lessons learned...

so much happening in my family... so many lessons to learn...

breathe, just breathe (this song rings in my head.. you know it from Grey's Anatomy?)

we had 2 deaths in our family last week- on the same day.. one for my family and one for my dh's...

I just keep hearing the song "breathe, just breathe!"

it takes me back to when my father died when I was a teenager... I just wanted everything to slow down so I could catch my breath!

so strange to think that this world is minus 2 souls that loved so much!

did you take a moment to tell others you love them?

to tell them you are sorry?

to just "be" with them????

I did just that with my friend, Mr. C, last week.
He was so excited to see me.. he had just been given Last Rights and I walked into his room. His face lit up and he tried to talk to tell the priest about our 2 families and how they have been intertwined since I was a kid...

I had not seen him in way too long... and knew he was at the end... you could see it in his face.

He was tired.

He had loved and been loved.. you could see that in his face.

I got the chance to tell him that I was sorry for not coming by to see him.

I got the chance to tell him one more time I loved him.

He held my hand tight and told me it was all ok.. and he loved me too.

another song that rings in my head is by Cat Stevens... "cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon" I heard this song over and over in my head as I spoke to Mr. C.. prayed over him... held his hand... where had the time gone? What was I so busy about??

Cats in the Cradle

by Harry Chapin

A child arrived just the other day

He came to the world in the usual way

But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay

He learned to walk while I was away

And he was talking before I knew it and as he grew

He said, "I'm gonna be like you, Dad,

You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Dad,

I don't know when,

But we'll get together then,

You know we'll have a good time then.

My son turned ten just the other day

He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on lets play

can you teach me to throw?"

I said, "Not today, I got a lot to do"

He said "Thats okay"

And he walked away but his smile never dimmed

And said "I'm gonna be like him, yeah

You know I'm going to be like him"

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Dad,

I dont know when, But we'll get together then,

You know we'll have a good time then.

Well he came from college just the other day

So much like a man I just had to say,"

Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"

He shook his head, and he said with a smile"

What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys

See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Son,

I dont know when, But we'll get together then, Dad

You know we'll have a good time then.

I've long since retired, my son's moved away

I called him up just the other dayI said

"Id like to see you if you don't mind"

He said "Id love to Dad, if I could find the time.

You see my new jobs a hassle, and the kids have the flu.

But It's sure nice talking to you, Dad,

It's been sure nice talking to you........"

And as I hung up the phone it had occurred to me

He'd grown up just like me,

My boy was just like me..............

And the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man in the moon

When you comin home, Son,

I dont know when, But we'll get together then, Dad

We're gonna have a good time then.

so.. do you get it?? go and tell that one person you have been waiting to talk to... send that one extra card you have been putting off. Don't wait... don't put it off till later... it only takes a moment.....

and it is so worth it!

yummo

this recipe is a winner.. it is super rich but oh so good!

Chocolate Pecan Critters:
1 (11 1/2 oz) package MILK chocolate chips
1 (6 oz) package semi sweet choc. chips
1/4 c butter or margarine
1 (14 oz) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed milk
1/8 t salt
2 c coarsely chopped pecans (San Saba pecans are the best I have ever had!)
2 t vanilla extract

1. line baking sheets with waxed paper. In heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt chips and butter with Eagle Brand and salt.
2. Remove from heat; stir in chopped nuts and vanilla
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.
Top with pecan halves (makes it pretty!)
Chill.
Store tightly covered at room temp.

*makes about 5 dozen.. I get a little more- these are super rich and a little bite goes a LONG way!

enjoy!!

energizer bunny

I swear my kid never sleeps and when she does is

RECHARGING!

I haven't had a chance to gather my thoughts except for this

while snuggling Queen V down for the 4th time I decided to ask 20 questions..

I love to ask "the favorites"- you know, "what's your favorite ___________"

well, I learned some new things.. or maybe she is changing a little and has found some new favorites...

what a great moment to capture.. the glow from the neighbor's Christmas lights up... snuggling my middle child that I am sure feels left out or forgotten from time to time.. I felt this way growing up.. I am the 3 of 4.. until my "sister" came along (hi, Jas!) and then I was the 3rd of 5 :) lol! still the middle..

anyway, the moment of Christmas to capture today was just this...

snuggles, favorites, Christmas glow from across the street..

pretty cool moment, huh?

one quick card made.. from an old set I had a while back.

I also used a paper piercer my dh got me YEARS ago.. he went into a stamp shop and the gal told him it was all the rage and only going to be more popular.. she was right and he is a cool guy for getting me something so neat. (i"ll scan it tomorrow to show you)

and here she is again.. it's almost 10pm and she is after icecream.. time to go snuggle again.. lol!

sweet dreams!

She gets it.. the true meaning...

finally getting some cards done
blogger is letting me put up pictures
getting my house cleaned and ready for the holidays!
even my girls are.. I bought them a tree at the Target Dollar Spot. It's about 20" tall.. perfect for a dresser!!! I didn't have ornaments so they pulled out their dress up costume jewelry and adorned it themselves!! beads, rins, earrings, bracelets.. anything pretty and girly! It fits them to a t! lol! Will get pics up when I get the camera downloaded- it's just precious!

before I get to my cards, I found a link to Shimelle's blog classes and on there was a picture of a Starbuck's cup. Now, this wouldn't ordinarily get my attention.. but the word "eggnog" sure did!!! Who cares what a latte is but EGGNOG!?!!! I am all over that bad boy! lol! My mom and I will take a little trip to the local one just built here and indulge a little!!!



Now, on to the cards... I had a challenge at The Shaker Box about using old cards to make new.. and really take that card and make the most of it!! bookmarks, tags for presents, new cards, ATCs.. whatever struck your fancy! Here are my 2 takes on it...

The True Meaning of Christmas.. she gets it!

I asked Lady G " What do you want for Christmas?.

She told me, "I had a mommy, a daddy, a Queen V, and a Mr. T... what more would I want?"

I then asked her, "What are you going to get Queen V?

She replied, "I am going to give her me. I will play with her and just be with her!"

24 more days till Christmas!

Queen V
From Queen to Pharoah.. I saw the exhibit,Hatshepsut with my 3 kids in tow! Yep, braved an art museum.. while there I told them to look for triangles and kitty cats. They searched each piece. I really thought there would be more cats.. should have told the kids to look for cows! lol!
The exhibit was amazing.. Jas- when you come home I will go again!!! The kids were so good- one lady (about in her 70s) came and even commented on how good they were. :)
Mr. T was amazed and gasped and stretched out his arms when we would see another sphinx or another tall statue... it was amazing.. did I say that? I can't wait to scrap this adventure for my kids.. something I want to remember and want them too. When I was a kid I went to King Tut's exhibition... that was cool!

on to scrappy news.. I got my giga scallop punches today!! I got them from Frantic Stamper! I will be punching out some shapes for a little blog give away next week!!! Stay tuned!
Lady G


Are you getting ready for Christmas? I am going to make my Advent wreath for the family.. if I can....I found this pinecone wreath and love it! My dh likes this one though. I will see what I can do by myself. If I can't make it cheap then I will go ahead and buy it. I want my kids to have a wreath this year. Teaching Lady G her CCD this year has me thinking more of what I want to teach her.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

finally, a little white stuff to put me in the mood!!!
I hung some garland just out of Mr. T's reach... and hung pretty bows with beautiful gem colors on it- lovely!!
This flanks my fireplace..
I will get more done this weekend at the Dashing Through Your Stash Open House at The Shaker Box.
We have Diva challenges for the 15 minute dash around the house.
We have Martha and her Alter Egos creating something out of nothing.
We have Dashing Card Makers creating the most fabulous of cards using sketches only to be found at The Shaker Box and themes as well!
I am so excited... Sarah from
Stamp Stars is going to do some tutorials on Monday!!! Wait till you see what she has in store!! She has a great talent! She will post and answer questions if you have any for her!

All this for what?? To get us and hopefully YOU into the mood for the holidays!!
I have lots to get to....

The kids had a great time playing in the snow today... not too long... they aren't use to this at all!
My horse, YoYo, loved it- she is prancing around just like she was 3 again.. she is 30 ;) Love that grey mare!!
Mr. T needs shoes.. his don't fit.. he suffers from fat feet and a high arch.. like his mama.. poor boy.

will come back and post a photo or 2 a little later.. gotta get ready for the Open House

Dash Around Your Stash crop

**sung to the tune of Jingle Bells**

Dashing through your stash
Making gifts, tags and cards all day
Over the pages we go, laughing all the way.
glitter on gift-tags bling, making spirits bright,
What fun it is to scrap and stamp a crafty gift tonight!

scrap and stamp, scrap and stamp, digi all the way
oh what fun it is to play in a studio tonight!
cards and tags, cards and tags, alter that one quick!
oh what fun it is to play in a studio tonight!

Come and join the fun
in a wild and crazy time
Over the dreams we go, wishing all the way.
ShakerBox will rock, making creations grow,
Join the Shaker crew right now, get ready to crop, let's go!

WHO? The Shakers are holding an open house!
WHAT? challenges, gift tutorials, card sketches, unwinding time before the Holiday Rush!
WHEN? beginning Friday, December 1 and running through Monday, Dec. 4
WHERE? here at The Shaker Box!
WHY? to clean house, organize cards, address those envelopes, make some cool gifts, come to some AMAZING tutorials... TO HAVE SOME FUN!

she was right.. 3 years old is tough!

yep... my Queen V wore flip flops today.. she had a big day!
she was in the last class of gymnastics today..
she got a ribbon instead of a medal like her sister..
tears gushed!!! I had to explain to her about accepting a gift graciously..
good sportman like conduct..
she was right.. 3 years old is tough!

then later we were out enjoying some Indian Summer and she choked...
while jumping on our trampoline..
I never ran so fast... I grabbed her out of the net and threw her upside down...
another explanation...
we don't jump with candy... ever!
I told her, "you scared me to death!"
She told me, "I scared me to death too!"
she was right.. 3 years old is tough!

I *had* to get these cards up to share.. I had been working on these for a bit..
they are stamped and colored with General watercolors and Craft T chalks. The chalk I used an EZ chalk enhancer. I was thinking it would give me a look like the Gamsol gives other people using colored pencils (I still call them map pencils.. it's what I used in my class with my students... oh so long ago....) Some of the chalks have a shimer to them- beautiful! If you can get these they are worth it!

This last card, Let Your Heart, I had so much fun! I got the sketch from SandyG at www.theshakerbox.com . I used the tips from Sweet Miss Daisy about coloring in part of your white object blue.. it makes them actually seem more white... I think I over did it but, boy, I had a good time! lol! She did a card where there were polar bears sliding but her entire background was white.. looks great!

Room for Him

H. Satterberg stamp

"It's so hard being 3.. "
famous words of my 3 year old after she got caught fibbing...
"can't I just get a hug and a kiss from you?"
such sweet innocense.. how could I resist...
teaching right from wrong
good from bad
mad from sad

it all stems from last night's experience... my 3 year old, Queen V, cut her hair...
it has NEVER been cut!
such beautiful blonde locks..
how could I cut it???
well, I didn't.. she did... or Max or Emmy did...
nope, she said her sister did it..
only thing is.. her sister was at a friend's house..

what to do..
what to do...
3 is tough?? try being a MOM! geeze!
she knows.. just when to turn it on to make my heart melt...

my buddy, Jeanine, wrote about her 2 year old granddaughter crawling up in her lap last week at 2 am...

2am - shouldn't she be asleep at that time???

well, that home rocks at all hours.. and there is ALWAYS plenty of love.. plenty of lap to jump on and just enjoy the moment. How many of us would do that? or scurry our children to bed?? A lesson is to be learned there.. to make room.. make time for our little ones... make time for the little things that mean SO MUCH!

I learn so much from Jeanine... she has no idea... patience of a saint she has!! Her last 3 and my 3 are days apart in age from each other and we SEE and EMPATHIZE with each other because we are in the same spot in life.. for some things...

so... can't you just give me a hug and a kiss???

you bet... there was a discussion of right and wrong

of mad and sad

even a touch of the 10 Commandments...

but all followed by hugs and kisses..

and I love yous.....

there should be "room for Him"

Top 10 reasons I am glad Jasenka is my Sister!

Here we go.. no particular order until the end...
We got to chose each others as sisters
We can argue in the Grand Canyon and still come out singing "I was walking in Memphis!"
Tweedles
Big discussions on life.. even if we don't agree we still listen to each other.
toothpaste.. want some? hahaha
singing in the car with you
chatting on the phone with you
I have another home.. in another city and even another country... any time I want!
being there for me.. any time
I LOVE YOU!

I hope your day was a good one.. that you get all the wishes from blowing out your candles... Less than a month and we can celebrate together!!!

pictures pictures pictures

A wife invited some people to dinner.
At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"

"I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied.

"Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife
answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people
to dinner?"

man, all I can say is.. Thank You to my brother for having Thanksgiving dinner at his house! lol! CAn't you just see this being said???

ok.. pics- tons and tons of pics.. my dh thought we were going to be at the botanical gardens for about 30 minutes to get this generational photo... yep, 3 generations in this photo.. it is his mom's idea.. if they thought 30 minutes was all it was going to take for an "on location" photo shoot they should have scheduled for Target or JC Penney. Nothing wrong with them- I've used The Red Dot Boutique, as my friend Tracey calls it, but for this.. it needed to be nice.. The photo will be placed on a piece of linen paper and from there dh's grandma, who is 85) will be making a quilt block from it... yep, she does it all by hand- one stitch at a time... it will be beautiful when she is finished!

I got this one while taking the kids on a "break" They needed to really get away and stretch legs and be kids.. all I did was ask them to hold hands and this is what I got! I love this shot!


This next one is of Mr. T telling the girls he was DONE holding hands.. DONE walking with them.. he had his OWN agenda and it didn't involve big sisters!! lol!



this last photo is one of the final shots.. we were all exhausted, tired, hungry, and hot! I asked us to turn and look at Mr. T as he holds his hands on his ears.. he is trying to play peekaboo but doesn't know not to cover his ears but his eyes! hilarious! this just cracks me up!

note- these are not the pics for the quilt.. these were taken with my little camera... nope, I didn't get my other one fixed... I still want to purchase the Canon Digi Rebel!!! ugh!

hopefully, I will get to stamp tomorrow.. I have 3 cards complete.. just no time to scan and I am a little worn out.. took 175 photos today.. the focus on this camera I am using drives me insane.. it has an autofocus I can't seem to shut off... ugh!

shhhhhh listen....

Emmy.. oh no.. you're painting my foot!
My middle child has come to name her hands.. yep, her hands. One is Max and the other is Emmy from Dragon Tales. Yep, Max scribbles on her just completed artwork, breaks crayons and Twistables that don't belong to him or my lovely blondie... and Emmy is artistic... now drawing on my dd's foot...
don't you just love imagination!!!
I had to add a photo. I have some scrappy stuff but have not loaded it on the computer... so you get this! lol!

so on to my post.... shhhhhhhhhhh listen!
what do you hear???
are you listening to me??
this seems to be going in my head so much right now... is it the craziness of the holidays already??
I want to get things done so that I can demonstrate what it truly is about for my kiddos....

I have found a site that is too cute for words! I found them a while ago but now.. oh, I have looked even more in depth to inkyantics and have fallen head over heals! lol! I wasn't sure what
gamsol was but now I know.. it's a blending solution that when used on colored pencils (Prismacolors are the ones I see most illustration artists or stampers using) will blend them without sketchy lines you might get in other pencils. These are not watercolor pencils - which I use a lot of!
Anyway, the stamps that are there are so cute. I like the innocence found in the stamps there :)

While I was there.. I found one of the illustrators, Monica Lee had a link to her site.. can't find it now.. from her online journal I read about her asking for prayers to heal a neighbor's SIL. do this.. ask for peace.. I followed a link to Thomas's blog . Look at the entry about Thanksgiving... it is so touching.. At his young age he has figured out so much already!!! I didn't comment on his wife's blog.. I think she's got so much on her plate that some gal from who knows where commenting on her blog is wierd... but her dh's words drew me in.. I was welling with tears over it...

Once again... as I have previuosly written.. God always seems to put things into perspective... as I discussed where to put our dog's fence... not agreeing with my husband of the placement of it.... it just doesn't seem to matter... I wanted to just say, "shhhhhhhhhhhhhh. just listen to me."
did it matter what I had to say? nope.
did it matter if he didn't hear me? nope.
what matters is that he kept trying to listen to me.. even if I didn't make any sense... which I am sure is plenty of time since I am chasing 3 kids around... I think he should get it.. but when I am caught up in something I forget to BREATHE!

what really needs to happen is me doing what I suggest....
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh listen

I wonder what I might hear....

blessings

my faith that give me belief in God
my husband who gives me constant comfort
my children for allowing me to see things through their eyes
a roof over my head to keep me cool in the summer and warm in winter
food on my table that keeps me nourished
friends far and wide that help me remember good times and anticipate the future
my extended family... for loving me no matter what
creativity... it helps me cope with the everyday

did you ever stop and think of the little things?
at night when my kids are saying their prayers I have gotten them to pray for family and friends... aksing God's help in their lives...
but what about saying thanks just because...
for breathing
for birds chirping
for leaves that change colors
for warm sunshine
for the sandbox
soft cotton sheets on a bed
Dora, Curiuos George, music... the things that make my little ones giggle

little things all add up!

I love to cook!

I love it..
I thrive on it!
give me a holiday and I will cook up a storm!
I don't want anyone to go away hungry- that would be awful!!
so, what have I prepared for tomorrow???

sweet potato casserole- I love this
what's in it you say?
sweet potatoes, of course!
brown sugar
Granny Smith Apples and a Honey Crisp because they are my all time favorite apple!
pecans
butter- yea, baby!
nutmeg
cinnamon
this is all layered several times and baked for about 30 min in the oven at 350* or so...
at the last minute you put on marshmallows till tan and puffy!

brine your turkey!
yep, you heard me- brine it!
what do you do? how do you do it? you ask???
well, get your mop bucket and a garbage sack and line that bucket with that sack
next get warm water and mix with chicken broth and kosher salt - if not regular salt is fine.
throw in some apples (I threw in the cores and the peel from the apples I used in the sweet potatoes.. don't let anything go to waste!), oranges, lemons, rosemary, thyme - we all need some extra of this during the holidays!- and stir!
oh wait.. what is it missing?? garlic, a little wine still in the fridge... and brown sugar! yep- you need the salt and the sweet!
next wash your turkey inside and out before she gets her bod wet in this luxurious bath!!!
place her in the garbage sack and then in the fridge she goes until the next day

you might think this is really strange but if
Alton Brown and Emeril think it's a good thing then MOVE OVER Martha LOL! I even checked her site.. she doesn't have a recipe for this..
at any rate- when cooking your bird - DON'T FORGET to cook her upside down! Yep, let the fat pour out of her juicy thighs to baste it for you!!!
It's the best turkey you'll ever have! I have given this recipe out so many times to strangers at the grocery store and they come up and thank me.. not just the wives but the husbands! lol! silly, huh?? lol!

I also cooked a spinach fritata kind of thing
cook Stovetop as on box
fluff with fork but put in one egg- mix fast so you don't get a soft boiled egg on top!!
in saute pan cook onion (one med. chopped) until see through
add in thawed, drained chopped spinach and warm through- take off of burner
over stove top sprinkle on a layer of Monterrey/Jack cheese
now sprinkle half of spinach and onion over the cheese
layer strips of red bell pepper over that
add another layer of spinach
add a layer of tomato slices
drizzle 4 eggs (that are mixed up) over all that
sprinkle another layer of cheese
**this recipe is YUMMO as R.Ray would say!!!
place in oven for 30 min at 400*

of course I had to make Green Bean casserole.. I don't like it but dh does... it'll go to his grandma's house ;)

cranberry orange relish.. love this
bag o' cranberries
2 orange
1/2 cup of sugar
mix like crazy in the Cuisinart- aren't these a Godsend? lol!
my mom asked if I put Couintreau in it.. wouldn't that be yummY?? lol!

for drink- in the fridge already-
cranberry juice
sprite
it looks good, tastes good, and by golly, it's good for you! hahahaha

I'll make a cake or something for dessert.. the kids love to do that :)

so what is on your plate for tomorrow??? any special family goodies???
I still have yet to take pics of toilet paper turkeys.. they are coming... patience, young Grasshoppa! lol!

little somethings

A little boy was overheard praying:

"Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't
worry about it.

I'm having a real good time like I am."

this would be so like my Queen V to say something like this..

had a great day making Toilet Paper Turkeys...
pics coming tomorrow.
It's a little tradition we started about 4 years ago
we have quite a grouping of them now..

if a bunch of cows are a herd
geese are a gaggle
bees are a swarm...
what do you call a bunch of turkeys???

my family! hahahahaha

Great Day!

Great Day!

this card was inspired by !Denise Foxworthy and Kindred Spirits

so much to share tonight!

naps for kids
baby in backpack
6 year old carrying around sugar in cup
3 year old looking for stool to stand on
makings for Sweet Miss Daisy's banana bread all over counter
this all adds up to a priceless evening..
after bathtime
curled up on their daddy's lap
watching Monday night football
warm banana bread

I ran across a new blog for moms. Since I am always telling anecdotes about my kidsand the conversations we have I found
this one really amusing. It sounds just like something that would happen in my house.

Have you heard about Prism Paper Give Away Go to the link and on the right hand side going down to the bottom there is a link. You have to answer some questions and from this after 4 weeks or so you will get some free paper.. can't beat that with a stick, huh? Gotta love free

all this on the heels of my son choking today.. it was so scary and I turned to tell my dh we were on our way to the ER... I finally got his throat cleared... scared me to death and my heart has been racing all day. While at the grocery store today a lady was complaining about waiting 20 minutes in a line.. I was thankful my son was alive and she was upset that it took her checkout girl 20 minutes to check one person out and another gal took care of 6 people in that time.. where is the gratitude?? Life always seems to be put in perspective one way or another.. you know?? My boy is fine.. scared to swallow spit now.... but fine.. hope we never have to do that again....

bountiful

things I am gratEful for...
my faith
my family
understanding dh
loving children
roof over my head
yard for kids to play in
imagination
creativity
friends around the world
time I get to learn and explore

how to on my card:
cut background paper to fit card front
cut strip of pp
punch Giga scallop punch on pp
layer pp over cs and punch square
stamp on the card front
stitch cs to pp
stamp top of cs
adhere ribbon across seam of pp
adhere front to the card body
voila! my card.. kind of like a window but not punched all the way through the card

I love to learn.. I am so glad I am curious about things around me.. but one thing always catches my eye.. about evolution, anthropology, brain research, DNA... just facinating to me! I finally got to see this special on PBS today about
the family that walks on all fours It was truly a facinating hour of tv. I watched in amazement with my daughter... talking about things that have occurred over millions of years... So many reasons why this has occurred in this family.. is it DNA? a throwback in genes??? what do you think? What do you see in this?? This is not the only family with members who do this.. they have found others in other parts of the world. Science does continue to grow... I hope my daughter sees opportunity in learning what she can become, what others can become.. what she might want to be when she grows up.

autumn splendor

warm
crisp
colorful
crunchy
shorts
sweaters
apples
pumpkins
pecans
squirrels

all this added up... fall in my town...


enjoy the scenery

finally.. a moment...

gathered my things
put the babe in the backpack
cut
pasted
tied
voila! cards!!!
I am sending out cards to my buddies at The Shaker Box We started a card RAK there. I need to get my cards out to some folks at Splitcoaststampers they have been so kind in sending birthday cards and just general RAKS. The way the second group does it is a little different- they put a post it note in the card so I can use it again if I chose :) Sometimes I do and other times I use it as an inspiration .. or even an element in a scrapbook page! gotta love that!
Anna really got me inspired with her cards on her blog- man, she's got some style!!! This is her !!gallery .. I need to put it on the side bar to refer to... great style, Anna!

I have to mention that there is a challenge going on at The Shaker Box The more you scrap, stamp, or alter the more points you enter and can win a prize from the sponsor!!! How great is that? Come and join the fun... we're waiting for you!

One more thing.. I have THE BEST husband in the world!!! He came home from a long trip and all is right.. .when we are together it is like a well tuned piano.. some times we might hit the wrong key but when it's good... it's good... the family is all back in one piece and I am happy.

handwring and biting

just some qick notes to go out during the holidays...
don't you just love to get mail?
real mail
the kind where you see a new stamp, real handwriting on the envelope

there is a carpet cleaning company in my town
they've gotten smart
they use an ink on the envie that looks real
I've figured it out
I've even sent the letters back
I can't stand junk mail
let them deal with having to recycle it

so
the next time you have the feeling
all I ever get is bills... write a letter to a friend and send it away
make the postal worker happy and decorate the envie
my post office laughs when they see me
wonder if it's from the kids hanging all over me or the artwork....


we've been very sick around here.. that's why I was not around
update on yesterday: Mr T bit me twice during Mass
once on my cheek-I have teethmarks to prove it- he started with a kiss and bit the stew out of me
the secondwhile he was nursing... during Conceration

OUCH!

see if I let him do that again during Mass

silly babe

creativity does a body good!

3 out of 5 are sick in my house.. sounds like a good reason to scrap and stamp? right??? you betcha! I got a few moments for myself.. after some much needed Tylenol for my throat...
got a LO and a card done

background on the LO:
my kids love their greatgrandparents
2 died within the last year.
it's been very tough on the girls..
Queen V has created a masterpiece on the porch of her 2 greatgrandmothers
one is living and the other died last year.
She tells me stories about them like she saw the one that died just last week.

we see one of them still.. she tells her, "Mema, you're my girl!" It makes Mema's day! Makes mine too knowing that my kids have such a big family that loves them!

Mom on the Move!

6:00 am baby jumping on my belly
6:25 radio goes off... good music
6:30 realize the music is telling me to get out of bed
6:32 finally roll out of bed and get dressed
6:40 get kids up... and dressed...
6:50 brushing hair and putting in puppy dog ears... not mine.. theirs! lol!
7:00 realize I am going to need coffee today!!!
7:05 breakfast on table for all kids... making lunch now... picking out candy to put in lunchbox
7:20 time to read one more book with my dd
7:30 brush teeth.. check for shoes... clean faces....
7:40 all in van and headed to school!
7:50 drop off kiddo and head to next town to drop of shoes
8:30 on way to gymnastics.. call Mom on way to make sure she is up...
9:00 I am throwing away, giving away, cleaning out linen closet...
9:45 leave to pick up dd from gymnastics
10:00 back at Mom's to clean some more.. she wants to have a party so I am there! I am here for the next several hours.. only to leave to pick up dd from school
3:15 Queen V is asleep in the van... told me she had a tummy ache before she fell asleep
4:00 voting... yep, did my civic duty! I always smile when I get to do this- like a kid in a candy store... I know I belong.. it's just so exciting!!!
5:00 practicing 32 new words with dd to have memorized by Friday morniing... am also trying to get dinner on the table...
5:30 microwave has died.. yep, died... damn. apples look good though.. I'll have one of those! lol!

I am pooped! I am not sure where my evening went except to watch Emmit Smith on Dancing with the Stars.. hope he wins... my gubenetorial candidate won't.. damn...

I have to run but will leave you with this- pictures from Halloween :)

learn something new every day

Did you hear about the dolphin with 2 hind legs?
nope. it's not a joke.
Some fishermen in Japan found a dolphin with 4 fins. Scientists believe that dolphins and other mammals walked the Earth and when they took more to the water they lost those 2 back legs... They also said in the article that they were kin to deer- did you know that???

so what did you learn new today?

**having trouble uploading to blogger tonight** will add pics tomorrow

time flies...

we had not been to see dh's grandma since August... where does the time go?? who knew it would go by so quickly!!! so we loaded up the kiddos and headed north for the day.
Since All Soul's Day was during the week the church had it's Rosary and procession into the town cemetary today. Yep, I said procession. This town, my dh's hometown, is really small but has been around for a very long time- since the 1850s. It is a small German farming community and there is but one church in the whole town- St. Peter's. It is a beautiful church with statues, stained glass on every window with the names of saints written in German. I never noticed that until I was taking photos today. Since I am teaching dd her CCD we are talking about art in the Catholic faith- what it looks like, the interpretations we can take from it and what it means to us. It was just beautiful.
Anyway, we went out to the cemetary and continued to say the Rosary that we prayed indoors... after the last prayer was said each family- and there were lots- went to their family members' graves. The graves were decorated for fall- lovely oranges, yellows, browns... it was a gloomy day but to see the cemetary bursting with mums, maple leaves and other flowers it was great! Looking around you could see families that have not seen each other in a while get together, hug, ask about grandkids or great grandkids... just a wonderful moment. When I get a chance tomorrow I will post pics so you can see what I saw.. something that isn't done much any more... quite a change from the hustle and bustle of "city life." The girls walked around graves, reading names, looking at flowers while cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents hugged and chatted...
Grandpa's grave is getting grass.
Grandma's grave is even with the others..
time flies...

Ho Ho Holly

I know.. only a few days away from Halloween and look what I've done.. got the cat out of the bag and shook it so hard I got goosebumps! hahahaha
no stamping here tonight.. using my scrap goodies to create a tag for gifts!!! I'll be asking some gals to come over and make some tags with me for their gifts....

I have always wanted the holly soooooo I got it! yep! so happy about it too... sure it will be used a lot!
and the goosebumps are so cool! This is the first QK g.b. I have gotten... I think I'm in love! lol! all this with that giga punch to boot!!! gonna be a good one!

I pulled out some lighter greens and pinks to make this same tag... but don't have time to get into that.. .I had to clean up my avalanche of a room! yikes!

things that go bump in the night!

we got "boo-ed" last night.. a neighbor dropped off a goodie bag full of spooky cups for the kids... they knocked so hard on the door I almost came out of my skin!!!

I don't have a lot of time tonight so I thought I would drop a quick note with a picture I got outside my front door this morning... bright and early!


found these links that might be helpful to some tomorrow night:
pumpkin pics: http://www.pumpkincarving101.com/pumpkin_photographing.html

general tips: http://www.halloweenphotography.com/halloween-pictures-photo.html

NY Institute tips (great ideas here!) http://www.nyip.com/tips/current/halloween.php
pdf here : http://www.hallowfreaks.com/pdfs/hallowphototips.pdf

better photos dot com (this gives tips for pumpkins) http://www.nyip.com/tips/current/halloween.php

digital tips: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/halloween-photography-tips/

just in case you need some more ideas or written in a different way...
http://www.photojojo.com/content/photojojo-original/halloween-photo-tips

good good good good vibrations!

love that BEach Boys song!
I have seen the Beach Boys so many times through highschool and college.
I think I have seen Chicago more though... another great summer band! lol!

in keeping with my sister's thought of keeping that "relaxed summer vacation feeling" going I am putting up a LO I did of my kiddos taking a dip this last August on my son's first birthday...



NOTE- I am NOT a lime green girl... or a neon scrapper but I had this kit from a swap I was in at Lifetime Moments from oh so long ago and can't NOT use it.. it had the papers, the frame, the cardstock... so it just kind of fell in place with a sketch that Chris created for The Shaker Box I think it looks ok.. and it needed to be done for the little guy's album.. boy, I took a lot of pics that day!

I have been loving the cards I see at SCS and hope some of the talent rubs off on me.. I did some tags with my buddy Jeanine on Friday so we have homemade tags on our gifts this Christmas.. we did Santa stamps- I think they need some help.. I will see what else I can do. We talked about doing it but I didn't get to do anything to plan so it was by the seat of my pants. We got 24 done and there was one I snuck in on her :) Did you see it, Jeanine?? a little extra! We will do more religios ones next time in silvers and blues.. maybe some burgandy and kraft.. who knows! lol!

I need some inspiration.. do you know of a great gallery for tags for gifts?? who do you look for inpiration for??

cookies!

talking to dd about numbers.. it's so funny to hear what a little one thinks about such things as they learn....

we were discussing something after dinner... can't remember what it was but our oldest pipes in to ask us some questions..
we ask her one: hey, what comes after 1000?
Lady G: cookies!
silence.... followed by a burst of laughter!

what is she thinking??? lol!
she and I caught a little bit of the Today show before school and Merideth and Matt were discussing 2006... do you say it two thousand AND six or two thousand six. Well, being a teacher's daughter I taught her NOT to say one hundred AND one. It simply isn't correct! So Lady G announces to the TV, "hey, you can't say the AND. It doesn't exist when discussing numbers!" Thata girl! give 'em hell! lol! yet one of my pet peeves will NOT be coming out of this babe's mouth! lol!

just a moment...

I had to cover dd's drama club today.. it was fun...
what is even funnier is that a gal perceives me as having only half a brain got some respect for me today.. yep... she saw me "teach" these kids in how to present something... listen...and present again... only better the second time around...

I was filling in for the other mommy volunteer and we have different ways of going about things... I love it... she makes me think differently about teaching... it was cool to see if I could still make kids jump with a smile on thier face...

anyway, this other gal, kept asking me where I was getting my ideas... what did you read on the paper? how do you know what to ask the kids? how do you get them to do this? I remind her I taught for 10 years.. it's my profession....

made me smile... I think she gets it... and...
I still got it! (LOL! strutting around like Vinny Barbarino now... lol!)

anyway, I got a square Marvy Uchida Giga Punch today... I so want a scalloped oval and a scalloped circle but I can only find one and it's at JoAnn's dot com. So..what to do....
make a card with what I've got!

stamps: Hero Arts, My Sentiments Exactly!, DJ Inkers

wishful thinking... and silly sayings...

ok, so I volunteered at dd's school today.
they are rhyming.
I love rhyming..
kids are so innocent
or so I thought

rofl!

so they have to rhyme : cat, fit, duck

picture this:
boy walks up to teacher
teacher leans down
student says, "I know the word is duck. can I say..."
whispers in the air
teacher replies, "let's keep it appropriate. ok?"

I am rolling!
teacher never flinched.
kid shrugs shoulders and walks back to desk.

wonder what's said in his house, huh? lol!


I'm trying to upload pics.. darn (ryhmes with barn ;) )... blogger won't let me. (edited to add.. got it on.. yippeee!)
I am investigating angel policies of rubber stamps to allow me to post some things on ebay.
yep, I am taking the plunge.
A great friend (hi, Paula!) encouraged me to do it and now I am going to do it.
I have a deadline of this week to get things up and running... it's fast and furious but I have to help around here and my relaxation comes from stamping, photography, and scrapping... put those together and I just might have some ideas to sell...
it's a leap of faith
I think I have not done it all these years because I am afraid to fail.
there.
I said it.
I can't believe it but I think I have come to terms with it.
It's hard to do but if I don't try I will never know- will I??

if I get to post pics I will show you what I am NOT putting on ebay... some things I cannot sell- angel policy doesn't apply.

have you ever sold on ebay??? what was it? how did it make you feel?

silly sayings and doodles

ok.. gotta tell you about the car ride to Mass last night
Queen V announces, "I need a boyfriend!"
me: huh? turning around quickly to see her face,....
she is sitting with her legs crossed... geeze!
Queen V: yep, I need a boyfriend to take me to the ball.
dh: she must be talking about Robbie's wedding.. (she's the flower girl)
me: well... how 'bout Daddy?
Queen V: nooooooooooooooooooooo, I'm just a little kid... I'm 3. He's too big!
me: well, do you know any little kids?
Queen V: no.... (she then starts to name cousins... and her dog.... )

whew! that was close.. what does she know about boyfriends???

the girls drew and drew this weekend... Lady G is making a scrapbook for her CCD work. She doesn't quite realize it and so we hang it on the "ART GALLERY" for safe keeping right now...

inlaws came tonight and I got a bunch of scrap goodies to feed my addiction! yummy!
the kids were so excited to see them.. that's a good thing :)

dh mopped the floor- he is REALLY picky about it so I let him have it... kind of like me making the bed.... it has to be a certain way.. my mom made me that way.... gotta be just right with hospital corners- she taught!!! If they come apart- even in the middle of the night- I have been known to get up and make it ... AGAIN.. yep, can't handle the sheets to be a mess when I am sleeping.. lol!

makes me think... is there something that you are stubborn about??? do you have to do something just one way or it bugs you???

I have found some interesting and inspirational links in the last day or two surfing the net...
the first gal, from WAshington has an amazing blog.. sells cards and man, she is good! her stamping and coloring is amazing!!!
check her out!Simple Dream

and the second one I found most interesting reminds me of my good friend, Twistedsoda. I have found a true person... a true friend in Michelle J. She amazes me in her selfless heart...
anyway.. the blog I found that reminds me of her is Dina Stamps Her blog is amazing.. she puts herself out there with her artwork.. ATC, journals, scrapbooks.. love that! THanks for the inspiration, ladies!!! YOU ROCK!

my mind is full of cobwebs

I was once told cobwebs were not from spiders but from dust..
is this true?? hmmm

well, a friend.. a dear friend I called Dad as a kid is having a rough night... say prayers for him if you can... he is in the hospital... his dd and I were the best of friends in highschool.. she married my oldest brother... Dad needs prayers and lots of them!!!

because of this my mind is on other things... couldn't get into the grove of scrapping.. or stamping... I started several things only to not finish them up.. I did finally get 2 ATCs done... will put them up for grabs at www.theshakerbox.com

one more try...

The Spooktacular Crop is going on at www.theshakerbox.com
there are so many challenges and contests it will knock your socks off!!
come play with us!
I'm about to upload a photography challenge for all of you photography buffs!!!! come play!

now.. since blogger is not letting me post my creations... you will have to come to the gallery at The Shaker Box and see what all we are doing!!!
don't forget to introduce yourself!!!

Happy Card



scarecrow card

cards for my muse... if blogger will let me post...

ok.. so it took me a little more than a few minutes..
I was inspired by some cards I saw at splitcoaststampers I love these cards and the designs are so cute with all the layering. This Jeanne
I did the Happy one the other night and the scarecrow with Queen V. She and I had a blast while Mr. T was sleeping.. in the backpack... still can't get him into the crib.... go figure...

if you can stop by The Shaker Box starting tomorrow we are having an online crop!!! Yep, there will be prizes... come play if you have a chance!

just one more gal.. her name is Julia- her style is amazing!! Julia's splitcoast gallery

well.. seems I can't upload tonight.. this is a first for me.. usually I get on and post a pic.. but not today.. time for bed.. will try again tomorrow...

such a long time looking

finding myself
finding the teacher in me.... again
finding the mother
finding the wife
finding the sister
finding the friend
finding the daughter
finding the creator... the artist in me...
finding the priorities in life

so many things going on in my life that it's hard to know where to begin...
priorities.. where am I now?

I used to be a sailor, an illustrator, a horseback rider, a dreamer... or was I?

Was it something that other people wanted me to be and I never really got a chance to figure out who I am?? And now that I am a mother and a wife will I find out who and what I really am??? How do I express this to my family? When is the right time to be ME?

Ali E asks us to create a mini book of the 5 things that are our favorites..
things
things
things

THINK

what THINGS are my favorites???

Last summer when we did the summer reading program at the library I had to go ask a librarian to help me figure out what I liked. I wasn't sure. I can read Suess, Carle, or Brown like there is no tomorrow.. a text on Columbus... or some other obscure piece of history.... She led me to Patterson Women's Murder Club . They are quick reads and in between chasing a baby, changing a diaper and pushing a swing I can get a few pages in here and there... I didn't know what really was MY favorite type of story..

I do KNOW one thing for sure.. I like to walk on the beach.. even just sit and listen to the waves. I do have to make myself do this now.. as a kid- a teen- I could lie by the lake and listen to the lapping of the waves and rock myself into complete bliss... It is such my mecca.. God definitely made this for me.. but now... in my stage of life it is locked in my brain for me to listen to... I can't get there for various reasons...

I want my kids to know what it is to get up and GO some where... some where special that becomes special to THEM. For sister it is to go home.. her true home to regenerate her juices.. she seems more alive since she dipped her toes into the Adriatic! How romantic is that!

something someone told me tonight.. I didn't know this man and he for sure didn't know how carefully I was listening to him but this is so true what he said, "if you don't take the time to invest in them (meaning kids) now they will wonder what they are truly worth.... don't just get them any skates- get the ones that are good... dont just get them any bike- spend the money on the one that is really good... make the investment in them.. it will be repaid in their actions... " So true, don't you think...

someone else told me this week, "it's not the money you spend now on them. God will provide for things later. If it weren't for XYZ being in hockey we would have never taken this trip.... gone on this excursion... all as a FAMILY"

so I go back to ask myself... how do I as the mother provide what the kids need? It is the best investment I can make....

my favorites??
I'm still working on them...
it's so hard for me to come up with a list of favorites...
it's always changing

I'm always changing
always searching for something more
wanting more.. not material things for me
answers for the future...

what if I make a wrong move?
what if I should have turned left instead of right?
what if I spent one more moment with my kids??

what if I find out who I am and truly share that with my
family.

I seem to have disappeared

hmmm
why is this not showing up...
my sister told me she is not seeing me...
and now I am not seeing me...
wonder why...

cheshire cat syndrome....
hmmmmmmmmm

and she's back!!!!

hiya!
after some porn popups took apart my computer... dh fixed it.. really, it's his to do some work on but for now it has access to the web for me!!!!!!!!!
yippeeee!

so much going on in our little world but no pics or anything scrappy to share sine I have no more pics- they are stuck in Limbo for now... and no Adobe ps... came to find out that I have elements 5 though- I didn't know that until dh told me what he was going to be putting up on the computer now..

soooooo
for now I will be posting little conversations... per usual.. trying to get my journaling going again...


have you seen this? Making Memories Idol contest
are You the next scrappy idol?

new baby teeth, ballroom dancing, silly faces

we had a lot going on today...
Mr T broke 2 more teeth in- molars.. it was a mess when he got the bottom one to come threw- yuck!

pushed the table in the study to the side for safety issues... I don't like it but it gives the girls a place to practice ballroom dancing.

It RAINED! alllll day! I love it!
it's a good rain that saturated the ground- we need it for sure!
we could only be blessed with more!

can you believe I didn't get a pic of the kids playing in the rain? nope.. not one.. they didn't get to play in it today... I can't believe we missed this opportunity. We don't often get this kind of rain without thunder and lightning so this was a time I should have made time...

oh... just one more thing !lol!
This LO is of my dd NOT enjoying having her photo taken at Halloween when she was little- so sweet! She cracks me up!

moments of clarity

in the last 4 days I have had a migrain that will not go away.
I hate migrains. I used to get them as a teenager..
I couldn't go down a grocery isle where the product hung off of a metal spike.
I couldn't go down the soap row because of the smell.

since Mr T has been born I have had migrains every other week and they last as long as 4 or 5 days. they are the pits.
I hate migrains!

in a moment of clarity I did get to make an altered notebook today.
I will be using this notebook to keep me updated as to what materials I use on what projects.
I hope this will not only get me going on the Mega Challenge at www.theshakerbox.com but also get me to submit somethings for publication.
One can only hope... right?



I had to add to this post since I have not posted due to migrains.. ugh..
this photo is of my dd who is 3 reading to me.. can you believe?? reading! wow!

creative moments

you have to grab them when they present themselves...
reading
drawing
scrapping
inking..
it's all good! lol!

with little fingers reaching up for paper, scissors, glue.. whatever.. you have to act quick!
I am behind in getting an ATC to Kathy.. are you reading this??? I made a few for you to make up for my tardiness- sorty of my life lately.. if it's not for my immediate family it gets on the back burner. I know they come first.

dd said the other day "I don't want to go to school." She is going through another growth spurt and is exhuasted... and hungry! lol! I still can't believe that she said it- she loves school! She is joining rythmic gymnastics... I cna't believe it. Ithought this was a joke in the 80s when it was introduced here but after seeing thises kids do what tey did- stretch like they did- I am amazed. NOo way could I do what they do= so limber!!!

dd #2 fell off a swing- in the hieght of the arc and just let go.. did a flip mid air and landed onher forehead. It reeplays in my mind like a nightmare!!!

ds is walkign all over
has a sense of humor already- ou have to in our family!
eating little- he likes to nurse moe thatn anything... we joke and tell him he can't do it in kindergarten! lol!

gotta run.. a skunk was outside earlier and couldn't feed my pup... I think the air has cleared now!
happy scrappin!!!