a bathroom, vacuumed our bedroom really good, cleaned the kitchen and put the laundry away. I also made sure the kitchen was clean and things were all picked up for the most part. I spent the rest of the day in the scraproom. Till it was time to get Emily anyway.

This evening, there was an important school board meeting that I felt the need to attend. I wanted to see what progress, if any, was being made with rethinking the vote on flipping the start times for our High Schools and Middle Schools. Even though the minds are made up of those that voted for this. Looks like Josh will start school at 9:30 am and not get out till close to 4:30 each day. So much for after school activities. So much for after school jobs...too bad for those that depend on their HS students to watch their younger elementary school siblings. All of this and more...and our trusty school board voted 4-3 to go ahead with this. All for a measly 2.3 million dollars in the transportation budget.

Nevermind that there is more than $30 million in a "reserve" fund...for rainy days...emergencies...etc. Nevermind that we gave them ideas to MAKE money to not necessarily have to cut from one area to make up for another.

Anyway...I attended this meeting tonight because OUR local school board rep was bringing to the table, ideas to make $$ to make up for the transportation issues. Our rep was trying to have just ONE of the FOUR that voted for this, to rethink their vote...to reconsider bringing it up for further discussion and a possible revote later. After all options are looked at, etc. etc. Giving everyone involved a chance to look at every single possibility...giving everyone the chance to educate themselves on the matter.

Well...THREE of the FOUR board members left in mid meeting for other obligations. (graduation ceremonies, apparently) So that left ONE person to hear what our rep had to say. JUST ONE...the other three didn't feel this was an issue important enough to listen to...and that ONE person said that she would consider listening to other options from our County Superintendent but was standing strong on her vote and WOULD NOT reconsider bringing it back for rediscussion with the board. As one of the local news stations put it..."Hundreds of students and parents protest in vain...the decision stands for now." The Superintendent says to expect the change to be in effect for next school year. He also says that he is "optimistic" that they can come up with ideas for this but that he's not sure that it will be in time for the next school year.

Personally, I don't think it will be a priority to them to try and work it out this summer. I think they'll just wait it out and see how it goes. See how much trouble it really causes next year before they actually start talking about changing it back.

I feel like we're banging our heads against the wall. So many people are against this idea...this will effect pretty much every single person in Orange County. So many parents and students are standing up and voicing their opinions and concerns about this. And it feels like everything is falling on deaf ears. So many people have stated that they feel there's more to the picture than the school board is telling us. Its so absurd...and hard to believe that they're not skirting around the REAL issue. Not telling us the entire story. Its like they had their minds made up before even bringing it out to the public.

What a mess!! I sure hope the many Orange County residents that are so angry at this outcome will remember this and reconsider THEIR vote when consider to re-elect these officials.

FRUSTRATING, I tell ya.

I finally get home close to 9pm and find that Emily was sent to her room for smarting off to her dad. She was upset, obviously and I don't agree with the comment that she made to her dad. But, I can understand her frustration after hearing what happened. Immediately, I feel guilty for not being home tonight...not being home to make sure everyone gets fed, etc. Maybe had I been home, I could have prevented the smart remark that Emily made to Alex.

WHY DO I TAKE EVERYTHING SO DAMN PERSONALLY????

WHY DO I ALLOW MYSELF TO CARRY THE GUILT FOR DOING THINGS FOR ME. (or for going to a stupid school board meeting to make a statement for my kids)

Why do I feel guilty when Alex does something around the house? He is such a great help but I allow myself to take it personally when he does something that I "should have" done.

I know these are all feelings that I need to let go...but, I continue to beat myself up over this stuff like this.

For now...I really do need to get to bed. Momma needs her sleep or she'll be even MORE grumpy tomorrow.

Our weekend

2008-05-27T08:14:00.005-05:00

A nice relaxing long weekend. Very much needed!

Saturday, our few from our Brownie troop attended a Teddy Bear Tea. It was supposed to be a Mother's Day thing but the scheduling was a little off. Either way, it was a great day. My mom met Em and I there and we had hot tea with all the fun little "tea time snacks". Very cute. There was a gentleman there taking "portrait" type photos. I'm looking forward to getting those back. I don't have many pictures of my mom, myself and Emily, together. I'm so happy that my mom was able to come to that with us too.

After the tea, we came home to Alex cooking ribs on the grill. YUMMO!! He rubbed them down the night before and cooked them nice and slowly on the grill. (for like 4 hours!!) Well well well worth the wait. They were so tasty...so good. Alex had never cooked ribs before so this was a great job for the first try.

Sunday, I spent the day at Maggi's house. We finally got together to create stuff for the dress rehearsal next weekend. We spent the entire day making photo frames and all sorts of fun goodies. I didn't get home till 1am. Now...lets hope we have a good day at the dress rehearsal and sell a bunch of stuff.

Yesterday, I slept in till 10 and really didn't have to do anything. I took Josh to Michael's and AC Moore to get a few things for a school project. Of course, I picked up a few things for myself too. I picked up a few other frames and came home to get busy with those. This is the one that I got done last night. It took me a while but once I settled on where I wanted to go with it, it came together fairly quickly. Emily thinks this should go in her room though. If she had her way, everything I make would go in her room. She's probably my biggest fan.

Today, the kids are back to school and I'm home. I have a bunch of things I want to get done today...need to unpack everything that I took to Maggi's, scrub the kid's bathroom and I'd like to create a few more things for the weekend. I've got my timer set and am doing little mini challenges to keep me going...or to at least get me in gear. I certainly need it!

And with that...I'm off...

What's new???

2008-05-22T22:22:00.004-05:00

Well let's see...

It's Thursday evening...late. I just finished watching the Season Finale of Grey's Anatomy and was so happy with the ending. All I can say is "bout damn time"!! I love that show. Thanks to my friend Michele that told me that I just "HAD" to start watching. What...2 or 3 seasons ago?

Tuesday was my last day at the scrapbook store. The day seemed to drag by too. I probably could have made Monday my last day but I had to pay for the hold that I had there and figured that I might as well work if I was driving all the way out there. I didn't want to be there...at all. I was ready to go...no mixed emotions at all. Unfortunately, I forgot to leave my key to the store. That means that I need to run it over there soon. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.

I finished the baby book that I was working on. Took it to work with me on Monday and showed the guy. It still needed a few finishing touches and I told him it'd be done on Tuesday. I also told him at that point how much it would be. He said it was a deal and he'd see me Tuesday. Well...on Tuesday, he came in...looked at the finished book. Ooohed and Ahhhed over it...asked me to hold it while he went to the bank. I told him what time I was leaving...and he didn't come back.

Anybody need a gift for a baby girl? I'll post pics of it soon and am thinking that I will probably just open up an Etsy shop with it.

Today, I had a dr's appt for my knee. I slipped down a hill in Tampa at the last regatta and my bad knee buckled under me in a full bend. It ached a little bit but not too bad till about LAST Saturday. I stepped up from the garage into the kitchen, on that leg, and almost fell over from the pain that shot through my knee. I made an appt at the same orthopedic clinic and went today. X-Rays showed no breaks or arthritis so we're moving on to the MRI next. The dr thinks that my miniscus is torn once again. Which means that I'll need arthroscopic surgery again in the near future. The MRI scheduler is supposed to call me with a date either tomorrow or Tuesday. We'll go from there. Oh boy...

Tomorrow morning I'll be here waiting on the cable guy to get here. Our wireless router took a hike on us and needs to be changed out. AGAIN. They just put this one in back in January. WTH? Luckily, the modem is in my office/scraproom...making MY computer the one that can be hooked up directly to the modem. Ha!

Oh...I almost forgot to add too that I'm happy that David Cook won American Idol. I liked David Archuletta from the beginning but got tired of his style after a few weeks. He's so young and I hope that making it that far in the competition doesn't mess him up for the rest of his life. He seems like such a good boy. I think we'll see a lot of David Cook actually. But, he'll never be better than my boy Chris Daughtry, in my opinion. And most people know how I feel about Daughtry. ;)

OK...off to bed now. Need to get up and moving early in hopes that the cable guy gets here closer to 8 than 11 tomorrow morning.

Night!

Quiet time...

2008-05-18T16:49:00.005-05:00

Sunday evening...and Alex has taken both Josh and Emily to see Ironman. Its just me and the dog...peace and quiet. This really doesn't happen often. I mean...don't get me wrong...I get it when I'm home and the kids are in school. But this just seems so different. I don't feel the need to do laundry or clean the house, or whatever I feel that I have to get done when I'm here and the kids are in school. Maybe its because they're out having fun that makes me feel as if I should take a hot bath...drink a glass of wine...scrapbook. Whatever "I" feel like doing.

I think I'll watch a movie...P.S. I Love You is on Pay Per View. Maybe I'll work on that baby book while I'm watching.

Yeah...that's what I'll do. Wish I had a bottle of white zin.

********UPDATE*******

OH MY GOSH...I just finished watching that movie and I cried many times throughout it. How's a girl supposed to get any scrapping done while she's watching a movie like that? And I felt so silly when Alex called to tell me that they were on their way home and I'm in the middle of a bawling bit. I could barely talk to him. LOL I do know that he's happy that I didn't make him watch that with me though. LOL

They're home...gotta run.

Police Concert

2008-05-16T22:59:00.003-05:00

It's Friday!!! And I kicked the weekend off by working the concessions for the Police and Elvis Costello concert at the Arena. I've been working the concessions for a couple of years now and only recently started managing our stand. Boone Crew is one of the "volunteer groups" that work the different events. We do Magic games, Predators games, concerts and more. A portion of the sales get kicked back to the Crew team and most of it goes back to the accounts of those that work the events, to pay for dues. (some of the events go strictly to general funds too...to pay for equipment and stuff) Make sense?

Tonight I turned in the paperwork to change the "contact information". I am officially the Amway Arena contact for Boone Crew. This will be one of the hats that I'll wear for the next season. I'll be coordinating the events that we work and who will work them. I'm giving up Registration Chairperson and Corresponding Secretary but will keep the Amway Coordinator position and the Ad book too. We usually only work 2-3 events each month so it really shouldn't be so bad. Its an easy way to earn money and not have to pay out of pocket for your kids to row.

Anyway, tonight was the Police concert. And man, what a night! We were SLAMMED pretty much the entire time! We did about $2K more than we do at a Magic game. There was a LOT of beer poured tonight. I had a group of about 4 guys that came back to me every time they needed beer...they tipped AT LEAST $4 each time they came back. Once they left me more than $8. Super nice guys...a little tipsy, but nice. And one of them was very good looking too, I might add. :) (a girl can look, right?)

The concert was SUPER! We could hear it in the stand and I found myself singing along quite a bit. I didn't realize how many songs I like by the Police. Only a couple by Elvis Costello, but I really did enjoy the Police.

I'm rambling, huh? Drinking a Corona, winding down after the busy night...everyone in my house is asleep. Josh went out with a few kids from the team. He should be home in a while too.

Tomorrow is the last Saturday that I have to work. I think I'm going to tell Debbie that my last day will be Tuesday. I don't feel like she really needs me there right now. I feel like I'm wasting my time and her money by being there. I have plenty to keep me busy here at home. I've got an end of the year party to plan for Em's class and just so much that I'd like to get done at home before the last day of school.

We have an all day crop at the shop tomorrow. Its a monthly group that I love working with. I have a great time with the group of girls. We usually aren't too busy while they're there so I'll probably get to work on something of my own for a while. I'm working on that baby book for that custom order. I worked on it a bit today but still have a lot to do in it. The covers are finished. The inside pages probably shouldn't take me too long. I'll take everything with me to work on it while I'm hanging with the S.A.S.S.Y. girls.

I think I'm headed to bed here...I'm getting sleepy. I can't tell you how excited I am about being able to SLEEP IN tomorrow morning. Ha...and Sunday too! Woo hoo! This girl LOVES her sleep and with crew, those early morning races sure made for some early wake up calls. I don't expect to be up before 9 tomorrow...and there won't be an alarm to wake me either. Ahhhhhh...it'll be so nice! I might even turn the ringer off on the phone too. Just in case. :)

Hey Bill...look...I've blogged almost ALL WEEK. Are you shocked? LOL

Night all!

Decision has been made...

2008-05-15T08:03:00.003-05:00

Well, looks like there won't be a trip to Tennessee, afterall. Yesterday, the coach had all the kids in that boat, meet him at Coldstone to talk about it. Josh figured that meant that the coach would tell them they weren't going. Considering he had a group trying to stay lightweight...why would they meet to have ice cream. And he was right.

The coach decided that there were a lot of things that should have been planned out better and we're not going. Josh and the others are upset with his decision and I hope that they can put it behind them and realize that the coach based his decision on a lot of different factors and is doing what he feels is best. I hope that they can get back into the right frame of mind and work harder to get there next year. And after all of this, I think that things will be planned out better and we'll know more than 10 days before Nationals whether or not we'll be going. And hopefully, we'll have more than one boat that will qualify to go too. I know its tough for these four rowers to understand...they all wanted so badly to go and do their best.

So...I guess this means that the season is officially over. It also means that we'll have a few weekends at home again. ALL WEEKEND...both Saturday AND Sunday. Of course, we still have dance stuff coming up but it isn't EVERY weekend now. I feel a slight sense of relief. Between leaving the LSS and the crew season ending...I might actually have more time on my hands again. Whatever will I do with all this spare time? Oh, how I look forward to finding out! Hehehehehehehe

Today is Field Day at Em's school. Unfortunately, they planned it for 11:30 till 2:30 this afternoon. Not quite sure what they were thinking. Come on, its Florida and already 90* for Pete's sake. It would have been so much better to have it in the morning. Or at least one would think. I'm having lunch with the class and then will be there to watch all the fun. Of course, I'll have camera in hand while I'm there too.

Time to fold the laundry and get a shower. Better take advantage of this time at home this morning. See ya!

Wednesday...a day off

2008-05-14T07:44:00.002-05:00

From the shop that is. There's always plenty for me to do around the house though. With being in Tampa last weekend, Mount Laundry has grown to amazing proportions. The scrap room is ALWAYS in need of attention and the dust bunnies are about to take over. I sure will have plenty to do when I'm home again, full time. Its almost overwhelming to think about it really. (but I'm looking forward to it)

Last night was our monthly board meeting for Crew. One of the things we discussed was sending Josh's lightweight 4 boat to the Scholastic Nationals in Tennessee, Memorial Day weekend. I left that meeting with a headache from stressing over the discussions.

There are so many pros AND cons to considering this trip and we're basically running out of time on making the decision to go or not. So many details that still need to be ironed out. We're only taking 5 athletes and the talk is that we'll be driving up. Some feel that one boat isn't a good representation of the entire team. We're too far into the "14 day advance purchase" thing now and airfare is purty darn expensive now. Some are concerned about the expenses of driving up with gas prices etc. Especially after having two out of town Tampa regattas, basically back to back. This will definitely be a stretch financially but it can be made to happen if need be.

The athletes will have to miss TWO days of school for this. We'd have to leave on Thursday to get up there for racing on Friday. AP exams are finished as of today, so that won't interfere with those but I'm not sure of any other types of review or anything that they're doing before the finals in other classes. That's another thing that needs to be looked into. We'll also have to get the blessing from the school and those excused absences approved by administration. Its hard to say what the school will say or do. There's been a bit of tension from the school toward Crew for some time now. Will they approve?

Unfortunately, Alex will not be able to get out of work to go to this so I'll be going on my own. That will cut back on some of the expense for us but I feel bad that he won't be able to be there to watch. I could send Josh with the team but I feel that, as his mom, I need to be there to support him and the others in the boat. I think that's normal, right? But I feel guilty that "I" would be able to go and Alex won't be. Why do I allow myself to feel guilty over stuff like this?

Then there's the weight thing for Josh. In any of the races here, the weight limit for Lightweight is 155 lbs. When Josh decided to try to lose enough to get into lightweight, he was at 168 lbs. He worked long and hard to get to what he needed to be and got there, for the most part. We had an issue over Spring Break where he'd overindulged and ended up not making weight. He learned a valuable lesson then and has done what has needed to be done to get under that 155 mark.

The weight limit for the Scholastic Rowing Nationals is 150 lbs. Josh is currently at 152.8 this morning. He and his coach are very confident that he'll be able to get under the 150 make. I, on the other hand, am worried about the possibility of being borderline...only to get there and not make weight and the boat not getting to row at all. I've been told though that the higher altitude will make him weigh a little less...so that may be in his favor.

I'm fine with Josh losing this weight to row...as long as he's doing it the correct way. I don't want him starving himself or busting his a$$ with working out 4 hours a day. I don't want him to obsess over the weight things and have that added pressure of knowing that HE could be the reason they row or don't row. It would be HORRIBLE to go through all of this stress, all of the expense, etc. etc...to get up there and find out that he's overweight.

Am I being too negative?

I guess I should just quit stressing over it...just let it happen. See what pans out and go from there. The coaches are supposed to give us their decision sometime today, I believe.

Today, I have a dentist appointment. That should take my mind off of that stress, eh? LOL I should get up and get a few things done here before I have to leave. No reason why I can't get something done in the next 45 minutes. Right?

Oh...and...

I've been asked to make a Mini Album as a baby gift for someone. My first custom order, I suppose. I have all the stuff to do it...just need to get moving on it now. Wish me luck!!

Bye for now...

Monday Monday...

2008-05-12T14:56:00.005-05:00

Made it through one more day at the LSS. It was rather slow today so I spent my day cutting kits for a class she's doing next week. It was a Friends layout that I'd done without thinking about the possibility of her putting it on the class schedule. But, she did...so I made up 7 kits today with the stuff that we had left.

I finished a cute little "DAD" wall hanger the other day. It started out as this thing by Kaiser Crafts. I covered it with paper from this line by Moxxie. The papers are all double sided and of course, the two sides that I used aren't shown here. One had little screws all over it and the other has stripes and tape measures too. Very very cute and "dad like". Anyway...I finished the hanger on Thursday and the other five that we had in stock are already gone now. That didn't take long at all. Its fun to see stuff sell out quickly when you put up an example.

I really should take my camera with me tomorrow to take a picture of that and the latest layout that I did too. Its titled "Life is good at Grandma's" and I actually thought that one turned out cute too. I normally struggle with layouts without photos but since I started using the DreamKutz by Zutter, I use pretty much all 4x6 mats on those layouts and they seem to come together easier. That cutter makes cutting those so quick and easy.

Did I tell you that I really miss scrapping my own stuff??? I can't wait to get back into the swing of that. I think I might go fold some laundry and then head into the scraproom to clean up a bit. Emily has her last brownies meeting of the year tonight at Cici's pizza...I have time to get a few things done before we leave for that.

Oh...speaking of Emily...here's a shot that I took of her this weekend.

The boat that the lightweight 4 rows in is called the "EMILY"...of course, our Emily LOVES this. I had to get a pic of it, don't you think??

Can't leave Josh out...here he is...almost 17 yrs old now. Can you believe it? He's gonna be a HS SENIOR soon. AAAAAACK! Its almost time to start applying to colleges and all that good stuff. HOLY SMOKES...I'm not ready for that! LOL

I think I need a START OVER

2008-05-11T19:31:00.008-05:00

Maybe if I draw a line in the sand right here, right now...and start all over with the blogging thing, I can do a better job at keeping it up to date. My friend Bill just reminded me that I haven't updated since FEBRUARY! I said that maybe my life was just too boring to update frequently...he said that maybe I was just too busy.

Too busy? Me? Ummmm...yeah. Too busy...and I don't like it at all. I've been so busy that I couldn't tell if I was coming or going at times. Weekends have been so crazy with Josh's crew and Em's dance.

This weekend was our last regatta weekend of the season. This race was between both school teams AND club teams. Our Crew Team did very well. We brought home a few medals and Josh's Lightweight 4 boat finished THIRD place OVERALL in the SE Regionals. (that's them at the top of this photo)As a scholastic team however, they finished FIRST. That's a HUGE accomplishment...something to be extremely proud of. Two days of 94* heat...sun beating down, sticky sunscreen, dirty sandal feet...and absolute exhaustion. But, it was soooooooo worth seeing the smiles and pride on the faces of Josh and his teammates! (that's Josh holding up his three fingers to tell us how they finished...sometimes its too close to see from our angle) I admit...the days leading up to regatta weekends (especially LONG weekends like this one) are spent thinking "Man...it'd be nice to have a weekend HOME" but when I'm at the regattas, I really do enjoy myself. The comraderie of our team is so awesome. We laugh together, cheer together...and really do enjoy spending time together. As exhausting as it may be...as sore as the sunburn may get...its very much worth it.

We've had a little bit of a break with Dance for the past few weekends. (just in time for the busy crew finish, of course) The recital dances are pretty much finished. They're putting the finishing touches on all of them and I'm very excited to see the finished numbers. We have dress rehearsal and pictures in a couple of weeks and then recital will be the weekend of June 14. Just after recital, we'll be kicking it in gear again for the Nationals Competition for dance company. (July 4th weekend)

One big thing that adds to my business though, is coming to an end. I've put my notice in at the scrapbook store. There are some things that I won't go into here but the bottom line is that with summer vacation right around the corner, and Emily being only 8...summer camp is going to cost a BOATLOAD of $$ and working only part time, really won't be cost effective. Josh is working this summer to save for a car and I cannot expect him to be responsible for watching his little sister. So...I've given my notice.

I absolutely LOVE scrapbooking, as anyone knows. I really haven't had time to do anything for me, in regards to scrapping, in a while now. I really really really do miss this and hope to be able to get my scraproom cleaned up AGAIN and work on my "schtuff". I'd love to be able to do something that might make some money too. A good friend of mine and I are talking about making things to sell at dance rehearsal but if this is gonna happen, we need to get our butts in gear and get a few things made for this. I'm tossing a few other things around in my scrambled little brain, but I'm not really sure where I'll go with it just yet.

School gets out on June 4th. I'm not exactly sure when my last day of work will be. I would like a few days off before school get out though. I'd like some time for ME...time to get things cleaned up here at home...time to regroup, if at all possible. I have Field Day this week with Emily and the end of the year party is on the 30th. A week or two before the excitement of summer vacation would be GRAND, but we'll see how it goes. I really don't want to leave my boss in a serious bind and will help out if needed. But, at the same time...I need to watch out for ME first and I really do need that time too. We'll see how it all plays out, I guess.

OK...time to watch the last bit of the Survivor Finale. I've been watching it while posting this update and now I wanna see who's gonna win. I think it'll be Amanda...but we'll see. Oh, and that Ozzy is just too darn sweet. I hope they reveal that he and Amanda are still together at the reunion show. They make a cute couple, IMO. Gotta love Reality TV, huh?

And The Bachelor Finale is TOMORROW NIGHT!!! Woo hoo...

Till later....

Busy weekend...

2008-02-09T21:44:00.000-05:00

Emily and I are in Tampa for her very first dance competition. She danced this afternoon and that dance took 2nd and qualified for the Nat'ls competition in July. The girls did a fantastic job on stage and they all looked like they were having a great time. Since this was Em's first experience, we only put her in one number this year so we really weren't there for long.

The morning started off very challenging. Em was in a mood and man oh man...I was almost ready to leave and go home. LOL! I think she was nervous but man, she wasn't very nice to me AT ALL. Then, a friend of mine was helping with me with her bun and scraped her head with a bobby pin. The tears started almost immediately...I was worried we'd have to do her makeup again. But, I got her calmed down quickly and no damage was done. We took a walk outside and got a few pictures. This seemed to cheer her up and get her back on track. There was a cool fountain outside and this is one of the shots that I took by it...

Alex and Josh drove over to watch her dance. We had lunch together and they headed back home to Orlando. Em and I drove to St. Pete and to visit WHIMSODOODLE. They always have the coolest stuff at the expos but I'd never seen their shop. It was definitely worth the 30 minute ride. What a fun scrapbook store!!! LOVED IT! I may try to visit two other stores tomorrow. One is very close by, the other is a little drive. A scrappy buddy might come over to visit me while I'm in town. She's willing to take me to the one that's on the other side of town. I'm just not sure if I'll have time to get there and back while Em's doing workshops. The one that's close is only like 4 miles away...I can run there and back in no time. LOL

On the way back, we stopped by Walgreens for snacks, drinks and Advil for my headache. Em and I have gotten along beautifully all afternoon. We've just hung out at the hotel...doing NOTHING. We've watched Enchanted and played Webkinz...we even ordered room service for dinner.

Now, we're off to bed. Workshops start bright and early tomorrow morning and the wakeup call is coming in at 6am.

Before I close...here are a couple of the other photos that I took today... This one was taken just after we had some of her makeup on and the eyelashes. I love her hair down around her face like this...but I cannot get over how much older she looks in this shot!
This is just a quick shot taken in the dressing room. I wanted to get a great shot of her in a mirror with the lights around her face. It was so wicked crowded in the dressing room though...there just wasn't any way to get that done. Oh well...maybe next time.

Goodnight my friends...I'm off to tuck my little one in and get some sleep. It'll be another long day tomorrow!

Photo a day...a couple days to post

2008-02-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

I've taken my pics each day but haven't had the chance to get here and post them. So, with Wednesday being my day off, I thought I'd do this first thing this morning. I've got a list of things that I need to do today, but this will be the first thing that I can mark from my list. Today's photo has a lot of meaning so I'll start with it and then go back to the last couple of days...they're not as exciting as today's photo, IMO. LOL

Today's photo of the day. Emily woke me this morning with a "I made you coffee this morning, Mommy". And within a few minutes, she was standing at my bedroom door with this towel and coffee cup in hand. She had pulled the stool out of the pantry, grabbed one of my favorite cups, added the splenda and milk and voila. I have to say, she did a great job too! A little heavy on the milk, but it didn't make it "undrinkable". Alex makes a fresh pot of coffee each morning and sometimes greets me with my cup waiting for me when I wake up. I have to say, this cup of coffee topped it all. What a sweetheart my little girl can be sometimes. I love days like this! I wish I'd have thought to take this shot this morning while Emily was holding this in her hands...but I was struggling to wake up today and the camera wasn't right next to me anyway. So, I've staged this one...it still has a lot of meaning. KWIM?
Feb 4th, my mess!!! I joined a card swap at Willow Traders. I haven't participated in a swap like this in some time, so I figured, why not? So, Monday night, I gathered my stuff together and moved to the family room so that I could spend some time with Alex AND work on my cards. I took my photo of my mess. Or at least, part of my mess. This was taken after I'd cleaned up a bit. I did leave it all on the table though and finished last night. Alex doesn't like the mess to be left overnight...but didn't say anything about it this time. I finished the cards last night and the mess will be picked up today. So the photo of the day for the 5th is a shot of my finished cards. I used some old patterned paper from my stash and a stamp from AUD DESIGNS I love the colors and designs of this My Mind's Eye paper. I know I've had it for well over a year...if not two years. I will probably add a bit of stickles in the center of the flower on the stamp though. I feel like the cards still need something. The theme of the card swap is "GIRLFRIENDS" so this stamp worked perfectly. Oh, and I used the template from this month's SHEETLOAD E-Zine. This has become one of my monthly favorites. Check it out! I'll get these packaged and in today's mail. One more thing off the to-do list! YAY!!!

Now I'm all caught up on the photos and the laundry is ready to be folded and a new load started. Laundry...sheesh...the story of my life! Maybe THAT should be tomorrow's photo, eh?

Can it be???

2008-02-03T23:53:00.000-05:00

Emily planted a tiny little garden of her own last summer. Its just a patch of space in a corner of our backyard. She planted a bunch of seeds, watered it a few times and that's about it. Right now, it looks like a patch of weeds, and not much else.

Well, except for this...
Today, Emily noticed that a nice sized stalk with these tiny yellow buds, was growing in her garden. She insists that they are the sunflowers about to open. (because she remembers THAT'S where she planted the Sunflower seeds) Me, knowing absolutely NOTHING about flowers and gardening, can only hope that she's right. How cool would this be? She'd be so excited to have her own sunflowers. And if they ARE sunflowers about to open then maybe it'll encourage her to get out there and pull some of the weeds that she's nurturing. LOL I'll have to remember to check on these in a few days to see the progress...and maybe I'll take another picture of them too.

Oh, and I need to add too...I mentioned the Photo a Day thing to Em on Friday and she asked if her "sunflowers" could be my Photo of the Day today. She's right on with helping me get this going. She's such a cool kid!

Can you say DORK????

2008-02-02T18:14:00.000-05:00

This is Koda...our dork of a dog. She does silly things...like toss her food kibbles in the air and pounce on them...recently she ran into the sliding glass door, even though we had left it OPEN for her to come in and out. She just isn't the smartest dog in the world...but she is a sweetie. And I love her.

Since we put Sunny down back in December, Koda has learned to be the focus of attention. I think she's enjoying not having to share the attention with Sunny. Even though she was always figuring out a way to get most of the attention anyhow. She's not very photogenic...not like Sunny. Sunny would almost smile for the camera. I have to fight with Koda to get her to sit down long enough for me to snap the pic...and she won't look at the camera for anything. Oh well, we'll keep her.

Alex and I are headed to our favorite little Irish Pub tonight for PUB TRIVIA. The first Saturday of each month we head over to meet some of the other Crew parents for a fun night of trivia and beverages...and sometimes some good irish food too. (tonight's one of those nights)

Maybe I'll take my camera and get a shot or two there. Of course, Alex will probably tell me to leave the camera at home. Darn it.

Layout a Day and now a Photo a Day

2008-02-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

Well, January 2008 has come and gone already. And I'm pleased as punch to say that I participated AND finished the "Get a L.O.A.D of This" class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. The goal was to do a layout a day (L.O.A.D) and post it in the class gallery. There were prizes given out daily, but I didn't win any of them. I'm still waiting now to hear if I won either one of the big end of the month prizes. I doubt I'll win, but it sure was nice to start scrapping at home again!

Since I did so well in the layout a day thing, I'm now going to challenge myself in a "PHOTO A DAY". Each day, I'm going to take a photo of "whatever" and post it here with a little note about it. This will give just a little glimpse into my every day life. Nothing exciting...but it'll be fun to journal a bit more and to see what fun and excitement might happen each day. HA!

Today's photo is of Emily. She woke me at 4:30 this morning crying and complaining that her throat hurts really bad. I gave her drink and a throat lozenge and sat up with her for a little while to make sure she didn't swallow the lozenge in her sleep. When it was time to get up for the day, she had a low grade fever, glassy eyes and you could just tell that she wasn't feeling well. Poor baby girl. She's been either on the couch or in my bed all day. She just feels awful! She was supposed to have dance rehearsal this evening and we were camping tonight with the crew team. Looks like those aren't happening. Instead, we're here together...pumping her with gatorade and motrin...hoping she's feeling better by Monday and certainly better by next weekend's dance competitions.

I'm off now to work on cleaning up the scrapbook room. After a month of scrapping, things are in a bit of chaos in here right now. I might even scrap again later...if I get it all cleaned up and I can get Emily in bed at a decent hour.

Wish me luck!

Well Darn It...

2008-01-12T22:04:00.000-05:00

Nothing like a tag to remind me that I'm a loser when it comes to blogging...to get me over here and post again, my wonderful friend Chris tagged me and I've promised her to do this...so here goes. (and yes Chris, I do love ya, girl! Tagging me or not, LOL)

Let's see...7 random things about me:

**I adore Chris Daughtry...I think he's perfect. Of course, this is my fantasy...that this man is perfect. I'm not really sure there is such a thing. But, for now, Chris Daughtry is the perfect man, in my eyes!

**I was married before I had even graduated from High School. I actually had to go for an extra semester to get the credits needed to graduate. I started that last semester in September and got married in November. Looking back now, I wish I'd waited. But, then again, I learned a lot from that failed marriage and chances are, had I "NOT" married then, I wouldn't have my two awesome boys, Brooks and Kyle.

**My favorite girl scout cookies are Peanut Butter Patties. I can eat an entire box of these in one sitting. I'll put a box of them on the kitchen counter and grab one every time I walk by. Then, before ya know it, they're ALL gone. And now that Emily's selling girl scout cookies, I'm looking forward to those PB patties. LOL

**Ever since I discovered ribbon in my scrapbooking, I can't seem to get enough of them. I have to really force myself NOT to buy them when I see really fun patterns and designs. I have so many ribbons now that I really don't have anywhere to store them all. And I hate the thought of getting rid of any of them because you never know when I might actually NEED that particular piece of ribbon.

**I can't stand to wash whites. I don't mind doing any other laundry but the whites are always the LAST load to do and sometimes waiting to do them means that they don't get done on laundry day and Alex runs outta underwear or t-shirts or even both. Folding all the underwear and sorting the socks...BLECK!!

**I don't mind cooking but don't cook as often as I should. With everyone being so busy, the last thing I want to do is cook. But, I get bored with eating out too. If I could afford it, I'd pay to have someone cook for us. Ahhhhh...to have a good meal waiting for me every evening. What a life that would be! LOL

**I don't like the water all that much. I'll hang out in the pool with the kids in the summer but I don't like the ocean. I'm afraid of the waves and also of deep water. I can swim but get extremely nervous if Emily tries to hang on me in the deep end. And I will NOT swim in the lake and have no desire to water ski or any other water sport like that.

So there...my 7 random things about me.

I think I'll tag my friends Heather and Jessica now. And they'll be happy to see that I've updated my blog again too. LOL

Here are the rules of the game:

· Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

· Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.

· Tag random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

· Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Where DOES the time go??? Really?????

2007-11-12T09:05:00.000-05:00

OK...OK...where have I been??? HOLY SMOKES, I didn't realize it'd been nearly THREE freakin months since I posted to my blog. Thanks to my friends Jess and Heather for pointing this little tidbit out to me. Goodness...time flies. I get so tired of hearing myself say that. Maybe I should take a breather and regroup?

Lets see...where to begin?

I'm still at Piktails. And enjoying it for the most part. I'm hardly scrapping anything anymore, but have done a few page samples for the store and have put together a class sample or two also. I'm not one to "create on demand" so coming up with class ideas is a stretch for me. Most of my things are on a whim...if it looks good, I'll do a class. I don't mind the teaching part of things...it's the coming up with the ideas that I suck at. I really miss scrapping for myself but my room has become the catch all for the rest of the house and most of my regularly used scrappy things are at the store. I really should bring them home and get busy doing something for "ME" each day. Sounds like a great idea anyway.
When I'm not working, I'm usually at the dance studio in the evenings. Emily decided to give THREE classes a shot and Dance Co. this year. She's in one company number and an alternate for another. I hope that she gets picked up for the second company number. It's really a cute dance and I really hate to put in all this time, money and effort for her to have to sit and watch the others perform the dance. Only time will tell, I suppose. So, she's in a tap, ballet/jazz combo and a musical theatre class...and both numbers for company are Musical Theatre. These pictures here are from a performance that they did last weekend at a dinner for the Foundation for Fighting Blindness. It was great to see the girls perform this and do so well at it too. It only took them about 4 weeks to learn it and it came together beautifully! And they all looked so cute in their grass skirts costumes too. This picture here scares the daylights out of me. Where is my baby girl???

Of course, when I'm not at the dance studio, most of the rest of that time is spent doing Crew stuff. I'm doing the registration stuff for the second year in a row and am also heading up the Ad Book for our regatta in the Spring. If you'd like to buy an ad for our book, give me a shout. It could just be a little "shout out" to Josh or to the team...or a business ad too. All proceeds help support Boone Crew. Sorry for the shameless plug...but every bit helps. LOL .
These next few pictures were taken during our weekend in Chattanooga at the Head of the Hooch Regatta. After a loooooooooong Mears bus ride up, the team did their magic by rowing on the TN River. Josh's 4 took 8th and his 8 took 19th. Not bad at all, if you ask me. They'd love to medal of course...next year is another poke at it. How awesome would that be...to medal at the Hooch in Josh's Sr. year!!
It's so hard to believe that this is Josh's THIRD year on the Crew Team. I remember when he came home just a few weeks into his Freshman year and said that he wanted to give this a shot I swear this boy EATS SLEEPS and DREAMS rowing. He's pretty good at it too, from what I gather. (proud mommy moment, of course).

Today was our last regatta of the Fall season. We take somewhat of a break, practicing on a modified schedule now till after the Holidays. We all worked hard to pull the first annual Head of the Giblet Regatta together. It was a success and to celebrate, a few of us are headed to the Claddagh Cottage for a celebratory pint.

Until next time...

First day of school!!!!

2007-08-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of school for my kiddos. Stupid me...left the ONLY memory card that I own in the card reader at work on Saturday. I work tomorrow and will have to take my pictures on Wednesday morning and "pretend it was the first day" as Josh says. LOL

Speaking of work...check out the blog that I created for the shop. www.piktails.blogspot.com

Off to bed though...got my new Papercrafts in the mail today. Going to check it out while I doze. Gotta start getting up earlier so that means I need to get to bed earlier too.

night!!

Hello hello...

2007-08-11T09:55:00.000-05:00

Checking in from work actually. Its Saturday and usually our busiest day but so far, I'm the only one here this morning. It's very quiet...I think I need to at least turn on the radio. So far, I've updated our e-mail list, sent the latest e-mail to the new addies and now I'm updating here. Fun, eh? I could scrap today...I've got my stuff here and a few pictures too. So many fun things to scrap with her too. Maybe in a bit.

Things are going well for us. School starts back up in just 9 more days. Summer vacation is coming to an end. I think Josh and Emily are both ready to kick back into their school day routines. The fun of getting up every morning and seeing friends, crew practice, dance classes...always something to do. We're in the part of the summer where everyone tends to get bored and school starting up will be welcomed. Emily's "meet the teacher" is on Monday and she can't wait. Josh will be picking up his schedule sometime this week too. Let the fun begin!

Last weekend was my friend Wendy's 40th birthday. We spent the night at the Embassy Suites downtown for the party. Her son put together 40 different hints and we all had to set out for a digital scavenger hunt to find the places based on the clues. OMG...what fun that was! My friend Candy and I hopped in a Pedi-cab and had the driver take us all over the city looking for our answers. Add a little alcohol on all parts (except for the driver) and the night was a HOOT! Both teams claimed to have won but I'm really not sure which team had the most right answers. We were having so much fun that we didn't even bother to check them out! I'll have to post a few pictures soon. Would do it here but don't have my camera with me.

The day after the party, Wendy took her closest friends, in a limo, to a local spa. Oh my goodness!!! I must admit that I've never spent time at a spa before. Nothing against them, I just have a tough time making time like that for myself. Which really isn't a good thing, but its something that I just don't do. (like waiting till I can't stand it anymore and THEN getting my haircut, usually out of desperation) Anyway, at the spa, I had a mini pedicure, an hour long facial and an hour long swedish massage. I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven! That's something that every woman should do for herself at least every few months! I'm hooked now! (and am seriously thinking of making an appt. for my mom and I to go sometime soon :))

Well, I'm off for a bit once again. I think I'm going to get my stuff out and work on a scrapbook layout or two. I have some pictures and paper pulled already. Maybe I'll see what I can do with them.

Later!!!

Guitar Hero...

2007-07-30T21:05:00.000-05:00

We picked up Guitar Hero II this weekend, along with a guitar. OMG...what a fun game. I really suck at it, but we're all having a blast with it. Today I picked up the 80's version...the latest one. Love it too, but I keep failing the songs cuz, like I said, I suck! LOL

Oh, and I think I forgot to mention...Kyle's here for a few days! YAY!! We're not doing much really...just hanging. Went to lunch today and were going to go bowling but had eaten too much and decided to just go school shopping instead. Got a few things for Emily and school supplies for both kids. Josh didn't find any clothes really. Maybe at AE??? We'll see...

Off to play one more song before I go to bed.

A quick little update...

2007-07-27T09:30:00.001-05:00

Since I've been so lax in posting.

I'm still loving my new job. The store is coming together so nicely. The customers that we've met are all so great. I love chatting with so many people throughout the day. This is definitely my DREAM JOB!

I go in a little later today. We're having a crop there tonight. It's our second crop actually, since opening. And we have 14 people signed up to crop! Can you believe that???? I'm working the crop and actually hope to get a few pages done too.

I scrapped a two pager at work this week that I absolutely LOVE! I took my camera to work with me to take a picture of it but realized when I got there that I'd left my memory card at home in the card reader. Oops. But, the card is back in the camera and I plan to take it to work with me this afternoon too. Maybe I'll take a few pictures from the crop too.

I'm off now to get a few loads of laundry done and some stuff pulled to take to the crop. Sure was nice to sleep in this morning. I've been burning the candle at both ends this week and it had caught up to me by last night. Was good to get some extra sleep.

For now...I'm off. Thanks for reading.

Where I've been spending my time...

2007-07-03T16:44:00.000-05:00

I took my camera to work with me today and took a few pictures of the store. To show everyone where I'm spending a lot of my time these days. You can't really tell by the photos, but it's a pretty good sized shop, IMO. Two thousand square feet of scrapping goodies!!! So bright and open...so fun to be there!
Looking at these pictures as I put them on here, I realize that there's a lot of white space on some of the walls. This isn't the case now though...we had a HUGE order of goodies come in from EK Success yesterday and it took us till today to get it all stocked in and put up on the shelves. The white space is being filled by the day.

I got to play with the ribbon spools today. Anyone that knows me well, knows how much I adore ribbon. So that task was just up my alley! I moved the ribbon shelves to the other side of the register and arranged it all neatly on those shelves. I gotta say, Deb's got some yummy ribbons there too. Even more ribbon came in yesterday and today that I might need to find another shelf to put it on. I'm telling ya...there's a BUNCH of ribbon! I wish I'd gotten a picture of that area. Maybe on Friday when I go back to work.

We have a table set up with a few of the classes that we'll be having in July too. We're working on putting together the calendar now to have it out for customers on Thursday. So many folks have asked about classes so we don't want to wait too long to get them going. Right now, I think we're focusing on the Bo-Bunny album kits. We've assembled a few of them already and will start taking sign ups pretty soon. Oh, and the ribbon is set up just behind this table now. Had I waited till later in the day to take these pictures...oh well. (This table also only has the upcoming class projects on it...everything else has been moved to other places throughout the store)

I also got to put up a bunch of "tools of the trade" too. We checked in the trimmers, punches, scissors and lots more. Man...its so fun to see it all coming together!

So, if you're in the area and get a chance to stop in...we'd love to see ya!

For now, I'm off to read more of She's Come Undone and then to dreamland.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!

Sunday night...

2007-07-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

Almost bedtime actually. Time for me to start getting to bed at a regular time again. Even though I don't go into work until 10am, there are some days recently when I didn't even get outta bed till after 10. Time for that to change. I'd like to start getting up at 7 each morning. To give me time to chill, read e-mail, hit my favorite scrapping sites and enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee...before heading to the shower to get ready to leave for work.

I worked again on Friday. Got a great two page spread done for the 4th of July. Debbie and I have talked about packaging it up as a page kit for the month of July. Fine by me, really. I also did 4 cards with the leftovers from the baby boy layout too. I love to do cards with the leftover scraps. And it sure helps to bring the cost of each page down too.

This weekend was a big movie weekend here. The kids and I went to see Ratatouille on Friday night. What a great movie!! We all loved it!

Then on Saturday night, Alex and I went to see Ocean's 13. Another great movie! And of course, looking at George Clooney for those couple of hours...who am I to complain?! YUMMMM!!!!

Alex and I also took a ride over to Piktails on Saturday. He wanted to see the store that I was working at and he actually said that it looks great. Debbie thanked him for sharing me with her and said that she loved having me there...and Alex told her that that was good because I really loved being there too. Hehehehe...I guess it shows that I'm really enjoying this, huh?

Today was spent doing laundry, having a late lunch/early dinner for my neice's birthday and working on that album kit by Bo-Bunny. Dinner wasn't too bad. I had a Grilled Grouper sandwich and fries while both of my sisters and my neice all sat at the bar eating steamed oysters. YUCK!

I let Josh drive there and back...this meant driving on the interstate for one of the first times ever. His girlfriend's dad had let him drive on the Expressway one time, but he's never driven like that with ME in the car before. The child really makes me nervous. I guess that's normal though...I think. He smarts off at me every single time I tell him something about how he's driving. Drives me INSANE! I think I need to sign him up for driver's ed through the Safety Council.

I got the Bo-Bunny book all but finished and was working on the cover when I realized that I was missing a sheet of the PP. At first, I thought I had cut wrong and didn't leave enough of the paper. But then realized that there were supposed to be two sheets, not just one. Whewww! Made me feel much better. I think we carry that paper at the store actually. I'll just grab it and get it finished first thing tomorrow. We want to get it out and on display so that we can start taking sign ups for it for the class.

I've learned the basics of the register already and tomorrow I will learn how to check new merchandise in. We've got a HUGE order coming in and we'll be spending most of the day getting that stocked in, I'm sure! But, I can't wait...there's just something about opening a box of scrappy goodies! We're also putting together our calendar for July and maybe August too. That'll give us a lot of things to look forward to...and the customers too!

Until next time...goodnight!

HI HO...HI HO...

2007-06-28T19:52:00.000-05:00

It's off to work I go! And yes, I'm extremely excited about it too!

I've not worked outside of the home in almost 9 yrs and lately I've been feeling...well...I couldn't really pinpoint it, but a friend of mine posted something today that hit home for me. I'll share a bit of what she shared (name withheld)...

I feel like I am bobbing in a very small dingy set adrift in a vast ocean.

Somewhere out there is a tropical paradise of happiness – I just have to point my Good Ship Lollypop in the right direction. The only problem is that I don’t have a compass, and I can’t find the Northern Star.

and...

I am not the wife, mother, friend, daughter… the PERSON I want to be. I need to step back and re-evaluate what I am and what I want.

I wasn't really sure how I was feeling but when I read what my friend wrote about herself, a little lightbulb went off in my head and I suddenly had this feeling of "OH MY GOSH...I COULD HAVE WRITTEN THIS!!"

All of these feelings have led me to think about finding something to do with my time. I was originally going to wait till school starts back in August but something came open that I really couldn't turn down.

Someone that I worked at the auction with many moons ago, has decided to open a scrapbook store. I'd heard this rumor but hadn't heard anything more since the first part of the year. But on Thursday, Debbie contacted me, out of the blue, to see if I'd be interested in teaching SB classes at her new store. I told her that I wasn't sure about the teaching but that I was thinking about going back to work part time. After a couple more conversations and a few details worked out, I'm now a part time employee of PIKTAILS Scrapook store in Hunter's Creek.

Right now, the store is open but we're still in the very early set up stages. People are free to come in and shop the stuff that she has already stocked on the shelves but the calendar and class schedules will be out very soon...and TONS more merchandise is already on order and will be coming in regularly.

For right now, my job is to work on display pages and class kits. We're working on getting the place decorated with page samples and black and white photos throughout the store. It's a work in progress, but the progress is certainly coming together nicely.

Today, I worked on the a Bo Bunny album kit to sample for a class and also a two page sample layout to display on the wall. I certainly cannot complain about scrapping all day and getting paid to do it. Eh?

Oh, I got to chat with a few customers and I had a quick lesson on the cash register too. Hopefully our EK Success order will be in tomorrow!! Ahhhhh...the smell and feel of a fresh box of scrapping goodies!

I'll post the link to the store as soon as the website is up and running!

For now...I'm headed to bed. Didn't get much sleep last night. My mind was racing with ideas and I was like a kid trying to sleep the last night before going back to school.

Till next time...good night!

HE'S HOME!!!!!

2007-06-22T12:33:00.000-05:00

Josh got home last night...just before midnight. We're so happy to have him home too! We stayed up till after 2am listening to his stories and looking at the pictures that he took on his trip. And I must say, he got some really fun shots too! I've taught him well!

We all slept in this morning. I didn't get up till 10:45. YIKES!

Josh unpacked his suitcase and gave everyone the goodies that he brought home for us. And of course, the sure sign that he's home...a picture of his room and what it normally looks like. HA...the child hasn't been home for a full day yet and his room is DESTROYED! LOL

My boy is HOME!!

So sad...

2007-06-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

Well, it's official...our Sunny girl has Cancer. Our sweet canine companion...the girl that has been such a great big part of our family for the last 9 1/2 yrs. has an aggressive type of cancer that started with a lump by her anal gland. Its spread to her lymph nodes already and according to the vet, it's probably in other areas of her body too. Surgery to remove the lump will be painful and basically not an option because it's already spread. Chemo and radiation aren't recommended due to the severity of the Cancer. Basically, we'll put her on anti-inflammatory drugs, immune boosters and vitamins...and make the most of the time that she has with us.

Right now, she's not showing any signs of discomfort. When she does, we'll take the measures that need to be taken. Right now though, it's too tough to even think about life without her here.

Sunny has been the best dog EVER. A faithful, loving companion. The protector of the household. She was dealt a tough hand...having to have a blood transfusion to save her life as a puppy...having hip dysplacia and having bilateral hip surgery at 16 months old...and now this. Luckily, we've spoiled her rotten and we are positive that we've given her the best life possible, outside of the other issues she's had to deal with.

It's going to be so hard to see her go.

The picture here was taken today...she's lounging on Josh's bed. Snuggling his body pillow. What a good life she has.

In my inbox this morning

2007-06-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning to a bunch of pictures from the kids in New Zealand. Josh said that some of the kids are taking pics with their phones and then sending to a blog that they're using to share some stuff with the folks back home. These two made me happy because they're two of the few shared that have Josh in them.

I don't know anything about these pictures other than the fact that the first one was apparently taken at a Sound Studio of some sort. I assume Josh and the other person were posing as anchormen? Josh is wearing a curly wig and this get up just cracked me up. That's my boy...always being a goof.

Of course, the second picture is again, Josh being a goof. Some of the kids had their faces painted for a Rugby Match. I think he said that New Zealand was playing France and they painted their faces to support the NZ team. There were a few other pictures shared...one looking as if they were posing as KISS band members...tongues hanging out and all. LOL I really cannot wait for Josh to get home and give he his commentary on these pictures and the ones the "tons" of pictures that he promises that he's been taking too.

They're on their way to Australia today...and more fun to begin soon.

I've been scrapping more too. (the image here is clickable to see a larger pic of this layout) So far, I've finished 6 of the 11 challenges posted at Lifetime Moments. I didn't get anything done yesterday or today and with a new challenge posted each day, I could fall wayyyyyyyy behind really quickly. I have a new set of pictures sitting on the desk right now, just waiting to pick paper to go along with them. I'm planning on using one of the LM challenges with them, so wish me luck.

Emily and I have played together a lot today. We spent a lot of time in the pool actually. She loves to have me in there with her. I'm usually a big wimp unless the water temps reach close to 90*. Water temps are at about 84* and with 92* air temps, the water was actually quite comfy. We got out to get her drawers cleaned out in preperation for a garage sale we're having this weekend. By the time we were finished, it was storming. It was still fun to play like that for a while.

Now, to figure out what's for dinner. I'm thinking chicken salad sandwiches and fruit salad. Nice and light for this hot day.

Finally!!!

2007-06-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

Josh called again today and I finally got to talk to him. It seemed that everyone else was talking to him but me and I was beginning to get a little upset. The last time he called, I was working concessions to help pay for Crew this next season. He sounds so happy and like he's having a GREAT time! He loves New Zealand and said that he thinks it's gorgeous over there. He also said he can't imagine Australia being better than New Zealand. I told him to just wait...he'll be impressed with the Aussies too, I'm sure! Oh, and he assures me that he's taking PLENTY of pictures and might even need to buy a new memory card while he's there. That's my boy!

I've been keeping myself busy with scrapping this week.I found my mojo last week while working on my circle journal and its still hanging around. I think I've done a double page layout and 3 or 4 different single page layouts...AND 2 cards too. I love it when the mojo comes to stay for a bit too.

Once again, I'm playing along with the folks at Lifetime Moments for their Summer Scrapfest. Its a little different this time though...no more mad scrapping to get as many possible points as possible. This time, they're posting a new challenge each day. At first I wasn't sure if I'd like this way, but this week they threw out a new bonus. If the temperature reaches 87* in Wixom, MI. then that day's challenge counts as THREE points. That sure makes it a bit easier to earn the points. Two days this week have been eligible for the bonus...but according to weather.com, things will be a bit cooler over the next few days.

Another great thing with this session is that we have all summer to get the challenges complete. It's not a scrap each day thing, unless you make it that. I've completed three of the eight challenges posted. And there's plenty of time to get the others done. I hope to get a couple more done, maybe even get caught up, over the weekend.

For now, I've got a kitchen that's screaming for attention and a load of laundry to be folded. Until next time...

He called!!!

2007-06-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

But I missed the call, darn it! Emily and I were on the couch watching the recording of "So You Think You Can Dance" and I didn't hear the phone ringing till it was too late. Josh called to let us know that things were going great!

He said that it was about 40 something degrees and that the hot springs were steaming alot. They'd gone swimming last night...I assume it was in the springs. It was about 5:30am there and they were up and getting ready for breakfast and then a busy day was planned ahead. He sounded tired but said that he had "little to no" jet lag.

Emily and I just stayed around the house today and got things cleaned up. Em was a great helper. It was a rather productive day...so the time went kind of quickly. Tomorrow we're going to check out a gymnastics camp. If we like it, Em will go the remainder of this week and maybe another week this summer. I think it'll be great for her to have something to do and a gymnastics camp will be right up her alley. The dance studio has a camp for two different weeks in July, but I think Em would enjoy getting out and doing something before then.

And for now, I'm listening to my latest audio book and cleaning up the scraproom.

Until later...

Loooong but GREAT day here!

2007-06-02T20:28:00.000-05:00

All packed and ready to go!!!

Today was the day that Josh left for his People to People trip to New Zealand and Australia. We started the day with a breakfast at our favorite local/family owned breakfast place, Conway Cafe, before heading to the airport.

I couldn't believe the number of people at the airport today. Gosh...there was hardly room to move. And this wasn't just from our group either. I'm assuming that maybe Tropical Storm Barry had a bit to do with it. The P2P plane to LA wasn't delayed though...maybe it was just a crazy busy travel day?

Josh was so excited about this trip...but a little nervous too. I guess that's to be expected. He said that he felt like he was forgetting something. I told him that this is "normal" when you're headed away from home. I think he was just ready to get on the plane and get on their way. Here's a fun pic that I took of Josh and his girlfriend, Teri...they were sure having fun, eh? This was a much more pleasant site than another student and his girlfriend. Oh my goodness...it's a wonder she didn't make it on the plane with him...she was literally attached to the boy. Playing kissy face, sucking on his ears, him holding her with her legs wrapped around his waist. And yes, this was all in public...it was rather sickening, IMO. And had that been MY SON and his girlfriend...it would have certainly been broken up. I even thanked Josh and his girlfriend for NOT acting like that...EVER.

I had to leave the airport, before Josh even headed to security, to rush home and get Em ready for her dance recital. Her call time was 1:00 for a 2pm recital. We cut it a little short...getting there a couple of minutes after 1, but with plenty of spare time before show time.

Recital was beautiful, as it always is. The dancer's at our studio really know how to put on a show. I love to watch them perform. Its a LOOOOOONG show, but fun, nonetheless. Emily didn't dance until a couple of numbers before the end, but it was so worth the wait, IMO. She shined on that stage...smiling from ear to ear...dancing her heart out. This was the first year that she looked like she was genuinely having fun and knew the dance very well. And I'm such a sap...I was almost in tears watching her. Also grinning from ear to ear. And she turned the right way this time too! After how many times of saying "did you know you turned the wrong way again?" I saw her think about it first and then turned the right way. Woo hoo...way to go, Emily!

Next year's dance classes will start in August. Emily's enjoyed this year so much that she wants to be in THREE classes and possibly Dance Co. next year. Oh dear...am I ready for that? I told her today that Dance Co. might have to wait till Josh is finished with Crew and goes to college. Was that bad of me? I think I could do the time thing (key words: I THINK)...it's the cha ching that scares me! LOL

The day is almost at an end now. Josh called to tell us that they made in to LA safely. They'll be leaving for their 16 hour flight to New Zealand in the wee hours of tonight. I'm sure we'll hear from them tomorrow, when they get there. Until then, I'll be in touch with a few of the other parents of the students on this trip. Only 19 more days till Josh returns. I'm sure gonna miss that kid!

Home again, home again...

2007-05-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

Just got back home this afternoon. Been home long enough to set up the computer again, unpack the cars, the suitcases and check a bit of e-mail. I can't get Yahoo Messenger to load correctly. I keep getting a "memory could not be read" error every time I try to sign on to Messenger. I finally uninstalled it and have it on the web now and will probably need to reinstall it. Maybe tomorrow.

Thought I'd share a couple other pics from our getaway.These were taken on our very first day there. It was early evening and the sun was beginning to hide behind the condo building...this made the beach rather overcast but the sun was still shining on the water. It was so cool! This picture of Emily is one of my absolute favorites of the weekend. She was in such a giddy mood and very cooperative for photos. LOVE THAT! The one of Josh with Emily isn't all that great...but a happy moment between the two of them. I have to cherish these moments because sometimes it seems that they don't come often enough.

We met this fisherman on the dock of the restaurant that we ate at on Thursday night. He caught a crab with a fishing hook and that's what started that conversation actually. The crab had claws that were a good inch and a half thick. Not quite sure what kind of crab it was though. But really strange that he caught it with the fishing hook. He let Emily fish for a bit but she didn't catch anything. My friend Nancy and I called him the Gordon's fisherman...he had a raincoat and all. Very funny.
Here's one of Em and I...don't mind how awful I look. Bleck! Nancy and I set out to find a scrapbook store in Daytona Beach...and found it. There was a cute little park area across the street and we took this pic. This was a picture that Nancy took at that same little park area. Another great shot of Em. She's such a ham at times!

I think that's all the pictures that I really want to share today. I guess I didn't get nearly as many as I'd hoped to. But, there are some fun memories behind the phtoos that I did get. So I'm not going to complain. Quite honestly, the camera stayed up in the condo alot more than it was out.

I got a York Photo order while I was gone. More than 100 pictures that I'd ordered the week before we left. Can't wait to see how they turned out. I'm off to look at those now.

Thanks for reading!

WE ARE HERE...

2007-05-26T19:32:00.000-05:00

Insert arrow here...I decided to run away from it all...and that I did.

The kids got out of school for the summer on Tuesday, the 22nd. Our Ponce Inlet Condowas open, so I took advantage of it. We came over after school on Tuesday and are having a blast. The weather, for the most part, has cooperated. We got a little bit of rain and it was cloudy most of yesterday. It's been VERY windy and the surf is high. Emily has discovered boogie boarding...and now we can't keep her out of the water.

Alex is going kayaking tomorrow with our friend Charlie...then they're coming back here to join us for a cookout and they'll stay the night. Charlie happens to be Josh's girlfriend's dad...the rest of his family will be joining us for the cookout too. It's gonna be a full house here...but we always have a great time with them.

The only internet connection we have is just outside of the office at the condo building. Right now, I'm sitting in the corner of the pool area, blocked by the wind and pool water. I'd better head upstairs again...there's a cold one calling my name!

Photo share...

2007-05-20T08:16:00.000-05:00

While I was at it, I thought I'd post a photo here that was taken at the Mom's Day Tea at our elementary school. Just me and my baby girl. (who's not so much a baby anymore)

It's almost over!!

2007-05-20T07:41:00.000-05:00

School that is...for my kiddos. Tuesday is their last day! How did this happen? I know that every year I say that the year has passed so quickly, but this year seemed to go even quicker. Maybe it's because I kept myself busy with different things with both Emily's school and Josh's Crew? Whatever it is, the time just went all too quickly. Not to mention that I will soon have a child in China, a Sophomore at Ga. Tech, a Jr. in HS and a 2nd grader. Lordy...I'm feeling old!

The excitement of the End of the Year Party is over. The party was on Friday and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. We had a beach themeand different centers for the kids to enjoy. I still need to get pictures printed for the seashell frames that they made I should do that while I'm on the computer this morning.

Yesterday was the big Boone Crew 20th B-day Party. My friend Wendy threw this together in a matter of maybe 6 weeks. We tried to reach out to as many former rowers as possible but with the somewhat short notice, we only had a few there. But, it was still a success, I think. We had it at a local golf course/country club. Complete with lunch, a silent auction and a golf scramble. The weather was almost PERFECT! A little breezy for golfing, but none of the golfers seemed to mind. The kids stayed at the clubhouse to swim while we waited for the golfers to finish. We then headed off to Don Pablo's for dinner...and finally made it home after 9pm. It was a long day, but so much fun!

Today is another busy one. Our neighborhood homeowner's association is having a "spring fling". A cookout and mingle with the neighbors type thing. Should be fun!

Then its dress rehearsal/picture day for Emily. Her dance recital is in just a couple of weeks and now the fun begins with that. Dress rehearsal today, tech rehearsal and recital next week. This too, is another thing coming to an end for the season.

Summer is almost here!!

It's the small things...

2007-05-16T19:37:00.000-05:00

That excite the daylights out of me.

Today, I worked on a layout for a class at Mara's Memory Lane. This will be my very first class since Mara bought the store and my first class "back"...I left there over a year ago.

Anyway...while I was up there working on the class layout, Jessica and Heather came by to scrap. We were chatting and I mentioned the Marvy scalloped Circle punch that I keep seeing EVERYWHERE in the magazines. Mara let me look in a couple of wholesale catalogs for it but I didn't have much luck. I told the girls that I'd probably be able to figure out how to do this on the wishblade eventually.

I decided to look online to see what I could find tonight. Looks like either Marvy hasn't "released" these babies yet or everyone and their uncle is looking for them since they're all over the magazines, and anyone that's carrying them is sold out. . While searching online tonight to find it, I came across another scrapper/stamper's blog that showed how to do this WITHOUT buying the punch.

Then...while surfing HER blog...I came to another link that shows basically the SAME technique, but for a scalloped border. Here's that link too...scalloped border tutorial.

So, now you see why I'm so excited! So excited that I had to share.

Oh, and I'll be posting that class layout soon too. I printed pictures to put on it tonight. I just need to scan it.

Gotta run...almost time for American Idol! Goooooooooo Jordin!

2007-05-15T12:33:00.001-05:00

Here's what I've done this morning. My friend Cheryl, shared a picture of adorable little cookie bouquets like these. I decided to make a couple for some of the folks at Em's school for Teacher Appreciation week. A few of the teachers saw them and have asked me to make them for their parent volunteers. Well, one teacher asked, then another and now a 3rd has asked. I'm up to something like 15 or 16 of these that I'm making now. I really don't mind. They're so simple easy to make and it's actually kind of relaxing. I need to run out and pick up a few containers and cookies a little later though. Don't have enough to finish the orders that I have so far. Hehehehe...a little spending money for me too...I won't/can't complain about that one!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

2007-05-13T10:50:00.000-05:00

So far, this has been a fantastic morning!! Brooks called from China at 8am. That was a nice surprise, indeed!! I worry about him over there, so every time he calls, it's so nice to hear from him.

Alex, Josh and Emily woke me with a delicious breakfast. Complete with scrambled eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and GRIDDLE CAKES too!!! I love IHOP's Griddle Cakes and they've recently taken them off their menu. Alex took the time to find the recipe online and attempted to make them for me. They were YUMMY too! I was so full after that breakfast. I might not need to eat anything else all day. LOL

Kyle called me too. He said he was thinking of me and wanted to touch base to say Happy Mother's Day!! This Mom's a happy camper now...having heard from all of her babies! **insert big grin here**

For Mother's Day, Alex and the kids gave me a new Epson Perfection 4490 scanner. My old scanner wasn't working 100% anymore. I took it to Mom's house to scan a bunch of pictures of Richard for his Memorial Service and it started acting up then. This new scanner ROCKS!! It's like 10 times faster than the other and since it's an Epson, it's very easy for me to use. I'm pretty familiar with the Epson scanning software, so that helped to make it an easy transition. I've already scanned a two page spread that I did last month while I was away with the girls. I've included a pic of it for ya too!

Today will be a very relaxing day for me. I'll only do what "I" want to do and when "I" want to do it. I think I want to work on getting the scrap room straightened up a bit. I'll pop Grey's Anatomy, season 1, in the DVD player and get to work. Then maybe later tonight, I'll be able to scrap a page or two.

Oh, and btw, this is our last full week of school for my kiddos. The last day of school is Tuesday, the 22nd. I can't believe Summer Vacation is just around the corner. I'm going to have a JR. in HS and a 2nd grader. How is that possible?

All finished!!!!

2007-05-07T08:25:00.001-05:00

Well, for the most part anyway. I still want to add a few pictures. One over the toilet and some on the wall next to the mirror, over the hand towel thing. Kyle took some really awesome black and white pics. I think I'll frame them to hang by the towel thing and get something with some color to hang over the toilet.

I've got a few errands to run today but promised pics...so here ya go!

Almost finished!!!

2007-05-01T07:03:00.001-05:00

Today should be the last day that our contractor is here. It has taken him a couple days longer than expected, but the room is coming together so nicely! Here's the photo that I took this morning.
Today he'll put in the lights, hang the mirror, sand the drywall and seal the grout. Tonight, hubby and I plan to put the Kilz on the walls so that we can get it painted in the next few days. I still need to search for the shower curtain and accessories that I'd like to put in there too...hopefully by this weekend, we'll have a brand spankin new, 100% finished bathroom. I still can't wait for that first bath in the new jacuzzi tub!!

Day 5

2007-04-27T08:07:00.001-05:00

I didn't get a chance to get a picture yesterday and almost forgot to get one this morning. The bathroom is coming right along now!!!

We're all drywalled in, and the tile has started going up on the shower walls. I am so excited! He plans to work a bit this weekend so by Monday we should be ready to paint!

I worked the concessions for the Orlando Magic playoff game last night. This is one of our biggest fundraisers for Crew...the concessions for the Arena. OMG, we were sooooooooo busy last night. SLAMMED BUSY! They told us not to make too many hotdogs because it was an 8pm game and most people will probably eat before coming to the game. HA...what did THEY know? We made like 60 hot dogs...and ended up having to keep them rolling...we sold over 400 of them darn things!!! It was amazing! I got home after midnight and didn't get to sleep till after 1. I'm exhausted today!

I have to get ready for the big States Regatta in Tampa today. Heading out around 1:30...wish us good weather and great rowing!! It's been a tough season for our boys this year...it'd be nice to have them medal this weekend! They've overcome so much adversity...they deserve to win this weekend!

Off to vacuum and dust...need to leave a clean house for the housesitter.

Day #2 (and a half)

2007-04-25T11:38:00.001-05:00

I didn't get a chance to take a picture last night or this morning before the contractor showed up to work again. But during his lunch break today, I did. We now have a tub and insulation again! Today he's putting up all of the drywall and tomorrow he plans on laying the tile! It's coming together nicely now! Can't wait to get my first bath in that new jacuzzi tub!

Oh, and on a scrappy note...I've almost got my XXL tote unpacked of the stuff I took with me on the weekend away! Now, to get it all put away and everything cleaned back up again! I've got a little more than an hour till it's time to get Emily. Maybe I should work on getting it cleaned up?

At the end of day one...

2007-04-24T10:38:00.001-05:00

The contractor started yesterday...and by the end of the day, this is what the bathroom looks like!

He took down the rest of the ceiling, disconnected and moved the old tup and has the new fan fixture in the ceiling, a light in the shower (that we didn't have before) and all the electrical stuff moved to where everything needs to go.

Today he's moving the plumbing and not sure what else. He said it's almost time to start putting things back together!! I can't wait to start seeing it all coming together!

Now, I'm off to fold more laundry and try to sneak one more load in before the water gets shut off after lunch.

Dust anyone???

2007-04-22T20:47:00.001-05:00

Well, we've decided to remodel our hall bathroom. This is something that we've talked about wanting to do since we bought this house. Something that DESPERATELY needed to be done. I mean, the bathroom was in "usable" condition, but it was rather "dated". The tile that was on the floors and wall was the original from when the house was built in 1973. You know...that really pretty harvest gold color. Ewwww!!!!

Anyway...Alex set out today to bust everything out of there so that our carpenter/do it all handyman guy, Richard, can come in tomorrow and work his magic. He'll be putting up new drywall, new lighting, raising the dropped ceiling...and putting in a new tub, vanity, counter top and tile. He says it'll take him about a week to do this. And man...I can't wait!

Here are a couple of pictures from today...

Josh helped with banging out the tile on the inside wall of the tub/shower. Notice how I caught the spark as the hammer hit the concrete? How cool is that??? See the dust? OMG...it's EVERYWHERE!!! I'll be dusting for a month after this is over with!

Emily insisted on wanting to help. We bought her the safety goggles at Lowes yesterday and gave her the hard hat and "earhumps" (as she calls them). She helped knock down the ceramic soap dish, toothbrush holder and a few other things. And then insisted on collecting some of the floor tiles to take to school tomorrow for her Sharing Day. (show and tell) She helped for a little while and didn't like how loud things were...even with the "earhumps". Oh well...at least I got a few pictures of her helping her daddy.

And this photo...see the pretty harvest gold tile? That was taken just after the vanity came out of there and the floor came up.

There's nothing left in there now but the studs and a concrete floor. Oh, and what's left of the cast iron tub. Alex couldn't get under it to unhook the drain, so he had to leave that for the handman to take care of. Richard will be here at 8am tomorrow morning and we'll be making a run to Lowe's for supplies shortly after I take Em to school.

I can't wait till this is FINISHED!!!

Starting fresh!

2007-04-18T11:40:00.000-05:00

With my blog...

It's been over TWO MONTHS since my last post. TWO MONTHS? How is that possible? They say that sometimes life just gets in the way and by golly, that's exactly what happened!

I won't go into long details of the last two months but there was a surgery for me, the death of my Step Dad and all sorts of things in between. As my friend and neighbor said it...I've had "quite a few stresses" in my life lately.

I'm going to try, once again, to maintain this blog and share my love for scrapping, etc. The way that I had intended to do before.

And with that...I've gotta share the fact that I went away this past weekend with my local scrapping buddies. We rented a house in Davenport, Florida...set up specifically for a scrapbook retreat. Its called "Florida's Scrapbook Retreat" and by clicking that link, you can read all about it.

What a great time we had!!! I always have a good time with this group of girls though. These "bitches", as we so lovingly call each other, are some of my best friends. We've been scrapping together for over 6 yrs now. Most of us have high school kids that have been together since Elementary School. We've been through some super great times, as well as some really tough times too. We've lost one of our own to her battle with Breast Cancer and that, I believe, has pulled some of us even closer. I love these women and I know that they're always there...and for that, I am forever grateful!

Our retreat started at 3 pm on Friday and checkout time was at 3 pm on Sunday. We got there, set up our scrapping stuff and went to work. I had a little too much to drink Friday night...oh ok...alot too much to drink...and was in bed by 10:30 that night. I did manage to complete a cute little flip book that an online friend had shared the link for. Shimelle did one on Fiskars TV and the link to the video is on her blog. (click on the link and then go to Sexy Scissors on the right hand side of her blog) I'll share my flip book once I finally get unpacked from the weekend. All of my bags are sitting here, on my scraproom floor, in a pile...just screaming to be unpacked.

On Saturday, although the day started on the slightly hungover side...I did manage to complete a book for my mom. I'm not going to give the details of that, in case she's reading this...but it's beautiful. I can't wait to give it to her! I'll scan it and post it in my gallery at Scrapforums soon.
I made it through Saturday without a nap but went to bed earlier than another else, again on Saturday night.

Sunday morning brought stormy weather outside...heavy rain and wind...even word of a tornado somewhere. We were all oblivious to what was happening outside...the scrapping had once again began. Some of the girls headed home earlier than others. Those of us that stayed behind worked feverishly to get as much done as we could before it was time to go home. I managed to finish a two page Disney spread that I had started AGES ago. I also started on another layout and got about 2/3 of that one finished before packing up.

Now that I'm home again...its time to unpack everything and put it all back where it belongs. I hooked up my scanner again and now need to get busy scanning the stuff that I did. Maybe I'll do that this afternoon. KEYWORD: MAYBE!!!

Oh...and I almost forgot to mention. Today is the day that Memory Lane changes ownership. It was supposed to be done on Monday but it was postponed to today. This LSS has been a favorite of mine since it opened 5 yrs ago. When Liz told me that she was selling the store, I thought long and hard at buying it...the timing just wasn't right. I was saddened to think that the store could possibly close. It used to be such a GREAT scrapbook store and it's suffered a little bit for a while now. I know that the store was Liz's 'baby' and even though she's ready to move on to other things, it'll be hard for her to let go. Here's wish Liz the best in whatever she may do and wishing Mara, the new store owner, the best in everything she does for Memory Lane!! Sometimes change is good...lets hope this is one of those times. I'm excited to see the changes that Mara will bring! (and I've been asked if I'll teach again too...hmmmmmm)

With all of that...I should close. There's a load of laundry waiting for me in the dryer and a few more, on the floor, waiting to be washed. Only 30 minutes till its time for me to get Emily again...so I should get busy!

Thanks for reading! Be sure to leave a comment, if you will...

OK...here we go...

2007-01-28T14:18:00.000-05:00

The scraproom is finished, for the most part, and there's a TON of stuff for me to move outta here. As promised, here's a list of what I have to get rid of and I'm pricing it to sell...I want it all gone!!! If you're interested, just drop me an e-mail at DBaker80@cfl.rr.com and put the item name in the subject line. I will accept Paypal payments and will only charge actual shipping costs. I hope to get everything shipped this week. (as soon as payment is made)

Thanks for looking...and be sure to point your friends in this direction too.

Everything is "gently used" unless otherwise noted. And everything that was listed before and hasn't sold yet, has been discounted even more.

SMALL WATCHMAKER'S TIN w/10 smaller containers inside $3

MAKING MEMORIES MAGNETIC STAMP TOOL, date stamp set and two alphas (stored in metal tins) ALL for $12

QUICKUTZ ALPHABETS!!!! (upper and lower sets sold seperately...all have ejection foam on them and are in the blue binder sheets)

KATIE CLASSIC uppercase $60
KATIE CLASSIC lowercase $60
buy both for $100

SONJA (retired) uppercase $60
SONJA (retired) lowercase $60
buy both for $100

KHAKI CLASSIC LOWERCASE
KHAKI CLASSIC LOWERCASE SHADOWS
sold together for $70

STUDIO CLASSIC COMPLETE alphabet set(upper, lower, numbers and punctuation) $110(retails for $169)

ELIZA CLASSIC uppercase $60
ELIZA CLASSIC lowercase $60
buy both for $100

MARISA CLASSIC uppercase $60
MARISA CLASSIC lowercase $60
buy both for $100

EK Success 6x6 Textured Cloth Covered (sage green) postbound scrapbook w/10 page protectors AND an extra pack of (10) 6x6 page protectors (this has a NOW AND FOREVER rubon on the front) $8

(3) Rollabind Crafter's Cover Kit and extra Sheet Protector page inserts (heavy duty pre-punched chipboard cover and binding discs, with a pack of 10 page inserts/protectors)
$8 EACH SET (one cover and one pack of page inserts sold as a set)

Provocraft Rolling alphabet stamp...Circa 18 pts. $7

American Traditional Designs Accordian Book
(2) Black
(2) Tan
$2.50 each or $8 for all 4 together

POCKET TAG BOOK KIT this kit has the book board cover and the tags all ready to be decorated (assembly instructions included). Does not include the paper and fibers as shown on the website. $5

Kraft colored matchbook style album...has 12 tan colored cardstock pages inside. Measures approximately 5x7 $3

5x7 spiral bound "photo journal" by All Night Media $3

Set of 12 Watercolor Pencils by General (gently used and in decent condition) $5

Junkitz License Plates (12 mini license plates w/ "love" type words on them) $3

SOLD!!!
DIE CUTS WITH A VIEW MAT STACKS!!!
3.875 square stack... $2
4.5 x 6.5 Spring Cardstock mat stack $3
5x7 Mat Stack $3
4.5 x 6.5 Fall Mat Stack (solid) $3
4.5 x 6.5 Fall Mat Stack prints $4
4.5 x 6.5 Classic Prints and Cardstock Stack $4
6 x 6 printed paper stack $4
4.5x6.5 Retro Prints mat Stack $4

Classic Glimmer Chalk set (9 colors) $3
9 pack of Decorating Chalks (pale yellow, light mauve, wedgewood and more) $3
9 pack of Decorating Chalks (Coral, Rose, Eggplant, Plum and more...one square broken $2

JUNKITZ Swatchz (3 pcs of 6 x 12 fabric, 1 each, light yellow, blue striped and yellow/blue striped) $2

Robin's Nest 12 in. mesh (2 packs...1 silver and 1 gold) sold together $1

Scrapyard 329 Wire Mesh 12 in. sheets (one silver and one gold) $2

Making great progress!!

2007-01-23T01:17:00.000-05:00

The scraproom is coming together nicely. I've been working on it feverishly...working toward the goal of having it complete by this weekend. I've got a ton of stuff to let go of...I need to get a bunch put up here...and will try and do that either tomorrow or the next day. If you want to see some of the progress...here's a picture that I took tonight.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/DBaker817/IMG_3887.jpg

My organizer friend is coming over again tomorrow. Even though its so terribly late tonight, Rachel will push me to get lots more done tomorrow!!!

I just finished the 8th of 9 discs of an audio book that I've been listening to. Usually, with just one disc left, I'd stay up and listen. But it's almost 1:30 am and I am going to hate myself in the morning!!!

Keep watching tomorrow and the next day...I'll have idea books, magazines, unmounted alphabet stamps, alphabet stickers and MORE! I might even lower the price of the QK too...just to make it go away. Its such a freeing feeling to get this stuff outta here!

Until tomorrow...or the next day...

GOODNIGHT

Cleaning out the scraproom!!!

2007-01-16T14:45:00.000-05:00

I'm over the clutter...can't stand the mess anymore. So, I'm cleaning out the scraproom. I've taken the corner desk out and have put up a 4 ft folding table in the corner and have moved the wire shelves over the folding table. The table will act as my computer table. I'll take pics as soon as Alex gets all of the wires and cables all hooked up again.

I've cleaned out the cabinets over the built in desk...part of them anyway. That's where I housed all the alterable goodies. Well, I gotta tell ya...there is more alterable up there than any THREE people should have. I've sorted everything and put them into baskets and those baskets are up on one of the shelves over the computer desk.

Oh...and while I'm cleaning out the scraproom...I'm going to list things here that I'd like to get rid of. All of it is "gently used" (if ever used at all) If you're interested in anything listed here, just drop me an e-mail and I'll get back with you. Shipping will only cost you what it costs to send it...actual shipping charges.

Be sure to share this with your friends...I'll be adding stuff regularly and will do my best to mark them as they're sold. Oh, and I prefer to be paid through PAYPAL.

First round...(links provided for some items)

PENDING: Z BECKY BROWN PURSE (white handled) never used...$45

SOLD LOT OF ALTERABLE GOODIES (pill tin, rectangle tin *similar to an altoid tin, round metal CD tin, metal pencil tin, spiral bound journal, small hinged box, small magnetic closure *purse*, small children's board book, wooden door hanger) $7

SMALL WATCHMAKER'S TIN w/10 smaller containers inside $5

SOLD PROVOCRAFT METAL TIN $4

SOLD PROVOCRAFT METAL LUNCHBOX $4

MAKING MEMORIES MAGNETIC STAMP TOOL $8

SOLD MAKING MEMORIES MAGNETIC ALPHABET STAMPS (Providence) $8

SOLD...MAKING MEMORIES MAGNETIC ALPHA STAMPS (Express It) $8

MAKING MEMORIES MAGNETIC ALPHABET STAMPS (ornaments) $8

SOLD...MAKING MEMORIES MAGNETIC ALPHA STAMPS (Rummage) $8

MAKING MEMORIES MAGNETIC DATE STAMPS (stamps stored in tin) $5

Two other magnetic stamp alphabets...stored in metal tins. (very small alphas) Both alphas, in the tins, sold together for $6 (sorry no picture of these)

PENDING: CROPPER HOPPER EMBELLISHMENT BOX (with more than 75 empty mini square boxes inside, holds 90 boxes total) Great for storing ribbon click here to see an example. $20

SOLD 2 DIFFERENT SANDWICH SIZE BAGGIES OF FLOWERS...MOSTLY PRIMAS! (hundreds of flowers in all shapes, sizes and colors in each bag) $10 EACH

QUICKUTZ ALPHABETS!!!! (upper and lower sets sold seperately...all have ejection foam on them and are in the blue binder sheets)

KATIE CLASSIC uppercase $70
KATIE CLASSIC lowercase $70
buy both for $120

SONJA (retired) uppercase $70
SONJA (retired) lowercase $70
buy both for $120

KHAKI CLASSIC LOWERCASE
KHAKI CLASSIC LOWERCASE SHADOWS
sold together for $80

STUDIO CLASSIC COMPLETE alphabet set
(upper, lower, numbers and punctuation) $110
(retails for $169)

ELIZA CLASSIC uppercase $70
ELIZA CLASSIC lowercase $70
buy both for $120

MARISA CLASSIC uppercase $70
MARISA CLASSIC lowercase $70
buy both for $120

Check back often...I'll add more as I find it. There'll be PLENTY!!!!!!

e-mail me at dbaker80@cfl.rr.com if you're interested in any of the items above. Please put the name of the item in the subject line. I'll get back to you as soon as I can to get paypal address to you and to get the shipping address from you.

thanks!!!

They're at it again!!

2007-01-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

Scrapforums is doing it again!!!! They're starting another FUNK IT UP contest!! You can get all the info here...

FUNK IT UP!!!

Man rules?????

2007-01-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

OK...my friend that works for the power company came by this morning to check the plug that I zapped yesterday...come to find out...DH didn't reset all the breakers in the box and that's all it was...a tripped breaker. My friend said that I didn't need him because Alex fixed it himself. And then Alex told me that he couldn't tell me how he fixed it because of the "MAN RULES". In other words...he felt silly and he'd have to give up a MAN CARD if I knew that he hadn't checked everything. I guess I just need to remember that I am NOT married to an electrician...or a plumber. Oh well...it's fixed now. And my shower light, bathroom outlet and all the plugs in my bedroom are all working nicely once again. LOL

The retirement party was very nice last night. I went with my friend, Nancy, who teaches at Em's school. No matter what, I always have a great time when I'm with Nancy cuz she's a hoot and has the best sense of humor EVER...and can crack you up in a heartbeat. But, besided the good company, the party itself wasn't so bad. I got more than 100 pictures for the principal to have as a reminder of this great time. Josh's first grade teacher was there...she teaches at a different school now and she came to celebrate with us. It was so fun to see her and catch up on things. She can't believe that Josh is now in TENTH grade. LOL

I got home by 11...but sat up on the computer chatting with my good friend Michele, and a few of the gals from The Shaker Box. They had me cracking up so badly that I was crying! We were trying out a new chat feature at the Shaker but others were able to pop in and out...so as soon as a stranger would come in, we'd chase them outta there. It was HILARIOUS!! I was afraid I was going to wake Alex and the kids from laughing.

Today, I slept till 10. Gotta love that! I've ran a load of dishes in the d/w, working on the second load of clothes and am getting ready to run Emily to a birthday party. She's all decked out and is so excited to go to this party. Little girls are so funny like that! After that party, we have to go to dinner with my bil, sil and nephew...it's our nephew's birthday celebration tonight too. It'll be fun.

Not too much more to write about today...other than the fact that you should check this out. Another fine class by Shimelle. I'll be doing this one next weekend!!!

Till next time.... :)

Saturday...

2007-01-13T10:47:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh...the weekend.

It's so quiet right now...Josh went to help a friend of ours clean out his garage. (for $$) Emily's still sleeping after being up till after midnight last night. And Alex just went back to sleep...after having poker night here till 2am. I'm now sitting in the scraproom, drinking a peanut butter/banana (with a touch of choc) smoothie...enjoying this peacefulness. Even the dogs are quiet right now. Sunny's curled up in the bed with Alex and Koda's looking out the dining room window watching for squirrels and cats. As soon as she sees one, things won't be so quiet anymore. LOL

So, I was in the bedroom this morning, being lazy...and decided to plug in the laptop and check my favorite scrapbook boards. (My usual morning routine) I went to plug in the power cord and the outlet sparked, zapped and popped...only to knock out the power to everything on that plug and the other plug on the same wall. Scared the bejeebers outta me. Luckily there doesn't seem to be any type of damage to the laptop, thank goodness! Just talked to a friend of mine that works for the power company. He's going to come over tomorrow to fix the two outlets. He says there's nothing to worry about them...just not to use them till they're fixed. Okie dokie, no problem. Electrical stuff scares the crap outta me!

Alex had his poker buddies over here last night and it was a success. Well, for some, it was an even bigger success. Alex didn't win a thing...Josh played a couple of games and actually won one. So, he gets to pay me back the $$ that I lent him to play the first one he sat in.

The kids and I had gone out for a few hours at the beginning of the evening. We had dinner at Sweet Tomatoes with Mom, Taylor and Tawny. We met there at 6:30 and they were PACKED. This made it tough to make the 7:30 showing of Charlotte's Web. By the time we got out of the restaurant and to the movie theater, it was 7:40. I was going to buy the tickets at the ATM type ticket thing to save some time but they were both turned off. WTH...it's FRIDAY NIGHT! I go upstairs to the ticket booth and the lines are FOREVER long! I called my mom's cell and told her I didn't think it'd be a good idea. By the time we'd get into the movie, we'd have missed a good portion of the beginning of the movie. No thanks.

I wasn't sure what we'd do then...it was just before 8 and there was really no way that I should take the kids home this early. We went to AC Moore, to the kids dismay...they can't stand going to any type of craft store with me. Although, at AC Moore, Emily found a cute little wooden box that she wants to decorate and Josh got found a canvas and a couple of thing to make for his girlfriend. I picked up some new stipple brushes, blending stubs and the latest Take Ten idea book. By now, it was about 8:45...still a little too early to head home. So we head over to Barnes and Noble. Josh wanted to look for a new James Patterson book and I figured Emily would have fun looking for the latest Junie B. Jones book.

We get to Barnes and Noble and there's a HUGE celebration going on. There's a big book signing going on...Janet Evanovich is there signing her latest novel, Plum Lovin'. Everyone was decked in purple t-shirts, purple balloons were flying everywhere...music was playing loudly and things were rocking! There were literally HUNDREDS of people there waiting to have their books signed. LITERALLY HUNDREDS!!!! There were people there that had been there for HOURS, waiting for their number to be called. Everyone was given a wrist band with a number on it and they called 50 numbers at a time. We talked to one woman that had been there since 6pm...just waiting. Another couple was there, with two little ones...the husband said something the wife and I saw the wife say "I didn't realize it'd be this crazy". I didn't get a wrist band to have the chance to meet the author, but Josh found a couple of books that he wants to read, I picked up a couple of magazines to look at while Emily searched the kid's section. We all enjoyed the music...especially when they played SWEET CAROLINE...we love that song...thanks Kyle! **grin**

By now, it's getting closer to 10...and I've decided to go ahead and start heading home. While heading down Conway Rd., Josh and I notice that the people in the car next to us are gawking at us. A man and a little girl, maybe around 10 or 11. And they were really gawking. Like maybe they know us or something. They wave, we wave back...LOL. So, at the next stoplight, they roll down the window and start chatting with us. Here, we learn that there are two little boys in the back seat. One of them says "who are you???". By this time, Josh is cracking up...getting the biggest kick out of what he thinks is someone hitting on his mom. HEAVEN FORBID! So, I started feeding into that...told him that the guy was probably looking for a mom for his kids...but that's ok...sorry, dude...I've got enough kids of my own. Josh couldn't WAIT to get home and tell Alex (and all of his friends) about the guy that was flirting with Mom on the way home. I kindly reminded Josh that even though I'm FORTY, I'm not old...and that there really are some people that might still find me attactive. BRAT!!

Well, Em's awake, finally! I'm sure she'll be wanting something to eat soon. I need to work on some finance stuff today. Get things in line for the new year...a couple weeks late...but better late than never, right???

Till next time!!

More than a month already???

2007-01-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

I am the world's WORST blogger...I'll just say that now and get it over with.

Let's see...I'll try and remember everything that's happened in the past month and five days. And then give a general summary of all of it here. WARNING: This may get long.

First off...So far NOTHING is showing up in the tests that the dr's are running for the anemia/low hemoglobin. I do NOT have Celiac Disease and the biopsies that were sent off from my Gatroscopy have all come back "normal" but "consistent with reflux". I don't have the symptoms of reflux, but apparently, as I get older it could happen. So, I have a standing order for bloodtests every 3-4 weeks to monitor my blood levels. I also had to have a pelvic ultrasound to see if there is anything going on there that could cause my periods to be too heavy. (TMI? sorry) I had that done today and won't know the results for a little while.

On a good note though...my hemoglobin levels have started to rise with the taking of the full strength iron supplements. I've gone from 8.2 to 9.6 and the latest was a 10.4. Woo hoo...I'm almost NORMAL! (if there's any such thing) I'll have my next blood test done in about a week or so.

Oh, and...I'm feeling much better too! I can actually make it pretty much the entire week without needing to take that 3 hour nap that was happening quite regularly. Now...to start using that extra time a little more wisely.

Along with the ultrasound today, I also had my annual Mammogram. OH MY GAWSH!!! The girls are just NOT supposed to be smooshed that way. I'm still sore! Glad THAT'S over with too! I think that was enough poking, prodding and smashing to last me a good while now.

Our Christmas was very good. I had been rather emotional a few days before Christmas. Worrying about the amount of money that was spent...worrying about the kids being ungrateful...all sorts of things. Christmas morning came and both kids were thrilled with everything and just being with Alex and the kids for the entire day, staying in my jammies all day and enjoying being together...took all of those worries away. It ended up being such a great day! Santa brought Alex an electronic dartboard that went out on the pool deck/backporch. I can't even begin to tell you how many games of darts we've played since Christmas Day. (it's slowed down a bit now that everyone's back to work and school)

We had the big Christmas dinner/family get together on the day after Christmas. We did it a bit more casually this year than usual. Instead of a big sit down type dinner, I had everything set out "buffet style" and everyone ate as they wanted. Grabbing from the buffet as they felt the urge. It was much more relaxing this way...and nobody went away hungry. That's for darn sure!

Kyle got here on the 27th. And as always, it was so much fun having him around. Let me tell ya...my son Kyle has an amazing sense of humor. He's so witty and always has something funny to say. He and Alex go round and round about the Cardinals and the Cubs. For Kyle's sake, I sure hope the Cubs can do something next season.

We had a very low key get together for New Year's Eve. I had told quite a few people that our house would be open for the night but only a couple of folks came by and it was rather nice actually. Josh's girlfriend and her family came over. Neighbors from down the road came by too. We played more darts...some folks played Texas Hold 'Em...we toasted at midnight and called it a night shortly there after. We couldn't stay up too late because Kyle and I were headed to Jacksonville the following day with Mr. Bruno and Philip to see the Ga. Tech Yellow Jackets and the W. Va. Mountaineers play in the Gator Bowl.

Tech played a great game but lost 38-35. Those Mountaineers are some rough folk, I tell ya! Well, some of them were. We had quite a few roudy (and drunk) ones in front of us...one girl was quite trashed. She spent the entire second half of the game passed out with her head on the seat in front of her and a popcorn tub between her legs for the "just in case". Kyle and Philip were razzed pretty badly by a few rude Mountaineers, but Mr. Bruno and I actually had fun with a few of the not so rude ones. Kyle was very happy to have been able to go to the game...and that's what mattered most. (for a while there, I wasn't sure if we'd just be watching the game on the big screen)

School started back without a hitch...Kyle got back to Atlanta safely and is happy to be back to school. He really missed playing Ultimate every night. Even though Philip tried to get a group of guys together to play, it just never came to be.

Alex got back to work and has been working his tail end off...he's got the guys coming over here tomorrow night for Poker Night. It'll be a nice diversion from the stressful week he's had. Keep your fingers crossed that he actually WINS this time. They play almost once a month and I don't think he does very well. (I don't think he ever really tells me exactly how much he's lost though)

I have been scrapping a little bit over the last couple of days. I've done a single page and a double page spread. I still need to scan the two pager and put it in the gallery. I actually used a sketch for the Blue Prints call...I'm still trying to decide if I want to submit it. It's actually pretty simple. Not really sure if it's magazine worthy. But, who knows...I could be surprised. So, we'll see. I'm hoping to get some time to scrap this weekend. Key word being HOPING...

Oh, and my time in the Superbowl of Scrapbooking at Memory Creators came to an end this month too. The last round was a member voting round and I didn't make the cut. That was ok though...I had fun while it lasted. That had been my first contest like that and I gave it my all and created layouts that I really like too. So...wasn't too bad at all.

And on that note...I think I'll close once again. I've been ready to go to bed since 7:30...I've made it till 9. I think its late enough for me to call it a night. Tomorrow I'll be getting the house ready for poker night, making lasagna for the guys, and I also need to do some volunteer time at Em's school. It's going to be a big girl day for me tomorrow.

G'Night, my friends!!

And today...is the 6th??

2006-12-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

Already??? Damn...nothing like falling behind before the end of the first week!!!

Let's see...

I've done the pages in my Christmas Journal up to the 2nd and haven't even had time to read the prompts for the 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th.

Sunday, the 3rd, I was blessed with having to clean my system in prep for my colonoscopy and gastroscopy scheduled for Monday morning. Needless to say, my mind was nowhere near scrapping, journaling or anything along those lines.

Monday, the 4th, I had my tests and the colonoscopy showed as "normal" and they sent a few samples from my gastroscopy off for biopsies and ordered MORE bloodwork. Looks like they're trying to rule out Celiac Disease right now. (they've not said that out loud, but that's what the tests are for that they've ordered...what would we do without the internet???) I slept the rest of Monday...again, no thinking about scrapping that day either.

Yesterday was the PTA luncheon that took up the morning and part of the afternoon. I really didn't want to miss that and glad that I didn't. But, while going to the Hallmark store to find a cute ornament for the ornament exchange at the luncheon...I hit a curb while parking and somewhere after that, I lost a hubcap on one of my rear tires. Oh boy, oh boy!!! The dealer has one in stock and it'll cost me $80 to replace it. Merry Christmas to me! And of course, Alex is thrilled by this...and doesn't want to be seen near my car without the hubcap. Whatever!

Today, I spent more than an hour and a half at the lab to get the rest of my blood work done. They took FOUR vials of blood this morning. Don't these people understand that I don't have much to spare right now??? I left there feeling just a little on the dizzy side and since I was fasting, I stopped right at Panera and grabbed an OJ and a bagel. I stopped in at the Dollar Tree to pick up some stuff for Em's Christmas party next week. And then had to go to her classroom to help with crafts and have lunch with her. (she ate, I didn't...since I'd just had that bagel)

I ran to Walmart to pick up the order of pics that I uploaded for my Christmas cards...I uploaded them last night and the order was to be done by 11am this morning. I'm greeted with a sign that says "ONE HOUR PROCESS MACHINE IS DOWN"...no problem? Right??? Mine were done BEFORE the machine went down...or so they should have been. WRONG!!! Nothing...no pictures done and no phone call telling me that they weren't done. I wasn't too happy about this at all and told them not to bother...I'd upload them to Costco or Walgreens instead. The mgr. apologized and said they'd be the first ones printed when the machine came up and the order would be free. They just called and said they're ready to be picked up.

Finally got a call back from the dr's office today too...I have an appt on Friday morning at 10:15 for a consult with the hemotologist. We'll discuss the options of a blood transfusion to get my levels back up to normal and then try to maintain them from there. In hopes of giving me back a bit of energy and helping me make it through this time of year. I don't know if a transfusion is the way that I want to go...but, I can't continue to feel the way that I do either. Not right now.

Gotta pick Emily up from her friend's house here in a little while and take her to dance. Tonight is fundraiser night at Cici's pizza for her school. I might just take her there after dance and call it a night. I'm so tired...and the pile of laundry is beginning to look like another Christmas tree.

Tomorrow is supposed to be my volunteer time at school and I missed last week...I just don't want to miss tomorrow. Its my last day in that class before the party day next week. I really would love to see them tomorrow. We'll see how I feel, I guess.

Friday night is the crop with my favorite BI*CHES...my Ya'Ya's!!! Gosh how I need a little Ya Ya time right now! Hopefully I'll feel up to going by then...I'm tired already!

Sunday is Emily's 7th birthday. I still need to order a cake, get her roller blades as her b-day gift and make the goody bags too.

God, please give me the strength to make it through all of this!!! PLEASE!

Photo a day...

2006-12-01T21:12:00.000-05:00

Besides the Journal your Christmas class, I'm also doing the Photo a Day in December challenge at Scrapforums. The goal is to take a picture each day and journal a little bit about that photo. I won't have any sort of a theme to my pictures...it'll just be whatever strikes my fancy. Today, getting into the spirit of the holidays, I decided to snap a picture of one of the wreaths that I made.

Last weekend, we put up the Christmas trees on the inside and Alex and Josh decorated the outside of the house with many many many lights. It might just be a record this year actually.

I wanted to put wreaths on each of the front windows and set out to find 6 of the same wreaths that I'd hang outside. I couldn't really find anything that I liked so I decided to buy a few of the pics that Joann's had on sale and some of their plain holiday wreaths too. On Saturday, I sat at the kitchen counter, with my hot glue gun and put together six of these. I'd never done anything like this before so I was pleasantly surprised at how they turned out. Alex even thought they turned out great and was perfectly fine with me hanging them on the windows for all to see.

The hours are winding down on our first day of December. Bring on December 2nd...a new holiday journal prompt and another photo for the day.

My journal cover...

2006-12-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

Here it is...my Christmas Journal cover. Everything here is from my stash. I covered chip board with Basic Grey Blitzen paper and added alpha stickers, ribbons and the doodly rub ons. The "believe" epoxy sticker is also from the stash. I *think it's from Creative Imaginations.
The cover measures just a tad smaller than a 4x6 photo. The inside pages are coin envelopes that measure just a little bit smaller than the cover. I've cut off the flaps to each of the envelopes and will tuck some of my journaling into these little envelopes. Leaving the envelopes themselves to be decorated as I go.

Here's a picture of the inside cover and one of the envelopes. My 7 yr. old informed me that the "yellow" pages didn't go very well with this, but I assured her that there would be very little of the yellow showing when we were finished with this one. Each little "page" will be covered and decorated some how.

Oh, and...I took these pictures with the book sitting on the branches of one of our Christmas trees. I think this may go on the tree next year. Free to be pulled off and looked at, at any given time.

I'm so excited about this class. I've never done anything like it. I love to journal, but have never created an "art journal" per se.

I'm off now to work on that dedication page. That will go on that "yellow" side...I'll share it when its done.

Tomorrow is Dec. 1st.

2006-11-30T16:39:00.000-05:00

Manifesto: Noun. A declaration of one's intentions.

Starting December first, I will keep a Christmas journal. In it, I will write something every day to reflect on the holidays of my past, enjoy the holidays of the present and dream about the holidays of my future. To some, this will be a stack of papers and trivial scribbles, but not to me. I am taking back my Christmas, I am letting it be something I relish and, most importantly, I am giving at least fifteen minutes every day to myself no matter how crazy this season becomes.

I hope you will share, encourage and understand as I make something with my own hands, my own words and my own memories.I may post some or all of my entries here. Other artists are doing this with me, and you can see their work HERE. Or you may join us too by going HERE.

Above all: enjoy the season. I will.

I've decided to do my journal in an envelope type book. Using coin envelopes as the pages...with journaling to be tucked inside each envelope. My good friend Nancy Grant made an album like this once, for her boys...and I loved it. Then I saw a 12 Days of Christmas book (like this) in the latest issue of Paper Trends magazine and felt totally inspired to use a similar idea for my book. I'll be using the Basic Grey Blitzen collection from my stash for embellishing my journal. I'm trying desperately to cut back on my scrap spending so I decided to use what I have instead of buying new. (as hard as that was to decide on)

So...wish me luck! (and good luck to everyone else in the class too!!!) And check back here throughout the month to see some of the pages I've done in my new holiday journal.

Still around...

2006-11-29T08:47:00.000-05:00

I've been dealing with a few medical issues the past week or so...I'm hoping nothing major, but they're doing tests to figure out why I'm extremely anemic and my hemoglobin levels are so low. I go in on Monday, the 4th for a Colonoscopy and an Upper GI to see what they can find. Waiting for an appointment with a hemotologist now to see if they want to boost my levels with a transfusion and then maintain from there. I'm not 100% thrilled with the idea of a transfusion but I've been feeling so sluggish lately, no energy, sleeping way too much and I have a lingering headache that won't go away. My mom and I are the same blood type and she's willing to give me her blood so that we don't have the higher risks of going through a blood bank. So....I just don't know at this point.

On a good note though...December 1st starts a couple of fun things for me. (and you, if you'd like to join in) Nancy's starting a "Photo a Day" challenge at Scrapforums. The goal is to take a picture each day and journal about that photo just a bit too. Some folks will be putting these pictures into an album of some sort. I just plan to do them here, on my blog. Wish me luck!

Another thing that I've decided to do is a Christmas Journal. My buddy Nicole told me about a class that she's taking for this and I couldn't resist signing up too. I love Christmas but always stress over everything being just right. I want to use my Christmas Journal to keep me grounded and to help me appreciate all that goes on around me during this joyful time of year. You can join this class too...it's not too late. You can read all about this class here...Journal your Christmas.

Oh, oh, oh...almost forgot too...I decided to give a scrapbook contest a shot. Another first for me actually...I've never done anything like this before. But, Memory Creators is having their annual Super Bowl of Scrapbooking contest. Everyone interested in "trying out" submitted their layouts and then they chose 40 entrants to move on to the "draft". I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the 40 to move on. Now, these 40 people have two layouts to do and submit to be voted on to move on to the next round. These entries have to be in by the 7th. I've got one layout finished and I'm very happy with it. (can't share it till after the 7th, but watch here soon) Wish me luck in moving on to the next round. This will be fun!

OK...I'm off. Need to get a few things done while I have the energy to do them. I hate being this lazy. It's soooooo not me!!

I got outta bed for this???

2006-11-18T21:33:00.000-05:00

Today was supposed to be our last Regatta till the Spring Season kicks into gear in February. We had to be at the school a 4:30am...meaning we had to get outta bed at 3:30. That's CRAZY!! Not to mention the fact that the tempuratures here are about 11* less than "normal". So it was COLD! (for us anyway)

We got to the Sanford Riverfront...it was still VERY dark and VERY cold. The grass was wet with dew and even though I had two pairs of socks on, my little feet donned in my sporty Keds tennies, were freezing in no time. We couldn't just sit down and wrap up in our blankies either. Soon the sun was coming up and it was time for the parents to help put together our big canopy to give us all someplace to sit. That done, we finally get to wrap up in blankets and start thawing out.

I think I forgot to mention that it was really windy too. This made the water on the river VERY choppy! Our Varsity girls had to be on the water before 7am and the Novice girls (this being their very first race) shortly after. That's when the excitement began.

The first group of boats come in and the water was so choppy that as the girls rowed, the water sloshed up and into the boat. By the time they were at the finish line, some of the boats had taken on so much water that they were actually sinking. One of the boats (not ours) was underwater that the girls were under water to their chests. And that water was cold! Our girls took on enough water to be a little in the water...but not "sink". Didn't really matter though because when they lifted the boats out of the water and overhead to carry back to the boat trailer, the water they had taken in just poured right out over their heads.

Not a fun morning on the water...that's for sure!

Then a 4 girl boat came in with just two rowers in it. They were taking in so much water that two of the girls were pulled from the boat to "lighten the load" a bit. Then they called for a few of the guys to head down to the starting area because two boats had capsized and were on their sides. (rowers in the water, treading water till they were pulled out) They originally thought they'd have the boys go in the water to help get the boat back upright but someone thought that wasn't such a good idea. DUH!!!! Sheesh! (and yes, Josh was one that was ready to go in the water, no questions asked...goofball!) They ended up towing one of the boats, on its side, to the finishing dock. What a freakin' mess!!!

It wasn't too long after that they announced that the rest of the races were delayed...postponed till further notice. Our hospitality group kicked things into gear and cooked lunch for the team and the parents. We had hamburgers and hotdogs at 10:30 this morning. By noon, they called for a coach's meeting. Our head coach came back and said that they were officially going to go ahead and restart the regatta but that we were just going to pack up and head home. He didn't want to deal with what our girls dealt with that morning.

Soooooooo...we packed up and were home by 1:30 this afternoon. Alex and I both napped for a good 2 or 3 hours because that 3:30 wake up call kicked our butts! (I'm too old for that, LOL) It's been a quiet evening at home and everyone's in bed now. I'm headed that way now. Even after my nap, I'm ready to sleep tonight!

I've got a few things to do around the house tomorrow and then on Monday, I've gotta go back to the dr for more bloodwork. I had my physical on Friday and the nurse called back that afternoon to tell me that they've discovered that I'm anemic. They want to do a full Iron Workup on Monday to find out why...blah blah blah. Maybe this explains my laziness and need for the more than my average naptimes?? I guess we'll see.

Goodnight all...till next time!

I've been SCRAPPING!!!!

2006-11-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

I've actually scrapped this week...surprise surprise!! It's really about the only thing I've gotten done lately, it seems. I feel sooooooooooooooooooo stinking lazy!! Maybe I've been just too darn busy and I need a little downtime?? Who knows!!

I've done a few digital layouts...like this one...A few pictures from our trip to the condo last month. Emily had a GREAT time, as you can see. Everything on this digi layout came from Kimberly Giarrusso's Jamba Jive kit. Love the colors in this kit. So "summery"...and we know how many summery pictures I have. (www.purescrapability.com)

I also did this layout of Em and her kindergarten teacher. These were taken LAST YEAR...can't believe my baby's in First Grade now. She's growing up so quickly! Mrs. Phillips is a wonderful person, a terrific teacher and we've

continued our friendship with her since leaving her class. I volunteer in her classroom every week.

That layout was done using Jessica Bolton's Delight in Photographs digital kit. Jessica's one of my absolute favorite digi designers and I think this is my favorite kit of hers. (www.eclecticscraps.com)

There were a couple of other digital layouts that I've done this week, but I won't bore you with all of them. If you really want to see them, they're in my gallery at both Scrapforums and The Shaker Box.

And here's my latest paper layout. Did this one

last night. Look at how long my girl's hair was. WOW! Now its so much shorter...and so sassy!LOL!!

Thanks for checking us out! Time for me to get up and get something done around here. I'm going to the Memories Expo tomorrow and I can't leave this house looking the way it does right now. I'd be horrified if anyone were to drop in right now. Its probably not as bad as I make it out to be, but to me, it's a wreck!!

I'll update after the weekend. Have a good one!

Busy busy busy!!!

2006-11-08T22:18:00.000-05:00

Wow...time has gotten away again. Where have I been? Let's see...the last time I posted was a quickie on the 28th. Here's a bit of an update. Warning, this may get long. So grab a beverage and read on...if you're up to it. (not that too many folks read my random crap anyway, LOL)

10/29-Head of the Gator, Gainesville. Our first Regatta of the season. Josh's first regatta in the Varsity boats. Josh's first "Head Race". A head race is when they stagger the start times of the boats and they basically race against the clock. Josh has worked so hard this season to earn a spot in the Varsity 4 and the Varsity 8 boats. He's in the 4 with two seniors and a jr. He's only a sophomore...but has really become quite the rower. The Varsity 4 takes FIRST place and the Varsity 8 took 3rd. Definitely a fun and exciting day on the water! Even if we had to leave at 4:15am to get to Gainesville. It was well worth it! (I tried to insert a picture here, but blogger isn't cooperating)

10/31-Halloween. Emily had counted the days till Halloween. She'd decided to be a Witch this year and had her costume weeks before. She was dressed and ready to go almost immediately after we got home. Complete with the green face, black lips and we can't forget the whacked out hair too. (lots of gooey silver and green gel, thanks to our hairdresser, Song) And man, she sure played the part too...she's such a ham. We all joined our next door neighbors for the annual party in the driveway. Complete with homemade chili (and all the fixings), a few beers and of course, the great company too. Josh got home from Crew practice and took Emily trick or treating. Even though she'd already been to a few houses with our neighbor's great grandson. The trick or treating was non-eventful for us, thank goodness. But you always hear such horrible stories the day after. And we had the Sheriff's helicopter flying over our street right at about bedtime. That always freaks me out! I couldn't sleep till the helicopter was gone. I somehow convince myself at that point that all is safe once again.

11/1...Same ole schedule...same ole routine. Nothing exciting, or so we thought, right? I'm at Em's dance class waiting for her to finish and Josh to get there. He'd gotten a ride from practice with Teri and her mom. The three of them come into the dance studio and ask me to come outside...they have something to tell me and I'm not going to be happy about it. I go outside, having absolutely no idea what they're about to say to me. They quietly break the news that "BOB" (name changed to protect) is coming back to row and he's going to take Josh's spot in the 4 boat at the HUGS upcoming race in Tennessee. (this past weekend) You see, "BOB" was kicked off the team about a month ago. Maybe I should say that he was "suspended" and not "kicked off". All of this because "BOB" has a problem with his mouth and is terribly disrespectful...he's a Sr. and has been on the team for a couple of years now and apparently has been an issue for all the years that he's been on the team. Someone finally had enough and action was taken...and the big question was "when will he be back??". No straight answers were given until 2 days before the team is due to head off to TN for the Head of the Hooch...the 2nd largest Regatta in the US. Considering the fact that "BOB" hasn't trained with the team for a month, I had a hard time understanding why he'd be "rewarded" with this big race at the last minute. When the other boys had worked so hard and had been so focused on this big race. Long story short, Alex and I spent that night on the phone with the coaches and the president of the board, trying to determine why this was the right thing to do. Finally, at 11pm, it was announced that "Bob" would be invited to go to TN with the team to "cheer them on" but would not be allowed to row. He would rejoin the team on Monday and begin training for the next Regatta on the 18th of November. We're all fine with this...as long as he understands what is expected of him and we don't have the issues with his rudeness, moving forward. Yesterday "Bob" took a short cut on his run and he wasn't at practice today at all. Wonder if he learned anything yet??? I highly doubt it.

11/3-11/5...HEAD OF THE HOOCH...Chattanooga TN. Josh joined the team on the bus for the 10 hour drive to TN. I opted to fly into Atlanta and picked up Kyle to spend time with him too. This was his first regatta and he thought Crew was really cool. He had a really great time and I enjoyed being able to spend time with him too. It was really really cold up there...something like 29* on Saturday morning. Brrrrrrrrrrr...can't imagine being in that boat in basically just a unisuit. It was a looooooooooooooong day, but alot of fun! The 4 boat took 8th out of 39 teams and the 8 took 19th out of 36 teams. Not too shabby, IMO. Now the fun begins at practice to see who's in the 4 at our next race. I'm hoping that Josh can keep his focus and at least give "Bob" a run for his money. I would hate to see him just give up the spot in the boat to "BOB" without doing the proper seat races, etc. that will determine who's the best rower for that seat. Wish him luck!!!

Kyle and I stayed in Chattanooga Saturday night and then headed back to Atlanta on Sunday. We met up with his sweet girlfriend, Brooke, and went to IKEA. OH MY HECK!!! What a place! We have one coming to Orlando but I don't know when. I'd better start saving NOW!

I flew back home on Sunday evening and got home to a sick Emily. Fever, coughs, sneezing...the whole nine. She missed two days of school and just went back today. She's still coughing and has to keep the tissues close by, but her fever broke Monday night. She's on the mend. I kept her home from dance today because I didn't want her to get worked up and go into a coughing fit or anything. Another little bit of rest will do her good.

Now, we're back to another Thursday. Tomorrow morning, I'll be doing my weekly volunteer time at Em's school. Thursday is usually my busy day with all of that. Friday, I'll be cleaning and getting ready for the weekend. I'm going to the Memories Expo with my good friend, Nancy. I'm hoping to keep to the scrap budget but I've never been good about that in the past. Especially at the Expo. But lately, I've been so overwhelmed with everything piled up in the scraproom. I really want to remodel and reorganize everything in here. There really isn't anything that I "need" and I'm not really sure of anything that I actually "want" right now. I'll look around and see if there's anything that I just can't live without. Just hanging out with Nancy will be fun. She's always a hoot...I laugh till I cry when I'm with her. Gotta love a great friend like that!!

Oh...I did a few digital scrapbook pages last night and today. Got a few of my digital assignments out of the way! I tried to put one of them in this post but blogger still isn't cooperating. I did a total of 4 digi layouts and a digi card too. I've uploaded everything to my gallery at both Scrapforums and The Shaker Box. Pop over and check them out if you get a minute. I'm hoping to get the mess picked up enough in the scraproom to get a paper layout or two done by the end of this weekend. The picking up the scraproom seems to be the story of my life. Ugghhh!!!

OK...it's after 11pm now. A bit past my bedtime. I'll quit rambling now. If you read all of this...thanks! Now leave me some love in a comment.

Scrapbook fun...

2006-10-28T19:13:00.000-05:00

There's a fun little Online Crop this weekend at SCRAPFORUMS!!!

Check it out! (It goes till Halloween!)

GO CARDINALS!!!! Game 3 of the 2006 World Series!!!

2006-10-26T09:25:00.000-05:00

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

We're back! Home from St. Louis...and man, what a great time! A bit on the quick side, but sooooooooo much fun!

Alex and I headed out on Tuesday morning at around 6am. We ran into the most obnoxious scanner guy at the airport...telling us all that we did wrong, etc. We had a gallon size bag with our toiletries in them and we were to have had ONLY a quart size bag, etc. etc. I thought he was just taking his job seriously...Alex thought he was being a jerk. It didn't matter to me...we fixed it and set out on our way. We were going to the World Series!!

We flew from Orlando to Charlotte and then on to St. Louis. We picked up our car and headed right for the hotel. We'd hoped to have had time to visit Alex's mom grave but didn't get that time, unfortunately. Had we really thought this trip through, we would have (should have) left on Monday night and had Tuesday morning to do the running around that we'd wanted to do.

We met up with Alex's great friend, Jim, and his wife, Keela. They drove in from Nashville to go the game with us. They're great folks and we always have a great time with them. We met up in the hotel lobby and enjoyed a couple of cold ones together before heading to the train to take us downtown to the ball park. Jim was hilarious on the train...he likes to be in control and would have been far more comfortable driving all the way to the stadium himself. This gave us all something to laugh about on the ride downtown. Gotta love publice transportation, after all. Sometimes the ride on public transportation can be an adventure in itself.

We got to the stadium a few hours before game time and just took in the sites around the stadium and listened to the live music playing just outside. We'd gotten there early so that we could shop for the jacket and jersey that Alex wanted to get. We weren't able to get in the big store though, till after the gates opened and oh my gosh...the shop was PACKED!! You could barely get through the place and once you got what you wanted, the wait in line was a good half hour or more. We couldn't find the jacket in Alex's size so he settled for just the jersey...but as he came out of the shop, donning his new jersey, a cart of the jackets were being wheeled in. He went back in the swarm of people and found his jacket and stood in line AGAIN. This was totally unexpected because if you know my husband, you know that he is NOT a patient person...especially in stores, etc. He must have really wanted those things. LOL

The weather was on the chilly side up there. We were sure to wear layers because once the sun went down, it would be around 30*. Alex and I really don't have clothes for that type of weather. Jim and Keela took care of us though...they brought extra scarves and things to help keep us warm. I think it dropped to about 27* that night. We were on the 4th level. It really wasn't that bad with all the people around us. Alex and I went down to the concourse to grab a bite to eat and being out in the open with the wind blowing, we got REALLY COLD!!! And from that point, it took some time to warm up again.

But, the Cardinals WON!!!! 5-0!!!! Bringing the Series to 2 games to 1. Game 4 was rained out last night...thank goodness we were there when we were. To go all that way and not be able to see the game. That would have been horrible.

I slept all the way home...we stopped for lunch on the way home and then I slept from the time we got home (around 3) till 7:30 this morning. I was exhausted! (and I think a bit on the dehydrated side)

Today, I'm awake...I feel like I could probably go back to sleep again and I look like hell! My eyes are all puffy and I really need to rehydrate myself. I still need to get the dogs from the vet and catch up on a few things here at home. I need to rest up and get ready to leave at 4:15 Saturday morning for our first Regatta. We're headed to Gainesville for the Head of the Gator Race.

I need to stay home for a while...I don't like being this crazy busy. LOL

Pictures from our beach weekend!!!

2006-10-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

What a fantastic weekend!!!!!

2006-10-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

Thursday, the 19th, was our 10th Anniversary and Alex and I were lucky enough to spend some quiet time together at our Ponce Inlet condo on Friday. We were blessed with friends that were willing to keep the kids over night on Friday and then come out to the condo to join us on Saturday.

Emily's report card conference was scheduled for first thing on Friday. Our plans were to leave immediately after that but since the St. Louis Cardinals won the game the night before and locked their spot in the World Series, our departure was delayed due to getting travel plans made and tickets purchased for Game Three of the World Series in St. Louis. That's right...we're going to a World Series game TOMORROW!!! And we can't wait!

We finally got out of the house around11:30 Friday morning and headed over to Ponce Inlet. The weather was a bit on the "unseasonably warm" but it was sunny and a perfect beach type weather! Biketoberfest kicked off on Thursday so we saw quite a few motorcycles heading over there with us. After dropping everything off at the condo, we headed out to get a bite to eat at this fun little place just down the street from the condo called "CRABBY JOE'S". We had the YUMMIEST Grouper Sandwiches there. Mine was grilled and Alex had his fried. The fish was fresh and there was so much of it for just $7.50. The only thing that I didn't like was the fact that they only had Corona in a can...I can understand it being on a pier, right over the water. But I like my Corona in a bottle!!

We decided to just take a drive and check out the area a bit after lunch. I think we spent a good four hours just driving around, looking at motorcycles and just taking everything in. I thought seriously about getting a tattoo but stopped at a tattoo parlor and was freaked out by the woman and the guy that were running the place. I swear the guy was stoned out of his mind. I could barely understand a word that he said cuz he was mumbling. He'd start off a sentence and his voice would trail off into a mumble by the end of the sentence. And the place didn't seem too clean to me at all. I'd never been to a tattoo place before and this one could have very well scared me completely out of the idea.

I called my sister that lives about 30 minutes from there. She's a PRO when it comes to the tattoo crap...a pro compared to me anyway. She's got a few tattoos so she knew what to ask and what to look for. She talked Alex and I into joining her that night at a biker bar not too far from her house that had a tattoo vendor there doing tattoos. The folks at this booth were awesome! They're state certified, and answered every question that my sister had for them and they were busy!!!! The were booked till 11:30 that night...it was only 8 at that time. Had they been able to get me in sooner, I'd have probably gotten my first tattoo that night. Oh well...maybe I'll go to my neice's guy here locally. Just not sure when.

Alex and I got back to the condo around midnight Friday night and I was wiped out! I think I was asleep within 10 minutes after walking through the front door. Alex wanted to take a romantic walk on the beach but I just couldn't do it. This girl needs her sleep!! LOL

Saturday morning, Alex woke me early enough to sit on the balcony and watch the sunrise while we had coffee together. It was so pleasant and so relaxing...the sunrise was beautiful. We saw dolphins playing just off the coast too. Then I went back to sleep! LOL!!! I slept till around 10:30 and then got up to shower and get ready for our friends to get there with the kids. Once they all got there, we headed off to lunch at Inlet Harbor Restaurant. Another great meal with fresh fish, great entertainment by a live band and we ate outside, right by the Marina. The music was great but was a little loud and made it tough for us to chat over lunch. That was really the only complaint though.

Then it was back to the condo and down the beach for close to FIVE hours. The weather was PERFECT, the beach was so quiet...so secluded. Ponce Inlet is a private beach, just south of Daytona, north of New Smyrna. At Daytona and New Smyrna, you're allowed to drive on the beaches. Not on Ponce Inlet beaches though. The water was almost crystal clear, the surf was perfect and when the sun got to the other side of the building, we had our very own shade too. The kids enjoyed the water, digging in the sand, finding sand dollars, shells and even starfish on the beach. I flew a kite for a while and almost lost it when the spool slipped out of my hand and the kite fell into a dune area. EEKS.

Our friends ended up staying there with us and spent the night at the condo too. The kids stayed there while the adults went to dinner at the Bubba Gump Shrimp co. in Daytona. Alex and I love the Forrest Gump movie and were excited to eat there. Probably not the best idea during Biketoberfest, but it was still fun. Took us an hour to get back to the condo due to Biketoberfest traffic. Didn't bother me though...I was fascinated with all the bikes and the bustling atmosphere. I would have loved to have just gone down to the Daytona area and walked around for a while. Instead, we went back to the condo to watch the last few innings of game one of the World Series. Cardinals won that game 7-2 IN DETROIT!!!!!

By the time Sunday morning rolled around, we were all a bit on the tired side. Alex woke me up again for coffee while watching the sunrise. I didn't feel nearly as tired as I did the morning before but that didn't last for long. By the time we went to Walmart to get a few things needed for the condo and then to lunch, the kids were getting crabby and I was feeling beat. We headed back to the condo where Josh and I crashed for naps and Emily talked Alex into taking her back out to the beach. We headed back home around 4ish...unpacked the car, ordered Chinese food for dinner and watched "Over the Hedge". With all that fresh air, we were all in bed and sleeping soundly before 10 last night. Alex and I tried to watch the game last night on TV but couldn't keep our eyes open. The cardinals lost that game 3-1 but now they're headed to St. Louis for games 3, 4 and 5.

Alex and I will be meeting his best friend Jim, and Jim's wife, Keela, in St. Louis tomorrow. the four of us will be AT the new Busch Stadium watching Game Three of the World Series, tomorrow night. It'll be a quick trip, but a fun trip, I'm sure!! Hanging out with Jim and Keela at a World Series game...can't get much better than that!

Today, I'm trying to get laundry done, clothes packed, etc etc. So much to do in just a short time. And here I sit...blogging!!! Nah, actually, I've done quite a bit of stuff today already. I'm about to hop in the shower to get ready to get Miss Emily from school, get her packed and taken to a friend that's keeping the kids for us this time. We'd better get a good night's sleep tonight...it'll be PARTY TIME, big time tomorrow!!!!

GO CARDINALS!!!!!

Oh, and for those that know that I'm a Baltimore Orioles fan...you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll make Alex go to an O's game at Camden Yards too...if they'll get themselves to the World Series in our lifetime!!!

Spooktacular Cropping WEEK!!!!

2006-10-13T18:42:00.000-05:00

I know its been too long since my last update. I really do stink with this blogging stuff. LOL!!!

But...here's the deal. For the next WEEK I'll be hanging out and scrapping with the gals at The Shaker Box. Michele and the girls over there have a bunch of great scrapping challenges and LOADS of fun for the week too!

Come on over and join us!!!

The Shaker Box!!!!

I'll try and update my blog soon...I promise!

Monday...no Tuesday.

2006-09-05T07:08:00.000-05:00

I have a really tough time with Monday holidays. It throughs my entire week off. I have to really try and remember today that it's Tuesday and that today we have dance...today I have a PTA meeting...today, Josh goes to Scouts to get sign ups for his final (hopefully) work day for his Eagle Scout project this weekend. It is NOT Monday!!

OK...I've got that off my chest.

No gym this morning...I really wanted to go, but I really don't have much time at home today. (see above) I dropped Emily off at school and went to vote. (Florida Primary today) Came home, threw a load of clothes in the washer and am currently scanning stuff to put on Ebay. I'm sick and tired of talking about it. Time to get this stuff outta here. Mainly scrapbook stuff, but a few other things too.

It's DT upload time again at Scrapforums. We worked with Holly McCaig stuff this month for digi stuff...and another digi sponsor too...watch for that later this week. Holly has some of the yummiest digi stuff. She's got the right colors, the right amount of "grunge"...and the right amount of elements to work with too. My very first digi layout was actually done using one of Holly's earlier kits. And now, almost TWO YEARS later (wow), I'm working with her goodies again! These are the two layouts that I've done for her this time. (so far).

Today we're uploading the stuff that we did with the "I'm A Scrapaholic" kit. I'll share it tomorrow...or you can check it out in the Scrapforums gallery a little later. I want to get this stuff on Ebay before I upload them.

And with this...I'm on my way to Ebay...

Singalong, ebay and just stuff.

2006-09-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

Last night, we went to one of the Disney Hotels to celebrate my SIL's 50th Birthday. We saw Bob Jackson perform his funny piano singalong stuff and had a great time. Bob and Lynn had been trying to get us there to watch him for a long time and this time, since it was Lynn's birthday, we felt that we needed to go. Lynn had a few of her closest friends and family there. Josh and Emily didn't want to go but once we were there, I think they had a great time. Emily enjoyed singing with me and I think Josh enjoyed himself too, even though he might not want to admit it.

For Lynn's birthday, I made this for her...it was actually a recipe book that I picked up from the dollar bins at Target. I just added some of the awesome DT stuff from this month's kit sponsor and turned it into a personalized recipe holder for her. I punched holes in 4x6 index cards and placed them inside. The colors in this picture are actually WAYYYY off...there are more greens in here than blues/purples. Not sure why the picture turned out like this.

I've spent some time today list stuff on Ebay...FINALLY!!!! I've got a ton of stuff that I want to get rid of but don't just want to put it in a garage sale or take it to Goodwill or someplace similar. I've been trying to get the motivation to list this stuff and finally started it today. I think I've only listed 5 items so far...all in the scrapbooking category...but there is a TON more to list!! Wish me luck...I really want to keep this going and get it done! Oh, and if you're interested in checking out what I'm listing, just click here...my ebay listings.

Don't forget to check out the fun challenges over at Scrapforums. And also, check out the stuff going on over at The Shaker Box too. Between those two sites...you're bound to find some inspiration to get ya scrapping!!!

Till next time...

A kick in the pants to get you scrapping!!

2006-09-01T11:35:00.000-05:00

I've started a new challenge thread over at Scrapforums. And there's a RAK involved too...so get on over there and check it out. This link right here will get you right into that thread...but don't stop there. Check us out...you might want to just kick up your feet and join us for a while.

Today I've been entering registration stuff for Crew and I even went to the gym too. I've met someone new...a mom of a little guy in Em's class. They just moved here from the DC area. (close to my hometown neck of the woods) She and I have met at the gym twice this week. It sure has been nice to have someone to workout with. She might just be the kick in the butt I need to get to the gym regularly. Wish me luck!!!

No big plans for the long holiday weekend here. We're going to my SIL's b-day celebration I think...but that's about it. Alex might have to work on Monday...that stinks...but he'll get used to this new position eventually and that'll change. (I hope)

Off to get some laundry done and the scraproom cleaned up a bit. I've got another challenge that I want to post today too. So be on the lookout!!

Edited to add:
I just put up the new Friday Technique Challenge at Scrapforums. Come over and join us and get yourself entered for a fun prize at the end of the month!

Oh la la...

2006-08-30T13:18:00.000-05:00

I love my new look. My good friend Michele took care of editing my blog for me today. THANKS SOOOOOOOOO MUCH Michele!!!!! I know I've already thanked you many many many times over, but...I'm just so happy to actually have this done now. It RAWKS girlfriend!!

Oh, and for those that don't know my friend Michele...she's the owner of this cute scrapbooking site called the Shaker Box. She's also my cleaning buddy...IM buddy...shoulder to bitch on buddy. We talk on a daily basis and sometimes think that we were seperated at birth. Thanks for being such a great friend and thanks (once again) for making my blog look so purty!!!

My kiddos are home from school today. Most of the surrounding counties are also home from school today. All the hype about Hurricane Ernesto...or tropical storm...tropical depression. Whatever the heck the storm is. Gov. Bush declared Florida a "state of emergency" on SATURDAY last week...in fear of Ernesto growing to a category 3 storm before hitting Florida. Quite frankly...I think that was a scare tactic, more than anything. I understand how off guard we were with Hurricane Charley...man, do I understand that. And then of course, the devestation to MS and LA last year with Katrina. But, I think the media is really hyping this stuff up now...getting people worried about the little storms now. Crying wolf, per se. And it's really frustrating.

Take school closings today. The kids and I have home all day and have had a bit of light rain this morning but only clouds since around 10. I wasn't going to go anywhere but when there was a HUGE break in the weather, I took off and ran a few errands that I wanted to get taken care of. The kids COULD HAVE gone to school today. They could have done a half day thing...getting everyone home by 2 this afternoon. It's 2:30 now and it's still not raining. I suppose we're supposed to be seeing some wind and lots more rain as the afternoon/evening progresses...but bottom line, today was a waste of a "bad weather day". Now we've lost our day before Thanksgiving for the 3rd straight year in a row.

OK...enough of me complaining about that. My kids really haven't been a pain at all today. I had them both clean their rooms that they've destroyed since school went back in session. I didn't even get all the complaining, etc. that I usually get. Emily finished her room and went across the street to play with her friend. Josh did most of his room (cleaned it to his specs anyway) and has been talking to his girlfriend online. He asked about going to her house but I told him that I was worried that he'd get over there and the weather would get bad and he'd be stuck there and not be able to get home at a decent time. First I told him I'd think about it and then I told him that he could go for a just a couple of hours. He just said that he was going to stay home and probably take a nap. HE DIDN'T EVEN FLIP OVER THAT ONE!!! No attitude or nothing! I love it when that happens!!!

Anyway...I'm off to start another load of clothes and to toss a Cherry Cobbler in the oven. Nothing like a bit of comfort food during a hurricane, huh??? ;)

Serious case of buyer's remorse...

2006-08-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

DH and I were talking yesterday about how time seems to go by so much more quickly as we get older. This is soooooooooo true. Sad...but true. And here we are...another Monday...the end of August. Heck, it's almost Christmas again already. Didn't we just put that tree away? (no, we're not one to keep it up till July. I promise)

I thought I'd update this little blog thing before I head out for my day's adventures. DH and I did something really really stupid yesterday. Ya see...Alex has wanted a big screen TV for a LOOOOOONG time now. He's watched the sales on them regularly, kept me posted on any changes in technology, etc etc. The TV that he wants started at about $4000 but has worked its way down to about $2600 now. I want so badly to make this happen for him. He works so hard...makes good money...provides for and does so much for all of us. I've really been thinking alot about splurging and getting the TV. But, with the TV, will have to come an entertainment center too. Because the TV is way too big for the center that we have now. The entertainment center that he really likes is close to $4000 too...but we found another one that we like that's about half that.

So, yesterday, we're out and about...just the two of us...we thought we'd go by and see what they had at Best Buy. How much the TV was now. Well, like I said, it's down to about $2600. BUT...now they have a 55 inch one too. We were stuck on the 50 inch set for all this time and now DH says that he "really wanted" a 55 inch set because 60 was too big. And before, they didn't make a 55 inch one in that model. etc. etc. Well, this 55 inch tv set is $3300. Well, shoot, what's another $700 right???? A LOT!!!

We spend way too much time there, talking with the sales guy, going back and forth on what we want to do. We're almost out of debt on all of our cards now but we decide to see about re-instating the Best Buy card...hey, they've got 2 yrs. no interest. OH BOY!!!

It takes forever for them to get all the numbers put in...seems they just got a new system and they were still trying to work out the kinks. (should have taken this as a sign that we didn't really need to buy this) AN HOUR LATER, we're finally signing the credit card slip and have a set up and delivery date of Wednesday. Now we're off to the furniture store.

The guy at the furniture store puts in all the numbers, gets the total and then boom...a big rumble of thunder and his computer shuts down. (another sign???) It comes back up, right back to my screen...no need to re-enter anything. I give him the CC and we're off again.

DH and I both get in the car and we start talking about what we just did...here we've just gotten ourselves pretty much out of debt and we toss out close to $7000 on credit cards again...like we've just got it to blow, right??? Alex said that he felt really bad about that...and he wasn't sure why. We only talked about it a little bit more last night and never really got anything resolved.

After tossing and turning all night last night...thinking about this stupid TV and entertainment center. Thinking of all the things that are coming up in the near and not so near future. I almost got up and put everything out on paper at 11 last night. First thing I asked Alex this morning was "do you think we should cancel everything???". I think he was waiting for me to pull that trigger...he didn't want to make the decision. When I told him that I thought it would be ok to do it, he started spilling all that he had going on in his head about it too.

Soooooooooooo...I'm off to take care of all of that today. OH BOY. Gotta love it!

I really wanted to start the Woman's Day 30 days to a clean house today. I still could really...spend an hour getting this stuff done and then go do all that I need to do. I have about 5 loads of laundry that need to be done and Alex needs shirts dropped off at the cleaners too.

Does the excitement ever end???

Boring blog...

2006-08-23T10:24:00.000-05:00

I've decided that I have a rather boring blog...just the look of it is boring! I wanna know how to add my own header...and then I want one of those slide things with my layouts and stuff on it. Who's gonna help me do that??? Laurie, Stacy, Michele???? Huh huh? Come on...I know you guys are tired of looking at this boring thing, right?

Speaking of boring...my day is boring today! I'm in a funk! Probably has a lot to do with the crap between Josh and I last night. Damn, being the mom of a teenager who is extremely jealous of his 6 yr old sister is the pits. I mean, I'm sure just the whole parent of a teenager thing sucks on it's own, but man oh man...Josh has ZERO TOLERENCE for Emily...unless it's on HIS terms. And if his girlfriend is around...it's even worse. Yesterday, he got onto Emily and then onto me for not disciplining her...when I really couldn't get a word in over his...and that led to other things...and lots of screaming and yelling...and a horrible swear from Josh directed AT ME...and a backhand from me to him. Damn, I hate that...my mother backhanded me a lot when I was a teenager and I swore that I wouldn't do it to my kids. But when your 15 yr old is sitting next to you in the car and tells you to quit being a "F***ING SMARTA**" what would be your first reaction? I was pissed at him AND at myself for the rest of the night. Then DH got on him for being disrespectful to me...and got on to Emily for not listening. It was NOT a good night in the Baker household. Sure hope it's better tonight!

I've been pretty lazy for most of today. Still haven't put away everything that I got from the party. I've got it all in one spot and have found homes for a few things, but not all. I want to make a list of stuff for thank you cards and haven't done that yet either. The house is pretty clean...could use a good vacuuming, but that's basically it, except for the laundry. (story of my everyday life)

I'm waiting for Laurie to IM me...I want to scrap...and she wants to scrap too...I would love to challenge with her. Come on Laurie...whatcha waiting for?????

Lordy Lordy...I AM FORTY!!!! (but it's a good thing)

2006-08-20T20:01:00.000-05:00

How'd that happen? I'm 40 yrs. old now. FORTY...time flies when you're having fun. And fun, I've had. I don't feel bad about being 40...not at all. I spent a lot of time reflecting this weekend. Reflecting on all that I've done in my 40 yrs. Alot of great things...alot of not so great things. Alot of things to be proud of and even a few that make me not so proud. I've been told that I look great for 40...I feel good about myself for the most part. I could stand to lose weight...and with that, I'm sure I'd feel more confident in myself. But, I have a husband that loves me very much. Four awesome kids that also love me and that make me EXTREMELY proud. I have alot to be thankful for in my life and I want to start this next chapter of my life off by reminding myself each day of how well I have it.

Alex put together an absolutely amazing party for me for my 40th birthday. I was blessed with the presence of about 70 of my closest friends and family. Gosh, I sure have some great friends. Kris helped him by getting out the invitations, but Alex did all of the rest of the stuff on his own. He asked for opinions from me while planning it, but he did all of the planning, putting together and throwing of the party. And man...it was AWESOME!!

He rented a frozen drink machine and served up Margaritas and Pina Coladas. There was a TON of beer, wine and other beverages of choice. (and plenty left over too) He had the food brought in from Smokey Bones...ribs, chicken, pork, brisket and turkey...and sides to go with. He put together custom made music CD's just of the types of music that I like, and then transmitted it to the wireless speakers outside. He put together one top notch party, I tell ya! Everyone commented on what a great job he did too...so very deserving of a good pat on the back. And all of that, he did for ME...told you he loves me!

We had so many great folks here to help me celebrate. All the old gang from the other house...the "Mayberry" clan as we called it. It was so great to hang out with all of them again...Jerry and Susie, Al and Holly, Tony and Joy, and even Steve Thomas came. So good to see him...sure wish Denise could be here too. I still miss her alot. We had the neighbors from this house here...most of them have lived here for YEARS and hardly knew each other. I watched them sit together and chat like old friends. I even had my mom and sisters here too. Its been a long time since the 4 of us have laughed as hard as we did last night. Even with Shelli smearing icing in my face and up my nose. :D

And of course, what would the party be without my Ya-Ya's???? The scrapping group that tops all scrapping groups. We're more than a group of scrappers that get together monthly to scrapbook...we're a sisterhood. A group of friends that would certainly be there for the others in a time of need...a group of friends that share laughter, secrets and have had our own share of tears too. These girls pulled together and surprised me with a hell of a celebration of their own. They blindfolded me and when they took the blindfold off, they all had a sparkler in their hands and sang Happy Birthday to me...then presented me with an "official ya-ya birthday hat" that had been cleverly made by Joy. OMG...this hat was so cool...gaudy, but so cool. And so very very special. I will need to find a special place to display this special symbol of the friendship we all share.

Jorge came over too...he took over 150 pictures of the party. I think it was like 188 pictures, actually. Mostly group shots of the party guests...lots of great shots of people smiling and having a great time. Lots of funny shots of me...having fun...being goofy. I should put together some sort of mini album of this party. So that the memories are all there...never to be forgotten.

This morning...the morning after...no kids (they stayed overnight with a friend), no dogs (we boarded them with the vet)...Alex and I got to spend some good quality time together. Just the two of us. We slept in...or maybe I should say "I" slept in. When I got up, Alex had already cleaned up alot of the party mess and had made coffee. We sat and talked about what a great time we both had. We enjoyed coffee together...read the paper...enjoyed each other's company. Had a great day. We even took a nap this afternoon too. I sure needed it! I'm getting too old to party like that. LOL

Now, the kids are home, the house is put back together (for the most part), the dogs come home tomorrow. Time to get on with things...get back on a routine, get on with life. And even though that life is sometimes crazy busy...sometimes a little overwhelming...it's a good life. A life that I wouldn't trade for anything else.

I think I'll be happy at 40!!

The first week of school...

2006-08-10T14:49:00.000-05:00

...is almost over already. And it has been a success too, I might add. Josh is thrilled to be back at school and can't wait to be cleared for Crew Practice. They're starting practices next Monday but he still needs his physical and that will need to be cleared through the school before he can practice. (I still need to get that Crew packet filled out too)

Emily seems to like her new teacher. She's not said anything at all about anyone being bad in her class...so that's a good thing. Last year, she would tell me each day, within minutes of getting in the car, who had to change their behavior apple. She's had homework two days this week and getting her into the routine of actually getting it done when she gets home is quite the challenge. She doesn't understand that homework is a MUST...and not just something to blow off and not do. Of course, this is still something that I work with Josh on too. LOL

Dance has started again too...TWO classes this year. TWO days a week, TWO payments, TWO costumes. At the beginning of the summer, Emily didn't want to dance at all this year. She wanted to try "Karate" instead. I signed her up for her introductory classes and she had a great time, but then decided that she didn't want to do that either. We finally told her that she needed to give dance another shot. She loves to dance, but I think she was bored with ballet. Now she's in Tap and a ballet/jazz combo that will do a jazz number in the recital next June. She went to both classes this week without a fight and actually had a great time. She even told Josh that he would think that her jazz teacher is "hot". ROFL!

With so many errands and things this week, I've not been home long enough to clean my house. This is beginning to DRIVE ME NUTS!!! I can stand a little bit of a mess for a little while, but days long...NOPE. It starts getting to me. But, unfortunately, not enough to bust into it when I get home. I'm wiped out trying to get back into the early to bed and early to rise routine again. The kids are going to bed without any trouble, for the most part...it's just ME that needs to get back in gear now. I need the energy to clean my house.

Maybe I'll get up and get started on it now. Alex is out of dark socks and I'm sure he'll be mentioning t-shirts and underwear soon too. I think I'll start with a load of laundry...and then a coat of paint on the final two doors still needing to be finished.

Aye aye aye...a never ending list!

Bye bye summer...hello blog!

2006-08-08T11:14:00.000-05:00

I know I've been a super bad blogger in the past, but this is ridiculous really. I haven't blogged since school let out? Really??? HA...can't believe time flew by like that. It's not like I spent the summer not getting online. I spent a good amount of time online, just not updating the blog. I did manage to get a few things done too...got both Josh's and Emily's rooms cleared out and deep cleaned, cleaned out my closet, am in the middle of painting all the doors in the place AND I even got a bit of scrapping done too. Oh, and I can't forget the weekend trip to Vegas too! (to scrap even!!)

The kids are back in school...today was day #2. I have 1st and 10th this year...and of course, Brooks being a JUNIOR in college this year and Kyle being a college FRESHMAN. HOLY MOLY. I'm getting old!

Ooops...gotta run. Just realized that Emily has dance in just 15 minutes. Here goes the craziness.

Last of the Teacher Gifts!!!!

2006-05-22T11:19:00.000-05:00

It's done!!! IT'S DONE! Emily's teacher's end of the year gift. I've had this idea in my head for months and was actually going to teach one of these at the LSS before I left. I ended up just holding on to it to finish it for Mrs. Phillips instead.

I saw a Valentine's Canvas like this at a cute little stamping store near Orlando. (Impressions of the Heart) I just took the accordian idea thing and made it into a teacher gift instead.

It's a 6x6 canvas, painted and flipped. So you're actually looking at the back of the canvas here. I folded cardstock to make an accordian book that pulls out from the center. The canvas is painted red, front and back...yellow cardstock used as a frame to kind of add a little more than "just red". The ribbon that I used was from Michael's. The 3-D embellishments are from Joann's. Oh, and I doodled with my Souffle pens too. Stamped the KINDERGARTEN title with Staz-on and did the CLASS OF 2006 in Souffle too.

The accordian album inside opens up and there is a picture of each child from the class on each page. I used PSE to add the names of the kids to their picture. I didn't take a picture of the back of the accordian but I cut our "YOU ARE THE BEST" with the Wishblade and put it across the back of the accordian.

I really am thrilled with the way this has turned out. I'm SURE the teacher will like it too. She's loved the handmade goodies I've done for her this year. This was a fun one!!

Thanks for looking!!

2006-05-21T22:36:00.000-05:00

Here's what I've been working on today/tonight. Another set of cards to give as a teacher's end of the year gift. Another set made at the request of a friend/neighbor. I've done a total of 4 of them now. I think this one and the other one that I shared are my favorites. I love the colors of this one.

It's almost midnight now and I still need to add the finishing touches to the gift bag to go with these cards and then I'll be off to bed. I still need to finish Emily's teacher's gift...but I think I can get it done in a couple of hours tomorrow morning. I've got the pictures printed and the canvas painted...I'll just need to finish the mini accordian album with the pics and then add a few details to the canvas. I sure hope it turns out the way it's pictured in this cramped mind of mine. If so, it'll be really cute. I sure hope the teacher likes it!

We've got our end of the year party in Em's class tomorrow. The last day of school is Tuesday! I can't believe it! And I'm certainly not ready for summer vacation!

I have Kyle's graduation on Thursday and then he'll be here for about a week. Not sure what we'll do that week, but I'm sure we'll have fun! I always have fun when my boys are here. And Kyle is such a crack up...there's never a dull moment. Can't wait!

We had Em's dress rehearsal yesterday. Even though I didn't get the curls right in her ponytail, she still looked all too adorable! I can't wait to see the pictures taken by the photographer. And our class picture will be so cute! Each of the girls dressed as a different type of doll. We have a cowgirl doll, a raggedy ann, a nutcracker...and a few others. Our instructor's hubby is playing a doll maker and when he falls asleep, the dolls come to life. Very sweet...but Em's ready for the recital and to move on to Jazz next year. Oh, and let me just say...I love the colors of her costume, if I do say so myself!

Josh had his girlfriend over on Saturday. He really likes this girl...and has liked her for most of the school year. But...she's on the crew team too. And they were trying to hold off till the end of the year to "go out" because they didn't want it "in the boat". She really held him at a distance till just recently too. Last week, he went over there for a couple of hours one evening and then she spent the day here on Saturday. (and they've been on the phone together quite often too)I was so proud of him...he asked her what her favorite breakfast foods were and got her Cheerios, Bagels and Smoothie stuff too. When she got here, he made her all three and they sat on the couch watching movies all day. He was happy to have her here. She's a sweet girl and I like her parents too. I guess this is all a good thing. But I'll say now...Josh better start making some of his own money if he's gonna have a girlfriend. I will not be forking out money left and right. LOL

OK...it's even closer to midnight now...I'm outta here and off to bed shortly. 6am will be here all too quickly.

Thanks for reading!

see what I did today???

2006-05-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a card set for a neighbor
today. She ordered 4 of them for teacher's gifts and this is the second set that I've done for
her. I made a cute little gift bag to go with these, but I need to add a few finishing touches to it
before I'll call it "finished". They really are straight...just scanned kind of whompy...I was in a hurry.

Now...to go get the kiddos from school. So much for today. LOL

5/17 Edited to add a picture of the gift bag that
these cards will go into.

Still need to do two more sets. I should get busy!

Just around the corner...

2006-05-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

is summer vacation! YIKES!!! Just one more week of school. No more will I have a kindergartener or a HS Freshman. This school year has flown! But, I gotta say...it's been a pretty good year for Josh (for the most part) and a great year for Emily. Her Kindergarten teacher has been awesome! We're really going to miss having her!

This is the last week of being home by myself each day. Time to get chore charts together and work on getting some sort of routine for me and the kiddos. But even that won't happen till after Kyle leaves. He graduates next Thursday and will be spending the following week here with us. It'll be great to see him too! I can't believe Brooks AND Kyle will both be in college next year. HOLY MOLY, I'm getting old!

Today, I'll be doing laundry (same as every other day) and working on getting a few things put up from the weekend. I also need to work on some card sets that I promised someone that I'd make for them for teacher gifts. I'd like to get those outta the way today and get them off my plate. I've got a project started to give to Em's teacher too...want to get that outta the way too. Maybe I'll be a little creative today...and forget about the cleaning and stuff. HA!

I'm also in the middle of sorting and tagging ALL of my digital pictures that I have on disc right now. WHEWWWWW!!!!! What a task! I've been digital for well over 5 yrs now. I haven't even put a dent in the number of discs that I have and I've already tagged close to 3000 pictures. It'll be nice to have them organized though and know where to find what pics. I'll work on that a bit today too.

If I'm going to get anything at all accomplished today though, I'd better get moving!

Thanks for reading!!

Another Weekend on the Water!!

2006-05-15T08:31:00.000-05:00

Has it really been two weeks since I last blogged? I can't believe it! I chatted with a friend last week that I hadn't talked to in a while...she said she'd been busier than "a hooker with two beds". I almost spewed coffee all over the monitor when she said that but, OMG...I can soooooooo relate. I keep thinking that I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thinking that the weekend of June 3rd will be the last of the really busy weekends for a while...then something else pops up and just shows that that light at the end of the tunnel really isn't anything more than another oncoming train!! Right now, we're waiting to hear whether or not Josh will go to Cincinnatti the weekend of June 10th for a Regatta. There was talk about going if they qualified this weekend and that they did. Now it's a waiting game while the coaches and board discuss what they'll do now. Unfortunately, they tend to dangle the carrot and then yank it away when the rowers get close. It's what they did with Nationals...they talked it up all season long and then decided a few weeks before that we weren't going. Don't get me started on that one!

We spent most of our weekend in Tampa again, on the canal. This time for the SE Regionals. Alot of folks don't like this venue, but I really like that you can see almost the entire course, no matter where you sit...and with the boats going right in front of you to go to the start line, it sure makes for some fun pics!! And some good cheer for the boats too!

The coaches decided to race 4's for this race. They usually race 8's, with some 4's, but this time, we strictly raced 4's. Josh's boat was the "second 4" which was apparently like a Varsity B group. There were two freshman and two sophomores in this boat. Making it the only boat with underclassmen in this category. And...they took FIRST place...moving them into the finals later in the day...they ended up taking THIRD overall. It sure was exciting to watch that!! Oh, and the name of the boat that they won in????? EMILY...of course, Em thought that was sweeet!!!!

Boone had a few boats that did very well in the regionals. It's going to be interesting to see if they follow through and take these kids to Cincinnatti to race again. If not, we'll be Regatta Free till
October...when we head off to Chattanooga, TN for the "Head of the Hooch" Regatta.

Alex, Emily and I ended up driving home Saturday evening since Josh's boat wasn't in any of the Sunday races. I kind of wanted to stay in the hotel for the extra night, but I'm glad that we came home after all. I was able to sleep in for Mother's Day and ended up having a very relaxing day! Alex made me a yummy breakfast and then we watched Walk the Line together. (love Joaquin Phoenix!!) I sorted pics in Photoshop Elements all day and watched Yours Mine and Ours with the kids, later in the afternoon. It was definitely a LAZY day for me...but, I deserved that...I told Alex to treat me like the queen that I am...and he and the kids did just that! Gotta love it!

But...now...it's time to get a move on. I still need to unpack from the Tampa trip, catch up on laundry and work on Teacher gifts...the kids have just ONE WEEK left of school. YIKES!

I'd better get busy!!

Thanks for reading...and be sure to leave a comment so that I know that you're reading! :D

Pictures, a layout or two and a bit about the weekend...

2006-05-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

I left on Friday to drive Josh and a couple of his team mates to Tampa for the Florida Scholar's Rowing Association Regatta this weekend. There were 40 teams competing at the Tampa By-Pass Canal near Brandon. We got over there around 2 on Friday, the teams all took a practice "run" or two and we headed to our hotel, then to dinner and back to the hotel for the night. We had to be up and in the lobby to eat a quick breakfast at 6am. Our school had it's first heat at 7:24am. YIKES!

The weather was pretty calm early in the morning but by mid morning, the winds had picked up. Thus making it a rather challenging day to row. Josh's boat wasn't racing till 1:08 originally but ended up not hitting the water till almost 2:00 due to the delays from the wind. These were the same kinds of wind we dealt with at the Hood Cup back in March...and then, the races got scratched. It would have really been a P.I.T.A had they cancelled any of the races on Saturday. The delays just caused us to be at the canal much longer than we'd planned to be. But...it was fun anyway. And I got some great shots too! Our tent was set up on the shore just past the finish line and the boats all passed just in front of us as they headed to the start line and then again as they finished and were heading back to the launch dock. Very very cool, IMO!

See how close I got??? These were taken as they were headed to the start line. Sure wish Josh would cut his hair and keep it cut. LOL

This picture was taken as Josh's boat was heading down the canal during their race. They finished 5th of 6...there's a story behind that one...but I won't get into it. Put it this way, another boat should not be able to stop the race if their seat happens to conveniently come off just after the start. Of course, the high winds didn't help at all either!
We got back around 10 pm Saturday night...I was absolutely exhausted and was sound asleep by 10:30. Only to sleep till after 11 on Sunday. I just could NOT wake up! Alex said it's because I get somewhat dehydrated when I'm out there all day like that. I drank water...but I really wanted to stay away from those porta potties as much as possible. YUCK! Being in the sun like that always wears me out though. It just takes so much outta me.

We have one more race this season. The Southeast Regionals are coming up the weekend of Mother's Day. Gotta love the sacrifices we make as moms! That regatta is also in Tampa. And its gonna be another long one! Let's hope for calm winds, lower than normal temps and of course, LOW HUMIDITY too! That's really not asking for much, is it?

21 days!!

2006-04-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

I've decided, after OOOHING and AHHING over Michelle's entries for the last round, that I'm going to do the The {21} Challenge, Round 3. This time, Rhonna has chosen a word and we're to do our 21 days based on that word. The word couldn't be more fitting either...HABIT! And we've all heard that it takes 21 days to break (or make) a habit.
So...I've done my day one layout. (and am planning my day 2 layout too)
I found the quote on Two Peas and it just hit home so well. We all need the motivation to get us moving...but it IS the HABIT that will keep us going.
I leave in a month to go to Atlanta for Kyle's graduation from High School. How did I get old enough to have 2 HS grads??? Not to mention, a third well on his way now. Sheesh! Anyway, at the graduation, I will be seeing my ex husband, his wife and my ex in-laws. I think I was at my lowest in self esteem when I was married to my ex and really let myself go for a long time. When I went to Brooks' graduation a couple of years ago, I tried my best to look and feel good. I might not have been slim, but even with the extra weight that I had back then, I made sure that I felt GREAT. And I really think that I did. (and I even like the pics that were taken of me then too)
Now, with Kyle's graduation just around the corner, I've put on a few more pounds and am not feeling the best that I could feel. So, I'm setting a goal to get to the gym to work out, to eat better and be sure to take my vitamins. By doing The {21} Challenge right now, I think it's going to help me get to the point where I feel good about this trip...and can face those folks with my head held high and with my confidence beaming. I don't think the timing for this could be any better really.

Thanks, Rhonna!!! (and Michelle too, for trying to motivate me the last round)

Here we go again...

2006-04-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

Started this post earlier today but it didn't seem to post..anyhow. I was in a hurry to get out of here this morning to take Sunny to the vet specialist on the other side of town. She's been limping on her hind left leg and I wanted to make sure there weren't any problems with her arthritis or anything like that. They did x-rays and said that there really hasn't been much change since her x-rays last year and that she's probably just a little sore from the hip arthritis. He did put her on a daily arthritis med, Deramaxx...instead of the Rimadyl that she was on occassionally before. I didn't like to give her the Rimadyl unless she was having a really bad day because it has been known to cause liver troubles. The Deramaxx doesn't have these liver issues and is supposed to be a little better. Here's hoping we can see a difference. I hate seeing her waddle the way she's been waddling. Of course, she HAS gained a few lbs since Koda moved in...I'll have to work on getting a few lbs off of her too.

I went to the Scrap retreat this past weekend. And man, what a great time I had! The gals from Club Scrap came to Kissimmee and put on one of their "rolling retreats". It was pretty much all inclusive...meals, workshops and make n takes...everything but the hotel room. But even that wasn't too bad cuz there were 8 of us that we split 3 rooms up with. We made a drop spine box, a ribbon bound 8x8 album, a beaded pendant and then did 10 layouts using one of their monthly kits. On top of all that, they had some really cool make n takes too. IT WAS AWESOME!!

We had open crop time both friday and saturday nights. I was happy to complete two complete two-page spreads and started on an altered composition book too. We stayed up each night till midnight and getting up to be downstairs for a 7am-9:30 am breakfast was TOUGH! (but we did it!)

I mentioned there was an open bar at dinner...well, that in itself was a riot. On Friday night, the bartender had a frosted bowl on the bar to be used for tips. Half the gals had been through the line already and he didn't have a buck in it yet. So...our table rallied together and put a few ones in there to get him started and he sure appreciated that. All I had was a $10 so he let me change it after a few bucks were in there and I left him another $3. Lets just say that he took good care of us BOTH nights! Each time I went to the bar, he gave me TWO Coronas. Not sure if he really thought that I was drinking them all...even I couldn't do that! As much as I love Corona! I was drinking one and sharing the other with someone else at our table. Saturday night there were quite a few Coronas consumed at our table...we even took a picture of the bottles. Nancy tried to make a pyramid with the bottles, but we decided that probably wasn't such a great idea. So we just stacked them like bowling pins instead.

As always, time spent with the Ya-Ya's was filled with laughter...and on more than one occassion, the laughter led to tears from laughing so hard. My friend Nancy Gr...is a HOOT! She's so full of energy and just has the absolute BEST sense of humor! I love that gal!

Oh, and I got to sleep on a SLEEP NUMBER BED! I was so excited...you know, it's the little things that thrill me. Darn it...forgot to take a picture of that though! Also forgot to take a picture of the bartender. Shoot! Oh well...I'll have to be sure to journal all about those things on my pages.

I came home to a happy family and a clean house...showed off my goodies to Alex and the kids and took a 3 hour nap...only to wake up long enough to eat dinner (that Alex made) and watch a quick 30 minutes of TV...then I was off to bed for the rest of the night. I felt so much better this morning, that's for sure!

I almost forgot to add that by the end of the weekend, I'd joined the Club Stamp club. So, now, beginning in May, I'll get a kit with a fun crafty project in it and a bunch of exclusive Club Scrap goodies too. I bought a few of the kits that they had for sale this weekend and can't wait to get unpacked and make some of these things. I want to finish the pages in the 8x8 album and I want to decorate the box too...maybe for a Mother's Day gift. First though, I will certainly have to get the stuff unpacked and then all put away and organized once again before I have room to do anything crafty in this scrap room.

I plan to scan and take some pictures of the goodies that we did this weekend. Once I get those done, I'll come back here and post them. But, for now...I'm headed into the pool with the rest of the crazy people in this house. The pool temp is already at 83*. I said I wouldn't get in till it was 86* but I think I can brave it to spend some good quality time with the family.

Until later...thanks for reading!