My 12 of 12~

12 of 12 was created by Susan and is basically this: on the 12th of each month, take bunches of pictures of every day life, anything and everything, interesting or not, simply to document the day. Then, pick your favorite 12 and ideally, scrapbook them or post them on your blog. When you look back later, it's fun to see these little glimpses of what life was like on the 12th of each month.
My friend Amie has done this for a while and I decided to share with my friends and get on the ball and do it myself...

This is my 12 of 12 for the month of January 2009....
Hunter said lots of prayers with his Momma.. I love how he always starts "Dear God, thank you for all of my toys and games.. then he'll peek at me and start again with the thank yous... so sweet! I pray for sanity, strength and that all my boys will remain safe, happy and healthy!

I dont know what the sudden interest in sharks has come from, but every we have been having to read this shark book to Hunter at least twice per night. hehee

I thought short hair would be less work... uhhh wrong!!!! hahahaa. I use all these products, the dryer andddd the flat iron every morning.. the good thing is it does take less time. ;)

Lunch these days ... we are trying this year to not eat out for lunch but one day per week.. so my typical lunch is this.. I love the spice in the noodles and avocados.. well if I have salad, I like a lil chopped up in there with it.

January is 2 of the boys birthdays... Justice on the 19th, and Hunter on the 20th. They are both gamers and we thought one of these video rockers would be a great gift... so on the search for the best priced one.

A highlight of my month... My brother Neal staying with us for a week while he takes classes at the AF Base next door. Its been real nice chatting with him about the old times and seeing him interact with Hunter!

January brings PAIN... major knee pain because of the cold weather. I take 3 of these lil pills a night before bed just to get a minor bit of relief so that I can sleep. Oh man the cold sucks when you have arthritis!!!

We've been working really hard with Hunter and following his chore chart. If he does all of his chores and gets good marks for 2 weeks in a row, he gets a treat such as a movie date. He is doing GREAT and I think we will either be seeing Hotel for Dogs or Paul Blart Mall Cop.

If you have boys you can relate. This month we fixed the boys up a room together and our friend Matt gave us a gun rack for the boys to hang their toy guns. There is another in their room too.. it holds both guns and bows... ahh the life with boys.

Well.. my never ending battle with laundry is finally over... I caught up!!! Woot Woot!

Self portrait.. the dreaded for REAL... Hunter took this pic after being up and working for about 16 hours. I was tired but happy... notice the nails? Im missing 3 hahaaa.. I need a manicure badly! ;)

This is Hunter teaching Mommy how to disarm a bomb while playing SoCom on the PS2... I have soooo much to learn! hahaha

They like me.. They really like me...~

I was picked by my good friend Angie to receive the Kreativ Blogger Award. Im really flattered that she picked me and proud to display this award! Woot Woot!
In return for her kindness, I must follow these 5 rules....

"Pay It Forward"
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Provide links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.

Im like Angie.. I have a hard time choosing. I read soooo many blogs and love them all so much. I dont know what I ever did before blogging hehee. Anywho... here are my 5 picks.

Linda~ http://lindashouseofchaos.blogspot.com/
Linda and I have gotten to know each other this past year through blogging and I enjoy reading about her 2 young and cute boys and she always has a great recipe to share or tip for everyday living! Please dont hesitate to check Miss Linda out!

Amie~ http://www.amiedanny.blogspot.com/
OMYGOSH, if you havent read Amies blog.. you are definitely missing out. She provides me almost daily with a dose of "keepin' it real" humor!

Jenn~ http://scrappinforlife.blogspot.com/
I am new to Jenns blog, but love interacting with Jenn and reading about her boys and looking at her beautiful scrapped creations!

Cat~ http://catshootspeople.blogspot.com/
This is my friend Cats photography blog, she actually has several blogs-each you should check out, but I chose this one because I think all of us that are scrappers have to give props to the photographers! Cat is a brilliant and creative photographer and I think you'll enjoy looking at her work.

Brooke~ http://www.babykerbs.blogspot.com/
Ive known Brooke for years "online" and I was soooooo happy when she announced that she was pregnant! Even more excited when I found out it was to be a baby boy! hehee Anyway.. this is her pregnancy experience shared with us via blog. Thank you Miss Brooke!

Like I said.. this was tough.. there are sooo many blogs that Id love to give awards to, but hey they only let me pick 5. ;) So there it is. Thank you once again Angie.. You really rock!

Help!~

Im up to my eyeballs in LAUNDRY!!! ... not kidding. I will take a pic and post later to this post. OMGOSH.. who would have thought it. With this room change and the work going into it.. I just dont have time hardly.. and work has even been fairly busy.. whats up with that?....

I tell you.. I think every stitch of our clothes can be found on our couch.. wheres the couch you are going to say when you see the pic. Soooo, this has got me behind on posting my continuation of the year 2008. UGH.. I dont think I'll even be able to until Sunday... ? Maybe Monday.. and I know I promised a week. I feel so bad.

But hey, if you come over and help with the laundry I could type it up sooner.. heheehee ;)
Have a great weekend!!!!

On Hold~

I know you are just standing by with baited breath waiting for My 2008 Moments Part 2... hahahaa-well, arent ya? ...I know, I know... I wish I had time to do it, but knowing I have 2 hours of writing ahead of me I havent been able to have that much un-interrupted time this week/weekend. We are busily taking down Christmas decos and brainstorming this major room turn-around in our home! .... Soooo I have to put it on hold for now. I am sure I will get to it this week though so never fear!

In the meantime.. I leave you with a news flash of sorts..... I added a new link blinkie over to the left for Scrap The Boys.. please go there, please try out their challenges and share with me your creations. Im so tickled that they restarted this blog! So if you are just needing some boy inspiration or a good challenge, check it out! ;)

My 2008 Moments-Part 1~

Hello friends.. This morning I was looking back at my blog for 2008 and realized.. you know.. I had a pretty darn good year! Ive been blessed with family and many good friends both in real life and online. Have a look back at my life in 2008.. lots of great things happened.... and really only two bad things happened.. but happened for reasons that relieved the senses of pain and suffering... so I guess all in all.. not too bad. Im truly blessed and happy! Thank the Good Lord above!

~2008~

January and the big hair cut!!! .... I needed a change.. boy did I ... so my sister-in-law Melly went with me to do one of the most traumatic changes for this 40 year old body. hehe.. she sat there patiently with me for about 5 hours watching me fret, tear up and fight the hairdresser.. by the time we were done 12 inches of hair was gone and I had a new color! Later this year I went shorter and blonder and by winter was short and back to the dark auburn! Next up were 2 of my beautiful boys birthdays.. Justice turning 8 and Hunter turning 3 within a day of each other.. They were spoiled with new bikes that looked like motocross bikes. We also had a party for them at Chucky Cheese where Aunt Melly and Uncle Jim and Aj came and helped us have a good time eating pizza and playing all kinds of games!

Not a lot happened in February except the old rash I had from about 5 years ago re-appeared on my leg again... Ive battled all year with it and saw 3 Dermatologists for it and STILL dont have an answer for what it is. Ive gained about 20 pounds this year with all the oral steroids Ive had to take just to keep from going insane. Im going to make an appointment in 2009 to see an Allergist... wish me luck!

March brought the highlight of parades in my opinion.. Ever since I moved to St.Louis Ive wanted to go to the St.Pattys Day Parade and even though by the end of it I was ready to punch some drunk college chicks I had and the family had had a GREAT day!!! I cant wait to go again this year!

April brought my lowest lows and highest highs all together in one emotionally charged month.. probably one of my hardest as well. I started out having some really bad female issues and decided to finally to get appointments made to get things taken care of. My first issue was to have a uterine biopsy and man was that the MOST painful thing Ive had done in like FOREVER! Ugh.. it was *supposedly* a simple procedure but let me just say.. OUCH! ... I was still trying to recover from it and a horrible haircut and color when my girls.. haha yes my wonderful Minnesota girls came down for CKC in St.Louis!!! Becky, Cat and Sunshine came down for a 3 day visit and scrappy goodness visit. We did so many things and had soooo much fun! It was my first time meeting Cat and Sunshine and I must say.. I felt a kinship to them and was fortunate to meet and spend time with these really fun and great friends! Again, I cant wait til CKC this year.. I think Becky is planning on coming back... not sure about anyone else.. but they know the doors here are ALWAYS open! Come on down! hehee.
In the saddest news... shortly after the girls left to go back home... I got the news that my Grandma Durham was sick and in the hospital. She died soon after and I dont know what happened to me. I did not shed one tear at her funeral. I sat in the front row with my Mom and her brother/sister and not one thing moved me emotionally. I dont know if I was just in shock still or what. Of course at home and during the course of the weeks and months following I still have burst of tears for her. Even tonight writing this I remember my Grandma and miss her so much.. She spoiled me, took care of me and taught me so much. She sent me to college and supported all of my decisions even though some werent the right ones. She is sadly missed, but I am truly happy that she is in heaven now and not suffering anymore.... April also brought my son to his last teen year.. he turned 19.. OMG.. how is it that I have a 19 year old son? What the heck? hahaa. He has really became a good man. Im so proud of him and blessed that he is such a good egg! At the end of April Todd took off and went back home to a camp out excursion with my brother... he took along Hunter and Justice. They had a great time and so did I {finally some me time hehee}Hunter learned to fish for the very first time. April also took my SIL Natasha away to LA.. yup sunny Cali! She left and hasnt looked back apparently-we havent heard a peep out of her... crazy chick! Soooo needless to say... April was a very busy month for all of us!

May brought us to a highlight in Prestons life.. He graduated from Highschool. He was so handsome! And we were all so very proud of him once again. The graduation was longggg and at the end ol' Momma here teared up as they played video of the graduates including photos of them growing up.. Preston had chosen some great ones and boy did that bring back some memories!

June... whoa.. can we say HOT! ... first off.. I had my "Her Option" procedure. Again, a painful experience but what was needed to help make my female life a little better. I had my uterus frozen. Can you believe I had an actual moment of sadness knowing that this was the final end to my child bearing days?.. Thats exactly what emotions will do to ya huh? hahaa. While trying to recover from that procedure and failing miserable ... LOL, we managed to get tickets and go to an afternoon Cardinals game. I was freaking miserable.. the guys.. not so much.. well I take that back.. Hunter was quite miserable, but it was his first MLB game and happy all the same. June was also the month that housed another famously stupid stunt on my part.... me thinking I was super woman! I tried to work my full time job, work a part time job at Archivers andddd take care of my home and family. I was still having issues with my female junk and it just wasnt a smart idea. I wanted to feel important, useful and young again. I ended up not continuing the 2nd job.. sad because the perks were AWESOME.. but for my sanity and health... I had to quit. Im only one woman right? hehee. Anyway, I was happy to see June go away for sure!

Ok... so wow.. who knew I only have typed out the first six months and between all the other stuff going on.. It only took me about 2 hours. hahaa. I have to end for today and will do the last part of 2008 tomorrow!
Thank you for reminiscing with me and sharing my life and my moments through this here blog... ;o)

ps: I didnt add photos to this post because let me just say, being a scrapper we take LOTS.. and if you want you can see them if you look back through my blog.. hehee

Its raining gumballs!!!~

Seems like all my spare time is off and driving these days... Im so exhausted from it. and today is no different.. Im off here in a few minutes to take Justice back home after his Christmas break with us. I think he enjoyed himself.. I know we sure did. We went today and saw Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler.. omygoodeness you should really go see it.. The boys laughed and giggled and Hunter really acted like he understood and it kept his attention well. Todd and I cracked up the entire time.. I even laughed til I cried one time... hahaa So if you get the chance.. GO see it!!! When we came out it was raining its butt off!!! And just now as I type they are sounding off the tornado sirens.. for weird.. its December 27th for crying out loud! I tell ya.. Im a bit concerned with the driving tonight. I'll just have to take it easy...

Tomorrow I have to clean clean clean! Then Monday.. back at it.. only this time the big boss will be gone.. he is heading back to Florida til after Easter... woot woot! The first thing I plan to do is re-arrange my office and re-decorate. I cannot wait for that!

Whats new in your world? When do you take down the tree and all that jazz? What was your favorite part of 2008?... What shocking news rocked your world in the past year? ... I'll be back later to answer some of these questions myself!

Have a great rest of the weekend ;o).. and oh yeah.. what do you think about the new look?

All is calm~

and all is bright... Tonight the boys opened their ONE gift.. jammies {Thanks Linda for the idea}.. its a tradition I would love to continue.. they were totally excited. As I finished the last minutes wrapping, Hunter fell off to sleep and Justice was still straining to hear Santa.... soon all will be quiet in the Dawson household and we will sleep while visions of sugar plums dance in our heads.. hehee..
Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!!!

I wish you *everything*~

Photos courtesy of Bass Pro-St. Charles, Missouri~ Circa: 2008

In the fine words of my son Hunter... "I want EVERYTHING"... I want for you all "everything"... joy, peace, love, health and friendship... not only now.. but for everyday.

Merry Christmas and I wish you a very blessed Happy New Year!!! ;o)

Proud Moments~

Look at the love going on here... This is my niece Aimee and her daughter Jadyn reunited at the airport after Aimee's return home from boot camp/ARMY. Everytime I look at this photo I just cry. Its so symbolic of my whole weekend. Taking time to think and love and enjoy your family and also the things around you. And to appreciate the blessings in our lives. And one very important thing that I think even Aimee would agree upon is to never look back. It just doesnt do us any good in our everyday living. Move forward and think positively and be kind. All things that were discussed by the speaker at my brother-Neals graduation on Saturday. Here is a pic of him and his wife. Im so proud of that whole family.. but Aimee and Neal especially for now. eheheee...

Later Taters~

Well my friends, Im off to Missouri this weekend. We are going back to have Christmas with Preston {my oldest punk} tonight. Then tomorrow we will watch my brother Neal graduate from College. Im so proud! Thennnnn... we will get to see Aimee home on leave from the Army. Its been since September so it will be a treat!

Im super excited, and hoping that even though we have many things to do its semi-relaxed. I have been so busy getting things ready, maintaining the home and working on some projects. Last night I stayed up til 1am wrapping gifts for Preston and making the sitter a book.. oh and darnit, I forgot to take a pic of it. Maybe I can catch it tonight when I pick Hunter up.

Anyway.. sorry I dont have much new to post... still trying out the new Shimmers from ChapStick.. so far its not as shimmery as my old lipstick, but boy does it taste good. hehee.

Have a great weekend.. be careful and enjoy... :o)

Ok ya'll for real... I have a secret to reveal... At night I sleep with my arms wrapped around me and my hands under my pits... remind you of anything??? ^^^.. No I dont smell my fingers afterward hahahaaa... but, I do find myself waking up with no feeling in my hands.. oh man I tell ya.. How do I do this to myself you may ask... well its called gravity vs boobs.. At night you see they try to strangle me.. so this is how I hold those puppies back.. plus my hands are alway so dang cold when I get into bed. .... So now you know... and maybe Ive revealed a bit too much.. but hey.. Im just keepin' it real. What are some of your quirks?... Come on you gotta have one.. or two?? heheee ;o}

Handmade for the Holidays & Give-a-way!~

Have you been over to Laineys blog to see what the girls have created for their homemade Christmas projects?.. Well.... what are you waiting for? hehee. She is also doing an awesome giveaway for a celebration! ;o).. so, go over there, read the directions and give it a shot. Also, share with me what you make! I made the Snowman Poop {previously posted and inspired by my friend Carol}. I cant wait to see the look on the guys faces when they open them.. hahaa. Have a great Monday night!

Cake Balls!~

Hunter and I made 70 cake balls last weekend. I dont know which was more fun.. baking the cake and getting all gooey or decorating... ummm probably the decorating. They are so sweet ya'll- I couldnt even get through one!!! Tara over at CS challenged us to post a recipe on our blog and link back to her to enter for a fab drawing. Lucky for me I had this photo, unlucky for me I cant print it and get it onto a layout for another chance.. but perhaps you can.. so head over to Taras Blog and take a peak at not only the blog but her fab challenges. And now let me give you the recipe.. These make a GREAT gift put into a pretty box. Great for those with a sweet tooth for real. PS: I have seen these made at Bakerellas site, Pioneer Womans site and Mommys Kitchen. All yummy. I think next time Im going to try spice cake with cream cheese icing. That seems a bit milder. hehee I made these with Devils food cake and Vanilla icing.

Directions:
Bake 1 cake {any flavor will do-try red velvet for Christmas .... or spice cake or chocolate.. any flavor}
Take the cake and put into a big bowl and crumble. Add to that 1 can of pre-made frosting. Again.. any flavor to match your cake. Mix all together and then roll into balls, about the size of walnuts. Place on wax paper on cookie sheet and pop into the freezer at least an hour.. I did them overnight. The next day I pulled them out.. melted whatever flavor chocolate or almond bark {I did both} and commenced to decorating. I used crushed peppermint, coconut and some Christmas white chocolate chips and then used chocolate on almond bark and vica versa. If you have any questions.. please comment and I'll help you best I can! Enjoy!!!!

Cotton loves Christmas~

Quick weekend post here. Just thought Id show ya a pic of my poor Christmas tree. Its on its last leg for real. I got this tree back in 99 I think. Somehow this year it developed a *rusty* look to it. We just left it, believe me, its more noticeable in the photo than in real. Our goal is to buy a new HUGE one that is pre-lit the day after Christmas. Hopefully as a great bargain. hehe Last year I did buy the new tree skirt. Its like faux suede and is sooo beautiful and really fits the country theme well. Along with the new tree we are thinking of buying a new angel. This year as the title of this post says "Cotton loves Christmas". Cotton is Hunters sock-monkey. We decided to put him on top this year and it really looks cute. Hunter had a lot of fun helping me set the whole thing up. Now, I need to wrap up some gifts and get them under there so it doesnt look so bare!

In other news.. Im just trying to recover from the week. I was totally stressed with work and invoicing to do much else when I got home. We managed to get the tree up and make it to Walmart one evening... where Hunter promptly set off the fire alarms by accidently pushing on one of the emergency exit doors. He was humiliated and embarrassed and told the manager he was sorry. Todd told him he was going to jail so he clung to my leg til I convinced him that wasnt so. Silly kid.
Today we went up to Highland. I love up there... a country town. I was however disappointed that I was too tired to shop and found no deals whatsoever, except for Todds new cell phone. That we got free!! I did pick up the lay away and got some of my nieces gifts taken care of. So I should feel accomplished, instead I feel blah. and hungry. Ever get that gnawing ache in the pit of your stomach and you just need MEAT. I want a steak soooo very bad. ;( Oh well. oh, hey.. I did manage to finally find the Chapstick Shimmers that Ive been wanting.. so give me a couple days and I'll give you another update. hehe I guess thats it for now. Still no scrapbooking... Im tellin' ya'll .. I almost threw my hands up today and said "I quit"... I just have no motivation right now... and I for real have some projects to work on.. just having a hard time getting on it. I think I need a day off?!? heheee... Have a great rest of the weekend!

Milk and Cookies~

I just love that song... reminds me of my lil cowboy Hunter.... and why do I say that..well, this morning the lil fartknocker wanted to wear a cowboy hat to daycare. I still have Prestons from when he was young. So I let him.. and man, did he ever look cute. Wish Id taken a pic! It brought back some memories too of when Preston was little. I used to dress him up in that hat and jeans all the time. So cute.. I truly am blessed to have beautiful boys.

We got the tree up last night.. its so pretty.. just love it... and Im now getting more into the spirit of things... hey a good paycheck will do that too huh? hahaa. {If you couldnt guess today was payday..hahaa} Naww, its just everything.. I needed to quit panicing and just live. Ahhh.. much better! As my husband would say.. it will all happen... be patient, dont stress.... Yeah we will see about that Mister... hahahaa Have a great day! ;o)

Cant Sleep~

Gah.. I cant sleep. And now I know I wont be able to because of my friend Kimmy, the enabler! LOL She posted over at Crazy 8's about the wonderful and juicy Peachy Cheap. I went to see the deal of the day and there is none other than my all time favorite papers and all the goodies to go with. Its such a great deal. BUT we are sooo tight on money right now it just wouldnt be fair to be buying something for myself. *deep breathes*... so if you get the chance, check the site out.. you may be able to find something that tickles your fancy.

In other news... yes, Im still stressed about Christmas. Seems now my oldest punk Preston doesnt want to come up. And for the first time in 3 years Ive actually taken off too. There is no good reasoning behind his decision. None that he has shared anyway. It breaks my heart. Im determined though to turn this horrible mood swing around. Tonight we are putting up the tree if it kills me and its midnight. I think I will start to feel so much better. I actually cannot wait to wrap up some gifts too! I was looking in my goodie box the other day and saw that I had gotten two new rolls of paper.. and they are sooo cool. So cant wait on that.

This weekend I may have to work since I missed yesterday out with Hunter-we felt his immunities were down so much that we didnt want to put him back into daycare when everyone there is sick. Poor lil thing just got over it. Anyway, I was thinking if we needed a little extra seasonal lift, that we could roll down to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and drive through their light display. We always do that, but usually the boys fall asleep hahaaa. It is sooo pretty though and I dont mind driving.. its always pretty crowded, but nice to read the story cards as we drive through. Justice will be here and he loves it as well. I think he could use some seasonal lifting as well. Too bad Preston wasnt here too. hhahaa.. may be good for him as well. Get him thinking anyway!

Next weekend we are going back home to see my niece Aimee since she is on leave for 2 weeks. Im so excited to see her! Also my brother graduates from college.. SO proud of him! So it will be a good time to get back and visit with them since we missed them at Thanksgiving. We should probably finish up our Christmas shopping, but nahhh I want to see them! heheee. Maybe we can combine shopping there as well?! hehee.. Boy Todd doesnt know what he is in for does he!?!

Back to scrapbooking... oh how I long to get back at it. Ive been restless tonight and most of it is due to an idea that I have swirling around in the ol' think tank. I drew out a sketch last night and would like to execute it soon. I think its a combo of watching Tim Holtz doing his 12 days of Christmas Tags and remembering back to my Grandma and how she poured so much time into her gift tags. I want to give some of these special ideas to my good friends as a little gift ... I am thinking that if I dont have to work, calling up my new friend Beth and seeing if she wants to spend the afternoon Sat/or Sunday making the items with me. She is new to scrapbooking but her boyfriend {a coworker of mine}relays that she is excited to get this show on the road! heheee

Ok, enough ramblings.. Im back to bed... Have a great Wednesday! ;o)

Beautiful Exhaustion~

I googled *beautiful exhaustion* and this was one of the photos under images that came up. Its beautiful I think. But it doesnt look exhausting.. it looks peaceful. I like peaceful, but too much right now will put me right to sleep and its only 7.30pm!!! ha! I have worked my fingers to the bone today. I love baking but Im telling you.. today it took its toll on me. Maybe I tried to do too much too fast.. I dont know, I do know that I put too much pressure on myself and get down on poor ol Todd for not helping out. But I do understand that he doesnt see the need in getting into such a toot over things. I just panic and think.. this isnt going to get done if we dont get on it right away. I doooo know one thing.. I love cooking with my son. Hunter just begs to sit on the counter and help me cook/bake. I let him do as much of it as he wants. Adding ingredients, talking about them, talking about cause and effect, breaking eggs, pouring, stirring and eventually tasting. I love the proud look he gets when he sees the end result of his labors.

Today we made 70 cake balls {will finish them tomorrow}, two batches of oatmeal cookies, two batches of banana nut muffins, 5 pounds of seasoned ground beef for this weeks meals and then dinner tonight. We wanted to make 2 more batches of chocolate chip cookies but we ran out of flour. So tomorrow I will probably get those going while the cake balls are setting up. I want to make a gift pack of all different things to give my Mom and her husband when they come into town on Tuesday. Id also like to make some snowman hats. I think all those baked goods with some cashews and chocolate covered cherries should be a great lil treat!

I also dug in and finished my Christmas cards {except those girlfriends of mine-will work on something extra special in the coming weeks for them} and I made up 11 packs of *snowman poop* to give to all of my workers and the guys at work. Also for the boys and my brother in law. I got the idea from my friend Carol, she posted hers that she had made at CS Sketchfest2 Winter Wonderland Bingo and even though mine are no where near as cute as hers.. I am happy with them. Oh, btw.. I won at Bingo too!!! It was 2 1/2 hours long and sooo much fun! I feel ultra guilty though as I havent been able to participate in any of the sketch challenges this week, then played bingo and won. ;( But do know that if I could have I would have. I did get all the sketches jotted down so that when the holiday season slows I can get some scrapbooking done!Have a great week!!! ;o)

See that cute lil Santa up there? Thats a piece of MME Festive Christmas paper. I so lucked out at the beginning of the season when Hobby Lobby was first putting out Christmas stuff and was able to latch onto a pack of the MME Festive Christmas cards. They are cards just like the paper, you just add the embellishments. I LOVE THEM. So.. have I finished them? Nooooo... Listen, I havent even really started. OH I put a lil glitter here, a lil glaze there and some epoxy stickers...... but do they look good???... mildly maybe. Im so behind, so stressed. I wish this was a grand time... guess its true what they say in the songs... This is SANTAS big scene... not mine. hahaa

I just spoke with my oldest punk. He told me not to stress.. that all the stress around him has made even him into a big ol' Grinch. Poor thing. I dont want any kid {yes I know he is 19}, but he is still MY baby, to have a bummed outlook for the holiday season. So I was thinking.. instead of me being so gloom and doom about it myself... I have to take control and turn this stress around!!! Im going to put that tree up, Im going to make hot chocolate and Im going to watch The Christmas Story over and over... yes I will. I will be so Christmas spirited that Hunter will start calling me Mommy Spirit! {Move over Britney Spirit-yes this is what he called Britney Spears} heheee.

There are a couple things I really want you to check out if you havent.
~1st... my friend Lindas blog. She rocks... simply rocks. If you have kids.. you MUST go there and soak up all of her cute ideas, gifts and recipes. I especially love her 25 days of Christmas list she made with her boys and husband. Linda.. you are a special person. Im so glad that we're getting to know one another! I hope you and yours have a very blessed season!

The other thing.. Tim Holtz. Be still my beating heart. God bless this mans talent! He is doing the 12 tags of Christmas again this year. I tell ya... he never ceases to amaze me. Is he Santa in Tims clothing? hehehee. Stop by his blog TODAY and check it OUT!!! Beware: Wear a bib cuz you are going to DROOL! ;)

Im from the country~

and I like it that way...
I grew up in a small town of about 12,000 in central Missouri. I grew up on a small farm out in the middle of BFE..and if you dont know what BFE is.. well lets just say its in the middle of the sticks! We used to tease that our address was 4th and Plum.. {4 miles out, Plum in the woods}. hahaa

Anyway.. I grew up with my Dad as a hunter.. although he just gun hunted deer and such. He taught my brothers how to handle guns and hunt as well. He also took my oldest son Preston out to deer hunt his first couple of times. Prestons Dad always liked to bow hunt as well as my cousins and eventually Preston got into Archery as well. Now.. Im married to an avid bow hunter and 2 of my sons are into bow hunting as well. And my brother is super into it as well... so Ive come to really understand the thrill, the technique and the skill needed to be a bow hunter... and eventually someday when Hunter is older I will start bow hunting or at least try some sort of Archery sport. Hunter has his first bow as well, so there is no doubt that he will follow in his Daddys footsteps. He also has both sides of the family to fall back on {both Uncles are avid bow hunters} and of course his big brothers.

Anyway.. Im just saying, like any sport this teaches our children that there are things to do and that you can excel and go forward and be a good person and interact with adults in a respectful manner. Im so proud that I was raised country and was afforded this same passion and was especially happy when I read the following article in my hometown newspaper this morning.


Archery in Schools Program drawing support in NB
By ROGER MEISSEN
The Fulton Sun
NEW BLOOMFIELD - Archery might soon join the New Bloomfield physical education repertoire alongside longtime favorites like softball or basketball.

At its Nov. 20 meeting, board members here considered adding the National Archery in the Schools program in an effort to broaden that focus to outdoor sports.

Superintendent Mike Parnell sees this as an opportunity to engage students in something new that could help them focus in a positive way.

“It looks like it could be a really good program,” Parnell said. “This is a way to link kids in school to caring adults and can even be an incentive for them to do well in school.”

The course is designed to teach children - from fourth to 12 grades - about the joys of international style target archery. It uses Genesis constant draw bows that are similar to compound bows, but safer and easy to use for any type of child.

To aid schools in adopting this program several businesses and groups - including the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Conservation Federation and Bass Pro Shops - have banded together to provide grants for the start-up cost of the program.

“I played football and basketball and there gets to be a certain look to an athlete,” said David Smith, manager of the Columbia Bass Pro Shop. “What strikes me with this program is there are just as many girls and boys participating so gender wasn't an issue and neither was size and background.

“All those things were irrelevant and there were a lot of non-traditional athletes - including one student in a wheel chair - that were all able to participate very successfully and passionately,” he continued. “That's exciting when you see a whole group of students involved in an activity that wouldn't have connected otherwise.”

NASP began in 2002 and has been adopted by nearly 5,000 schools in 46 states since then. Parnell stated that the South Callaway School District started this program several years ago and has seen success, and Ashland is considering beginning a program in its school.

Board members agreed that there could be benefits to students.

“I think it's an incentive for some of these kids,” Frese said. “You would think that there would be discipline problems, but it seems like the kids are so excited to do it that there aren't many problems.”

Nationally, the program has seen no archery accidents through either its programs that are in conjunction with PE curriculum or those run as an extra-curricular activity.

While many states were quicker to embrace NASP, Missouri is now getting involved more. Just this year it has started a statewide competition sponsored through the Missouri Department of Conservation March 6-7 on the campus of Linn State Technical College.

“It's real exciting to see smaller school's like New Bloomfield jump on board and get real excited about it, because it's the students that benefit,” Smith said. “It also exposes kids - that many times do not have an outlet - to outdoor activities and teaches them life skills that can translate into a lifetime of being active.”

Now New Bloomfield has to find money for the program. It costs around $3,000 for 10 righthand bows, two lefthand bows, and a startup kit, but MDC, MCF and Bass Pro offer a combined $1,500 in grants for schools. Board members said the rest will need to be raised through fundraising efforts, but think it's worth the effort.

“Kids aren't all basketball or baseball players,” Backer said. “This is something that an individual can do that doesn't take a lot of physical prowess and most kids can do so I think it's great.”

I sure hope that we can move back home as Id love for Hunter to grow up in the same small town atmosphere as I did.. but that we shall see about.... who knows where this crazy world will take us.
In other news.. Here is a pic from Thanksgiving of the boys.. After about 25 shots they were getting darn tired of having to sit there.. poor things! ;) Hope your week is good!!!

Sketchfest!!!~

Just a brief note to say we are back home and today started the Creative Scrappers Sketchfest 2!!!!
I hope you will join us.. and I hope that I get to where I can get some things done. I love the variety of challenges that an online crop provide.. and we have a whole week to create it. Come on over and scrap til you drop! hehee ;)

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!!! Im up and about ready to get the pies into the oven and flipping the channels to watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade! Ive watched since I was a little kid and dont think I'll ever stop. I love the bands the most and hearing about what is used to make the floats and seeing the big air balloon characters!!! I guess I just like it all! I cant wait til Todd gets the turkey roastin'. The smell is warmth and family and good times all rolled into one little butterball. heheee
In other news.. This past week the stomach flu bug has hit our household. Todd has been sick since Sunday and Hunter got it yesterday. Last night... ugh, I think it got me. Im still holding out hope that its just bad food for dinner last night, but Todd says-no dice lil lady. So we will see. I certainly hope not as I so want to go back home! I need to. My Dad is off to Arizona for the winter and I need to tie up loose ends there and I wanted to meet with my good ol' friend Rhonda, whom I havent seen for 2 years! So I'll sip the 7up and take it easy. I may have to forego all the goodies... THAT will kill me.. but have to figure out what is more important right?!
Ok enough complaining. I truly feel blessed for what I have and am so Thankful for all of my family and friends.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Be careful, eat much, laugh a lot and take many, many photos! ;o)

Can we ask Santa~

for a camper???.... This is what Hunter has asked for Christmas. Story: The other night on the way home from Walmart Hunter asks his Dad.."When we get home, can we write Santa a letter and ask him for something?" Todd says "Sure Buddy, What would you like?" Hunter says "I want a camper so we can go camping and fishing!"... OH MY GOSH... I was like Todd, is this like the best present you could ever want???... Your 3 yr old son telling you he wants a camper?? How many 3 yr olds do you know that want a camper? I just thought it was the cutest thing ever. And yes Im boastful about it... he is mine after all.. and I just love him! hehe
Also...
You see that camper stamp above in the photo?... Mommy wants that camper from Santa hahaa... I found that along with a bunch of other SUPER CUTE stamps at this Etsy shop, The Mayberry Sparrow! Check it out!
In other news... If I dont see you I would like to take this moment to wish you all a very festive and warm Thanksgiving. I have so many things to be thankful for and I feel that I am truly blessed! Thank you for being a reader and a friend. Im going back home for Thanksgiving break ....so I'll be back to posting upon my return!... :o)

Contest!!!~

Come Join us for our 1hr Layout Contest!

Tuesday Night November 25 ( 9pm EST )
You will have 1 hour to complete it and 15 minutes to upload it in the gallery!

1 photo size 4x6 portrait should be used!
( you can adjust photo size to fit your scrap habits! )

This is a contest with a random draw and for 2 prizes from of our sponsors!

Come and Play !
See you TONIGHT!!!

I'll be there... will you?... heheee
I will be back tomorrow or later tonight with more to post!!!

Rattlers and Cards~

We had some *rattlers* in our house tonight. hahahaa... Naw, but thats what we used to call rattlesnakes when we were little. But for real, tonight I made these cream cheese/sausage croissants which are also know as *rattlesnake eggs*. You may have seen where Ive mentioned them before, but tonight... yes tonight I took a picture because they were so beautiful. And they tasted as good as they looked! I got the recipe from the young lady here at Mommys Kitchen! I found her blog one day and keep up with her and have tried several of her recipes... and all I have to say is YUMMY! ;) It was a great way to end the evening before starting movie night with the boys. We are watching Get Smart. I could use a laugh as Hunter is really trying my patience!

Lately, he has gotten to where anytime we ask him to do something he automatically says "no" without even thinking. Im done with it. He knows better. So he is standing in the corner for 3 minutes. And mark my word he will go there for 3 minutes everytime he back-talks me from now on. I have to take control before he gives me a heartattack.

Earlier today after I had finished cleaning the house, I had a tough decision to make. Should I scrapbook or bake cookies? And as much as I love to bake and eat. I HATE cleaning up the mess, especially when I just cleaned the entire house top to bottom. So I decided since the house was quiet {Thanks to Melly for taking the boys for a couple hours}to scrapbook. I managed to finish 2 cards using up some scraps that were still on my desk from the *My Love* layout. I had such a splitting headache I couldnt do anymore, so I decided to shut it down for today. Maybe I can get in there tomorrow.. or hey.. there are always snickerdoodles waiting to be baked! ;) How was your Saturday?

Blustery~

Oooo the weather outside is definitely blustery! And so our skin needs protecting right?... Well it sooo happens that this morning I was looking through my Glamour magazine and came across an advertisement for these lil puppies! The new ChapStickTrue Shimmer! Now, here is the reason why I was sooo excited. I wear a certain lipstick made by N.Y.C., well lo and behold the last time I went to get a new stick... they dont sell it anymore. ;( Ive searched high and low and cannot find it. As Im scraping the bare bottom of my last 2 tubes... I come across this brilliant discovery! You see the N.Y.C. was just a basic shimmering color... no pink, no red to it.. just a natural shimmer. So as you all as my witness... Im going to try these True Shimmers and see if they wont be my replacement lipstick. I hope so, because who doesnt want healthy, protected lips while looking great too?! hahaa{and this shameless plug} I'll buy it this weekend and give you a report back next week! Wish me luck and fabulous lips!!! ;)

PS: What do you think of the new blog look? I made it my very own self!

My Love~

He definitely is the love of my life. I knew it the moment I met him. Walking across the yard smiling that smile.. showing his dimple right below his right eye. He won me over and as hard as I am on him sometimes I am so thankful that he is MINE. I shot this photo of him back in April and just worked this layout up last night following Sketch #26 over at CS. I used some new papers I got from Michaels {Basic Grey Urban Prairie}.. Love that paper. Love BG!!! Apparently my mojo came back!!!
Ok, back to my true love-Todd. I have to give props to him.. he has spent the last two days off work nursing our baby boy. Im praying for him, because usually he falls apart when Hunter goes to the doc, but today he has to be strong and go with him-alone! haha. Im sure they'll be fine... but I will go ahead and say a couple prayers just to be sure. hehe I love you Todd, more than you'll ever know or comprehend. ;)
UPDATE~ Its strep throat ;(... I seriously didnt think that was it, but sure enough.. Todd said he and Hunter did awesome... no crying. Except Todd did say that he almost cried because he was so dang proud of Hunter for being a strong and good lil boy.. even when they swabbed his throat. YAY for them both. Thank God for vacation.. Todd will be off an additional day this week with him until he isnt contagious anymore.

Brrrhhh and Rawrrrr~

I have a killer headache today.. Im thinking sinus? What ever though.. What about this weather? Im thinking I need to change all my icons and welcome stuff to winterish snowflakes. Although we havent gotten any snow yet, its sure blowing out there and colder than *hillbilly hell* as my Mom used to say. This past weekend Hunter came down with a high fever and super sore throat. He goes to the Doc tomorrow to check for strep. I hope he is ok.. I just get heartsick when lil ones are sick. He has that wild eyed look and just cries miserably when he isnt sleeping. Im sure its viral, but you never know these days. I just want him better.
I was looking at the forecast and it was supposed to be sunny and cold this week, but theyve already changed it to cloudy and cold. Holy.. ok... again, whatever!

On another note...I still havent gotten my mojo back! This is really getting me down. I have things I want to do and just cant. Then next weekend will be Thanksgiving. So no time there.. altho, maybe, just maybe after that when the CS crop comes I'll be back in the swing of things. I have bought some stuff so thats a good feeling.. altho most have been gifts. hahaa

Ok, going to go for now..I know Ive not posted so much happy stuff.. Im going to keep the faith and hope that I get out of this funk soon so that I can post some goodies and have some laughs to share! Have a good week chicks!!!

Fanatic~

Oh yes... I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show {Greys Anatomy}, this is a clip from last night and the song by Lenka.. Trouble is a Friend.. wowza! Perfect ending to the show! Did you watch? are you a fanatic like me?... whoa. Im addicted... and please dont talk to me, im me or call me when Im watching... its my time to go to fantasy land and watch. haaa.
Anyway.. whats up world? Its been a rainy MESS this week. One of those weeks that slips in steals your energy, your happiness and ultimately my MOJO.. yup its gone. I have an order for 6 Christmas card, plus my own that I need to get to work on and about 6 layouts that I havent even started, two of which are due tomorrow. Gah.. Im just out of it. Could it be because I miss Todd? Quite possible. I tell ya, I dont know how women that have men deployed do it. At first it was cool, just cooking for me and Hunter, doing our lil bit of stuff.. then stressors get added and then you just start to lose your cool, I then pull myself together just to fall apart again there soon after and realize that I love having another adult there for comfort and that extra push, even for a morsel of appreciation. .... Anyway, Im a survivor, this isnt the worse thing ever and it will all be fine! I just thought Id share what was clicking away in my head. I hope that this weekend will be relaxing and just a time for scrapbooking and eating warm food and drinking hot cocoa.
What about you? What will you be doing this weekend?

Rain, Rain~

I wish the rain would go away! Its been raining for hours. I wouldnt mind so much if I was working today, but I have the day off and am getting ready to head out to start my Christmas shopping! It kinda puts a damper on that, but when I get home it will be good napping weather huh? hehe Well, things here are going along swimmingly.. the boys are well, Ruby and Kitty are well. Todd is away this week on vacation at Deer Camp and I have been enjoying the clean house. I did some scrapping last night and am really happy with the one page, I wish I could take a photo but the lighting is horrible w/ the rain ... so maybe later this week I'll post!

Ive been doing some thinking lately about something that should have no place in my head or heart at all. I have taken Brookes advice and deleted my former post because she is, after all, a lot more level-headed than I and what I was worried with is not worth worrying over at all. Im choosing to let it go. Thanks Brooke!

Ok,... if you have Veterans Day off, relax and enjoy and reflect on those who gave their lives for us and those who continue do so. God Bless them all!

ETA: Today was an awesome day shopping I got some GREAT bargains andddd most of my Christmas shopping knocked out!

Bring it!~

Bring on the sketches!!!!.... get ready for the crop of a lifetime over at Creative Scrappers! There will be lots of sketches and challenges to make your heart go pitter-patter. Join us... you wont regret it.. you may even win some scrapbooking goodeness! ;)

This would explain~

Exactly how I feel today!!! ... I had to change her face to this pale color because she had a nice brownish tan to her and I swear to you Im not feeling the pigment in the skin today. hahaa. Notice how the lil devils are girls?? Whats up with that? Anyway.. I dont have much to say today except ughh. I wish I was actually this chick and that way I could be curled up in my bed suffering rather than here at work suffering. Im sure I'll recoop over the weekend. I hate the range of emotion that goes along with those lil devil girls.. they should be poking her head too! haha...
Have a great weekend... and bundle up... its getting colddddd out there!! ;)

I can feel~

Jack Frost nippin' at my toes.. hehee.. Thats because Im still wearing flip flops hahaa. But from what I understand.. not after today. Im sad, but happy at the same time. I know.. with me its a range of emotion rare that anyone will ever understand. But bare with me. Its all good ya know! hahaaa What Im trying to say is.. wow, arent those leaves beautiful? They are falling like raindrops today with the wind.. I wish I could be outside or just at home even soaking it all up. All the colors swirling around. Just gorgeous. Maybe I'll take a long lunch. hehee
Soooo... How are you guys doing? Doing any scrapbooking lately? I havent and Im getting kinda bummed about it.. but by 9pm Im dragging and want to go to bed so I just dont do anything. Ugh.. got to get out of that funk and get back in the groove. I have a lot of projects I want to work on. Priority will be the challenge from Kristine at CS for the new Book of Me. I have to push myself to get that done. I also want to do Debs fabric challenge. Just like my personal checks say... So many pretty papers... so little time. Enjoy your day! :)

Im sure you've heard me say this before~

but I just cant say it enough ... Im sooo proud of my niece Aimee!!! As you may remember she joined the ARMY and went away to bootcamp back on her 21st birthday September 1st. She has written me quite a bit for being so busy. She asked that I send her a layout of herself and her daughter Jadyn and I was so happy to do it. The letter I got today was the thank you for that. And to also tell me how excited she was that she has passed her PT's and will be out this entire week on a campout and then next week practicing for graduation!!! I cant believe it is already here. Im sooo happy and proud. I cant help but get huge tears when I hear from her and how happy she appears to be. I hope that deep in her soul she has found peace and a new appreciation for herself. She deserves the very best. As do all of my nieces and my one lil nephew.. hehee. Her last sentence said... *See you at Christmas*... I just want to bawl. haha. Reminds me of one of my most favorite Christmas songs below~

Happy November!~

Thought Id post a few pics from the party we had Friday night. What a night! The kids trick or treated til they dropped. Then the adults had fun with jello shots, jokes, chit chat and the warm fire in the pit! The night escalated into tricycle races in which Todd ended up injured hahaa.. but it was hilarious and fun. The party lasted til the wee hours of morning. We took Saturday easy and just recovered. I hope we can have more parties. So much fun!