More Pics from WR

This pic of Lisa and Gerri Anne sums up the weekend, such fun! Some one was always cracking us up and we were always looking to see what was so fun! The fellowship was awesome! Scrappers are such great fun, sharing, caring, inspirational, caring people! It was an awesome weekend THANKS to Linda J and her gang. Always cheerful, and helpful. Dee was a bit under the weather, but we wouldn't have known. She went above and beyond to help us, as she is with Teri here!
Michelle gave me advice on everything from stamps to eyeglass fashion. She even let me try hers as I am thinking I need to change style. Michelle is one of my favorite people, we like to call her June Bug! LOL!
The Cabin Roomies were the greatest! One of my thrills was getting to meet Teri finally! We had such fun. It truly is INDESCRIBIBLE! You have to experience it. Linda says she is planning a few more of these weekends. AWESOME!
I loved the woodsy setting, it was inspirational, calm and peaceful. Part of the fun is surviving the cold the first night. The food was great, I am craving the Chicken Noodle soup, it was that good! We made many memories, remembered to take plenty of pics and scrapped! Does life get any better?
:J 

Bridges, Enchanted Forest & Paton Saints

I loved the bridge at Oleno State Park, where our Winter Retreat was held. It crosses the Santa Fe River to take you into an Enchanted Forest for a mile and a half hike. Armed with my camera,
I found a grove of Cypress knees that reminded me of little gnomes frozen in time. I have never seen so many of these knees in one place. Usually the river is higher and these knees are under water, supplying the Cypress trees on the riverbanks with much needed water. Cypress knees are protected, in years past they were harvested to make craft items. I'm glad they will be preserved for future generations, they seem so ancient standing proud together. At one point in the weekend a few of us sat looking around the room in awe of the amount of money invested in supplies in this room. Jules counted 39 large AMM Totally Cool Totes of every color. That meant more than half the women attending had a tote. I wonder how many pieces of paper were in the room? This is only a third of the room, and although it seemed crowded, we had plenty of room to stretch out and scrap.I I have to close with a Thank you to St. Anthony of Padua. Recently, I feel like I am losing my mind. In the past month I have lost my vehicle ID for work (that I had just been given), then my Jump Drive and office keys, and finally last weekend I lost my Scrappy glue and a pair of scissors. Prayers have been going up to St. Anthony unceasingly. Today he answered with my Vehicle ID. I found it in my hooded sweatshirt pocket that I wore our first cold Friday. Thankfully now I can park in Admin parking, closer to the building, a blessing on these cold days. Now Tony, how bout those keys, jump drive, scissors and glue. Lead me to them! Especially the jump drive and keys, the drive has my genealogy records on it, and the keys...well I don't want to have to tell my Principal I need new keys.
The scissors and glue? Heck I can replace them.
May your prayers be answered.

:J 

What a Weekend!

What a weekend! It started late Thursday when I got an email saying there was an opening at WR. The email was sent Thursday morning so when I received it Thursday night, I was sure someone else had gotten the spot. A quick email to Linda let me know the spot was still mine if I wanted it. I was amazed that my hubby, GOD I LOVE THAT MAN, said I could go! My plan went into action. I asked Linda not to let them know I was coming, which also meant I could not let the Monkey girls know I was going either. Not they couldn't keep a secret, but just in case one of the Smoochie Girls would see it posted.
My plan went into action. I loaded clothes in the washer, ran to the scraproom to dump the contents of my scrapbag onto the table so I could reload and started making my list. The adrenaline was pumping, I was THRILLED!
It was 2 am before I was calm enough to go to sleep, and I was wide awake at 6 to get moving. Packed the car, gassed up and I hit the ATM and then the road. A quick side trip to ASIT to pick up a kit from a class I missed during last week's scrap weekend, and I was set to go! The old Ford could not go fast enough! I stopped for lunch in Tallahassee to see #2 Son, and after that it was just a hop, skip and jump to O'leno State park and WR.
My plan was still in action when Linda informed me that the girls had not yet arrived. I unpacked at the cabin and returned to the Crop room to wait.
After about an hour the girls arrived. PRICELESS! Kip & Teri were the first ones to come in. Kip was half way through the room before she saw me. OMG!
So exciting. It was the first time Terri and I met IRL and she is just the sweetest person. Jules came in with Barb & Gerri Ann, it was a hugging & smooching fest! Our other roomie was Lisa, from Technique Tuesday. As a matter of fact, the girls thought it was her stuff in the cabin, when in reality it was mine. Lisa is a riot of a teacher and a great all around gal! My cropping pals have doubled now and they are such a great group.
Friday night we froze our hineys off in the unheated, open screened cabin. It got down to 30 degrees. I was toasty inside my bed, but that middle of the night bathroom run was bone chillin' cold! Not to mention what chilled when the ole butt hit that cold toilet seat!
But it made the weekend all the more fun.
I think that's enough for tonite. I do need to catch up on my beauty sleep. But I leave you with this pic, and let you use your imiagination as to what I was doing here!

 

6 of the Wierdest Things About ME!

I have been tagged by several people to tell my six wierdest things about me. I hope they are still my friends when they learn how really wierd I am. hehehe.

1. I flush public toilets with my feet. I thought it was wierd, but learned Sophia does this too. I also try not to touch the doors in public restrooms. I use my elbow or back to open them if I can.

2. I cannot eat soggy bread. That is just plain nasty. Now if it is bread pudding and there is enough whiskey sauce on it, well then I choke it down.

3. Along with soggy bread, I don't eat hot cereal type foods. UGH! It's not the taste, it's the texture. Makes my tongue curl just thinking about it.

4. When I scrap, I have to clean everything up before I start a new project. I can't just go from page to page without clean space to work on.

5. I have to read. I read everywhere and everything. I am not huge book reader, I am a magazine fanatic. I subscribe to 11 different magazines.

6. I am a packrat, but can't stand clutter. I can't think with things cluttered. Which makes #4 make sense.

Well that is the 6 wierd things I told you about. You can tell me if I missed any obvious ones. I tag Gail, Cindy, Darla (which btw, where did your blog go?) Jason, (who won't answer), and my 3 sons.

:J

I so need to update this blog. I've been busy, busy but boring! But since you are here, you must be interested! So here it goes.
The weekend scrapbooking retreat at the beach was a blast. 65 women in a large room, scrappin their little hearts out in their own way. I was amazed at all the different styles. We had a lot of door prize drawings, a nightly big prize drawing, and a grand prize at the end of the weekend. My sister won the grand prize, a Karen Foster seat tote. How cool was that?
I did a beach scavenger hunt teamed up with a woman I didn't even know. That was fun! We didn't win, but came in second. Scrap bingo was fun. As was the LO contest, which was an almost unanimous decision of a cute 1 year olds picture LO. I stayed up til 1am on night, and 3 am the next, which is probably why I am exhausted still.
Yesterday was our annual FTE meeting for school. FTE is the count of students which tells us how much money the government will gives us. Every year they say the same thing and it was hard to stay awake through it.
Two more basketball games and my life returns to normal for a few months. More scrappin' time, yardwork time and house time. And most importantly, hubby time. I do miss snuggle time!
So that's my boring week thus far in a nutshell. I guess I should get to work. I know they miss me!

:J

No Walk on the Beach

Okay here are the views from our room. It's a bit chilly for a walk on the beach, but I will be busy croppin' my heart out. Hank, keep those mimosa's coming!
 

It's all about ME!

I've been extremely busy and nothing exciting happening worth blogging about. I got this from my friend Dee, a pretty amazing woman. She didn't tag me, so I won't tag you. I doubt you will learn anything you didn't already know, but let me know if you do.
:J

A
Aphrodisiac. What turns you on? A piece of good Dark Chocolate and a Margarita
B
BFF. Who’s your best friend? Corny as it sounds, my husband.
C
Celeb. Favorite? Brett Favre Most annoying? That guy from Borak
D
Drink. What’s your poison? Margarita, a tequila shot or two
E
Everyday essentials. What do you use everyday? My Laptop, My Toothbrush
F
Fav. color. What’s your signature color? Melon
G
Groove. What music are you enjoying today? Brad Paisley's "When I get Where I'm Going"
H
Hot! Who’s hot? Brett Farve Who’s not? Peyton Manning
I
Indulgence. Dish about your guilty pleasure. My new Laptop & Dark Chocolate
J
{dream} Job. What would you do? Work in the Souvenier Shop at Lambeau Field
K
Kitchen Companion. Most used item in your kitchen? The oven. I'd rather bake than cook.
L
Life is incomplete without. . . ? A vacation to look foward too.
M
Mc. . . What would you “Mc”? McScrap
N
Natural or dyed? Natural
O
Outrageous Outfit. What’s hiding your closet that you’re dying to wear? Not hiding anything
P
Pet Peeve. People who think they can't
Q
Quote. “I spent the first 40 years of my life doing what I was supposed to do, I'm spending the next 40 doing what I want to do!"
R
Restaurant you give rave reviews? Zeke's on Orange Beach, AL
S
Starbucks order. Yuk!!! That's a "restaurant I wouldn't give rave reviews too!"
T
Television. What keeps you glued to the couch? "Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, Boston Legal, Green Bay Packer Football
U
Ultimate Vacation Destination? Mine would be a world tour about 5 years long, not the Destination, the journey!
V
Virtual Babe Name. What’s your online ID? Those who need to know it, do.
W
Wonder Woman. What woman leaves you in awe? Most of the women in my friendship circle, I have some pretty amazing friends. (which means you if you are reading this!)
X
eX - Husband (Satan's Spawn)
Y
Youth in a bottle. What keeps you feeling young at heart? Being in love with my husband
Z
Zodiac sign Libra

Life of Busyness

It has been a week, thank goodness it's over! Monday was back to school after 2 weeks off. All that goes with that, last semester's grades, reregistration, new registration, schedule roll overs that didn't work, etc. Then throw in 4, yes FOUR, nights of basketball. Late referees, no security, bad behaving coaches and game cancellations no one told us about, I am glad that week is over.
So what else has happened in my life? Patrick asked if we could "babysit" his girlfriend's cat for a few months. Babysit? Apparently they won't be allowed to have the cat in the new house, mom's new hubby is allergic. Pat's gf is looking for a place of her own, but needs to place the cat until then. "please Mom, I will keep it mostly in my room" hmmm Patrick, how are you going to keep a cat in a room where the door is a curtain? "Please mom, I will clean the litter box, everyday" hmmm Patrick, you can't even keep your room clean, but you will clean a litter box?
We have a cat, a nice cat, who stays in his yard, yes he does, and doesn't have a litter box (his yard) and is quiet, and doesn't scratch furniture, and leaves me alone as long as I leave him alone. So we are out to lunch still about the cat, I won't let it go to the pound, but I want ALL options explored first!
I did take Lula with me to the basketball game today. Good thing too as game times were moved back since one game was cancelled. Lula kept me entertained, but it was interesting what blogs I could get on highjacking the school's WIFI. From my school computer I can't get on any blogs, but with Lula, I could get on some and not other's, post to some, but not others, wasn't able to post on my own blog, but could go on other's blogspot blogs. I went on some typepad blogs but not others. Jules, what do you have on yours that you would be banned? LOL!
Enough wanderings for tonite. It will be so good to have two days off, no basketball.
Go Saints!
:J

btw, we won both games today!!!!

Okay Here's the 5 Wierd Things

Here are are the rules to play:
1. List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets
2. Tag 5 friends and list them.
3. Those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people.
4. Don't forget to let the people you tag know by posting a comment on their blog!

okay, you've waited long enough!

1. I don't eat hot, soggy food. Grits, oatmeal, cream of wheat, Bread pudding used to be there but I have adapted, I also eat mashed potatoes. Cold soggy food, flan, tapioca, are NOTS. I think it's the texture more than the taste. I also can't stand corn dogs, but love the smell of them cooking.

2. My dog snores. Not gentle doggy snores once in awhile. Man snores, drunk man sleeping it off snores, all the time.

3. My dog, Dakota, will not get up on the bed with me when the Hubby is home. He knows Daddy doesn't like it. BUT, on the weekends he will get up there if Daddy invites him. And trust me, he knows when weekend mornings are and whines to get up there. He will also get up there when Daddy is not home.

4. I don't own a dishwasher. I actually like doing dishes, it's my therapy.

5. I cannot stand to see someone lick a knife. Even plastic ones. It makes my tongue hurt and gives me heebie jeebies. It's like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Which by the way fingernails on a chalkboard don't bother me.

So I'm wierd. there's so much you don't know! but those are the safe answers. LOLOLOL!
Let's see now, I tag,
Zora
Cindy
Holly
Nichole
Johanna

post your answers on your blog/myspace and let me know where it is. You don't blog? Shame! leave them here or wherever so I can see them.
Have a wondermous day! Oh yeah, and my butt?(see below) it still hurts!

:J

My Butt Hurts

Yes you read that right. My butt hurts. It's actually a bit higher kinda between the butt and the hip, a little to the front from the butt. I hit it on a doorknob, during the basketball game. I know, I can see you shaking your head at me. Let me explain.
The ticket booth is set up in a way that you can't see the game. Imagine that! They want me to sell the tickets, not watch the game. But when things are slow (and they were tonite) I like to step to the gym doorway to watch the game. Especially when a kid from the other team just signed a basketball scholarship to UF, yes that UF, the National Championship UF, not only in football but basketball. So I was standing there, minding my own business, watching the game, when someone came in to buy a ticket so they could watch Mr. UF Basketball scholarship. In my rush to help this customer, I hit my hinder on the door knob. It hurt, I didn't say cuss words. The rest of the game it throbbed. When I left, after watching Mr. UF Basketball Scholarship Slam Dunk TWICE! I got in the car, and when I put on the brake, pain shot down my leg. HMM. I rushed home into the bathroom, pulled down my pants expecting to see a HUGE PURPLE bruise, and saw nothing. Now I am at the age where I bruise easier than I used to. My husband has asked if I have a secret lover who is into S&M because I have bruises appear that I cannot remember getting.
But this time I have no bruise, nothing but pain. Let's hope I can get out of bed in the morning. If not, do you think I can claim workman's comp?
Just wondering,
:J

Oh and Mr. UF Basketball Scholarship? Pretty good for a white boy.

First of all I will get to the 5 wierd things about me or my pet. It's hard to narrow it down to 5 on either of us! It's late, UF won! (I was kinda rooting for OHIO) but it's all good, the Gators are good too.
Second, why didn't someone tell me that Monday is a holiday! WOOHOO! Can you say Scrappin' day!!!!!! WOOHOOO!
It's back to school tomorrow (Tuesday) for our students. I'll be busy rescheduling all our part time students. When the schedules rolled over it rolled everyone in as full time students. Of course, I didn't realize this until 15 minutes before I was to go home. OH Well, I'll get it fixed.
I have nine home basketball games to work this month. NINE! What was that coach thinking?? What will I do with my extra wealth? HMMM.
5 wierd things. HMMM.

Here are are the rules to play:1. List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets
2. Tag 5 friends and list them.
3. Those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people.
4. Don't forget to let the people you tag know by posting a comment on their blog!

Okay my 5 things
well no, tune in tomorrow, I'm just not ready to reveal them yet.

:Jayne

The Party is over!!

First off, if you have visited my blog in the past few days, there was a test up about me, well the link didn't work so I deleted that post. That will teach me for trying to do something at 2 am. So if you want, the test was about my torrid past, if you know an interesting fact or rumor about me, go ahead post it! If that doesn't get my brother to post and say HI! nothing will! He doesn't know I can tell he has been here!
It's back to work for me tomorrow. My two weeks of bliss are over. I got alot of scrappin' done, had a great Christmas and visit with family, got Christmas all put away, watched lots of football and daytime TV. But I didn't, learn Adobe Elements 5.0, print pictures, do my Christmas cards, or walk everyday like a do at work.
So tomorrow begins a better era, I will upload my pics to print, get my walk in, and watch some football. In the next few weeks I AM going to get notes out to all those long lost friends & relatives who probably thought I've dropped of the face of the earth since I didn't send cards out. OH well, off to bed to get up early and hit that grindstone!
Have a wondermous day!

:J

It's been a busy week, I've tried to post pictures a few times, but blogger doesn't want to cooperate.
I've been working on a baby album for my friend, Jackie. Her son and his wife gave her her first granddaughter in October. It is so fun doing something in pink!
I've been visiting my sister, Susie all week. We've had lots of fun, scrappin', organizing her new scraproom, and shoppin'. I have spent way too much money, but got some great things. Likw this and I ordered this They match my big tote, which I totally love!
But I've noticed somethings too this week which bother me. My sister is starting to act her age. I'm not saying she is old, but she is 16 years older than me. She's getting slower, forgetful and easily frustrated. It really is sad for me, as she is the one who I've always looked to for help, answers and advice. Now the role is reversing, much like when a parent who ages looks to their children for help. While I am more than happy to help, and I always will, it's also a reminder that I am getting older also. It reminds me that our days together are getting shorter, and makes me cherish them more. My visits need to be more frequent, more pictures taken and more stories exchanged. But days should be like that with everyone in our lives, as they are what is most important.
:J

So Now You Know

I've been tagged by several friends, so here are my uninteresting answers. If you copy and paste and answer, let me know, I'd love to read what you have done too!
BTW, just for the record, my husband has probably done 90% of these, with the exception of Bungee jumping, parasailing and skydiving. I guess that explains why he doesn't mind sitting at home while I explore the world.

1. Bought a round of drinks for everyone in a bar. (there were 3 of us in the bar)
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you’ and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg (no but I have walked across many a frozen river)
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper (just yesterday)
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne (actually it was from eating strawberries soaked in champagne)
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (if pig latin counts, I did that for a week)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country (actually it was in the US but he was a foreign stranger)
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign (it was more than one, and I AM still wanted)
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship (yes if you count the Delta Queen)
94. Spoken more than one language fluently (see 37)
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children, at times I thought they were aliens
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to start over (can I have extra points for doing this several times?)
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds - no but I have gained over that much
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show (it was HS Quiz Bowl and the school got the money)
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol (all three)
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet - my children did, it was my house, I'm counting this one
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi NO but I would eat Kangaroo meat first!
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair - I am still virgin
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident ( a accident??? probably more than one)
150. Saved someone’s life (Heimlich manuever)

Okay, now do yours!
:J

Yep! I'm still here!

I can't believe my Holiday vacation is half over! WAHHHH! I've had a busy past couple of days and haven't gotten here to post! So here's an update.
Nails done, shopped to return a bra, why do some bras seem like one cup is noticeably bigger than the other? I mean like I know one boob is bigger, but that was the cup that was big enough. It was the smaller one that had a way too small cup! Took that sucker back, I'm not paying $30 for a missized bra! But I got the right fitting one finally and all is well in that world again.
I took a 30 mile drive to a LSS. They had the cutest mini AMM scrap totes! But I just couldn't justify that one yet. Maybe if they have it at the LSS that I have a GC to. I still spent some cash there, nothing spectacular, paper and embellies.
Today was the big wedding. George looked so handsome in his Marine Corps uniform and Carrie was just a doll in her dress. They make the cutest couple! Beautiful ceremony, gorgeous church. I will try to get pics posted tomorrow. Reception was gorgeous too. They had it at the Officers club on base. This is the first time I have been in there since Hurricane Ivan just about destroyed it. It has taken almost two years to renovate and I can see why. It is done perfectally. The Mustin Beach Officers Club on NAS is a National Historic Building. I was glad to see that they did the reconstruction right and preserved it to it's full former glory. Again, hopefully more pics tomorrow! I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked. Outside was gloomy, rainy and it got dark soooo quick. Hopefully I can find more pics that someone else took. After the reception (it ended about 6 pm) we headed over to the Groom's parents, Lynn & Howard. I have known them since before they announced they were pregnant with George. We had the best time at the after party! Catching up on old times, finding out what a small world it really is. I love times like these!
Enough for tonite, I'm off to bed. Need to pack tomorrow to go to my sister's to scrap for a week, without taking everything I own. HMMM! or I could just buy more! LOL!

:J

Knowing All is Right in My World

I love the conversations that transpire when all three boys are in the house. We have had very interesting dinner conversations here, some of which are only fit for late night TV. But they were conversations and they took place at dinner, around the table with the whole family present. There have been many times I have not wanted to leave the table, the conversation was soo good.
A couple of the conversations this past weekend really touched me, surprised me and made me feel like I have done a better job with these boys then I sometimes give myself and my husband credit for.
Daniel, the oldest, the one who should be a politician or lawyer had this to say. "Mom, did you know you are on my myspace page?" My first thought was oh great, he really did tell the world about the time I made him move a pile of concrete from one side of the yard to the other, just because he told me one time too many he was bored. But alas, that was not the case. He surprised me. I am on my son's myspace page because I am his hero. He actually has two heros listed. One is "anyone who has been told that something isn't possible and proven it wrong. and My mother, who taught me the most important word in the english language, PERSERVERANCE" I was floored. I always told Daniel he can do anything. I have witnessed him in action. He is as comfortable talking with Admirals & Mayors, Politicians & Lawyers, as he is talking to a neighbor or homeless person. He can make you beleive the sky is green when it is blue, and he is the hardest working kid I know. When Dan puts his mind to something, he accomplishes it. I am honored to be his hero.
Kevin, my middle one, thanked me for sharing the nacho dip recipe. He has become famous for his nacho dip. You know the one, a pound of Velveeta, a pound of Hamburger and a can of rotel. All his friends think that dip is da bomb! Kevin has a group of friends who gather every Sunday for football, and the dip is a must. Especially if it is served in the football shaped crockpot that I gave him because I never use it.
It is the little things like those that assures me the world is going to be alright. It makes all the sneers I got during their teenage years worth it. It assures me that all the times that I didn't let them do what "everyone else" was doing, was the right choice. Yes, as my mother said, "This too shall pass" That teenage boys really do grow their brains back. They do become human again after all.
In case you wondered,

:J

One of the best gifts this year was to have all three boys home for the weekend. As children grow, and the nest empties, these get togethers are good for DH and I. It reminds us how much fun our kids are to be around. It also makes the quiet appreciated more when they leave. With boys every thing is a competition, especially with all three of them here. I loved every minute of it!
Dan and Kevin were amazed at the scraproom. They loved the tools, especially the Cropadile and the Cricut. I was amazed that at some point over the weekend, all three of them took a turn in the scraproom creating a card or present for their girls. What really amazed me is that they did this one their own. At one time or another one would come to me and ask, "Mom show me how to do this," or "Mom, Can I use this?"
Their creations were beautiful if I do say so myself. Patrick started an album that he and his girl plan to pass back and forth to each other. Dan made a card, he used the Cricut & the Cropadile, and Kevin made a card also.
Of course being the men that they are, they left a mess for me to clean up. But that's okay, I don't mind once in awhile. I'm just glad I finally have children to share this hobby with. Now I wonder which one would like to go to a weekend crop? LOL! not pushing my luck on that one!
It was a great holiday, with many unexpected gifts. And children who surprise you.
:J

Merry Christmas from Our House

It has been a fabulous Christmas weekend. We both began with a quiet Friday afternoon nap before all the chaos began later that evening. Some one was settled in for his long winter's nap when I snapped this. A typical Friday afternoon pose. How he sleeps with 75 pounds of Lab/Chow mix in his lap is beyond me, but they do, every chance they get. We had a great time beginning at about 2 a.m. Saturday morning. Kevin arrived from Tallahassee after a long evening at work. Patrick, Kevin and I had a quick chat before heading to bed.
Saturday morning brought busy errands, grocery shopping and such. When we arrived back from all our errands, Daniel and Felicia had arrived from Louisiana. It was soooo good to have them here! All our boys in one place, at once, a near impossible feat! Someone is always working, or has a commitment elsewhere. This year it has worked out they were all home, it was my best Christmas present. Rick and I talked about it this afternoon. He said he never understood why his Dad would say that was the best present. Now he understands.
Of course getting them all together, and getting them to all cooperate for a good picture is just never done. But this is the best I could get them to do. They even lined up in Birth order, Daniel, 26 on the left, Kevin 24, in the middle and the baby, Patrick 19, on the right. A handsome crew if I do say so myself.
Daniel amused us as always with his Ricky Bobby impressions, his Trivial Pursuit knowledge and his favorite present, his 20 Questions thingymabob. Yes, he even stumped that!
Kevin, who has had a great year bartending, showered us with amazing, thoughtful gifts. It was fun to see his pleasure as the recipients beamed with joy at his thoughtfulness.
Patrick, always the entertainer, challenged his brothers to digital guitar games on the Playstation. The house was rockin as they all took turns playing.
It was great having them all here, some things never change except their age. But there was still enough little boy left in all of them to make their mama a happy woman. It was a blessed Christmas.
:J
 

TGICB!

Thank God it's Christmas Break! Today is our last day of school for two weeks!!! Finals are over, it's a half day for students, everyone is Jingle belling with happiness!
I will be glad for the extra time to finish up Christmas plans at our house. I need to finish wrapping presents, that will clean up the spare bedroom. Kevin arrives on Saturday, he'll be happy the room is clean!
I have a few more errands to run, stocking stuffers to pick up, groceries to buy. Then tonite is the Packer/Viking game. The press is trying to make this out to be Brett's last game at Lambeau field, but I don't think so. I think he will be back next year.
I feel like an ADHD Kid at Christmas. I am a million directions and need a compass to guide me.
I guess that's all I really have to say for today, I need to get to work, the sooner I get there, the sooner I get home! LOL!

:J

One Week, Who's Counting?

Santa himself doesn't seem stressed by the fact that Christmas is just one week away. Of course he has thousands of little elves running around. They make sure that the presents are just what everyone asked for, the gifts are wrapped perfectly, and all the decorations are just right. Even Mrs. Claus only has the baking to worry about, and I'm sure she has elves helping with that!
Despite the fact that I tell myself every year that I am not going to stress about Christmas, I do. I downsize every year, a little more off the list, one less present to buy, one less task to do. Still, I stress. Getting gifts, making menus, worrying that they will all be home for just that right Christmas moment, making sure there are pictures.
One week left and I feel the CRUNCH. I do know it will all get done. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I will make sure they all know tho, it isn't the presents, the food, or the pictures. It's the reason. One little baby came into this world whose soul purpose was to serve God and die for our sins. What gift is better than that?
So when I really get stressed, I stop. I remember. There is no greater gift than that.

:J 

More Men & A challenge

A few more of my favorite men. It's just kinda cool to have so many smilin' faces greet me every morning when I walk in the kitchen. Lifts my spirits right away!
A challenge from my friend, Cindy, who got it from my friend Kip, who got it from Sophia.
ABC's Challenge

A - Available or single: neither/married
B - Best Friend: Rick
Cake or Pie: Cake
D - Drink of choice: Water the coffee a close 2nd, Maragarita's 3rd
E - Essential item you use everyday: My Glasses
F - Favorite color: Watermelon
G- Gummy Bears or worms: Bears
H - Hometown: Savanna, IL
I - Indulgence: Scrapbooking
J - January or February: February, More days off
K - Kids & Names: Sons, Dan, Kevin & Patrick
Life is Incomplete Without? Family & Friends
M - Marriage Date: Oct 18, 1986
N - Number of Siblings: 2 brothers, 1 sister, 1 - half sister
O - Oranges or apples: Oranges
P - Phobias or Fears: Losing my family
Q - Fave Quote: I have too many favorites to post!
R - Reason to Smile: I got up this morning
S - Season: Fall
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Jules, my brother Jason, and MaryAnn
U - Unknown Fact about Me: I slept in a Cave
V- Vegetable You Don't Like: Humus (dunno for sure if that's a veggie)
W - Worst Habit: Gossiping
X - Xrays: pretty much everywhere, Hands, Feet, Ankles, Knees, Hips, Back, Elbows, Wrists, Neck and Head.
Y - Your Fave Food: Seafood
Z - Zodiac Sign: Libra

Older (snow)Men are Good Too!

Just a few more from my collection. The fella below is probably my oldest. He was on alot of my sisters trees, and she is much older than I! I would say he is at least 50 if not pushing 60! I know he is pushing WWII era. I just love him! You know he is back from when a man tipped his hat to whomever he met. The tree is genuine old also, I got it at the same time I got my first snow man, who is the next picture.
I remember getting this little guy when I was very young, probably 5 or younger. My dad had taken me to a greenhouse to get a poinsettia. The clerk gave him and the tree above to me. I was so afraid of breaking him, and wouldn't hold the tree, because it was prickly. LOL! He has survived many years, travels all over and is still in pretty good shape for an old man.
Good thing they aren't real snow. Today our high is supposed to hit 75! It's mid December! Like I said a few days ago, there are days I shop in shorts, this may be one of them!
Wherever you are, whatever the temps, I hope your day is a warm, cozy one!

:J 

Sometimes Fake is Better Than the Real Thing

I love snow. I always have, all my life. Yes, it's cold. Yes, it's a pain to shovel. Yet I have to admit, I still love snow. It's quiet beauty as it falls, blanketing the world in a clean, white cover. If you have ever stepped out on a moonlit night after a fresh fallen snow, then you know the feeling of peace in the world. I could walk for miles on a night like that. You get the feeling you are the only one in the world, it's sooo quiet.
I am no longer fortunate to live where I can experience this on a daily basis in the winter. So I have to settle for the fake kind. Snow flake lights, Plastic snow flakes, and Snow people. Most of them stand silently at their post, grinning at me, perhaps thankful that they are fake, and warm.
My Darling husband picked this snowman up for me the other night at CVS. He said it just looked like he would be one I love. He was right! He is fluffy and soft. Probably one of the biggest ones I have.
I love my Packer snowman. He is probably one of my most cherished. He stays out all year round. DH bought him also. The ultimate football fan, as everyone knows there is nothing in the world like a football game in Lambeau Field, the Frozen Tundra. Snow should be falling at game time, a slushy, sloppy snow, to make the game fun! My latest purchase, sure to become cherished, is Papa & Momma Snowman and their 3 little snowmen. I was thrilled to find this as we have 3 sons. I don't think I have ever seen a group of 5. It also reminds me how blessed I am.
I am blessed with a wonderful family. I don't have to shovel snow. I have relatives & friends who still live in snow country so I can go visit when I realllllly miss snow. Then I can make all the snowmen, snowballs, snowangels, snowforts and snowpaths I want.
Yes, I am blessed.
:J 

A Day to Put Me in the Christmas Spirit

One of the hardest things for me as a native midwesterner living in Florida is to get in the Christmas Spirit while the weather is warm, trees green and no snow. Every year I do my Christmas shopping in shorts at least one day. The rest of the days I usually go jacketless. The past few days have turned chilly tho, somewhat reminding me of winter.
Santa's arrival by fire truck to our neighborhood this morning also signaled to me that Christmas is near. I heard him coming from blocks away and while he didn't get down and listen to every child's wish, he did give them an early gift of a stuffed animal and some candy. He passed by me tho and just waved. I wonder if that is a hint of what's to come Christmas eve. Haven't I been a good girl this year? The evening brought the Annual Pensacola Christmas parade, despite the chilly temps, these girls were ready to twirl their little hearts out the entire 3 mile length of the parade. I was in my long johns, turtle neck sweater & jacket. I would have not been able to lift my baton had I been them.
The floats were lit up in their usual finery, tossing Mardi Gras beads, candy and stuffed animals to all 30,ooo people lining the downtown streets. I was a Marshall, given a half a block to guard and make sure no little ones went over barricades for a penny piece of candy and to keep them safe from the floats. I enjoyed picking up missed beads & candy and giving them to the littlest ones who patiently waited for things to be thrown to them. Most everyone was cooperative, letting the littlest ones have all the prizes.
Krewe of Lafitte has their own parade during Mardi Gras, but they delight everyone anytime they bring out the Dragon float. It was decked with Christmas bows and lights with the Holiday spirit.

Although I didn't get a picture, it was awesome to see 6 of our 7 high school bands lined up to get into their place in the parade. (the final one was returning from Miami where they had played in their HS football Championship game) They had a drum off while they waited, which sounded awesome admist the brick walls of the surrounding buildings.
Everyone was in the holiday mood, and finally I think, so am I!
Merry Christmas!
:J

Yes That's me!

"It was 1962, and in early December Santa always made the neighborhood rounds in my hometown to find out what every good little girl and boy wanted for Christmas. I was shy, and wanted nothing to do with the Big Man in the Red Suit! Times have changed, and Santa no longer makes his rounds in early December. I am also no longer Santa Shy and have no problem letting him know what I would like Christmas Eve!"
Yes that's me, and it was my first Santa visit. I had just turned two. My sister had to hold me so I would have the courage to take a Candy Cane from Santa.
I wish I still had legs that skinny!
Thanks for looking. I hope you aren't Santa Shy either.
:J 

And this is why there's a problem!

In a high school you expect that there will be kids ditching class. Heck, I did it a time or two..or three..okay so I ditched a few times. But when you catch them red handed and follow procedure, you expect the powers to be to do something!
Yesterday afternoon during our wellness walk, a co-worker and I noticed bushes moving on the far end of campus. We called to the bushes, but no answer. We walked a few yards further and watched the bushes move more. Now I'm not talking about jiggling bushes, I'm talking small trees bending like Yehti is moving through. We called again. Silence.
I dug for my ever trusty cell phone and put in a call to the office, told them who it was and told them what we were seeing. We kept walking. The reply was, "The resource officer says he doesn't do woods." Okay fine. Therein lies the problem.
We have a large campus, some of it wooded. If you know this, and know you have suspected skippers, you don't "do woods?" HMMM.
So we called the Dean, who we know is tough. "Do you know who they are?" No. But if you walk out here one of them is coming out of the woods, oh wait, there's 3 of them. So I give a description. By now I am half way across campus from them.
It seems no one was concerned but me & my coworker. I probably should have chased into the woods after them, but I didn't. No one else did either, so I guess that's why there's a problem. Maybe I am part of it.
Gotta wonder,
Sign me,
Probably dooced,
:J

Something to Warm You

I noticed this blooming in the back yard this afternoon when I looked out the window while doing dishes. It's the first bloom my Angel trumpet plant has had on it this year. Angel Trumpets are one of my favorite flowers. Mine was in a different location in the yard where it got entirely too much sun. It was a wilted wreck when we transplanted it to the back yard, under the huge oak tree. Now it's flourishing as you can see below. It has several other buds but I am afraid after our cold weather tonite they will be goners. At least I got to see one bloom. Hard to believe it is December 1st. Did you hear that wooshing noise? That was the entire state of Florida breathing a huge sigh of relief. December 1st marks the end of hurricane season. We managed to make it through without any major hits or damage! WOO HOO! Now if only the insurance companies would reward us with a price cut in our premiums. HA!
24 shopping days until Christmas. Are you ready?
:J 

Catching Up Another Week

Wow! It's hard to believe today is the last day of November! Where did this month go? October seems so far in the past, but November just flew by.
This is another Jules & Kip inspired creation, and I must say my favorite so far. Of course I am partial to snowmen anyway. This little one is probably as close as I will get to the real thing. The papers I used were WM and Jo's Packs. I really like WM's Christmas papers this year! I embellished with a few snowflakes for each letter, and a puff ball for Snowie's cap.
I may still add some ribbons. I think I am keeping him, no bazaar for him, I have to know he has a good home!
Yesterday's minor surgery went well, I was in and out in an hour. Dr. Paul, who is Dr. Diego's brother, did my cyst removal. Another bump on the head gone! I love these guys! The are among the best Dr's I have had in my life. So personable, so caring.
A former student of ours came in last night for a transcript. He was in our Culinary Arts program. We started talking and I found out he knows my oldest DH, and thinks quite highly of him. It was good to hear someone gush about one of my kids. Dan is a great cook, of course, because I taught him! HA! I think it blew both of us away, the student and I, I that he knew Dan, and he that I was Dan's mom!
I will be toilet shopping tonite after work. At 3:30 am our toilet in the main bathroom sprung a huge crack and began leaking all over the floor. When I first heard it, I thought DS3 was in the shower, and thought, what the H is he doing in there at 3:30 am?? Needless to say we were mopping up in the wee hours of the night. The toilet is probably original to the house, built in the late 60's. Merry Early Christmas to us. Just what I wanted a new toilet!
Well hopefully the master shower will hold up, cause that's where I am headed. Then off to work.
Have a wonderful day!
:J 

All I Want for Christmas

This is the time of year when selfish me comes out. I guess because I am spoiled year round, I get really selfish this time of year. Or at least I think I am.
I'm selfish because when I ask what someone wants for Christmas, I really want to know. I work too hard all year to just go out and buy something to give you as a gift just so I can say I bought you something. I really want to buy you something you want. Isn't that what Christmas morning gift giving is all about? Getting what you want?
So this noon, gift giving was the topic of discussion at lunch. I was met with alot of "I don't know" "I don't care" or "A million dollars". What is it about guys not knowing?
Not knowing has never been a problem for me. Ask me anytime what I want and I can give you at least 5 things in 5 seconds. I didn't have any problem holding up my end of the discussion when it came to gift giving.
I used to tell the kids when they were teens that all I wanted was a clean house and kids who loved me. LOL! They still answer that whenever I ask them what they want. If money were no object and VISA were endless, I would get them what ever they wanted. But that isn't so, so I just want to know what they would like $300 or less. Maybe I will just give them money. They could go out after Christmas, shop the sales, and get exactally what they want. It would make for a boring Christmas morning, no presents, no reason to get up early. Which brings me to what I really want for Christmas. Really, Really, I want to go to my in laws for Christmas again. I miss being around the whole family, the big group. Where everyone stands in line for the one bathroom. We take turns with each other cooking and doing dishes. Where a 19 year old gets to be 8 again and play with the cousins throwing snowballs. I want family. I love my husband and my boys, but we see each other all the time. I want to be with everyone. More than everything I put on that list today, I want to be with family. Santa Please!
:J

Something Accomplished

I've stayed busy this weekend, accomplishing projects I've had on hold. I was inspired by my friends, Jules & Kip on these. Jules and Kip held a make and take at Creepover 2006 to make a decorated wooden BOO. Then I saw these at HL, and decided to try a Winter Twist on their project. I think I like the Santa better, his beard is crackled paint, I used silver underneath and white over the top. I'm making a few of these for next year's Christmas bazaar. I hope they sell.

Off to bed, tell me what you have been doing.

:J 

Thanksgiving Day, not Quite as Planned

Okay so things did not go exactally as planned Turkey day. Around my house things happen that way, we adjust, move on and get over it. I guess that's what getting older has done for me.
I didn't get to watch the Macy's Parade. BUT I did get to watch the McDonald's Parade from Chicago. Our local HS band was in it, "The Pride" from Escambia High School, my older boy's alma mater. But it kind of ticked me off because they didn't mention Escambia High, just Pensacola, but we have 9 high schools in Pensacola!
We didn't have pie, no pie, nada, zilch. The Schwann's guy just didn't get here so I couldn't bake it. We didn't have Chocolate Torte. No room in the fridge, so I didn't make it. We did have Pumpkin/Cream Cheese roll and Poor Farmer's cheesecake. It was more than enough and yum-0!
There were no candied yams on our table. Why? Ditzbrain, me, forgot to buy them! Actually I thought I still had a can in the pantry, I didn't. I was the only one disappointed, and DH promised to go to the best place in town that makes yams, Cole's, and get me my very own serving of their candied yams. I'll settle for that!
No Nap afterwards really, the tv was too loud, and the game too exciting! LOL!
Dessert at Lynn's was a load of fun. Fun catching up with the kids, watching Lynn's adorable DGS, Schyler get into mischeif. What a cutie he is! DH & the guys loved watching the football games on Howards 60+ inch big screen. I didn't know tv's came that huge! I felt like I was on the sidelines the little bit I watched it!
So the guys were in one room watching football on the big screen tv, the girls in the Florida room catching up and playing with the grandkids. Isn't that what Thanksgiving really is about? People you love, food too fattening, all together in one fell swoop? I guess my Thanksgiving is what I planned after all.
How was yours?

:J

Thanksgiving Survey

Just a little Questionaire, borrowed from Kip, who borrowed from Sophia. But also, Thanks, I am thankful for all my great friends, Monkeys or otherwise. Enjoy the day!
:J

Do you cook all or part of the meal?
Every single bit of it honey!
How much do you spend buying groceries for the meal?
I don't look at the receipts, it doesn't matter.
Eat at home or go to someone else’s?
Home, but going for dessert at a friend's.
Describe your perfect bite?
Since I can't just inhale the whole thing at once, probably white meat turkey with a bit of mashed taters, gravy, corn and stuffing.
White meat or dark?
White
Stuffing with giblets or without?
With giblets and without cornbread
Anything you won’t eat at the Thanksgiving meal?
Not only do I not eat it, I don't serve pumpkin pie!
Carve Mr. Gobble at the table or serve on a platter?
On the Platter
Favorite pie?
Triple Berry Apple Rhubarb
Formal table or chinet?
Formal
Your menu?
Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli salad, Sweet tater casserole, corn, rolls, cranberry jello blocks, veggie tray. For dessert is Pumpkin cream cheese roll, Triple Berry Apple Rhubarb Pie, Cheesecake and Chocolate torte.
Favorite leftover?
PIE
Extended family, friends, both or just the immediate family for dinner?
This year, DH & I, DS2 & DS3 for dinner, and later that evening we are going to a friend's for dessert.
After dinner, do you go to the latest movie or football on TV?
A Nap and if I wake up, FOOTBALL!
Do you watch the Macy’s Parade?
Yep!
Christmas decorations up before or after?
After
Black Friday shopping or sleep in?
Oh thank God I don't have to worry about Black Friday, if the kids were younger I might.
Any special Thanksgiving tradition?
On my table are several things. My grandmother's Platter, Depression Glass Salt & Pepper Shakers from my dad's bachelor pad before he married my mom, a Heisey glass tray from my mom's family and a Pilgrim man, Pilgrim woman and turkey candles from my childhood.
Also, after grace we all have to tell what we are thankful for.
Favorite Thanksgiving memory?
The year we ate Thanksgiving in our last Navy housing. We were in the midst of moving into this house.

Aw Doc! Do I Hafta?

It began with a bout of vicious vertigo on Monday. I went to work anyway, theorizing that as the day went on and I worked, that I would feel better. No, I didn't.
After lunch I made a Doctor's appointment for Tuesday morning. Then I went home to catch a nap and found my youngest son asleep on the couch with the flu. So even tho I felt much better on Tuesday morning, I went to the Dr's anyway. He poked and prodded and asked a few questions, then declared me to a have another ear infection in my left ear. Hmmm, but really I felt great. He gave me a script for antibiotics, decongestant, and nose stuff and then looked at me and said, "I want you to take a few days off work. Can you do that?"
Twist my arm, and what is that you just said?
"Stay home, rest, read a book, and take it easy?"
Aw, Doc, Do I hafta?
Would anyone else like his number?

When Life Keeps You Busy

It's been one of those weekends where nothing got done, but we accomplished alot. Despite feeling yucky off and on, things got done, even if they weren't on the list.
Thursday night started with the first home basketball game of the season, devastating loss by one point. I had left at half time, only to hear the result the next day. So Friday night I was determined to stay for the whole game. I was not disappointed! It was a well played game against a much larger team. It was good to see our boys play clean defense, pass the ball around and move to make plays. The fourth quarter was a nail biter as we came from six points down to make it a back and forth game the entire quarter and finally tie it up at the final buzzer, OVERTIME. Our kids showed their maturity as they outplayed their oponents to win by 4 points! WOOHOO! The prinicpal and I took turns not looking and having heart attacks as things went good, bad, good, bad to finally very good. I really like the new coach, he accomplishes getting some respect and discipline from his team and it shows on the court. The boys aren't wearing sagging, baggy clothes and he even told them to tell the girlfriends goodbye. Between basketball & grades they won't have time! This promises to be a good season!
Saturday was weekly grocery shopping & run to the base exchange. I scored a 24.75 lb turkey at the commissary! If I'm cooking a bird, I'm making it worth my while. Good thing too, DS1 called tonite to say that he thinks he and the fiance will be able to make it home after all! I also found a Christmas pressie for my sister who is hard to buy for and we got ink for the printer.
Hauling in all that food, required a nap from me while DH checked the pool, the yard and putzed outside. We lazed around the rest of the day until about 6 when I convinced him that if I didn't use those Michael's and Hobby Lobby coupons, they would quit putting them in the paper for me. LOL! I picked up the rest of my sister's Christmas present at Michael's, and a Crop a dile for me at HL. I'd tell you what I got her, but she sometimes reads here. We also hit Sam's where we got a Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake to "munch".
Sunday we did laundry, cleaned house and watched football. I scrapped a bit, finishing a CJ I am putting in the mail tomorrow. I am glad to have that out of the way, now I can concentrate on Christmas scrapping! I cleaned the scraproom so I can breathe in here now. Sunday night I made 5 Pumpkin Cheesecake Rolls. 3 of them went to school with me today where they were consumed by the staff, and 2 are for dinner Thursday. I deeply dislike Pumpkin Pie, so this is what we eat instead.
That was it, while nothing spectacular was accomplished, alot got done. Life goes on another day.

:J

HE WON!

I know it wasn't all my shameless begging. But it had to have helped! EMMITT WON! He is the offical Dancing with the Stars Champion! I am so happy for him!
I think America respected the fact of how well he dances despite his bad back, football injuries and age. Like Len said, You make the men of America want to dance!
WOOHOO!
Now if I could just get the hubby into the dance studio. The man can polka with the best of them, I know I can get him to rumba!

:J

Shameless Begging

I have become a huge fan of Dancing with the Stars. Tonite is the night we vote for the Champion. I'm hear to say, VOTE FOR EMMITT! He really is as charming as his smile and think about it, Emmitt is much older than Mario and moves as smooth as he does.
I know Mario has those cute dimples. But Emmitt, that smile, those hips! He truly looks like he is having the time of his life. I don't think he smiled this much when he was winning Super Bowls and breaking records! PLEASE VOTE FOR EMMITT!
Back to your regular programing.

:J

Beginning A New Week

It was a great weekend. I made it to my sister's on Thursday night, about 6. I had a few delays. The trip took a little longer than expected.
The first delay was our new bridge on I-10 over the bay. 45 minutes to go 7 miles. The view was gorgeous tho, and I counted 16 huge cranes on barges that were helping with the construction. I hope they post a final count, how many workers, cranes, tons of concrete, pilings, and rebar it takes to build our new bridge. Imagine being about to say, "I helped build that bridge." It is spectacular!
My second delay was at a LSS about an hour away. It's one of my favorites. I didn't get as many things as I wanted. I can always go back. I was saving myself for the shops we were going to this weekend.
Friday morning began bright and early. After breakfast at IHOP, we hit the first LSS in Dothan. WOW! What a neat place Paper Moon is. She carries most of my favorite papers. Everything was neat and organized. Both the clerks were so friendly and they even let me buy a class kit since I was not able to attend the BoBunny Family Recipe Book class. They didn't have the kits in the class right then, but she took my cell phone number and promised to call as soon as they got them at the store (that day) so I could pick it up.
After Paper Moon, we headed south to Panama City Beach. Originally we had planned to go to Montgomery, but since PCB is the same distance, we decided to try something new! We never know where we will end up!!!
PCB was nice, different, beachy. We hit Michael's, HL and JO's and Scrapbook Studio. Spent way too much money, but got lots of neat stuff!!!! Scrapbook Studio told us about "HollyFair" a huge event going on at the Civic Center. Shopping, Shopping, Shopping! We decided to go home and return Saturday for Holly Fair.
Holly Fair was neat, lots of jewelry, custom made items, Holiday stuff. I didn't buy much, a few ornaments. The day was long and by the time we got home I was exhausted, my back felt like it was on fire, and I was ready for bed!
All good things come to an end, and I had to say good bye to my sister this morning and head home. It was good to get back and see my family. I think they even missed me while I was gone!
I enjoyed my time with my sister. We didn't scrap a bit, but we shared memories, and made a few too!
:J

Canceling Each Other Out

Today was election day. My darling husband and I always vote together. It's a ritual. We don't discuss who we are voting for before we go in. Unless he knows it's a school issue, then he will ask me. But we always discuss who we voted for after we vote. It's become a ritual.
He'll name an office and ask who I voted for, when I tell him, he usually says "Cancelled you out". I'll name an office, and ask him, and usually when he replies, I tell him, "I cancelled you out." And so it goes. This time we were pretty much on the same page. We got the same senator, different governor, and all of our locals were the same.
DH still doesn't know what he is. I tell him it doesn't matter, you don't have to vote a straight party ticket. Just so you vote. You don't even have to vote in every race, Just vote!
I did get a bit aggrevated tonite when they were saying "so & so has 57% of the vote with 1% of the precincts reporting." Come on! Report when you have real numbers! Get those numbers off of Emmitt and Mario's feet! I need to vote for them!
So for the record, on the vote that really counts, we agreed. Emmitt & Mario for the next round. Joey, go home.

:J

My Wish

My Latest Layout of Oldest Son, Daniel. Not my best LO, I think it needs something. But I love the Cosmo Cricket Wanted Paper. The photo was taken last month with a friend's camera phone. I think it is my favorite pictures of him as an adult. Dan has always been my independent one, his first sentence was "Mommy, I do it." The journaling is below, the words to Rascal Flatt's latest song, "My Wish" I thought it was appropriate as Daniel and his fiancee', Felicia embark on their latest journey, moving to Lafayette, LA and starting anew. Good Luck Son.

MY WISH written by Steve Robson & Jeffery Steele

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed I hope you keep on walkin’ ‘til you find the window
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything
This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

:J 

Lest Ye be Judged

Apparently I've opened a can of worms when I recently asked a question on a message board. I've been asked by our local fair board to chair a committee to bring scrapbooking into the Hobbies division of the fair. I thought my question at the message board was innocent enough, but was surprised at how adamant people are on what makes a good scrapbooking Layout.
In the fair everyone who enters a project is judged and given a ribbon. Best of Show ribbons would be given for the best project (in the judges opinion), Blue ribbons are for first, Red for second and White for third. In some cases, Green "participation" ribbons are also given. People entering the fair know they will be judged. It's up to them how much personal value they give to these ribbons.
My question on the message board seemed honest enough to me. "What criteria would you use, or have you used, to judge a LayOut?" Boy! Did I get what I asked for! While I did get some very excellent suggestions, I was surprised at some of the opinions stated also. I think I have a long year ahead of me in preparation for next years fair.
Some seemed shocked that we would even "judge" Layouts. But that's what the fair is all about. Well, that and rides, food that is horribly bad for you, and seeing that even your family tree is more normal than some.
In the end, I am glad I won't be a judge. But it will be my job to find judges who know enough about scrapbooking & art to know what makes a pleasing LO. Whether it contains a great picture or many, journaling or not, is plain or fancy, they will choose the best in their opinion. The people who enter expect this, they know they will be judged by the criteria listed in the fair book. In the end though, it's about getting our craft out to the public, perserving our past, for the generations to come.


:J

Simple Saturday

I've already been to the LSS, and am ready to sit down and scrap the afternoon away. DH is off at the shop fixing my car, DS3 is working a double so I won't see him till this evening. My house is clean enough to be healthy, dirty enough to be happy so I am taking a ME day!
I have a CJ to do, some wood cut outs to play with, (thanks to Creepover inspiration) and a few pages to work on. LOL! a few, I have enough paper to keep me busy for months!
So this entry is short, sweet and to the point.
Enjoy your day!
I'll post finished stuff later!

:J

It's Paycheck Friday, Weekend's Here, Good God Almighty!

Sorry, a little carry over from last night's Toby Keith concert........ Let's get Drunk and be Somebody!
Or whatever.
That concert rocked!!!!! Rushlow & somebody opened for him first, they were former members of the band Little Texas. They were alright, no real stage presence or firing up power. But then Joe Nichols came on and he rocked the house!!! He will probably tour alone next year, I don't understand why he isn't now. He is such a cutie and what a voice. Of course those of you who really know me would know my favorite song by him, "Tequila makes Her Clothes Fall OFF!" He did not disappoint on that one either! He even got down and walked through the crowd!!!!! What a hunk!
Then came Toby. What can I say? He brought back memories of the old KISS concerts with the jammin' and pyrotechnics. He sang every hit and even changed things up a little so we knew he wasn't lip synching anything. His patriotic songs were a huge hit with this military town, several earned him a standing ovation. He also brought out Lindsey Haun, who sings with him in his movie "Broken Bridges" That young lady has a strong voice! She reminded me of Martina McBride, hitting all those notes and holding them.
Toby closed the show with "Angry American" which of course brought the house down here. Even DH was up out of his seat jammin' to that one.
If he comes to your town make sure to see him. You will not be disappointed in his performance. And he is pretty easy on the eyes.

:J

Happy Birthday!

Since it is your birthday, I'm coming up with a list of ONLY 10 things I love about you.

1. Your heart is always in the right place.
2. You always put me and the boys first.
3. You respect my opinion, even when we don't agree. (Which isn't often)
4. You are a calm in any storm.
5. You think things out logically and patiently. Even when I am neither logical or patient.
6. You still hold my hand every day, even if it's just when we are watching TV. Kiss me good bye every morning when you leave for work, and kiss & hug me hello when you come home.
7. You watch "Chick Flicks".
8. You tolerate my "ideas".
9. You have been around the world and have seen it all, now you give me my chance to do the same.
10. You make me feel loved, needed and wanted. When I see you pull up in the driveway after a long day I still get giddy. I know you will always be there for me, and I for you.

God Bless the Broken Road, it led me straight to you.
Happy Birthday

:J 

A Few Shots of Halloween

Just a few shots from Halloween at school. I was amazed at the kids that DIDN'T dress up! They had had Haunted Hospital the night before as a fundraiser. It was a sell out! The Medical students set up a "Haunted Hospital" in their wing of the school. I didn't get to go, but heard the wounds were very real looking and even the parents were scared! Good Job Kids!
On a less scary note, here's my friend Beth and her DGD, Roni! She is so adorable!
This scarier looking bunch are my buddies MaryAnn & Sue. MaryAnn is my Margarita buddy, Sue is a Packer fan like me and great to be around! Mar's shirt reads, "You can't scare me, I work at the school!" LOL!

Short blog today. Hope you enjoyed the pictures!