Betcha thought I forgot about ever having a blog, huh?

Yeah, well, me too. It's funny. I now have two of the girls in school all day, but I don't have near the time I did when they weren't in school. How does that happen? I'll probably be the only SAHM who says they can't wait until school is out! LOL Yeah, right.....

What have I been up to lately? I don't know. Where does all of my time go to? In October I turned 31. Yes, I can say that and it doesn't bother me...too badly. I sure the heck don't feel 31. That's the good thing, I guess. What did Steve get me for my birthday, you ask? NOTHING! Well, nothing until this past weekend (Thanksgiving weekend, mind you....oh, he got me a cartridge for my Cricut, which I will get to later.) The girls started swimming lessons in October. Mara has found her niche, I believe. She loves it. Steve, me, my friend Myra and her brother went to Cedar Point. FUN! But, standing an hour in line for each freaking ride wasn't. But, that's ok. Evidently Halloweekends are starting to sound really good to alot of people. I think if we go again next year, we'll wait until later in the month when we will freeze our a$$e$ off and hopefully there will be less people.

November came and has almost went uneventfully. We all packed up and spent Thanksgiving with Steve's dad and stepmom. I just love them. Michigan would be my second place to move to if we didn't move back home to Mt. Carmel. Plus, a total bonus is the awesome Michigan KnK girlies I've come to know and their totally fab choices of scrapbook stores to shop at! Anyway, thanksgiving was at Duane and Lillian's house and dinner was delish! I even made two pies and we have pictures to prove it! I've got to say, I think I could become polish. I mean, where else can you go and get 5 different kielbasas (which I'm told there's many many more varieties) to eat on Thanksgiving?! Steve goes nuts over the pierogies. On Friday after T'giving we all went to the Henry Ford museum, which in and of itself is a pretty neat-o place. There are actual trains and planes (real size) in this place. Totally cool. But, our main reason for going was to see Happy Feet at the IMAX. Very cute. Got a little deep for kiddos, though. But, the girls didn't get too incredibly restless. I guess. I don't really know for sure...Mara and McKenna both were sitting by Uncle Jason. He might have a different story to tell. I met up with Carmen, Monica and Krystn for Freaky Friday!! 4/$1 Bazzill...you know I was all over that. Then, on to Panera where we swapped Primas and closed the place down. Then, proceeded to stand outside for, at least another hour + just talking some more! I love these gals! Saturday was a shopping trip with just me and Carmen. I tried my first ever Starbucks. Yes, I live in Hickville, as Carmen so lovingly calls Celestine/Jasper! ;) Oh, try the peppermint latte and the cranberry whatsit....yum. I could so get used to hanging out with Carmen more often. She's such an immense sweetheart. {{{HUGS}}} girl!

Wow, talk about run on paragraphs. I'm just too lazy to hit "return", I guess. Well, here's some more updates...Mara was doing so well in swim lessons, she's now on the swim team! WooHoo!! Which means an hour of practice 3 times a week! Yikes! Steve said she was learning to dive tonite and looked awesome. I can tell that swim lessons alone has started to slim her down. I hope she continues to love this. This will be good for her. My sweet Momma bought me a Cricut for Christmas and a "Stamped" cartridge. I could not wait until Christmas for this! She grudgingly allowed me to open it early!!! And, guess what? I LOVE IT!!! I haven't felt this excited about anything since the Swiffer mop! LOL This thing is the coolest thing evah! I just want to play with it all the time! My SIL, Jeanne, is coming to visit next week for McKenna's birhtday! I'm so excited to see her again! The only bad thing about her visiting is that she has to leave. McKenna just absolutely adores her Aunt Jeanne. McKenna will seriously sit and talk to her on the phone for hours.

This fall season hasn't been good to this household....Steve has been going to the chiro for his back for awhile now with no luck. I went from September-November with a nasty cough/cold/sinus thing that a round of antibiotics didn't even knock out. McKenna has had strep throat, along with Micah just a month ago. Mara had impetigo in October and now has an ear infection...oh, excuse me, a "pus pocket" behind her eardrum. Eeeew. Maybe this is where all my time is going....doctor visits! I've got a ton of layouts I could be posting on my poor lonely neglected blog, but, unfortunately, I'm not on my computer. I'm on Steve's new work laptop and it's down to 18% on the battery which means I need to wrap this up. I will try my hardest to get some layouts up and running within a week. Yeah, I don't believe me, either.

Later. Merry Christmas shopping.

Yes, I'm slacking....

Thank you Heather, Carrie, and as always, Ann for bringing it to my attention! ;)

I had already typed out a big huge post, but something either happened in blogger or with my connection and it was lost. So, I'm just going to do the quick summary thing.

My sister's wedding was the 16th. It was gorgeous. Kasara looked fantastic. The girls looked beautiful. My mom looked hot! A couple of snafu's, but they were handled beautifully. My mom forgot to light the unity candle and Mara stumbled going up the steps to the stage and she didn't cry, didn't get embarrassed and kept on smiling. I was so proud of her. The song Kasara picked out for the unity candle lighting was beautiful..."When God Made You". Download it and listen to it. The wedding party got chauffered by one of my parent's friends', Willy, in his 53' RV. HUGE!! Kasara, Donnie, me and the best man got to load up in Willy's cute little electric car and "cruise" main street with that big honkin' RV with the rest of the wedding party to the reception. The girls partied, but Mara and Micah fell asleep in front of the wedding party table, but McKenna partied the whole time. Guess we know who we need to watch out for when she's older!

Last Friday, me, Tiffany B. and our girlies Micah and Jordan went to the grand opening of Archiver's in Louisville, KY. NOticed a familiar layout on the cover of Scrapbook Trends while waiting to check out...the awesome Heather who did a layout of Brandie's son, Dylan. The girls were awesome. They did tend to get a little rowdy, but they were so cute together! We met Tiffany M. and her hubby at Cheesecake Factory for lunch after sb shopping. It was a good day!

McKenna was sick last weekend. I took her to the ER after I got off work Sunday evening. I was sure she had strep and she sure did. She got a big ol' shot of antibiotics in the butt. She wasn't happy about that, but I told her that was what she was getting before we even left for the ER. She was so brave. Hardly cried at all, but her booty sure was hurting for awhile! I promised her a Hello Kitty toy. :)

The x-ray dept. is now filmless!! I worked a couple of days this week learning the new system before I work this weekend. This is going to be so freaking awesome once everyone gets used to it.

Jasper plays Mt. Carmel in football tonite. Steve's tailgating with the guys tonite and my cousin, Kristi is bringing him a Mt. C sweatshirt to wear. She's afraid he's going to get beat up! LOL I think me and the girls are going to go and sit with Kristi, Mark and kids.

Next weekend....CEDAR POINT!!!

Check out the new video. It has to be the cheapest video ever made, but it's just cool. And, the song is growing on me, too.

Here's a few things I've done lately. KnK kit is Crate Paper Carnival for September and it's awesome. Really different from their last release. I played with a HS mask and beads...a first for me and it really made me think outside my scrappy box!

My DT stuff from Scrap-Tastic was some cherryArte stuff and Urban Lilly die cut flowers, HS clips, jewels, neat-o stuff. Another new thing for me working with those manufacturers. Used my Rhonna flourishes stamp for the first time...love it!!

My friend, Jill, had a birthday, so I altered a tin for her. Using up my old BG.

The new A2Z papers I did for a class I was supposed to teach, but not enough people signed up for it, so I cancelled it. Love those papers! Double sided. Super cool. Got to play with a Coluzzle, too. Borrowed it from the Doodlebug. Wondering if I need to invest in one of those things. They have some neat templates.

I also have some stuff I did for the latest Ready, Set, Create! issue, but I can't post those yet. :)

Wow, long time no talk, eh?

First of all, I'm so sorry I haven't posted to my blog in like....forever! I wonder if I even have anyone reading it anymore? LOL I've felt really out of touch with everyone lately! I know, it's completely my fault, so I shouldn't complain. It's been a busy month around here among other things that I won't bore you with.

Well, to start off, Mara and McKenna are in school now! Yay! So, it's just me and Micah hangin' out. Except on Tues/Thurs mornings while she's in preschool. Wow, they are just growing up so fast. I never thought this day would come. I have to say, I'm enjoying it, too. I know, I'm a horrible mother for saying that, but it's the truth. Hey, I love my girly girls, but some "me" time feels pretty darn good. McKenna loooooves school, and I was really worried how she'd do. She's not usually open to something different, but she's adjusted really quickly. What a relief. Micah was so ready to start preschool. She gets out of the car and forgets I'm even around and runs on in. And Mara...well, she's just Mara. Go with the flow, no complaints kind of kid. Steve and I were just talking about how she doesn't get excited anymore when one of us comes home or really, whenever anyone comes over. She's content to stay in her room doing her own thing, or on the computer or watchin' TV. I guess we knew this day would be coming eventually, but it just seems so early!

Steve and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. Crazy. We've been together for a total of 13 years. And I remember how he fibbed to his friends how old I was when we first started dating! Now the age difference doesn't seem that bad. Anyway, I love you honey! Oh, and the girls at KnK think you did good with my present! ;)

Steve and the girls are going to Holiday World this weekend for the Kimball picnic and they are soooo excited! It doesn't look like they will be able to go to the water park, since it's been so mild around here lately. I'm sure they will want to try it. Should be interesting.

My sister's wedding is next weekend. I'm sure it will be a huge relief to my mother! No more hives and other mysterious rashes for her while planning! LOL

Well, that's about it for now. I'll try and post some layouts I've been working on and to find a new video for ya. Oh, and Heather, thanks for keeping Steve company! ;)

Only a man could've come up with this....

**disclaimer** For those of you who don't like TMI, do not read on.

But for you other sick individuals, here's the deal. I had just bought a new package of pads. Yes, I said pads, as in Always brand personal hygiene accessories. I pulled one out this week, yes, to use. It's a fact of life, people. If your offended, read the disclaimer. Anyway, on the protective backing for the "wings" (which I hate anyway) was the message "Have a happy period." WTH?! Was this little message meant to be cute? It wasn't. There is nothing happy about having your period, and I'm definitely not going to have a happy period just because the protective backing on my pads tell me to. My conclusion is that there is no way a woman would've thought to do something so incredibly stupid. Who in the hell said that that would be a good idea? Who in the hell passed that idea? Whatever.

Went to the beer garden at Strassenfest last night in town. Fun times. Die hard drinkers and it was only Thursday. It started to get really really windy and you could see some dark nasty clouds rolling in and a mildly impressive display of lightning and noone in the beer garden left. Well, me and some of my friends did, but that was only to get a gigantic, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookie to help soak up some of the alcohol we'd ingested. Can I just say...lovin' the slushie Bacardi Silver O3 and the Watermelon?! Genius.

I got my little Junkitz spiral bound tabbed book done for class next Monday. And, for not being inspired at all when I sat down to have to do it, it turned out pretty darn cute. It didn't go in the direction that I had originally planned, but I'm proud of it. I didn't take any pictures of it because I had to hurry and get it to the Doodlebug. I'll take some pics of it next week and post it.

Well, for some reason, my Fergie video is no longer available, so I went and found the clip of one of my favorite commercials...the Nextel "Push It" commercial. God, I love youtube.com. You can find anything there.

Questions....

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? nope.

2. Do you close your eyes on a roller coaster? Heck no!

3. When's the last time you've been sledding? A couple years ago. Down the side of our driveway, but the snow was so deep we didn't get too far!

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? Alone! I like the bed to myself!

5. Do you believe in ghosts? YES!

6. Do you consider yourself creative? Sometimes

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Yes

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? I don't know. I like them both. But, as someone mentioned on ST, if you're ever stranded on an island, you'd want Jolie. Surely she's picked up some survival crap being out in those third world countries.

9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics? Nope

10. Do you know how to play poker? Yes. And I used to play for money, but I've been out of it for a little while.

!11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? No. Are you kidding? I've always been one to need my sleep.

12. What's your favorite commercial? The one where the business guys are dancing to "Push It" and the first Citi identity theft one where the loser guy is sitting in his recliner in his pj's.

13. Who was your first love? Nathan (sorry, Steve!)

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light?No way. Just my luck it's being monitored by a camera that would still get me a ticket.

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? Yes, well, not many of my friends, at least.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Who cares?

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating? Yes, the last time was with Steve...on a date, I believe.

18. How often do you remember your dreams? Every once in a while.

19. What's the one thing on your mind? LOL, nothing, really.

20. Do you always wear your seat belt? I most of the time do. But in my new car I have that annoying beeping sound if you don't buckle up.

21. What talent do you wish you had? That I could play the piano by just hearing music. I've seen someone like that and its just amazing.

22. Do you like Sushi? Never tried it. Raw fish isn't something I go out of my way to try.

23. What do you wear to bed? You don't want me to answer that one....

24. Do you truly hate anyone? No, not really. I may say that I do, but I really don't think I officially hate anyone.

25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? I could never narrow it down to just one.

26. Do you know anyone in jail? I don't think so. But I'd be crazy to think that some of the people I've partied with didn't end up there.

27. What food do you find disgusting? Raw carrots. Peas.

28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? When I was younger, I'm sure. Now, no way.

29. Have you ever been punched in the face? No

30. Do you believe in angels and demons? Yes

Hi, Mom!

Yes, Mom, I did a layout about you! How do you like it? :) These were my Scrap-Tastic DT stuff...Heidi Swapp!! And, yes, it does seem like it's all about McKenna lately. Anyway, don't have much to say right now. I said I'd post some more stuff today, and so I have.

I got 11 pages done on Friday on the wedding album I'm doing for someone. Woo-freaking-Hoo!!! I'm almost done! I think I may ask her permission to maybe post some of my favorite layouts on here.

Oh, and as if I didn't already know this, Micah is absolutely fearless!!! The child went off the high dive at the city pool Saturday....not once, not twice, but I'm told at least 10 times! No lifejacket. No one catching her. Yes, I am talking about my almost 4 year old. Holy cow.

My new car got a layout all about it!

I know, call me a big nerd, but it just so happened to fit the theme of a certain article coming up and how could I resist?! I also added a little bit more to my "Eat My Wake" layout. It looks a bit better, I guess. The altered "M" is for McKenna, who loves any and all things purple! I used sparkle Mod Podge on it and it's so neat! Any time you see sparkle MP, buy it! It just adds such a neat little sparkle to your stuff! I love it! Tomorrow I get to post my layouts with my Heidi Swapp stuff from Scrap-Tastic, so I'll be sure to put them up here sometime tomorrow.

I couldn't resist the new video. The song's kinda raunchy, but it's just so darn catchy! Check it out!

Thank you, Steve!!!

He did it! He finally did it! He disconnected the router and hooked the computer directly back up to the satellite! And, wow, I guess I didn't realize just how slow it was going when it was on that! I am flyin' again and totally lovin' it. Liz, you are going to just love your high speed. You are going to wonder how you ever lived without it. You and me, we can appreciate it so much more after having to live with dial up for so darn long!

WooHoo for new wheels!!

Yes, all, we finally got a new car!! No more mini van for me! I left it on the lot and didn't look back! Steve asked me if I missed it....um, NO!!! I should post a pic, but, I will....later. You'll see why.

This is a garden journal I made for my awesome MIL, Lillian. Her and Duane love to garden (hence the "l" and "d" on the cover, Steve actually had to think about it for a minute) so I thought something like this would be perfect. Inside are 12 tabbed dividers which I stamped the months on. Each month has about 3 blank pages, so on the first page of each month, I made "pockets" for them to put receipts in that they spent for that month on the garden. The rest of the space is for them to write what was done or what needs to be done for that month. There's room for even 1-2 small photos. I really hope she likes it.

Went and visited Steve's brother and his wife and my nephew last weekend in Chicago. Ate at the Macaroni Grill...YUM! I can't remember the name of what I had but it was de-lish (you know I did that just for you, Stevie!)! Uncle Brian bought the girls princess dresses complete with tiaras to go to the Rennaissance Fair. The girls were lovin' it! First of all, getting to wear dress up clothes outside! Secondly, because everyone at the fair kept referring them as "princess", "your highness", etc. It was so cute! There were lots of neat shows, one in particular that I didn't get to finish because the girls were getting antsy. It was cool for like the first 2 hours....we stayed for 6 hours, though. Natalie and I just kept wishing we could be shopping. There was a mall taunting us as we drove past it to get to the fair. After the fair, Nat and I took off for another mall, only to get there and realize neither of us had any money. We had to track the boys down, get some money and head back to the mall....where it was closed. But, we got to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. I highly recommend the tiramisu cheesecake. Got up on Sunday and went to visit my parents in Mt. C. Only to have a fight with my sister about the flower girl dress. As my dad put it exactly, my sister can definitely spend other people's money. That's all I'm going to say. Well, that and the dress is absolutely gorgeous, but still.

Well, that's about it. Caught up in 3 small paragraphs what I've been doing for 15 days. How's that for short and sweet? Off to find a new video....

This is what SLUMP looks like....

Yeah, I hear ya all laughing. It sucks. I can tell you the exact time it happened, too. Right after I got done doing one layout and one altered item with the August KnK kit. Then, out came this crap. I can't believe I'm even posting these atrocities. I guess to maybe embarrass the slumps out? I wonder if any of the celebs have slumps? What would ya give to see those?! "She's 'slumped', she's 'slumped', she's 'slumped', she might be dead" (Presidents of the United States of America "Lump" with a minor word change, click twice on the video if you have no idea what I'm talking about) just keeps running thru my head as I look at these. And I have to get a mini album together for a class at the Doodlebug in a week and a half. It's not lookin' good....maybe I'll be lucky and noone will sign up for the class and it'll be cancelled! Wish that for me, would ya?

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

We recently upgraded our cell phone and as I was trying to decide what new ringtones to get, I came across this song from Monty Python's Life of Brian. I hadn't updated my blog video in a while, so I thought that would be perfect! Why, perfect? I don't know. I just thoroughly enjoyed that movie and the ending has always cracked me up! C'mon, a bunch of men being hung up to die and they just break out into song and whistling about the bright side of life?! Don't tell me it's not funny! So, if you want a quick chuckle, just click twice on the video to start it up. But, you really need to see the movie to get the full impact. Oh, and my new ring tones I picked out....Violent Femmes Blister in the Sun, Big & Rich Big Time, Modern English Melt With You, Charlie's Angels theme, and Van Morrison Brown Eyed Girl, just in case you were wondering. I still have 2 more ringtones left to pick...any suggestions?

Meet me in St. Louis....

Sorry I've been a bad, bad blogger lately, as Ann so pointed out to me in an email this evening....I believe she included the words slacker and loser in that email. But, that's ok, because I totally have been. Does anyone else have any problems with Blogger being so incredibly slow for them? I can be cruisin' the internet just fine, even visiting other people's blogs and I go to log into mine and all of a sudden, it's like I'm using dial-up again! Extremely frustrating. That's one reason I've been neglecting my blogging duties, that and the fact that we have a piece of crap router! Well, it's probably not a piece of crap, but it doesn't "get along" with our satellite internet and, basically, it's pi$$ing me off. Steve, I making a public outcry....PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE disconnect the damn thing and hook my computer up to the satellite! I don't even care if it has to be in the basement! I hate hate hate hate having to screw around with it at least 5 times a freaking day.

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! Since my family is a bunch of losers (I swear to God, they'd never miss us if we up and moved to Oregon!) we decided spur of the moment to head out to St. Louis Monday afternoon. Came home and packed us all really quick and took off. We hit the arch. I've been there several times, but Mara and McKenna had only been once and I doubt they remembered it. They loved it. I wanted to hit the Spaghetti Factory, but there was no way we'd have been able to hit it and make it back to the parking garage before they closed. So, we went to O'Fallon and hit Steak 'n Shake and got a hotel room. Note to self...don't ever put the girls to sleep in one bed while they are all still awake. It won't work. Steve ended up having to room with Micah and McK and Mara slept with me. All was well after that. Slept in on Tuesday and hit the Magic House. The girls absolutely loved it. I think Steve and I had a pretty good time as well. Pretty neat stuff. After that, we went to Union Station and window shopped and had lunch. Then we took off for back home, hoping to get back into town in time to hit the fireworks at Huntingburg. We completely missed any spot of rain, but evidently they had quite a downpour because the fireworks were cancelled. It was kind of a bummer. Funny, it took us 4 hours to get to St. L, but only 3 to get back home!

Yesterday I went and test drove a couple new vehicles. Our van is on it's last leg (Yay!!) and it's time for a new car. Well, not a car, but definitely not another van! I've served my time as a mini van drivin' momma! I tested a Toyota Highlander....very nice vehicle, except if you have 3 kids. It wasn't easy to get in and out of the back seat for Mara. Not a big plus. And, the trunk space was darn near non-existent. So, on to the Ford dealership for a Freestyle. No, not a Freestar, which is another van. This is an SUV-ish type wagon. Or a wagon-type SUV. Whatever. LOVED IT! It has bucket seats for the second row so it's easy in and out for the 3rd row. Trunk space was a little better. Not a whole incredibly lot when comparing it to the van, but definitely more than the Highlander. Anyway, as you can tell, I'm sold. Steve had to get it and test drive it this weekend. He tends to go into convulsions when he has to make big ticket purchases like that. http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/freestyle/?bannerid=2334331236622526325143 Check it out and tell me what you think!

I had one absolutely awesome mail day yesterday and I didn't even have to spend a cent! I love mail days like that! First, I got a totally freaking cool PINK!!! Scrapworks bag from a very special friend. Totally made my year. I love it. It rocks my socks. Secondly, I got stuff from Jen at Ready, Set, Create! I signed up to do something with some stamps and raked in the loot! I can not wait to delve into it! Totally wasn't expecting all those fantastic scrapbook goodies.

Scrappy stuff!

Have you ever seen so much pink in your life?! I was in heaven this month with DT stuff all being PINK! The Scrap-Tastic kit was the awesome Sassafrass Lass stuff and KnK was the Moments Defined papers. The embellies with the KnK stuff totally make the kit. They.are.awesome. Primas, sequins, jewels, rubons, ribbon slides...all so freaking cool.

So excited. My friend,Myra, called me the other night. The huge Victorian house we both are totally in love with has an Open House on Sunday and we are so there! I'm going to take my lunch half hour sometime between 1-3pm and she's going to meet me there so we can gawk! No, I'm not in the market of looking for a new house, but, this house just looks soooooo cool. I just want a peek inside! Maybe I can get some pictures, too!

Saw "Cars" last Friday evening. Very cute movie. Hence, the new video....love Rascal Flatts.

My sister's life has got to be the worst life I know. Bad karma surrounding that one, I think. Donnie losing his job would've been the last straw for me. If it weren't for bad luck, that girl would have no luck at all. I really hope he finds a job asap.

Jen, I know you read my blog....so I just want you to know, I'm so ready to come and bum at your new pool....oh, and to see your new house, too, of course! ;) Can't wait!!

Congrats to one of my fellow DT'ers at Scrap-Tastic, Rachel, for making the ever so awesome My Mind's Eye DT! It couldn't have happened for a better person! You deserve it!

Something's wonky in my house. Alot of junk just up and quit on us. Satellite tv, Sirius radio, DVD player, my sewing machine (but I'm pretty sure that's fixable, gotta call Miss Robin about it. She's awesome, she'll know what to do!), and the stupid Linksys router. But, we did have someone come and fix the tv today! Yeehaw! We can actually watch tv without trying to squint thru fuzz and snow!

I had a big long post the other night and when I went to publish the post, something happened and I lost all of it. I was so mad. I think it had something to do with the stupid router issues we've been having. So, this is all you get from me for now. A brief synopsis.

Steve asked me the other night how I was doing keeping up with housework since the cleaning lady's been gone. Hmmm. I say if you have to ask, then I'm doin' just fine. Right? Yeah, there are a few cleaning issues I need to get better at, but for the most part, we're not living in filth.

I think me and the girls are going to try and hit Holiday World next week. That should be interesting....wish me luck.

Well, that's all folks....until next week!

Upcoming class stuff...

This is an 8x8 layout I did with Wild Asparagus paper for an upcoming shadowbox class at the Doodlebug in July(minus the shadowbox for this picture!). You can't tell too well, but I used a ton of pop dots on here! Kasara and Donnie's house in the process of being added on right now, so when it's done and the new siding is on, I'll hopefully get there to take a pic and put on here. This will be one of their wedding gifts. The card is something I whipped up quick with the leftovers. Not really sure if we'll do this in class yet, but it's there if we want. I need to stamp a small sentiment on the front, too.

Let's see if I can get some pics to upload....

Well, whadya know! Blogger let me finally post some pics! The first one is of my 3 girlies...all waiting patiently for me and Grandma Kathy to get the chairs and swim noodles out of the boat and get down to the dock to go swimming.

Then, Micah Jo Jo on the kneeboard! Just look at that cheesy grin! She's cool and she knows it! McKenna, the kneeboard studette is already attempting to cross the wake {which she accomplishes! woohoo!) and then, last but certainly not least, the awesome Mara T. showin' her stuff on the kneeboard! It's amazing what these girls will do for ice cream! LOL!

What a great weekend!!

Well, blogger isn't letting me upload pictures right now for some unknown stupid blogger reason, so you'll just have to visualize this one on your own....

We had a terrific weekend at my parent's Kentucky Lake house. Me and the girls left Thursday afternoon and went to Mt. C to pick up my mom and head out to the lake from there (with only one phone call to my dad asking which exit to take...yes, my parents have had this place for over a year now and my mom still had to call to make sure which exit to take!). Friday was spent with the girls swimming and jumping off the dock and me and mom sweating out in the sun for 5 hours that afternoon. Actually, I spent about half the time in the water as I did out. I don't see how mom could even stand it. Plus, there must've been a spider's nest under the dock because we were constantly flicking off freaking spiders off of us all afternoon...and some of you know just how much I love spiders! (No, not really) Anyway, later that afternoon, Steve and my dad arrived. Me and McKenna had had enough, so we lounged around before taking a shower while Steve and the other girls went swimming, yet again! My dad, as always, worked around the house. That man just isn't happy unless he's working, I swear. After we ate supper, Kasara and Donnie joined us....and after only 3 phone calls! Me and dad won that bet. (Inside joke, gotta know my sis and her infatuation with her phone). That evening we all sat around outside, drinkin' and talkin'.

Saturday we took the boat out to a sand beach. We spent all day long there. There was a rope swing and the girls just totally dug that. They were awesome! McKenna and Micah are freaking fearless! We swam, floated, drank and talked. It was so hot out. Steve and I were dying to see if the girls would learn how to kneeboard, but the lake was so rough. We decided to go back to the house and wait until about an hour until sundown and then take the john boat out instead of the ski boat to teach them and the water had calmed down a bit. They were all 3 ready to try, especially after Aunt Kasara promised them ice cream if they tried. They were all over that. And, all 3 of them tried and got up! I was so proud of them! Well, Micah didn't really have much trouble at all...she just sat on her knees on the kneeboard before the boat even took off! It was a huge help that Aunt Kasara stayed out in the water with them before the boat took off. I think McKenna could do it all day long. I have some awesome pics of them all in action, but like I said, blogger is having "issues". I will post when I can. And you know there will be scrapbook pages about this. Oh, and I got some awesome action shots of Steve doing a cartwheel off the dock and into the water! I love that little function on my camera where it takes like 5 pictures pretty quick with just a touch of a button. So cool!

Sunday we headed to the Moors for their breakfast buffet. Delish. We got ready to go out on the boat, but while Kasara and I were in the house, everyone took off without us. And didn't come back. Kinda honked us off. Donnie finally showed us that he could get up on the kneeboard as well. He was a bit ticked off that he couldn't get up the night before, but yet his soon-to-be nieces all did. Very touchy subject with him, it was kinda funny. Anyway, once again, the girls wanted to kneeboard, but they were scared to do it behind the ski boat. So, dad got out the john boat again and they all got out there and was lovin' it! McKenna was already crossing the wake! I'm sure my dad was so proud. My sister and I have been kneeboarding/waterskiing for years and years. My parents have had a ski boat since I was about 9 years old. My sister was kneeboarding since she was Micah's age. When I was 14 my dad taught me how to barefoot waterski, and let me tell ya, he was so proud. So, I can only imagine how he's bragging today at work that his 3 grandbabies were all kneeboarding this weekend!

Well, we came home last night and got a knock at our door around 9:30pm. It was the neighbors. Apparently our sewer alarm was going off and we didn't even hear it. Wonderful. We figured out how to shut the sound off so we wouldn't be keeping everyone in the subdivision awake all night. There was supposed to have been someone here to look at it about an hour ago, but, of course, noone has shown up yet. So, I can't take a shower, we can't flush the toilet, can't run the washer. Yeah, I'm in an excellent mood this morning. Micah's already spilled a whole bowl of cereal on the kitchen floor. Yes, I've already asked myself why in the heck I've even gotten out of bed this morning. But, some good news...the sewer system is still under warranty for about another year and a half, so, depending on what's the matter, we won't have to pay anything to repair it!! And, if it's something not covered under warranty, we get one free courtesy call, so we still won't have to pay for anything this time! So, that little piece of info is making me a little bit happy.

Last week we had a blow out in the van. Yes, it was my fault. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and I ran into a pointy curve along the road. Heard a weird noise coming from the back tire. I pulled over into a church parking lot and sure enough, the tire was flat. And, of course, I chose that day to not carry my cell phone with me. The church was locked up, so me and the girls had to walk about a block to the nursing home and call Steve from there. He couldn't get the nut to loosen on the thing that housed the spare tire because it the nut was stripped. We load up in the truck, head to Home Depot to buy a tool, go back to the van, only to find out that that didn't work either. Load back up in the truck and go to Steve's office and call a tow truck. Go back to the van to meet the tow truck. Go to the tire place. Well, nothing else to do but go out to eat while they deal with the tire situation. We were so bummed. We plan on getting rid of the van in about 2 more months, so we didn't want to get all new tires put on. When we went to pick up the van, we found out that they didn't have to put all new tires on it! They found a slightly used tire to replace it. Yay!!

I took a sewing class last Wednesday evening at the lss. Yes, I finally got out my sewing machine that I've had for the last 6 months and learned how to use it! I'm so hooked. Robin was one excellent teacher, too, so kudos to her for teaching me what I needed to know! There were only 3 of us in the class, but it was perfect. All 3 of us in class were total beginners. We made a card and a cute little tag. I have a feeling that my sewing machine is going to be used alot. Kinda like my use of ribbon. Used on every single layout. I can't wait to get it hooked up in my scrap room and just go at it!

Ok, off to change my video....

Blooregard Q Kazoo rocks!

Yeah, I admit it, I like this cartoon....alot. Bloo freaking rocks. I couldn't find the video I wanted (It's hooooot in Toooopeeeeekaaa, my toe's hot, pick it), but I did find the "blanner, blanner, blanner" aka massage chair for Madame Foster aka (officially) "Store Wars". "Blanner, blanner" did spawn the ever famous phrase in this house "rip-off artist!" and is one my personal faves. I also liked the episode about Bloo's new baby brother "Cheese", although Steve hated that one. McKenna wanted me to find her favorite "there's par-foom in my house-play" aka Going to France aka (officially...I have no idea). But, that is another good one. I'll keep looking for that one, McKenna. For those of you who've never seen this cartoon, this is a totally useless post and will leave you saying WTH?! But, check it out. New episodes every Friday evening on Cartoon Network. I'd like this cartoon even if I didn't have kids, but it's thanks to them that I found it!

Another week has gone by....

...and I'm finally getting around to posting on the blog. Here are the layouts I did with the KnK kit. Boodles, the embellies from the Crate Paper kit go great with it! I used something from that kit on all 3 things I did. I'm sure you will find other kit stuff to go with it, but I'm just throwing that out there for you! That other card is one I did for Scrap-Tastic. Becky gave us the challenge to scraplift the winning layout for the 7Gypsies contest, so I decided to make a card. Yes, that particular SU stamp set got some use this month! Steve evidently doesn't like that set judging from this smartass comment..."You actually paid money for that stamp?" (I really really need to find me a rolling eyes smiley. I seem to do it often enough).

Congrats to Bre for making the Treasures to Scrap DT!! I knew it was just a matter of time for you! And Congrats to Heather for making Scrappin' Deals DT! I'm so excited for you girls.

Well, I mentioned that Steve, Brian, Jacob and the girls would be camping out in the backyard this past weekend. I really didn't think they'd all stay out there, but they did! So glad Steve didn't take me up on that $50 bet! We roasted hot dogs and smores. Later that evening they all went on an "adventure" (a walk around the neighborhood w/flashlights). I think they all had a pretty good time!

Sunday at work was hell. There really is no other way to describe that day. It sucked big time. I guess everything just had to be done on Sunday since Monday was a holiday. It was awful.

Me and the girls headed out to Mt. Carmel on Tuesday. When we hit Princeton, we ran into one doozy of a storm. It was raining so badly I couldn't even see to drive. I had to pull off into a parking lot to wait it out, and of course it scared the bejeezus out of Mara. Once we got to Mt. C, we went out to lunch with my mom and then went to pick up Kasara. We all hit the big town of Carmi so Kasara could get her PPD done for work and then checked out her new house. Very cute! I really do like it (I'm not just saying that to be nice!) The colors are all so bold and cool. I can't wait to see it after the one end has been extended 8 feet. It's going to have walk in closets in both back bedrooms and going to make the bathroom bigger. Very cute and perfect starter home.

McKenna stayed with Aunt Kasara and hung out with her and Uncle Donnie on Wednesday. It was so funny, Mara knew that McKenna was in Mt. C, but on Wednesday afternoon, I was fixing our lunch and was taking it outside to the deck and Mara stops and looks at me and says 'What are we going to do about McKenna? Should we wake her up or what?' LOL! She thought McKenna was still asleep! She even slept in McKenna's bed because Micah was too scared to sleep in her room by herself!

Mara had a T-ball game last night. These girls are so cute! Mara got one hit off the pitching machine and 2 off the tee. There was one girl on the other team who just kicked everyone's butt. She was like a one man (girl) team! We knew she was going to be tough...she walked up to the plate with cleats, a pink batting glove and a pink helmet! And she didn't disappoint! At one point Kasara asked me if they were taught to bend over and put their hand on their knee when they were out on the field. I looked around and all the girls were bent over and had their hand on their knee. It was so funny!

Ok, phrase of the summer so far: "It's hooooot in Tooooopeeeeekaaaa" as said by Bloo from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. I'm going to have to see what I can find video-wise. It's just too funny. McKenna has the whole dialogue memorized from that part of the show (no surprise there) and Micah says it every chance she can.

Ok, time to update my video....

Heeellllloooo! Long time, no talk, huh?

Yes, I apologize for being a slacker. Steve informed me last night that it's been almost a week since I've updated my blog. I've been lazy. And, I can only talk about my boring, inane life twice a week for so long before I just get flippin' bored. If I start being incredibly boring, noone will read my blog anymore....well, except Ann! ;) (I luv you, Ann, you know that!)

Well, let's see...what's happened in a week? I ended up resigning from Scrapbook Central. I just wasn't able to keep up with the design team stuff since I live an hour away, so I figured someone else should use my spot. I also resigned from teaching there as well. For starters, it's an hour away, the gas is starting to kill me with that drive and it was not worth the drive for 2-3 people signing up for the classes. Trust me, giving up that killer discount is soooo bumming me out.

I had my eval at work and it turned out just peachy. Woo-freaking-Hoo. Boy, I can't wait until I'm so rich and famous scrapbooking so that I can quit my hospital job! (ROFLMAO at that!) Please tell me you heard the sarcasm just dripping off that comment!

Thought I'd post some adorable pictures of my adorable girlies taken the other day. ;) It's been beautiful here, couldn't wait to get them outside for some photos. Since the cleaning lady was here on Tuesday, we took that chance to get outside for some photo ops. Poppins wasn't cooperating, but it could've been worse. All she wanted to do was play on the swingset. The other two wanted me to just keep taking and taking and taking pictures. Finally, I just had to tell 'em, "Look, I'm not your dad! I don't just take pictures to take 'em!" McKenna wanted me to take pics of her ear and earring. (I ended cropping that one to just a pretty cool side shot...without her ear/earring!) She also wanted me to take tons of pics of her tying a weed into a bow. (Where's the rolling eyes smiley when you need it?!) Then they wanted me to take pictures of myself. Finally, I just had to stop. I think I got some pretty good pics. The ones of them tickling each other just happened. I told them to sit next to each other and put their arms around each other and then the tickling ensued. I just snapped away. It's not everyday I actually get to catch them on film actually getting along!

Oh, speaking of the cleaning lady...Tuesday was her last day!!! Waaaa! I'm giving her up to save money for the new vehicle we're saving up for. It just about killed me to say I'd let her go. This summer is going to suck, but I guess, really, I'll have more time to do crappy housework once school starts up again.

And, speaking of school starting up....the countdown 'til the first day of school officially begins! LOL! Actually, it won't start until this afternoon, but still....

Mara cracked me up the other day....she loves playing Star Wars Battlefront. She is even teaching me how to play. Anyway, she was playing the other morning and came across an animal and goes "Aw, he's cute!" Yeah, she may be a butt kickin' Star Wars gamer, but she's still such a girl! I have no idea what the creature is, but McKenna's convinced it's a llama. Hmm, I don't think they had llamas in Tatooine, but who knows....

We all went and picked up a tent from one of Steve's friends last night. I guess Steve thinks they're going to camp this weekend....in our backyard. Any guesses on how long that's going last? I bet they'll all be coming back in the house to sleep. I'll let you know how that goes!

Congrats to my friend, Nicole! A local nifty gift shop has picked up her "line" of cards! How exciting!

Well, I don't have anything scrappy to post...I did 2 layouts and a card with the KnK DT kit, but I can't post those yet. Sorry! Any day now, though. I do need to work on a few more things for the Scrap-Tastic DT. I have something in mind, I just need to find the time to work on it. I'm hoping it turns out pretty cute and not real cheesy.

How's that for an update? Now I'm off to go get a new video....

~YOU~

A layout I did with my design team package from Scrap-Tastic. I couldn't wait to scrap that open mouth pic of Micah. She's such a nut!

Scrappy stuff!

Well, Ann, here ya go! Some scrappy stuff provided just for your inspiration! ;) The autograph books are 4x4 chipboard books by 7Gypsies. My friend, Myra, her boyfriend, and his daughter are going to FanFair in June and she wanted me to whip something up for the autographs. She hasn't seen these yet, but I hope she likes them! And, don't pay attention to the colors in the one on the left...they are both identical, I don't know why that one looks more pink.

The recipe lunchbox is for a class I'm teaching in June at the Doodlebug. I love how this turned out. I also made up 6 dividers, which I think turned out pretty cute, since I had no idea where to go with them. I didn't put the actual categories on them, I figured the students can take them home and put what they want on them instead of what I put on there, ya know, since I'm such an avid cook and all! ROFL!

Oh, boy....

I laid down a chunk of change Wednesday evening. I knew it was coming, but geesh. Here are the flower girl dresses that Kasara picked out for McKenna and Micah. I'm going to see if I can order them thru somewhere and get them cheaper. If anyone has any suggestions on line where to look, pass it along. I looked on ebay, but they just didn't have hardly any A-lines in Ivory in the sizes I need to choose from. They are going to wear slippers. So cute! This is the bridesmaid dress that Mara's going to wear, only envision it altered to fit her! She does look so much better in it in person. Bought her shoes as well...some cute strappy sandals, but the straps are pretty wide and the base of the shoe is wide so she should be pretty comfy in them. Ordered my dress and bought my shoes as well. No, you will not be seeing any pics of me trying my dress on! :) My shoes are awesome! Strappy with bling all over them, short heel. Mara and I will definitely have to be getting mani/pedi's! (once again, ignore the double picture, I don't feel like dealing with it!)

Ok, so who's going to tell me how ER ended last night?! Somehow the DVR didn't catch the last 10 minutes of it! I saw Sam had to hop in the van because her nasty a$$ ex had him kidnapped! CSI's season finale was good, but not anything like last years. I can't wait until Sunday night....series finale for Charmed (you gonna watch that, Krystn?! ;) and season finale for Desperate Housewives...WOOHOO! But, what in the world am I gonna watch until September?! LOL (I can see Steve rolling his eyes at that comment!)

Over the Hedge is on at the movies! I think we're gonna have to check that out either tonite or sometime next week. Wal-Mart has been promoting the heck out it, it's almost annoying.

Is the sun gonna ever come out and stay out and warm things up?! I'm ready for shorts! It's the end of May and we're still having to wear jackets and jeans! It's just depressing!

Ok, I'm updating!

Yes, Ann, I'm finally updating my blog. Total slacker last week and I apologize. But, like I've said before, I lead a total boring life! People don't want to read the really, really mundane aspects of my life! Sorry there's no picture of my most recent scrapbook page or thing....that's because I haven't done C.R.A.P for a week.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mom's out there. I hope everyone had a wonderful day with their family. You wouldn't believe the amount of people who come into an ER on Mother's Day. As I was x-raying them, I just couldn't help but wish that I was with my family. And, the thing is, we didn't x-ray anyone who was extremely sick or any broken bones. But, whatever. Oh, and I'm still totally lovin' my Mom's Day gift! I'm going to have to do a scrapbook page about it, I'm afraid. I learned how to change the songs on it last night. Just got to figure out how to put the pictures on it and I'm golden.

Well, the inevitable is starting. On the way home from spending Mom's Day with my mom's side of the family back home, Mara was upset. She asks Steve "Why does everyone like McKenna and want to play with McKenna?" The sibling rivalry is starting. Oh, boy. I didn't see them in action with the other cousins, but McKenna is usually the one who is content playing by herself and Mara's the little social butterfly. Who knows. Oh, but Jake said something to Mara that evidently just made her beam (all of this according to Steve, of course). Jake told Mara that she looks like a 1st grader. She was lovin' that, especially since she's already telling everyone she's "almost in 1st grade". LOL! (Actually, though, Mara looks like she's about in 3rd grade, she compares pretty evenly to Deric who is in 3rd or 4th grade, but Jake is in 1st grade, so that must be what he sees!) So cute!

Over the weekend, we noticed that there was something funky going on with Micah's thumb. Looked like a huge whitehead on the pad of her thumb. Gross. Called the doc's office. They said don't pop it until they saw it to see what they were dealing with. He said it was an abscess (which sounds worse than what it really is). The doc took a needle to it and popped it and put her on some antibiotics. I hope this takes care of it. He thinks there's a "foreign body" in it and it will work it's way out. Well, when I called, they gave me a 5pm appt. Not a problem. I thought, "what a bummer, I'm going to miss the Stampin' Up hostess party." Yes, it even went thru my head to call Ann and let her know. But, I got caught up in reading the last of my book (Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz....which was an awesome read. If you like Koontz, you'll love this. I think it's my fave of his at this point.) and before I knew it, it was time to take Micah to her appt. Picked up her meds afterward. Helped some friends figure out what to do with altering a box (that I just happened to run into at Wal-Mart! LOL!) and got home. Then, after supper, I got a nasty, scathing phone call (just kidding!). From Ann. As soon as I saw the caller ID, I said "sh!t". I felt so bad. Ann, I truly am very sorry. I totally let that ball drop. Forgive me, please?! (Wow, talk about a run-on paragraph! LOL!)

Ok, today I started my "challenge". I'm seriously going to get healthier. Eat less, walk more. Steve set up my treadmill last night in a new spot. (Which, by the way, I love that it's up against a wall and not out in the open in the middle of the basement. That was just too creepy. I felt so exposed!) Anyway, all set and ready with new songs on my nano, I hopped on the treadmill for....get ready to brace yourself....an hour!! I know, some people are thinking "what a lightweight". That's the longest I've ever felt like walking on the treadmill. I was so proud of myself! I hate to sound like a total dork, but it's because of my nano! I was just walking along, singing some great songs and the time just flew!! Well, the first 45 minutes did, at least. I pushed myself that last 15 minutes. I'm going to seriously try walking for an hour everyday. As long as my girls can handle my singing! LOL! So, if you all have some songs that you love to walk to, pass them on, I could always use more!

I just have to say this....I love my step-mother-in-law. This woman totally rocks. Seriously. She's amazing, strong, wonderful, loving, and totally cool. I'm proud to say I actually know her, let alone say that I'm related to her. I love you, Lillian. And I'm so glad you and Duane found each other. Period.

Thank you, Shelley, so so so much for taping Grey's Anatomy for me last night. Bad weather sucks. Anyone else as bummed about the final two for Survivor? I wanted Terry to win sooooo bad. Oh, well. Cirie totally rocks and I'm so glad she got the other truck. I hated Shane the whole season until Tribal council. I was shouting out at the tv at what he was saying....totally true.

Headin' to Evansville on Wednesday to pick out a dress for Mara to wear in Kasara's wedding. Wish us luck. I'm off to work on some autograph books for Myra. And if you check out Steve's blog, skip over his one post titled the Dark Years. It's dark. And he busts on me! He makes me out to be a mean, pessimistic be-otch! ;) You could tell he wasn't in his element when writing that.

To quote Kip....."peace out".....

Altered Paint Can

Sorry, forgot to add this in my last post. This is a paint can I fixed up and a set of 6 cards (all different) for a YMCA fund raiser thing for a friend. Done with the latest kit from KnK. Geesh, those kits last me forever! I've made 1 12x12 layout, 1 journal, 1 paint can and 11 cards from one kit! And, I still have so much left over! So cool.

You girls are so sweet!

All the wonderful congrats, thank you so much! LOL...scrap celebrity? I just don't think that will ever happen, but a girl can dream! Thanks again, girls....I just luv ya'll! ;)

Mara lost another tooth on top right in the front. She looks weird, but a cute weird! Can't wait to scrap this moment for her.

Have you seen the new video? Is it not hysterical? Sandi from RSC actually linked it to just watch, but as soon as I saw it I knew I was going to be putting that on my blog! They guy is actually a good dancer! Too funny.

Conversation with McKenna on Monday as I was getting her dressed for school.
McK: I don't like that outfit.
Me: Well, I do. It's cute and it's purple. (her favorite color)
McK: *grumbles* (I then have her turn around so that I can button the back of the shirt and tie it) I would look cuter if you tied it in the front.
Me: It's not supposed to tie in the front.
McK: Yes, it is.
Me: No, it's not. It's supposed to tie in the back. It would look dumb tied in the front. Wear your sandals, not your flip flops today.
McK: My sandals don't match this.
Me: Yes they do.
McK: No, they don't.
Me: Yes, they do, brown goes with everything.
McK: They don't match.
Me: *totally exasperated* McKenna, why are you arguing everything with me this morning?!
McK: Fine, I look cute and brown goes with everything. *said as if she's just saying it to shut me up!*(oh, but you have to know McKenna and her little at-ti-tude way she says things. I couldn't stop laughing.)

Saw this saying on a tag on some Fancy Pants paper at the LSS and I am so going to scrap it...."Somebody has to be the cutest!" And Hannah, the owner of the LSS said she knew who's scrap page I would put that on....JoJo Poppins! She was right on, too. I'm still wondering how she knew that....speaking of Fancy Pants....bought the Chi-Chi line and it's awesome! Also bought the matching rub-ons, ribbons, and 3 packages of chipboard (flowers, scrolls, and brackets) and the HS New Orleans foam stamps. Let's just say, I didn't bring much "take home pay" after I taught class that night!

Well, talk to you all later!

Somebody pinch me!!!

I just got the email today from Jen at the e-zine Ready, Set, Create! informing me that I made the Creative Team! And it's even an odd story, too! I was blog hopping just last week...checking out different scrap blogs and I came across a blog that had a mention of RSC, so, being nosey and lover of all things scrappy, I checked it out and signed up on the message board. One can never have too much inspiration, right?! Anyway, came across an announcement on the board that they were looking for a Creative Team member. I thought, how cool! What the heck, I'll go for it! (Especially having two layouts picked up by them!). I didn't think I stood a chance, being new to the boards and all, but, hey, you never know. Anyway, you now know how the story ends! I'm super excited! And, the article I had to write (pick yourselves up off the floor....those of you who know I suck at writing! LOL) will be the article that kicks off a certain subject in the upcoming Aug/Sept issue! WooHoo!!! So, take a minute and check out the home page of RSC http://readysetcreate.com/rsc/ and sign up for an awesome subscription ;), or just hop on over to the message board!

Most of you have already seen the altered CD tin, but I'm posting it for those who haven't! I made this for my SIL to hold the CD's I burn for her of her gorgeous nieces ;) (I am soooo not biased, am I?)! Oh, and to get an idea of how to do something like this since I'm teaching a class in August on it! LOL!

Talk to you all later! Signing off.....

Oh, those Birrell girls!

Took this pic yesterday and I love it. Don't know why, though. Just do. I get so inspired to take pictures after looking at Tara Whitney's blog. Thanks to Tara, I now want to find a field and put my kids in it to take a picture. Check out her blog, you'll understand.

Went to Mara's school Tuesday evening so she could read her journal to us. So sweet. Her pictures just never cease to amaze Steve and I. Her detail. Why she draws what she does. Obviously, they write and draw in their journals on Mondays because Jacob was in a ton of entries! So cute! Then we all had pizza. Kind of a cool evening. Mara is by far the tallest in her class. She definitely doesn't take after me on that....thank goodness.

Last night me and my mom and sister met for supper. After the 30 minutes of insane phone calling {I swear they make everything so difficult! I'm bad, but soooo not that bad!} we met and had a great time! Showed off my new iPod {over which they were drooling} and Kasara asked my opinion on un-asking a "friend" to be in her wedding. Touchy stuff. But, hey, it's her wedding, if she doesn't want her in it, tell her. She has totally good reasons for doing it, it's not like she just decided this. Things came to light just recently that she wasn't aware of prior to asking her. But, she's so like me and mom when it comes to this....she's so worried about what everyone will think of her. Who cares! {Steve, are you proud of me or what?!}

Oh, have to tell you about a toot....the online scrapbooking magazine "Ready, Set, Create" wants my Surfer Girl layout for their Jun/Jul issue! I love that layout, so glad someone wants it!

Well, to all of you scrapbookers out there reading this....Happy National Scrapbooking Day {tomorrow, that is}! I won't be writing anything this weekend, I'm sure, so I'm telling you all now! I so wish I was off and scrapping with friends, but, alas, I'll be making money instead of spending it....which is probably good in the long run!

Well....TTFN!

...no title for this post...

I literally had an epiphany for this one! Yes, an epiphany. I know, what a dork, you're thinking, but it's true. I've had this pic laying in my sb room for almost a month and I wanted to scrap it, but nothing was coming to me. I had the mini cards in my ST dt kit and was drawing a total blank. Then, coming home from setting up the yard sale Friday evening, it hit me! That definition paper would match the MD paper! So cool! I love it when things just come together and I don't have to work at it! And I have no idea how I even thought of to mat the pic the way I did. Like I said, I just love it when things come to me without thinking about it too much. And, yes, I realize the cards in the flower aren't making a full house....but they represent our family...K (Steve) Q (me) and 6,5,&3 are the ages of the girls. Kinda corny, but I like it.

The yard sale was a big success...surprisingly! When I went over to Ang's house Sat. morning it was raining. We were totally screwed. The garage was crammed full of stuff we were hoping to put out on the driveway. There was no way people were going to be able to even move! So screwed. So, we moved some stuff to the front porch where it was covered which helped a ton. Around here, even though you put a starting time for 7am, there are people lined up at 6am to get in. Well, there was NOONE around! We were screwed. Not looking good at all. And, it was freakin' cold! Finally, close to 7 we had some people stop by and it never slowed down!!! YeeHaw! It didn't slow down until 1pm! Usually you'll have times where there's noone around and you can straighten stuff up....nope, didn't happen. I started packing my stuff up around 1:30 and then there was a rush of people again. Figures. But, I didn't have everything packed up, so I still sold some more stuff. And, I actually made a profit! Steve doesn't know how much I spent on Ang's clothes, so I'll just say I made a decent profit! Total bonus...my mom is having a yard sale this coming weekend and I'm taking what was left and putting it in hers! WooHoo!!

Saturday evening we all went out to eat (and it kills me to say this....but I think Hong Kong is better than Great Wall) to eat chinese {thank God the girls looooove chinese!} and out to the movies. We saw "The Wild". Ho hum. Wasn't impressed much. The snake was funny. I think I'm just getting too old for kids shows anymore. Sad. Is that another sign you're getting older? But, "Over the Hedge" looks cute. I'm banking on that one to make me feel like I haven't lost all hope in cartoons.

Ann just called this morning and informed me of all the SU stamps that are retiring. I'm not going to miss much more than 2-3 sets, which is good. I can't wait to see the new catalog! What, another 3 looooong months until that comes out?!

Got the stuff done for the KnK dt this weekend! Another awesome kit and embellies by Angela. She just never disappoints. A, I made something for you! I hope you like it! So funny, though...Colleen never looks at anyones stuff on the yahoo board until she's done with hers. I totally understand that, I do the same thing. But, she pm's me yesterday...she uploaded hers and she has a very similar thing on her layout that I have on mine! Too funny! GMTA, obviously! I would hope noone would think that we copied off each other, because what fun would that be?

Let's see....what's going on this week? NOTHING! Not a darn thing! WooHoo! Well, that's not entirely true, I guess. I need to turn in something for the dt at Schmitt by the 5th (a layout with 7-10 pics on it! Eeeek!). I have 3 baby cards I need to get around making. I need to go to MOPS on Thursday. Oh, yeah, and a Pizza party/Journal reading at school for Mara and me and Steve on Tuesday. Hey, at least there's no gymnastics or Daisies! I'm so ready for summer. I'm sick of running around.

Oh! New video time! This is becoming a sickness as bad as my blinkies! LOL! This is the video that I think is just flippin' hysterical! I know, I know, it's the Backstreet Boys, and they are so over, but this video just cracks me up! And, really, even though it's the Backstreet Boys, the song is kinda good. Take a few minutes to watch it if you haven't already seen it. Oh, and tell me what the heck the license plate is supposed to mean! TFH 2L8?? I got the "too late" but what the heck is TFH?

That's all I can think about writing right now....unless something really cool happens this week, which I'm sure it won't! LOL

Nano love!

Here it is...in all it's glory! I love it! *thanks, Mara, for taking the pic of momma and her iPod!* Most of you already know, but for those who don't...I got my Mother's Day present early. I came home from ribbon shopping (sshhh! Don't mention how many rolls I came home with!) and I glanced over the bar in the kitchen and it was laying out in the open! At first I was a bit ticked...I knew he'd been wanting one and he knew I had been wanting one, so I thought he went out and bought one and didn't bother telling me! Steve was still up on the computer so I went in and asked "So, did you buy something without telling me?" You should have seen the look on his face...he tried lying, but he's such a bad liar...I've always been able to tell when he's lying. He just gave up and asked me how I found out. Duh, it was laying right there on the bar! He was bummed. He said it was for Mother's Day. He'd been putting on songs and pictures while I was gone. And he had gone to such trouble hiding it from me, too! (which is a feat in itself!) But, on the plus side...I got it early! It's so cool! It's so cute! I just love it! Shan, I need that link to buy a cute little pink case for it! I'm sure Steve will appreciate that since we're "sharing" it. Sharing it.... yeah, um, sure! ;)

It's that time of year...getting ready for a yard sale this weekend. Joy. I hate having a yard sale. Going yard sale-ing...love it. Having one...sucks. And, I don't think I'm even going to make much of a profit! My friend, Angie, who I'm having it with, has a daughter Mara's age and is getting rid of a bunch of her clothes that will fit McKenna and Micah. Cha-ching! These clothes are awesome. Only been worn by one child, brand names, so well taken care of, so flippin' cute. I came home with 2 bags full of clothes. I could so easily have came home with 3 bags! LOL

Ok, I've had my sewing machine since Christmas and it's not been used at all. I'm such a loser. I tried to figure it out and it was just a no-go. This is what I get for never taking Home Ec in high school. And having a mother who only got her sewing machine out like once my whole childhood. And just not having a domestic bone in my body. I'm dying to use it, for scrapbook usage only, of course! Then, I find out Nicole can use a sewing machine! Where the he!! have I been?! Hopefully she can teach me how to use it today or this weekend! WooHoo!!

The x-ray students graduation lunch is today. I'd say I'll miss 'em, but they've got jobs at the hospital, so I'll be seeing them routinely now! But, the dreaded new students will be coming in and everyone knows how much I love new students....not much. Thank goodness I'm on weekends now. The students always start off hating me, fearing me. But, then, after they spend time with me, they realize that to know me is to love me! LOL! I just don't do well with them being "new". I do so much better with them once they know stuff.

A big huge congrats goes out to Becky from Scrap-Tastic! She had her baby boy earlier this week! What a Wonder Woman. She's home from the hospital early was already posting on the mb! You go girl! Oh, and there's a contest going on right now...whip up some layouts with 7Gypsies stuff and post it! There's prizes! WooHoo! And, I just have to shout out to my fellow DT girlies...Michelle, Nicole, Rachel, and Robyn! These girls are super duper crazy talented...check them out. How in the heck did I get chosen to be with this awesome team? No clue, I'm still trying to figure that one out!

Steve's blog (oops, I mean SteveN *insert rolling-eyes smiley*) is now updated. Uh, I just have one question for ya, Stevie (he really hates it when you call him Stevie), I had no idea you robbed a store when you were younger, too! Yes, notice I said, TOO! Or is the time you're referring to when you were with Robbie Lowe? You've been holding out on me! Who knew what a juvenile delinquent you were! ;)

Well, that's about it for now....later, gators!

Flowers For Momma

Just another layout with the ever awesome Crate Paper! And, I used my new MM flower stamps, which I love!

Headin' to E'ville tonite...hopefully M's still has their Dashes, Dots and Checks ribbon in stock! They're on sale for $1!! A ribbon lover's dream! LOL. Nicole is wanting the big stack of Kaleidoscope papers 'cause HL has their paper on sale this week. Then, eating out, of course! I'm thinking it's going to be Rafferty's! Can you say Yumm-O?!?! Chicken finger salad with the Mustard Honey and Hot Bacon dressing and the melt-in-your-mouth croissants here I come!

Thinking about starting a new blog where all it contains is my layouts. Should I do that, or just keep doing it the way I have been? Doing it like this is actually making me write in my blog, whereas if I was just uploading my layouts on a "just layouts" blog, I may not write as often. Then again, you wouldn't be subjected to some really lame posts like this! LOL Tell me what you think....I'm open to suggestions. And, be honest!

Oh, my Tracy White Photography book is in at the Doodlebug! Debbie called me yesterday to tell me. I know I'm supposed to be saving money, but, honestly Steve, I need this book! :)

CYA!