Tick Tock

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T19:55:00.003-06:00

Wellness Journey

2010-12-27T19:43:00.003-06:00

Well, I am preparing to start the new year with a new journey:

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Don't forget to check out Alpha stamps also - new giveaway today - spooky stuff!!

Vintage Junk Giveaway

2010-12-26T09:05:00.002-06:00

Check it out! Starting today, Alpha Stamps is doing a daily giveaway until January 2nd of the NEW YEAR. You can read more about it here:Alpha Stamps BLOG

News on the home front: Another Snow-Packed Day here in the Midwest. Pictures to follow.

Visiting with GranPaula and Papou. I think they are stuck here with the snow and all. A good day to stay inside, work on puzzles and play some games. Oh, and of course... EAT! Heaven knows, Trey made sure we had enough food to feed a village. I think I hear the treadmill calling my name!!

Paper Poppy September Sketch Challenge

2010-09-22T18:13:00.002-05:00

Ok - did these for the September Sketch Challenge over at Paper Poppy.

I know. It's been like forever. Lot going on for this girl. Back to work FT; switched jobs; now home after a total hip replacement. Just recooping. Be back to norm soon, then back to work too. Actually, working from home for now, but trying to fit in a little creative time too.

Enjoy.

I HATE HOMEWORK...

2010-01-10T16:07:00.005-06:00

OK, so I don't let my kids catch me saying that, but it's true, I do HATE HOMEWORK. Especially when it is a struggle, like it is almost everyday with my youngest, Isabelle. She is in the second grade this year, and though she doesn't bring home too much homework, there is at least one or two small assignments to complete each night - mainly reading. She has always struggled and we have hired a tutor in the past to work extra with her, as well as, she was in a Reading Recovery Program last year at school. All this has helped, but we still struggle - she just gives up soooo easily. It's frustrating. We try to make it fun, but it often just becomes a battle. Reading has gotten easier, but Math - oh let's just not go there now. Right now, I am feeling awful and she us up in her room pouting. I am trying to get up the energy to go upstairs again, and see if she is ready to give it another go.

So now that I have vented on that, on to more pleasant things. Have been meaning to share these pictures for awhile. I finally painted my scraproom/office. I only had the paint cans sitting in the room gathering dust for probably a good 6 months, but finally got the bug up my butt to get it done when I realized I was going to have to go back to work full time, due to monetary issues. I did say I was going to talk about pleasant things didn't I - well that being said, I won't go on and on about the fact that I am indeed working again full time - since July it's been. Save that story for another day - like when I have work stuff to complain about! LOL!

AaaaaChooooo.....

2009-12-31T19:40:00.002-06:00

Oh, yes, the blog header is way old. Quick, blow away the dust and stop sneezing if you've made your way here. I promise, as part of my New Year's Resolution (actually part of my big resolution I will call "THE BALANCING ACT") I promise to try to be a better blogger. I miss it, I really do. Catching up on what friends are up to and other favorite bloggy places I like to visit. So many changes have occurred in these past few months, hence my absence. I hope to change that - the absence part. More to come - tomorrow.

To all my dear Friends and Family - Wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Love,

Amy

Summer Break is Almost Here!!

2009-06-05T11:14:00.008-05:00

...and I am still thinking about the first day of the school year!! At least that is what I have scrapped as of late. Here are a couple LO's to share featuring the first day of school at the bus stop for my kids in 2006, and back to school pics of Izzy and Zach from this school year. We have one more week to go!!

Now I am trying to clean up my scraproom desk and get ready to head to a weekend Crop for the Cure!! I haven't done much scrappin in awhile now. I think I have been mourning the soon to come "big move" of my BFF and scrapping budding, Tracy. Yes, Tracy is heading to the BIG APPLE next week. We have one more last hurrah this weekend and then we load up the moving truck next week and she hits the road for new adventures in the BIG CITY. WAHHHHHHHH!!!! Pass the tissues please!!!

OK - sniffle, sniffle...I'll get by somehow.

Leaving you with one more thing to check out - MY FIRST E-Zine publication!! Exciting stuff!! Here's a link to check out ScrapStreet.com Magazine and my LO of course!!

Oh that cute little bunny...

2009-04-08T13:04:00.003-05:00

I love the Sassafras Bunny!! I'm not even going to tell you how many pieces of paper I have with that bunny on it!! Of course I had to do an Easter LO with him! The pictures are actually from a neighborhood egg hunt we had a couple years ago. Isabelle had smashed her finger in the door about a week before Easter and after a trip to the emergency room and several follow-up visits to a hand specialist, we still weren't sure how well her finger would heal. She ended up splitting her whole finger open - like a peeled banana! Just thinking of it makes my stomach turn. I was sooo scared when it happened and felt horrible for little Izzy (yes, she insists we spell Izzy with a "Y" not "ie"). I am glad to report this incident is well behind us, and her finger did heal perfectly. Anyhow, back to the egg hunt. Izzy was absolutely in melt down mode when she realized she could not hold her basket and pick up eggs at the same time due to her injury (don't ask me why she couldn't just set her basket down and put the eggs in!!). Daddy came to the rescue and became her "Egg-sistant" - LOL!- I thought the name was funny, not sure about you. OK, so the colors here don't really say EASTER, but I do love the bunny -isn't he just perfect?!! Wonder how many more of my Easter/Spring projects he'll show up on????

Our Critters

2009-03-29T18:08:00.004-05:00

Just sharing some layouts I did this weekend featuring some of the critters in our home. I still have soooo many more pet photos to scrap. The kids take lots of pics using my camera and of course they usually choose our pets as photo subjects.

Picture of Abbey's parakeet, Nikko with Sammy, Zach's guinea pig. They really do enjoy hanging out together, but Sammy recently did chew Nikko's tail off - no worries, Nikko is fine, and the tail feathers will grow back!

In our home, each child gets to choose a pet for their 8th birthday as long as it has feathers or fur - no reptiles or slimy things here people!! I did the frog thing once and that was enough. Of course, no more dogs at this time - two is enough and no cats - Trey is allergic. This leaves us with birds and rodents - I can handle that. Zach's guinea pig Sammy really is cute and boy has he grown since this picture was taken!!

And NO - Lafferty really isn't in the dog house!! Are you kidding me??!! He is like the best dog ever - SERIOUSLY!! I just got this little house in a kit and thought it would be cute. Wish I had a better story to give you, but I don't!! Now if it were Gulliver in the photo, I am sure I would have some stories to tell!!

Speaking of photos, I realize now as another month almost comes to a close, I have barely taken any photos so far this year. I mean, it's really sad. Or at least it makes me sad. I need to get on this!! For instance, I should have taken pictures of ALL THE SNOW WE GOT overnight!! Yes, that's right - MORE SNOW - ewe!! Or perhaps I should have gotten outside with the kids today and gotten a pic of the snowman they built in the front yard. May still be time for that, however, the sun is out and it may have already melted. Note to self: GO CHECK ON SNOWMAN!!

Anyhow, I mean to make amends with myself and start taking more photos starting right after I post this. TTFN...

It's Officially Spring

2009-03-20T13:53:00.004-05:00

Yep, it's a little chilly out today, but officially, it's the First Day of Spring!! Well alrighty then! I keep looking for signs of my Spring flowers outside, but no such luck. Instead, I keep finding little holes dug in my flowerbeds. Something tells me Mr. Squirrel has been visiting and I will have NO Spring flowers! At least Mr. Squirrel is getting a good meal!

Just posting a few cards I made this past week. I've been trying to use up all the scraps of paper and such in a Studio Calico Kit I got back in January. I tell you, those scraps can really go a long way!!

Tonight my hubby is taking me out for dinner for my birthday, which is actually on Sunday, but Abbey has an synchro skate competition Sunday that we will be at most of the day. Saturday, I am celebrating my birthday with my BFF, Tracy - some much needed girl time for the both of us. I cannot wait!! I love having birthdays, on or near the weekend - then it becomes your birthday weekend!!

A Little of This and That

2009-03-12T13:12:00.006-05:00

A little of this and that... that is what I am leaving you with today. Been finishing some projects up as of late and wanted to share. Sorry for the photos if they aren't that great. My good camera has a dead battery!! Just when I finally have little natural sunlight to take pics too!! I am using my back-up camera, which is just OK.

These LO's are some I did with the Studio Calico Jan. 09 Bibliography Kit and some extra October Afternoon Night Light Collection I had to get after playing with what came in the kit!!

Next is a card I made using a crackle technique I read about in Creating Keepsakes Mar. 09 Magazine (pg 111 in case you are interested). I played around a lot with this technique, but am not sure I ever got quite the same results pictured in the magazine. The technique involves using lots of embossing powder (UTEE) and Alcohol inks. I had fun making a mess over at my bff Tracy's house while doing this!! Sorry Tracy if Terry complained about having to vacuum up after me!! LOL!! Seriously, I did not make that big of a mess, but if you knew anything about Tracy's husband's obsession with vacuuming, you'd understand! LOL!! The little birdie stamp is from Hero Arts. The card itself is in the shape of a little purse with a ribbon strap. I traced a card my daughter got for her b-day to use as a template.

Finally, this is actually a project I completed awhile ago, but don't think I ever posted. The pages below are actually just a couple from an album I made to showcase my Mother's poetry and short stories. Shortly after my Mom passed away, I came upon a folder of old papers that Mom had held onto for many years. Among my sisters' and brother's old report cards, and some of my old art projects, I found a wealth of handwritten stories, poems and letters that appeared to be quite old. Indeed they were, for some dated back to my Mom's youth at the young age of fifteen. Written on tattered pieces of paper in penmanship that could be none other than my Mom's, were the thoughts, stories and poems my Mom adored to write. I knew my Mom had been quite a writer, though I had never really seen any of her work, other than a few poems around the holidays she would sometimes include in greeting cards. I decided to type up her poems and stories and put them in an album so that they could be shared with other family members and not forgotten.

If you are interested, I will try to share a few selections over the next few days, but this is one of my favorites. Mom wrote this poem about her Grandma Pricilla Bowman Buccholz (her Father's Mother). The picture though is actually of my Mom, Agnes (left), her sister, my Aunt Gladys (right) and their Mother, my Grandma Amy Buccholz, who I am named after. I used some of my own stash to make the album, but most of the papers and supplies came in a kit I purchased from The Scarlet Lime Kit Club (Mar. 08 Project Kit).

Bra Shopping...With your Daughter...

2009-03-09T10:33:00.006-05:00

is STRESSFUL!!! Not that it is her first bra or anything, but jeesh - the styles - oh my - a little risque' for a tween!! I went to the stores her friends go to and the other Mom's said they go to also, but STILL!! Maybe I am just turning into a bore - not that I wear gramma panties and Platex Cross-Your-Heart bras (AS IF I'd even fill those out!!), but hmmmm... Let's just say it was an experience I will not forget. My baby is getting TOO OLD, TOO FAST!!

As far as my weekend update...I spent Friday night and ALL DAY Saturday having scrappy fun with mi chicas!! Didn't get tons accomplished, but had lots of fun chatting it up, eating Cricket's scrumptious cookies and brownies (ahem... hitting the gym here soon as I finish posting this!!), and restraining myself from shopping too much (darn @!!@@###@@@ BUDGET!!).

So here are a few LO's I finished. Will follow soon with the ones I am still finishing up. It's been oh so long since I have done any BOY LO's and about high time I have scrapped some of my little man Zach!! I stepped away from my norm a little - no flowers, no lace, no distressing, but still had oodles of fun with the bright colors and of course my fav. Kraft cardstock. When I found out Craft Fancy sells Bazzill Kraft paper in both 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 X 11 - I totally did my HAPPY DANCE and stocked UP!! OH JOY!!

The Weatherman Says...

2009-03-02T16:40:00.004-06:00

meteorologically we are in Spring with the coldest, snowiest three months now behind us. Seriously??!! As I watch the snow flurries coming down and it is in the low 20's. Oh, but wait, the Weatherman also said we are in for a warm up - 40 degrees by the end of the week!! Hmmmm - somehow, 40 degrees just doesn't sound warm to me.

But, I listened to that Weatherman, and decided it was time to change up my blog header, in honor of Spring - meteorologically of course.

My family is still trying to get over this flu bug. Each one of us has had some sort of flu/cold thing going on over the past two weeks. NO FUN!! I am hoping we are on the tail end of it now. Now that I am feeling better, I plan to spend tomorrow cleaning, and set off a Lysol BOMB in my house - wouldn't it be nice if they really made one of those??!! GOODBYE GERMS!!

Here are a few cards I made over the weekend. Used a new little A Muse Stamp Set I got at Craft Fancy and some new American Craft Papers I picked up too. Liked the bright colors!

Valentine Pretties

2009-02-13T12:45:00.003-06:00

Not much happening today. Just working on some Valentines to hang on my Valentine tree. Need to start packing up soon to head to Archiver's to crop with my BFF Tracy, Tracy's Mom, Jackie, and a couple friends, Stephanie and Kim. It's Kim's Birthday today!! Happy Birthday Kim!! Tomorrow, we have a basketball game, then home to make some Valentine Cupcakes with the kids, and hopefully a flourless heart-shaped chocolate cake.

Just found out I have another LO getting published in Scrapbook Trends July 09 magazine. Doing my happy dance here!!

Leaving you now with a few pictures of the Valentine ornaments I have been working on.

In My World...

2009-02-09T17:02:00.009-06:00

Well, in my world, ponies don't eat butterflies and poop rainbows, as they do in Horton Hears a Who!! My kids love this movie, and especially love the scene in which the characters describe their perfect world!! I keep meaning to scrap and journal a layout about this. Each of my children has a description of their perfect world. I'd like to tell you they describe their worlds to be ones in which there is no hunger or poverty and of course world peace exists, however, the worlds they describe seem to be more like the ones Horton's friends do - the ones with rainbow pooping ponies and such.

In any case, my world is pretty OK for now. I recently found out I would be having a layout published in Scrapbook Trends magazine in June this year. This finally ends my long dry spell, as I have been submitting on a fairly regular basis, but have not had anything picked up in awhile. It will be my first time in Scrapbook Trends magazine and I am pretty excited, as is Isabelle, since the layout features her.

Let's see, what else is going on in my world...I have started running again. Several sessions into my physical therapy after knee surgery, my physical therapist and I both determined that resuming running as exercise would be possible. So far I have been working back into it slowly. I probably won't ever be able to run as far, or as often as I used to, but at least I can run, and that is what matters most to me. I just have to be more conscious about listening to my body, and when it starts to hurt - stop!

What else - well, the job hunt continues. I left my FT job several years ago when we relocated to Washington state for Trey's job. Since then, I have been a SAHM, dabbling a little in PT work here and there in the craft industry. With economic times they way they are now, and my kids in school FT, I have been hoping to get back to work FT now. It hasn't been easy. I've heard everything from "you're over qualified" to "well you know, since you have been a SAHM for awhile now, you may want to consider going back to school and getting a masters or taking some refresher courses". Yeah - refresher courses in WHAT exactly?? Do they think my brain cells died because I stayed home with my kids - well technically - some may have, but still!! Jeesh. AND - believe me, if I COULD AFFORD to go back to school, I WOULD (well maybe - don't really relish the thought of doing homework), but if I COULD AFFORD to go back to school, I wouldn't be looking for FT employment. Really if you think about it, I've been doing one of the hardest jobs out there for the past 12 years - raising children!! I am a mediator, a negotiator, an event planner - a MOM!! We do it all and you know it is one of the toughest jobs I have ever had, yet one of the most rewarding too - at times - you just have to keep reminding yourself sometimes!! LOL!! So maybe I haven't dabbled lately in Excel, or done any database or product management as of late. I have learned many new things - like how to thread my sewing machine. Seriously, I am blessed to have had time to explore hobbies, I once never had time for like scrapbooking and photography.

Speaking of scrapbooking, here are a few pics of some projects I have been working on. First a little Love Notes book. I finally used a kit I got in Jan. 08 from Scarlet Lime to do this little album. I used some of the designs shown in the kit instructions, and some are my own creations. Also, I have added some pics of little Valentine Hearts I made to decorate the cupcakes the kids and I will be baking this week. Hope to post some pics of my Valentines tree I am working on now real soon.

Victim of Fraud

2009-01-30T09:27:00.006-06:00

Yep, it's true. I cannot believe it. I cannot believe I did not catch it sooner! The other day while doing bills on-line, my husband Trey, questioned me about a bill that posted to our checking account that he assumed was a scrapbook kit club charge since in the item line description it said "Paperstreet". I recently cancelled my last kit club membership (boohoo!!) so I too was somewhat surprised and looking at the description of the charge that posted, I also thought it was a scrapbooking related charge. I knew I had not purchased anything lately on-line or otherwise, so I started investigating the charge. The post to our bank account on-line also had a web site notated which was Epoch.com. Epoch is an Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP) which enables merchants to accept payments online. I had never heard of them before, but maybe some of you have. I proceeded to call them only to be told that somehow someone accessed my debit card number and was using my debit card to pay for a subscription to an on-line adult entertainment website!! Not only that, but this subscription charge has been posting to my account on a monthly basis since Aug. of 2006!!!!!!!!!!@@@@@!!!!! $24.87 a month since Aug. 2006!!!!@@@@@@@@ !!! How both my husband and I overlooked this, I will never know. Epoch told me they had some email address linked to my debit card that neither my husband or I recognized. They said whoever was at this email address had been using my debit card to pay for the adult website. Epoch said they would stop all payments and could refund me up to 4 months (going back 120 days) of payments but that was it. We also called our bank and spoke to the fraud department. They said if we filed a claim with them, they could only credit us back 60 days, so suggested that we wait and see if Epoch would credit us back, since they would go back as far as 120 days. The bank said this kind of thing does happen more often than you think. Weird. I feel violated. Still seems fishy to me.

Well, enough of THAT story. I finally took some pictures of my latest Valentines project. I've done an album like this in the past - "What we Love" - the Adams Family. In fact, I had one published last year in Paper Trends Feb./Mar. 2008 issue!! My very first publication!! It was pretty exciting being it was my first publication and they did a two page spread on it!! It's fun to look back at each family member's list and see how it has changed over the years. This latest album is made with a chipboard album from Maya Road. The papers are from KI Memories Wild Things paper line and the embellies are a mixture of KI Memories and Making Memories.

REDECORATING

2009-01-21T13:32:00.004-06:00

Just a little facelift here for my blog. I finally finished updating my blog header. Thought it would get me in the mood for working on Valentines cards and projects. I have all my Valentine scrappy stuff out in my scraproom and am trying to decide on what to start next. Maybe I will check out some challenges and see if I can get motivated!!

Little Bird Out in the Cold

2009-01-16T14:00:00.015-06:00

Record low temps here in Wisconsin, and more snow on the way again!! It has been below zero both today and yesterday, with windchill down to -40. School was cancelled both Thursday and Friday. The kids are climbing the walls, as am I!! Today we might go to the local ice rink to skate (indoor - of course!!), then out to a movie later. The kids spotted this little bird sitting in the tree outside by our deck. They couldn't believe he was out in this cold and wanted to bring him inside!! LOL!! This reminds me - I need to get out to my bird feeder and refill it with more winter seed.

I've been getting a little scrapping and submitting done on these cold winter days while I am holed up inside. Recently, I had one of my layouts (Hugs) published in Memory Makers Jan./Feb. 2009 issue. It seems like this was submitted soooo long ago - WAIT - it was!! Just now getting it published!! I have been on such a dry streak lately, I sometimes feel like giving up on submitting, but I guess you don't get published unless you keep trying, so I keep plugging along. Honestly, my favorite part about getting published is my kids' reaction to seeing themselves in the magazine.

Here is another LO I finished recently with one of my favorite paper lines from Making Memories - Noteworthy. I don't think I will ever tire of it. I recently stopped all my kit club subscriptions. Really trying to cut back on spending. I have sooo much scrappy stuff too to play with, I need to stop buying more. I have made a resolution to start working with WHAT I HAVE ON HAND, with maybe a new TIDBIT added here and there!!

Last but not least, I will finish up with my December Daily. Yes, I DID finish it, just never got around to posting the last few days. I enjoyed this project and look forward to pulling it out next year and looking back at Christmas past!! This has prompted me to do a similar monthly picture journal. I got the idea for a picture/journal in a class I did with Danelle Johnson last year. Didn't get it done last year, but no time like the present to start it, this being the beginning of the new year and all. I will post some pics of it at the end of the month. I am sure some of you have already seen this project on Danelle Johnson's Blog. Oh, and promise to myself - update blog header!!

** Sorry, missing Dec. 21, 22 and 24 - can't get these photos to load right.

A White Christmas

2008-12-24T09:48:00.004-06:00

You would not believe the giant white fluffy flakes coming down right now!! It is absolutely gorgeous to look at, however, I fear it may keep our company from coming today. My husband's two sisters and their families are suppose to drive up from Naperville, IL - not too far, but still, not fun driving in this kind of weather. At least it is suppose to stop around 3PM - finally (has snowed past three days here).

I spent most of the day cleaning yesterday and grocery shopping for our Christmas Eve munch fest!! Today, the kids and I plan to bake Santa's favorite Snickerdoodle Cookies and try not to eat them all, so we have some left to leave for Santa tonight. Trey is at work and they are having a holiday luncheon that he set up for the plant - he loves to plan those sort of things. He's a good man!! I am praying for his safe trip home from work. He is suppose to start heading home right after the luncheon, but his normal commute without poor weather conditions is over an hour one way, so who knows what it will be like today??!!

Hoping to get caught up on my Dec. Daily maybe sometime today. I have all my photos printed out and stuffed in the album. Just need to adhere and journal. It has been a fun project, but hard to keep up with over the holidays - even though I made the album in advance.

Well, off to get the butter our to start softening for our cookie baking. Warmest wishes to you all this Christmas Eve and a very Merry Christmas to you tomorrow!!

EWE!!!...Yellow Snow

2008-12-20T14:05:00.006-06:00

I absolutely hate it - in my yard!! Yellow snow!! Ick!! However, when you have two big dogs, there is really no way around it - I guess, unless you let them go in someone else's yard!! BUT I WOULD NEVER DO THAT - FOR THE RECORD!! I just want my yard to look pristine and white - no track marks, no brown or yellow snow - just beautiful and untouched. I get maybe a glimpse of that, then the kids are out, the dogs are out, and everyone is having a grand time. Well, at least the kids play across the way in the green space on the hill - don't want them playing in yellow snow - DOUBLE EWE!! Each year, I try to keep the dogs in one area, so as to not make a mess everywhere, but that never seems to work either. We take walks too, but when we have a lot of snow, they get pretty paticular about where they will go, and their favorite spot seems to be right back in our yard. What a picture I must make trudging around in the snow with a pooper scooper!! Oh well, enough potty talk.

Yesterday was a big snow day for us - 14" as per the weatherman - the most recorded snow of the day in Wisconsin. Everyone got to stay home for the day, including hubby! Some pics of everyone outside having some fun.

I stayed inside working on Christmas cards still!! I know, I know - they are getting mailed no matter what on Monday. If they arrive late - it's the thought that counts!!! I cannot just make one style and stick to it - I get too bored, so I made four different styles - mix up the process a little for me. No rhyme or reason as to who gets what - they just get one!!

Still trying to knock out the last of my cards today and doing laundry - mostly drying the kids snow pants and mittens, as they go out then in, then out then in - over and over again!!! Tonight we have my oldest daughter's (Abbey) Holiday Ice Show to go to. Expecting more snow too - 3 to 5 inches tonight. That's nothing compared to what we just had, still - soooo cold, none of it looks to be melting anytime in the near future.

I have the SNEEZLES!!

2008-12-16T22:29:00.006-06:00

Just like Chrisopher Robin who had the sneezles, and the wheezles. They bundled him into his bed (wish someone would do that for me). They gave him what goes with a cold in the nose (well, what I'm taking sure isn't working), and some more for a cold in the head (oh yah - definitely got that!!).

Oh well, just when I was already a little behind, now I am a lot behind. May not be making home made Challah bread for the teachers this year. Probably will do the ole' Starbucks giftcard standby.

Did get caught up on my Dec. Daily. Here are some pics. Hope to post some pics of the Christmas cards I have been making tomorrow.

Belated December Daily Posts

2008-12-11T22:32:00.004-06:00

Ready for some more pictures??!! Just getting caught up on what I've done so far.

I'm Here, I'm Here, I'm Here!!!

2008-12-11T22:09:00.010-06:00

Wow!! I cannot believe I have not posted in so long. I have been keeping up with my Dec. Daily Journal, and really enjoying it, however, I just haven't had much time to post on my blog, or read anyone else's for that matter!! Hopefully, that will soon change.

In today's entry, I included pictures of the Christmas trees my kids put up in their rooms. They love having their very own little tree in the rooms and are anxious to get them up as soon as we are done with Thanksgiving. I just realized now, that I did not journal on this entry. Arghhhh - so tired tonight!! I will probably add a tag in with some journaling.

Weekend Update & More This and That

2008-11-19T12:15:00.006-06:00

Had lots of fun this weekend at a SISters crop where I finally got started on my Dec. Journal!! Mine is about half way finished now. I did it pretty much "bare bones" and plan to embellish more each day as I add photos and do my journaling day by day in December. I used a 7 Gypsies chipboard album I already had on hand and Scenic Route's Holiday line from last year - Roxbury. I got bored working with just one paper line and the ended up purchasing some of the new Good Cheer line from October Afternoon to mix in. I was trying to work with stash that I had on hand, but I couldn't resist a little more October Afternoon -swoon!! Also using some KI Memories, Hambly of course, and probably some Jenni Bowlin, Making Memories and whatever else suits my fancy at the moment. Starting to get in the Christmas spirit, but refuse to pull out and decor or play the holiday tunes until the day after Thanksgiving.

Made some really yummy cookies to for the crop. They are called Ranger Cookies. This has to be one of my all time favorite cookie recipes. If you know me at all, you know I have a love/hate relationship with cookies - I absolutely LOVE to eat cookies, but HATE that I have no willpower and cannot stop eating them!! Anyhow, not sure where this recipe came from, maybe my old Ranger Rick Magazines I used to get as a kid. I know I have had the recipe a very long time. Here it is:

Ranger Cookies sorry no pics - they have all been eaten!!
1 3/4 c flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 sticks softened butter
1 c granulated sugar
1 c firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 c flaked coconut
1 c old fashion oats
2 c crushed corn flakes or Rice Krispies cereal
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Cream butter, eggs, both sugars and vanilla in separate bowl. Add flour mixture to creamed butter/egg/sugar mixture and stir. Stir in coconut, oats and cereal. Bake 10 to 12 minutes (until golden brown)on ungreased cookie sheet. Makes about 60 cookies.

And last but not least - I FINALLY finished my Halloween House!! I had to finish it. I cannot bring myself to leave a project unfinished. At least next year, it will look real cute sitting next to my Halloween Tree.

I'm Back!!

2008-11-12T11:48:00.012-06:00

I'm back from a most excellent weekend crop retreat in Lake Geneva with some great friends and from having my knee surgery yesterday. Ready to get back to norm here!! The crop weekend was sooo much fun. I have a picture of all of us to share - having dinner and visiting before our first night of scrapbooking...(L to R standing: Tracy, Carla, me, Cathy and Cricket; seated: Pat).

That's the only pic I took. Too much serious scrapbooking going on, and lots of chat. Got four LO's done and that is pretty good for me. The first three were done with a couple Studio Calico Kits I brought and the last LO was done with some of my fav. October Afternoon papers/stamps and embellies from my own stash. Sorry - not sure why one image is sideways. I attempted to fix with no luck. ARRRGGGHHH!

Barely Broken-In

2008-11-06T09:03:00.004-06:00

My running shoes that is. I just got a new pair because my shins starting hurting - usually a sign it's a little past the right time to get new running shoes. However, pain in my legs, my left knee primarily, kept getting worse. Long story short, after a Dr. visit Monday, to follow up with trouble I have had with my left knee in the past, I am now having surgery Tues. - just a knee scope and possibly repair of some tearing. I am not too worried about it, and should be home the same day, but I am more bummed about the fact the Doc told me I need to give up running. I've always been very careful, because I know I have bad knees/arthritis. I only run on the treadmill, am conscious of doing strength exercises the correct way, and don't do any other high impact exercising, other than running anymore (I used to be big into step aerobics - not good for the ole' knees). I've become very passionate about running - I like the way it makes me feel - free, challenged, time just for me to think, contemplate, the euphoric high it gives me. I have never sensed that with any other exercise and I have been into a lot of things - Jazzercise, aerobics, pilates, yoga, weigh lifting, spin - tried just about everything in the quest to lose weight and keep it off. Running really did do just that for me as far as the weight thing goes - better than anything else I have tried in the past.

OK, OK - enough of my whining. At least I will have more time to scrap while I recover - will need to stay off the leg for a little while. Walking is still OK, and after a recent trip with my dogs to the vet - they both need to lose some weight, so we can all enjoy some walks around the lake. Speaking of my boys - I gave them both a bath the other day. They are all clean and smelly-good. Ahhh - they look like they have no worries...Lafferty and Gulliver.

Zero is OUT!! - in case you haven't heard

2008-11-04T10:28:00.003-06:00

Well, you probably have heard since it happened last Thursday. We did not know thought when we went to see him at the Milwaukee Zoo on Halloween Day, Friday. Zero, the polar bear, had fallen into his moat and had been hanging out down there, unharmed, for quite some time. Updates on Zero's progress were on the local news just about everyday. The kids were anxious to go see him, so since we had off school Friday, we decided to go visit Zero at the Zoo. It was all they could talk about the whole way to the Zoo, and once we arrived, we could not get to Zero's exhibit fast enough. Fortunately for Zero, but unfortunately for us, Zero was finally out of his moat and taking a rest, off exhibit, for the day. I had heard on Thurs. AM that he was still in the moat, but had not heard that zookeepers were planning to get him out with a crane that day. They made several attempts to entice Zero to get out on his own, since they knew he could climb out if he wanted to, but it wasn't happening, and I guess they felt he had been down there long enough. After seeing the moat up close, I cannot believe he stayed down there so long. Pretty small area for such a big polar bear. Well, I am glad he made it out, and we plan to get back to see him soon.

Just thought I'd share some photos from our Zoo trip and of Trey and I dressed up for our Halloween party Friday eve.

I'm a Bella

2008-11-02T01:00:00.002-05:00

Couldn't sleep tonight and have been up surfing the net. Ran across this. If you are a Twilight series fan, it's a must to try. Can't wait for the movie!!!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

The Princess and the Pea

2008-10-28T11:32:00.004-05:00

Or in my house...The Mom and the Tooth. For those of you not familiar with the story here is a link, but if you are familiar, you know the princess could not sleep because of that pea under her mattress. Well in my case it was a tooth in a box, and not a mattress, but my pillow. My youngest daughter Isabelle, who has lost 2 teeth already, is still afraid of the tooth fairy. About 5AM she came into my bedside to tell me her tooth had fallen out while she was sleeping, but that she had found it. Thank goodness she hadn't swallowed it - would not be the first time this has happened in our house. Usually, our procedure is to put the lost tooth in the special tooth fairy box and place it on mom and dad's night table (remember - no tooth fairy is allowed in Isabelle's room), but on this occasion, Isabelle insisted the tooth fairy box had to go under MY pillow - OK. Just get this child back to bed so I can sleep!! Who would a thought a small porcelain box under your pillow could cause so much unrest, but IT DID!! Or at least that is what I am blaming my remaining uncomfortable night's rest on and neck pain this morning. On the brighter side, at least the tooth fairy did not FORGET to visit this time.
OK - not related to the tooth fairy or the princess and the pea...here are some LO's I did recently using the Sept. Studio Calico Kit Iconic and a few items in my own stash.

Halloween Day 1

2008-10-27T11:32:00.003-05:00

Since our community always does trick or treating the Sunday before Halloween, we had our first Halloween celebration yesterday. After our trip to Apple Holler, picking out pumpkins and having lunch, we came home to start carving our pumpkin picks. Soon it was time go get ready to go trick or treating. It was a blustery cold day here, so we had to layer up and pin a few costume accessories on for fear they'd be lost in the wind, but the kids still managed to come home with quite a bit of loot!! For the first year, my older daughter went trick or treating with her girlfriends - they all were hippie chicks. Still can't figure out where she hid all her candy!! She came home with the MOST and quickly stashed it!! She knows her Mom too well!!

Halloween Tree

2008-10-21T12:02:00.004-05:00

Not much to say today - just wanted to share some pics of the Halloween Tree I finally finished last week. I had been wanted to make this for a long time. I have an Easter Tree, and a little Christmas Tree of course, so I thought, why not a Halloween Tree?!! I purchased the tree from Michaels (with my 40% off coupon of course!) and the little ball ornaments as well. The rest of the ornaments I made. The spiders are made from a Quickutz die and some pom poms I had in my stash. I used Making Memories stickers and rub-ons on to embellish the the ornaments I bought from Michaels. The other ornaments where made using my Quickutz scallop die, circle punch and Making Memories PP. A little spider webbing finishes it off.

TONIGHT is the NIGHT to SPOOK!!!

2008-10-10T18:16:00.003-05:00

To SPOOK or go BOO someone that is. For those of you who might not be familiar with this practice - here's the low-down. You wait til dark, then pick a neighbor to ding-dong-ditch - BUT you leave behind some Halloween Treats and Trinkets. The person that got BOO'ed then puts a sign in their window or on their door indicating they've been BOO'ed (which the Spooker provides - I made several BOO TAGS and included them in the box) and then refills the box with their choice of Treats (or TRICKS!!) and passes it on anonymously to another neighbor.

My kids love doing this each year. I have started making a BOO Box each year to pass along. I usually stick to the same format and just change up the decor a little. We try to keep it anonymous. The kids love trying to guess who got who. We just need to help Isabelle, my youngest daughter, keep her mouth zipped!! Today at school she already told several neighborhood children we were going to BOO them!!

Clearin' The Scraps...

2008-10-09T13:46:00.008-05:00

from my scrap table that is. Just finishing up some layouts I did for the Sketch 102 class I signed up for. I really got a lot of pictures scrapped, which was my goal, however, now I am taking a little break from doing sketches. Not really my thing. I like making up my own sketches, but I DID ENJOY not really thinking and just knocking some layouts out - doing a little catching up. Now that my scrap table is all cleaned up, I can mess it up all over again!! I am ready to work on some Halloween projects. I need to make a new Boo Box, and decorate my Halloween Tree I got at Michaels. Just saw in PaperCrafts Mag, I think, that someone else decorated the same tree I bought. Like - I new I would not be the only one doing this!! Have a little haunted house to decorate and then there is my front porch to work on. Got my mums in planters and pumpkins out and a few decorations, but the kids are anxious for me to put the "SPOOKY STUFF" out. Promise to post pics as this comes along. Until then, here are some of the LO's I did for Sketch 102. There is now a Sketch Express class you can sign up for too. Check it out!!

Cards, Cards, Cards

2008-09-07T17:47:00.006-05:00

I actually made some cards today!! I have a love and hate relationship when it comes to making cards. In the past, I only made cards. In fact, I started making cards before I even started scrapbooking!! I got into stamping, then became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator (not anymore though), and made oodles of cards and did Stamp Camps and all that stuff. After awhile, I started making scrapbook page projects for my Stamp Camps, and fell in love with scrapbooking!! Figures, for I love photos and looking at photos - even ones that aren't mine. Anyhow, long story short, if I have TIME to be creative, scrapbooking usually takes first priority - cards and other projects are further down on my list.

Back to the cards I made today - just using up some bits and pieces of an older Label Tulip kit I have been coveting. Love my Label Tulip Kits!! Thinking of joining their club again. I have another kit sub. that is about ready to run out, then will probably be back to Label Tulip. Just trying to save money and use up some of the things I have on hand, so trying to stick to one kit sub at a time thing, but it is sooo hard. I LOVE getting those boxes in the mail. Just opening them up and touching all the goodies inside brings me such joy!!

Got Sketch 102

2008-09-06T17:05:00.004-05:00

My bff Tracy and I joined Got Sketch 102. Last night we went to crop at Hannah's and I actually completed the first Sketch!! I had soooo much fun using a sketch to scrap!! Took so much pressure off of me to create that I was actually able to chat and scrap at the same time!! Whew!! That is quite an accomplishment for me!! Also, did a new header for my blog. Like it??!! I love the Vintage Moon Paper line from October Afternoon. So stinking cute!! And the colors are some of my favs. Anyhow, that's it for now. Nothing too exciting going on around here. We had three soccer games today, did some cleaning and brushed the dogs - lots of hair coming out of my labbies right now!! Toodles...

WOO HOO!! Scrappin' All Day

2008-08-22T17:48:00.004-05:00

Oh, I cannot wait til tomorrow. My BFF Tracy, and I, as well as Cricket, and maybe some other GF's are scrappin' ALL DAY (10am to midnight!!) at a new store called Craft Fancy . I am all packed and seriously, somewhat organized this time. I ALWAYS bring tooooo much to a crop. I think I am going to get sooo much done, but then end up visiting and shopping too much as usual!! Oh well, that is half the fun of going to a crop. Plus, I always worry about getting bored working on the same project, so think I need to bring more just in case. And let's not forget that reasoning I have about, "if I bring A LOT OF STUFF, I won't shop as much"!!! HA - like that ever works!! When will I learn. Well it's a good work out for my muscles at least - hauling all that stuff in!!

Have actually been getting a little scrapping done here and there lately and a little purging, as well. I have way too much to ever use. Maybe I need to start doing a few RAK's here. There's a thought!! Anyhow, here is a layout I did using part of my June Scarlet Lime project kit (I rarely do the actual projects - I just like the stuff I get!!). I scraplifted this layout from Valerie Salmon, one of my favorite paper artists!! Thinking about doing her Got Sketch 102 - anyone have any thoughts on this??? Also, another one I did trying to use up some Fancy Pants products I collect!! Oh I DO LOVE FANCY PANTS!! I almost break into a sweat when I use up a piece of Fancy Pants paper and don't have any to replace it!! I know - it's a sickness!!

Scrubbin' Blahs

2008-08-01T11:23:00.010-05:00

Yesterday I spent the day scrubbin' four bathrooms - ewe!! - among various other parts of my house. I cleaned all day, sat at swimming lessons with the kids for two and a half hours and then soccer practice for an hour and a half. I was up til 11pm last night scrubbin' my kitchen floors for goodness sake!! BUT...the payoff comes TODAY!! Well tonight actually - still have to sit through those swimming lessons today!! LOL!! Tonight my BFF Sista Friend, Tracy, and I are heading to Archivers for some scrappin' fun!! Can't wait!! All packed and ready to go. Just to get together and get away is the most fun!!

Well off to check on the photos I am bringing for tonight's crop!! Have a GREAT weekend!!

Sending Warm Fuzzies and Hugs to...

2008-07-23T21:50:00.004-05:00

Valerie Salmon. She is one of my very favorite scrapbook artists. Soooo talented. I recently read her blog and learned of the loss of her beloved pet dog, Frosty. I have not been able to stop thinking about it. Maybe because my dog, Lafferty, is getting up there in years now, and because recently he has been undergoing tests to monitor his liver enzymes, which have been elevated. Whatever the reason may be, it has prompted me to blog, which for those of you who know me, is MAJOR!! LOL!!

Anyhow, fortunately, Lafferty's last blood test showed his liver enzymes are going down, which is good. It could be partly because of his inflammatory bowel disease too - the reason for which he was released from Guide Dogs. He seems to be acting perfectly normal - his usual VERY mellow, happy go lucky self. All the more reason for me to get him enrolled in the READ program at the library. Now that he is a certified therapy dog, this is my next step. Hopefully, once the kids are back in school, we will have more time to do volunteer work as a therapy dog team. It has always been my wish to share Lafferty with others and "show him off" a little too. LOL!! He eats up all the attention. He really does like to be a part of everyone's everything!!

Here is a LO I did about me and Lafferty once we passed our therapy dog team test. To read more about therapy dogs and other therapy animals go here.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T01:08:00.003-05:00

Just checking in the share my plans with you all and shout out a Happy Mother's Day to all my friends! Got to scrap Sat. night with my BFF Tracy, which as always, is my favorite thing to do with one of my favorite people!! Will be thinking about Tracy and her Mom on Mother's Day as she heads up north to visit her new nephew Domenic (yes - this is how they spelled it!!) and maybe wave HI!! to her Momma!! Poor Momma Jackie has just been placed in a nursing home, and wouldn't you know it, they are on "LOCK DOWN" because of a flu outbreak, so no-one can come or go for Mother's Day!! How horrible is that??!! Fortunately Tracy's Mom, Jackie, does not have the flu and we pray she does not get it. I will be thinking about her and praying for her. We missed having Momma Jackie there with us scrapping and telling us to get our behinds in gear when it was time to pack up and go home!! She always keeps us on our toes!!

My family will be taking me to see a movie, of their choice of course, but that is OK with me. We are going to see Iron Man. After the movie, we are heading to Bob Chins Crab House, a favorite of the whole family!! YUM, YUM, in my TUM!! Then it's home so my oldest can go to ice skating practice. Big ice show is next weekend. Both girls are performing. Of course pictures will be coming!! They look sooo cute in their costumes!!

Oh sooooo long...

2008-05-09T17:11:00.005-05:00

since I posted - ya ya ya - I KNOW!!~! Been busy, busy, busy!! AND in Hawaii for a time!! More about Hawaii later - yes it was heavenly.

Here are some layouts I made using the Sharon Ann Delightful Collection from Little Yellow Bicycle. Such pretty Spring-Like colors, you are sure to want to pick up a few, if not all the papers and embellies in this collection. I used several of the patterned papers, as well as, the cardstock stickers and embossed self-adhesive stickers - which have metallic look to them (I actually painted mine, then sanded them lightly to let the metal-look show through). Oh and did you see all the new Bling from Glitz??!!! The "Smile" title is from Glitz Designs and also comes in clear rhinestone, besides the pink I used. You will find both of these layouts and the complete supply lists on display at Hannah's. Thanks for looking!!

"Tea"tally Terrific

2008-03-28T04:55:00.006-05:00

For my Birthday last weekend my BFF Tracy and I went to Infini-Tea, in Antioch, and had the "Royal Treatment"!! It was a feast for the taste buds, eyes and nose - I love smelling all the teas you see, as well as, drinking them!! LOL!!

After tea, we of course cruised to Hannah's to check out the latest and greatest in scrapping goodies and got the extra bonus of meeting some on-line scrapping buddies, Carla and Cathy, in person!! Then it was on to Archivers to crop for the day. Ahhhh - Heavenly!!

Tracy and I played with our new Scarlet Lime Kits (droooool!!) at Archivers and Tracy made this awesome LO in honor of our lovely day.

AND...yesterday we headed back to Infini-Tea again, this time with the kiddies, so they could experience the "Royal Treatment Jr." and keep Mom (me) sane while they are home on Spring Break!! Miss Tracy, aka my BFF Tracy (she's Miss Tracy to my kids you see and of course her hubby is Mr. Tracy - LOL!!), was there to help me teach my children the finer points of tea etiquette, how to eat finger sandwiches, and basic Manners 101!! Overall, I was very proud of my children and their behavior, but alas my dear sweet son, Zach, graced us with our most memorable moment - His trip to the bathroom at Infini-Tea!! Upon his return to the table, Miss Tracy mentioned how quick he was. I of course followed up with the ever popular MOM question - "Did you wash your hands??", to which Zach replied, "No, it said only employees can wash their hands. That's what the sign said." So serious he was, that Miss Tracy and I couldn't help but bust out laughing. He's a good little sport and knows his Mom and Miss Tracy very well, so he did not take offense to our behavior fortunately. I was impressed that my son took the time to read the sign. As a second grader, he sometimes skims over things a little quickly, so did not in fact read the sign entirely which said, "Employees Must wash their hands." LOL!! Gotta love him!!! I will forever see those signs in restrooms and remember this day!!

About an AWESOME Boy

2008-03-25T22:54:00.010-05:00

About an Awesome Boy is the latest mini album I did for Hannah's. I think they are going to be kitting it up for sale soon. I kitted one, and Dana is suppose to order some more product to kit more. We will see. Anyhow, I had to force myself to take a turn from the girly stuff and work on some boy projects. I always feel like I am leaving poor Zach out and he probably is the most photogenic of my three kids!!

Next I am getting ready to work with some of the new Fancy Pants papers!!! Gosh I LOVE Fancy Pants! Can never get enough of their goodies!!

Other than that, not too much exciting going on around here this week. Kids are off on Spring Break. Went swimming Mon., skating today and tomorrow we are going to see a movie. Keeping everyone busy and me sane!!

Here's some pics from the mini album...

BAD BLOGGER!!!

2008-03-17T01:19:00.005-05:00

That's what I am - not very good lately about keeping up with this, but in my defense I have had some trouble with my hands lately and my typing has gone by the wayside. Anyhow, long story short, I recently had spinal surgery to correct my troubles, and by golly I think my hands are starting to improve - at least the right one is. Time will tell how much improvement I will have, but it won't stop me from scrappin' at least. Anyhoo, just felt the need to post something so maybe some of my blogging buddies will find me worthy again, and stop by and say hello. OK, so now I guess you want a picture too......thinking.......thinking.....what to post......

OK, my fav. LO, or wall hanging I guess it will end up being. It's on display at Hannah's right now. I just love the papers and although the pic of Izzie isn't the best, it is soooo one of my favs.

Thinking in Color...

2008-02-19T12:17:00.002-06:00

Really bright colors that is. Maybe it is the dreary winter days - I'm not sure, but lately I have been wanting to scrap in really bright colors. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around the pastels I am seeing with all the Spring stuff coming out. Anyhow, here is a LO I did recently for Hannah's using KI Pop Culture and my absolute fav of all times, Hambly. Hubby, who is featured in this LO wasn't to sure about my color choices for this photo of him, but tooo bad - I LIKE it!! BTW - what is the deal with spell check on blogger??? Still not working!!!

Happy Mail Day

2008-02-16T09:24:00.003-06:00

I love getting mail, especially when it includes "BOXES" of goodies for me!!! Here's a peek at what I got the other day - a box of goodies for me from Paper Trends!! My mini album is in the Feb/Mar issue. I cannot tell you how anxious I was for my kids to come home from school so I could show them their pics in the magazine. I think I was more excited about that than I was about getting published!! LOL!! My son's response was precious!! Upon seeing his picture in the magazine, he said - "I'M A ROCKSTAR!!" Now, I am not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I will take it to mean he thought it was pretty cool. I think it's pretty cool too!!

We Did It!!

2008-01-16T13:47:00.000-06:00

Laffery and I passed our Pet Partners Team Evaluation Test with flying colors!! The evaluator commented that Lafferty is a very sweet, gently, friendly dog, and I as a handler, am attentive and supportive with very good people skills. I think we will make a pretty good Therapy Dog Team!! This photo is being submitted to be used as our Pet Partners photo on our ID badges. Laffery is such a special dog. As you know from my blog, Laffery was career changed from The Guide Dogs for the Blind Program because he has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our family was fortunate to be able to adopt him. I have never has as caring, loyal, smart, lovable dog as Lafferty. He truly is one of a kind. Because he is so special, I feel it only right we should share the joy he brings our family with others, and it is partly for this reason, I chose to have him certified to be a Therapy Dog. Hopefully, we will be able to brighten someones day when we visit, or help someone overcome their fears, or just lend a helping paw!!

Part of the Therapy Dog certification process involves a health screening by a vet. Lafferty, other than his IBD, which has been under control the past several years with special diet, has always been very healthy. He has a more complete medical record than I do!! I swear!! Anyhow, upon our vet visit, Dr. Scott, our vet, found a small bump on Lafferty's gums. We watched it for a week of so, and it did not appear to be going away and because it was suspicious looking, we decided to have it biopsied since Lafferty was due for his teeth cleaning anyways. Our worst fear was mouth cancer. One of our former neighbors in WA lost their beloved lab to this horrible disease. I could not bear the thought. Fortunately, a week later, the biopsy results showed no signs of cancer and Lafferty healed very quickly. Quite the scare, but I must thank Dr. Scott for being soooo thorough in his examination!!!

Well enough of Life with Lafferty - who is laying under the computer desk on top of my feet as I type right now!! Now for Gulliver!!! I'll have to get some pictures of our newly adopted chocolate Lab posted soon and tell stories of "Gulliver's Travels"!! Well I guess I should not say newly - it will be a year in Feb. that we adopted Gulliver from Midwest Lab Rescue, http://www.midwestlabrescue.org/. Not quite the same personality as Lafferty, but quite lovable and loyal. He is a true "labbie teen" and for any lab owner, you know that means quite playful and full of mischief. Anyhow, that will be for another day!!

His Little Green Vest..

2007-12-07T11:31:00.000-06:00

no, not an elf - It's Lafferty when he was a puppy!! Isn't he just precious!! Lafferty was in the Guide Dog for the Blind program until he was "career changed" out of the program (due to health problem) and we were soooo very fortunate to adopt him. Anyhow, I ran across this pic the other day and just had to share it. I was lucky enough to get several "puppy pics" of Lafferty from his puppy raiser Nancy.

Soon Lafferty will have a NEW VEST to wear - his Therapy Dog vest. We just recently passed our certification and now I just have to finish submitting all the paperwork and then we will be an OFFICIAL Therapy Dog Team. We are part of a local group of Therapy Dog Teams called Dogs of Endearment. Tomorrow, Sat., Dec. 8th you can find several team members and their dogs at Spiegelhoff's Grocery Store in Kenosha, WI on 80th Str. They will be bell ringing for the Salvation Army in the AM. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and say hello. Lafferty was all set to help out too - had his Santa hat and sweater all ready, but I got poky with my paperwork and since we are not OFFICIAL, we couldn't volunteer. We hope to stop by though and show support and donate to the Salvation Army.

A Few Days Late...

2007-12-04T00:11:00.000-06:00

but that's OK. The kids didn't mind opening three boxes on the Advent Calendar today to catch up!! I made this calendar last year, but was a little late in getting it out and filled with goodies this year!!!

The kids take turns opening one box each day ('course, Isabelle really liked opening three boxes today and thinks it should be that way everyday!!). Each box has some sort of goody inside to share, or a "CLUE" as to where to find the goody (if it won't fit in the box). So far, we have had some spiced cider, chocolate coins and new, warm fuzzy socks. I love doing this. I have goodies hid all around the house. The only thing I need to be careful about this year is GULLIVER - our new chocolate lab!!

We just adopted Gulliver from Midwest Lab Rescue in Feb. Lafferty, our yellow lab, never gets into anything, but Gulliver lately has been garbage picking!! That stinker!! He just started doing it about a couple weeks ago!! Never touched anything before that. Not sure what provoked him, but now I am not sure if I can trust him. Guess I need not only worry about Gulliver, but the kids too!! They start snooping to find gifts and such about this time. Gets harder and harder each year to hide things!! AND - not to mention, I FORGET where I hid things!! I used to wonder how my Mom could forget about gifts she hid away, but oh, how I know all about that now!! I need to make myself a list of what and where I put it!!!

COW FOR SALE...

2007-11-26T23:53:00.000-06:00

No - not really, but my daughter thought so!!! Saturday, we went to the local tree farm to pick out our Christmas tree, and of course the kids could care less about picking out a tree when they saw the cows, goats and chickens - much more interesting, RIGHT??!!

My youngest daughter Isabelle and son Zach, were enthralled with the cows. Two very friendly, very hungry black cows (that's my best cow terminology) were the highlight of Zach and Isabelle's day!! Isabelle happened to notice a tag on one of the cow's ears (the other cow didn't have a tag in its ear). Isabelle said, "Mommy, that cow is for sale because it has a tag. Can we buy that cow Mommy??? It's only 45 dollars." Just precious!! Simple and precious...

KI Memories is in the house...

2007-11-15T23:08:00.000-06:00

...my house that is. I broke down and bought a bunch of the new KI Memories Pop Culture Line!! I am totally loving all the bright colors and funky pattern paper. Can't wait to work with the lace paper too. Fortunately for me a couple of my kit clubs are including lace paper in their upcoming kits too - Yay!!! More, more, more is BETTER!!!

Here is a picture of my loot.....

Alas - the picture doesn't do it justice!! It was late in the eve. when I took the picture and did not have very good lighting, but trust me - the colors really do POP!! Just the thing to pull out and work with on a dreary, cold day!! Which leads me to tomorrow!! My bff Tracy and I are going to Archivers to scrap all day and into the night. We are also taking a Christmas Tag class - something to get us in that holiday spirit!! I cannot wait. Now it is off to pack for the crop and as usual, bring way, WAY, too much stuff!!

Time to SPOOK...

2007-10-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun making this treat box to pass around our neighborhood. The kids loving "Booing" their friends. Sunday night, I rushed to finish making the box and then we filled it with all kinds of Halloween goodies. Just before 8pm, the kids ran next store and dropped the box on our neighbor's doorstep, rang the bell, then ran around the corner to watch! This be told, is "BOOing". Half of the fun of it, is figuring out who "BOO'ed" you!! 'Course with my youngest daughter around, it's not too hard to figure out, since she CANNOT keep a secret. The very next day she rushed to the neighbor's after school, and blabbed!! Too cute!!

Last night, it was our turn to get SPOOKED!! After a little investigation this morning at the bus stop, the kids are pretty sure they know who BOO'ed us. Tonight, time for the SPOOKS to make another doorstep delivery!!!

Here's a picture of the Boo Box I made. I saw the idea for the Boo Box in a Paper Crafts magazine from last season. We always doing Boo-ing in the neighborhood, but usually just fill a bowl or bag with goodies. I loved the idea of the decorated BOO Box. The craft -colored box itself comes in a pack of three I think, from Oriental Trading Company. The boxes can be decorated any way you choose. Would be great too for a cookie exchange....HMMMM next project!!!

Things That Go BUMP in the Night....

2007-10-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

Like a few of the Halloween decorations I put up Sunday getting toppled over by the evening winds!! Enough to get me out of bed and check out those noises coming from outside on my porch. Course my pooches didn't budge - some watch dogs those two are. Alas, no damage to any decor, but I need to figure out a better way to keep things PUT!!!

Picked up a couple more new Halloween decorations to add to the display today and finalized the kiddies' costumes!!! Abbey, my oldest, is going to be a DIVA Pirate now, not a DIVA Vampire (let's hope she doesn't change her mind again!!!!); Zachary is going to be Captain Jack Sparrow, of course with a little urging from MOM, though he is pretty excited about it too now that we have the complete costume ensemble; and Isabelle is going to be a Pretty Princess Witch (we had to throw the Princess part in there!!)

Hubby and I have a costume party to go to also, though I never need a reason to dress up for Halloween. Think hubby is going to be Captain Jack Sparrow too with a little urging from me of course. See I have this thing about Johnny Depp, like many of us females do. I LOVE Johnny's Captain Jack character especially, and well, WHY NOT have hubby dress up like him too!!! I can pretend....

ARGGGHHH - nothing like being kicked off your blog so hubby can check his fantasy football scores - too lazy to get his laptop out and check!!!! Ok - think sooothing thoughts; or better yet, back to thoughts of Johnny Depp.....

OK, I digress. Back to blogging.

Nov. 4th is Lafferty's big date. Lafferty is my yellow lab and I have been taking him to Therapy Dog Training. Nov. 4th is his test date, to see if he gets certified. I am very confident he will pass with flying colors, still I get nervous (if anyone messes up, it would be ME, not Lafferty!!!). Lafferty was in the Guide Dog Program for the Blind, but was career changed due to a health condition. We were fortunate to get him and he has been the best dog I have ever owned. I really want to be able to share him with others. I feel so blessed to have him. I love our other chocolate lab Gulliver a lot too, but Lafferty is just special. Everyone that meets him senses this. They are struck my his calm manner and always claim it must be his age; he is seven now. I am always quick to tell them he has had the same calm, sweet manner about him since the day we brought him home when he was only a year and a half old.

Lafferty in his puppy days!! Soooo Cute!! And Laffery Now....

And IN DISGUISE!!!!

Now for the FUN STUFF....

2007-10-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics of LO's I did for Hannah's recently. Also, I did a really cute Halloween mini album I posted on the Hannah's design team blog. I may be technically challenged, but not creatively challenged.....at least not at the moment!!

IPOD ISSUES......

2007-10-03T16:29:00.000-05:00

Yes, today I am having major IPOD ISSUES!!! My IPOD has not been operating quite right ever since I updated it with the lastest software. I am soooo frustrated. I have even reset the whole thing and reloaded the software, but now it is even more screwed up!!! I cannot get it to work at all now - before it would just freeze up sometimes - usually right in the middle of my workout!! I cannot run without my IPOD tunes!!! Exercising just isn't the same without my music!! I have spent hours on IPOD tech support and with absolutely no success. My husband actually bought me a new one recently, but I didn't see a purpose for it, since I had my old clickwheel version. The new one is the nano with quick start. Of course hubby picked it up at COSTCO - his absolute all time favorite place to shop!! He is a COSTCO-aholic you know. Never know what he is coming home with from that place!! Anyhow, I may just break down and get the new one up and running - unless I become technically challenged again.

The PIT of my Stomach

2007-08-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

Oh, that sounds nasty doesn' it??!! Anyhow, there is an awful feeling down in that pit in my stomach. The feeling of rejection, or I guess to be optimistic, I should say "wrong timing", not rejection. Yes, I submitted again to a couple DT's. One I wanted very badly, and although the final announcement has not been made, I know I would have been contacted by now. Oh well, still a few more out there I am waiting to hear from, but I am not feeling good any good vibes. I know I will just keep plugging along. It's been awhile since I've been on a DT, and actually, I am on one at a LSS, but I just can't get that psyched about it, like I do about kit club DT's. There is something about the camaraderie of a kit club and the forum that I love.

Ok, just had to get that off my chest (or out of the "PIT") so I could move on today. Try to post something more interesting and cheerful later. Like maybe about the little pug I just recently got - well not a real pug, but a Webkin pug, and not really for me, but for my daughter - but she is sharing him with me. He's so darn cute!! I will have to post his picture later. I really am a large breed person. I love my two labs, Lafferty and Gulliver, but these little pugs have intrigued me. A toy one will do for now.

Sunday is My Fun Day

2007-08-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

Well sort of. Kind of a rainy, lazy Sunday. Went to a crop yesterday at Archivers with my bf Tracy and we had a blast - had been a long time since we got together to cause some trouble. Got home pretty late and as usual could not go right to sleep. After a beer and some scrap gallery cruising, was able to hit the pillow, but still feeling a little groggy today.

Spending a good chunk of my day on the PC figuring out the "LOOK" for my blog - thanks Tracy btw, for the tips. I am soooo clueless regarding this stuff. Just when I think I am getting hip and can program my IPOD, then this Blog thing comes up!! I told my DH I had a blog now, and he told me, "there is surgery to fix that". ARGHH - that "funny" man.

Off to figure out my header. See, this stuff is soooo boring, who would want to read it!!

passwords suck

2007-08-13T00:30:00.000-05:00

PASSWORDS!!! I know they were created to protect us, OK!! But for those of us who are starting to lose are memories, they SUCKKKKKKKKK! I mean it. I hate them. I can't even get into my own blog when I want to. ARGHHHHH.

OK, I am done venting. Still working on the header people. It will be there one day. Like anyone is looking - HA!!!

Oh, yeah, can you say PMS! It creeps into every crevis of my being - even the blog!! THE BLOG! Sounds like some sort of SCI FI movie - oh no, that was the BLOB!@! LOL!!

So is typing here suppose to make me feel better?? I have resisted so far. I wonder about this blogging thing. Are there voyeurs out there that just cruise blogs?? Kind of what it seems like.
God, I hope there is spell check on this thing, but if I don't expect anyone to be reading it, what do I care. Yeah, right!! The tiny little perfectionist voice in my head won't shut up!!!

Why do I do it?? The blog thing, I mean. Is it because I don't want to be left behind in the dust?? It's expected of me? Jeesh - that be the case, you'd think I'd be more concerned about what I am posting!! NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am soooooo sick of Jones'ing. It creeps into every corner of my world. Just when I think I don't care, or I'm rid of it, it's there!! Knocking at my door, "Jones HERE!".

Can you tell I am SOUR on this fine EVE???? EVER SOOO!! Well off to spell check and add my "made-up" words to the vocab. Then sleep. Can it soften this mood of mine??? Ahhhh, sweet slumber - numb this aching soul........