Hilarious!!!

~me-circa; 1966
Cary from List of the Day first introduced this crazy concept, then my friend Aime did it and I cant believe I am just now getting around to posting my yearbooked photo... go ahead and laugh.. its hilarious.. and go to the site and yearbook yourself!!! So much fun..I even changed my avatar to it... great for my mood today-which is surprisingly awesome!!! Maybe because its payday.. YES that may be it!!! laffin!

Tattoos arent just for guys~

This is my layout for the 1 hour sketch contest over at Creative Scrappers last night.. let me just say the *RUSH* you get from this kind of contest is out of this world! I love it. It really stretches my imagination and freaks me out man hahaaa, but I LOVE IT. I have loved this photo of Hunter for a while, was just waiting for the right time and the right elements to jump at me. And it reminds me of a few things that I have pondered upon lately.

As the title says.. tattoos arent just for guys. I, myself have 6 tattoos. I have been persecuted for these symbols that I wear on my body for forever. I have been complimented as well. But it is the persecutions that seem to stick. As does any kind of negative tidbit that is spoken verbally to a person. You are too fat/skinny, too pretty/ugly, too weak/strong, too emotional/not enough... and the list just goes on and on. As this rages inside our souls we also keep the negative in the subconscious and it sneaks out when least expected. We try to be strong, we try to control it, but to no avail it rears its ugly head!

This happened to me the other day. I was reading a post regarding a woman who had a challenge to photograph herself and do a layout about herself. I have never been one that wants to be in pictures... but this day and age.. with the internet.. people want to see just who it is they are talking to, so Ive loosened up a bit and let go of some of that and will give the occasional mug shot. But when asked to do a shoot and layout I almost always refuse. I dont want to be in the *spotlight* so to say. I dont want people picking me apart.... and I dont want to have to face the fact that Im picking myself apart as well. And then it happened... someone posted the other side... the unselfish side.... What about your family? What happens if you pass unexpectedly and there are no photos of you? What do you have that your boys will remember you by? I ended up going to bed that night bawling. I got to thinking.. Ive always wanted to know more about my Mom.. little details about her thoughts, her dreams and wishes.. and yes photographs as well... and I got to thinking.. although they are boys, they will probably want to know the same about me their Mom.
So- I made a promise to myself that I would do more writing and journaling, and possibly at some point do a *book of me*... Im thinking my boys will treasure it eventually. Im going to encourage their Dad to do the same. ---- Maybe you'll want to as well! :)

Weekend project and TAG you're it!!!~

Well this layout is the only thing I really got accomplished this weekend other than the Skully Candy Jar in the post below. I loveee this photo of Hunter. It was taken back early this spring when we went over to drop Justice to meet his Dad at the Arch. We then decided to go down to the landing to have a bite to eat. He loved the cushy sofas and atmosphere a bunch! Anyway.. I couldnt think for the life of me the name of the restaurant so I journaled St.Louis Pasta Company.. gahh.. later last night Hunter was looking at the layout and asked "Mom, where was that?"..I said "You remember that place we went to eat over in St.Louis that was downstairs?" he said "ohhh yeah, The Spagetti Factory!?"... OH-MY-GOSH! Im going to need this child a bunch in my old age.. hahaa. So I wrote the story on the back so when he looks back later he'll know he was a smart lil fartknocker at the age of 3. His memory never ceases to amaze me. So proud!
In other news... I got tagged!!! woot woot.. never been tagged.. but got tagged by the sweet and talented new friend Ive found over at CS- Angie!

THE FIVE TAG

10 years ago I:
1. I was 30, getting ready to turn 31
2. Going through infertility.
3. Felt more secure than I had in a long time.
4. Went to South Dakota-fell in love with it and saw Mt.Rushmore!
5. Lost a very close friend to suicide. ;(

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1. Work {loose term for blogging} hahaa
2. Prepare chili for crockpot
3. Sleep
4. Pick Hunter up from sitters
5. Hang clothes in closet

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Twizzlers-strawberry only
2. Frozen snickers
3. Doritos w/ melted velveeta over them
4. Mint chocolate chip ice cream
5. Cantelope

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Put away savings for the boys/education.
2. Move back home, buy real estate, & build new home. {dream house}
3. Pay off debt.
4. Help family members that need it. {Preston needs a truck}
5. Quit my job. {Hell to the yeah}

5 places I have lived:
1. New Bloomfield, Missouri
2. Fulton, Missouri-HOME TOWN.. woot woot ;)
3. Columbia, Missouri
4. Hallsville, Missouri
5. St. Louis, Missouri

5 jobs I have had:
1. 911 operator {best job ever!}
2. Auto parts delivery girl-fun fun
3. Insurance Liason for the University of Missouri-go Mizzou!
4. Medical Assitant for 18 different Specialty Physcians-burnt out!!!
5. Office manager for Trash company {2nd best job ever}

I am tagging: Cat, Linda, Brooke, Gina and Amie !!!!

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

Challenge Yourself~

Come by and see what you can come up with. I tell ya... Ive gotten so much scrapping done by being challenged wonderfully by this site. Great girls... great sketches... who could beat that? See you Tuesday!
Oh... more news just in... Kristine made this cool icon for us to post on our blogs for the Creative Challenge posted by Carol at CS!!!The *Lets Go Green* Challenge is as follows:
* For this challenge you may do a layout or an altered item.

* Your project must contain one or more items on it or made from something that would normally be tossed into the trash, but you have repurposed it for your layout or altered item.

* Project must be posted in the gallery and also linked here so we can all see what you have done.

* Projects are due by midnight CST, September 30th and I will draw a random name from all those entered and you will receive a goodie RAK from me.

Here is what I made... It was made from a left over plastic container that had the instant teas for bottled water. Im going to fill it with candy and give to a friend for Halloween!

Arghhhh Mateys~

Happy "Talk Like a Pirate Day"!!!... be good or I'll make ya walk the plank! ;)

Okkkkk~

So ... I think I finally have my blog looking the way Id like it to... however it doesnt look near as dark and evil as I am inside.. hahahaa. Oh well.. we'll see what Halloween brings, maybe I can get down and dirty and show another side of me then. ;)

Onto other things. For goodeness sakes.. Im STILL sick! Yeah.. cant hear a thing out of my left ear.. and let me tell you people, its not only irritating to you when I say *huh?* its irritating me and its like Chinese torture!!! You know that sound that is made when a basketball hits the pavement?.. that is what it sounds like in my head NON-STOP! Except its the beating of my heart. And at night.. whoa its even way worse. Holy Hannah, I sure hope things loosen up soon. The strong as heck antibiotics the doc gave me also gave me ummm the cha cha cha's.. nice huh?.. Well Im going to try to look on the bright side of things and feel blessed that I have so much more in my life. And I vow that I will not write ONE MORE BLOG POST about being *still sick* again. hehee
Today Im at work and the fabulous Thunderbirds are flying overhead doing their tricks and preparing for the Air Show this weekend here at Scott AFB. Its quite thrilling and freaks me out so bad that I have jillions of goosebumps. Seriously if you have not seen a show.. Go!.. and if you havent been to the websites.. GO! Its amazing and people of all ages just love it. Im amazed and proud! Cant wait for this weekend! Its going to be a blast!!!

OMGOSH~

Im once again messing with this darn blog/header and layout.. please bare with me.
Still sick, still at home... this is getting seriously messy. More to come...

HOLY COW~

LOL... you dont have to be old to not be able to hear... heheee I STILL cant hear a dang thing. I think today I must call the doctor. The pressure on the side of my head is driving me insane. Ive taken every pill available and even antibiotics and it hasnt helped yet. Im afraid he is going to say time. And I think I may have to put a watch you know where! Anway... This weekend I got a lot of scrapbooking done. Several layouts and several cards and a mini Thanksgiving album. I thank Creative Scrappers sooo much for all the inspiring sketches.. I just love them all! I think Im going to try to sell the album as I dont really need it, unless I come across some good Thanksgiving pics around here. Today I finish the darn invoices and then I think I'll take the afternoon off. This past weekend they were supposed to move my office around and get me a new desk.. we'll see if that happened. If so Im going to be spending the rest of the week organizing it. I like that kinda work. :)
Have a great week!
ETA~Doc report was double ear infection and raging sinus infection..yay! I got some super-duper antibiotics and waiting very un-patiently for them to kick in. Why am I so sickly this year? Sighs...

Is it safe to say?~

I dont quite know if its that time.. but I suspect its coming real fast.. within the next few weeks. Today we are experiencing the remnants from hurricaine Ike. Windy and raining. I was up with Hunter last night, he was sick throwing up. I hope its nothing much. Im still sick, still cant hear and clogged up. Im so aggrivated by it. This is the first time ever that Ive had no relief within a couple days. Anyway.. Ive been scrapping up a storm, cleaning up my supplies and today Im going to work on some cards. I save a lot of my old recieved cards and tear them off and recycle them so want to work on that... maybe some Halloween stuff too. Oh and some Thanksgiving stuff. This afternoon I think Hunter and I will bake some snickerdoodles.. thats good stuff for colds no? haha

The sickly gives~

Awww.. wasnt that nice?? ... my son gave me his cold.. only along with the cold, I have a horrible ear ache! Goodness am I ever miserable! It will be good to *BREATHE AGAIN* haha
In other news... well there isnt much other news except my husband was kind enough to make me grilled cheese tonight. I must say.. he makes the best grilled cheese ever!
OOoo, I know what else I wanted to tell you about..... Did you happen to catch Fashion Rocks 2008? Did you catch Duffy? OH MY isnt she cute???.. I loved her song-Mercy.. If you havent heard it.. Here it is. Enjoy and have a great weekend! :)

Home with the sickly~

Today Im home with the sickly.. Hunter has came down with a sinus/head cold. Poor thing is just miserable. Im going clean, cook and nap with the kiddo and hope that with the home meds he gets better. His fever has already broke so thats a good thing.. although I know the afternoon brings spikes. Will have to keep an eye on him. He thinks we are on *vacation* because he heard his Dad and me talking about me taking a Vacation Day for pay since Im missing today. haa. Rotten kid! Anyway, have a good week and keep away from the germies!

Hello Monday~

Hello Monday! Ugh.. well not really. Here is a song that I cannot get out of my head this morning. Wonder where I heard it last?

Barracuda!~

Last night I got hooked watching the Republican National Convention. Ive never been a political person, nor have I voted strictly one party ... I always chose who I believe will do the best for our country or situation. I have totally been wanting John McCain to run for presidency for a LONG time and sooo glad that now I can actually be able to vote for him for our next President. Now, your opinion is your opinion and you can vote for whoever you like.. that is your right. Just please vote! That is my main message other than this........... last night at the end of his speech and at the end of the Convention they played "Barracuda" by Heart.........whooaaa.. I LOVED THAT!
You go John McCain!



Unfortunately Heart doesnt feel the same way~

Been thinkin'~

I have been thinking.. there are so many cool videos on You Tube ... I thought I may post a video time and time again of music that I like.. some new, some old. Hopefully my visitors would enjoy it as well. Anyway.. here is my pick for today.. A rainy Thursday in the Mid-West. Hangin' in there til the weekend!

Heartbroken~

I know this might sound silly.. but I just read some of the most heartbreaking news.. "Singer-actor Jerry Reed dies at the age of 71" Im totally upset because when I was a kid.. boy Jerry Reed was it.. I thought he was soo freakin' funny.. I even decided that I would name my first boy Reed after him.. although that never happened.. I never forgot about that or Jerry Reed. Im so darned sad right now. At least he did live a longer life than most in his profession.. I hope that he rests in peace.
"NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Jerry Reed, a singer who became a good ol' boy actor in car chase movies like "Smokey and the Bandit," has died of complications from emphysema at 71.
His longtime booking agent, Carrie Moore-Reed, no relation to the star, said Reed died early Monday.
"He's one of the greatest entertainers in the world. That's the way I feel about him," Moore-Reed said.
Sony BMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante called Reed a larger-than-life personality.
"Everything about Jerry was distinctive: his guitar playing, writing, voice and especially his sense of humor," Galante said. "I was honored to have worked with him."
Reed's catalog of country chart hits, from 1967 through 1983, were released under the label group's RCA imprint.
As a singer in the 1970s and early 1980s, Reed had a string of hits that included "Amos Moses," "When You're Hot, You're Hot," "East Bound and Down," "She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)" and "The Bird."
In the mid-1970s, he began acting in movies such as "Smokey and the Bandit" with Burt Reynolds, usually as a good ol' boy. But he was an ornery heavy in "Gator," directed by Reynolds, and a hateful coach in 1998's "The Waterboy," starring Adam Sandler.
Reynolds gave him a shiny black 1980 Trans Am like the one they used in "Smokey and the Bandit."
Reed and Kris Kristofferson paved the way for Nashville music personalities to make inroads into films. Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers (TV movies) followed their lead.
"I went around the corner to motion pictures," he said in a 1992 AP interview.
Reed had quadruple bypass surgery in June 1999.
Born in Atlanta, Reed learned to play guitar at age 8 when his mother bought him a $2 guitar and showed him how to play a G-chord.
He dropped out of high school to tour with Ernest Tubb and Faron Young.
At 17, he signed his first recording contract, with Capitol Records.
He moved to Nashville in the mid-1960s where he caught the eye of Chet Atkins.
He first established himself as a songwriter. Elvis Presley recorded two of his songs, "U.S. Male" and "Guitar Man" (both in 1968). He also wrote the hit "A Thing Called Love," which was recorded in 1972 by Johnny Cash. He also wrote songs for Brenda Lee, Tom Jones, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and the Oak Ridge Boys.
Reed was voted instrumentalist of the year in 1970 by the Country Music Association.
He won a Grammy Award for "When You're Hot, You're Hot" in 1971. A year earlier, he shared a Grammy with Chet Atkins for their collaboration, "Me and Jerry." In 1992, Atkins and Reed won a Grammy for "Sneakin' Around."
Reed continued performing on the road into the late 1990s, doing about 80 shows a year.
"I'm proud of the songs, I'm proud of things that I did with Chet (Atkins), I'm proud that I played guitar and was accepted by musicians and guitar players," he told the AP in 1992.
In a 1998 interview with The Tennessean, he admitted that his acting ability was questionable.
"I used to watch people like Richard Burton and Mel Gibson and think, `I could never do that.'
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."

The country is where Im from~

....and where I sooo wish Hunter could grow up. He is such a natural country kid. He told me while we were down visiting my Dad this weekend {back home Fulton, Missouri}that he wanted to live there the rest of his life. I dont blame him.. I never knew how much Id miss it until I was gone. I almost dont want to go back at times because I always come home heartbroken. But.. we'll keep working and maybe someday our dreams will come true. This is a picture I snapped while at my Dads.. the porch swing on his front porch... We all agreed that the reason us older kids loved it so much is because when we were growing up Grandma and Grandpa had one just like it.. we'd spend hours upon hours swinging on that swing. And I didnt want to leave Dads.. I could have sat on that porch and watched the wind blow for days.... so beautiful.

Garth.. you ARE foxy!~

The last few weeks over at Crazy 8's we've been playing Top 100 Classic Rock Bingo and today I pulled a Jimi Hendrix out and decided to use this video as a clue. Waynes World rocks and I think Dana Carvey is even more brilliant than Mike Myers in it.. but thats just me. He is soo cute! I love when he gets so excited that his glasses need adjustments. hahaa I hope that this brings back good memories for you as it did me and the girls on the forum!
Have a great Labor Day weekend! :)

I have a winner!~

Thanks to finally figuring out the Random.org generator thingie.. I listed all of your names and then pushed the button... and here is what happened!!!

List Randomizer

There were 11 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. angie
2. brooke
3. aime
4. scrappychic
5. deb
6. cat
7. carol a.
8. kate
9. lois aka katesmum
10. margo
11. gina hanson

Timestamp: 2008-08-26 14:30:50 UTC

Soooo... Angie.. you are the winner!!!! Please email me your address and a little wish list and I will send your gifty out this weekend!
Congratulations and Thank you for reading my blog!!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my Dads 70th Birthday!!! I called him this morning at 9am and he was climbing down off a roof that he and my brother had just put on last week. He was doing some finish work. I am amazed at the umph this guy has. He has taken a beatin' but keeps on tickin'. So while I had him on the phone told him that I needed him to pick a number so that Id have a winner for my contest but he picked 38. hahaaa. What a dork! Sooo. I will put all the names in a hat tonight and draw when I get home!!!
Have a great Birthday Dad-see you this weekend! {Soo excited to go back home!}
Have a good Monday ya'll! :)

CELEBRATION & a Give-Away~

Whoa.. what a huge deal this is!!! Im going to celebrate my 100 blog posts by doing a Give-Away!!!.. hmmm what shall it be?... Depends on the person who wins.. it could be scrappy goodeness or just a gifty gift.. Leave me a comment and I shall choose a winner Monday August 25th!!! ;) Good Luck and Thank You for visiting!!!

Assortment of Cards~

Here are the cards I made for the Assorted Card Swap over at Crazy 8's. I was to make Get Well Cards. I love how they turned out and finally used the *inchie* technique.. lets just say it was a lot of work, but well worth it!

In other news~ Im doing good, thanks for thinking of me.. just had a little rough spot.

also.. ironically....today Todd and I celebrated our 4th Wedding Anniversary.. woot! ;)

A ways to go yet~

Well.. Im almost done with my blog tweaks.. I just need to add a bunch more links yet. Im not sure Im liking everything on the right side when it used to be on the right. We'll see. It really shouldnt matter to me since the blog is ultimately for you the reader.

Anyway...
On to other things. Im having a rough week. My personal life which is normally happy has turned sad and pathetic and I just dont know how to fix it.. or if it will just iron itself out. I think Im going to turn to God once again and pray for strength.. I feel like Ive asked for so much and been given so much that I dont deserve any more favors, but I really would like to hold this together. Also lately I have not wanted to scrapbook, read about scrapbooking, participate in forums or anything. I just want to dissolve myself in non-important things and sit on the couch. I have no motivation and no motivation around me either.

I have definitely came away in this life with one thought.. one piece of advise. Do NOT ever ever get married. It is something wayyyy easy to get into and wayyyy harder to get out of. Id rather be alone than be miserable in a relationship that does not have 2 working partners. and so call me weak for not wanting to work things out.. but remember it takes TWO.. it always did and it always will.

One last thing.. Id love to give a shout out to my Mom... she is going to be SIXTY yup thats right the big 6-0 on Monday the 18th. I sooo wish I could see her and be with her, but I just cant.. so I wrote her a letter disclosing just 60 of the reasons why I love her so much. I thought it was going to be hard coming up with 60 things, but found out it really was quite easy and I could have went on and on. She is a special person, we have a special relationship and she is my best friend. So Happy Birthday Mom... *cheers* ;)

Under Construction~

Excuse me while I try to reconstruct my blog... stay tuned.

I heart Heart~

OMGOSH.. I never realized just how hot Ann Wilson is !!!... she gets a lot of fluff from the public regarding her weight.. but my goodeness is she ever beautiful and man can she belt out the tunes!! I have always loved HEART and thanks to Evil Beet Gossip today I was reminded about how much!

Best Friends~

....and so this is what makes it worth all the diapers, terrible twos and threes, the uncoordinated years, the backtalks, the teen years, the first time driver and dates...Best Friends... Preston-19 and Hunter-3!!!!

Be You~

I almost cried last night doing this layout of my oldest offspring. He is so darn handsome and innocent.. hahaa or at least I still feel he is. He is the best son-he is more than any one could ever ask for. Im sooo happy that I get to see him this weekend. My other two are so happy that their big brother is coming they can barely keep civil. They love their *best friend*. Makes a Momma pretty proud! The quote says "Where ever you go-go with all your heart"!

Hilariousness ensues~

This blog is the funniest blog I have ever found! I go there every day for a pick me up! You know.. for when the bitches try to get you down.. yeah its good for that too!
Im just being real here! ;)
{Thanks Dr.Ennis for the advise all those years ago!}
Please visit.. you wont be disappointed!!! Go now.. run.. be happy and laugh your buns off! :)

Little white spaces~

orrrrr is there??? ... hehee
Here is the first completed layout for the the Sketchfest this weekend. It was for the *white space* sketch challenge... I wanted to participate more, but my family is pretty much keeping me from accomplishing anything.. gah! I love them.. but hello- a girl needs her ME time too! Maybe later this evening.. who knows.
Anyway.. I hope you all are having a great weekend, getting things accomplished, being productive and creative! ;o)

I dare you~

to join the fun!!... Im playin' so why dont you?... its going to be awesome!

Turning the Corner~

I think my youngest punk Hunter is turning the corner from the *Terrible Twos and Threes*! Finally! And now, Im sad. hahaa. Weird how that goes. I wanted him out of that stage, but didnt want him to grow up! No darnit, dont grow up too fast! Lord knows the weeks and months and years are going by in flashes. I want to hold onto this for a long time. But thats just not the way it is. Im so proud of the lil fella... lately he has been honing in his manners and has discovered the sweetest disposition in regards to woo'ing his Momma. He knows that when he is in trouble that he can call me *Momma* and get me to smile everytime! And lately he has been calling me *Momma Mia* and giggles and begs me to take him to see the movie as we both love the music! Oh, he also knows how much I love Mexican so he calls me *Mammazita* when we go out to our favorite Mexican restaruant. So cute! Anyway.. today my lil punk told me after I got all fixed up for work .. *Mom, you look very nice!*.. very plain, very sweet and very innocent. He doesnt know how that made my day. I love him so much!... and so from the wild and into everything to the noticing, drinking up the learning and sharing his feelings and emotions... he is turning a corner!

Sunshines Sketch Challenge~

Sunshine-over at Crazy 8's posted this sketch challenge for a RAK.. wasnt that sweet??...hehee.. boy was I ever weary of it.. I was plum scared as at first glance it looks sooo difficult, but once I looked it over, sketched it out on paper, I knew exactly what Id do. And I loveee this pic of the boys.. It truely is a portrait of how they are in so many ways. Enjoy this touch of summer and challenge yourself to do the sketch too! If you post it over at Crazy 8's you are automatically going to get an incentive prize and the RAK goes to the winner Sunshines daughter picks! Good Luck!

Let the Sun Shine In~

What a week huh?...
I tell you if it werent for stress and drama Id have no life.. well...
Thankfully its changing... SWEET!!!! I left my 2nd job and am making some other changes as well in my daily schedule. Im going to spend more time with Hunter and more quality time with Justice and work on my hobbies in my free time and if there is no free time.. OH WELL. Working the 2nd job was like a wake up call. I didnt work it long, but long enough to find out that my family misses me and that Im a vital person within it. Especially me being Momma! Im glad to be back home in the evenings and have found that Im able to still get out amongst the public working at the hobbies I love, taking part in classes and sharing and hopefully in the future selling some of my art. That would be wicked awesome {as so eloquently stated by my husband}. haha It sure as heck would support my habit anyway!

What about CHA and all the sneak peeks this week? Wow.. I tell ya.. Bo Bunny and Melissa Frances are like my favs this year... oh and I cant forget about Pink Paislee!!! Im loving looking at all the pretty fall and winter stuff. And cant wait to purchase it!!! I wish we had a fall/winter convention here as well as the spring one.. that would rock!

Ok, so this isnt the best layout, but give me a break, I havent been scrapping in a while.. only a small card here and there! This was made for a RAK challenge I sponsored over at Crazy 8's this past week. I actually got to scrap a new card today for a card challenge for Creative Scrappers so that was good and have a couple ideas on my work table to tackle this weekend... I hope to take a pic and post later tonight.... but for now.. I leave you with a lil piece of sunshine and great weekend wishes!

To you~

Go ahead and....

What do you do when a girl breaks your heart?~

buy her a puppy...
or so this is what my son thought he'd do to win back the heart of his girlfriend who apparently lied to him. I dont know why he felt he should do this, but I know he was feeling way low and this purchase has made him feel much better. He and his girlfriend named the puppy Princess. Preston will be taking care of her and teaching her how to do the various things little puppies need to learn. hehee. Ive felt guilt ridden for years over not being there for Preston and right now especially Id love to go to him and let him know how much I love him and am here for him, but he is a man now.. he doesnt need cuddles..he just needs reassurance that things will get better.. and I hope that I have helped in some small way. He does in fact know the things I felt guilt about and forgives me luckily. I hope so much that he gets stronger and puts his foot down so that people dont take advantage of his kindness. He has lost 30 pounds in the past few months and Im worried, but I also know that he is a smart and blessed man and will find his way.

Lady Bug Lady Bug~

Fly away home... and in this case to the homes of the girls that were in on the Summer Card Swap over at Crazy 8's! I was laying in bed the other night after teaching my first card class at work about all the neat things you can do with just some brads, paper, ink and some bling.. hehee One of the cards for class was made to swivel using a brad-revealing the message underneath, it was pretty simple but got me to thinking of the things I could do... so I dreamt about this........amazingly they turned out real cute! I love the color combo of brown and pink and got to digging into my stash and decided ooo this would be a perfect color combo especially since I didnt really know what or how to do the eyes. The only thing I regret now NOT doing was adding some stickles to the wings, blinging them up a bit. I will be sure to do that next time though!
Note: Did you know that ladybugs symbolize Luck and Love? They sure do.. just another reason to love them and cherish them even more I think.

Hope your 4th of July weekend was safe and relaxing!!!

My Brother~

Thought Id write about my brother... Im starting to think that he is like my best friend in the world. I actually have 2 brothers.. and they are both pretty much close to me... but my baby brother Daniel just KNOWS me! The other day I called him and just confessed my soul and he listened, gave me the advice that of course I already knew... and loved me... loved me unconditionally the way brothers and best friends are supposed to. He hasnt had an easy life, but he knows about life and he knows the differences between right and wrong and how to get me to see the different sides of it even if I am a woman, one with a stubborn head at that. He made me feel better... he made me realize that all the years I spent wasted worrying over him being a danger to me were really unfounded worries that I regret now. He wouldnt hurt a fly.. and especially not me. He means well and works hard. He loves hard too. I just wanted to pay a little tribute to my brother... my best friend.... and even if he doesnt read this its my lil shout to him.. Love ya bro! ;)

Take me out to the ballgame~

So this past weekend we went to the Cards game against Philadelphia... we won! ... and we sweated and had 7ups and twizzlers and peanuts... and tons of fun! This was Hunters very first MLB game and he loved everything about it but being in the bleachers.. hahaa. It was sooo flippin' hot! The weather was actually nice, but we were just in the sun the entire time.. from batting practice til the 9th inning! Hunter and I got up one time and headed to the bathrooms and shade to cool off. I got him a squashed penny with the Cards logo on it, and its placed on a necklace like thing. He was and is so proud of it. I was so very happy to not only have Hunter there, but Justice and Preston came along and Todds sister, niece and brother-in-law came too. Great weekend.
Now onto other things.. a grueling schedule!!! I dont know about this 2 job thing.. but Im going to give it a 110% til I drop or something... hahaaa. Have a great summer everyone! :)

Who I am Makes a Difference~

Uncle Greg, who is actually Todds Uncle sent me this in an email... a very touching story. I decided to challenge the girls at Crazy 8's to make a card using this sketch by Valerie Stangle and make this card for a child or loved one that they wanted to tell that they indeed make a difference.
I made this card for Justice last night... and let me just say... it was tougher than I had imagined {the sketch that is}... but I think it looks pretty cool. I hope maybe you are inspired today to do something of the same magnitude for someone who makes a difference to you..... Im sure they'll appreciate it!!

Family and other items of importance~

This is the layout I did for the May contest. Im not real happy with it, as it didnt turn out near what I imagined. I challenged the girls to do their best interpretation of Valerie Salmons sketch as well as using the word Family and depicting a family vacation memory as inspiration, and they really rocked it! I then had Tammy Kay come in and be the guest judge. Ive always admired her work and was pleasantly surprised and overjoyed with her willingness to do a very difficult job judging and taking time out of her busy schedule to help out! Cat has posted the new challenge for the month and whoa is it ever a challenge, thankfully I have some cool ideas swirling around in my head!!!
Other items...
Today was procedure day. I had what they call a Her Option
My Doc was fantastic and had told me it would be a piece of cake, but believe you me I was scared as scared can be. As back in April I had a uterine biopsy and LORDAY did that ever hurt. Well, Doc was right, today was pretty much a piece of cake... although the recovery at home since has been anything but wonderful. Just really crampy and yucky feeling in general. Sitting up is the absolute worst. Todd went with me and we decided before the procedure that if it got too painful that I would hollar out *Sweet Jesus* and that was the code word for him to get his buns over to me and hold my hand. Luckily, I never had to utter those words! Hallaluha!!! Tonight he went and got me a wonderful iced coffee and I will take the day off tomorrow to finish hopefully being cranky and crampy. ehhee. The doc says a good 2 weeks and I should feel like a NEW woman. Go Ang!!!
Other EXCITING news...
Im the newest customer service/instructor employee for one of my all time favorite haunts EVER!!!! Im sooo flipping excited!!! I have so much to learn and so much admiration for the other girls and my Manager! As soon as Im healed up I will be on the schedule working part-time, probably a few nights a week and weekends. Until then I have a bunch of research to do about the company and different things. The other thing about this new lil job of mine is that it will afford me the opportunity to learn, make extra money and hopefully-eventually move into a position to where I could possibly leave my full time day job and move up in a premiere company doing what I LOVE!!!

You are Beautiful~

in every way... and yes she is!!! This is a layout I did of my neice Aimee. Isnt she gorgeous? I have to say Im sure she doesnt believe in herself much, but is getting better. She has a wonderful and supportive family that loves her more than she knows... and a daughter that adores her. Im so proud of Aimee as she has recently joined the ARMY... and how fitting that I tribute her on Memorial Day. I wish her all the best always in her life. I love you Aimee.. and you are beautiful in so many ways!!! ;)~

Just color me PROUD!!~

Sooo totally proud that my oldest son, Preston, graduated from high school this past Friday night. He has not always had such an easy road, but he did it and with his head held high. Im happy to say that he will be using some of the skills he learned while in Vo-Tech {Building Trades} at his new job working for a small construction company. He is also looking into Taxidermy school and trying to get on with Real Tree, traveling and hunting. I wish him all the success in the world. He deserves the best!!! Great job Preston!!!

Hey Momma... Happy Day!!!~

Happy Mothers Day to all you Mommas and striving Mommas and Grandmas too..

A little birdie told me~

Well... Todds sister is moving to LA. Ya the big city.. So this weekend we will be saying goodbye to her as she takes off for a new chapter to her life story... to chase her dream. Im so happy for her, but sad too that she will be so far away. I wish her the best and made this little booklet for her for her going away gift.
I also am participating in our week long crop over at Crazy 8's. {the book was part of the challenge too-to alter a book w/ a birdie featured}... then I did this layout too of Justice. I just dont scrap as many pics of him as I should. So its a new goal for me.

He is a fisherman!~

Yup... my son has become a fishin' fool!!! Last weekend Todd took Hunter and Justice down to Boonville, Missouri to camp with my brother Neal and turkey hunt. Justice got to turkey hunt and although he didnt have a good shot at anything, had a wonderful experience. The next day they all went fishing and caught a few small fish. Todd said that Hunter threw down when they told him it was time to leave the lake. Other than that the kid did real well all weekend ... imagine that.. away from Momma and all. I enjoy the fact that Hunter is going to be a fisherman... He is taking to the country like his brothers, Daddy and Uncles have. He will grow close with Todd in the future while doing their outdoor sporting. I hope that this summer they do more outings.. it means a lot to me to go with them too, but every now and then Momma needs a break and it eases my mind to know that they are actually enjoying the break from me too! ;) Yay Summer!!! Yay Hunter!!!!

Do you ever~

...get the feeling that someone is waiting for you to say something profound? I get that feeling, if not something profound something of importance to them. Well hell.. I have that feeling and Im sorry to say that I just have nothing to say..nothing to argue, nothing to sing about ... just nothing. Do you think this is an effect from Prozac? Possibly ... possibly it could be that Ive grown stronger than I ever thought possible and I just dont let things bother me as they used to.
Recently my Grandma passed away... she and I were so very close... but the past two years she has been without mind. Of course I was saddened by this and cried every night that she lay there in that hospital bed... finally after a prayer of asking her to let go... she went. Since then, Ive had no emotion. Nothing. No tears, no worries, no more love than usual, no more nothing. Im just *being*... I dont know if thats a good thing or not. I dont want to be un-emotional.. but dont want to be over-emotional either. Did I mention that since the emotion is gone the analyzing has increased... hahaa
Onto another subject...Relationships~
I dont know people... I try hard to be fair, to give the benefit of the doubt. I welcome new people with open arms. I try to protect them, listen and be there for them. Sometimes it works out and sometimes not, as does any relationship. I cannot, however, take the non-working relationship failures onto my shoulders and let them bring me down. I have to just learn from them and be weary of the next relationship that forms. It just wouldnt be fair to the people in my life that mean the world to me... my sons and my husband if I let my strong side wither to pieces from a toxic relationship.. especially one that was with a person that Ive never met in real life. To me its just not worth the aggravation if I am the only one working to resolve issues within the relationship... is it for anyone? We all go our separate ways at times and I can respect that. At least I have the courtesy to say goodbye and thank you for allowing me to know you even though it didnt work.
What would the world be like if we could all do that???.......... yeah... peace out~

New layouts and altered projects to follow...

You know you're a scrapbooker when...~

So.. we've been doing some home improvements lately and currently our shower in the master bedroom is out of order. We are now going to the main bath to take showers. While showering this morning, washing my hair... lalalaaaa.... I look up and see the decorative nails that are holding the ceiling up... and think wow, they look just like prima flowers!!!! My thoughts then turned to ... I wonder what it would look like if I put bling in the centers of them..... laffin I had to giggle and say to myself... yup you are a gonner... you are hooked.. a mess... a true scrapbooker!!!

In other news....
Two more days and Becky, Cat and Sunshine will be down to shop, scrap and enjoy the CKC Convention... Im sooo damn excited. Im off the next two days to get prepared and primp.. Yay for girlfriends and yay for scrapbooking that brought us together. Woot Woot!!!