HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

What a great night!!

Last night was BD's company party. We got all gussied up...left the TTs with a friend...and headed out to the club. They had the party at a private club downtown. It was decorated very nicely with lighted garland and holly up the grand stairs - which BD pointed out are the stairs in the house of my dreams...and he's right. The stairs went from a large grand staircase to a landing where the stairs split and went up to the second floor....it was gorgeous. They had a photographer in the front room taking photos of the couples as they arrived in front of the tree...we should get a copy of that in January some time. We went and collected our name tags (ugh) and drink tickets (yay) and headed upstairs so that we wouldn't have to hobnob with the execs.

The food was good...prime rib...shrimp...vegetables...cheese....it was a good selection..the spinach spanikopitas were delightful...the prime rib wasn't bad...but a little tougher than I like...and the shrimp was bland...but that's okay cause the sauce was spicy.

We got to see most of our friends that BD work with.....and a few that aren't friends but we saw them anyway. Ever have one of those people in your life that every time you see them they tend to just hover around you....you try to end a conversation and they still talk to you...it's enough to drive you crazy...but after a few drinks it's much easier to tolerate.

We had a good time...with only one small moment of oddity. While I was standing in line to get a refill on my beverage...a woman got in line behind me. She remarked that she saw me in the other room and loved my top. I thanked her. She then proceeded to tell me that she just had to come over and pet me....then she actually petted my arm!!! It was strange and amusing at the same time...BD came over and asked me if I knew her...I did not. I told him that I guess it was nice to have someone who wants to pet you. It was so strange...I've never had anyone tell me that they wanted to pet me before......I guess there's a first for everything!!

We had a few more drinks....chatted with a few more people we knew....and then we went home. It was a nice night out...and a virtually painless work function experience!!

Here's something I haven't done in a long time....

tried out for a DT.....and not just one...but 2...both calls ended today. One is a kit club and the other is a manufacturer. I've been in such a slump lately that I'm sure that I'll get passed over for both of them...but I figured I had to at least apply since one is my favorite company and the other is my favorite embellishment!!

On another stressfull note tomorrow is BD's company christmas party. Luckily I know a few of the wives that will be there so I won't be there alone wondering who the hell everyone is. It should be fun...and the menu is amazing!!! I think that I'll be eating about $50 worth of prime rib....and the spinach spanikopitas - I'm drooling already....I can't wait.

I bought a shirt for the party...it's silver and sparkly...one of my gals said she's going to put me in the middle of the dance floor and spin me...like a disco ball!!! I'm afraid that it might throw off the earth's gravitational pull if we do that..but she seems to be secure in the thought that we will be safe....goof.

I'm not done my christmas shopping...and I'll burn in hell for all eternity for not doing it before now...but I am so over the whole christmas thing right now...it's hard to stay in the spirit when they started christmas before halloween this year.

The in-laws land in T minus 5 days.......that's a whole nother post...I'm glad that BD is going to have his family here for the week.....the kids are going to be thrilled when they find out who is coming (they don't know that they're going to be here)...but it is also very sad for me because my mom won't be here...

I hope that everyone is having a happy holiday season....

things that make you go DUH!!

BD and I have often talked about the stupid things that people do that make you want to ram your head repeatedly against a wall. Making a left turn from the right lane....asking if you want an order to go when you are in the drive thru (nope think I'll eat it here thanks)....well today was my day.

I was prepared to go and get some running around done while the TTs were in school and BD was at work...before everyone is home for christmas break and all. So after dropping the kids in car line I head to BK for some much needed energy in a styrofoam cup. Their coffee is like motor oil so always get a bag of sugar and creamers to put in it. So I'm in the drive thru and I get my coffee...I pull away from the window and pull into a parking space so I can fix my coffee. I'm putting the sugar in...then start adding the creamers....I add one...throw the container in the trash bag....add another...throw the container in the trash bag....add another....and another....and then I took one...dumped the container into the bag instead of the cup...throw the container away.....duh....I started stuffing napkins into the bag so that the creamer wouldn't get through the bag and onto the carpet in my car....arghhhhhh.

Stupid...party of one...your table is ready.

Wow...is it december already??

I can't believe that it December...when did November get so short? We just had Halloween didn't we? Oh yeah...we did have Thanksgiving in there didn't we....

Well the lights are up and you can see the glow from the highway. We've had people stop and see the lights...no accidents yet..but we still have a good month before they come down.

We are slowly getting the decorations up inside...that should be done by the weekend.

Christmas cards are made...addressed...stamped...and ready to mail. I'm behind the game this year...but at least they were done before Christmas.

Well it's a short and non-informative one for now....ttfn!!

Today I am the world's best mom!!

Well at least I will be on Christmas morning when my little one opens up the TMX Elmo I just scored online!!! I didn't want to pay ebay prices...and figured that I would get him one for his birthday in the spring when sanity resumes in the toy world and you would be able to buy one of those demon dancers for under $50 again....then I got the email...KBToys.com would have them for sale at 1pm EST today...online only...well needless to say I was online at 11:55 my time to click my way to sainthood and grab one of those elusive little gigglers.

So now $51 later after shipping I am doing the snoopy dance in the living room while BD is outside putting up the light spectacle...


I mean spectacular......

okay no I really meant spectacle.....


So now I sit in all my glowing momminess....and cut up ribbon from my recent SU! order to get it bagged up...of course I am missing a spool...but it should be here monday.....and all will be right with the world again....

If I don't like the photos...I'm not buying the photos!!

It seems like an easy answer....obviously not.

We went to get the yearly family portrait for christmas cards. We got the boys dressed....ourselves dressed....headed over the mountain to the studio....the boys BEHAVED for the entire shoot (priceless in my book since it never happens). You would think that the day is golden and nothing could go wrong, it has just been that smooth....until it's time to get the photos back.

The pictures are overexposed. They are out of focus. Bottom line....I don't like them. The girl at the studio tries to tell me that the photos are fine and I will like them much better once I get them home and in a frame....well let me tell you a little secret.......

ugly photo = ugly photo

ugly photo in nice frame = ugly photo

notice how there's no difference there?? People don't look at your pictures and say "well that frame sure is nice"......how absurd.

So to the girl's suprise I demanded a refund and gave her back the hideous pictures. I rescheduled for later this week...yay. Hopefully the boys will behave again..but twice in one week may be more than I can hope to expect. We are certainly using a different photographer so hopefully that will rectify the situation.

I hate being bitchy...but photos cost so much to have done that if you aren't happy then you aren't happy. Well today I was not happy....and that might make me a total bitch...but I want my money's worth....and I plan on getting it!!

I've been a blog slacker

I know I haven't been posting as regularly as I could be....things are so busy and getting busier every day.

We just had Halloween parties at the boys' school and now I am helping host the Thanksgiving party on thursday of this week......thank goodness we only have to make some cookies. Next comes the Christmas party...which I'm in charge of as well. I am also doing classes in the next couple of weeks...I actually have 4 people signed up to make christmas cards (yay!!) and am hoping for a couple more by the deadline on friday. I am also planning a gifts class..hopefully I can get the flyer done for that and get them out. Figure in the laundry...shopping...taxiing the kids around....scrapping commitments....I think I have an extra 10 or 15 minutes somewhere between now and the new year.

My mom is doing much better...kinda. She's still out of work...and still on bedrest...but her spirits are higher and she's coming to terms with the limited mobility. She's eating and getting to her appointments...so I can't ask for much more. She's bored out of her mind...but she'll survive. I bet next time she'll think twice before falling off a loading dock won't she?? (that was a joke in case you aren't sure...I"m sure she'll never do it again...)

Well I've used up all the extra time allotted to me for today...so off I go...

My mom...

I think of my mom often. She's so vibrant, so alive, so independant.






And right now she is so incapacitated.

Last week I found out that my mom fell at work and broke her leg. Not only did she break her leg but she tore her ACL, MCL, broke her tibia, and has fluid accumulating under the kneecap. She's going to be out of work until at least January. She's never been out of work that long in her life!! She only has one bathroom...and of course it's on the second floor of the house, so she is spending a lot of time in her bedroom.

She is heavily medicated at this point, so she's been in a pretty good mood. Though I can assure you that once the meds wear off she won't be so pleasant!! She is getting by with people coming by and helping out with meals and such. My uncle who I just found out is getting a divorce is supposed to move in and he will be able to take care of her and get her to appointments.

It really kills me that I can't be there to take care of her. Be the savior that she was while I was growing up. Just be able to show up and tell her not to worry, I'm here to save the day and I'll take care of everything. It sucks being so far away from her. I'm constantly wondering who is going to make sure she eats....who's going to take her to the doctor...who's going to help her get dressed. Ever since Micheal died earlier this year I just worry about her so much. She doesn't have anyone to take care of her. For the first time in her life she's alone...


and there's nothing I can do about it.

Moms don't get sick!!!

Well at least they're not supposed to....cause there's no one to take care of them when they are sick and have to take care of everyone else. I woke up last night shortly after falling asleep with a horrible stomach virus. Of course BD is on travel...the TTs have to go to school...there just isn't time for me to be sick right now. I'll be sick later when it's more convenient for everyone.......

I have to go and do some laundry.....

Leaving on a jet plane......

BD left today. We were able to snuggle with the boys this morning before they had to go to school....then BD and I went and had breakfast together after dropping them off at school. It was nice...just the two of us. That doesn't happen much so we savor those times that we can do that. Luckily the next few days that BD will be gone the TTs are in school, so I will be able to get some things done while they are gone during the mornings.

Before having my boys, I never thought about how hard things are to do when you have kids. You have to do things when they are asleep or at school so that you don't have them underfoot while trying to get things done...it's insane. I leave them for a minute and they start tearing up the house or each other. I would have never expected that before having them....now of course it seems like our own special version of "normal". Whatever normal means.

I'm preparing schedules for classes. I have a few things in mind that will be perfect for presents for teachers gifts, or just presents for that special person who appreciates a handmade gift. You know...when you care enough to make the very best!! I still have to work on the flyers but other than that and the supplies getting ordered I'm pretty well set.

I think I might go buy some paint....time to paint the bathroom....

What do you get?

+

+

=

Indigestion

Today I went to lunch with two of my friends. We sat down to eat...and I watched my best friend commit assault on a french fry. She took the fry and put it in the ketchup...then dragged that poor unsuspecting fry right through her frosty!! I cringed in horror. That is not fair towards the chocolate at all!! Now I tried passing it off as her pregnancy giving her odd cravings....but she assured me that she has been eating them like that for years!! It's just not natural...she insisted that the salty and the sweet and the tangy all taste great together...I will have to take her word for it.

Next time Tanya and I will pick the restaurant.

WAHOO SU! Winter Mini!!!

The new Winter Mini catalog was posted today for the demos to drool over. I can't wait for this to be available. There are so many versatile sets that are in it...as well as a new tag punch!! The paper....the ribbon.....the drool puddle is growing ever larger under my chin!!

I already have ideas of stamp camps floating in my head....the projects abound!!

Under the Sea...

we went to the aquarium and the boys had a great time. We broke down and bought a membership....an incentive to go back more often. Most of my photos turned out to be crap...now that I know not to hold the camera at an angle...they should be better in the future...but here are a few of what I was able to get..















We had lunch at the Choo Choo Hotel and the boys of course loved riding the trolley. While heading to the Garden to eat, we ran into friends of ours that also had taken their boys up for the day. We decided to eat lunch together then we parted ways. We just thought it was funny that we were away from home and ran into each other.

It's over It's over....and other musings...

Well the festival went off without any huge hitches. It was a great day weather wise and we had a good time. The parade was small, but the band of course got a great response. Hopefully next year we won't fall at the beginning of fall break and the crowds will be bigger. We're having our wrap up meeting to discuss what worked and what didn't so we can plan better for next year. You would think as this was the 26th year that this would be down to a science by now.

After the festival was over on saturday, I headed out to the camping rally that BD and the TTs were attending without me. They went up on thursday, so by saturday some of the other rally attendees were asking BD if "things were okay with us"...I find that slightly amusing. I calmed everyone's fears when I showed up that things are going well. We spent the rest of the weekend playing games and going for walks with the kids. We left on monday morning.

We were very sad to find out that one of the couples in our club is selling their unit and will not be camping anymore. They might make day trips to join the group for meals when we are out, but they won't be camping anymore. We know that Willard is having trouble seeing these days, and Viola can't haul the trailer, but they will be very very missed.

On Tuesday we were getting ready to leave and put the TTs in the van. I opened the garage door and got in....BD climbed in and we started to back up...I heard the most crushing sound that I have ever heard in my entire life. It was the noticeable sound of metal on metal, and it had the distinct twang of nails on a chalkboard. It was the sound of my van driving into my garage door. I'm almost in tears even thinking about it. The door came down just enough when it opened to catch the top part of my hatch door and leave a nice ding and a couple of clear coat scratches. We got the door (I say we...I mean BD) bent back into shape so that it would open and close without any problems. The people who installed the doors came out and said they could replace the panel for $150. The body shop said they can fix the dent for $350. I'm not fixing anything right now. But at least I know how much it will be if I decide to do it.

The boys are on fall break...we are planning on a day trip at the end of the week to the aquarium. We'll see how the rest of our week goes before we commit to anything.

There is a special place in hell for this asshole and his followers to rot in.....

I'm usually not so abrupt in my writing, but this just got me riled today.....

Anti-Gay Kansas Church May Cancel Protests at Funerals for Slain Amish Girls

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

By Sara Bonisteel

AP

The controversial anti-homosexual Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., plans to stage a protest at the funerals of the five Amish girls executed in their Pennsylvania school, according to a flyer posted on the church's Web site.

The church is protesting the funerals because of the attendance of Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who has spoken out against the church publicly, the flyer says. Both Amish and non-Amish residents of Lancaster County — where the shooting took place — have vowed to not allow any protesters anywhere near the funeral services.

But the daughter of the church's pastor, Rev. Fred Phelps, told FOXNews.com on Wednesday the church would cancel the protests if given media time on radio and television as a platform to espouse Westboro's beliefs.

"We're not going to any of the Amish funerals — that's the agreement we're making — that we won't go to any of them," Shirley Phelps-Roper told FOXNews.com.

Phelps-Roper defended the church's decision to protest at the Amish girls' funerals.

"Those Amish people, everyone is sitting around talking about those poor little girls — blah, blah, blah — they brought the wrath upon themselves," Phelps-Roper said, adding that the Amish "don't serve God, they serve themselves."

On Monday, Charles Carl Roberts IV killed five girls — Naomi Rose Ebersole, 7; Anna Mae Stoltzfus, 12; Marian Fisher, 13; Mary Liz Miller, 8; and her sister Lena Miller, 7 — in a rural Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pa.

Donald Kraybill, a professor of sociology at Elizabethtown College in Lancaster County, Pa., calls the church's plans a publicity stunt.

"I don't think there's any connection between the Amish incident and their agenda. They just want to get in the spotlight," Kraybill said. "It's giving them national attention and it's a cheap and easy and really terrible way to gain some visibility."

The church's latest flyer, posted on its Web site, www.godhatesfags.com, notes these protests will be against Rendell for "slanderous" statements against the church.

Westboro's latest rhetoric is in line with the other beliefs of it's 70 church members, who hold that the deaths of U.S. troops are God's punishment for America's tolerance of homosexuality.

The Westboro Baptist Church has made its name demonstrating at the funerals of soldiers killed in the Iraq war. Their controversial and colorful placards proclaim their anti-gay stance with slogans such as "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," "America Is Doomed" and "Soldier Fag in Hell."

Before it garnered national attention, the church made its name around Kansas, where 16 years ago, it started protested the funerals of AIDS victims. And while their demonstrations of late have focused on the funerals of U.S. soldiers, Westboro church members have taken their picket signs to the memorials for the 12 Sago miners who perished in January in West Virginia.

Earlier this year, prompted by the church protests, Congress passed a law that banned protesters from military funerals at federal cemeteries. More than a dozen states have passed similar legislation creating protest-free buffer zones around cemeteries during funerals.

Phelps-Roper told FOXNews.com in February that the church has a right to protest.

"We are delivering a message," Phelps-Roper said. "God is punishing this nation and he is using the IED [improvised explosive device] as his weapon of choice."

Now that's ironic...

TT#1 came home from school last week and told me that we were having Benji over for the weekend. Benji we soon found out was the class mascot...a stuffed bear. We had to take pictures of activities with Benji and then write a journal entry about what we all did.

Easy right? You would think so. BD even made a comment about doing a pop-out page in the journal to make it really cool...you know....since I'm a scrapbooker and all.

Well let's see....last night I was printing out photos on some textured cardstock since the printer wouldn't take the photo paper (for whatever tempermental reason it has now to not work right)....doing a handwritten and chipboard title...no pop-out....no cool photos....just handwriting and chipboard.....BD said it looked nice...but we all know what that means....certainly not my best work by any stretch of the imagination.

Why is it that he's the one in school....but I'm the one doing the homework?????

Selfish People suck.

Why do I let other people affect me this way. Why do I allow my own emotions to be tied into what other people do and say. I pray that I will someday be stronger in character and not allow these things to bother me.

But until that day comes I will piss and moan that it's not fair.....and as I tell my children...no one ever said that life was fair...and as my mother always says...whoever tells you life is fair is a liar!!

I'm big on follow-through. If you commit to something...then finish it. Don't tell everyone all about what you are going to do...then dump it on someone else to finish it for you becuase you lose interest. Grow the hell up.


Enough said.

Are you ever alone?

not that it's a bad thing.....everyone needs time alone....but I have such a hard time sleeping when BD is away. I end up sitting on the couch watching television until I start to nod off...then I have to drag my half asleep ass into the bedroom. I can't just go and lay down in our room cause then I won't fall asleep...crazy. I end up so tired that I have trouble getting up early in the morning...usually I can get up before the kids...not when he's gone though. I usually get up when I hear them acting up in their room.....like today.

It's not going to be a good day when you wake up to the sweet sounds of "get offa me" and "mommy's gonna be cross with you" ... cause chances are that if one of them is doing something that the other can actually tell is going to make me mad....it is something that will definitely make me mad. Such was this morning...on the monitor I hear those sweet words...and as I trek down the hall I hear the *boom* of a 2 year old jumping off the top of his dresser.

Now if you don't know my kids...they are big...not fat...just substantial for their ages. They are both very tall and at the top of the growth charts. Most people who don't know them think that they are much older than they actually are due to their sizes. So the sound of my 2 year old jumping off the dresser sounded more like dropping a lead weight off the roof onto the driveway.


Since it's Tuesday they knew that they had school so after putting thier room back in order (they rearrange the furniture daily) they ran out to get dressed. Since BD is gone I had to get their outfits together for school (oh the humanity!) and get lunches together. I didn't realize how much BD did around here until he wasn't here to do it...(thanks BD). Of course the whole getting ready for school thing is pre-empted by the gotta go potty and feed me I'm starving (cause you know I never feed my children...they grew simply from an excess of sunlight and water).

Somehow we managed to get out of the house without any casualities and with everyone wearing clothes that match. They have learned how to get their own lunchbox out of the fridge and put it in their backpacks, so they have food for the day.....now I can sit back...drink my coffee....and get my street festival work done.

At least I can be thankful for the few hours that I have to myself to get things done....I might even unload the dishwasher the day is going so well!!

Not enough hours in the day

There are not enough hours lately....if I could just pick up an extra two or three I'd be set.

I need to finish the street festival assignments...last minute booths coming in and I need to fit them in somewhere.

I have to do the news next week....but there's a conflict with my son's school parent's lunch. I haven't missed an event at school since they started 2 years ago. I really hate to miss any now. Hopefully I can swap a day with someone else and not have to miss the lunch just becuase I am scheduled to be on television.

I need to really get hopping on my business. I need to schedule my open house and get that moving and then get some workshops scheduled after that. Time to make a little christmas present money!!

and of course I have my normal weekly stuff....church...sunday school...MOMS ministry...book club...bunko...street festival meetings...

just a few more hours...

and it's crunch time.....

The street festival is looming ahead and there is sooo much work still to be done. We have members who are retiring from the board and if we don't find new membership there won't be a festival next year. I would love to have a booth next year either as a SU! rep or just to sell my cards and crafts...but I don't know how that would work..as a crafter I can't promote SU!...as a SU! rep I can't sell at the festival only take orders....it's a bit of a quandry...I'll have to think about it some more.

BD is going on another trip...only for a few days though. Hopefully the boys and I won't kill each other while he's gone. Most days we all get along so well...but then there are those days (like yesterday) when they just don't listen and are so contrary. Nothin like having children that are just like you! Since he'll be gone for 4 nights I'll actually have to cook too...that should be interesting...better stock up on dino nuggets...the boys like those.

This friday is the monthly crop...I didn't get to go last month so I"m hoping that this week goes well enough that I can make it. I really need to get some stuff done...I've been slacking.


My SU! kit is on a truck as I type to be delivered today...I am so PSYCHED!!! I'm really looking forward to this being a business for me rather than being a hobby demo. I would love it if I could contribute to the house in some way (other than contributing to it's spending!!). Maybe if I do really well then by next year I can be paying for the TT's tuition on my own...that would be vundebar!!!

well all...gotta bounce..TTFN!!

I've seen it all.....

I went to the local BK this morning to grab some coffee. I pull into the drive through lane after I order and there are two cars in front of me. The lady is out of the first car and standing at the driver's window of the second car. She is asking the driver of the second car if she's been saved and if she knows Jesus. She kept going on and on and sticking her head in the window. The driver (who I soon saw was someone I knew) finally came back at her and told her to get back into her car and leave. The woman kept going on and on...if it had been me my response would have been that she had better have Jesus with her when I get my ass out of my car....cause she's going to need his help. After the driver of car #2 opened her door and started to get out the lady got in her car and drove away.

I found out later that this lady had almost hit the other car not once...not twice..but three times. When the driver of car #2 said something (not realizing that she had said it so loudly that the other person could hear her) the lady got out of her car and started trying to prostelytize her right there in the drive through lane!!!

I was amazed at the brazen attitude of this woman...I'm all for being enthusiastic about your religion and giving a word or two to a person who needs it...but to do it in the drive through?? I have no idea what the heck she was thinking....but I bet she won't be doing that again anytime soon......

Prayer for 9/11

I am going to be a complete basketcase for the next 18-24 hours, so I plan on saying this several times during that period ~~~



Come Holy Spirit of Love and Peace,
we long for your healing touch.

On September 11, 2001,
our country was scarred
by hatred and revenge...
we long for your healing touch.

Hearts were broken and lives were lost,
and fear and anger prevailed...
we long for your healing touch.

Awaken in us, Holy Spirit,
a deep and respectful remembrance...
that you are a God of love, not hatred,
that you are a God of forgiveness, not revenge,
that you are a God of peace, not war.

Remembering these things, we ask you to
bless our country and all those defending
its ideals of freedom and liberty
and bring them safely home.

May your gifts of peace, love and forgiveness
transform our hatred, anger and fear,
so that peace on earth will be possible once again.

Come, Holy Spirit of Love and Peace,
we long for your healing touch.

Amen.

I'm gonna do it!!!

I'm signing up to become a Stampin Up! Demonstrator. I finally just decided that I will have a good customer base in my area and it will be so much fun to stamp with my friends. I have enough room here at the house that once the new family room is finished I can hold classes here or stamp camps. This is going to be such fun!!! I'm really excited...

It's Just one of those days....

Where ya don't wanna wake up
Everything is fucked, everybody sucks.
You don't really know why
But you wanna justify rippin' someone's head off

anyone else like Limp Bizkit?? I know ... old school .... bad language .... but as long as my kids aren't listening to it (and repeating it as they of course would at the most inopertune moment) ... it's not that bad.

But back to the topic...

Ever have one of those days?? I seem to be having them more and more often. No rhyme or reason, I just want to be able to tell everyone to go to hell. I end up acting like a complete bitch and piss off everyone around me.

My day will only get better when that happens, right?

Yeah, right...........

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day....

Tutorial on Unmounted SU! stamps

I have had so many people ask me how I mount my Stampin Up! stamps since I don't use the wood mounts that come with them.

The stamps come with the foam cushion already attached to the rubber. When I get my stamps I apply the image sticker to the foam cushion and then trim my stamp.


After I have trimmed the stamp I then coat the foam side with Aleene's Tack It Over and Over adhesive. This allows the stamp to be placed on an acrylic mount time after time without losing the tack on the stamp.

I also use CD jewel cases for storage for my stamp sets. I am able to see the stamp images through the cases and I also use the box labels on the cases so I can easily flip through my cases when they are stored to find the sets that I am looking for.


This makes storage so much simpler when you don't have a ton of space for all those stamp sets you just couldn't pass by. I love SU! stamps...I just don't have the space to accomodate all the wood that comes along with them.

Hope this helps explain the way I mount my stamps. If you have any questions feel free to send me an email!!

FREE TO A HOME:

Two Preschool aged sons.

That about says it all doesn't it??


**eta***
yes...I know that I didn't say "Free to a GOOD home"... we figure why should we send them to a good home? To let them know what they've been missing all these years? I think not!!

What a great weekend....

tiring...but great nonetheless.

My daughter and her adoptive dad came down for the weekend. It was the first time in 3 years that we have seen them. She is so big...I can't beleive that she's 12 already. It seems like just a little while ago that I was pregnant with her.

It's amazing to see the similarities between her and the TTs....they not only look alike but they act alike.

They all have the same eyes...and the same nose. My best friend told me I must be able to only make one kind of baby...cause they are all the same.

We went downtown and fed the ducks for a while...went swimming...checked out the botanical gardens...it was fun. Just spending time together and letting the kids get to know each other. Now the boys are looking for her and she's gone...how to you explain adoption to a preschooler? It's going to be a long week.....

Now we know it's not our kids....

A group of gals from church and I went to Applebee's yesterday for lunch. We got there just as they opened at 11 since some of us have preschoolers who have to get picked up at 1. So we are up for a nice leisurely lunch without the kids and some grown up talk.

About halfway through lunch the discussion turned to the teacher gifts that we sent our kids in with. It was fairly amusing that we all 4 sent our boys in with waterless hand sanitizer for the classrooms. Who knew that we were all on the same wavelength...

Anyways...from that I commented on the fact that my boys are simply walking breathing petri dishes and they need to be sanitized on an almost hourly basis...then my one friend started talking about when she was in college and working in the microbiology lab...

when suddenly the table behind us gathered up their menus and drinks and asked to be seated elsewhere.... Well I NEVAH!!!

in all the times that we have had our boys (all 8 of them and 2 girls thrown in for good measure) with us for lunches out...we have never had another table actually move away from us.

Now we know that it's not the kids that are the unruly ones....

Funny conversations with men.....

We were camping this weekend. We belong to a camping club and we go out monthly if we can with the group. It is a mixed bunch. While most of the members are over 50 and some retired, there are a few of us younger types with children. Specifically one family that has boys the same ages as mine, and are fairly close to my and BD's ages. So we two moms were sitting on the patio outside her trailer along with her husband and another club member talking, and another camper came up and started talking with us about nothing in particular. Harmless....right?

He then started complaining about his job. As the two men with us started rolling their eyes about the comments, I led the conversation in this direction:

"So [directed to my gal friend] do you get vacation days? Cause I haven't seen a vacation day in over 4 years"

"No, I don't get vacation time"

"Have you been able to get a sick day from your job? I usually end up taking up the slack when people get sick"

"Me too. No sick days for me."

"No personal days, no comp time, long hours, and little to no credit for what a good job you do."

"Yeah, that sounds like my job too."

To this the naive silly man said "Wow, your jobs suck. I'd quit and find somewhere else to work. What do you do?"

To which we of course smiled and replied at the same time "Stay at home moms."

The conversation took a turn to another topic at that point and he didn't bitch about anything else while he was talking to us. Guess he figured his job wasn't so bad after that little bit of enlightenment.

To all the SAHMs out there

ROCK ON WITH YOUR BAD SELVES!!

Exactly one week from today.....at this time....

I will be free.

At 9am next tuesday the TTs start school. Thank the Lord. If I had to wait any longer than that I might not make it!! They are really trying my patience this week....and I don't understand why. Probably just becuase they know they can. That's how they roll.

I already have a lunch date set...me and my best friend Jenn are finally going to have a girls lunch that is just the girls. See, we are both moms to only boys...and our animals are all fixed...so we are both DRASTICALLY outnumbered at our houses. This will be the first time in almost 4 years of being friends that we will be able to go out and have ZERO ankle nippers with us. It will be a peaceful, no-sharing, able to eat the full meal without a run to the potty or outside for timeout, blissfully quiet lunch. I can't wait.

On another topic...anyone watch Hell's Kitchen?? I LOVE that show. Gordon Ramsey is great. He seems like the type of guy that you can go to the bar and kick a couple back with and really have a great time. In the kitchen though he is a total tiger. He doesn't put up with drama or stupidity...which really caused problems with some of the contestants...since they acted pretty stupid sometimes.

All time classic line from the show (makes me bust out gaffawing everytime I hear it) - Sarah is cooking scallops in a frying pan to sear them...they are sticking...she is having trouble with them and chef says to her:

"If you cook it in a non-stick pan they won't stick - that's why it called fucking NON-STICK!!"

I'm even giggling right now after typing that...so funny. I have to admit I never liked Sarah. She seemed like such a backstabber and selfish cow. I can't believe the shit she got away with that chef never called her on...so it was nice to see her go. She became my own personal Jerri". BD HATED Jerri from Survivor Australia. Every week he would say he wanted her to go home. Even after she did go home he wanted her to go home again..that's how much he didn't like her (though he liked her on all stars...said she wasn't so much of a bitch on that one...whatevah)...so Sarah became my Jerri. I was doing the snoopy dance when chef asked for her jacket.

But big ups to Heather who won. I have been rooting for her since the start. She really kept her cool in the kitchen, and saved her falling apart for the confessional afterwards. That just proves that she was ready for her own kitchen. She took command last night...and her good leadership had her team bringing her to victory.

Congrats Heather!!!

Are ya bored???

Try sending a Message in a Bottle

Snakes on a plane?? WTF??

Okay I admit...I am a bad movie junkie...I still love Grease and Grese 2 for pete's sake..and I bet that I am one of the few people to have ever seen the mastery of Tom Hanks in "Mazes and Monsters" ... but this preview had even me scratching my head.

The whole premise of the movie (based on the commercial alone) seems to be getting on a plane filled with snakes. Wow. There's a chart topper there.

I can just hear the conversation when Samuel L. Jackson met to discuss the movie....

"So the plane will have snakes on it...and you're calling it Snakes On A Plane?... Pure genius!!"

I think this may be one bad movie that even I can't do...kinda like Clerks...WTF???

What am I ?? A freaking circus bear???

I actually got an email telling me that I"m not funny anymore, and asking what happened. Gee...I'm so sorry that your source of entertainment has fizzled out. They said that since the summer started I just haven't been really funny (what's the matter...you didn't like the letter to the crappy ass hairdresser?) and I should be more lighthearted with my posts from now on.

Well first off sweetheart...send me a check and I'll type whatever the hell you would like me to...otherwise it's all me baby. Last time I checked the blog was here for me to vent...or share...or just write...the word in that parcel to focus on would be *me*.

I'm sorry that I can't be the life of the party all the time. You know that if you leave a lightbulb burning all the time...eventually it will burn out. So cut me some freakin slack, could ya?

Who knows...maybe the TTs will set the cat on fire before the weekend to finish your week off with a giggle.

Everything new is ....... Newer??

We went to Hobby Lobby yesterday. They had a bunch of the furniture stuff on sale for next to nothing, so we bought two peices. One was in good shape...and the other....well let's just say they gave it to us at a *drastic* discount due to the damage.

You can see the top is totally busted on the one side and there is a drawer missing. The wood is in good shape, but the damage that is there makes it *virtually* unsellable - unless you are me!!


I did a little modifying to the top by taking the other side off so that it was flat. I removed all the hardware, painted, papered, re-installed the hardware - and this is what it looks like now

I used black acrylic paint, 3 Bugs Groovy Paper, and the new Stampin Up! Designer Label Punch.

Too many choices

We have been looking for a new desktop computer...nothing big...just functional. Something that BD can play games on it without it getting messed up...and that I can hook my laser printer to.

It shouldn't be this hard to spend money.

We have spent countless hours researching what is out there....and what is on sale...tax free holiday this weekend so we've been waiting to go and buy it. Go to get it online last night with instore pick up....out of stock by the time we hit enter...how frustrating. We could go pay for it and then go back and pick it up on Tuesday....again frustrating...two road trips just to pay and pick up.

There's got to be an easier way...

17 hours...

my baby comes home in 17 hours... and I can't wait.

**BE WARNED>>>GUSHY MUSHY POST TO FOLLOW**

Have you ever loved someone so much that when they aren't around it feels like part of you is missing? You don't feel like you are complete when you aren't together?

That's how I feel about BD.

Do you remember in high school when you and your best gal pal had that necklace that broke into two peices and you each wore one? Mine and Krysten's said BFF and it was a circle ... when you put the two peices together they fit perfectly....becuase they were made for each other.

That's how I think of BD...we are the two peices of our necklace...and we fit together perfectly.

So when we have to be apart, I feel like I'm only running on half power...or part of me is gone...misplaced for now...sure to turn up as soon as he walks through the door. When I see him it's like my battery is instantly recharged.

Well I better go to bed and try to let sleep recharge this battery...or else the TTs are going to tear me up tomorrow ... they can smell weakness you know...and they prey on it...it's like a dog smelling fear...preschooler's are an amazing breed.

I know you're reading BD...we love you...and miss you...we'll see you soon. Now go to bed!!!!

maybe it's just the voyuer in me...

but I love looking at the Post Secret blog...

some of the postcards are extremely upsetting...but most are funny...and I can't imagine a better way to cleanse your soul ... some people must lift such heavy weights from their chests by doing this....

it changes every sunday if you are interested in checking it out...

The End of GEICO Commercials:

Now where can I find that damn duck??

I'm good enough...I'm smart enough.....and darn it...people like me!

I got my Scrapsupply newsletter today and there was a TON of CHA photos in there....all kinds of new yummies for me to drool over. As I read the newsletter I saw that there was a contest...just a small one...find some of Wendy's favorites from the CHA releases and win a GC to the store...and unbelievable enough...I WON!! Thank you very much Wendy and Scrap Supply....I will spend with complete abandon....

How could anyone get used to this...

I don't understand how some of my friends are just so used to their husbands being on travel that it's no big deal to them. I never thought much about it when it was just the two of us and he was gone so much...but now with kids I really notice his absence. The kids do too.

It's weird how on any other morning they wouldn't even wonder where daddy was...but today they woke up and the first thing they asked me was where he was. They don't really understand days yet (though they do know what they all are!) so it's harder to explain that daddy will be back on Thursday.

I guess eventually we all will get used to it...it will become routine...and they won't ask anymore. I love that they miss him...but I hate that they miss him. I miss him too........ come home safely BD.

Happy Today...

I was tagged by Suzanna to post things that make me happy.

• Sunny days
• long strong hugs
• kiddo kisses
• free refills
• good ice cream
• vacation days
• new baby smell
• my scrapbooks
• when my family visits
• when my family leaves
• shopping
• warm summer rain
• new flowers blooming
• butterflies
• giggles

what makes you happy??

Stampin Up!

I did my first EVAH home party....had SU!. My friend from Montgomery came up to do it for me. She was great!! Of course we haven't had rain in weeks...and it poured....but we needed the rain anyway.

We had a great time...the projects were fun and easy...and everyone enjoyed making them...or if they didn't..they didn't tell me!!

I even thought about becoming a demo....make a little extra cash so I don't feel so badly about buying scrapbook stuff and get the stamps I want for a discount....Damn you Adam and Eve for making me have a conscience....

maybe if I put it out there for all the world to see.....

then it will help me....cause keeping it to myself it is not getting me the result that I need...

Dear God
Please come into my heart and help me
Help me to temper my actions and my words
So that they will not be hurful or raw
Help me to understand and heal the pain in others
Rather than cause it
Help me
To help myself be a better person
In Jesus' name I pray
Amen

First Time For Everything

Well today for the first time since the kids..BD had to go on a business trip. Somehow we've been lucky enough to dodge that bullet for the past 4 years, but today was the first.

The first time I had to hear my TT#1 scream that he wanted his daddy back. That about broke my heart. He finally realized that daddy would be back, after explaining that it was just like mommy came back after her trip to the airport.

Tonight will be the first time that the boys go to bed without daddy giving hugs and kisses. He's going to call and say goodnight to them. I'm sure that he will miss the hugs and kisses just as much as the boys will.

This will be the first time that I am alone with the boys for a long period of time. BD's never spent the night away from the boys since they've been old enough to remember. There was a time in 2003 when me and TT#1 stayed in Philly for a month without BD when BD's grandma died and I had to help with the estate.

I am going to have to cook dinner....if you know me....then you know that I don't cook....at least not very well.

The next few days is going to be a challenge for us all.....

Open letter to the sylist who did my hair last night....

Sweetie....

Don't ask your client what they want to do to their hair...and then tell them that you don't want to do that and suggest something completely different. If I wanted my hair colored instead of permed I would have told you I wanted it colored.

No one is interested in how many bad haircuts you have given this week...and I am especially not interested when you are holding a pair of scissors in one hand and my hair in the other.

That being said, you really need to get a ruler and learn how much hair 1-2 inches is. When someone wants at the most 2 inches cut off...and you cut off 3-4...chances are they aren't going to be happy.

People are not comforted by the fact that you have to read the instructions on the perm box "as a refresher".

It's not a good thing when your client knows how to fan out the perm papers and you ask them how they did it so easily.

You really shouldn't make disparaging comments about other races or ethnicities while you have a client in your chair. And you really shouldn't be making those comments *to* the client sitting in your chair.

You don't ask your client how many children they have...and then ask them if they are "mixed" or "all-white". It's none of your business if they are purple with green spots and pink stripes.

But thank you very much for the complimentary eyebrow wax. That was about the least you could do for me after having to deal with you for 2 1/2 hours.

Thanks..

I keep waiting...

I keep waiting for the day when I have a great epiphany that allows me to discern the meaning of my existence....and I'm still waiting.

I don't completely believe in predestination...we do have free will after all. But I do believe that we each have a purpose on earth. I just don't know what the hell my purpose is. I fee like I'm going through the motions....allowing others to believe that I have a clue. I feel like a phony.

All my friends think I'm so self-assured...so confident. I'm freaking out inside...on a daily basis. Some days it feels like I'm hanging by a thread and at any moment.....SNAP! It's going to break and I'm going to be hurtled into the unknown.

Some day I'll know what's going on...but until then....I'll be sitting in the corner...muttering to myself and rocking myself....

Project: Soldier Post

My family has adopted a young soldier in Iraq. I wanted to create a special album for him offering words of encouragement and support. Just something to let this young man know that what he is doing is appreciated and that he is cared about. There are so many over there who have lost faith in the US due to lack of support...I don't understand why we can't support our men and women even if you don't support the reason they are there...it's a mind boggler for me.

Anyway..here is what I want to do...

have someone from every state, province, whatever....get a postcard highlighting your area...write a message to the boys and girls over in the sand box....put that postcard in the mail to me...and I will create a kickin' album with all of them and mail it to him. Does that sound like something that you would like to take part in? If you would...please email me at

Project Soldier Post

Don't you dare!!!

Don't you dare tell me that my fears about North Korea are irrational and uneducated.

There is nothing irrational about fearing that we might have WWIII break out before my children's first acne break out.

I cannot stand it when people feel the need to negate your feelings by telling you that you are being irrational. That sounds like such a cop out to make yourself feel better about NOT being afraid.

I have every right to be afraid of some lunatic on the other side of the ocean who would like nothing better than to put a feather in his cap after starting a battle between the US and North Korea. He sees it as a show of power...he can take the US head on.

So I don't see my fears as irrational....quite the opposite...I see your lack of concern as irrational.

**NEWS FLASH**

No one cares about the bobblehead formerly known as Star Jones.

There has been an incessant whine coming from every news and entertainment channel for the past 2 days....fired...quit....let loose in a field and hunted for sport...I don't care!!!!

Tell me about the war...tell me about missing children....what about the flooding in the northeast?? All that is trumped by the head heavy diva who must have been the life size model for the Bratz dolls...

Enough is enough damnit!!!

Random Facts:

1. FIRST NAME? Michele

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not that I know of.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Today at my son's VBS closing show.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No not particularly.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Braunschwager.

6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes.

7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU OR NOT? Of course I would!!

8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes.

9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Well..honestly...yes. More often then I probably should.

10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.

11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?No way! There's nothing to catch you if they rope breaks.

12. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No.

13. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes.

14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? This week I am really into White Raspberry Truffle at Bruesters. Next week who knows.

15. SHOE SIZE? 9

16. RED OR PINK? Pink

17. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My weight.

18. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom.

19. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? On my birthday in a hospital.

20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Barefoot, blue jeans!

21. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Soft pretzel.

22. FAVORITE SMELL? Clean Laundry. I even just bought a Yankee Candle that smells like fresh laundry.

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? My friend Yoli.

24. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? Their smiles.

25. FAVORITE SPORT? Hockey.

I need a vacation....

to recover from my vacation.

After puke fest 2006 was over and we arrived in Williamsburg, I thought that the week could only get better.

I thought wrong.

We purchased 3 day admission to Busch Gardens before we left on vacation. Those 3 days could be used at any time as long as they were consecutive days...unfortunately the reservations for the wheelchair and stroller that I made were for monday and wednesday and they couldn't be changed without losing my payment. So on rainy monday we headed out to the park.

On the way my MIL pukes in my car. I about died. If anyone else would like to come over and puke in my car please let me know...I can make arrangements.

The boys had a great time. Other than the guy who measured them for ride bracelets everyone was great. The service at BG is always top notch. The guy was measuring TT1 and told him he was a purple bracelet. So I have him doing the happy dance that he can ride the roller coasters. Then they guy turns around and says that TT was standing on his tip toes and isn't big enough for anything other than the kiddie section and the log flume. Well let me tell you that didn't go over well with TT. But I took him on the log flume and he had a great time. He even got to go on it twice in a row since there were no lines.

We had lunch at "our place". Octoberfest. We always split one meal between the two of us and still get full. Of course the kids wanted something else other than corned beef on rye and potato salad. They got hotdogs in this really cute dinosaur egg that we brought home. What really got their attention though was the show. We never get bored with the show there. We could go and see it every day...more than once a day...and still love it every single time. Who knows maybe someday we'll make it to Germany for real...but for now I have Octoberfest!!

The day was long and wet...but not too bad. That night I ended up getting sick and sat out the Tuesday excursion to BG. Of course that was a really great weather day...and BD didn't take my camera...but they told me that they had fun.

Wednesday was the monsoon. It was cold...wet...miserable...we got rainy day passes to come back again. We stayed in the park and did a couple of the shows (Octoberfest of course!) and then we left around 3. There was flooding in VA Beach and they closed the tunnel so the park closed at 5 anyway. We took the kids to Friendly's for dinner. It had been years since we'd eaten there...the food is the same....the ice cream's the same...I don't know why we made such a fuss about not having one nearby. It was okay...but no different than any other place that has ice cream.

Thursday and Friday were shopping days for me. I love me a good sale...and we found a great one. I don't know what it is about sales shopping...but I get such a rush about finding a good deal. Well we went to the Children's Place and they were having a sale that included racks of clothes for $1.99!!!! We were able to get winter school wardrobes for both the TTs for less than $100!! I was psyched. We also hit the Corningware outlet there and were able to find a few good deals there as well. Gotta love outlets.

On saturday we packed up the van and headed south once again. We will miss the inlaws...but we were all happy to be going home. Back to our own surroundings....comforts of home can't be replaced.

Back in the swing of things this week. TT1 has VBS...I have the dentist...company and church picnics both on saturday...

Busy Busy Busy..............................

Have you ever felt like you must be in the movies?

And you just don't know it? That's how I have been feeling for the past few days. We are currently on vacation and it has been like an Griswald trip from the start. Are we really on our way to Wallyworld? Will it be closed when we get there? These are questions I hear my husband asking me while on the way to VA. We may not be on our way to Wallyworld, but if we get to Williamsburg and there is a sign on the gate that they're closed - I'm pulling a Clark - no questions asked. Should make for some interesting scrapbook pages anyways.

We set out on our little trek on Friday afternoon. Loaded 2 TTs, 2 beagles, and a howling cat in the van and headed north. We stopped for dinner about an hour in and everything was going pleasantly. Another hour in and we heard the first spew. There is nothing that sets fear in like the sound of puke in a fairly new vehicle going 70 on the interstate at night. As I'm yelling for the hubby to pull over he is trying to not get us killed. I'm trying to console the 2 year old who has just lost most of his last meal all over himself and his car seat. Poor guy has never been sick before so he didn't even know what hit him. I was able to get him calm enough for hubby to drive to the next exit so we could clean him up properly. We stopped at a great hotel who allowed us to use their facilities to get him and his seat cleaned up. I wish I could remember the name cause they were so accomodating.

We got back on the road and made many more pitstops along the way cleaning and changing, changing and cleaning, getting coffee. We eventually made it to Williamsburg by around 7am, but check-in wasn't until 3. We took a walk, took the kids to a lousy pancake house up the road (if you're in the area don't bother eating at Stack'em High), did some window shopping with the kids, and of course washed our laundry that had accumulated from the one night on the road. We finally got an early check in for an extra $15 (guess everything has it's price - wish we'd have known the price of this little bonus at about 7:15 this morning) and got the boys settled down enough to take a nap. The rest of the day was basically getting everything settled in and set up for the week.

The in-laws showed up about 3pm (perfect timing for regular check-in) and I unloaded their van into the trailer. I'm still trying to figure out how much stuff they needed to bring...we had less in our van of 4 people and 3 animals than they did in a van of 2 people. It's a mystery. BD tells me not to hurt my brain trying to figure it out, I beginning to believe him - it's not worth it.

Sunday we went shopping and that's about it. TT1 went swimming and was able to swim by himself (with his swim vest on) from one end of the pool to the other. TT2 had enough pool time after about 10 minutes.

Well that is act one of our show for this evening...act two will be at a later date...I'm getting the evil eye from the hubby...time for bed. Good night all................

Congratulations Alabama voters...

We have succeeded in screwing ourselves for another 4 years. The primary certianly didn't go the way that I thought it would...and honestly has left me wondering if there is intelligent life here.

The choices given to us for Gov I know were not top of the heap by any standards..

Bob Riley - The incumbant. The person who told us that if we didn't pass a tax hike then the state would ge bankrupt...then when it didn't pass somehow "found" over 2 BILLION in surplus...but still cut funding to the schools that he so desperately wanted to "help"

Don Seigleman - The man is under investigation for fraud. Need I say more?

Lucy Baxley - The current Lt. Gov who somehow won the primary for the Dem ticket...without ever having to actually take a platform....any platform...nothing...kinda like what she's done for the past 4 years in office.

and lastly...

Roy Moore - the Ex-Supreme Court Justice who was ousted from the bench due to the ten commandments. Can you lead a state when you can't follow the laws you were elected to uphold?

So those were the choices....not much of a choice I know...but now in November we only have to choose between the "do nothing" and the "mathematician".....not much of a choice there really....it's kinda sad. Pretty much like the state of Alabama...pretty sad.

Very cool webpage...

Stumbled across the Imagination Prompt Generator today. Very very cool prompter. In an effort to make my blog a little more interesting (since it seems I am boring people to death with my current ramblings) I will try to use this from time to time to get my creative juices flowing...like today.

Do you think real change can take place if there is resistance?

This is like an oxymoron. How can there be change if there is resistance? If taken literally, think about trying to change a resisting toddler. Does the change occur? Or are you left to waiting until they are ready for the change? It is the same in life. Can you really change if you are not open to it in the first place?

I need to lose weight. I complain about never being able to find clothes that fit, but do I stop eating ice cream? NO. Why? There is something in me that is just not willing to change yet. I don't know what it is, but I know it's there and it resists the attempts to change my habits. I will start to eat better and make an effort, then I just slide right back into what is familiar and comfortable. I know that I need to lose weight and if I don't there will be horrible consequences that I really don't want to have to deal with, but I still allow that resistance to stand in my path - why??

Sometimes resistance to change is external also. You can't control other people, yet other people influence your ability to change. Sometimes life is a very big catch 22. You will have the desire for change, then you hit a roadblock created by another person. Whether it be a friend, your significant other, your kids - someone stands in your way to reach change.

Change requires commitment. You can not have commitment if resistance is present. What are your thoughts on change? Do you have a change in your life you need to make but you have a roadblock in front of you? How can we remove those roadblocks? What can we do to help each other make the changes in our lives that we so desperately want?

The Summer Book Club

A group of us at MOMS decided to start a summer reading group. We met tonight for a planning session. We are going to have a great summer as far as I can see. The ladies that came are all very insightful and I have learned a great deal from them in the past...I hope that our summer reading will allow me the same.

Our first book choice was Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn. This story of conversion written by the converted themselves proves to be a wonderful journey. I look forward to rediscovering my faith and foundation in the Catholic church.

Today was another picture day....

so here they are...

Faith is the ability to believe unconditionally

Some have tried to discredit the validity of these photos. I am filled with faith that these photos are in fact God's work.

Pope Benedict XVI prays in front of the monument for the victims of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Oswiecim, Poland, Sunday, May 28, 2006. Pope Benedict XVI is in Poland on a four-day visit that took him to Warsaw, Krakow, Czestochowa, Wadowice, Pope John Paul II's birth town, and the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. The visit is fraught with significance for Catholic-Jewish relations, a favorite theme for Benedict and predecessor John Paul II. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Rainbow raises over Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp as people watch Pope Benedict XVI praying in front of the monument the camp's victims in Oswiecim, Poland, Sunday, May 28, 2006. Pope Benedict XVI is in Poland on a four-day visit that took him to Warsaw, Krakow, Czestochowa, Wadowice, Pope John Paul II's birth town, and the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. The visit is fraught with significance for Catholic-Jewish relations, a favorite theme for Benedict and predecessor John Paul II. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Without faith in my heart, then my existence is meaningless. I have faith in the fact that I am here for a purpose. There is a reasoning behind everything that has happened in my life, and a plan. I only see the plan as it lays out behind me. Like reading a book from the back cover forward, it doesn't make much sense right now, but at the end, it will all be clear.


Psalms
Chapter 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?

When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.

One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.

For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble, Will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock.

Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side! I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and chant praise to the LORD.

I Hear my voice, LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.

"Come," says my heart, "seek God's face"; your face, LORD, do I seek!

Do not hide your face from me; do not repel your servant in anger. You are my help; do not cast me off; do not forsake me, God my savior!

Even if my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me in.

LORD, show me your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.

But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!

Another challenge completed...

Thanks to my Secret Sister. I was challenged to do a layout using black cardstock as the base. Since I am a big patterned paper user this was a huge challenge, but luckily I had a black and white wedding so the photos were easy.

These challenges have actually forced me to scrap even though I've been in a funk. And I've been really pleased with the results. So big thanks go to my Secret Sister for the challenges she's sent to me.

This layout features Bazzill Cardstock, Basic Grey Black Tie Papers and Alphabet Stickers, Fancy Pants Chipboard Frames, Heidi Swapp Chipboard Punctuation, and my trusty Sharpie White Paint Pen. I like how the doodling came out...I based it on the Basic Grey Wholly Cow rubons. Hope you like!!

Time for a {Funny}

We were talking over on SBO about the weather in New England...and I remembered this story...



When we lived in nebraska I was ordering something over the phone. The conversation went like this...

operator: What state do you live in?

me: Nebraska

operator: Is the abbreviation for that NB?

me: No. It's NE.

operator: No ma'am. NE is New England. What is the abbreviation for Nebraska?

me: New England is not a state.

operator: New England is so a state. They have a football team. Now what is the abbreviation for the state of Nebraska?

me {choking back tears of either laughter or fear - I'm still not sure} : Yep you're right, it's NB.

am I the only one who is afraid that these are the people will be taking care of me when I am old?

Why did we go out to eat at all *or* Longhorn Sucks

I can't decide which title is more appropriate right now. Now normally Tuesday nights are reserved for that ever present tradition of Kids Eat Free night at the local Chick Fil A. Well after the last fiasco of having to threaten TT1 to get him to leave the damn playhouse...we were not going there again this week unless I was staying home and BD was venturing out on his own with the boys. But BD took us to the local Longhorn up in town. We were optimistic...we've been there once before. The food was good, the service was decent, the only issue that time was that the prices to us seemed a little high for the area that we live in.

So we head into the Longhorn. We were seated right away, given children's menus and crayons, drinks ordered right away - a good start to the meal. After we order we sit with the boys and color...play games...keep them occupied so that they don't start getting unruly while we wait. We finally are able to get the waitresses attention and commented to her that she had never asked about the cheese for BD's buger. She replied that it was probably too late but she'd go check. We got no answer one way or the other about the cheese until she brings our meals out about 10 minutes later blaming the extraordinarily long serving time to the fact that they had to re-cook BD's buger to change the cheese. That of course was bull since we could see the cheddar cheese remnants on the burger itself and there was no swiss cheese on it at all which is what he had asked for. She never delivered my fries that I had ordered, and only came back to the table one time between serving the food and delivering the check. In my opinion the service was deplorable. By the time the bill had come we had been there for over and hour and a half and I was more than ready to leave. She dumped the bill on the table with no pen to sign the credit card slip, my kids were already in the car waiting for me, and I just went and signed the slip at the front desk and didn't leave her a cent for a tip.

I was prepared to leave it at that, but after coming home and talking with BD about it, I decided that I really needed to call and tell the manager about how horrible I thought the service was. I told him that the food was great - other than the forgotten fries and the no cheese on the burger - the kids loved the chicken finger basket and my steak salad was wonderful. My only complaint was in fact about the service. He apologized profusely and I accepted that apology acknowledging that he was going to work on the service issue. He also told me that the general manager was going to call me tomorrow to talk about the problems. We'll see what he has to say. I actually felt really good after getting off the phone with the manager. It was great customer service from his end...I just wish they'd train their wait staff to do it right in the first place and he never would have been put in that situation. Customer service is going downhill in so many ways...but this was one time that it was exceptional.

The best part.....

When I was waiting to pay the bill, the table behind me was getting ready to leave. A very nice looking older woman with beautiful white hair stopped next to me and told me that my boys were very well behaved and it was a joy to sit next to us!! I about fell off my seat. I thanked her and told her that it was very nice to hear that.

That about made my year. Especially since the boys were not having a very good week...but tonight....they were a joy to sit next to.

Thank you my sister!!

My secret sister that is. Today I was blessed with an envelope filled with a little somthin' somthin' to ease my embellishment deprived soul. Okay I'm not embellishment deprived, but it was so nice to get a little giftie from my secret sis today. She sent me some stuff to use after we get back from the beach (which means she's been doing her homework and listening to what I told her about my vacation), and some little envelopes that I can use for journaling on my pages...and some acrylic flowers...and some of the new EK/Rebecca Sowers Bookworks - loving those btw!! So thank you sis for your postal love today!!!

Another month...

almost over. I can't believe that summer is here already. TTs are out of school until August....VBS will be starting soon..but that's only for a week at a time. Vacation in Williamsburg is going to be fun though. Everytime the commercial for Busch Gardens comes on we tell TT#1 that's where we are going and he gets all excited. He's geared up for riding a roller coaster. We'll see if that happens.

MOMS is done for the year too...but we are going to do a book club over the summer just so we can keep intact without having the church meetings. We usually disband for the summer months...so we are kinda doing it as a test group...we'll see how that goes.

I have some bright things on the horizon it seems as far as my design work...but I don't want to jinx myself...so I won't spill it...but it's blinding me it's so bright :)

I wonder if my secret sister knows who I am yet....I don't know who mine is...and her clues haven't helped me at all....so I don't have any idea who she is...so if you are reading this my dear secret sister....give me some better clues!!!!!

Inspired by AmyAgain's Flower Of The Day

posts over on 2Peas...here's my flower of the day. This is the newest bloom in the front yard...






Have a happy Hump Day!!

So I was perusing the board over at SBO...

and Nikki had posted some journaling prompts...so I thought I'd cover them here...

Write about your mother's greatest influence on you.
My mom's greatest influence would have to be her attitude. Growing up with her no nonsense way of talking and doing things has really influenced how I am today. I like to think that it is her influence that has made me a strong person.

Who was like a mother to you?
My grandmother was like my second mom. Since my mother was only 16 when I was born I spent the first years of my life living with my grandparents and aunts and uncles. My grandmother would keep me during the day so my mom could go to school. After we moved out on our own I still spent weekends there and vacations.

What kind of mother do you want to be?
I want to be the kind of mother that my children look back upon with love and fondness. I want my children to have wonderful memories of growing up. I want to be the supportive and easygoing but stern and respected mother.

List ten traits of a wonderful mother.

1. Loving
2. Respectful
3. Honest
4. Supportive
5. Fun
6. Fair
7. Snuggleable
8. Funny
9. Spiritual
10. Easygoing
    

Write about the best mother's day ever.
This is a hard one. I don't know what makes the "best" of a day. Every Mother's day is special just because I am a mom.

Sometimes we don't like our mothers very much. Write about such a time... then let it go.
I don't like that my mom doesn't spend enough time with my kids. That makes me dislike her a little. I still love her, but it's not fair to my kids.

What are you going to do for your mother this year?
Well my mom lives basically across the country from us, so I made her a simple card and called her on Mother's day. That's enough to let her know that I love her and that she's special to me.

Two posts in one day...must be a record...

but I just have to post.

My secret sister on the Pub must be the sweetest Pea ever in the pod!!! On the questionaire I listed Kimber as a person who inspires me. I was Kimber's Secret Santa last year and since then we have been in a CJ together. She has only been scrapping a short time, but is a wonderful designer and has had some great oppurtunities come her way becuase of that. Her work and ability leave me in awe. So she goes on my "inspires me" list.

Well my uber-sweet SS contacted Kimber and asked her to do a special project for me...Kimber had emailed me the other day asking for a picture of my. I didn't think anything of it cause I know that sometimes scrappers will scrap pictures that aren't their own for a change of pace. So I sent Kimber a photo of me and TT2 when he was a newborn.

Well let me tell you...she has created the most AMAZING layout for me. Check it out over in the gallery at Two Peas.

Thanks so much to my SS and especially to Kimber. Thanks for making me cry...in a good way!!!

I am finally technologically savvy!!

or at least I can fake it well...

I finally figured out how to put a photo slide on my blog. How's it look??

My secret sister over at the Pub challenged me to complete a layout that featured 25 things that I love. You can see it in my slider. It's the one with the flowers coming out of the pot.

Oh...and if anyone in a publishing capacity or DT recruiter likes what you see...they are all available for publication.

Farewell Camden Clan....

I'm very disappointed..for the last 10 years I have watched this show....watched the kids grow up...get married...have kids of their own...then they give this wonderful show the suckiest ending I have ever seen!! No only predictable...but beyond the usual lameness of series finales. I really expected better for the end of this show. Of course now there really is no wholesome family viewing out there that my kids can watch with us...so we are resigned to Disney channel once again....the agony!!

We'll miss you 7th Heaven...there's no show that can replace you....monday's will be very lonely.....

Until football season starts..

Dear God make the pain go away...

That is what I was saying yesterday. For whatever reason as the day wore on it was almost impossible to move. By the time the TTs went to bed I had to take a painkiller - it was that bad. Of course as soon as that kicked in I felt like I could run a 4 minute mile. I don't know what is wrong with me but I wish that it would just go away. Whatever is causing me all this pain everyday ... and making me so damn tired .... and irritable ..... it just needs to go back where it came from. My kids are suffering ... my house is suffering ... everything that I am involved with is suffering ... including me.

Some people have suggested Fibromyalgia ... others have told me it's go to be Lupus ... both of which there is no test to determine if that is in fact what you have. Some people don't even believe that they are real diseases ... honestly I can't say for sure that I believe that they are real. Coming from a medical background generally I say if there isn't a test for it ... then it doesn't exist ... how could it? But then I feel the way I do ... and there's no explanation. Tests that they do ... come back inconclusive. I don't know what to think.

I just pray ... that the pain doesn't come back. I don't like feeling like I can't move ... that I can't play with my kids ... that I can't even get up to answer the phone.

I just pray ...............