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!

Aahhh, the Femmes....

Brings back good memories. Thanks, A, for turning me on to the Femmes. They so rock. Not my first pick for the video, but my selection was extremely limited, but this one'll do. What was that, like 7 years ago we saw them in concert? I remember I was preggers, but I don't remember if it was with Mara or McKenna. Funny how I remember things around that time whether I was pg with one of them. I mean, I was, almost pg for 3 years in a row! lol Anyway, I thought it was time to change the music on here.

No more freakin' sippy cups around here! I'm getting rid of them. I'm sick and tired of looking all over creation for them, only to find them with curdled milk in them or going to the basement and finding 5-6 of them at a time. No more fighting over who gets which one. No more getting up in the middle of the night to get them more water. I'm done with them. You'd have thought that we were taking away a prized possession from them the way McKenna and Micah were ballin' and squallin' and carryin' on last night.

Got this as an email. It hurts how close to home this actually hits! Thanks, Ann, as if turning 30 last year wasn't bad enough! ;)

25 SIGNS YOU HAVE GROWN UP

1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up."
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."
10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next doorwon't turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning ofone.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at 3 AM would severely upset,rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A $4.00 bottle of wine is no longer "pretty good stuff."
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. "I just can't drink the way I used to" replaces "I'm never going todrink that much again." 23. 90% of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking "Oh S*$# what the hell happened?"
This is added just for Shannon: Spending $300 on a ladder is considered an investment!

Oh, and Steve informed me last night he finally remembered his password and login and stuff for his blog. I'll let you know when he updates it. Or, just go check it out for yourself and tell him to get his a$$ moving.

Later.....

I have a new favorite.....

....layout! I couldn't wait to get this photo back so that I could scrap it. Everything just fell into place so perfectly for this.

Steve and the girls are at E'ville taking Brian out for his birthday. Happy Birthday, Brian! How's it feel to be the big 3-0?! ;)

I got Mara's hair cut yesterday. Now, before you all get mad at me, we only got 4" cut off. I know, that sounds like a lot, but on her, no way. I could've so easily told the lady to cut 5 or 6" and I'd have been happy. The girl who cut her hair asked me if I've ever put her in any pageants. Uh, no. But, it was kind of nice to hear. I mean, I think she's gorgeous, but I'm just a tiny bit partial, don'tcha think? LOL And, this hasn't been the first time I've ever been asked that about her. Hmmm, maybe I should put her in one. I don't know. I would think the pressure of not measuring up would do something to her self esteem in the long run. I love how confident she is now. I wouldn't want to mess that up. Hey, getting 1st runner up in the Little Miss Ag Days hasn't scarred me too badly..... ;)

Ann, I just have to tell you, thank you so much for meeting up with me after class last week. Missing American Idol and everything just to eat supper with little ol' me! What a pal! And I had so much fun just talking about silly stuff, ya know? LYLAS!

Well, folks, that's about it for now.....until next time.....

Yay!!! The Scrap-Tastic site is up and running!!!

Just a little update today to let you know that Scrap-Tastic is up and running! I'm so excited! And, I'm so proud of Becky. This has been something she's been wanting to make happen for a couple of years and it's finally a reality! I know I'm excited, but I can't even begin to know how ecstatic she is about the whole thing! Stop by and check it out! (The Scrap-Tastic link on the side bar!)


Oh, and http://www.knkclub.com/Store/MyAccount/DesignTeam.html this made my day, too!! Like Shannon said, it just makes it more real now!

TTFN!

Just a quick post....

Have you ever seen a cuter butt?! Couldn't resist scrappin' this pic of Micah. Got to use my new 5" Chip Chatter-LOVE IT! I was going to use the big G as well, but that was a wee bit too big {did I sound like Shannon just then? ;)} I finally got to use that cute ribbon from Shannon I got in a swap last year. And, I did fix that ribbon that looks like it's falling off.

Hey, HUGE thanks to Krystn....she's the one who walked me thru making my video smaller...it looks great now!! Lisa, I was going to pm you about it, but Krystn pm'd me before I had a chance to even pm you. So, thanks girls! I knew you'd come thru for me!

I'm teaching a class tonite at Schmitt...the gift bag and card class again...only I'm using the new AC Bookshelf papers. LOVE THOSE PAPERS! So bright and fun.

Finally got my ScrapSubmit resume up and running again...although it's without layouts. I just don't feel like loading all those layouts back up on it. Maybe I'll just some of my faves, but I'm not doing all of them. That was one stupid little crap head who deleted everything from that site. Why in the world would someone do that? Just to say that he/she could?! It's just twisted.

Not much exciting stuff goin' on around here this week. Sorry to bore everyone with this lame-o post. I just needed an excuse to post this boot-tay cute layout! Now, off to do housework! Yeah! (whatever...what kind of sick person gets excited over housework?! lol)

Oh, yeah, Steve hasn't updated his blog because the nerd can't remember his sign in name or his password or something. Typical.

I <3 girlfriends!!!

Thursday evening I got together with two of my bestest friends from high school! OMG, we had so much fun. We went out to eat at La Fiesta and just about closed down the place. Then, to Zander's for ice cream (yum, the Twinkie and Black Forest is to die for!) and sat and talked and closed down that place! I haven't laughed that hard in a looooong time. My stomach muscles hurt from laughing so much. God, I miss these girls! Andrea, I know I say this all the time, but, girl, you've got to move closer to home!! Heck, Jen and I only live about an hour away from each other and the last time I saw her in person was before Micah was born! Geesh, what a loser friend I am. But, it's just so cool that we can go for so long without talking and just pick right up where we left off. Ooooh, these girls know so much dirt on me, it's sooo not funny. Boodles, if you wonder where I get my "BadGirlPinkyBoodle" name from, just ask them. But, hey, it goes both ways....I've got just as much dirt on them! Andrea and Jen....I luv you!!! (I have no idea why there are two pictures of us that came up. Experience has taught me that if I try and delete one of them, they both disappear, so I'm leaving it alone. And, seriously, I only uploaded that pic once, I swear.)


Well, I hope everyone had a great Easter! The girls went to the Egg Hunt in the big ol' town of Keensburg on Saturday. I just got done looking at pictures that Steve took. Bless his heart, he tried, but the pics were just so-so. Hey, I understand that he had 3 girls to chase after to get pics. And, why in the heck didn't you use the cute little Easter pails I had packed in the van just for the Egg Hunt???!!! And, where in the heck did Micah get that brown basket?! I put the pails in the FRONT SEAT OF THE VAN SO YOU COULDN'T MISS THEM! And what was my mom thinking fixing Mara's hair down?! Don't tell me you couldn't find a ponytail holder, there are only like a dozen on the gear shift of the van! This is one thing I really hate about working weekends. I hate not being there trying to have things go the way I want them to. Yes, I'm anal. I admit it. I'll be the first to admit it. Anyway, judging by the pics, they had a great time, which is all that matters.

Oh, and while I'm talking about pics from the weekend, may I ask why in the world there are pics of McKenna with a HUGE piece of lettuce on her head? Hey, the pics are cute, and you know I'm gonna scrap 'em, but why?! Oh, McKenna, never a dull moment.....

The girls stayed at my mom's house Saturday evening, so Steve and I had a "date"! WooHoo! We went out to eat at Mill House and then.....we went grocery shopping! LOL! This is just sad that our date consisted of going shopping for groceries. But, it beats having to take the girls with us, I guess. We came home, put groceries away and watched half of "Wedding Crashers". This movie is hysterical! We've got to finish watching it. If you haven't seen it, see it, and heck, I haven't even watched the whole thing yet! Oh, and thank goodness Steve figured out who in the heck the red head is! That would've drove me insane! She played Mary Jane on Scooby Doo the movie! (Just in case any of you were wondering....lol).

Oh, I added a video to my blog....only it's HUMONGOUS and it's pushed all of my links and stuff to the bottom of the blog. Krystn and Lisa, I know you've got videos on yours....which blog thing do I choose so I can add it? I used the link for "other blogs" and this is what I got. Anyway, thank McKenna for this video...it's currently her fave song and she's totally got me and Steve hooked on it. And, the video itself, is just cool, and the guy (not the singer) is kinda cute! TTYL!

Some days you just feel like this......

And this is how I feel today. The girls are driving me nuts. And to top it off, you can smell the stupid chicken houses today and I have the windows open. It's too hot to close the windows and I'm NOT turning on the a/c in April! Ah, the joys of living in the southern Indiana country. Gotta love it. Micah's walking around the house crying and pi$$ed off all to he!! mad at me because I won't let her wear her second outfit of the day to go play outside. She just had her last outfit on 2 hours ago, changed into her gymnastics leotard and now we're home and she can't find those clothes. (I really need a rolling eyes smiley right now!) I know, I'm a horrible mother. I should just let her put on more clothes and go outside. But, it's just the principle of the situation! I soooo can not wait until they can do their own darn laundry. Sorry to rant, but, hey, that is in the description of the blog! What'dya expect?

I did a 2-pager....and I like it!

Couldn't resist taking some new pics of the girls outside today. These were two of my favorites. I've decided I really need to start taking more pictures on a day to day basis...just everyday moments like these. All I have to scrap right now are events (like birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, etc.), which I hate to scrap. I'm not inspired by pictures with a theme.

Well, I finally scrapped a 2 page layout today and I think I like it! It is a layout based on an upcoming BH sketch. I think I'll submit it. It's not a knock your socks off kind of layout, but it's kinda cute. Used my new embossing pens on it, too!

CKC was absolutely wonderful shopping!! I bought such cool stuff! Can you actually believe I didn't buy any ribbon whatsoever? And I didn't even break out into convulsions, either! LOL! All of us girls who went had a pretty good time, too! We talked about all kinds of stuff...it was hysterical! And we had some great impromptu swaps....Heidi Swapp huge flowers, Bazzill flowers, and Karen Foster large round brads (I had no idea there were so many color combos out!).

My friend, Andrea is back home visiting her mom this week...hopefully we can get together sometime this week and catch up!

Wow, I'm pretty boring this week. Don't expect another entry on here for the rest of the week, Ann! ;) Not much going on around here at all. Sometimes I lead such a boring life! LOL! I think I need a nap....

My little monkey!

Well, I can't get a darn image to freakin' upload. McKenna's been a little monkey lately! She was climbing the tree in our backyard this past weekend and then was climbing up the support poles in the basement! And, our basement is not the typical low ceiling...they are 9ft ceilings! I've got an awesome pic of her at the very top of a pole, but I can't get it to upload for some stupid blogger reason. Does that pi$$ any other Bloggers off?! Talk about a moody site.....

I got my May class stuff done for the Doodlebug and I actually produced a 2 page layout! I'm not particularly happy with it, but if that's what the masses want, I shall oblige. Also put together a quick card with the leftovers. I just don't get excited to do 2 pagers lately. We'll see how this goes over. I'd post a pic of the layout, but as mentioned above....

Ann, I hope you're happy! The only reason I'm posting anything this week is because of you! ;) I haven't really had anything blog-worthy to type this week, but I'm doing it because you requested it! Now, I just need to get onto Steve to update his! He's so funny and he has no idea!

Well, I did it...I broke down and bought a box of hair color today. Nothing different, really. I actually bought it to cover gray! I'm so flippin' embarressed. Steve noticed the top of my head when we were at Animal Kingdom and made some man (you know, typical let's-not-think-this-comment-thru-before-I-say-it) comment about the amount of gray he was seeing (not hard since I'm so darn short). I'm going to do it tonite, I think. I feel so old now. Oh, well.

My friend, Angie, had her baby girl on Monday! I can't wait to see her...Alyssa Victoria....how pretty. I thought all along she was having another boy! Congrats, Angie and family!!!

Tomorrow I'm headin' out to St. Louis with several friends (a mini Boodlefest-Stephaine A., Tiffany M., Amy S., Tiffany B., and honorary boodle Jaima!) to hit the CKC to do some shopping! Steve said I didn't have a budget, that I should let my conscience guide me as to how much I should spend. Oh, yeah, if that's not a fight waiting to happen when I come home Friday night! I'm going to be good, I swear! Wish me luck!

Well, we also figured out that our darn cats have fleas! WTH?! They're indoor cats! I was so freakin' mad. So, we've done the Advantage thing to them, which Fartsy (aka Serafina)absolutely hated! And I think Skinny (aka Fuzzzy aka Thomasina) knew we were after her, because she stayed out of sight all day long! She wouldn't even come out when it was time for her to eat! Me, Steve and Mara finally got her cornered under the kitchen table late that night. What a debacle! Now, I'm spraying the carpets and in a few days we'll give the cats a bath. What a huge PITA! This better all work!

Oh, if you like sappy songs....download Diamond Rio's God Only Cries (For the Living). Keep a tissue handy, you'll need it.

TTFN!

Ahhh, Spring is in the air!!!

It's absolutely gorgeous today! The sun is shining so bright and when I did the kindergarten car pool my van readout said 68 degrees! I love spring! I have all the windows open...it's wonderful. Just puts me in such a good mood!

Tonite me, Shelley, Angie, and Jill are going to see John Mellencamp! WooHoo!!! I'm so excited! Little Big Town is opening. Poor Shelley has to work at 6am tomorrow and the concert doesn't even start until 8pm (her normal bedtime! LOL! You know I love ya, Shel!) She is going to be draggin' a$$ at work tomorrow. We still haven't decided where we're going to eat yet...but Red Lobster sounds like it's going to win out.

I got my DT kit stuff for Scrap-Tastic today and I know exactly what I'm going to do with the papers! All the little embellies are great! I have so many ideas whirring around in my head! I'm going to try and start on it today.

The ucky crud stomach thing is going around again. The girls wanted to go to McD's playland for lunch the other day and I didn't take them. The place just grosses me out anyway, but with everyone and their dog sick with this bug, I just didn't want to take the chance that they pick it up from someone there. I know, roll your eyes all you want, Steve does...I'm used to it. That place is just a breeding ground for germs. I have a hard time even touching the girls after they've been there!

I've also been a scrappin' fool this week! I got done with a layout (that's the layout above), bookmark, and a card for my April class and two layouts with the KnK kit! I love it when I'm in the mood to scrap! Now, I'm thinking I need something else on the layout. I wanted to use my new Simply Fab foam stamps to stamp a big "C" in paint in the upper left hand corner of the paisley paper and then write "comfort" inside the "C". Steve said he liked it as is, but I just don't know....it's needing a title. Suggestions gladly welcome! :)

Oh, gotta tell you this! I got a new purse yesterday! I'm so excited! The evil world of Vera Bradley (yes, it's pure evil!) has sucked me in! I never liked VB....it looked too old lady-ish for me. Then, 2 years ago, they came out with the Orange Sherbert and that was my downfall. Then, along came Piccadilly Plum and NOW they sucked me in yet again with the awesome Java Blue! I had my heart set on the Villager when I went in to the store yesterday, but ended up falling in love with the Bucket tote (and a cute little wallet to match, of course!). EVIL evil stuff, I tell ya! But, it's driving me nuts...all my Piccadilly stuff is in my Java Blue purse....I need the matching Java Blue accessories! UGH! See what I mean!?!? EVIL! But, I love it! :) I've decided I'm going to have to do a layout about my VB obsession. Once again, eye rolling from Steve.

Well, that's about all going on around here lately. Not much to write about (pretty sad that buying a new purse was the best thing that happened to me! Well, the concert is going to kick butt, but still). LOL!

I finally scrapped! I had my DT kit waiting for me when I came home from vacation. I really didn't think I'd have much time to do anything with it until Monday, but I just decided to sit down and get to it. I just haven't been feeling creative lately, which makes me very nervous! This actually took Sat evening, Sun evening and Mon afternoon to finish! That is just so not like me. I sit down and finish a layout...not take 3 days! Anyway, I love the results. KnK'ers, you are going to looooove this kit! It could be my fave yet! Oh, and I realize that this layout makes more sense when you see the journaling! LOL! Micah is such a big cheeseball! I took this pic while we were in bumper to bumper traffic in Atlanta and she's in her car seat. I used the "spotlight" function in my Kodak software and it darkened everything around her, so you can't even see the seat! So cool! Now, the next thing on my agenda is getting something done for my class I'm teaching in a couple of weeks. I've had several people request for me to do 2 pagers and I just can't get into that! LOL! I've been more of a one picture layout scrapper for awhile, so I'm kind of intimidated. But, I'm going to try!

UGH!

This is our "surfer girl" Mara. You can see her massive bruise on her side like I explain in the post below!
The girls with Minnie Mouse! We also found Goofy, Chip & Dale, Brother Bear and Friar Tuck! I saw Lilo and Stitch, but Steve wouldn't let us stand in line for them!



Ok, so I'm having problems uploading pics to my posts and I'm having probs uploading them WHERE I WANT THEM! So, anyway, I'm tired tonite and I don't have the patience to deal with it right now. I'll post more on Moday. Sorry. But, I'll give it one more try before I sign off totally.....

It worked! But, I still have no idea how to put them where I want them. The pic with the girls in 3D glasses was taken while we were waiting in line for "It's Tough to be a Bug" at the Tree of Life. The other pic is my favorite-est of all the pics I came home with (close up of McKenna). Of course, we have to have a family pic in here somewhere, and this was the only family picture I had! Micah would not keep her hands off my head for some reason.

Ok, someone PLEASE tell me how to put the darn pictures where I want them to go! This is totally tickin' me off! That and the fact that my stoopid MSN keeps popping up every flippin' 30 seconds wanting me to sign in for some reason. I just need to go to bed. I'm in a bad mood now.

We're back!!!!!

Wow! What a vacation! It went by waaaay to quickly for me. Ya know, I could really get used to that Florida weather...if it weren't for the darn hurricane season. Back to work tomorrow....blech. Oh, well.

Well, Mara had one heck of a tough week. First of all, she lost one of her front teeth. No, nothing bad happened, it was just really, really loose and decided to fall out while she was eating lunch at McD's in Atlanta. The tooth fairy brought her $10! But, that only happens when she's visiting Uncle Troy and Aunt Jeanne's house! LOL Let's see...on Sunday afternoon she got caught up in the wires of the DVD player in the van and fell out of the van extremely hard on the driveway at Grandma and Grandpa's. She slammed her knee and got a huge scrape and bruise and fell on her side and has one U-G-L-Y bruise there as well. Sunday evening she was running in her flip flops around the van, chasing Micah and BAM! fell again! This time busting up her other knee and scraping up one of her hands really bad! Poor thing! She also got a sunburn and dropped a ceramic bowl on her toe. This was not one of her best weeks, to say the least!

Well, here's the lowdown on what all we did. We left Thursday morning...ETD was 9am. We actually got out of the house a little after 9! Woohoo for us! But, after stopping by the grocery to pick up a few extra things, going by McD's for breakfast, filling up the gas tank, and making an extra potty stop ALL IN TOWN!!!, we didn't even leave town until 10am! Geesh! And Steve wonders why I hate travelling!

Friday we ended up not getting tickets to the aquarium, but we went and saw Deep Sea 3D at the Imax theater and that was pretty cool! I even visited my very first Archiver's! (Picked up the MM monogram foam stamps, and the BG Baby Girl paper pack, and a few extras). Arrived in Titusville Saturday evening.

Sunday we went to Cocoa Beach and the girls had a blast! They loved jumping the waves! Stopped by a Crafts 'n Stuff on the way back home from the beach and picked up Bazzill for .33 a piece! Everyday price! WooHoo!!! Needless to say, I stocked up! Monday we all headed off for Animal Kingdom at Disney. Pretty cool place! I think it was unanimous...we all loved the Festival of the Lion King! I loved the acrobatic monkeys, Mara liked the person who juggled the fire stuff. I also loved the Safari thing! We had a fast pass for that, thank goodness. Steve and I tried to ride the new Mt. Everest ride, but it was a 75min wait. Uh, nope. Not gonna do it for a wait that long. Me, Steve and Mara got to ride a little mini roller coaster at the Dinoland. Then, me, Steve, Mara and McKenna rode Dinosaur. AWESOME! McKenna LOVED IT! Mara, on the other hand, cried thru the whole entire thing.

Tuesday we went and checked out the Manatees, but only saw a few this time. Then we headed off to Playalinda beach for the rest of the afternoon. That evening Steve and I went out to the awesome seafood place I couldn't wait to get to....Dixie Crossroads. If you're ever there, get the broiled rock shrimp! It's to die for!
Wednesday, we played in the neighbor's pool all morning. That afternoon, Steve and I took like a 2 1/2 hour nap! Thursday morning, we were off again. Stayed over in Atlanta with Steve's sister and took off by 7:30am this morning and got home around 2:30pm. It's good to be home. I didn't enjoy unpacking, but, it's still good to be home. I get to actually sleep in my own bed tonite! And, while I was unpacking, I had to get my Grey's Anatomy fix in! Out of all the shows I had DVR'd while I was gone, I had to watch GA as soon as I got home! I was sooooo glad that Denny didn't die! I thought for sure he was a goner. And, even though Alex was a total a$$ to George, I'm glad he said what he did. Ok, I'm totally going off on a tangent here.

I think our cats are mad at us. It took them several hours before they would show their faces to us! Thank you, Ellen for taking care of them while we were gone! I had one awesome mail week! Came home to my KnK DT package, my chipboard swap package, my order of brads for a swap, and my complimentary issues of the latest PaperART mag that has my card and clipboard in it, plus, my CardMaker, CK, and PaperCraft magazines! I've got reading material for this weekend at work!

Well, I hope you enjoy some of the pictures I've posted from our trip. The beach pics are definitely my fave. The close up of McKenna from the side is my most favorite-est and I can't wait to change it to b&w or sepia and do something with it!