Joni's Digi Blog

WEIGHT LOSS BATTLE!!!!

2009-01-29T02:19:00.011-06:00

A little voice in the back of my head has been telling me that I need to get my butt over to blog ASAP!!! Sooooo...here I am! It probably isn't a good time to blog. I woke up @ 1:30AM and like every morning, I hop on the scale to see if the previous days suffering showed up on the scale! Much to my surprise...I HAVE GAINED ANOTHER POUND????? How can this be?? That makes 3 this week! I am watching what I eat, trying to exercise every day...even if for only 20 minutes...I figure it is something right? I have been trying to fit my water in too! Granted I am not as dedicated as I was week 1 but why am I gaining????

Ok...moving on! (That subject will only make me angrier!!!)

Thought I would share a bit about what has been going on in my house! I called into work Tuesday night. I had a bit of an ear ache which is still kinda bothering me. I wonder if it is actually my ear or could it be the tooth that broke off in November coming back to haunt me. I had gone to the dentist when it first happened. He wanted me to come back in January for a friggin root canal! I HATE THE DENTIST!!!! After taking a 3 hour nap yesterday, I woke up about 5 (in time to pick Andy up from his Academic meet)Dean informs me that the administrator from work called. This bothers me a bit as the only time she calls, is when I have done something wrong. Maybe they want to fire me 4 calling in??? Guess I will try to call her back today.

I took my Mom into town yesterday morning. We had to get some things from the store. I want so badly to wash our sheets as I love the way fresh sheets smell and Dean has been sick...so it is GREATLY needed! I had to find something to do Kate's project with. She has been assigned a 3D Solar System. Lucky enough, I ran into some neat little pom pom balls and we set er all up last night. Looks Great! (I will post pics soon!) I got another report card from Andy's school. I am sooooooooooo frustrated with this kid! He now has 3 Fs?!?! We have talked to him til we are blue in the face. The teachers email me and tell me that if he would only apply himself...his grades would be phenomenal. That is the word his reading teacher used. We all know how smart he is but for some reason...he doesn't care!

We watched a great movie last night. It was one of those from the Red Box that was an iffy choice. In fact the first half of the movie the kids (not me) thought it was kinda stupid. It turned out to be really good! The name of it was Black Out! It bothered me for about the first 10 minutes of the movie but the chick that plays one of the lead rolls was Tibby in Sisterhood of the traveling pants!
Now...lastly, here are some of my recent layouts!

I was listening to myspace music and Taylor Swift's "white horse" came on. This is one of my favorite songs and from behind me I heard my little girl singing every word. (I swear she is a mini-me!!!)Everything from Kim Hill's Slumber Party Kit.
This is my layout for the week of January 18-24. I really like the way it turned out. I found this great new kit from JanaM which works great for my weekly layouts. A lot of the girls are doing the pic a day for 365 but I haven't dedicated that much time although I think it is a great idea!
I found these great fabulists from Maya(the one I used is from Vol. 2) and I am so hooked on them! I decided to use JanaM's Color Me Happy kit to bring it to life!! I love movies and how perfect was this one for me??? She has a couple more sets I need to add to my collection!
I used Jennifer Trippetti's All things Americana for this one on my feelings toward our new president!
Love this one of Kate using Trippetti's Deep in the Forest kit. This also includes the beautiful word art of Natali's! I am loving her collection 1-8 and hope there is more to come!

Exhausted

2009-01-21T13:30:00.003-06:00

Trying to keep with my weekly journaling. This is my LO for last week. It was kind of a blah week. Next week it will be a little easier to scrap!

What has happened so far this week? Kate got her egg at school. She has been so excited about this project. She named her egg Kaylie. I'm not sure how long they keep these little guys but Kate is having fun while it lasts. Last night we glued the hair on. She decorated the bed really cute too. A couple of the boys at school have already smashed theirs! LOLL

Yesterday was SUCH an amazing day for us AND our country. I found myself glued to the TV watching history in the making. It gives me a sense of peace and I think our future looks bright! I think Barack and his family are great role models for the American people and as far as the "anti-christ" talk goes???

COME ON PEOPLE!!!!

There is something honest in his face, when he speaks. I have NEVER EVER EVER gotten involved in ANYTHING political and I admit I didn't even vote but since election day...and I did want him to win before but I have learned to LOVE this guy and more than that...I trust him!

We are in good hands!

Can't wait 4 the future!

Now...with that said, tonight I pick the kids up from Academic Team practice/Science club and we are headed to town to pick up Kate's basketball shoes. Tomorrow is her first game and she is pretty excited.

I am excited to be off tonight. I have been ON the last 4 nights and it was hard to push myself to work last night but GOD KNOWS I need the money!

Dean is still not working so I hope that you will pray (with me) that something comes along soon! It will be so nice to have some extra money.

I have gotten in a rut with my diet/exercise. I am not near as motivated but hopefully I can get back on the wagon. I need to go weigh...maybe that will motivate me????

Why does the weekend always go so fast????

2009-01-12T02:27:00.004-06:00

Another week has gone by! Isn't it crazy how fast life goes. It seems I am always so busy and life just passes me by. Here lately..and maybe it is due to my recent 33rd birthday, but I have been wondering alot about life and if I have taken all the right roads or if there are some things I should change before it's too late!

specifically? My relationship. I haven't been COMPLETELY happy for years and I wonder if maybe it is time to take another road. At the same time, I have hopes to repair the current relationship as we do have 8 years under our belt.

How long is too long to wait 4 a change??????

Well!!! Now that I have that off of my chest! I feel soooooooo much better! (Not really) On a brighter note...I did get some scrappin done this weekend!

First is my weekly journal. Can you believe I am still doing it???? I actually love it! I have always liked keeping a journal anyway. Wouldn't it be awesome to have them all printed at the end of the year????

This week, Andy had his first academic team meet. Kate had a birthday/slumber party on Saturday. Dean and I had a night to ourselves and went out to eat. We even went to Wallys and didn't get into a single arguement til later that night! LOLL

The big news this week? I have officially started my diet! I have healthy food in the house, I am counting calories, bought me 2 new hand weights (can't for the life of me find my old ones...but I think Andy has something to do with that). I bought the 2 new Biggest Loser DVDs. 1 is Yoga and the other is Boot Camp. There is so much work on your legs. Every time I sit down...I feel it! A LOT!!!!

I am hoping to get down a couple sizes by summer so I don't feel like a Hippo!

These next 2 layouts are for my Disney book. Can't wait to get that book done!!!! It will cost a fortune to get it printed but it will be worth it to me!

The last day at our pool house was so sad as we had to start packing all of our bags and the end of our PERFECT vacation was nearing an end!
The last supper! Wendy's and Long John Silvers. It was really 2 die for! That was the best dang frosty I think I have ever had. I would like to have 1 right now...but I am too busy starving myself! UGH!!!! (I knew there was a reason I never dieted!)
Still dunno about this one. I used Jennifer Trippetti's Monkey Boy kit. The picture was taken on the first day of school in 2007.
This is also for my Disney book. The last page of the Epcot series.
I spent a lot of money this weekend on scrap stuff!!!! (shhhh it's our little secret!!!)

What did I buy????

From Britt-ish Designs (yup there are still a few items of hers that I don't have):
Happiest Dots On Earth (not sure why I didn't already have these)
My Ribbon Jar
Label Tape Alpha
Used And Abused #2
Scratchy Solids

From Natali (now I have collections 1-7):
Playing With Word Art #7

From Gina Marie Huff:
Life 365 Date It

Oh...and I almost forgot! I was selected as a guest for the month of March for Dawn Inskip!!!!!

HOW COOL IS THAT!!!!!!

It is official I have NO life!!!!!

2009-01-08T00:27:00.007-06:00

My computer was nice enough to allow me to create 4 new layouts!!!! Wee-Hee!!!! Since we have moved into this house, my computer has been screwed (to say the least). Dean has spent many a long night working on it and he will get it up and going and then it crashes again. I keep telling myself that I will buy myself a new one! I just wish I had the money to do so!!!! (always seems to be a problem!!!) I am just lucky enough to have been able to retrieve all of my pictures and scrap supplies through it all! I truly believe that I would have to be in lock down if I were to lose everything. Non-scrappers probably think I am crazy but for all you scrappers???

I KNOW YOU KNOW!!!!!

I wanted to create a couple (non-traditional) XMAS layouts. I
have all these great designs to work
with...why not use a colorful kit without the reds and greens and silvers and golds??? It amazes me how my scrapping style has changed over the years. I love when I get a LO done and think...WOW..thats not too shabby!!!!

I was lucky enough to join the CT of Jennifer Trippetti and guest for the month of January for Jana M!!!! So working with some new designers...I couldn't forget about the oldies but STILL goodies. Kim Hill has this gorgeous new kit Elliott and I have had Party Season from Lindsay Jane forever but hadn't gotten around to scrapping with it. It is a HUGE kit and I love to embelly the heck out of things so I have had a lot of fun with it.

The 3rd page uses JT Tweet and how
awesome it was to create a page with
my favorite little birds!!!

My last page here is this weeks journaling page. I would have posted sooner but I had a couple days where
I was pretty scrapless due to this stupid computer!!!!

Now...I spec I should be off to bed and I am sooooooooo on the Blog Train tomorrow @ DST!!! I love to see what everyone else is scrapping!!!!

You all are so talented...you inspire me so much!!!

Back 2 Work

2009-01-03T09:20:00.006-06:00

So I was fortunate enough to get a 3 day weekend...in the middle of the week! Last night was my last night off now I have 4 on! UGH!!! Why does time go so fast????? I sure did enjoy my nights off though! On New Year's Eve, I stayed at home (like I do every year...mainly cuz I have no life) and watched the ball drop with my kiddies. We all enjoyed the New Year's Eve show with Taylor Swift, David Cook, Daughtry and the Jonas Brothers! It was a good show. It is sad to see Dick Clark now. Wow, I remember watching that guy when I was growing up.

Makes me feel really old! I am glad he was still able to do a part of the show at least!

On New Year's Day, we had planned a game night. I made cheese dip and my Mom came over. Mom and I and the kids played lots of games. (Dean doesn't play games...or watch movies or come to think about it...he doesn't like to do anything fun!) Our favorite game was Scattegories. It was the only game we didn't get into a fight about. LOLLL I like Pictionary really well but my Mom is kinda slow and the kids didn't want to be on her team! So that didn't go well. Anyway...I will plan better for next time!!!

Yesterday? Let's see what did I do yesterday?

SCRAP!!!! I scrapped almost all day. I am hell bent on getting this Vacation book done. I am getting really close now!

Here are just a few I created!

This one I made using Jennifer Trippetti's kit I like it loud. Such an awesome little kit and I am always looking for new "boy" kits!
I love my Kennedy layouts! I bought this cute little kit I have had my eye on for months! It is called Spaced Out by Nit Wit.
I love this picture of the kids walking into Epcot. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I believe everything I used on this layout was from Britt-ish Designs.
Is it obvious I am going through a worn/torn phase??? I LOVE it! Love the picture of the kids with the dwarfs!

Clearwater Beach!!!! (Take me away!!!)
Page one of my character pages. I used elements from Brit and also from this freebie my bud Kim offered up a few days ago! GET YOURS HERE!

Start of something new

2008-12-29T10:25:00.004-06:00

I was doing the blog train before I went to bed last night and on one of the blogs I visited, there was mention of a scrapping journal.

What a great idea right? I love to journal and I LIVE TO SCRAP! Why hadn't I thought of this before??? I hope that I can keep up with this. It will give me a reason (as if I needed one) to take more pics and I will have at least one thing to blog about each week...which is one of my new year's resolutions.

This weeks journal uses everything from Britt-ish Designs. Stars are Faith, trust and pixie dust and this beautiful kit (Very Merry) was a freebie on Scrap Day (after you spent $10 or something...wasn't hard for me!!! LOLL).

Now my kids are bugging me to watch our Red Box movies!

Bye 4 Now!

Changes for the new year!

2008-12-28T07:15:00.002-06:00

It is a few minutes after 7 and though I slept like a log (REALLY ODD 4 ME) I feel like a slug in the swamp! I did manage to get a couple layouts posted at DST this AM.

My main goal for the new year??? Becoming a member of Britts CT...it would save me soooooooo much money!!!! After I post here, I am gonna swing over and get some of her new stuff. I have been pretty financially strapped (and that is REALLY putting it lightly) since Christmas. It makes me wonder why I let this happen every year. I ALWAYS spend too much and then have to pick up all the pieces in January.

Like a gift from above, my Mom got a check in the mail yesterday and because she loves me more than anything she gave it to me!!! So now the light looks a little brighter at the end of my
tunnel. Ok...ALOT brighter!

It is my weekend off and I couldn't be happier at this moment! Yesterday, I got Kate's new camera and printer up and going (she was as happy as a lark), we have a kitchen full of food and even though the whole house is a mess??? It doesn't matter cuz I LOVE cleaning our new house!

Sound crazy??? I am just so happy that there is room to move around and more places to shove things (LOL). Part of me wants to take down my XMAS decor and the other half is saying...LEAVE EM UP! I mean why not??? I have a 3 day off coming up (I think it was an accident that they scheduled me that way) and hopefully there won't be so much ice on the ground!!!!

I did the splitz yesterday as I went to get into my car. Makes me wonder why we don't move down south. I HATE WINTER!!!! It would all be good if I never had to get out in it and I had a remote control to plan the snow.

I should patent that idea!!!!

Til then I need to get rid of the XMAS theme on my blog and throw something else out there! I don't even have any ideas!!!

GOD HELP ME!!!!!

FROST

2008-12-19T10:53:00.003-06:00

We received the ice storm we were expecting. Unlike last winter, we still have power. Which means we have heat!!!! I got up at midnight (I have the worst sleep schedule EVER!!!!) I opened the front door to find my door frozen shut. I instantly decided on a shower as that was the worst part for me last year. (couldn't wash my hair) Of course Dean thought I was being stupid...but he always thinks I am being stupid!

After my shower, I felt a lot better and decided to log onto qcountry where I normally check for school closings. Classes had already been cancelled. I was excited but I knew how disappointed Kate would be. Today was her XMAS party. Andy was ecstatic!!!

Morning started off great. I made breakfast for everyone. I love eggs and bacon and toast....guess I got that from my Dad. I told the kids that I would let them open an early present and that perked them right up. We have this rule that I have to approve their early presents and this year there aren't a lot of presents period so it was just that more important. Andy opened a wrestling mag and calendar (they were wrapped together) and Kate opened a friendship bracelet kit. She hated it. In fact, I think she started to cry a bit. I realized at that moment....I was not taking more money out of my next check for XMAS. I'm just not. I can't recall EVER being upset about a present I received. I was just so grateful to get anything.

Later, I was laying on the couch and Dean and I got into this huge arguement (pretty much a daily thing) We can't stand to be together yet I can't imagine living without him either. I guess I had always hoped to change things and 7 years later...nothing has changed. He has applied for this job (I won't say where just yet) but if he gets it....things might be better for us. He can FINALLY take over half of the bills (a HUGE part of my daily irritation with him). The downside? He will be working 12am-9am which sucks cuz I was hoping to have a little NEEDED separation.

Anyway...I could ramble about my relationship problems all day but I choose not to. After our arguement, I decided to make brownies. After the kids and I ate almost the whole pan, we decided to watch War of the Worlds II. It was really pretty good. Tonight...Hellboy II. I got a few from Redbox on my way home from work the other day cuz I knew the weather would be getting bad and I am off for 2 nights.

This week will be the stretcher! I have 5 12 hour shifts...1 of them being on XMAS. But I guess they can sleep at night cuz they gave me XMAS eve. off!

Now...I am going to try and scrap. Can't really get in the mood. I need new pics! Great kits but same old pics!

BRITT-ISH DESIGNS

2008-12-17T07:28:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I forget why I started scrapping. I realized this morning that it shouldn't be about needing to meet all my requirements for my CTs (which is normally what I scrap for). Somewhere I got lost in it all.

Scrapping is all about making memories and maybe that is why I have kinda been in a slump lately. This post is primarily to honor my very favorite designer at the moment...and has been since my summer vacation to WDW. I don't know if there are still people in the dark but Britt-ish Designs are AWESOME. Of course, I was lead to her because she makes the BEST (and I do mean the BEST...I have been around) Disney themed kits but HELLO...have you seen some of her other designs???? It is because of her that I am addicted to worn and torn paper!!!! (Thanx Britt). I read her blog everyday and watch for kits. I think I own them all now and intend to purchase her new one later today...just to make myself feel better! Browsing through her kits this AM...I had forgotten all the ones I had. I organized to make them easier to get to.

With this layout...It has inspired me to get back to my Disney book! I had given it a rest but I KNOW that this is something that I want to complete!

Onto another subject: IT FRIGGIN SNOWED!!!! I really don't mind the snow..when I don't have to get out in it. I love to sit and look out at it but I had to call into work last night cuz our highways are still real slick! UGH!!! I hope to go in early tonight to make up for the hours I missed. Tomorrow we are supposed to get an ice storm!!!

UGH!!!!!

I think I should end every post with I WANNA GO BACK TO FLORIDA!!!! (cuz truly that is what I am thinking every single day!)

It almost makes me wish that I had never gone because NOW I know what I am missing!

CREDITS FOR IT ALL STARTED WITH A MOUSE:
WHITE PAPER: BRIT/USED AND ABUSED
BLACK FRAMES: STROKE OF MIDNIGHT/ANNIE MANNING
STRING/STAPLE: BRIT/ENCHANTED
EVERYTHING ELSE: BRIT/MOUSE IN THE HOUSE

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

2008-12-15T04:51:00.003-06:00

Thought this would be a perfect picture for today's post. Sitting here just a few minutes before 5am (been up since 1:30 working on blog) I notice my Weatherbug says -1. Is that not crazy????

I have decided I won't be leaving the house today unless necessary.

Just to make myself a little more miserable, I searched the temp. in Orlando at this very moment! I threw up a little when I learned it is 65.

So, some of you may have noticed that I have been working on my blog. I worked all friggin weekend on it but I am still not TOTALLY satisfied although I kinda like the design. I want to add pictures to my lists (like Nathys) but I have yet to figure that out!

Help Anyone????

Maybe I should ask Nathy?? LOLLL

I am so excited about today...well not the back to work part. Granted I have been awake all night and need to sleep but HOPEFULLY I will be home alone today! Those are my favorite days!!! Dean is supposed to work construction today (it is never a guaranteed deal) and the kiddies both have school! YAY!!!!!!

This means that I can wrap the remainder of presents I have, watch the finale of Survivor on my DVR and maybe even scrap a little!

Now...if I had a little money in the bank??? I would be PERFECTLY content!

HOLIDAY STRESSORS

2008-12-14T02:18:00.014-06:00

Soooo, Here I am. It is almost 3AM. I decided to take a look at my blog and see just how long it had been since I blogged last. I can't believe I haven't blogged this month cuz I really thought I had.

First off. WE ARE IN OUR NEW HOUSE!!!!! I don't really think I thought I would ever be saying that. To say the least...I LOVE IT! We all do. We have been here a couple weeks and are settling in quite nicely. It almost looks like a home. Granted...we still have no doors in the house...and no flooring. We hope to get that in after Christmas but everything is just so dang expensive.

Kate had a friend spend the night last night. This is like a milestone for me because I was always embarrassed to have someone spend the night cuz our roof leaked so bad and it was just a sad environment.

Now? We are all happy...well for the most part. We were able to have Dean's Mom, My Mom and Dean's niece and nephew up for Thanksgiving. HOW AWESOME IS THAT???

My house has never been big enough!!!!

Another blessing??? We can all eat at the table together! We can all play games together!!! (without sitting on the floor) There is room to spread out. The kids can go upstairs and get away from it all! I have a brand new spanking microwave.

Maybe I should post pics??? (IN TIME!!!)

As with every holiday season...I stress about money. Although I live with someone..I am still all on my own. Dean hasn't been working since he started working on the house. We agreed it was the best decision for us at the time. Now that we are in. He is trying to find work. It is just the WORST time of the year to start a new job. He does however have an interview on Tuesday.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I went shopping yesterday. KNOWING that the money I was going to use for Christmas presents should have been used on something else if I were a more responsible person...but I am not. I ended up shelling out over $500 yesterday for presents. Mom and I went to St. Joe and we had soooooooo much fun!

She gets out very little and I always feel so guilty about that. I work all the time and am tired so much I don't feel like doing a thing. I took her to Church's chicken for lunch. (one of her favorite place to eat) I asked her what she wanted for lunch as as usual she said "you choose". Having worked the night before...I had LOTS of time to think about it already. She was elated when I told her where we were going. She thought I was going to say Chinese again as that is my favorite!

First stop?? TJ-MAXX!!! I think this is one of the best stores ever!!! I learned after waiting almost 45 minutes outside in the cold for my Mom that it is NOW her favorite as well!

U have to know my Mom to understand how funny this is cuz she usually isn't able to walk around as much. It hurts her back and legs. I
drug her EVERYWHERE!

Now...HOPEFULLY in January I can get myself caught up financially cuz currently???

I'M SCREWED!!!!

BUT....my kids are going to have a WONDERFUL Christmas!!!

Isn't that all that matters anyway?? Christmas only comes once a year and I don't really buy them a lot of toys/games through the year. For the most part...they are good kids and deserve this!!!

I still have a few things to get but they are going to HAVE to wait til my next paycheck. I came home and managed to get a lot wrapped. I had 2 hours of sleep after shopping then got up and went to Wally's for round 2. (I needed groceries)

I hit the Redbox and was lucky enough to find Hancock (the reason we stopped) and also got Fly Me 2 The Moon (looks REALLY cute) and Sisterhood of the traveling pants 2. Hancock was really good...not at all what I thought it was going to be but still good. I really think Will Smith is one of my favorite actors! I love everything he is in! He is also kinda sexy isn't he????

Itching to scrap so I think I will end this seemingly neverending post by talking about my layouts that I have created within the last couple weeks. Trying to get me in the holiday spirit..and using mostly new designs from my CTs.

LAYOUT 1: MAGIC (using mostly products from Lindsay Jane's Christmas Memories)

LAYOUT 2: BRRR (all products from Lindsay Jane's Snowed Under (LOVE THIS KIT)

LAYOUT 3: UNDER MY TREE (using mostly products from Kim Hill's Contemporary Christmas)

LAYOUT 4: COLD OUTSIDE (using a variety of Kim Hill's products but created cuz I fell in love with the winter scarf alpha!)

One day...I am going to figure out how to post on blogger without the huge spaces and picture posting is not as easy as one might think.

MISSING FLORIDA

2008-11-20T08:40:00.002-06:00

It is official! Cold season is here. The last few days I knew something was creeping up on me. I was trying to pretend that THIS YEAR would be different and I wasn't going to be a victim of the flu! I even got the Flu shot this year!!!!

I remember last year, getting the flu and missing several days of work. I truly believed I was going to die! This year??? I am beginning to feel very similar! I have had some nasal congestion for the last couple days but yesterday...I am not sure what happened. I sneezed all friggin day and I began to think of creative ways to get my nose to stop dripping while I was making cookies with Kate.

Today? The headache and sore throat have introduced themselves to me. Needless to say, I didn't greet them with open arms!!!!

More than anything...I worry about missing work. I have been trying to pick up extra hours and when you miss 1 day?? It wipes the slate and ya have to start all over again!!!! Sooooo today, I plan to sleep (after I spend a while browsing on DST....found a thread this morning on date elements...YAY!!!! )

To top it all off...Dean informs me that this weekend will be the weekend we have to do without water. After he gets our water hooked up in the new house??

WE ARE READY 2 MOVE!!!!!

Ordinarily, this would be GREAT news...when I am sick???

NOT SO GREAT NEWS!!!!

(Maybe he could carry me down to the new house?)

My boys have released a new video for Gives You Hell...thought I would share as Tyson (not as much as Joe) always brightens my day!!!!

I pray that one day the boys will come to KC or St. Joe would be even better!!!! (Got my fat fingers crossed)

CHRISTMAS IS COMING....AND I'M NOT READY 4 IT!!!!

2008-11-17T09:09:00.004-06:00

So today is November 17th and it is a constant reminder that Christmas is right around the corner. Everyone is selling Christmas scrapping products....I have even scrapped with a few kits. Not sure which is my favorite. I love them all!

I recently bowed out of Laura Burger's CT. The expectations became a little more than I could keep up with and my general scrapping style has changed since I started creating for her. I am happy about the change but Laura and her team have been very good to me while I was there so I wish them well and I am sure I will see them around. We haunt DST regularly and Debbie and Kim are also on Lindsay Jane's team.

I currently only belong to Kim Hill and Lindsay Jane's CT. I am happy with them both and plan to stay as long as they will keep me! :)

The first 3 layouts are using Kim Hill's Contemporary Christmas Kit. Love this kit and the reason I do is because she didn't use the traditional red and green. It is nice to see a change!

So with another Christmas, I become another year older. I will be 33 this year. I remember when I thought 30 was soooooooooo old. It scares me to think about what life will be like when my kids move away. Hopefully I can convince them to stay close as I won't know how to function when they are gone. I also want their children to have a relationship with me the way they do with my Mom.

I am really starting to get in the mood for Christmas. It is coming soooooooooo fast and I
have very little money. I am not real worried about buying gifts yet. I think it is a primary concern of the whole family to get into the new house. It is getting real close now and hopefully next week we can start to move in. Dean will be finished with the duct work for the new furnace today or tomorrow. I am sooooooooo excited I could puke!

I told Dean that I don't even care if we have our carpeting and flooring in...it can wait til after Christmas. I want to get in and decorate for Christmas in our new home. We have a stair case and I have always wanted to decorate a stair case.

Ok...call me strange!!!

I bought my first roll of wrapping paper, tags and
tape!!! Such a little thing...but I LOVE Christmas!!!

Changing the subject...Andy's basketball team won 1st place Saturday night. We had a lot of fun and I love to go watch...even if he doesn't get to play much. We took Kate's best friend and they stayed with me most of the time. Dean has been busy with the house and so I have had to go to most of the games alone! Unlike almost every parent in the school...I was raised in Kansas and so I don't know the other parents. I have always felt a bit awkward around them....like I didn't fit in or they were judging me. Odd eh?

I feel that way a lot in life in general. A part of me that I have always wanted to change. Just not sure how to go about it yet! :)

We got a lot of stuff moved yesterday. Another reminder that my back is soooooooooooooo shot and I am sure I won't be much good when it comes to move the big stuff. I can't wait to get my desk and shelves put up and decorate!

YAY!!!!!

The anticipation is KILLING ME!!!!

Back to the scrappy side of me. Soooooooo I am sooooooooooo hooked on the Playing With Word Art series by Natali. I love her designs in general but I find myself wanting to scrap JUST to use the wordart!

Another find of mine this weekend is the stitching
by Two Sisters designs. Wow!!! Something I can use over and over and over!!!!

OH MY GOSH!!!! I almost forgot!!!!

MY NKOTB CONCERT!!!!!

Ok...this is turning into a rather lengthy post but as often as I post...why the heck not????

Soooooooooo it was so nice just taking a road trip with my daughter. This was a great chance for us to really bond. Anyone that is a NKOTB fan?? Come on...I am your new best friend!!! LOLL We bought the cd a few months ago and both the kids were HUGE fans. I decided that it would probably be populated by mostly girls and I had taken Andy to see Smackdown a while back...well that and the fact that he got to spend a week @ Space Camp and a week @ Camp Geiger.

It was sooooooooooo her turn!!!! Our hotel was AWESOME. Didn't cost a whole lot and it was right down the street from the Sprint Center AND Crown Center. Not sure what my fascination is with hotels...but I love searching for them online and finding the best one. We have always had good luck with Marriott hotels...I think they are my favorite....and VERY economical!

We had lunch at Fritz's in Crown Center. I had been there before on a field trip with Andy but Kate had never been. She LOVED it! I love that she isn't TOTALLY grown up yet!

We walked around CC for a while but I didn't have much money...well not money that I wanted to spend there. I was saving it for the concert. At the concert...we spent the mother load!!!! I knew I would because I have been a HUGE fan for 20 years now and have never gotten to see them live!

WHAT A SHOW!!!!!

I was soooooooooooo happy the entire time I was there. My heart was pounding. We had great seats. (I would have liked to have been a bit closer to Joe..even just for a minute) but I was dealing with it! Best concert I have ever seen. The lights...the men...there was never a dull moment. I wasn't totally psyched about Lady Gaga and Natasha Bedingfield opening but I was soooooo wrong about them. They put on a great show and I had TOTALLY forgotten that Natasha sang Unwritten...one of Kate and I's favorite songs!!!!

Now...ON TO MY NAP!!!!

HALLOWEEN IS GONE!!!!

2008-11-01T03:32:00.003-05:00

Those that know me well know that Halloween is one of my most anticipated days of the year. I LOVE it!!!! I love buying costumes, decorations, the decorating (didn't get to decorate this year cuz we are in the middle of a move! UGH), the scary movie marathons, the candy, the weather (even if it is kinda chilly), I love it all!!! Oh and did I mention candy (that is really expensive when you have to buy it so on one day of the year it is OK to go beg for food at your neighbors door!

I included just a few of my favorite pictures. I think a few posts have gone by where I didn't say how much I love my new Canon camera (is it still new after 7 months?) I really wish I could take a photography class and even get into graphic design professionally one day.

Kind of a dream of mine to get paid for doing what I am passionate about. NOT that I am not about nursing. I would like to be able to do both!

I worked 14 hours Friday night and got home to find my little guy (yes he is still my little guy even though he towers above me) sick. Naturally, I didn't believe him at first. Not sure I even believed him until he came in and woke me up after a few hours saying he was really sick. (TOTALLY out of character 4 him to wake me up...they both know better after almost 4 years working nights). I am hoping it was just a little bug and today he will be better. Even now that they are older, it still makes my heart hurt to see them sick.

Guess that never goes away huh?

Kate's best friend Mikeala decided to go trick-or-treating with Kate. She originally had plans to go with her cousin. Kinda made me sad as Kate and Mikeala have gone together the last several years. Kate didn't talk about it much but she was really hurt that she was going to have to go alone. We live in a small community and there are only about 6 girls in her class and only 1 lives in town. The rest live about 7 miles away.

Needless to say, the girls had a blast! (I will try and post pics of the girls later as I don't have them uploaded yet)

Andy stayed home with me and we watched Hellraiser: Deader. Of course we had seen this before but it was Halloween and nothing creeps me out more than Pin Head.

About 7:00 the girls called and wanted us to take them to Ravenwood (7 miles but a tradition). Andy went with me but only got out a couple times. He was still feeling pretty pukey but like myself, didn't wanna miss out on the fun. Kate was a trooper and shared her candy with her brother (even though they don't really care for each other).

We headed home about 9:00. Checked the candy (ate a little bit too) and then settled in to watch the rest of Hellraiser and followed up with Child's Play. (Hadn't seen that movie in years)

The costumes?

Andy? Convict (perfect for him)

Kate? Pirate...she turned into a dead pirate after a trip to Mikeala's. (watch for pics later) We had to make a trip to the local Wal-Mart for an undershirt. Apparantly it was a little too low cut for her and made her feel a bit uncomfortable.

Today is DSD (Digital Scrapbooking Day) and there are sales EVERYWHERE!!! I am soooooooooo stoked! I already spent a few bucks at my favorite store (Scrap Matters). Britt-ish Designs is my favorite and 30% off???

Why the heck not?????

A DAY OFF...OR IS IT????

2008-10-22T15:31:00.002-05:00

I have been pretty busy scrapping this week. It always seems I am trying to get my quota in for my CTs. Sometimes I wonder if I have a little too much on my plate. It puzzles me how some of these girls have 10 CTs. I create for 3 designers (Kim Hill, Laura Burger and Lindsay Jane) full time and guest for others. I have come to the conclusion that these women must be SAHMs whose childen sleep all the time or are old enough to fend for themselves (like my own). As busy as I stay with it...I wouldn't want it any other way. I get all their designs for free AND they are great! All of them! There are always CT calls but I apply for very few because I have grown a bit picky over the years. I have been a guest CT for Melissa Bennett and I hope and pray I would get on full time but my prayers have YET to be answered! Lindsay Jane is probably my favorite designer @ the moment but DANG that girl is quick and everytime I look in her store...she has something new. GREAT for the CT because I NEVER get bored. Another prayer I say every night is for Britt-ish Designs. What an awesome designer...the only drawback??? I own most of her designs already! She is the GREATEST and I have come to fall in love with her designs even more after our trip to Florida. She has several Disney related kits in her store...and COME ON...Disney??? I eat, sleep and breathe Disney!!!!

I wanted to share my 2 favorite layouts I created this week. Both are clickable to a larger image. NOW...I need to take out a loan to print some of these goodies! I am working on several projects at Shutterfly for Christmas...so I guess I will start with that!

Tonight is my night off. I have a very screwy schedule. Work one, off one. Whatever. I go with the flow! I wish I could say that about my fellow associates. Last night was one of those cut throat nights at work. Why does this always happen on my 12 hour shifts when I feel like my ankles will snap beneath me???

On evenings, there was a staffing crisis...well not really...it has been far worse. I guess it is my fault for caring so much about my aides. I am partial to some more than others but at the same time, it is so hard to give direction/orders when everyone is CONSTANTLY complaining about it!

That was the mild part. Later, 2 of my closest friends that I work with had a spat (to say the very least). One was crying hysterically and the other...well she was just madder than hell. (again...to say the least). I was in the middle and while I tried to calm them both down....I wasn't getting very far.

I HATE BEING IN THE MIDDLE!!!!

I am still debating on going in tonight even though it is my night off. It is the last day of the pay period and I could use some extra hours. This is the last check I get before our concert.

NKOTB BABY!!!!!!

MUSIC 4 THE SOUL

2008-10-19T13:13:00.003-05:00

Ever notice how 1 song. A good song...can TOTALLY change your mood?

So working nights, I tend to get by on 5 hours of sleep a day. Which a lot of people don't understand. They never will, until they do the same.

I worked Friday night and decided to take Mom and the kids to St. Joe because I had some shopping to do (costumes, BBall shoes, etc.). We left early in the morning in hopes to hit a few good yard sales on the way. We stopped @ several but it never ceases to amaze me what some people call a "sale" is not the same for me. I guess with my history of having sales myself. I usually find everything in the house that I want to sell and not just a few shirts that I no longer need. It is a waste of time to me to walk up to a sale to find one table.

Why would a person sit and wait all day in hopes to make money for 1 table...which are usually priced unreasonably???? Another one of those questions that will never be answered!

We still had high hopes in finding that "dream sale" and it was the very last one we hit. I got Kate about 11 pairs of jeans (in which she sooooooooooooo needed). They were $1 each!

JACKPOT!!!!

Anyway so the reason for this post? I woke up this morning about 3 mainly due to the fact that is was cold and Dean was hogging the bed BIG time (I am used to sleeping in the day and having the entire bed to myself). I had reminisced about the fun time we had yesterday shopping and soooo glad my Mom decided to go with us! (It can be a struggle to drag her out of her house sometimes.) I then got to thinking about all the money I spent and INSTANTLY put me in a bad mood. I have been that way pretty much all day. Now rather it is the lack of sleep or the disgust that yet another paycheck is gone down the drain or maybe a little bit of both. It was COMPLETELY (or darn near close) when I sat down at my friendly computer (pretty much my best friend), posted some scrapping layouts that I had been working on and then turned on my media player to a mix I had created the other day.

First song? Rocket Man by Elton John!!! I have always been a huge fan of Eltons. There is just something about his music that makes my little heart sing. Makes all the troubles in the world go away. Even for just 3 or 4 minutes. Maybe it is because I remember when I first discovered Elton...I believe I was around 12 or so. I had such a great childhood. I didn't even know it at the time. Sure school wasn't my favorite thing (even though I was good at it). I was never a socialite and always (and still do) feel inferior to those around me. My home life? It was great! We didn't have a lot of money but my parents always got me what I needed and a lot of what I wanted. Some things just aren't appreciated until we are grown up. I would give anything to go back to the days where I was basically worry free. No bills?????

HELL YEAH!!!!

THIS OLD HOUSE!!!!

2008-09-24T13:35:00.003-05:00

We have all been working very hard trying to get the house "move in ready". Dean has been putting in some exceptionally long hours at the house. Just some pics of what has happened within the last few days.

Kate and I took on the decorating adventure and took a trip to the local Menards and picked up some paint. LUCKILY, we found the border she had been looking at online for cheaper in the store!!! She wanted horses and while I was leaning more towards the little girl approach..we met in the middle when we found a horse border with pink, purple and yellow flowers. We also had to coordinate with the already pink carpet.

I was so happy with this color of pink. A lot of times the colors look different on the wall than on the little piece of paper you order them from. We were VERY happy with both colors!
I had Mom come up and help me put the border on while Kate was at school. To say the least...she is very happy with the way it turned out! Now we just have to do something with her closet(s)!!!!
Not sure what possessed us to go down to the house to embark on a grueling 2 hours of manual labor but we did. AND we did it as a family. For the first time in a long time, we did an activity in which we will all benefit and for the most part....we had fun!!!!

Dean had built the first wall while I was sleeping and when the kids got home we helped him stand it up, nail the heck out of it and then proceeded to help him build the wall for the west wing. (kinda like the tv show without all the men in suits!!!)
THE DESIGN TEAM!!!!!
2 WALLS UP!!!!!!

Starting to look like a house now!!!
Kate...standing in our future kitchen!!!
Andy is hanging out of my bedroom wall!!!!
Have you ever noticed how hard it is to take a picture when you are the one holding the camera and there is more than one subject and you can't see what the heck you are shooting????

However, like the pic below, these "imperfect" photos describe my family to a T!!!!! The last one will be blown up and hung in the entranceway to our new house. It is perfect and one of my very favorites!!! (Dean was trying to be like the guy from Home Improvement behind the fence) LOLLL

Watch for updates on the house...it is coming along rather quickly now! We hope to be in by Halloween! It does put a damper on my whole Halloween holiday (my very favorite) because we are in between houses and I usually decorate the entire house (inside and out). Maybe I could put them up at Thanksgiving????

September Already????

2008-09-08T02:31:00.002-05:00

It blows me away to think that this is September! As usual, I have been neglecting my blog! I wish I could get motivated to post a little more. School started a couple weeks ago and I haven't shared my 1st day pics yet! These are just a couple of my favorites. I have taken a ton! Our biggest issue this year was Kate. We REALLY struggled to find the right sizes this year but now that we have graduated to junior sizes (it's been a long time for me....it was frightening!!!!) I think we have the hang of it! Still saddens me that she can't wear all the things she wants to but she is enjoying dressing a little bit older too!
My children are soooooooooooo NIGHT AND DAY!!! Getting Andy to do homework is like pulling teeth and getting Kate to do homework??? I think she thrives off of it. I see sooooooo much of me in her it's scary. I don't think she really looks anything like me (although people say she does) but all the things she is going through and her habits and likes...they are ALL me! Andy??? If he didn't look like me? I would say he was switched at birth!

Samantha (Dean's daughter) spent the day with us yesterday and he was sooooooooooooo hyper! I now know why the school has been complaining. He does this to show off and once he is in this mode...you can't bring him down. He was this way all the way to town and back and even while he was here. I don't see him like that EVER so it makes me stop and think. Maybe the school was right??? His teachers and I are already conversing. Andy has screwed a couple of his grades already and although basketball practice starts today, he won't be able to play if his grades aren't up. I guess what is so frustrating with me is that I KNOW he can do it! I KNOW he is smarter than he lets on (minus his ability to spell). I guess that is what you do when you have kids. You can't do it all for them so you just have to sit back and take that ride with them!
This is one of my favorite pics. Sure, it was posed but I love the smile on their faces.
Now...let's get to it! What have I REALLY been up to the last couple weeks (besides scrapping)??? MY BOYS ARE BACK!!!!! I am sooooooooooooo giddy it's not even funny! Those that have known me for a while know that I was (and still am) their BIGGEST fan! I was soooooooo psyhed when I heard of their new album and reunion tour. They are coming to KC in November and while I don't have tickets or the means to get the tickets. I will do whatever I can to get there. I think I am just taking Kate because I can't afford to buy tix for everyone and I really owe it to Kate because I spent A LOT of money on Andy this summer. Oh...and she deserves to have just a little Mom to herself! Dean and I have talked about him driving me down there so he can drive me back when it's over. I just don't see well at night and geez Christmas is right around the corner too!!!! The new album is GREAT...I believe it is my very favorite and I am LOVIN their new sound. My favorite is 2 in the morning. Joey Joe...God it's good 2 see u back in action. It's been a long time boys! I am ready 4 another ride!

Read More About MY boys here: NKOTB

Oh..and for those that have NO idea what I am talking about??? This is their new video "Single" featuring Ne-Yo! My favorite part is the beginning when the girl walks by Joe and he just has that look on his face like "Here I am baby". Ok...I am carrying on like a child.

GOOD TIMES!!!!

HOUSE UPDATE: Dean got the concrete poured (FINALLY). I hope that we can start going up with the addition soon. The inside is really looking nice! Funds are a problem...but when aren't they???

GROWING UP

2008-08-25T14:51:00.004-05:00

So I stayed up late...ok all night scrapping. I tried to lay down for a while @ 4 but was NOT successful. I decided to get up shower and it wouldn't be long before the babies were up for school. Just as planned the kids got up and dressed...trying to be quiet cuz Dean's daughter is sleeping on our couch (an unplanned visit...we won't go there now). Andy leaves a little earlier than Kate cuz he has to catch the bus. 20 minutes later Kate comes in my room and gives me a kiss and tells me she is leaving. As she turns to walk out of the room, I notice that she is wearing her backpack (Camp Rock) inside out. I questioned her and she began to cry. She said she didn't want to get made fun of because of it. I asked if someone had said something about it and she said no. She then told me that none of the other kids in her class have bags with characters on them. She said she felt like a baby.

This really wouldn't have come as a shock to me but a couple weeks ago when we picked this bag out...she LOVED it! She LOVES the Jonas Brothers (as do I) and LOVES Camp Rock. BUT....I am young enough to remember the New Kids on the Block days and the times when I was embarrassed to admit that I even liked them. I guess that is why your room is so special when you are a kid.

Soooo...when Kate got home from school, I told her that we would go to Wal-Mart and get a new bag that she wouldn't be embarrassed to carry. We did! Now she is the happiest girl on the planet!

10 DAY TRIP REPORT/UPDATE

2008-08-12T12:25:00.003-05:00

Blogging has been in the back of my mind for quite some time now. I Kinda left day 10 hanging in the air. Or maybe Day 10 is something I wanna forget cuz that was the day all the fun came to a screeching hault???? Whatever the reason, I thought I would share at least one character layout as that was the highlight of Day 10 of our Disney trip. Our plane left around 4pm so we had all day to hang out. I of course maybe reservations for the Nick character breakfast. It was really great! Loved seeing all the characters!!!! The whole family did....yes even Dean. Dean's face lit up when it was time to get his pic taken with Squidward!!!! LOLL We got a complementary 5 x 7 photo that we also had an appointment for. I had bought us matching shirts the day before and when I unpack the Disney stuff at the new house...I will post the picture as I am VERY proud of it!!!

We hung out at the hotel and played in the water park until it was time to leave for the airport. We got to the airport a bit early so we waited like I see people do in the movies. Orlando airport is HUGE for those that have never been there and GIGANTIC compared to KC airport!!!! We decided to grab a bite to eat at McDonalds in the airport...I payed like $30 for us to eat at McDonalds but we were starved...AGAIN! The flight still scared me stiff but we made it home and I was soooooooooooo glad to be home again!
Thought I would share some of the other layouts I have done over the summer that I have been sitting on until I finished my trip report. The top one I just finished the other day. Very happy with it. Love the colors in Laura Burger's Summer Heat kit! Have I told you how happy I am to be apart of her CT???? The picture was taken the night that Kate and I drove Andy to Hutchinson, KS (6 hours from home) for Space Camp. We stayed at a cheap little hotel and although not the greatest....it was cheap and it was just me and Kate. We had the pool to ourselves but I was a little scared being so far from home and being out with my daughter at the pool in a strange land. There were a couple guys that kept walking around the pool that creeped me out a bit!!!

All in all...a great visit!
I did this one a couple months ago and I have to say it is one of my very favorites. Every time I hear this song, I think of my Mom and Dad. I was so very fortunate to fall into the family that I did. The older I get, the more people I meet telling stories of how their parents did drugs, drank and cheated on their other parent. I never had ANY of this growing up. VERY VERY lucky!
Another pic that was taken at the pool in our hotel at Hutchinson. I love this picture!
Another big event for the summer was boy scouts! Andy went to Camp Geiger and was tapped which means he is now a Brave. Those that aren't familiar with the scouts, it is an honor to be selected the 2nd year because most don't get tapped until the 3rd. To achieve this, the boys have to achieve different tasks through the year such as attending the meetings. This honor made him a member of Mic-o-say in which he has completed several dances already. We just got his costume made and I believe all he needs is his moccasins. We are having trouble finding those but will get them ASAP!
I love this layout! Andy is the boy without a shirt on. This will be one of the layouts that I have printed to hang in the new house.
I have decided to make a book from Shutterfly to remember our Disney trip. This will be the last page of the book. I think I will make a book and print one for me and my Mom for Christmas.
I received these pics in an email yesterday. I haven't seen Rissy since February of this year and that really hasn't been that long ago but it is when you are a baby. I can't believe how big she has gotten. I told my niece that we are going to HAVE to plan a visit soon. I can't stand to be away from them. I cried when I saw these pictures. I hate that they are so far away! I wish I had more pics to scrap with!
Oh one of the most memorable parts of our trip was the flight. I know now that I will never like to fly nor will it be something I get used to like Dean says. I am COMPLETELY terrified...however...I would get on one again if it was taking me to see the mouse!!!!
These are Andy's instructors at Space Camp. I like the little guy in back. Pretty cute huh???
This is one that I have been thinking about for a long time just never got er done.
I believe this was the first layout I got finished after Andy was tapped.

DAY 9 (SAYING GOODBYE/FLORIDA MALL/NICK HOTEL)

2008-07-18T08:10:00.004-05:00

So our stay at Windsor Hills is complete. We had an awesome time..even though we never got to the club house. LOLLL We liked our private pool..it was hard to stray away from that.

On our way out of the property...we had to stop and capture these beautiful trees. They were EVERYWHERE. I am not sure what they are but that was half of the beauty of Florida. Everything was sooooooo well kept. And that it should be. I believe Orlando is @ the top for vacation spots!

M&M world was @ the Florida Mall. The mall was great. Half the fun of traveling is seeing how the other half lives. My favorite shopping spot is the outlet mall. If I didn't have Dean with me...I would have spent a little longer there. We were able to pick up a couple outfits for Candy (Kate's Build a Bear) We hadn't been to a Build a Bear store since the science center in St. Louis.
I don't really even need to tell you how much fun we had @ the Nick Hotel. It was a BLAST and the water slides???? I wish I was there. I didn't even care how fat I looked in my suit. I went down with the best of them!!!!
Here is my layout series for day 9.
Thought I had better include a layout of what we cruised around in . I am soooooo glad we decided to rent a car. It wouldn't have been the same without it. I can't even BEGIN 2 imagine!!!
When it was time to check out of our pool house. I think we were ready to move on to the Nick Hotel as we were all pretty excited about our stay there. It was still sad to have to close that door for the last time. It was TRULY our home for our trip away from home.

Oh...and I am not gonna tell ya how long it took to capture a pic of all of us with our eyes open, looking at the camera, without the glare from the counter...I decided that even with the stupid look on Andy's face....it was a keeper!
One of my favorite places in the entire world. M&M world. We were just trying to pass the time before we checked into our hotel (later we found out that we could check in early and use the facility until our room was ready...TIP 4 NEXT TIME!!!)

Anyway.... I collect M&M memorabilia so this place was just the PERFECT find for me. I managed to spend quite a bit of money but not really cuz I got an awesome picture frame (for the picture in the above layout) and some other stuff that I don't even remember because I have packed all of our Disney stuff for the new house!
Here we are....again, I can't even tell you how awesome this place was. We LOVED it and just like the entire trip...it was good 2 be a kid again! I LOVED going down all the water slides. Only one of them made me sick...but you don't have time to think about it cuz you have to hop out of it quick cuz there are always 12 more kids following you down the slide and you don't wanna have all of them on your lap! LOL Dean wasn't crazy about the slides...he is kinda aquaphobic (is that a word??? well it is on my blog!) I did manage to drag him down a couple slides but he felt like he was drowning so he sat on one of the little chairs and watched. LOLLL

DAY 8 (EPCOT)

2008-07-09T20:09:00.008-05:00

Day 8....I must say, when I started blogging our vacation, I HAD NO IDEA it would take this long to get it all posted. I guess I had forgotten what happens when reality gets in the way of things! Work has been (to say the least) stressful. Good news is, we got the loan to remodel our house. What a relief that is. It is all starting to fall in place....and fall apart at the same time.

I am still trying to dig myself out of the hole I created for myself when we went to Disney. I spent a little too much money...but hey...who doesn't but I didn't anticipate suffering for it for the next 2 months. All I can say is thank God I didn't have a credit card to max out...cuz I woulda done it!!!

This week, I have felt nothing but depressed. We have had some problems at home...that I won't go into @ the present but it has really been hard on me and the kids working so many hours and me not getting enough sleep. It just seems like nobody even appreciates it and it is a never ending cycle. I keep asking myself....Why is it that I clocked in 108 hours on the last pay period and I don't have a cent (NOT exaggerating) and Dean is unemployed and has more money than I do. Why????

Guess that is why I am never in a real good mood. I am tired of being the provider...I have been my entire life...well my adult life (hee hee) but at the same time, I don't know what it's like to be on the other side. I have never had to rely on anyone for anything but it would be nice to have a little help once in a while. I already have premonition that when we get the loan money...even though my name is on the loan as well...I won't have any control over how it will be spent.

Ahhhhhhhhhh...I guess I could ramble 4 ever..and I don't wanna soooooooooooooo

ON TO THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH......
We missed a lot @ Epcot, I was sick most of the day and it was probably the hottest day we experienced on the entire trip. We made our way to the World Showcase and I wish we had spent more time in Future World. I went into the park wanting nothing more than to see Turtle Talk With Crush and visit the Seas with Nemo. Somehow we missed these things. Lunch time...it was the worst...my family is sooooooooooooo PARTICULAR. I hadn't planned on eating @ Epcot and we were going to have Brats in Germany but then we didn't cuz the kids didn't want that. We visited several other countries until we settled in Mexico. The food wasn't that great and everyone hated everyone by the time we found somewhere to eat. It's amazing how quickly the heat can drive everyone mad!!!

We did get to watch Honey I shrunk the audience which was really pretty entertaining. We spent quite a little time in Image Works which we had a picture taken of all of us in a cartoon of the monorail and the Magic Kingdom. I laid down the big bucks but got to take it home!!!

YAY!!!! The best souvenier are our pictures!!!!
We did stumble onto a fairly new section of Epcot. Character Spot. We got to meet all the characters (most of the ones we had seen before...but how can you pass them up????) I hadn't gotten my pic with Mickey yet...and I was GOING TO DO IT!!!! Then Dean jumped in at the last minute. I love to watch Goofy. He is friggin hilarious!!!!!
The scenery @ Epcot was beautiful. Then again....every single park was really so indescribable!!!!

I love this pic of Kate!!!! She had on her Hannah Montana hat and the photographers kept telling her to pull her hat up a bit so they could see her face. LOLL
This one was taken on the way into the park. One of my favorite pics!!!
Sorry bout all the character pics but it was pretty much the highlight of our trip to Epcot. I got sick and we left early. I think I was dehydrated and over heated!
Our trip was coming to an end and I was getting low on dough so we did the fast food thing for supper. But it tasted soooooooo good. Dean and Andy had Long John Silvers and Kate and I had Wendy's (I LOVE WENDYS) And then we all had Frostys. The best I think I have ever had....or maybe it was just that hot that it tasted soooooo good to have something cold!

It was our last night @ the pool house so we cruised the strip for one last time and hit several of the gift shops along the way. I am SUCH a Disney fanatic now it isn't even funny!!!! I can't wait to get back to do some shopping!!!!!

I think this was the first day that I REALLY felt home sick. I think knowing that my Mama wasn't functioning very well without us made it a little more difficult. SURE I was having a blast but there was certainly a part of me that just wanted to come home too. I have never been so far away from my Mom before. I don't know how people live several states away from their family. I just couldn't ever do it!
And lastly, some layouts I created to remember our trip to Epcot!!!

Decorating

2008-07-03T23:16:00.003-05:00

While searching for bathroom decor. (I think I may decorate my new bathroom in Mickey style) I came across this post! Sure it is almost midnight and everyone is sleeping but I couldn't help but to burst out laughing!!!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y

Oh...the joys of motherhood!

DAY 7 (KENNEDY SPACE CENTER)

2008-07-03T21:29:00.009-05:00

We're here!!!! KSC! I was a little hesitant at trading my day @ Sea World that I have dreamed of since...I dunno FOREVER for a day looked @ rockets and space shuttles. The school my children go to was selected to receive a 3 year grant for Nasa. This enables them to actually speak with real astronauts. We even had Roger Crouch come to our school. Andy received a scholarship to go to Space Camp this summer from an essay he wrote. So to say the least, NASA has become a big part of our lives.
Just a replica but looked pretty real didn't it?
I miss the palm trees soooooooooo much. Do I say that in every post???

With 100 degree heat, we welcomed the tour bus rides between exhibits. There were little tvs all through the bus that showed videos as well as the bus driver giving us the 411 on everything we were seeing or about to see.

My favorite was when they were describing what it was like on shuttle launch day. It takes 8 hours to get to the launch pad. The astronauts are escorted by tons of police cars. He joked and said that they were there in case one of the astronauts had second thoughts. LOLLL

Waiting on the tour bus
Inside the tour bus
Looks a little more grown up with her hair back doesn't she???
Kate and the Rocket Man!
This is still breathtaking. This rocket was actually launched into space!!!

Love this picture of my kiddies.
Just a shot of Deans burnt legs from Clearwater beach the day before!
I believe this was taken in the elevator. How cute are we????

This was on the wall in one of the exhibit rooms. I liked it for one reason or another.
We were obvious tourists sitting in the back of the theatre. You would have thought it was the first time my children had worn 3D glasses. Look Closely at how nicely they fit on Andy's head.

And last but not least...a few layouts to sum up our wonderful day @ KSC!!! This first one I used primarily elements from Kim Hill's Patriotic Kit available in the June Issue of BellaScraps Magazine. The Imax movie was probably one of my very favorite memories of KSC. It only lasted about an hour...I could have sat there for 2 more.
Love the way this turned out. I love to use black as my BG because 9 days out of 10, Andy is wearing black. (not because he is depressed but because he is an avid wrestling fan...and most of the Cena/HHH/Stone Cold/Hardy Boys/Undertaker ect...LOL shirts are black)
And lastly...to sum up our stay. This one was created with Laura Burger's new kit Faded Glory. Pick it up today @ her new Gotta Pixel store...You will NOT be sorry!

DAY 6 (CLEARWATER BEACH)

2008-06-28T19:50:00.006-05:00

CLEARWATER BEACH

This was a bit of an afterthought. I had already made plans to spend our Saturday at Daytona Beach. About 2 weeks before we left for our trip, one of my residents mentioned that she used to live in Clearwater and that it was a beautiful beach and she thought I needed to take the kids because Kate was excited about collecting sea shells!

We slept in a bit on Saturday as we had not really had a chance to do that. I had been in DUMBO OR DIE mode all week and it was kinda nice to slow down. We hit the Sizzler buffet for breakfast. It was really really good and not too much on the expensive side. Actually we hit the Sizzler several times within our stay. I am a steak kinda person and they had a HUGE buffet. My family LOVES a good buffet!

We got to the beach around 11 or 12. It was SUPER hot. People were EVERYWHERE and I mean EVERYWHERE!!!! We couldn't find a parking spot to save our lives!!!! We ended up parking about a mile down the strip, paying $20 and walking in the blazing heat AGAIN!!!! Once we got there, it was worth it. It was so nice to finally be able to put my feet in the white sand after longing for this my entire life. My only complaint? It was hard to walk very far in. It would be excellent exercise if that was what I was aiming for (IT WAS NOT!!!). We were able to find an umbrella and 2 chairs fairly immediately. (We had to pay for those too!) We unloaded rather quickly....I took lots of pics and the kids were on there way. They had been out in the water about 30 minutes when they decided they needed these neat rafts like everyone else had.
Then they did!
Kinda surprised they didn't get the same one as they are usually so competitive.

Now they were having fun!
This is one of my favorite beach photos. Kate was packing up sand for Grams and I was trying different settings with my camera.
Dean wanted Andy to take this pic before we packed up our stuff to leave. Hopefully next year, I will have lost 30 pounds!
We went and ate @ Frenchy's before we left town. It was across the street from the beach, and we parked illegally to get there. They had ZERO parking space. It was an awesome place to eat though and I would definitely go back. Everyone loved it and I loved the whole beach setting!
Andy talked Dean into letting him jump on the trampoline. He was able to get pretty high and he thought he was bungee jumping!!!! LOLL

Kate loved to sit in the sand and dig out the sea shells. They were everywhere. When we were actually IN the Gulf, we could feel the shells at the bottom of the water. This pic was taken with my new Canon camera set on color accent (my favorite setting!!!). No other alterations were made.
Just a layout I did using Laura Burger's cool blue papers from her new With Nature kit. Available at ACOT! I LOVE LOVE LOVE how this turned out. I feel a bit accomplished this week having learned a new trick in PSP on placement of pics in a template without making my edges jaggy. I am sooooooooooo PSYCHED!!!!! Thank you to all of the girls at DST for helping me out!

Making these layouts makes me want to go back sooooooooo bad! Dean and I had talked about going back in October of this year but as time goes by...it seems inevitable that we will NOT be going back this year due to the construction of our new house. It really is more practical to build our house into our "dream house" and this way, the next time we go (Oct 2009) we won't be so sad to leave our pool house and come home, because we will have a nice home waiting for us upon our return!!!
Lastly, I made this wallpaper for my computer just moments ago. Fairly happy with the results. Most of the products are from Natali's Countryside kit and Jofia's Sea oh Sea kit. (My two very favorite designers...I have many!!!)

Oh Oh Oh...another great thing happened to me this week. I had sent in an application for Karah Fredrick's CT Call. (The alpha I used was from her Thing Called Spring Kit (LOVE LOVE LOVE IT) Of course I didn't make it (there are far better scrappers than myself and Karah is like a GOD) I did however receive a $10.00 gift certificate to Blue Flombigo from Karah! I was able to get 4 NEW ALPHAS!!!! (I am kind of an alpha freak!!!)

DAY 5 (UNIVERSAL STUDIOS/MK DAY 2)

2008-06-24T23:52:00.006-05:00

I think that the hardest thing about blogging my trip report is choosing which photos to post. I apologize to all of my dial-up readers. Please be patient...there are just a lot of photos I couldn't eliminate from the day. (when you have 3000 pics...it's hard to eliminate ANY of them!)

Universal wasn't one of my favorite parks...and I will have to think hard about going back next year...yes I have decided next year we will return @ Halloween time. It will be cooler and Halloween is my favorite holiday! I think it will be worth the trip!!!! I think it will ALWAYS be worth the trip!

It was very hot that day...suffocating really. I think that and the fact that I really should have researched Universal a bit more. We (me and the kids) were intimidated by a lot of the rides. We didn't want to ride something and get sick. Well me and Andy would get sick and Kate? She was just terrified of EVERYTHING! We were in line to ride Twister and right before we went in she starting bawling. I couldn't take her in like that and she was starting to make me nervous as well!

We were able to ride a few and I do mean a few (Men In Black, Terminator (show), Jaws (boat ride) Jimmy Neutron (show/simulator ride) and pretty much that's it. We were able to meet Madagascar, Spongebob, Jimmy Neutron, Dora and Scooby and Shaggy. Wasn't a total waste of the day.

I think half of what killed US is that we did this AFTER we did Disney. After you have been to the Magic Kingdom??? Everything else is just blah!
We LOVED the Nick section as we are ALL Spongebob fans!!!!
This is a classic ride...just kinda boring and predictable. However...Kate was scared!
This was very much like Buzz Lightyear...minus the twirls. Surprisingly....none of us got sick!
YAY!!! Kate got to help on Fear Factor. She thought she was PRETTY smart!
As much as she LOVES the Sponge...you couldn't tell could you??? I got my picture with him too and I got a little too close and almost knocked him over!!! (Reminds me of that video on You Tube where Mike from Monsters Inc fell over!!!) LOL Not 100% on that link...hope it works for you!!!
One of my favorite parts of Universal. Hollywood Blvd!!! They even had the stars on the sidewalk! I know now that I will probably never get to Hollywood cuz I couldn't stand to be on a plane for that long. BUT that is what I said about Florida too!

If you dream it? It WILL happen!!!!
How real do they look??? My Mom didn't think that Shaggy was a real person!
Everytime I see this pic...I laugh. The look on Jimmy Neutron's face is PRICELESS!!! And the way Dora is standing next to Andy??? LMAO!!!!
We didn't really need this but as hot as it was...TCBY sure tasted good before we climbed that last hill @ Universal! It always felt soooo nice to find our car (or what was our car for 10 days) and get sat down and crank the air. We were all sooooooo hot and exhausted!

We went home and hit the pool for a couple hours (I am sooooo anxious to get back it hurts! OUR POOL HOUSE ROCKED!!!!) then we had a plan to hit Magic Kingdom again. Our only mistake??? We didn't get there til about 8. We only had a short amount of time to hang out before closing (I think it was 11) However, there would never be enough time @ the Magic Kingdom. That place is like heaven to me!

Doesn't really look like she is having a good time does she???
He was so afraid some cute girl would see him with this bag..so I had to make sure LOTS of cute girls saw him!

Philharmagic! Wow!!! Went into this thinking...oh it might be pretty good. Part of what I love the most about Disney movies is their music. I have many Disney soundtracks and it was soooooo great to watch a show where there were sooooooooo many of the songs I love piled into one! I sat there with my 3D glasses on singing every word! Again....MAGIC!
My Mom made the comment that Andy looked so happy in all of the pictures she has seen so far. He has had a really rough year and I am beginning to think that it isn't even his fault. I think the school district as a whole has been kinda tough on him. I have complaints that Andy wouldn't keep his mouth shut during class and would do things to get everyone's attention. However, at the same time they were telling me he is one of the smartest kids in the class. His grades were always @ his best and he tried really hard! We ALL deserved this vacation!!!

Found this out in the middle of nowhere (or right next to the carousel) This is the good pic. The other one Andy thinks he looks like he is peeing on a rock!
One of my VERY favorite rides. Sooooooooo glad we went back!
The fireworks alone were enough for us to pay another $11.00 for parking to get in!

The kids LOVED Dumbo after Kate got up enough courage to ride. They thought it was the greatest gift on earth to be riding Dumbo while the fireworks were going off over their little heads. Definitely a moment they won't soon forget!
I love this picture of the lights on the water. Cinderella's castle looks even MORE gorgeous at night!
Just a few layouts I have completed for Day 5. This one using primarily Laura Burger's new Nature kit to be hitting Gotta Pixel soon!
This one was inspired by David Cook's song "Time of my life". I LOVE that song and most importantly I LOVE DAVID COOK!!!!! (Keep your fingers crossed that I get to take my little girl to see him in KC in August!!!!) I love the pink mouse ears Kate has on. They were kinda tight on her head but we paid I don't even remember how much for them...so she was wearing them....rather it cut off the blood flow to her brain or not! LOL

I thought I needed do a layout just on our Fear Factor experience! Kate got a front row seat and got to help raise the car up in the final stunt. (or at least she thought she did)

DAY 4 (ANIMAL KINGDOM)

2008-06-18T11:42:00.006-05:00

Today will be a short post. While planning for our trip I heard several people tell me to skip the Animal Kingdom and I am glad we didn't listen. I loved the Animal Kingdom...sure after the Magic Kingdom it is pretty much pud but I enjoyed it and I believe the kids did too! Again it was a hot hot today but thank God for Disney's Fast Passes to Kali River Rapids we managed to stay cool. Of course Dean didn't like getting wet so when we tried to ride again (never got the chance...the dang ride was down) Dean wanted to sit and watch.

The tree of life is really something else. It is HUGE in person...Just looks like a tree doesn't it?? Disney has everything mapped out beautifully. We were able to walk down around the roots, pick out the different animals in the roots and as we got down to the bottom...we were able to see a Flik!
Had to include this pic because after I took this pic, the kids and I stood for an hour while Dean was chatting with a representitive from the vacation club. It only cost 16,000 and you can come to Disney ANYTIME you want!!! Well for 16,000 we better be able to purchase a room @ the friggin Grand Floridian!!!
Ahhh Blue! He was hilarious!!! Who would have thought! He played with Kate's hair the entire time we were taking pics and even after she walked away....he chased her around the corner (she didn't even know he was there) and as soon as she turned around...he fluffed her hair one more time!

2 cute!!!!
I know boring right??? But I was proud of my alligator shot and we didn't get to see a lot of them the entire trip cuz it was so hot outside...most of them were smart enough to stay in the water!

Except this one!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Giraffes and I have never gotten to get so close to one before. He was literately 2 feet in front of us!!!
LUNCH!!! This was PLANNED! Had a bit of trouble finding this but it was sooooooo worth it. I love BBQ and this was awesome!!!! The kids were able to get their collectable AK cups here as well. Sure I had to slap Dean back to consciousness a few times over the cost but it still doesn't beat the $16.00 drink I paid for the kids to have refillable cups the entire time we were @ Nick!!! Oh the joy of vacationing!!!!
This was my absolute favorite part of Animal Kindom! This was the Festival of the Lion King. Most of my pics didn't come out because we were back pretty far and it was so dark but WOW!!!! Another one of those moments that is so moving I just wanted to cry!

Before we returned home for the evening...I had heard soo much about the Belz outlet stores that I HAD TO BE THERE!!!! Again, we had a hell of a time finding it but after we did..I was in heaven. They had a Disney store that everything (or most everything) was discounted and they had a lot of things that were still selling in the parks. I got a bunch of t-shirts there and picture frames (one of my FAVORITE souvenirs) and some really really neat glasses (the drinking kind that we wont drink out of). Also, Andy found a really cool Pirates of the Caribbean stein. Kate found a neat Mickey and Minnie pillow. I think I spent $200 in this store...but I was ready to go back on Day 5!
Back home again! Loved how this turned out with the photo effects. I love Kate's freckles (SHE HATES THEM!!!) and this really accents them in the pool!

Yup...they loved the pool! Pool House??? STILL patting myself on the back for this one!

And lastly, 2 layouts I did for todays events!
LO #1: Kim Hill's Beachy Keen
LO #2: Lindsay Jane's Country Blue

DAY 3 (CHEF MICKEYS/MAGIC KINGDOM/DAYTONA)

2008-06-16T11:05:00.020-05:00

We got up really early Wednesday morning. I had told Dean the night before that we wouldn't be doing Chef Mickey's in the morning. I had made reservations months ago (again Passporter recommended) but the more I thought about how expensive it was, I thought we better not. Having left for Florida with far less money in my pocket than I had anticipated and having to put a $200 deposit on my rental car because I was using a debit card and not a major credit card (unplanned) we still had several days ahead of us and I didn't want to cut ourselves short.

Having slept very little through the night. I even got up and sat by the pool and read my book for a while. I decided. (I am the one who made every single decision on this trip and me ALONE) we were DEFINITELY doing Chef Mickey's. I didn't want to go home and say "I wish we would have done that!".

Half the excitement was getting to be on the monorail just a little bit more than those just riding to the Magic Kingdom. Again, having just seen pictures, we were PSYCHED to finally be aboard THE MONORAIL!! Part of what makes Chef Mickey's so exciting is that the Monorail drives right through the center of the Contemporary Resort.
Goofy was the first character to visit our table. What a hoot he was. The whole family had gotten up to go to the buffet and I was alone at the table. He was dancing in front of my table and swinging his napkin. I would go back to Chef Mickey's just to see Goofy!
I missed my picture with the most famous mouse of all but it was still awesome to pair up with my girl Minnie!
This is it! This is the picture I have dreamed of. Of course we all thought that the Cinderella's castle would be visible all over Orlando, it was not. We couldn't really get a glimpse of it until we were in or very near the Magic Kingdom.
We saw LOTS of characters. Kate and Andy both got autographs and pics from Mary Poppins and Bert, Pinocchio, Chip and Dale, Jimmy Cricket, Pluto, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie and Buzz Lightyear. I am sure there were others but that was on the top of my head.
Ahhhh the best ride ever!!!! I could ride this over and over and over again. The whole family enjoyed this. We got the experience of a ride and a game all in one. I wish Disney had more rides like this one. But I can't complain too much. Everything was perfect!

Again we missed a lot @ this park and we even went back in the evening on another day to watch the fireworks. Our favorites were the Main Street Vehicles (Kate loved this), Jungle Cruise (it was just nice to sit down..although I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't sitting on the old guys lap next to me.) We were gonna do Splash Mountain as it is legendary but Kate wouldn't go on it after she saw it and I am kinda with her anymore. I think I have a bad heart! Our very favorites were Stitch's Great Escape and Monsters Inc. WE could have spent all day in Tomorrowland and been perfectly happy! (I wish we would have gotten to Peter Pan's flight on this day...when we returned it became my favorite ride and Philharmagic was DEFINITELY my favorite show!!!)
Luckily we found a few of these around the park. They kept us cool!
We waited for about 20 minutes in the wrong location for the parade. I was looking @ the map wrong. We then proceeded to Main Street to watch the parade in the mess of people and the blazing hot sun. Everyone has always said how great the parades are but it is one of those things you just have to experience. Again...truly magical. There were several times on the trip where I was just so happy to be there that I wanted to cry. This was one of those moments.
Those that know me well, know that I am a die hard Eeyore fan. I have a million stuffed animals, PEZ dispensers, straws...pretty much anything stupid you can imagine...I own it!
After we left the park, we headed to our hometown strip (192) to try the Black Angus Steakhouse. We pass it every day when we turn down Old Lake Wilson Rd to get to our pool house. I think this was the best food we had the entire stay. The side salad (I know stupid right?) was the best thing I have ever eaten and it was followed by a strip steak that was out of this world!!! Everyone was happy and I didn't mind paying $65.00 to eat. WELL worth it!

We went home to swim for a bit. It clouded over pretty good and we thought it would storm. It sprinkled a bit but nothing major. By around 5:30, I got this crazy idea to drive to Daytona Beach. I wanted to see the beach so bad it hurt. So we drove to Daytona. It was so nice to relax and just drive in places I have never been before. We got to the beach a little after 8. The sun was going down and we knew there wasn't much time. It was enough for us. We all (minus Dean...he doesn't do water) got in the ocean and had a blast!!!! We pretty much had the entire beach to ourselves. It was sooooo quiet. When we go back...we will go to Daytona. I liked it a lot better than Clearwater.
Still doesn't look right, seeing pictures of MY kids on the beach. Who'da thought???
Andy and Kate had a blast finding shells and even some baby crabs on the beach. We collected sand, water and shells to bring home.

I had to drag her out of there kicking and screaming. She didn't want to leave! These are just a couple LOs I did for Day 3. (Click on them to make them larger)

LO #1: All elements from Jofia Devoe and Natali Designs.

LO#2: "3": Shawna Clingerman, Everything Else from Laura Burger's Creative Mess Kit

DAY 2 (HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS)

2008-06-14T17:31:00.020-05:00

Night one. I didn't sleep well. It wasn't the bed or the house or even being away from home. I felt more at home there than I do in my own home. We lived in complete luxury and those that know me well know that I am not used to that at all. 10 days of the year??? SURE! I'll take it!!!!

This was the moment I had been waiting for my entire life. I was so excited!!! I was going to Disney World!!! I wish that every mother could take her children. It is too bad that everything is so expensive that the general population can't afford to go. Transportation alone is UNREAL!!!! But enough with the negatives...I was up @ 6. I think I finally fell asleep @ 3. Surprisingly the kids were still asleep. This confirmed that I was FAR more excited than they were. However...it didn't take them long to get up and get around.

I very seldom cook @ home but the idea was to eat breakfast in the pool house so that we could save money for lunch and supper meals. On this particular morning, I fixed french toast and bacon. YUMMY!!! Of course I didn't eat much (RARE) I was ready to go! I wanted to be sure to be at the park @ 830 like my Passporter book recommended. I had reviewed my book the night before and had a plan.

Everyone piled into the car. We had no trouble finding the world. It is 10 minutes away from our pool house and there are signs everywhere!!!(coming home is a different story)
Here we are! We made it. I made it! I did it. I got my family here. It truly was a dream come true.
Decked out in our Disney attire, we were on the tram, tickets in hand,(I had checked 10 or 12 times to make sure they were all there) we were ready to hit the park full force. Surprised @ the relatively short line when we arrived @ the gate @ promptly 8:20. It didn't take long for people to pile in behind us. We watched the cast perform a quick show while we waited for the gates to open...then they did.
We were in. So much to see. So many things to do. It just seemed we couldn't get them done fast enough. People (who had obviously been there before) were running past us to get to their favorite rides. On my list first was the Tower of Terror.
I was happy to find that the line was again short. We moved quickly into the hotel. Watched a precursor of the Twilight Zone. Prompted to move ahead, we were all thinking "was that it???". I would have been happy if that was it. It wasn't. We were then moved into an elevator. I should have flown out of there when they instructed us to put our seat belts on. I didn't. The doors closed. They began to show these awesome special effects with the stars and such. PRETTY!!! All the sudden..we shot up 156 ft. They opened the window so we could see out(how kind). Then we dropped all the way to the bottom. They continued to shoot us up and down but after the first drop, I closed my eyes. I opened them a few times to check on my baby as I knew if I was terrified, she must be wetting her pants. Luckily the ride was over pretty quickly. The elevator doors opened and although we were sitting in the back. Kate was the first one off. She quickly un-buckled her seat belt and flew out screaming "I will NEVER ride that again". Because she enjoyed it so much. I even bought her a t-shirt to remind her of the wonderful experience we had! LOLL
Kate wanted to see Kim Possible so bad. We waited for a bit but never did run into her. Snapped this cute photo instead.
We actually got the fastpasses for Star Tours and as we progressed through the line, I noted a sign on the wall cautioning those with heart problems and motion sickness. It didn't take me long to escort the whole family out. After the Tower of Terror. We couldn't be too careful!
One thing (there are many) that I love about the Disney parks is how organized everything is. There was no chaos at all. NONE! We were given a schedule @ the front of the park defining all the shows and what times we could catch them. Kate is a huge HSM fan so of course we had to stop in the heat to watch. It was WONDERFUL! Hard not to praise these kids for what they did. I know I wouldn't get out there and dance in the blazing heat.
Ahhhh, Lights, motor, action was was one of our very favorite shows. Everything looked so real. I really believed all of the stunts were real until they showed us how every one of them worked. Even after all of that, at the end of the show, this guy was on fire and the audience was completely silent. I know I wasn't the only one who thought something had gone wrong. It was all pre-meditated.
We were up @ the top for the finale but could still feel the heat from the explosion. Very entertaining. I enjoyed every show I saw @ Disney. My favorite in this park was Muppets 3D. So funny and I have always been a muppets fan.
Downtown Disney. I had been wanting to go to the marketplace because there were several shops I wanted to hit. If it hadn't of been so stinking hot. This would have been more memorable. It didn't take us long to establish a schedule to avoid the heat. This pic was taken in one of the DTD shops. Andy wanted to be sure I got him with the Scream guy. We had just watched the trilogy before we left on our trip.
I had seen pics of these things but nothing compares to seeing them in real life.
My kids fit right in with this family!
Almost as tell as my baby girl.
Always a dream to eat @ Planet Hollywood. We were afraid we would have to wait as reservations are recommended for lunch and supper is walk ins only. We got right in but didn't have much of a chance to look @ all the memorabilia. By this time, everyone was hot and cranky (2pm)
Love the little PH guy. Dean was checking the place out. There was even a Chucky doll there!!!
The outside merchandise shop was covered in these blocks that celebs. had signed. I knew a lot of them. I grew up watching Patrick Swayze and have been very upset about his recent illness. I can't tell you how many times I watched Dirty Dancing. I know every song on the soundtrack (1 and 2).
Finally. I finished a LO for Day 2. It takes a bit longer to create because I am trying to journal all of my Disney LOs. I don't want to forget a second.

DAY 1

2008-06-12T20:42:00.012-05:00

Love how this turned out. It is hard to narrow down the pics I use for my daily LOs. I love all my pics. Patting myself on the back for buying myself a new camera before the trip. It was soooooooooo worth it!

We begin every trip in the backseat of my car. It has become a tradition. We always begin our vacation early in the morning and typically begin the morning with a breakfast at Denny's. On this particular morning, breakfast wasn't too hot...but we didn't care. We're going to DISNEY WORLD!!!
We arrived @ the airport early. (about 2 hours pre-flight). We had 7 bags in tow. (we are allowed 2 per person) When the shuttle came to pick us up, it was FULL of people. We couldn't even put our luggage on the rack. We had to carry it. I had printed our boarding passes at home so that part was out of the way. We tagged our bags and checked in without a problem. For the next hour we wandered around the airport. (first time in an airport for all of us but Dean). We watched planes take off and land. As time grew closer, I got a little more nervous.

The time had come to check our carry-on bags. With our shoes off and our belongings in a tub, we passed with flying colors! YAY!!!! Then we sat and waited for our plane. Seemed like forever, I was just anxious to get on the dang thing and get it over with. I swore I would never fly. But come on....WE WERE OFF TO SEE THE MOUSE!!!!

They called our number, we got in line and soon made our way to the plane. It wasn't until I walked down the hall and could see the plane through the windows that I really started to panic. I tried to be calm as I knew Kate was very nervous about her first flight as well. We made our way to the back of the plane. All of the good seats (as if there is such a thing!) were taken. We had no choice but to sit in the very last row. Andy wanted to be next to the window, I wanted to be between both of my children. Kate was on the end and Dean was the row across from us next to the window. I didn't want to sit next to Dean because he has always told me that I just need to "get over" my fear of flying. In my defense (especially after having tried it), it is NOT something that you "get over". It was a very turbulent flight and the pilot kept the seat belt sign on most of the flight.

NOT A PERFECT FLIGHT 2 BE MY FIRST!!!!
Andy, turned his MP3 player on and slept most of the flight. He did wake up to eat the cheese nips and peanuts. He woke up as the flight attendant was counting down the landing (he was HILARIOUS the entire flight!) The descent was horrible and I become nauseated thinking about it now. We joke about this now but it was not pretty @ the time. (Thank God 4 the puke bags they put behind each seat!) When he got to 4 on the countdown, Andy reached for the bag...and yup...you guessed it. Poor little guy. He has always had a problem with motion sickness. It is wonderful to be on the ground but very scary cuz I felt like we were going way too fast and we were SURE to plow into something.

Thankfully, we made it to our destination without any major problems.
When we got to the airport. Wow! What a change from KCI!!! This place was HUGE!!! Very organized but HUGE!!! We were able to get our rental car (after quite a little wait). We got a gold 2008 Ford Fusion. Not a bad little car. I drive a Ford Focus every day so it was very similar....just a bit larger.
This was our first look @ Orlando. Wow! What a beautiful place. I am sure Dean got tired of hearing me say that but it just amazed me how well kept everything was. The trees were beautiful everywhere we went.
I guess this is the part I was the most nervous about. I have had everything reserved and paid for since January. I was just afraid we would get to the rental house and it wouldn't exist. Even after we found the place. I made everyone wait in the car to see if the code that the owner had given me would work. (it is a passed on blessing in my family for something to go wrong @ EVERY turn...I have learned to expect it) Without a problem, the code worked, we were in! It was truly breath taking. Every room was just like the website displayed. PERFECT!!! Everyone was happy...even Dean (he is to say the least..VERY hard to please).

We then went back out to get some groceries for the week. We didn't use a lot of the things we bought, we got up early every morning and headed to the parks. We decided on Sizzler for supper. It was very very good. Any restaurant with a buffet is PERFECT for us cuz it takes a lot to fill up a teenage boy!

I couldn't wait to begin shopping, so we hit a bargain store on the way home. (THEY ARE EVERYWHERE DOWN THERE!!!)

By the time we got home, it was after 9.We were all DYING 2 get into our pool so we did just that.
After about an hour of swimming, it was late so we got out and got ready 4 bed. Kate thought she needed a treat.
This is what she settled on! It is good to be a kid!

Thought I would grab one more of Kate before bed. She LOVED her room and it gave her some ideas for her new room.

WE'RE BACK!!!!

2008-06-12T20:21:00.004-05:00

It is good to be back! I have many, many pictures and stories to share. We got back into KC around 6:30 last night. I just can't believe the temperature difference. I guess I thought, ok...it's summer everywhere so when we returned I was thinking...WHERE'S THE BLISTERING HEAT????

As much as I loved our 10 days away, I am glad to be home! It's sad to think that the moment I had anticipated my entire life is over.

TIME 2 PLAN OUR NEXT TRIP!!!!!

I have completed 1 layout so far. It will be followed by DAY 1 of my trip report. With a 10 day visit, it will take some time logging.

STAY TUNED!!!!!

Alpha: Old paper by PRI ROCHA

Everything Else: Kim Hill's kit Splish Splash

New Desktop Wallpaper!!!

2008-05-01T07:20:00.007-05:00

So, I have spent the last 3 hours (with a few interruptions) working on my May Desktop! Pretty satisfied with the way it turned out. Every month I have tried to slip Mickey in somewhere! This month? I tried to use all of the world cuz for God's sakes..

THERE'S ONLY 32 DAYS LEFT!!

Kate was in early this morning to talk with me as I was working on this. She said "when did I....did I wear that??" LOLLL The joy of PSP and while we're at it...THANK GOD FOR MY COMPUTER!!!! Without it, I may be forced to read or walk or something constructive! UGH!!! NOT THE LIFE FOR ME!!!!

Today was Kate's field trip to Science City. I can't tell you how much I wanted to go with her. One of the things I committed to MONTHS ago when I was cutting costs..was that there would be NOTHING extra. I haven't been real good with that but if I went with her today, that would have been extra money for me to attend and I always try to treat my kids equally...so I couldn't go on her field trip and NOT go on Andy's later this month. So I decided to skip them both. I gave her one of the disposable cameras that I had gotten for our trip and we headed out last night to get her lunchable and jolly ranchers she wanted for the bus ride. I have always kinda been a worry wart (thanx Mom). I told her when she left this morning not to jump up and down and be crazy with that candy in her mouth! I always picture the worst. I will have to manage to rest sometime today as I have been up all night creating and I have a meeting this afternoon that I have to attend.

Still hoping for that windfall to come in before my trip...as that special day grows closer...it is more of a reality to me that I am TRULY on my own!

Sharing Some New Scrap!

2008-04-21T07:29:00.005-05:00

Lovin the macro setting of my new Canon! I think I have mastered the camera and its settings so now all I need is my butt on a plane...strapped in for dear life....ALL 4 A MOUSE!!!!!
This pic was just taken last week. Kate was watching Spongebob before school with her Build a Bear (Candy).
Thought I had shared this but I guess not. The budget for birthdays was cut this year but Andy still had a good day!
Journaling reads: At 13, when your hands aren't over your face, this is what I get when I ask you to smile. LOLL
I love this picture of Andy. I was looking for another word for cocky and BELIEVE it or not...webster's thesaurus online couldn't give me one. So I used my own little pea brain and came up with "confident". Andy has really developed his confidence since he dropped the baby fat, started playing basketball. He cares about how he looks. Yesterday we went and got him all new beauty supplies as he is starting to get acne pretty bad. Gotta get it under control. I know how awful it is for a kid to have bad skin.
I found this site that gave me a bunch of songs about kids. I LOVE using lyrics!!! This one is from Richard Marx's Angel's Lullaby.
Kate has really developed some cute freckles! SHE HATES THEM!!! I LOVE THEM!!!
Took this pic Saturday as Andy was on his way out to play basketball with his boys.
Kate is a good subject. Most of my experiments were done with her. Andy won't hold still long enough for me to try the different settings!!!
This pic was taken using the color accent mode. Brought out the pinks...and I LOVE PINK!!!
I love this picture of her. It makes me smile!

Had to get one in of the tickets. I pull them out and look at them from time to time. I can't believe a few little cards can be worth almost $1500!!!!

Speaking of money, I really thought that this would be our year. We had plans of moving into Dean's Mom's house in a couple months after we do some remodeling. Friday morning, Dean found out his contract was not being renewed for the following school year. Which means in 2 weeks, he is unemployed!!!! This couldn't come at a worse time but he doesn't seem too upset about it so I have decided I am not going to be either. He hasn't contributed more than a little to the trip anyway and I pay all the bills every month anyway so NO HUGE LOSS here. Just kinda had a plan in the back of my head that I was gonna be able to cut down on some hours after May. (His child support is DONE!!!).

Looks like I am gonna have to change my itinerary!!!!

MY NEW DISCOVERY

2008-04-21T07:14:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhhhhh! My weekends off. My favorite time that comes twice a month. (not nearly as often as I would like). I get to live life like a real person and sleep at night and scrap during the day. It was a BEAUTIFUL weekend!!!

While Andy and I were out, we decided to try this redbox thingy that I have been looking at for months now. I figured there must be some catch right??? Movies for $1?? WHATEVER!!!!

Having put my Netflix on hold because I have been trying to save money for the trip...I was PSYCHED to get to rent a couple. We watched Alvin and the chipmunks (Kate has been buggin me to watch this for MONTHS!!!) and the Haunting of #24. This didn't start out very good and we almost shut it off cuz it is a low budget foreign film but it was really quite good. I was startled more than a few times!!!!

In addition to the 2 movies we watched...I have been catching up on my scrapping. I got quite a few done this week. Watch 4 those later!!!!

Almost Forgot!!!!

2008-03-29T07:18:00.004-05:00

Forgot to mention that I forked down $160.00 yesterday for our Kennedy tickets!!! Everything is in place now. EVERYTHING is paid for (minus our spending money while we are there) It is now just a waiting game. It seems to be coming so quick. I am scared really. I just pray everything goes as planned. We have a safe flight, have a great time and return home safely. (MY MAMA NEEDS ME!!!) LOLL

65 DAYS!!!!!

GOT IT!!!

2008-03-29T07:04:00.002-05:00

Dean and I decided it would be a good idea to purchase a new camera for the trip. I have been researching for some time now and have read mostly good things about the Canon Powershot. I worked last night and had been wanting to take Mom out for a meal so I said...TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!

For the most part, I like it. I am still trying to get used to all the different settings. My favorite feature is the color accent. I LOVE to play with photos and I can do this without PSP!!!! WOO-HOO!!! I am trying to get used to the Macro/Digi. macro settings cuz I love close ups. Got a few good ones of Dean's Mom's cake. Yesterday was her last day at work and they threw her a HUGE retirement party with cake and gifts. Dean said he had never seen her so happy. This lady has constantly been battling chronic back pain. Dean takes her to KC to the pain clinic ever so often. If it were me??? I would have drawn disability YEARS ago but she is a fighter. She stuck through till the end!!! Hope that she is FINALLY able to enjoy her long awaited retirement!

David Cook

2008-03-26T08:50:00.003-05:00

All I can say is WOW!!!! After working a 12 hour night shift, I couldn't wait to get home and watch Idol. (I kinda live for the show!) Started off kinda slow and wasn't sure I was gonna stay awake through it all. I can't stand Ramielle and I believe it is truly her turn to go if everything goes the way it should. David Cook was PHENOMANAL last night!!!! Not to mention that he is DAMN sexy! Loved what he did with Billy Jean and Dial Idol has him as #1...just the way it should be!

They are all good at this point. Not sure who I would send home if it isn't Ramielle.

Can't wait till tonight!!!!

83 DAYS!!!!

2008-03-10T13:53:00.002-05:00

83 Days to go. We have hung our countdown chain and tear a ring off every day. My magical countdown clock on the computer isn't working. I guess I need to download again to see if that fixes the problem. I just put my Disney/Orlando tickets away after pulling them out, lining them up and and counting them for the one millionth time!

I have such a mix of emotions right now! I am sooooooo excited I could just spit! I know the flight, pool house and Nick hotel are paid for but I am STILL scared there won't be enough money!!! I kinda put a rush on this vacation and wish I would have put it back a bit so that we had more time to save. I got it in my head that we were going and OFF WE GO!!! We aren't the type of people that have 10 credit cards with 30,000 each in reserve. What we take is OUR money. Money we have saved for the past several months. I just want to be able to go and have fun, get some souvenirs (cuz who knows when we will get to go back!) I want to do the character meals and be able to afford it. Praying for the Economy boosting check in May as we are leaving June 2! That money would help immensely! So many things besides money go through my mind. It is gonna be super hot. I have reservations about booking in June but we did it because we thought Dean's daughter was going with us and we had to wait until after graduation. I am afraid it will rain the entire time we are there. I am afraid we will get lost. I am afraid Dean will flip out about the money I am spending! Little things like that worry me a lot!

Regardless of my fears.....

WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!!!

IDOL THURSDAY!!!!

2008-03-06T08:35:00.011-06:00

So I have gotten myself back into Incredimail! (Hince the pick for the day!).

Idol brings out the nut in me! I used to belong to a HEAP load of Yahoo Incredimail groups but I am only active in 1 now. Come join us if you'd like. (AMERICAN IDOLS IM STATS). I can't tell you all of the friends I have made there through the years. Some are not as active now but they aren't forgotten!

IDOL FANS UNITE!

So tonight is elimination night. I don't really have any feelings towards the girls. (Minus Asia'h Epperson and Brooke White). The boys on the other hand is a different story. It reminds me of season 5 with Ace, Taylor, Chris, Bucky and Elliott. The guys just were AWESOME that year too and in my opinion, WAY out did the girls! I predict this season to be the same.

My pick for the Top 10: (Thought I would do this now to have something to look back on to see if I was right!)

David Archuleta (my pick to win!)
David Hernandez (unless the entire world is homophobic!)
David Cook (LOVE this guy)
Jason Castro (something about this guy...VERY unique!)
Asia'h Epperson (MY FAVORITE GIRL)
Brooke White (something about her, America just wants her to do well!)
Danny Noriega (how pretty is he?)
Syesha Mercado (she is just cute!)
Carly Smithson (I think people really like her)
The last spot I am having trouble giving it to Amanda Overmyer or Michael Johns (neither am I thrilled with but from reading the Idol boards and reading feedback from my buddies at AI IM, I know they have lots of fans)

The first 7, I am VERY certain will make it to the Top 10! SEE YA ON TOUR GUYS!

So who's going home tonight?

My Picks:

GUYS:

Chikeze
Luke Menard

GIRLS:

Kady Malloy (should have gone instead of Alaina last week!)
Ramiele Malubay (nothing against her but someone has to go right?)

NINA SCRAPS

2008-03-03T15:04:00.003-06:00

Just had to share this LO! I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out! Course, how can you NOT make these pics look good??? She is a little doll and I love the pic of her with my Mom cuz it just cracks me up every time I look at it. Julieanna was FASCINATED by my digital camera. She loved to see her face on the camera. Then when she found out how cute she looked with her mouth open, every picture had her mouth open ( I kid you not, I have about 30 with her mouth open!!!) LOLL

I am PSYCHED to have been chosen to be apart of Nina's March CT! Everything from this LO is designed by Nina. SHE ROCKS!!! I will hate to say my goodbyes at the end of the month!

So it is another snowy/icey day! I am THRILLED!!! (ok so I figure if I keep telling myself this...maybe I will begin to believe it??) I am so ready for spring. It was almost 70 on Saturday and currently the temp. here is 26?!?!

Tonight is our meeting at the school for Andy's space camp. We will be able to pick the dates we are going as well as get all the information we need to plan his trip! (LUCKY DOG!!!!)

More On Me!!!!

2008-03-01T11:53:00.005-06:00

I got to see my NEWEST great niece for the first time yesterday. I am soo excited to scrap some of my (many) new pics of her. What a little doll she is. 6lbs 11oz. My babies were never that small and the thing that meant the most to me is I didn't have the baby fever like I usually do when I am around babies. NOPE! I think I have reached that part of my life where I KNOW it isn't going to happen so let's get on with the rest of my life! I have an ENORMOUS list of things I want to do in my life and it just goes by so quickly, I have to act fast!!!!

I am so excited to see spring rush in. (not that it has come early...I have been waiting FOREVER or so it seems!!!)

Both the LO's I am sharing today are of my great niece Julieanna. What a beautiful spirit she has! I miss her laugh! Jumping in front of the camera and screaming "Take another one".

GLADLY!!!!!

STILL PLANNING....

2008-02-25T11:37:00.002-06:00

Ok, so here I am! Yes, still trying to get over the flu and STILL trying to plan the very best vacation ever! I am not sure where I am gonna pull all this extra money from but I have to keep my eye on the prize! I have missed 3 nights of work due to illness so to say the least...that scares me a bit! I had every single cent accounted for. I am also hoping to get a personal loan from my bank but with my credit..anyone would be OUT OF THEIR MIND to lend me a cent!

With that being said, I am THRILLED 2 announce that I have made my reservations (FINALLY!!!)

Everyone has said I HAVE 2 do the character dining. My kids are not little anymore but Kate is young enough (9) I think she will still enjoy it and my friend who has been multiple times said that they won't let her son just sit there so OF COURSE ANDY will have to participate too!!! YAY!!!!

I have made reservations to the following:

Chef Mickeys (Character Meal)
Liberty Tree Tavern (Character Meal)
Nickelodeon (Character Meal)

House Of Blues
Rainforest Cafe
Rose and Crown

Tried for Planet Hollywood but from May-Sept they only allow Walk-Ups. UGH!!! Hoping to get in the day of arrival cuz we will be eating late and it will be on a Monday.

WISH ME LUCK!!!

MY PICK OF THE NIGHT

2008-02-20T09:43:00.002-06:00

Ok, as many of you know I am an avid Idol watcher! I am going to try to post my favorites after every competition. This is David Hernandez. He was first last night, which worries me a bit because it is almost like a curse to go first. Hopefully he had enough fans remember him through the other contestants.

Who goes home???

This is tough for me because I don't think there was really one of them that stood out that I would want to send home. I guess if I had to pick someone???

I would pic:

Chikezie (I really like his personality but he didn't do it for me last night dawg!
Luke Menard (although my daughter pointed out he looks a bit like Orlando Bloom)

2008-02-20T03:58:00.003-06:00

Thought I would share a couple of the LOs I finished tonight. I FINALLY got to see my babies. It has been about a year since I saw them last. Scary how time goes by so fast. It sure doesn't seem like a year has gone by. Julieanna (3) hasn't changed much in looks but her personality is PRICELESS! She is just a little doll!!!! Rissy (1)? She has completely changed but it wasn't a huge shock for me cuz Jen sends me pics every now and then so I don't feel like I've missed so much. She is walking now and is such a good baby it just amazes me.

I still haven't gotten my Sony Cyber Shot but IN TIME....IT WILL ALL BE MINE!!! LOLL I am REALLY starting to appreciate the art of a great photograph. I guess it comes with the whole digital scrapbooking thing huh???

Can't wait to scrap my Disney LO's. Seems like the 102 days we have left will drag on forever. Kate has expressed to me on more than one occasion her fear for flying. In case you don't know this is also a HUGE fear of mine as well. I hope that all goes well and I can comfort her instead of myself. UGH!!! The thought puts a knot in my belly!!!!

I just keep reminding myself (and the kids) that we have to keep our eye on the prize!!!! They REALLY have NO idea what is about to happen for them. Hopefully all the overtime that I have been working and the family arguements it has caused will pay off in the end!!!

We are still collecting money for our trip so donations are ALWAYS welcomed! LOLLL

Both LOs above were created using almost all of Laura Burger's designs.

DISNEY SEEMS CLOSER

2008-02-10T03:56:00.001-06:00

Here I sit, a year ago, I would have NEVER thought this would be possible. It just goes to show that dreams really DO come true.

I learned a long time ago that the only way to get what you REALLY want is to work your butt off. Nobody has ever given me and Dean anything. We have worked for everything we own.

I guess that is why this trip means so much to us. We have CERTAINLY had our ups and downs but the past few months have been great because there is something REALLY great ahead of us. While he has been to a few more places than I have (including San Diego) he has never been to Florida.

I have always wanted to go to WDW and the fear of flying has always stopped me...well that and oh ya...I haven't had the money! Got a good job, work lots of hours and look what a gets ya!

WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD BABY!!!!!

There is still the fear of flying for me. It is a REAL fear and I can't get around it. The thought of it, in fact just looking at that plane makes me nauseated! Sure, everyone says it is only a 2 hour flight but THAT IS A REALLY LONG TIME 4 someone who is COMPLETELY TERRIFIED!

I have to keep my eye on the prize!

The only thing I have left to purchase is the Sea World Tix and Kennedy Tix. Oh and we are gonna need a rental car.

What have I already paid for you ask??? (I know you are on the edge of your seats!!!)

9 days and 8 nights @ the Magic Villa 3

5 days in the World (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and MGM)

2 days @ Universal (Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure)

2 days and 1 night (Our Last Night) @ Nick (Nickelodeon Hotel)

Doesn't look like much but those few things cost me almost $5,000. Weeeeeee!!!! I really hope it is worth it. If nothing else, we can hang out in our pool house which by the way is INSIDE WINDOR HILLS (thanx Kim!!!)

Sharin Some New LOs

2008-02-06T12:04:00.000-06:00

More pics from our St. Louis trip in 07.

Found some old pics for LOs. I love the old pics, but they just aren't as great to work with as digital pics!

Wow! How cute was I? I feel REALLY REALLY old now! I thought I was fat then, Good Lord, look at me now! LOLL

This was career day at school. Andy was in the 1st Grade!

Found this pic in a pile and it cracks me up every time I look at it cuz Andy is screaming his head off. You have to understand, if you didn't know Andy as a baby. He did this a lot. I read somewhere that to help collicky babies sleep...run the vacuum. I did just that, I even recorded it and he listened to it every time we laid him down. Would you believe it actually worked???

How cute was my little guy?

Love this Smitten kit by Angela Niehaus!!!

Love this template and the colors in the kit are beautiful!

My new Toadstools kit from Angela Niehaus (LOVIN BEING APART OF HER CT!!!)

Gettin tired of the snow...But it is what it is!

News

2008-02-06T11:54:00.000-06:00

I know, I have used this picture alot! It is one of my favorites of Andy though! Actually, I am in dire need of some new pics. AND a new camera! Got my fat fingers crossed for that.

Journaling tells about the exciting day we had yesterday. Andy was selected as 1 out of 10 students from his school (5 from grade school and 5 from the high school) to attend Space Camp this summer in Hutchinson KS. Needless to say, he is PRETTY psyched about the whole thing. Now I just have to worry about how to get him down there. It is about 5 hours from here (at least) and that is AFTER our Florida escape, not to mention Camp Geiger too! Busy Busy Summer!

School was cancelled again today. They let it out early yesterday cuz a storm was a brewing. Can't tell exactly from the window but it looks as if the weather man was pretty right on when he said 9 inches. LOTS of drifts. I couldn't even open the front door this morning. Not sure how Dean got out to go to work.

REALLY glad I didn't have to work last night. I hate having to have Dean come and get me to take me home. I REFUSE to drive in the slick stuff!

I don't go in till 10 both today and tomorrow so that is like another day off for me so I am gonna take advantage of it and catch up on some scrapping!!!!

Updates On Me

2008-01-27T21:34:00.001-06:00

So I continue to make my plans for our visit to the world! (June 2-11th BABY!!!!) I booked our poolhouse at Windsor Hills a few days ago and by next Friday, I should have our Disney tix and our plane tix as well! WOOO-HOOOO!!! I have decided that I need a new camera to take on our trip. I have been debating on the Canon Power Shot or the Sony Cyber Shot and I think I am going with the Sony Cyber Shot. I hope I make the right decision!!! I just wanted something that would be easy to lug around with me on the trip and that took AWESOME pictures to boot! I have heard LOTS of good things about this little camera and it HAS 2 be better than my Kodak Easy Share! Not sure when I will make my purchase of this little beauty....BUT I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Dean was lucky enough to find the new National Treasure movie for us and we watched it tonight. I wasn't crazy about it and you can see Kate wasn't either! LOLLLL This morning we watched the Bucket List and it was AWESOME but very very sad. Jack Nickleson and Morgan Freeman both ROCK and I recommend this movie to everyone...except my Mom. She can't handle sappy movies like this one.

Time 2 Post

2008-01-09T10:01:00.001-06:00

This was inspired by a Miley Cyrus song. You and me together. Hope you can read the journaling. It is about Kate and her love for Candy.

Found this free template and couldn't wait to use it. Love all the Xmas pics. Didn't take as many as I usually do this year. Having a birthday on Xmas and the only person that remember it is my Mom, can be a real downer.

Resolutions. I hope to accomplish all the things on my list and hopefully it will be a better year!

Lyrics from Brad Paisley. Love this kit!

Lyrics from Kenny Rogers Through the years. LOVE THAT SONG!

Another template I love. How fun was this one??? Loved finding a pic for every month. It was hard to choose for some months!

Love these sparkleys and the duct tape...perfect for boys!

This was a CT requirement but I love the way it turned out.

One of my favorite songs right now. I am surprised Kate's new MP3 player still works. I have played this song (Don't Go by Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus) over and over again! It makes me sad to watch the video. I admit it. I am a HUGE HM fan and how cute is Billy Ray???? This is the ultimate parent/child song. Every parent dreads the feeling of not being needed anymore. I know I do. Guess that is why this song is so near and dear to me.

Another song on Kate's MP3 player that I have been hearing over and over again. I love this song and always have. Not afraid to admit I am a BBoys fan either! I was blessed with 2 wonderful parents. As I grow older, I realize that not everyone had that luxury. Even people I work with, they talk about their family and they don't get along with their Mom. I just couldn't imagine. Our family has always been close. Got lucky I guess!

The Humor A Child Can Bring

2007-12-31T11:58:00.001-06:00

As I sit here finishing my last LO for the day. My daughter brought me in a new friend. Actually, as I write this I now have 2 new friends. A pet dinosaur and what appears to be a Blake Lewis replica. My daughter asked me "do u know what he (the dinosaur) has in his mouth?" and I said no (as I was searching his mouth for a clue) She said "Meat!" One of those moments that you wish you had on video. It was just so matter of fact. Like I should have known. What the heck else would a dinosaur have in his mouth.

When Blake came in a few minutes later. I almost wet myself. He has 2 different colors in his hair. I think I may have a little artist on my hands. Anyone want to hire her????? LOLLL

Sundays Are My Favorite Day!

2007-12-30T17:34:00.000-06:00

So, I will begin by saying the kids and I watched I am Legend last night. All I have to say is what an AWESOME movie. Sure the kids and I have always been horror movie fans anyway but this movie was so good I want to watch it again! First, Will Smith is one of my favorite actors. I don't think I have seen a movie with him in it that I didn't like. He is on the screen for 80% of the movie alone and he didn't need anyone else. I was COMPLETELY entertained!

Next, my kids both got these VERY cool Mp3 players from Santa this year. I am sooooooo addicted to this little machine. It took a little toying with it to get the videos on but after I figured it out, it is SIMPLE. Very easy and not real time consuming. The kids come in and say they want a new song, BAM it's there! Dean's daughter has an Ipod and he said it is not that easy and in fact these little players from Sony are rated better and more durable than the Ipod. Santa made an EXCELLENT choice! Kate went to spend the night at a friend's house tonight and I made her keep her player here so I could listen to it! LOLLL Didn't figure she would be using it much with her little friend. I feel bad that her friend can't stay here more often but truthfully they drive me nuts and Andy and Dean don't like this little girl and aren't real nice to her. That and the fact that our house is so small and crappy that I don't like anyone to spend a lot of time here (including me!!!!).

I am pretty psyched that both kids are away for tonight (partially depressed because it is my night off and I don't see them a lot during the week). BUT I get to do some scrapping without the guilt. (I always feel guilty spending a lot of time on my computer when they are home)

Sooooooooo OFF 2 SCRAP!!!!

XMas Survey

2007-12-23T07:18:00.001-06:00

Everyone seems 2 be doing the Xmas survey so thought I would participate as well!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Never really tried Egg Nog but it just sounds wrong...unbelievably enough...my son LOVES it! Let's see...where were we? Oh...Hot Chocolotate!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He has ALWAYS sat them under the tree! Santa doesn't get much sleep and is a VERY busy guy!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? This is our first year ever for white lights on the house. I got a lot of grief from my family but HEY it won us 3rd place in the lighting contest this year!!!!! We have always had the multi-colored crazy lights on the tree

4. Do you have mistletoe? What's the point? Never even seen mistletoe!

5. When do you put up your decorations? Traditionally, the weekend after Thanksgiving

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Not sure if this counts as a dish but it wouldn't be Xmas without my Mom's Xmas Wassle (or however the heck u spell it)

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: I have several. For some reason the first one to pop into my head was the Xmas Eve we went to my Grandma's house (about 2 hours away from where we lived at the time) I always looked forward to going to Gram's house on Xmas eve. We drew names and I always did pretty good. My birthday is on Xmas and that never was forgotten with my family. Anyway, this year in paticular, when all the gifts had been handed out and it was time to say our goodbyes, the weather had gotten REALLY bad. It was blizzard like conditions and we tried to brave it but after listening to my Mom scream "IT'S SUICIDE!" We headed back to Gram's and spent the night. I always liked staying there. I know we went home early the next morning but for some reason, I can't remember a single thing we got from Santa that year!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa: What truth???? I still believe!!!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We have started a new tradition now that I have gotten older, we open them all on Xmas Eve and Santa comes in the AM.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Whatever I can get on the tree without it falling over. My favorite decorations are those that the kids have made at school.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE to look at it, don't love driving or being in it!

12. Can you ice skate? Haven't tried since I was in grade school and if my memory serves me correctly..I wasn't good then either!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Of course, well gosh...I guess I have a few. The year I got Sally (it was a life size doll my Mom made...we had matching outfits and everything). I LOVED that doll. Better than anything money could have bought. It was very special to me. Also, the year Santa brought me all the New Kids on the block dolls and the stage and the bedding and pretty much everything imaginable....that was a pretty darn good Xmas too!

2007-12-23T04:45:00.001-06:00

I love how this turned out! The colors are bright, and not what I generally work with but I added some cardboard and vintage stuff and WA LA!!! It's soooooooo very me! Almost everything here is from Laura Burger's freebie. Check it out! U won't be disappointed with any of Laura's stuff. I guarantee u that! My favorite part of this kit is the cardboard and newspaper! Oh and the little slide!!!! Eeeeeee!!! It doesn't take much to excite me I spec!

Template: Di Hickman
Sequins: Lauren Grier
Notebook Edge: Gisela B

My New Tan

2007-12-23T03:31:00.001-06:00

BEFORE (Looking Ghostly...or Ghastly...not sure which)

AFTER (Ta Da...Looking like we just got back from Florida and we didn't even have to brave the plane!!!!!)

Had 2 Share

2007-12-23T03:08:00.001-06:00

BEFORE

AFTER

Just wanted to take a moment to thank GOD for photo editing!!!! Last night, I was looking for an easier way to beat red-eye (and I found one) BUT I also came across the "toothbrush" tool. OMG!!!!! How cool is this. With one click....PRESTO! White teeth. I wish there was a tool that would REALLY make ur teeth that white. Haven't found one yet!

Oh...and I also found the suntan tool. I will post that shortly. It is CRAZY what u can do. I have been playing with PSP for....wow 5 or 6 years???? And I am STILL learning things!

Who'd a thunk it???

New LOs By Me!

2007-12-23T02:12:00.001-06:00

SNOW STORM

FREEZING

CHILLY

SNOW GIRL

ANGEL

SNOW ANGEL

MERRY XMAS 06

XMAS 06

COCOA

Wow! Didn't realize how behind I was on posting these! Xmas is coming fast this year but still not fast enough. It is funny how you grow up and suddenly all of your focus is on your kids and there excitement. I am sooooooo ready to say...lets open our presents NOW but it is tradition to open them after we go to Mom's house for Xmas. Actually, we may open them before we go to Mom's on Christmas Eve, that way they won't be in a HUGE hurry to get home.

Santa time is the best because they just get soooooooooo excited! Kate still comes in and wakes me up. Come to think of it, Andy does too! In fact, if I remember right, Andy never went to sleep last year!

The bad thing is...and I HATE it but it seems soooooo much time is spent picking out the PERFECT presents for everyone, not to mention the amount of money spent. I tried to trim it down this year and I STILL ended up spending over 1000 on the kids together. I guess that is mild compared to what some parents spend huh?

I tried to take it easy this year because I don't want to work myself into debt because I want MORE THAN EVER to go to Disney next summer(which is approaching VERY fast). I have decided to wait until I file for income tax before I plan anything that is non-reversable. I am also afraid that if I wait TOO much longer that I won't be able to get reservations as I know it fills up fast pretty much everywhere in or around Orlando in June. (I have done my homework)

I will post my credits later. I generally copy/paste from DST but for some strange reason, it keeps telling me that the server is busy. WHY WOULD THE SERVER BE BUSY @ 3AM???? I should be the only person on earth up @ this time!

FREEBIE ALERT

2007-12-21T18:27:00.001-06:00

Head on over to Laura Burger's blog if you haven't already picked up her great freebie! I am a new member of her CT and I am LOVIN it! She is a GREAT designer!

Definitely worth the trip over to her site! Just click the pic to be fwd 2 her site!

Proud Mama Moment

2007-12-19T23:56:00.000-06:00

So today was one of those good days that ya have that when you lay your head down at night you think, everything is gonna be alright.

There are moments in my life when all the craziness is set aside and something happens that I think WOW maybe I am not a total failure in this circus we call life.

Today was the Christmas program at school. My Mom generally goes with us every year. Today she had called and talked to Kate and told her she wasn't going to go because she was sick. Well my daughter being Ms. Attitude that she is immediately says "Fine, I'm not going". Kate threw a fit for a few minutes, like she usually does. It passed and I never thought any more of it.

Andy was down at my Mom's house helping her clean up a bit because she is SUPPOSED to be getting her dog tomorrow. YAY!!!! (ANOTHER LONG STORY!!!) When Andy came home, I was sitting @ my computer finishing yet another scrap page. He came in the room and sat down in the chair next to me. He said "Mom, Kaitlyn really needs to call Grandma and apologize" That was all he said because he began to cry. Andy doesn't cry very much but yet he is a very emotional kid, especially when it comes to Grams (they are VERY close). He sat there with tears rolling down his face and told me that he walked into Gram's bedroom and she was crying. If Andy never succeeds in anything else in life, he will ALWAYS have a heart of gold. The compassion he has for people is unbelievable.

Later in the day, when we were getting ready for the program. I was looking for some earrings and Andy said "Mom you look really nice". I never hear that from anyone and Dean NEVER says it so it is even more of a boost when my son notices that I have attempted to dress my self up a bit for the occasion.

Funny, when I got pregnant with Andy, I thought my whole world was over. Who'd of thought just how much happiness he would bring me.

Another one of life's blessings in disguise.

Busy Weekend!!!

2007-12-16T23:30:00.000-06:00

First up, Survivor has come to an end once again. I am soooooooo addicted to this show. Can't believe this was the 15th season! I liked Todd to win. I was hoping for Amanda but REALLY glad that Courtney didn't get it. I still feel horrid that James walked away with both immunity idols. As Jeff called it "the biggest blunder in Survivor history". LOLLL I am so glad that Courtney has picked up some weight (didn't believe the "my whole family is frail" story) and Denise, well I am glad they gave her the money. Can't believe they fired her for being too much of a disruption to the facility. STUPID!!!! I didn't believe the mullet story. It is time for a change! Sure she has to have her hair short to cook. I think she could tie it up and they would be ok with it. No need to go all mulletish!

This is Blakey's 1st album! Seems like I have been waiting 4 EVER!!!!! It was sooooooo worth the wait! It is SUPERB! He has such talent and odd but true, the whole family likes him....yes even Dean. Dean made like 4 copies of the disc (I guess he anticipated that it would get used a lot!! LOLLL) Andy knows just about every word to every song. His favorite being Break Anotha. You can preview this album @ Amazon. My personal favorite is End of the World. I really hope he releases that, I think it will be a big hit for him! Have yet to hear him on the radio, but then again, something is wrong with my Sirius connection in the car! Hmmmmf

This was my first LO created for Gina Miller. I love her work and she has been great to work with too. She is still building her site but it looks fantastic!!!!

Andyman and I went shopping yesterday. I had promised him that it would just be the 2 of us. I know that really loves 4 us to have alone time and truthfully I do too. Kaitlyn is going through that pre-teen stage where she (to put it as nice as I can) has an attitude from hell!!!! Sure, I still love to do things with her but I am already getting the stomping, sighs, eye rolls and SO much more. When I ask her why she behaves this way, she cries. She hates to be repremanded for ANYTHING!
Almost looks sweet here doesn't she?? Looks can be deceiving!!!!!!
Wow! My weekend is gone! Here I sit, almost midnight on Sunday night. It seems that life just goes by so quick. You blink, and it's all gone! It seems I have been on my computer quite a bit this weekend but still only managed 3 LOs. All of which were completed for my CT requirements. Makes me think, where the heck have I been???? Being apart of a CT is GREAT! To be selected out of so many, is SUCH an honor. I now belong to 3 and would like to add a couple but I don't want to get myself overwelmed! Currently Laura Burger is my favorite. She is just GREAT to work with!!!!!

LO CREDITS:

Butterfly Kisses

Everything from Gina Miller's CHERISH THE MOMENT kit
Except:
Ribboned Frame: Ellie Lash
Paper Tears: Jessica Gordon

True Happiness

Everything from Gina Miller's
CHERISH THE MOMENT kit

EXCEPT:
Template: Andrea Gold
Alpha: Gina Marie Huff
Tag: Iara Gomes-Baer
Brown Letter: Nicole Pols

Santa Kate

Almost everything from Laura Burger's
SPICED CHRISTMAS kit

Journal Strip and Tag:
SEEING CLEARLY kit also by Laura Burger

Paper Curl: Jessica Gordon

Natural Disaster

2007-12-12T16:36:00.000-06:00

This was taken right outside our house. This tree is still standing believe it or not!

Taken from our front porch. My car was so iced over I didn't even want to get in it! It was hard to decide where to park it too! Any of the trees could fall down at any second. When I walked outside yesterday morning (the morning of the ice storm) I could hear trees falling EVERYWHERE! Very eerie! We were very fortunate that none of them fell on our house. Very odd cuz our house is surrounded by trees! It wouldn't take much to knock our house down. What a Christmas that would be!!!!

This was one of the trees outside my house.

Andy's first look at his bike! Pretty icey!!!!

This used to be a tree outside a church in Maryville.

Not sure where this was taken but WHAT A MESS!!!!!

If you look closely (very hard to see) but that little spec of blue is a car underneath that tree. Poor guy! He at least had a legitimate excuse for missing a couple days of work!!! LOLL

This was on a main road in Maryville (obviously blocked off). They were still down when we went into town this morning for supplies.

Last night, the kids and I were down at my Mom's playing the game of Life by candlelight when a guy knocked on our door and told us that they were collecting people to go stay at the fire station because it was expected to get very cold the next several nights. He also informed us that the power could be out for 3 more days. LUCKILY we were only out about 48 hours! They got us back up and running about 3pm today! WOOO-HOOOO! After our trip to town today, I laid down for a nap (gotta work tonight...oh and I was BORED TO DEATH!!!). I woke up about 3:30 and just closed my eyes again. I knew there was nothing better to do than to sleep. Then it occured to me that our heat was blowing. OUR POWER WAS BACK!!!!!!

Sooooooo it has been up for about an hour and a half now and the best news is that I CAN TAKE A SHOWER before I go to work! I was gonna call in again tonight because I couldn't shower! One of those things that happen that make you realize how fortunate you are to have all the luxeries that we do every day. Oh and one more thing.....I HAVE MY COMPUTER BACK!!!!!

My Recent LOs

2007-12-07T23:27:00.000-06:00

See??? I told ya I been busy!!!!!

CREDITS

Snow Day

Today was our first snow day. The kids got out early and we have had so much snow I am pretty sure it will be cancelled tomorrow as well!

Credits:
Snowman Paper, Blue, green and pink Paper, Red and white bow: Faith True
Notebook Paper: Manu
Snowman: Gina Marie Huff
Curl Template: Vera Lim
Pink Snowflake: Danielle Engebretson
Chain Links: Lori M
Stitched Alpha: Shawna Clingerman
Cherish Alpha: Gina Marie Huff
Film Strip: Johanna Berry
Fabric Frame: ScrappyBlueStones

Penguin Cold
Almost everything from Michelle Swadling's Penquin Family kit

Neutral/Cardboard Frames, Glitter and purple flower: SaraAmarie
Curled Edge: Jessica Gordon
Snowflakes, wire circling, bow around picture and white ribbon: Gina Marie Huff

Baby It's Cold Outside
Page Curl: Jessica Gordon
Brown Alpha:Iara Gomes-Baer
Frame Cluster: LJD
Font: Stephanie Marie JF

Everything else from Michelle Swadling Penguin Family kit! (Thanx Michelle!!!)

Where Have I Been???

2007-12-07T23:00:00.000-06:00

Been working with this awesome kit by Michelle Swadling called Penguin Family. VERY cute kit! I have created several new LOs over the last few days. I guess it is good I got something accomplished because I haven't gone to work the last couple nights. The weather has been bad and while I believe I could have gotten there ok, I just didn't want to. Kind of in a work slump. I know, what an awful time of the year to hit a slump. I have been hitting a lot of them lately. I guess I just feel soooooooo unappreciated and everyone @ my full time job treats me like I am a TOTAL idiot. It is like night and day working @ my part time job. EVERYONE respects me and to do aide work is almost unheard of for a nurse. I don't mind it but at the other place, there aren't any aides so you are just stuck doing it every night and it seems to be ok with everyone. Pisses me off just a hair. Christmas party is coming up soon and I don't even want to go cuz all those day shift people will be there and they are just all....bitches (sorry couldn't find a better word 4 them!).

I am glad I am off tonight, but we have a house guest again this weekend. (Dean's daughter). I swear he is a TOTALLY different person when she is here. While I try to be cordial, I still don't like it!

After work tonight, I picked up Kate at Moms and I broke down and gave her an early Xmas present. This is what I gave her. I got this in the mail the other day and thought it was just so cute. I am TERRIBLE at keeping all the presents until Xmas.

How cute is this???? Build a Bear clothes are soooooooooo cute! They have a little opening in the shorts in back for the tail!

IT'S SNOWING!!!!!

2007-12-06T10:19:00.001-06:00

On a normal day, I would not be the least bit happy about the rapidly falling snow. Today, I can enjoy it! I can ACTUALLY enjoy it! I called into work last night (purely from exhaustion). I haven't gotten much sleep and I have been working my tail off trying to save money for Christmas! Stick a fork in me! I'm DONE!!!!

Anyway, so the point I was getting at is that I am well rested (got to sleep ALL night!!!!!) and I guess wishful thinking that if the weather gets real bad I will have a freebie to call in again tonight!!! YAY!!!!! There isn't the added pressure of missing 2 days on a paycheck because last night was the last day of the pay period. Tonight a new one begins!!! YAY!!!!!!

Today is just one of those GOOD DAYS that I long for! I got up after a full night's rest and crawled to the couch to tune in to a 2 hour Biggest Loser (thank God for the DVR or I would NEVER get any sleep) This is one of my favorite shows! We are now down to the Final 5 and it just amazes me how great they all look and when they show clips from when they first got to the ranch....WOW!!!! I wish I could get on this show! I am in dire need of dropping 75 pounds!

After the kids left for school, Dean fixed me this awesome omelet. (my favorite!!!!) Now he is out playing with the wood stove. Apparently we have several REALLY cold days ahead of us.

Soooooooo today is one of those days (few and far between) that I can just stay at home (alone...until school gets let out early) and scrap!!! (My favorite thing in the world to do!!!!)

I just bought these templates from Vera Lim and I can't for the life of me figure them out! Not sure what I am doing wrong BUT I am DETERMINED to figure it out!!!!

Any tips????

Xmas Cena Style

2007-12-05T15:03:00.001-06:00

I am REALLY happy with this one. I bought a new kit today from Natali. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Been trying to get some inspiration from some of my girls at DST. I am getting inspiration alright! It usually is followed by a purchase! LOLL

Partly irritated as I sit here typing this. While I am really tired (I usually am so no REAL biggie) I thought that Kate would be home @ 3 and we were gonna head to town to get my paycheck. She has tutoring one day a week. While I am ALL for this, I just wish it was on the same day. Sometimes it is Wednesday, sometimes it is Thursday. It is really aggravating because I am SUCH a planner!

Speaking of which. I finally got my work schedule last night. New schedule begins in 2 days so it was REALLY nice that she posted it so far in advance! (TOTAL SARCASM!!!) It is especially irritating to me because I have 2 jobs and I really like to be able to give my other employer my schedule because she does hers like a month in advance and the schedule is for a full month. My other job only post 2 weeks at a time.
I love (most) of the people I work with @ both jobs but I get SO tired of fake, 2 faced people. They are everywhere!!! I really hate it when I find out that some of those 2 faced people are the ones I am closest with.

TIME 2 VENT!!!!!

I work with another nurse, who I have worked with for about 2 years now. I like to think we are pretty close. On more than one occasion she has upset (understatement) me by acting differently around the day shift nurses. This is other nurse is very intelligent and on more than one occasion she has made me feel like a TOTAL idiot when the day shift gets in just to display herself in a brighter light.

I JUST DON'T GET IT!

I always stick up for my friends and back them where needed. I don't even know that she is aware of the way she treats me but I have decided from here on out that I just won't go anywhere near her after 6am because that is when she turns into one of them! (I know, she sounds monster like huh?)

My feelings get hurt pretty easily I guess! Maybe it is because I am CONSTANTLY feeling inferior anyway and she just confirms that 4 me. Most of the nurses I work with have been nurses for years and if I haven't been exposed to it on the job then I don't know much about it. I have only been a nurse for 2 years and there is still sooooooo much I need to learn. I often regret the decision of working nights right out of school because I don't get the experience that I think I would during the day. HOWEVER, night shift is DEFINITELY my forte. I love every other aspect of it.

We are gearing up for a big weekend. Well Dean is. He is having his daughter up. I guess the plan is to take her driver's test in my car. All this information was revealed to me about 10 minutes ago. WEE HEEE!!! I guess I wouldn't mind her visits so much if we had a bigger house. Partly, I am embarrassed of our house and I don't like any visitors at all anyway. When I come home, I just feel like nobody knows I live here as long as I make it inside without anyone seeing.
One day, I hope to have a nice house that I can be proud of. I wish I had good credit or I married a man that had good credit. NO SUCH LUCK! God had a different plan for me I suppose. (I have YET to figure out what it is) I guess I should be thankful that I have a roof over my head (even though it leaks in about a million different places). I suppose I should be thankful that I have heat to keep me warm (although VERY drafty in most all of the house).

This bothers me a lot more than it does Dean. Dean doesn't care what people think of him. He just doesn't. It shows in the way he carries himself, the way he dresses, the way he throws all his crap out in the yard. He just DOESN'T care! Me? I try to make the most with what I've got (and it ain't much!!!!)

Thankful 4 what I have but still dreaming of soooooooo much more!

Credits:
Smaller Papers: Iara Gomes-Baer (Last Christmas)

BG Paper and smaller papers: Gina Marie Huff (Holiday)

Notebook paper: Manu

Journaling Font: CC Pulp Fiction
07 Font: Charming

Last one for today!

2007-12-03T14:53:00.001-06:00

Kate will be home in just a few minutes. Andy has to stay late today for basketball practice. I am welcoming the new bball season. I get a couple hours of peace before all hell breaks loose!

The kids are PERFECT seperately. Throw them together and run like hell! LOLLL

I haven't been able to nap today. UGH! I even tried to lay down after I played phone tag with Andy's nurse for about 3 hours. I didn't want to go to bed until she confirmed that they had the order changed and it was being processed. They first faxed my pharmacy telling them that I needed 360 pills. This was an error. Well it was but it wasn't. He is supposed to start the med again @ 10mg 4 times a day. (well this was an error!) He is supposed to start the med @ 10mg twice a day x 2 weeks and then 40 mg once a day after that. Soooooo somehow it got processed as 360 pills. The pharmacy wanted me to pay 320.00 before it would even be shipped??? WTF!!! Soooooooo I have been back and forth with the pharmacy and the nurse for the last month or so. IT HAS BEEN HELL!!!! Hopefully, we got the ball a moving now!

HOPEFULLY!

Credits: Everything used is by Danielle Engebretson

Daily Scraps

2007-12-03T14:02:00.001-06:00

Santa Kate
Paper, frame, snowflakes and buttons: On Cupid (Danielle Engebretson)
Wiring: Believe (Gina Marie Huff)

Do You Believe?
Journaling Reads: With our new santa hats, I thought it would be nice to take some pictures. Instructing them both to put on a red shirt, they returned with their shirts stuffed like santa himself. I think that was their way of telling me that they still believe.

Template: andilynn designs
Paper and ribbon: Baers Garten Designs
Stitched Cardboard Alpha: Shawna L. Clingerman
Believe Word Art, Striped Grunge Alpha and glitter overlay: Gina Marie HuffCredits:

Christmas Fun
Papers and tag: Iara Gomes-Baer
Papers, cardboard frame, ribbon around frame and snowflakes: Gina Marie Huff
Jewels, doodles, ribbon and beads: Lauren Grier
Font: CK Scratchy Box and CC Pulp Fiction

Christmas Shoes

2007-12-03T10:00:00.000-06:00

My Lord! I haven't seen this movie but it looks like a good one. How cute is Rob Lowe???? This has always been a favorite song of mine. My sister died on Dec. 18th which was 6 days after her daughter's 12th birthday. I always think of them when I hear this song. At the time, my sister and I both worked in nursing at the nursing center for nuns in Atchison. We were very close to the Sisters there and the most memorable call for me was from Sister Patricia Ann. We talked for a long time and then she told me "She gets to spend Christmas with Jesus". In all the tragedy that surrounded us in that time of my life. She couldn't have been more right. A blessing in disguise.

December Desktop

2007-12-02T08:50:00.001-06:00

So I got up in the night to work on this. I made 7 (yes 7) different versions. The first one seemed too bright, the second, too dull and 3-7 was just getting it right. Guess I am ok with this last one.

I think!

Credits:
Love this new kit from www.scrapbookgraphics.com called Last Chrismas by Iara Gomes-Baer. (My splurge for the weekend...well ok...one of them! LOLL

Everything used from the kit above and the stars and circle stitching by Gina Marie Huff. (Believe in You)

I have been playing the praise game on DST for about an hour now and Kate has been BUGGING the begeebers out of me to watch Shrek 3 with her this morning. (One of our latest Netflix hits).

I have sooooooooooo much to do this weekend (Good Lord...today is the last day of that weekend isn't it????) I NEED to put my decorations up outside. (I am WAY overdue). I have a HEAPING pile of laundry that is calling my name. I really should get some more groceries. I have to wrap some presents. (I can't leave anything unwrapped cuz my kids are SUCH snoops!) Kate and I opted for shopping last night, so that won't consume the larger part of my day. We were lucky that the weather warmed up. I wasn't even wearing a coat! WEEE HEEEEE! Hope I am able to get it all done.

Ice Storm

2007-12-01T13:12:00.001-06:00

This is what I came outside to this morning at work. I wasn't even able to make it to my car, I had to have a co-worker warm my car up for me cuz I couldn't help but slip everytime I stepped off the curb.

HATE WINTER!!!!!

I had big plans today too and that is a REAL kicker! Kate and I were going to go Christmas shopping today and go out to lunch....kind of a mother/daughter day. UNFORTUNATELY it hasn't stopped raining all day. It is above freezing now but I am still not gonna chance it. By the time we decide to come home, it will be SUPER slick! Tomorrow will be fine!

Trimmin The Tree

2007-11-27T08:42:00.000-06:00

Kate and I put the tree up this year. Been dying to use my new holiday kit from Gina Marie Huff! I LOVE her! I am REALLY hoping Dean remembers to get me a GC to her store. I would go crazy! There isn't really anything else I want for Christmas (other than stuff for Disney).

Kate is going through a chunk stage and all of her clothes seem too small! We went through several pairs of pants this morning. I need to crawl back in there and dig some more out. She has a TON of clothes!

Andy's room is finally clean! It looks really good! Unfortunately we can't see it much cuz we lost power to his room for one reason or another. Dean doesn't know what is causing it. (And ya know I don't! LOLL) Hopefully he will have power again soon!

Gotta work at both places tonight and tomorrow night! I am TOTALLY dreading it but I HAVE to go in! It is too close to Christmas! Still hoping to get the kids their Ipods! If not an Ipod than maybe an Mp3 player of some sort. I imagine there are some out there that are just as good as the Ipod and for about half the price. I have heard alot about this Zune. Need to study that!

Getting sleepy now (even though I slept all night) Kate and I even fell asleep during Transformers last night. Have a few things I wanna do (like check ebay for some pants for Kate) and then I am headed to bed!

Almost Forgot.....

Credits:

Almost Everything from Gina Marie Huff's new Holiday paper/element kit(s).

Corner snowflakes: Kate Hadfield (Build ur snowman)
Alphas: Gina Marie Huff

LOVE THIS KIT!!!!!

Snowmen

2007-11-27T05:24:00.001-06:00

Made this a couple days ago! I LOVE it! One of the girls in the DST forum made something similar and I rushed out and bought these adorable little snowmen. It took A LOT of time but definitely worth it! The only thing that I don't like is that Mom's face is darker than everyone elses! I think if I make cards with these, I may have to do this over or just replace her face! LOLLL I am waiting till I get my items from Shutterfly to see if I am satisfied and if I am, I will make Christmas cards with these! Just not sure if I will be satisfied with the the way the scrap paper/elements print!

Credits:

Alpha: Cherish (Gina Marie Huff)
Alpha Fill/BG Paper: Holiday Papers(Gina Marie Huff)
Build Your Own Snowman/Snowflakes: Kate Hadfield

Thank God 4 Kids

2007-11-26T13:58:00.001-06:00

Just finishing up my creation for the day. I have been wanting to do something with these lyrics for a long time. I love this song and always have but it is so much more meaniful to me now that I have children of my own.

If I never have anything in this life, it's ok because I have been so very blessed to be a mother. Truly the greatest gift imaginable. I guess my favorite verse is the one "Daddy (I changed mine to Mama) how does this thing fly and a hundred other wheres and whys, you really don't know but you try". This one rings true for me because both of my children (especially Kate) are so inquisitive about soooooo many things and I feel so blessed to be able to teach them.

I have several friends who don't have children and I just can't imagine what life would be like without them. It just wouldn't seem full. Christmas without kids??? I guess that is why I fear the future so much. I don't know what I will do with myself when they are grown. I guess this is one of the reasons I always wanted more kids. I am only 31 and who knows what the future holds right?

Credits:
Alpha: Cherish (Gina Marie Huff)
BG: Petit Moineaux
Flowers: Fall Garden (Gina Marie Huff)

Lyrics by the Oak Ridge Boys

If it weren't for kids have you ever thought
There wouldn't be no Santa Claus
Or look what the stork just brought

We'd all live in a quiet house
Without Big Bird or Mickey Mouse
Or Kool-Aid on the couch

Mama how does this thing fly
A hundred other wheres and whys
You really don't know but you try

When you look down in those trusting eyes
That look to you, you realize
It's a love that you can't buy

When you get down on your knees tonight
And thank the Lord for his guiding light
And pray they turn out right

Thank God 4 Kids

Grams

2007-11-24T10:42:00.000-06:00

Ahhh! Last LO for the day! I have decided to get myself some sleep!

Love this pic of Mom and the kiddies. This was taken on Thanksgiving Day. Everything I used was made by Gina Marie Huff. (AGAIN!) LOL

Mr. President

2007-11-24T09:04:00.000-06:00

While I am not into the whole political debate of who is right and who is wrong. This video makes a lot of sense and I know a lot of people will agree with her. It is really sad to think about all the people that don't have a bed to sleep in at night. It really makes you think about all the families affected when the video shows the casket covered with the flag and the lyrics talk about a mother who didn't get to say goodbye. Being a mother of 2. I cannot even imagine the hell these people are going through. It almost makes you forget what we are fighting for.

Gotcha!

2007-11-24T08:42:00.001-06:00

Wooooo! Been busy the last couple hours! Got my house fairly clean. Working on laundry. Made some breakfast for myself (Dean and Andy were still sleeping and my early riser (Kate) was at Grams).

Created this LO early this morning (4:30). I think it turned out pretty well.

Journaling pretty much tells all! Dean had just carved the turkey. Everything was loaded in the car but us!!! I left the room for a moment to crash on the couch before I fill my belly. I returned to find Kate hovering over the turkey. The larger picture was taken when I asked "Whatcha doing". She got so tickeled, she was starting to lose the turkey and did everything she could to keep it in her mouth!

Journaling Reads: As we warm the car up on a cold Thanksgiving afternoon. The whole family sits hungry.

All But 1.

Credits:

Everything from my NEW kit: Being Me (Gina Marie Huff)

EXCEPT.....

#1 and ! are from the Cherish alpha set: (Gina Marie Huff)

Cardboard Frames: Holiday Elements (Gina Marie Huff)

Wire Circle: Fall Garden Elements (Yup...Gina Marie Huff!!!)

Weeds And Wildflowers!

2007-11-24T07:00:00.003-06:00

Can't begin to tell you how excited I am about my latest purchase at Weeds and Wildflowers! They are having a big sale (I LOVE SALES) so I went a little crazy! HOWEVER, I am not having any buyer remorse the day after! Preview is of Gina Marie Huff's new kit (Wildflower Holiday). Haven't gotten to use that yet but I KNOW it will get a lot of use as December rolls in! I only had one kit of Gina Marie's (Believe In You) and I have used that kit over and over and over again. She has helped me find my style. She IS my style! LOLL Can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

So today is Saturday! I only had to work at my part time job last night so I was pretty psyched about getting to sleep at night. (All you night walkers know what I am talking about). I love working nights but I love to sleep at night too! I am the type of person that doesn't like a lot of commotion going on, not to mention the attitudes that go flying around during the day. It is peaceful at night. I think sometimes what it would be like to work during the day and while it has its pros and cons the cons always seem to out-weigh the pros. (professionally anyway) I know I miss out on a lot with my kids because it seems I am sleeping ALL the time (and not ever feeling rested). I know one day I will regret missing out on the little things. I look at them sometimes and think WOW when did you get so big??? It is just sad! I wish they could stay little forever! I found some really cute pics of them when we first moved here. WOW, have things changed!!! Not just with the kids but with the house in general.

I have been up since 4 working with some of my new goodies and it is only 7 am and I have the WHOLE day ahead of me! Can't decide what to do first. Thought about fixing me something to eat but that would require movement! LOLL

I will keep you posted!

3rd Post 4 The Day!

2007-11-19T17:00:00.000-06:00

This post is just a venting session! My child is IMPOSSIBLE! Granted, he is off of his meds (ADD) and when he is, he is pretty unbareable for all! I have the meds ordered and should be here within a few days! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

The reason 4 this post???? We were going to put up our decorations this weekend, well due to ANOTHER family arguement...we did not. We had planned to put them up tonight after they got home from school. Andy put a frozen pizza in the oven for us and we all sat down and ate and I told them both when we get finished, we would decorate the tree. So, Kate and I go in to start sorting through the mess and I kept calling Andy's name. Nothing. On the 5th call I said "What are you doing?" and he said "Playing my playstation". As if that wasn't enough to enrage me (just a hair), he comes into the room with a HORRIBLE attitude. I told him to go back to his room and leave the Playstation off. This was followed by a HORRIBLE tantrum. At 12, I cannot even imagine!!!! I was SUCH a good child (even at 12!!!!!). So, I am past all of the excitement and Kate and I are trying to untangle lights from last year...meanwhile Andy is STILL yelling in the background. I was pretty much "out of the mood"! Sooooooo I told Kate we would try this another night. I really wanted to get it tackled tonight because I have a PRETTY long work week ahead of me. The house is a TOTAL wreck and I don't even care!

I wonder sometimes if everyone's family is as dysfunctional as ours. It always seems someone is fighting somewhere in the house. As small as our house is, if ANYONE is fighting, the whole house knows it!

I have been sick for the last couple weeks and I AM TIRED OF IT! I doused myself with some cough syrup and I intend to get a little sleep before work tonight. I want to call in SO bad but Lord knows I need the money. I HAVE to go! I haven't gotten any sleep in a while because every time I try to lay down, I cough my butt off (and sometimes wet my pants!) :D)

Unwanted Cut

2007-11-19T10:31:00.000-06:00

I had planned to get Andy's cut this weekend. We got his cut too but the more drastic cut was Kate's. We have had so many arguements regarding her hair and how we can't seem to get a brush through it. Every day is a struggle. Yesteday I decided, That's It! I am not OVERLY happy with either of the kid's cuts but her's will be something to remember because it looks cute on her AND it will be easy for her to take care of until she decides she wants to brush it every day and maybe wash it once in a while. Getting this kid to wash her hair is like PULLING TEETH! She hated it after it was done. It was a drastic change. We cut about 3 inches off and her biggest worry was that the kids were gonna make fun of her. I think that is EVERY kids fear. HOPEFULLY when she comes home from school today she doesn't hate me because of it!

Credits:

Frames: Lindsay Jane (Papyrus)
Choco Chipboard Alpha: Mabelle
BG Paper: Anita (Brown Bag)
Arrows: No certificate...but I LOVE them!
Torn Paper: Lisa Dozier (My Guys)

Let it be....CHRISTMAS????

2007-11-19T08:35:00.001-06:00

Dean cleaned up our room from top to bottom that we usually put the tree up in. I swear we need more room! Been thinking today about calling and checking on a storage space. They just put a storage complex up in Ravenwood a while back. Thinking we may need it!!!! We have a RIDICULOUS amount of holiday stuff. Mainly Halloween, Easter and of course Christmas.

Dean piled all the Christmas storage boxes up in our living room. A suttle hint I spec. It has always been a family tradition to put up Christmas decorations the weekend following Thanksgiving. I guess that is why it feels so odd to be doing it now. I really did intend to get them up this weekend but Mom and I went to St. Joe yesterday to start our Christmas shopping and yesterday we did our Thanksgiving dinner shopping. I think I have everything I need. Dean will be making the turkey, I will be making a couple salads and a couple pies and my Mom will be making the mashed potatoes, giblet gravy (sounds horrible but couldn't imagine Thanksgiving without it!), a couple salads and a couple pies. As far as I know, I am off Thanksgiving day. My employer was sooooooooo nice this year that she didn't even hang out a sheet to let us request the holidays off in the order we wanted them. I tell ya, that place is really going to hell! One of my best friend's may not be back due to an inservice last week that went a little sour! (I wasn't there....but I have heard ALL about it!) Part of me would like to quit too but what an awful time to quit and there is always that Florida vacation I am planning (almost seems unreachable sometimes!!!!) I need my vacation time! If I leave there, I will lose ALL of my benefits! They hired a part time night nurse. Why? I don't know! We don't need her and she is old...like the other 2 we have there! GREAT!!!! They always give me SUCH great helpers!

Ok...OFF of the soap box!

The kids were pretty psyched this morning to be going to school. Today is their trip to the skating rink. The WHOLE school! They will be having pizza at Cici's in St. Joe! Lucky Ducks!!!! I like to go on their field trips with them and am feeling a little guilty as I sit and type this but the last time I went skating was with the girl scout troup a couple years ago and I thought I was gonna die! I guess it is just a harsh realization that I am getting old?

DEFINITELY NOT!

Credits:

Lights: Monti
Paper 4 Alpha: Shabby
Pretty Little Tree: TammyKat
BG Paper: Carla
Cluster: Nancy Comelab

New Day

2007-11-15T07:22:00.001-06:00

Look closely at the picture to the right. You see the big pink glob on her left side? That would be a wad of bubble gum that fell out of her mouth while sleeping. If you are a blogger frequent you will recall the talk Dean had with her the other night about going to bed with gum. WELP! Just goes to show that we can't be everywhere all the time! Kate was so upset about this. It really wasn't too bad. We ended up having to cut it out but not too much and it isn't visible...or it's not yet! I actually found it all kind of amusing. The whole time I was thinking...PHOTO OP! Got some good ones but probably won't be able to throw them into a LO until this weekend! 2 more LONG nights and then my BELOVED weekend IS FINALLY HERE! Mom and I have a shopping trip planned. We are both pretty excited! Not even sure what I am shopping for yet....just excited to FINALLY be going. My favorite thing in the world is to shop and eat and just being her and I we will be able to go some place nice and sit down and eat. YAY ME!!!!! Been working a lot of hours trying to save up for Christmas and she doesn't get out a lot so WE NEED THIS! I wish we could do it EVERY weekend!

Dean went to the doctor yesterday and found out he has strep throat. I have been feeling a little under the weather myself but am trying to forget about it so that I can get through these next couple nights. Dean is off till the 19th. Hopefully we can get some things done around the house this weekend. We need to get prepped for the holiday lighting. That is always a mess and I like to be organized! I have a HEAPING (not exaggerating) pile of clothes needing to be washed calling my name. Andy needs a hair cut, I need to buy Thanksgiving groceries, we need to get caught up on our Netflix movies....all are things to be done on my weekend off. It always goes so fast. Sometimes it seems as if there isn't time to sleep!

ATLANTIS SQUAREPANTIS

2007-11-13T08:42:00.000-06:00

Ahhhh I live with a DIE HARD Spongebob Squarepants fan!!!!

Sit back...got a funny little story for ya!

Last night Dean had to work late due to the BB game @ the school. I had already gone to bed and was catching up on a little Dr. Phil (It's like a religion) and Dean came in and said that when he pulled up to the house he saw the lights in the kitchen on. When he walked in the front door Kate ran to her room and jumped in bed. He walked down the hall and into her room and asked her what she was doing. Dean said she never did tell him but she had snuck into the Halloween candy and retrieved some bubble gum from the stash. According to Dean, she had so much gum in her mouth she looked like a chipmunk! He made her spit it out and go to bed. Not thinking much more about it, I questioned Kate this morning about the gum incident. I reiterated that she could have choked on the gum or it could have gotten in her hair at night. She said in a low tone "I wanted to stay up late to watch the new Spongebob Squarepants Atlantis Square Pantis". After hearing that, I couldn't help but laugh out loud at her. The title alone was enough to make me giggle a bit. I reassured her and told her that I am sure this show would be on again. LOLLL

Had 2 Share!

Teardrops On My Guitar

2007-11-13T08:40:00.000-06:00

This is my new favorite song! It is in my head NON-STOP!!!! I just saw the video for the first time today! Thought I'd share!

Lucky Girl

2007-11-13T08:01:00.001-06:00

These pictures were taken in 06 at the American Idol Live concert. We were lucky enough to get to run into Ace Young and Chris Daughtry!!!!!

One of the best days of our lives! Kate adored Ace so of all people she got to meet...I am glad it was her favorite!

Credits:
Grungey Brown BG Overlay: Petit Moineaux
Buttons/Flowers/Paper Red Bow: Scrappy Blue Stones
Rusty Staple: Birgit Kerr (Falling Into You Kit)
Alpha: Gina Marie Huff (Believing In You Kit)
Tag: Lisa Dozier (My Guys Kit)
Frames: Coralee Evans

First Time View Of The Arch

2007-11-13T05:48:00.000-06:00

Almost an overkill but I wanted to use my new cluster frames by Nancy Comelab. I am usually a one pic person but I never tire of using my SL pics. I can only imagine what it will be like with my Florida pics! Hope my little camera holds up for that!

Credits:
Cluster Frame: Nancy Comelab
Arrows: No name with file (HATE THIS)
BG Paper: Petit Moineaux
Large Alpha: Monika 69
Font: CamelliaDee

Livin The Good Life

2007-11-09T11:40:00.001-06:00

Soooooo I am completely exhausted. Not getting much sleep last night as I never do on my nights off because I am so used to sleeping during the day and having the whole bed to myself. Although, I do like to have someone in bed with me to keep me warm at night! :)

Last night I turned my tv on to watch for a few minutes before I drug myself to work again.

IT HAD LINES ACROSS IT AGAIN!!!!!

As some of you may remember, I just paid $400 to get the dang thing fixed a couple weeks ago. It isn't even about the money because we contacted the guy that fixed it for us and from the sounds of it he is gonna fix it again free of charge (OR SO I HOPE). Problem being hauling the dang thing down there. It is about a 2 hour drive and Dean has to borrow a friend's truck to take it down and pick it up when it is finished. Gas for this truck costs $40 each way. VERY convenient this close to Christmas. Not sure why but I am REALLY psyched about the approaching Christmas season. It usually takes me a while to get in the mood but I AM THERE!!!!! Odd cuz I have ZERO money and I have the added stress of the approaching trip to Florida. It doesn't seem to bother me. I have the added security that I am getting more hours at BOTH jobs and I have received 2 child support checks in a row. Things are looking up! (Knocking On The Biggest Piece Of Wood I Can Find!!!!!)

Been in a creative mood lately! I made 2 new LOs but I will just post this one for now as I can't hardly keep my pretty little eyes open much longer!

CREDITS:

Awesome photo lighting script from Michelle Pearson!

Blue stitching:Gina Marie Huff (Believing In You)
Everything Else: Petit moineaux (Brise Marine)

Pumpkin Pickin

2007-11-07T18:16:00.001-06:00

Just a quick entry before my nap. This one took me forever cuz I was in an embelly mood! Of course I had to play with the background picture first to get the right texture and overlay effect that I wanted.

This was Kate and I's first trip to the pumpkin patch! We had a blast. We actually went to this patch because we had heard so much about the corn maze they have every year and I had not been through it yet. Unfortunately they didn't have that this year because it was just a bad crop season this year.

GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED FOR NEXT YEAR!!!!

Credits:
White Curled Ribbon-Lisa Dozier (My Guys)
Buttons, Red Flower and Staples-Birgit Kerr (Falling Into You)
Circle Wire and Brown String-Gina Marie Huff (Believing In You)
Frame-Bridget
Pumpkins-Calico's Digital Designs
Plaid Alpha-Jana Glueck
Red and fat b/w Alpha-Monika
Pickin Alpha-Conny and Tanja

More Halloween

2007-11-06T17:54:00.001-06:00

Good Lord I am tired today! I have only had about 4 hours of sleep but that is normal for me really. I got some more Halloween stuff put away today. All of it is put away in the house. I just haven't ventured outside yet. It has been so cold these last few days.

I HATE WINTER!!!!

I need to move somewhere that is warm all year but not HOT. Don't like the heat either. What 2 do!

I am a little depressed that I am going to work tonight and my niece is going to see Garth Brooks. I HATE HER!!!! She said she will call me and take pics for me. Originally she was gonna take me with her but I ALWAYS have to work. I can't afford to miss any work.

Dean and I had a long talk last night. (good for us because communication between the 2 of us lately has pretty much been non-existant!) I won't go into HUGE detail but I will say that we compromised on cutting costs so that we are able to go to Florida next summer. I called Dish Net yesterday and cut down our package a bit so that will help us save. I had a talk with the kids about Christmas and about saving money. They aren't real excited but they will be come next June!

Gonna go grab a bite to each and plop on the couch with my baby before I have to take a nap before work!!!!

Credits 4 LO:

Wire circles: Believing In You Kit-Gina Marie Huff
Paper: Lori Barnhurst
Pink Embellies: Kate Hadfield
Cardboard Flowers: Misty Mareda
Wire Flowers: Gina Marie Huff
Vintage Frame: Coralee Evans

Havin A Good Day! (For A Change)

2007-11-02T15:51:00.000-05:00

Been playin with filters and layers in PSP. I tried Photoshop Elements this week and although I like the setup of it all and "the look" I know where to find everything in PSP because that is what I began with and have been working with for 5 years now? I got a heads up from a friend about a little program or group of filters called Virtual Photographer. I have bought a few features from Michelle Pearson but tend to use the FREE filters from VP more. I am on a B/W kick!!!! Like this picture to the right, I get the best of both worlds (now I am gonna have that song in my head) !

I have had a very bad week and it is FINALLY coming to an end. Money is ALWAYS a problem for me! I recently had my paycheck garnished for a check I wrote (that I didn't even know was out) about 7 years ago when I was married. LONG STORY!Anyway, They have taken almost 400 now and I only have 150 left but the lady at the office said that a lot of the time they will garnish for the entire month (NOVEMBER) and then reimburse me what I am due. That is TOTAL hell right before Christmas!!! Not to mention the fact that I REALLY wanted to make my hotel reservations this month for our trip to Florida in June.

Because this week has been so bad for me, Dean and I have had our problems as well. Well we always have our spats but it has been REALLY bad recently to the point where I have been looking at apartments/houses in the paper. As long as we have been together, I am hoping we can make it work. Money is always the problem and we end up blaming each other for EVERYTHING!We are both to blame but nobody wants to fess up!

On a brighter note....I have received 2 child support checks. Not that I am going to rely on them but hey it was nice to have the 2 and would be AWESOME to get them regularly for a while. It was be STUPENDOUS to get them until June but that is a little out there I spec! Gonna make small goals til then.

Been having my doubts about Disney! I want to go soooooooo bad....more than anything in the world but I am scared to death I won't have the money to go. Dean and I need to sit down this weekend (hopefully without arguement) maybe it needs to be a family meeting and we need to try to cut down on some things and make a plan of savings after Christmas. That is the only way we can do this!!!!!!

When I first got my Disney books, I read them NON-STOP and now I have just let them sit because it is almost depressing. PRAY 4 ME!!! Things have GOT to get better right??????

Off to grab a bite to eat now...starvin marvin!!!!!

New Header!!!!

2007-11-01T10:18:00.000-05:00

I absolutely adore this kit! It was MEANT for me so I faded a pic of the kiddies into the background and embellied the heck out of it! I was never real excited about the old one. Mainly cuz it had me on it and that was STUPID!!! I can't stand to look at pics of myself!!!! Anyway, kit is Believing In You by Gina Marie Huff. She rocks and one of my VERY favorite designers. Oh and as promised....here is my first Halloween LO.

Credits: Oogelie Googelie Kit By Sausen Designs.

My Wish

2007-11-01T07:15:00.001-05:00

Really pretty happy with this one. I love this picture of Andy. I fixed it up with my new Michelle Pearson processed filter and I used the Believing in You kit (yes again...I am NOT getting tired of it yet!!!!) I love all of the embellies with it!!!!! Oh and the lyrics on this page are from the Rascal Flatts song "My Wish". I posted a thread in DST asking for help and one of the girls mentioned this song. LOVE IT!

Halloween last night was really a pretty big hit. We only had 1 trick-or-treater (and I bought $10 worth of candy!!!!) I am not sure if that is because all the kids are scared of Dean (not the nicest guy ever) or they just thought that we were out and didn't think we would be home. We had more decorations than anyone in town and Dean even hooked up a sound system with scary music outside...and 1 trick-or-treater?????? Hmmmm

I am anxious to see if I get a child support check this week. I am hoping and praying so cuz I would like to do a little Christmas shopping with it! They are having some awesome deals at www.wwe.com and Andy pretty much likes EVERYTHING in that store!!!! Speaking of which....he was John Cena last night for Halloween and Kate was a hippie (I know...it was really cute though) It just amazes me at all the different costumes and how really nobody was wearing the same one. I did see a few spidermen but other than that...NO duplicates! Very cool. I doned my wig that I was soooo excited about. It didn't make it through the whole evening...I thought I was gonna itch my scalp off!!!!!

Gonna go work on a LO for my weeeny pics! Oh...and ship the kids off to school! Then breakfast, and laundry and oh dang it, I have a meeting at work today....I guess I should go to that! Good thing I don't work until 10 tonight. The weekend cannot get here fast enough!!!!!

Challenger

2007-10-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

If you are like me and remember the Challenger, you may be interested in watching this video link I found from You Tube this morning. The quality isn't that great but it gets the point across. Very intriguing!

Rocket Man

2007-10-30T11:57:00.001-05:00

Last night was an eventful night in Ravenwood MO! NEN received a grant for our school to become what is called an explorer school. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about all of this! The kids have learned so much already. Last night we were fortunate enough to be able to listen to Dr. Roger Crouch. I can only imagine the experience that he has had and only few will have in this lifetime. I truly was on the edge of my seat the whole time. What an amazing story he had. He was born color blind which kept him out of the space program/aviation of any kind. He finally got to go up as a scientist in 97 I believe. Very entertaining and I think this is just the beginning of AWESOME things to come for our school. I am sooooo psyched. The kids don't know how lucky they are and what an AWESOME thing this is. I was about Andy's age when the Challenger exploded in 86. I still remember that like it was yesterday. I did a report on it in school and still remember several details and all of the flight crew members names. It's sad but I had to Google the Columbia shuttle. I couldn't even remember the name of it. Isn't that something? Maybe I am getting old or maybe it was just more of a tragedy watching the Challenger tragedy unfold over and over again on tv.

Believe

2007-10-25T12:42:00.001-05:00

God I LOVE this kit!!!! Definitely worth the money! I think I can make LO after LO with this!!!! Gonna have to head back and get some more of Gina Marie Huff's stuff! (Huff's stuff??? LOLLL ) This is from the Believing in you kit. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! Template is by Jaana Säker. Did a little messing around with the colors in this photo. I am kinda on a b/w kick!!!!

SOMEBODY STOP ME!!!!!!!!

As the journaling states, conferences were yesterday. We decided to put Kate in special ed. last year. She has trouble comprehending things. She has a HORRIBLE attitude about herself. She constantly says she is stupid and a lot of that stems from the other students at school. She has to leave during class to go see the SE teacher. Her reading level has come up but math is still a struggle for her. Lots of practice, is what I keep telling her. Math was always difficult (and still is) for me. The teachers always tell me what a great little girl she is and that she is very special. There is a little boy in her class with MS and they purposely set Kate next to him because walking is a challenge for this little boy and Kate LOVES to help him. To tell ya the truth, I think she has a bit of a crush on him!

Sleep has been a challenge for me the last few days. The last 3 days I have gotten roughly 10 hours of sleep altogether! UGH! Needless to say, I am a wee bit tired!

Gonna try to catch some z's before the kiddies get home. Tonight we have 2 good movies from Netflix. We have The Invisible and The new Fantastic Four movie! WEEEE-HEEEEE! I am REALLY psyched cuz I am able to watch them on our big screen. DANG I have missed my baby! Soooooo glad I spent a small fortune getting her fixed!