Around our house

I've been busy...

2012-01-26T20:43:00.000-06:00

didn't mean to ignore my blog...but all kinds of things have gotten my attention on Pinterest!

I've been craftin' and cookin'!

See for yourself: HEART GARLAND!

WARM PACKS

FOOD...Lord have mercy! SOOOO many yummy recipes on there! Oy!

7 up Biscuits (totally yummy)

Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Muffins....Are just plain EVIL!!!

Reese's Peanut Butter Banana Bread....

So you see....it's a good thing I can sew a little...I'll be adding material to all my jeans.

Hope you too are having some creative moments during this long boring month!!

My grand doghter

2012-01-17T22:28:00.000-06:00

This is Cheyenne. My grand doghter. Sara's pup. She thinks she is a tiny dog....

She has made herself very comfortable in 'Grandma's house....

...and bed.....

She sure is sweet! I love her too!

Outside....

2012-01-15T21:20:00.000-06:00

I haven't done this in a long while....

Outside my window....it is cold
I am thinking...about my daughter alot lately

I am thankful for...my hubby, he works so hard.

From the kitchen...the dishwasher is rumbling

I am wearing...jeans and a tee

I am creating...Valentine's!

I am going...to exercise everyday this week!

I am reading...nothing...all caught up!

I am hoping...the stress levels go down after Friday!

I am hearing...Dwen laughing from the other room! =)

Around the house....there is noise...again!

One of my favorite things...snuggling with the World's Greatest Hubby!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Watching the kids...prepping recipes for a cookbook....
get back on the exercise horse again after taking a week off due to illness.

A photo I'd like to share:

Abby is sleeping beauty!

Our newest family member...

2012-01-08T20:14:00.000-06:00

Don't think I introduced my great-niece Audrey Lucille yet.

My niece, Christina had her on December 16th.

I got to see her over the weekend but since I am sick....

all I could do was take pictures of everyone holding her.

When I am better, I get an exclusive play date! ;)

Brothers, Ken and Grandpa...David bring her into the room....

Be still my heart....

My sister, Tresa

So sweet....can't wait to get to know her!

Blah...

2012-01-06T23:56:00.000-06:00

The weather around here has been crazy! We've been having 60 degree days and lots of sunshine! I can't enjoy it because I am sick! =( I never get sick! I think Luke or Abby brought it over. Dwen has had it for over 2 weeks...he catches stuff easily. At first, I just had a stuffy nose, took some meds for a few days and felt better....then it hit! Today! Damn nose is running like a faucet, rubbed raw....terrible...just terrible! My head weights 25 lbs. Likes to pound every now and again.....and I feel tired....oh.so.tired!
I have went back on the meds.....can't sleep due to my lack of breathing....I have to sit up! UGH! Hate.sleeping.upright! Can you tell I'm in a whiny mood! I'll feel most excellent when the other shoe drops and Mother Nature dumps a crap ton of snow on us in a few weeks! I'll be in perfect health to shovel! FML!

Best.day.ever!

2012-01-03T18:41:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday Sara and I went shopping. We hit several stores and found some excellent after Christmas deals! My niece, Amber, joined us and well...Sara and I shop differently then Amber...we cruise around, pick out things we like....Amber has a different way to shop then us....she like to try clothes on....(we don't) and she likes to try on LOTS of clothes! So we spent some time, people watching...and

trying on things we would NEVER buy....

but we always have a good time waiting!

One little word and a year in review

2011-12-30T21:45:00.004-06:00

This is gonna be a twofer post...I thought about making two separate posts...but why?

One Little Word Project: Ali Edwards. This is where it started from....this will be my 3rd year participating.

Last year my word was EXPLORE. I tried new things and explored a world outside of my comfort zone. I worked an Estate Sale; took a class at the local scrap store and an on line class (or two). I got my first ever pedicure...there are more firsts I'm sure but my recall is slow.

This year my word is MOVE. Not change addresses, which would be cool to
downsize but that's not what I am referring too.

MOVE: verb
1. to advance or progress
2. to have a regular motion

I wanna get in motion...I want to move more, both physically and mentally...move forward!

So that's my word for 2012!!!

Saw this somewhere and I copied it, because it is cool
and it will soon be 2012!!

There are twelve inches in a foot, twelve people on a jury
and twelve colors on the color wheel.

Twelve is the symbol of cosmic order and the number of space and time.

Now I am moving on to my year in review....a lot has happened....both bad and good....

JAN-Adam turned 20...we all went to dinner with him and his friends....

nothing like having dinner with 4 silly ass boys!

FEB- We got a bunch of snow dumped on us in February! I don't know how much we got...a lot.

Shoveling it kicked my butt....according to a google search we registered at 8.9 inches on Feb. 1st.

MAR- D & I went to Arizona for our 10th anniversary!

APR- My side of the family gathered for Easter...it had been over a year since we had all gotten together...

MAY- Abby was born in May...what a sweet girl she is!

JUN- Adam moved out! I officially had an empty nest.....but I enjoyed it!

JUL- Other than turning another year older our summer was super hot...and we didn't venture out much. We did go to the Hot Air Balloon Fest.

AUG- Luke, started preschool in August. It was a bittersweet time for me.

I started watching Abby, but my sweet boy wasn't around much.

SEP- Sara turns 24 and all the craft fairs were in full swing. My sidekick (Sara) always goes with me...

but this year we had her boyfriends boy...Tristan. He liked the craft fair too!

OCT- A very busy time for us....I book us up every weekend!
This is our annual Bon Fire.

My favorite party of the year....even over Thanksgiving and Christmas!!

My brother David, is quite the pyro, but for a change....it's a good thing!

NOV- Another family gathering...on both sides! Lots of good food and my waistline screams in agony!

DEC- It was wonderful having both my kids home on Christmas eve/morning.

I miss little faces, so happy I get to live vicariously through these two!

Hope you have many happy memories from 2011 and that you make so many more in 2012!

Happy New Year to you, here's hoping it is full of good health, wealth and love!!

After math

2011-12-28T12:25:00.000-06:00

The aftermath of Christmas is sometimes more stressful that the prep work! I got the trees down in record time and the house has returned to normal which is a blessing because it just seemed so crowded, with Sara coming home...all the new 'stuff' to find places for and the adjustment period of all the dogs....which has turned out very happy. They all love each other and they all love me! =) There has been the break ups of my daughter, my nephew and his long time girlfriend and even my ex and his baby momma. There have been several deaths...my SIL's dad, her daughters FIL and even a guy Sara works with lost his wife...all of which are so tragic. There is illness abound and no one can seem to get 'over' it fully, before another hits. Negative energy is following us around like the plague so the new year is our beacon of light/hope. I didn't mean to turn this post into a whine-fest, so I will now spin some happiness...we are all together....working towards a better life, every second and with every breathe. My hubby is working as am I...my kids are doing fabulous! We have food in our bellies and a warm home, with puppy kisses! I wanted to share with you a few photos...

It was grand! We went to the movies in the afternoon together, then everyone napped but me! I was cleaning...so I was happy too! Hope you had a lovely Christmas and as for the New Year...I hope yours ROCKS!

Merry!

2011-12-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

A ton of things...

2011-12-22T11:03:00.000-06:00

The holidays are HERE! I am ready, last weekend we had gift exchange with our long time friends (Rita and her family and Jocelyn & James). It was delightful and fun!!

The next day we moved Sara back home. She has split from her boy and is going to focus on herself for a while. Much needed I might add!

Luke had his holiday program at his preschool...

Which was adorable!

We did baking day....

Sara got carried away with the fluff!

Luke and Abby opened their presents from Me & D and Sara....

Luke helped Abby with hers...she liked the bow!

And I managed to finish off the tags even though I moved my scrap room during all of this whirl wind of a week.

I'm sure there is more but I just wanted to update a little before it got super crazy! I hope, wish and pray for all of you to have a blessed Christmas with those you hold dear!!! Merry Christmas!

Stupid photo of the month!

2011-12-15T23:34:00.002-06:00

I was visiting my niece today, she is the opposite of me in every way, she is just now putting her tree up....10 days before....who does that??? My tree has been up since Thanksgiving!!! Anywho, I was goofing around and my photo was snapped....

Ok, so I posed!

This is her tree skirt but I bet I could win ugly sweater contest...not that your tree skirt is ugly Janise! LOL

My Big Ass Family!

2011-12-13T22:05:00.002-06:00

So many years ago, we decided to have Christmas together as a family but not at Christmas. With all our "Brady Bunch' style families....it gets rough making sure we get to visit everyone. Mom's side/Dad's side/Step Dad's side/Dad's girlfriends side and so on! My brother Ken hosted this years gala, last Saturday. One of our best turn outs to date.

Plenty of food...we always make more than we should! Being 'the family photographer', I make everyone stand up all prudy like for pictures. (I'm going from youngest to oldest.)

My brood: Sara, Me, Dwen & Adam

Brother David, Amber, Scott and Shelly

Dan and brother, Ken

Trenton, Michael Paul, sister Bonnie, Dawn and Harold

Oldest sister, Tresa and Abby, Janise, Jason and Luke

Tonya, Stormi, Skyler, Cheryl and big brother Jim.

26 in all, 22 didn't attend.

Niece Christina is expecting a new babe any minute...

the family keeps growing...wouldn't have it any other way!

Happenings...

2011-12-13T09:09:00.000-06:00

There is a bunch happening around our house these days!

Some good, some bad. Without getting to knee deep into my issues....

here is a few things we have been doing.

Pinterest is my new BFF! I made home made swiffers for me and Sara.

I saved the container and plan on using it to keep my swiffers in it with some Mr. Clean.

My siblings got together for an early Christmas dinner. I made brisket and spin dip.

Dyna's Spin Dip:

1/4 cup butter
1 (10 oz) pkg. spinach, thawed
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
2 (16 oz) containers sour cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
garlic salt to taste

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in spinach and artichokes. cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Mix cream cheese and sour cream into spinach mixture. Stir in Parmesan and garlic salt, Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.

Then there is this sweet angel, whom I get to spend everyday with!

I'll try to post some photos later of my family dinner...but for now I'll sign off.

12 tags o' Christmas 2

2011-12-08T22:27:00.002-06:00

These last few tags have been hard ones, kinda!

I don't have half of the stuff he used!!

Sad, sad, sad....I hope Santa knows I've been a good girl

and brings me all of TH products! Wouldn't that rock!

Here are my tags 5-8:

Tag 5: Fairly easy except my archival ink didn't really

come off...maybe I left it 'dry' too long.

Tag 6

The biggest pain in my ass this time! There is foil/medal on the tag, paint it and

sand it...then emboss it! YIKES! I like the background...hate those dumb ornaments!

Tag 7:

My favorite of these 4. Didn't have ANY of the dies or stamps he used!

Tag 8:

Went together easy...there is a lot of poop on this one!

His tag didn't feel Christmasy enough to me.

12 tags o' Christmas

2011-12-05T12:18:00.003-06:00

Sara and I took the bait, we spent several hours recreating Tim Holtz tags.

Here are my finished products:

Tag 1: didn't have the pine cone die...its a brown rolled flower that really pissed me off.
Least.favorite.tag!

Tag 2: Again, didn't have the deer die or wreath stuff...but it turned out to be my favorite.

Tag 3: A lot of work for such a simple background...but very cool!

Tag 4: This one we should have done first instead of last....A LOT of drying time on this puppy! Love it though. Next go round we won't do four at one sitting...took too long.

P.S.: Blogger has been a royal pain to me lately!

SLOW on the photo posting...anyone else experiencing problems?

Autumn book

2011-12-04T16:54:00.008-06:00

My amazing friend Kristen, introduced me to 'autumn/fall journals/books'. I love doing these!! This is my second year! I filled mine with lots of photos of all the stuff we try to cram into 3 little months! Photo heavy post ahead....be warned!

Hi my name is Carol....

2011-12-03T22:26:00.002-06:00

and I am addicted! But boy, I really like the results for being addicted to pinterest!

Brilliant idea!

On vacation....

2011-12-02T09:33:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have been absent as of late. I went on vacation. To a lovely place where they have healthy food and exercise, beautiful homes tour and all the arts & crafts one can bare. I went to

Oy Vey! I spend hours there!!! I have found some cool crafts though and they will made amazing Christmas presents! I will give it a good ole' college try to get back to my blog more often....who am I kidding???? I didn't go to college!

Thankful

2011-11-27T22:27:00.000-06:00

Damn thankful I come from a big family....

I love these fools!

(David, Me, Ken, Tresa & Jim)

Getting my craft on!

2011-11-25T22:54:00.001-06:00

Normally I make my siblings calendars for Christmas, of photos I take throughout the year. The family voted not to exchange gifts this year so I decided to make them Thanksgiving presents. I am hosting them all tomorrow for our Thanksgiving dinner, and will hand them out then.

*Credit for this goes to Casey (a niece of a friend) she posted this on FB of her baby.* I took gift tissue and taped it to the back of a piece of printer paper. I made 8 but only needed 5 copies...some got stuck in printer, or left ink on the face of the picture so print more than you need...just in case.

(Me and the printer have a love/hate relationship.)

Trim it down.

My canvas was larger than the photo,so I tore part of the tissue photo for the 'aged' look.

I inked the edges with Staz-On ink and brushed it with the mod podge.

Carefully laid the tissue down, with a dry brush tried to remove as many wrinkles as possible.

The lady is my Momma at the age of 17-18 years old.

I didn't like the stark white of the canvas and I noticed the ink smeared as

I tried to mod podge on top of the tissues so decided to buy spray fixative.

I let them dry for a few days.

I liked the stamp showing through a little and I was trying to

show how the tissue took on the canvas texture.

Before spraying, I took Tim Holtz ink and distressed the canvas,

drilled holes and pushed ribbon through. Even added a charm.

Thanksgiving...

2011-11-24T08:39:00.001-06:00

I hope you all have a lovely day...don't eat too much! I start my day off with the parade...

I actually plan things around it so I can watch it....I record one station and watch the other.

Later today we are going to Dwen's families...Adam is joining us but Sara is doing dinner with Zack's family.

I am hoping there will be lots of game playing after...hope your day is stress free and filled with love!

Outside my window this morning....

2011-11-21T12:36:00.001-06:00

HCBC day 10

2011-11-18T10:43:00.001-06:00

Well, we are coming to the end of the class, and I've enjoyed it so much.

(There might be a Monday card.)

I tried Kristina's clean and simple tag card....twice! This was the better of the two.

Then Lisa's card...hers has more 'sparkle' then mine, but I like how it turned out.

The horse is sprayed with perfect pearls so he shines a bit.

Have a great weekend!!

HCBC day 9

2011-11-17T11:03:00.001-06:00

Today was all about gift cards! Who doesn't like a gift card?

I haven't put any sentiments on my cards yet. I want to wait until I figure out which ones I'm sending out.

(Blogger is pitching a fit again...trying to upload one more photo!)

Finally! The little bird is something we made in Inspiration Showcase (my last class) by Jennifer.

HCBC day 8

2011-11-16T13:05:00.000-06:00

Another day of cards...are you tired of me yet??? LOL

(This on is my favorite so far!!)

(This one in my the top 5...most NOT favorite)

HCBC day 7

2011-11-15T12:56:00.000-06:00

I'm back...with another round of photo cards.

Thrilled

2011-11-15T12:42:00.000-06:00

I am a winner! By default, of course. Even after telling my local friends to link up....I was still the only one who entered The Challenge. For being a busy store, you would have thought they would of had more people enter...oh well. Woo hoo for me!!

HCBC day 6

2011-11-14T21:32:00.003-06:00

Hope you had a nice weekend. I got to hang out with some pretty spectacular ladies.
(My paper cult!!)
We meet once a month and eat, scrap, laugh and this week, even cried!
Good times!

Class started back up today so here are my cards for day 6:

I'll be back tomorrow...

HCBC day 5 cont'

2011-11-11T16:03:00.000-06:00

Blogger is being stupid! It kicked me! Grrrrr!

Here are my other cards!

Hoping to try other cards I didn't get to, on Sunday!

Scrapin' with my gals tomorrow, have a great weekend!!

HCBC day 5

2011-11-11T15:59:00.000-06:00

Cards that can be mass produced...was our lesson for today.

I got all four cards done, (kickin' some booty)

even though they are fairly easy...

I'm still proud of myself for finishing the first week!

I love making Jennifer's cards! ;)

HCBC day 4

2011-11-10T13:54:00.000-06:00

Much calmer today....=)

On the acetate card...I didn't have Staz-On white or

a large tree stamps so this is what I came up with.

Stay tuned!

HCBC day 3

2011-11-09T14:25:00.000-06:00

This card caused me high stress levels...

still didn't come out as good as I wanted it too.

Grr!

I love the concept of this card!

Maybe I will try it again....later!

Peas

2011-11-08T22:24:00.001-06:00

Today was my first time feeding Abby food...what did her parents pick?? Peas.

They have given her other stuff, but I got the green goo of peas....

But that's ok...I don't think I've ever laughed so hard.....

And to think we get to do it again tomorrow!!

(Dwen calls this one....Zombie Baby!)

(This one....this one does me in....every time!)

HCBC day 2

2011-11-08T09:48:00.002-06:00

I was able to work while Abby napped...this is last years photo of my tribe.

Holiday Card Boot Camp

2011-11-08T07:24:00.000-06:00

I have signed up for another on line card making class.

With Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner (among others).

Here are my cards for day 1:

I'll be posting this stuff a lot...I share my blog link with the 'class' and I hope to win prizes!!!

3

2011-11-05T09:29:00.000-05:00

My lil buddy Luke turned 3 on Thursday.

Last night we all celebrated.

This kid....he can get to me!

He melts my heart!

(His sister, Abby, does too!)

We were playing peek-a-boo with Abby.

They crack me up!

Happy Wednesday

2011-11-02T20:35:00.000-05:00

So, today was drab and drippy....but we really need the rain.

Still makes for a sleepy, long day.

Nothing exciting to report...just a few cards I made recently.

I totally scrap lifted these...

and I can't even remember who I took them from

but whomever you are...

I hope I did your projects justice!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:44:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a great night!! We did! Fanmily came over and we had dinner and took the littles trick or treating. Friends stopped by too! I missed them something awful so it did my heart good to be a part of their Halloween!

My scrap room....

2011-10-30T22:05:00.000-05:00

When Sara moved out, I took over her room, you all have seen pictures of it.

I'm sure I posted. I was only using about 1/3 of it and re-arranged it so

I was utilizing more of the space.

I have 3 of the 9 cubed cases. They work well for me.

I love my big shot and use it a lot! Can't see it well but I have a magnet strip on the side for large dies.

My PTI dies and stamps go in my $10 Target rack.

My estate sale bench holds my tub of scraps...organized by color.

Halloween goodies for the kids on top where my laptop normally sits.

The table is my catch all.

I keep holiday stuff (stickers; rub ons; stamps and ribbon) in boxes so I don't

clog up my everyday stuff space.

View from the door. I like my desk in the middle of the room and the tall cabinet beside it

drives everyone crazy (Dwen & the kids) but it works out fine for me. That's what matters...

this room is all about ME!

Cards

2011-10-27T20:01:00.000-05:00

They're creepy and they're kookey.
Mysterious and spookey.
They're altogether together ookey.
The cards for my family.

{insert snaps}

(Thank you, Susie)

(Thank you, Jenny)

(Thank you, Kelley)

Weekend happenings...

2011-10-24T09:09:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, me, my brother and 2 girlfriends (Kelley and Rhonda; all of which are part
of our scrap cult) went to CKC Scrapbook Convention at the KCI Expo Center.

We have talked about going for several years...but this year was special.
It was Kelley's birthday.

(Kelley doing some shopping)

(Kelley, Rhonda and I have been friends since high school)

We didn't attend any classes, just the vendors faire, but maybe next year!!

The dogs....

2011-10-21T20:58:00.000-05:00

Like my kids, my fur babies have totally opposite personalities!

Tate is so kind, loving and gentle. He's Daddy's boy. He doesn't exert

much energy chasing balls or sticks..he is more of a sun bather in a warm spot.

He is also very photogenic!

Cooper is more mischievous. He attacks Tate every chance he can get...he is more

vocal and likes to bring in sticks, rocks and dead birds. However, I've never seen a

faster dog! He is lighting fast! He loves to play and he loves his Momma and is sitting

with me every chance he gets. But when it comes to pictures...rarely do I get a good

shot!

Nope, just missed it....

...dang it....

....still itchy......

....stretching and yawning/growling/wincing....

oh 'forgetaboutit'! Maybe next time!

Horror on the Boulevard

2011-10-18T21:26:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday night, D & I went to the Boulevard drive-in. It was "Horror on the Boulevard", showing Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and Army of Darkness....all classics! Gates opened at 4 and we were there around 5. Man, is that gooood people watchin'! Freaks come out at night and it was a full moon too! I wanted to snap more pictures but honestly, was afraid to ask people if I could take their photo! There was some booths selling old horror movies, Goth jewelry and t-shirts. There was a costume contest, a tattoo contest and 21 lucky girls got to do their best blood curdling scream into the microphone...making for a very loooong evening. We stayed for Friday the 13th and through more than half of Elm Street....but we are not as young as we use to be and there were too many drunk folks for our taste. I'd go again...just dress down, drive a beat up car and let my freak flag fly!

(Ghostbuster's car was a P.O.S!!!)

(My favorite costumes, Velma & Daphne...Daph was a dude, turns out we

went to high school with Velma...Shaggy and Fred were also there!)

(Airbrushed zombies....sweet!)

(Even Elvis rose from the dead to be at the drive-in!)

October 2011 Page Girls' Challenge

2011-10-16T12:13:00.001-05:00

It's finally here!

It's the 1st Tuesday of the month,

and so begins our first online challenge for

The Scrapbook Page.

Here is my entry:
(You can click on the photo for a better view)

Over the weekend...

2011-10-10T21:40:00.003-05:00

My friend Monica posted about the cool finds she found at garage
sales over the weekend.

My friend Amy, told everyone about the 'Friday Night Lights' burning in her town....

so I thought I would share what I did over the weekend.

(My brothers, the pyros)

We had a bon fire....not the typical kind...but the on the deck kind.

Crock pots full of soups and the smell of a fire....can't get better than that!

(Old friend, Jim, brother David and nephew Jason)

Unless you add alcohol....which we did!

(Me & Rita)

(Nephew Jason and niece Amber)
It was a good time with family and friends...
and a slight buzz!

A few new cards

2011-10-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

September birthdays cards.....

Happy

2011-10-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

anniversary to me, and my blog! It was yesterday. Started October 2008 and have 442 post...that's not a lot. It's because I have a web site that I have had for 6 years that my hubby made me. I post there daily. I use this so I can chat with friends whom have blogs and to do contests! Still a reason to smile...

Happy Friday Y'all!

2011-10-06T22:05:00.000-05:00

Just a happy lil' girl saying have a happy Friday and a great weekend!

Week 23: Photo challenge

2011-10-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry I am late, been at my brother's house helping him with an Estate Sale.

A picture of your favorite book:

Well, I don't read as much as I'd like too. However, I do enjoy...

a good cookbook...

and a good mystery.

I love the book even more if there is some

ghosts, a seance or some bayou voo doo in it! ;)

Winner winner, Chicken dinner!!!

2011-09-27T21:59:00.001-05:00

Remember a week or so ago, when I posted this.....
blog candy from my favorite scrap store.

I got a text from my pal, Sue...asking me if I won this afternoon....and I DID!!!

WOO HOO!

I'm like Charlie Sheen now....I'm winning! Thanks to The Scrap book Page for the

great American Craft goodies!

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-09-23T22:02:00.001-05:00

Another Saturday and today I am feeling funky!
A busy weekend ahead, so I hope you enjoy the song choice.
Join Marcea for MSMSS!!

HOODIES ON, HATS LOW!

The heart canvas...complete!

2011-09-23T21:50:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed all this! I followed Jennifer's example pretty close...

but some of the others used different shapes.

I love hearts so I'm cool with it! Very cool....and kinda proud!

Final cards...

2011-09-23T21:46:00.000-05:00

I have two final cards to share....

I really like this one.
The next one looks WAAAY better in person!

Tomorrow is the last day...quite bittersweet! I would highly recommend it!! I think tomorrow is also 'prize day'...not expecting to win....

Week 22: Photo challenge

2011-09-22T22:27:00.005-05:00

A picture of something you wish you were better at:

I have this thing...and my son gives me grief about it, a lot.

I have trust issues. Basically, I don't trust people.
I'd like too but I just can't.

Adam, he is very trusting...my polar opposite!

He will believe even the craziest stories...where I tend to have doubt. I would love to believe that most people are good, honest

and unselfish...but I don't. I hold people at arms length until they earn it. I don't just give it away. I've also learned that just because you knew someone 10-15 years ago....grew up in the same neighborhood and attend school together, doesn't mean you should trust them either. People change, including myself...

I gotta go with my gut....and my gut doesn't trust people!

Two more cards for class

2011-09-22T10:16:00.000-05:00

It is slowly coming to an end. Which makes me sad.

Here are 2 cards I should have posted yesterday...

will try to get back in the scrap room later for today's cards.

I didn't have a stamp with a lot of background space so I did my own thing.

This is prefect pearls and the loopy ribbon.

Distress stickles paint card....

The finale

2011-09-20T14:48:00.002-05:00

This is it folks....the last of the hearts.

Heart 21: Pigment Pearl + Embossed Embellishments
Heart 22: Distress Stickles + Pearl Painting
Heart 23: Glossy Accents Resist + Solid Embossing

Another card

2011-09-20T14:47:00.002-05:00

Here is a card for class...its done on canvas using tissue paper, and water color inks.

Before I post more hearts...

2011-09-19T13:53:00.000-05:00

Let me show you how much fun my weekend was!

Tristan (Sara's boyfriends little boy) celebrated his birthday....a month late.

Then we went to the Old Shawnee Town craft fair....

This is a moon flower...in case you were wondering....

Abby's baptism....and dinner party.

Then Sunday, I tagged along with my hubby while he filmed his web series comedy 'Circle Jerks'. (coming soon to youtube.)

Glad Monday is here, so I can catch my breath!

The 4th row

2011-09-18T22:21:00.001-05:00

Here is Jennifer's row....

Here is my attempt:

Heart 16: Stamping with Markers

Heart 17: Stamping on Canvas + Vellum

Heart 18: Stamping with Paint + Paint Texture

Heart 19: Painting with Markers

Heart 20: Stamping on Acetate

I added a bit of purple to my hearts, you'll see why when the project is finished.

Water color card

2011-09-18T22:15:00.000-05:00

I really want to play with this one more....

First and second generation stamping (I believe that is what she called it). The 'water colors' has been my biggest hurdle.

Tag your it

2011-09-18T22:13:00.002-05:00

Here is my Tim Holtz's style tag...

Another row of hearts

2011-09-16T23:29:00.002-05:00

I wasn't fast enough to get Jennifer's row today but I have my row...

Heart 11: Pearlized Distress Resist Technique
Heart 12: Distress Stamping Technique

Heart 13: Stamping with Water Technique
Heart 14: Color Blend Stamping Technique

Heart 15: Fingerinking Technique
I had so much trouble with the 1st heart...had to re-do it 4 times, still not 100% happy!

But I did get my card made with a couple techniques on it.

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-09-16T23:13:00.001-05:00

We are here again...felt like yesterday I was searching for a video and now, I am at a loss for what song I wanna share. It's been a crazy busy week! The weekend ahead looks like much of the same!

We all need Somebody To Love!

Join Marcea and play along!

Playing catch up

2011-09-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

I'm behind...big surprise.

I have made my cards and tags but didn't get them posted until now.

Traditional resist on the pumpkins....

Embossed acetate on leaf...

Different sized rosettes. A new row of hearts tomorrow!! Excited!!

Week 21: Photo challenge

2011-09-15T20:08:00.000-05:00

A picture of something you wish you could forget:

I wish....

I could forget the pain of loosing a loved one...

Be it a family, friend, or a pet.

Circle of life, right....still sucks!

Day 3 of Inspiration Showcase

2011-09-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

I understand how the whole on line class works now, and was able to get my 'poop in a group' better this time. Yesterday they made cards using one of the five techniques. I haven't gotten around to making any cards yet....maybe I can catch up tomorrow! As for today....here is Jennifer's examples:

Here is my take on it:

Heart 6: Embossed Glossy + Layered Punch

Heart 7: Embossed Acetate + Embossed Flower

Heart 8: Paper Rosette + Embossed Canvas

Heart 9: Altered Color Embossing

Heart 10: Faux Letterpress + Embossed Metal

This time I followed the colors...

Day 1 of Inspiration Showcase

2011-09-12T22:11:00.000-05:00

I was very excited to sign up for this on line class, by Jennifer McGuire.
Today was about 'Resist'....which I knew...but the funny thing is...
I messed up more on the things I'd tried before than the new things I learned.
Any who, here is their stuff:

Here is mine:

I went backwards in color but not technique.

Heart 1: Traditional Resist (chalk ink)
Heart 2: Paint Resist
Heart 3: Trapped Embossed Resist
Heart 4: Canvas Resist
Heart 5: Kissed Resist

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-09-09T22:34:00.003-05:00

It's that time of the week again!

Join Marcea and the rest of us who play along with MSMSS.

This week I am playing my all time favorite U2 song.....l

love it...love them! Enjoy!!

Week 20: Photo challenge

2011-09-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

* Number 19 was completely stupid so I skipped it!
My favorite letter, seriously??!!

A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel:

The Motherland ~ Ireland!

I have been doing my genealogy for years and most of my roots are from Irleand. I would LOVE to go there. Run through the hills singing the sound of music (yes, I know she was in Austria) but this is my world....

Of course, it will take some heavy medication to get me on a plane for that long!!!

Just call me B.A. Baracus!

Blog candy...

2011-09-07T22:17:00.000-05:00

My most favorite store in the world is giving away some blog candy!!
Check out The Scrapbook Page!!
Enter the contest....or don't that way I can win it! ;]
Hee hee!

I love....

2011-09-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

bon fires....nothing says fall to me like the smell of burning wood!

and him! =]

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-09-02T21:54:00.001-05:00

Love music?? Join Marcea and the rest of us for 'Music saves my Soul Saturdays'.
I have been listening to One Republic all week.....they are my new fave!
Even if they aren't new.
So, I will share my love for them, with you! =]
Enjoy!

Week 18: Photo challenge

2011-09-01T22:39:00.000-05:00

A picture of your biggest insecurity:

I wish I was smarter...

These are the opening lines from a Dixie Chicks song called Top Of The World, and every time I say the words...'I wish I was smarter'....I hear this song in my head.

I wished I was smarter

I wish I was stronger

I wished I loved Jesus

The way my wife does

I wish it had been easier

Instead of any longer

I wished I could have stood where you would have been proud

But that wont happen now

That wont happen now

My husband is brilliant...so freakin' smart...my kids are brilliant (I couldn't help them with their high school subjects because they flew past my abilities early on.) My brother (unknowingly) teased me about being 'dumb' when we were kids....little did he know, it would stick.....I wish I was smarter!

A date with the hubs...

2011-08-29T22:21:00.000-05:00

It seems like forever since Dwen & I did...well, anything. He's been shooting his web show, I've been scrap with my friends. Not much togetherness. We thought about a Labor Day weekend get-a-way but it just wasn't in the cards. Lots of fun stuff coming up in the fall but since early July...we've just been home....a lot. The other night we went mini golfing. I haven't been since Sara was 2...she'll be 24 on Friday. =/ I am terrible but we had a great time!

My ball got stuck and my knight in denim armor, saves the game....we really had a great time, it was fun to go back and do the simple thing!

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-08-26T21:57:00.002-05:00

This week I picked Lady Antebellum as my artist. I am anxiously awaiting their new album, September 13th.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Play along...it's fun...just visit Marcea and add your link!!

Week 17: Photo challenge

2011-08-25T22:49:00.003-05:00

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently....

I dislike the medical industry....I've never been shy about mentioning it. My motto has always been 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it!' It's like taking your car to the shop, for the mechanic to find something wrong with it.

Probably doesn't help that even as a child I disliked my pediatrician. Very much! However, my Mother adored him. It also didn't help that when she was diagnosed with cancer...she went to KU. I dislike everything about KU, I don't care if it is a teaching hospital....learn on someone elses Mother.

(I seriously wouldn't take my dog there!)

Ok, I digress....

Since Dwen's health issues a year or so ago...I find myself going to my doctor annually, for check ups and having things removed and such....all in the name of better health. I wanna grow old and be a bother to my children and grandchildren. I want my kids to tell stories about me like Dwen and his family do about their

grandmother, whom was one awesome lady! So, I guess the huge impact is, I am not getting any younger, I can no longer do the things my 20 year old self once did. I must swallow my pride/ignorance/vanity and go see my doc regularly from now on...

She is pretty cool, she reminds me of 'Shirley Fenney" on Lavern & Shirley! ;)

Abs

2011-08-24T17:28:00.002-05:00

That's what her Momma calls her....I call her all kinds of things....today I am calling her adorable!

Trying something new....

2011-08-22T21:51:00.001-05:00

I remembered today, that at the beginning of the year I chose a word for 2011. The word was EXPLORE. I wanted to try new things....and gall bladder surgery was NOT on the list. So, I have signed up for an online class....here.

I have never done this before and I am happy they are letting us work at our own pace. Plus the guest designers are pretty awesome! =) I have seriously been considering signing up at the local scrapbook store for a class....honestly....just to meet people, who enjoy scrapping as much as I do.

Sometime this weekend, I am trying something else new to my world, Sara and I are going for pedicure...yep, I am biting the bullet! Hope my head doesn't explode! ;)

EXPLORE! EXPLORE! EXPLORE!

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-08-20T00:06:00.001-05:00

Come play along with Marcea...and the rest of us.

Today I am feeling a little melancholy....

I am ready for fall.

Crisp cool days, long sleeves and beautiful fall colors.

I am SOOO ready for fall!

The wonderful Jamie Cullum....All At Sea....is my choice for today!

I hope you enjoy it.

I love this guy, he is awesome!

Week 16: Photo challenge

2011-08-18T22:25:00.001-05:00

A picture of someone who inspires you...

I asked myself this question all day...

I didn't want to pick someone from my family.....

I didn't want to pick a world leader
(God, knows they are jacking it up left and right)

and I didn't want to pick an over paid celebrity.

So, what I came up with is kind of campy
but I truly get inspired by this lady

This is Nicole Heady.
The genius behind Papertrey Ink.

She makes some of the most beautiful cards I have ever seen.

I can not forget to mention the design team....
Betsy, Dawn, Heather are just a few...

These ladies are the shizz in my opinion.
So, they inspire me....everyday!

A milestone

2011-08-16T22:22:00.000-05:00

A small one, but one none the less....Luke went to pre-school today. He was happy and his Momma got choked up but didn't cry. I would have, had I had been there.....look how sweet he is!

He even made a new friend....
Abby and I had a quite day...which seemed to bother her some...she didn't sleep as hard.
Without her crazy brother in the background making noise.

But we have time to adjust....

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-08-13T07:19:00.000-05:00

Play along with Me and Marcea!

RIP Jani Lane....

I had many good times with you and the Down Boys!

Week 15: Photo Challenge

2011-08-12T09:12:00.000-05:00

A picture of something you want to do before you die...

I'm not the adventurous type.
No roller coasters, sky diving or
deep sea diving for me!

I am a chicken!

There are several things I wanna do before I die
Not many are 'risky'.
I would love to take a hot air balloon ride.

Just because....

2011-08-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

Summer is over and I am back to baby sitting Luke and Abby.

Next Tuesday, Luke will start pre-school (which he will love and do wonderfully at...make friends, have fun and fill his world with new experiences) then it will be just me and Miss Abby aka Stinky McGee.

And as much as I missed lil' man being around, and the hugs, and the kisses....

I still LOVE nap time....and its even more grand when we do synchronized napping!

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-08-05T23:45:00.001-05:00

Join Marcea in MSMSS.

Hear this one today on random shuffle on the ole Ipod.
I am a big Chevy Chase fan!
The video still makes me giggle!

Week 14: Photo challenge

2011-08-05T11:21:00.000-05:00

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without:
This is a no brainer....Dwen is my answer.
See, my kids are connected to me in that biological way...
I can't survive without them...
They can't survive without me.
Invisible ties connect us.
Dwen is my rock, he keeps me calm, balanced and happy.
I never want to experience life without him.
He is the ying to my yang!
And he makes me laugh...a lot!

Glad its over but...

2011-08-03T08:33:00.000-05:00

now I have to just lay around and get well....I.AM.SO.BORED!

Calgone......

I am a much better nurse maid than I am a patient. Sigh.

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-07-30T11:03:00.006-05:00

Join us at Marcea's for all the video fun!

This weekend is my birthday week. Yep, I get a whole week!

Actually we celebrate lots of birthdays this week.
The 25th my dog Tate;
26th, niece Shyenne;
27th niece Tonya;
29th my brother, David;
then mine and
2nd is Dwen's, my darling husband!
So we celebrate a lot!

You might as well join us, there will be plenty of cake!!

Week 13: Photo challenge

2011-07-28T09:29:00.000-05:00

A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Currently all I listen to is Adele, Miranda and One Republic.
But I love what the girls stands for.
Adele is grace....pure and simple...
Miranda doesn't take any crap...from anyone!

Tater baby

2011-07-25T22:52:00.000-05:00

7 years ago the sweetest, kindest dog came into our lives. He is truly a gentle soul.

I love him. Here's to 7 more.

Happy birthday bigg'un.

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-07-24T10:20:00.000-05:00

Join the fun at Marcea's.

I'm a little late to the party! Sad to hear about Amy Winehouse but I wasn't much of a fan. I wanted to address Lady Gaga preforming as a mermaid....not a big fan of hers either, while I think she is talented, Bette Midler is the Queen!

Week 12: Photo challenge

2011-07-21T23:30:00.003-05:00

A picture of something you love.

Well, besides the obvious,

(You already know that I love my family....and my friends....and my town)

The thing I love today, for this particular post, is my scrappin' crew.

We all agree, we are a paper cult.
We know who has what on sale, give each other 40%

off coupons and gather once a month to eat, scrap and shoot the shit!

These crazy ladies are awesome in every way! My scrappin' sisters!

(Lto R: Dyna, Kelley, Carolyn, Rhonda, Kendra and Sue....Rita and Me)

The most talented, creative and funny batch of chicks!!)

Outside My Window...

2011-07-20T23:20:00.002-05:00

Outside my window...it is dark, and still 93 freaking degrees.
I am thinking...constantly, about this damn ole gall bladder.

I am thankful for...my hubby, he works so hard.

From the kitchen...there is no noise, because it is closed until September.

I am wearing...capri's and a tee

I am creating...nothing...its been one of those days.

I am going...to see a surgeon next week.

I am reading...nothing yet...just bought a book on our Ipad.

I am hoping...the new Captain America movie is somewhat

entertaining for the wifes' of Marvel geeks!

I am hearing...(sadly) Neil Diamond...Dwen's music....not mine!

Around the house....is quite, time for bed!

One of my favorite things...is having a golden moment with both kids here.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

A visit to Luke and Abby; movies; maybe seeing the in-laws this weekend.

A photo I'd like to share:

I wanna be up here....going somewhere exciting!

Random stuff...again!

2011-07-18T23:06:00.000-05:00

So I don't know what in the hell happened to all my photos on my past posts...but I am pretty ticked off that they are gone! Feeling better, taking the meds (ugh), watching the high fat foods intake (ugh), Dwen has been super busy with a new business proposal...so I'm kinda lonely (ugh).

I AM SO TIRED OF SUMMER!!! (UGH)

So very tired of the heat and keeping my house like a tomb with shades and curtains closed. Too hot to go do anything outside but maybe water what is left of my flowers! On the positive side, my kids are good, proud of them! They are turning out to be fine adults! I did right by them! Dogs are cute and always loving! New business proposal...yay! I have a doctor's appointment for the 26th to see the surgeon. At least it is this month...and not next month! See, you can put a silver lining on just about anything. Plus my birthday is coming! I'll probably be having surgery on my birthday but hey....at least I'll get the good drugs and I'll be in out of the heat! Here is some pretties....for your viewing pleasure...thanks for letting me vent a bit.

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-07-15T21:02:00.001-05:00

Join the fun, add a video and link to Marcea's.

What can I say....I'm an 80's girl!

This is my second all time favorite hairband song.

Tesla's Love Song ranks in the #1 spot.

All their videos were live and sounded like sh*t.

Not crazy about the quality of this one..

but at least Sebastian Bach can sing his ass off.

Plus he is easy on the eyes! ;)

Week 11: Photo challenge

2011-07-14T22:46:00.001-05:00

A picture of something you hate:

Hate is a very ugly word...I don't like to use it.

But I really do hate this:

With a passion.
My darling hubby loves the guy....as does all my friends.

He just turned my stomach.

So much going on....

2011-07-14T09:17:00.000-05:00

My world is really crazy right now. Went to the doctors a week or so ago. Been having tummy issues....whenever I eat it felt like all the food soured instantly. No matter what it was. So I did blood work and had an abdominal ultrasound. The doc's office called, my blood test said I was high in H. pylori which is a bacteria that can irritate the stomach lining and digestive tract. That causes ulcers. She called in a prescription at the pharmacy. YAY! Just an ulcer....until about an hour later when they called back....gall stones...GREAT. They are referring me to a surgeon. I call back because I want to use Dwen's surgeon...not just any Joe Smoe off the street. She said she already sent it in to the referrals office and I would have to call 'Jackie' to stop it and set up a new one. Now we wait....I'm sure this is gonna hose up my birthday! GRR!

The windows are in...we have two that are broken and the window people will be invading my house next week. Man, do I dislike remodeling/construction. To top it all off, both windows are in the master bedroom so I'll be having strangers in my sanctuary.... this creeps me out a little.

Sara has been sick with a head cold and I haven't got to spend time with her and it is taking its toll. She stays away as to not spread it around. I miss her.

Saturday we are going over to Dwen's Uncle Jim's. I have only met him twice and we are going over to scan and copy old family photos. When Dwen's Grandmother passed, there was some feuding between brothers...maybe Dwen can mend some fences along the way. Not super keen on being over there for a long period of time (being sick to my stomach and all) but it will be for the greater good.

SOOOO tired of summer....I always think winters are bad, but I think summers are worse. Heat and humidity doesn't make friends with a 'fat' girl. If we could all skip ahead to the middle of September...that would be lovely.

Gettin' my paper craft on

2011-07-11T08:46:00.000-05:00

I made a few cards...

A few pages....This is Dwen's Dad & Mom.

Tristan is Sara's boyfriend's son.

I've been busy....wanna know why?

Cause the car said it was 103 yesterday....as we went to the movies....it said 106 within the city.

Too hot to do anything...except play with paper & ink!

Music saves my souls Saturday

2011-07-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

Play along with Marcea.

So....there is a story behind this campy song.

Back in the day, the Charlie's Angel's movie was out and this song was on the soundtrack. When Adam played baseball and the score was close or he was up to bat when there was 2 outs....he would get mega nervous. So, every time he got nervous, Sara and I would start singing this song from the bleachers (loudly and off key) to calm him....worked like a charm! He loved this song....such a small thing really....but now when I hear it...I remember many days at a hot ball field, being a proud Momma of an awesome 1st baseman! Even if the other parents thought we had lost our mind! This one is for you , Bucky! LOL

CAS-ual Fridays

2011-07-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

I am a newbie at card challenges, but my friend

Sue encouraged me to enter this one at CAS-ual Fridays.

A shape card (any shape except a square or a rectangle).

I can't take credit for this...an SU demonstrator posted this at

Splitcoaststampers posted the template.

I did make the card above though.

Come play along.