Celebrating Life's Moments

What Did Your Wednesday Hold?

2011-11-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Mine involved lots of reading, phone calls, piles of paperwork, committee meetings, and a new job. Between life, school, and scouts, I have no idea how I am going to squeeze a job in, but a certain dept. at U of I has been after me for a bit and it looks like I will be helping them out until the holidays are over.

On another note....we are collecting food for scouting for food next Saturday the 12th. If you have some canned food you would like to donate let me know...I will happily pick it up. All the food helps to assist those in our community that have needs.

Back In The Saddle!

2011-11-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

Ok blogging world...I'm back! I am going to attempt to maintain this blog and post regularly. I think it should be interesting to see how well I can balance home, school, homework, housework, scouts, couponing, blogging, and life! Let's see if I have what it takes!

WOOHOO!!!!

2011-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have been waiting for this day forever...I am finally under 200!!! Weigh in today put me at 197.6! I am so happy! I can't believe how I am progressing, and I am finding what is hard and what is easy, what works and what doesn't. There were a few days last week that I was ready to throw in the towel but I am glad that I kept plugging along.
The goal for this next week is to get my studying done (3 big tests) and to get to the gym to workout (at least twice). Let's see what happens!

weigh In wednesday

2011-01-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

Oh is it Wednesday already? My days are quickly fading into one another with the recent addition of a school schedule and homework! What was I thinking?

Anywho, got on the scale this morning and I am 201.6. I was secretly hoping for something that would put me under 200 but I guess that will have to wait for next week! Have a great Wednesday!

Weigh In Wednesday

2011-01-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

203.6! Not too shabby if I do say so myself!

Now I have to go back to teaching myself pre-calculas and analytical geometry. I HATE math!

Being Accountable

2011-01-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hi there....not sure if anyone even stops here anymore seeing as though I never seem to post.
I have decided that even if I have no visitors I am going to put some info out into the great WWW and hold myself accountable for my actions. With that being said....

Today I weighed in. I am 205.2! Not quite the healthiest number in the world. I get out of breath walking from my car to my house. I don't really have the energy to do much of anything anymore. I AM NOT HEALTHY!

On a happier note, when I started this journey 6 weeks ago I weighed 211.2. I have managed to lose 1 pound per week for 6 weeks (If you average it out). I am seriously considering Weight Watchers but I am not sure. For now I am watching what I eat, eating smaller portions, drinking lots of water, and eating a bit more frequently.

I can't guarantee that I will post here everyday, but Wednesday is the day that I weigh-in and I will at least post that. I figure if it is out there for the whole world to see I had better be doing something about it!

WooHoo.....Karen

2010-12-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

I am Karen's bulldog and I am on a mission...let's see if it works!

More ATC's

2010-08-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Told you I was hooked....if I have counted right I have made 203 little cards in the last month and a half! Holy smokes! I have several more in the planning and construction phases. Just thought I would share what I have completed lately.

Quite a few of these are for swaps on swap-bot so I only made a very limited number. Some were for our local ATC Club's trade night, and some are brand new. What do ya think?

My New Found Love!!!

2010-07-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am totally hooked on ATC's!!! I tried to get into them in 2006, but I didn't have a whole lot of love for them back then...now however, I seem to be creating them in my sleep. It is so bad that I created a flickr account and activated my Swap-Bot account. Here are a few that I have made so far...and by a few I mean a total of 105 cards....but only 11 different designs! GO ME!!!

I am trying to finish up a couple of pin-ups for a swap and then I have to come up with some new ideas. I promise to post more soon!

RACING CARS!!!!

2010-04-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

OK, not really cars in the plural sense. It was A car. And I guess technically it wasn't racing anyone...except maybe the wind and cold.

NEVER MIND...let's start over!

So, there was this car...a red and white mustang...it was fast! Maybe not as fast as your car, but it was pretty fast. I guess if your car is only your feet, because you don't have a car, then it may be faster than you. Wait...getting sidetracked again!

So there was this car...it came in a box at Christmas. It was from Grandpa and it had the boy's name all over it. He was uber excited to:

#1 have his first ever RC car
and
#2 get outside to play with it.

Since we all know what an excellent mom I am...I made the little freak bundle up, loaded batteries into the car and controller (this took almost an hour...they don't make the process very easy), and herded him out the door and onto our sidewalks.

I thought he might have a seizure from the excitement...he was doing this freaky little dance (the kind that makes you ask "DO YOU NEED TO GO TO THE BATHROOM?") and had a huge grin on his face. I think he may have drooled on himself (I told you he was a freak). I decided we (I) should probably test drive the car and make sure it was in proper working order before turning it over to an unlicensed driver. After a couple turns around the loop I quickly showed the little freak how to make the car stop and go and turn and then I turned him loose!

GOOD GOD! Responsible parents should never let their 7 year olds drive!!! He crashed it about a thousand times, flipped it, rolled it, chased it, and got it stuck. It was the best 5 minutes of his life!

All in all, I think we lasted about half an hour before the cold got to us and we had to retreat indoors. We parked the car next to his bed and made some hot cocoa. Now that spring is here I am sure that he will attempt to tackle the sidewalks again soon!

Quickie update....

2010-02-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Headed to the orthopedic surgeon's office tomorrow.  We have one final x-ray and the girl should be all clear.  After that I have to drive down to Lewiston to meet with a dentist...I am about to have some serious dental work (YUCK)!  In the meantime I thought I would throw out a photo of the girl's foot before she had the cast put on:

And can I just say I LOVE these kids! 
They make me smile everyday!

And thought I would say I am in the midst of a mixed media dream...class sample to be posted soon!

Lookie....

2009-12-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

It is finally finished! I have to admit that I love it. I also have to admit that I had to go back several times to repair pieces and make sure the thing would actually stay together...but now that it is finished I have to admit that I am TOTALLY hooked! I can see many more of these in my future...heck, I may even have to sell some to help me afford this new addiction!

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...

2009-11-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

DUN DUN DUN.......

Seriously! I am staying up til midnight tonight so that I can be among the first to get a peek at this:

I can hardly stand it!!! Want to join in the fun??? Head over to Tim's Blog and get ready to get inky!

How many more days to go????

2009-11-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

I have been trying my hardest this past month to make gifts for friends and family for Christmas. It seems like no matter how hard I try the universe is working against me. Here is what I have accomplished:

1. Thanksgiving feast for 7
2. Clean up from Thanksgiving feast....we have no dishwasher so it is quite a job
3. Mostly clean house...I am listening to the washing machine now
4. Have bathed teenager with broken foot/leg thingy every night
5. Have prepped for classes and events
6. Have slept

I think there may be more but who knows what it is. Maybe after I take the girl back for x-rays on Wed. I can update!

Time for Me

2009-11-01T17:17:00.000-08:00

I really need some "me" time. I would use that time to focus on the things that are important to me and get some things accomplished. What kind of things??? Well...I can think of lots of things. I have things to do around the house, books I would like to read, Christmas gifts I would like to make, pages I would like to scrapbook, etc, etc, etc.
ou
What is keeping me from doing those things? ME!!!

What am I going to do to change that? I am making time for me!

I woke up this morning with a purpose and I am plunging ahead full steam. I am making changes and becoming aware of the things that are holding "me" back. So the next time you see me I guarantee...you will see a change!

First Day of School

2009-09-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

What kind of mother would I be if I neglected to post first day of school photos? The children were a little less cooperative this year but I managed to get a few shots before they ran off screaming about paparazzi and being harassed....WHATEVER!

The Game Needs Me...

Cute hair and kissy lips!

Do I really have to hug him?

and the best of the bunch!

 So during the transfer of photos from my camera to the computer I stumbled across a few more photos I feel I should share...stay tuned...there is an interesting story coming!

Fabric Fun

2009-08-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I headed up to the mountains for a weekend at the Palouse Divide Lodge. It was a nice little getaway and I managed to finish a thing or two. In the days leading up to the trip I spent a lot of time cutting out fabric circles and planning for a little fabric play time...who would have thought. I always said I would never venture into the fabric world...mostly because I was scared I would get obsessed! Well guess what....I went there! I am so in love with fabric and adding it to my creations. It all started off with a couple of yo-yo flowers and I was hooked. Then a couple of fabulous chicks by the names of Julie & Joan hooked me up with some fabric scraps and I went crazy! I spent hours online looking for fabric flower tutorials, going through flickr galleries, and gazing at fabric patterns.

I made some fabulous little flowers for Karen and I to wear on our aprons at the store...forget to take pictures though. I also worked on this cute little tag book for an upcoming class at the store:

I was inspired by Donna Downey and I can't wait to make more of these! I am thinking I need to print some photos out on canvas and add them to my creations!

I still have my embroidery hoops laying out. I started the project and found I was on the wrong track and I need to start over! No big deal...it gives me something to do! I will keep you posted as I make progress on them.

I am off to go and create something fabulous....you should too!

Ladies Night at the Movies

2009-08-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last night Karen, Julie, Christy, Brenda and I went to see this:

We had a great time! The movie was heartwarming and hilarious, the company was great, and we had more candy than we could eat!

I Love These Photos

2009-08-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

I decided I was a little tired of the old dark and dreary layout so I decided to brighten it up a bit! I also wanted to share these cool photos I found online last week...I really love them! They make me feel happy and calm and HAPPY!!!
Oh, did I already say that? Sorry!

Take a look and see if they make you feel even the slightest tickle of happy!

SEE...SEE...YOU FEEL A TINGLE OF HAPPY!!!
I KNEW IT!!!

A Creative Share Peek...

2009-07-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I decided it was time to try something new...I haven't actually created the project yet but I have gathered the bits and pieces and done a bit of spray painting. I am going to try and work on these on Sunday...until then here are the items I will be working with:

Embroidery hoops...picked up three for less than $3

Duck Cloth (very similar to canvas) in white and burlap

Acrylic paint - various colors

Embroidery floss

Fabric

Batting

Creative Share...

2009-07-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

Coming this evening! I promise!

This Girl Rocks My Socks!!!

2009-07-02T21:32:00.001-07:00

i just love her bunches and bunches and I really felt the need to share that with the world today!!!

Weekend thoughts...

2009-06-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

I was up late last night and early this morning. I spent a bit of time finishing up the final bits and pieces of Cricut Club, watched (ok not really watched...more like listened to) tv, and I cruised the net because that is what I do.

I am about to head out the door to go to the store and meet with some of my most favorite people in the world but I wanted to take a moment and say thanks for the nice comments regarding my layouts. Donna...that is not a hairbrush holding my layouts....it is my new flower frogs that I found in the gift shop at the lodge. And just so you know...we did miss you at the retreat and can't wait for you to come and visit again.

Tomorrow I am going to unplug from the internet and TV and the girl and I are going to paint. Have a great weekend!

A Little Sharing Is Good For The Soul!!!

2009-06-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

This is what greeted me when I walked in the door from the scrapbook retreat last weekend...well this, two super grinning kids, a very happy T.H., and a super clean house! I love coming home to my family! (of course the clean house has its perks as well)!

I loved these pictures of Aidan on the Super Slide at the fair. It is the only thing he will go on...he hates all the other rides...(we have tried everything), but he is absolutely content to slide on the super slide for hours on end!!!

When I first started working with these photos I struggled. The colors are so vivid and so not typical for boys. Now that the pages are finished I think they may be my favorite! I love the colors, layout, and photos! I am so glad that A and B are friends and that I was able to capture this moment between them!

A trip down to Otto's Market

My Supah Model daughter

I actually made this page at the last retreat but thought I would share it. I love that my boy treats Lou like a real dog...he walks him on a leash, talks to him, and loves him!

My girl again...always doing cartwheels and flips...she should join the circus (she is a little freaky)!

The cutest girl in the world!

When inspiration begins to diminish Karen and I trade photos and create pages for each other...this is one that she made for me and it is perfect!

The other person I trade photos with is Amber! She is so creative and our styles are totally different! I love to trade with her because I know she will create something fabulous. This layout is from the winter retreat and the one below is from this past weekend. She is awesome!

I know the photos aren't the best but I figured an update with photos was better than no update at all! So there you have it...a snippet of my scrapbook weekend!

I'm Back...from a Scrapbook Retreat!!!

2009-06-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Palouse Divide Lodge this weekend. There were so many creative ladies from so many different places. I love it when such a diverse group comes together to share their passion for creating! It was absolutely fabulous!!!

I am about to sit down to dinner with the family...but I promise to share some pages soon.

A Lot of Numbers...

2009-04-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some of the numbers I have been working with this week...
First the Go Cougs Banner that I prepped for our Resident's Hall Event

Go Cougs Banner
1026 4x4 pieces of paper cut
190 3x3 pieces of paper cut
114 Stars cut out
152 flowers and centers cut out
266 Letters cut out
304 rhinestones counted out
228 feet of ribbon cut
76 Cougar Heads stamped

It was a lot of cutting, but Karen and I had a great time with the girls!!!

Today is birthday party day so here are a few more numbers...

17 invitations to a birthday party
10 goodie bags to prep
40 hot dogs to cook
40 buns to get ready
4 boxes of Capri Sun to put on ice
7 balloons to tie to our porch railing
7 presents to wrap
1 big bucket of ice cream
1 birthday cake
7 candles

I am sure there are lots more numbers to contemplate but I have a birthday cake to go and pick up!!!

Happy Birthday Little Man!!!

2009-04-22T07:28:00.001-07:00

I can't believe you are 7 years old today! I love you!!!

Happenings...

2009-04-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

No photos to share but pretty valid reasons why...take a look at my week:

1. Birthday party planning and prep for my soon to be 7 year old.
2. Post Secret Event at U of I...can't wait to go and actually have a night out!!!
3. Event at residents hall for A LOT of girls...gotta get everything prepped!
4. Class of 13 ladies on Wednesday evening...still have bits and pieces to prep.
5. Birthday party on Sunday for a soon to be 10 year old and her friends!
6. Ordering and receiving...planning classes and the next newsletter...
7. National Scrapbook Day!

Can you say lots to get ready for!

2009-04-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Super cute and fun class I am teaching this Wednesday at Paper Pals! I am loving every bit of this little house...when I first started making it I wasn't too sure I was going to like it but now I absolutely lOVE it!
I have a few spots left in the class and I am also happy to prep kits so if you are interested give me a call at the store.

Open for Business!

2009-03-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

I know...I know...it has been way too long. I decided to take some time this evening and update links, change some photos and actually post a little something.
It has been pretty crazy the last few weeks. Once we were back from the retreat it was straight to work again...lots of classes, events, weddings, and of course house cleaning and grocery shopping.
Last weekend the girl came to work with and was a HUGE help. I was super busy all day and it was nice to have her at work with me. I also promised her that if she would help build the base pages for our art journals we would do a little painting today. Guess what...she took me up on it. We took over the dining room, spread out paints, stamps, gesso, spray bottle and more and painted it up! (after I took a long nap)! Here are a few of the pieces I made today:

I will share some of the layouts and tags that I created at the retreat in the near future...in the meantime I would like to say that I really had a great time painting. It is so much more forgiving than scrapbooking and I don't even feel bad about the one page that I threw away. After all, it was made out of newspaper!

2009-02-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Will return on Sunday evening but probably won't update for another week thereafter! (Only because the house will be a mess, I still have a job, and I will need to have photos ready...after all what is a blog post without photos).

Have a great weekend! I know I plan to!

Quick Photo Share

2009-02-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

I sat down last night to clean up some photos for our upcoming retreat and was pleasantly surprised with some of them! Take a look:

This is from the Fall retreat.  I took it whil I was outside on a little walk.

The Girl on the first day of school.

The Girl...being a freak!  (We love her anyways!)

The Boy...T.H. says this looks like one of those portrait studio photos but I promise I took it all by myself!

The Boy and Friend at the fair last summer.  They had a great time!

I can't wait for our weekend getaway...I am hoping to get a lot accomplished and I plan to enjoy every minute of it!

LOOK...IT'S THE TOOTHLESS WONDER!!!

2009-02-05T21:18:00.000-08:00

Thats right!  The boy lost his first tooth today.  We knew it was coming, we have known for the last day or two that it was going to come out at anytime.  Today was the day. Aidan was sitting at the dining room table eating a sandwich and he ate his tooth right along with it.  I got a call from T.H. and all I could hear was the boy screaming in the background.  I managed to get him calmed down enough to talk to him and find out what the problem was.  I figured he was upset that the tooth was gone and he thought the tooth fairy wouldn't come to visit.  NOPE!  He thought he was going to die because he swallowed his tooth.  I reassured him that it would come out in his poop and everything would be fine.  Karen even talked to him so that he would feel better.  Karen and Bonnie (a customer who was in the store during the call) suggested that he write a letter to the tooth fairy, and so he did.

So after he is fast asleep, I am sure the tooth fairy will drop in for a visit, take that note and replace it with a monetary tribute to the tooth that was consumed as an afternoon snack!  Did you know the tooth fairy leaves a little trail of glitter behind her??? Just a bit of earthly evidence that she was here!

Update and cool stuff

2009-02-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is not the best update but I am super tired and irritated that American Idol was a big pile of pink and purple lines on my tv screen! we called Time Warner and they said that it was an issue with KAYU and they were working on it! ARGH!

In the meantime...since there will be no American Idol tonight, I thought I would share some cool images I found last night. I plan to do something interesting with them...I just don't know what.   Some of these may be considered offensive  so view at your own risk!

I think I live in the land of make believe...or maybe I just want to!

I wonder what she is up to in the dark?

I love that she has a negligee and an itch!  Of course she has an itch...that stuff isn't the most comfortable stuff to wear!

This one just cracks me up!

This one is just plain sexy.  I wish I knew what it said.

I am now heading to bed but while I am there I am going to plan some new classes for the next newsletter.  Keep an eye out...it will be out at the store soon!

And now for a brief commercial break...

2009-01-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to get caught up on Lost for the last two months. I am way to lazy to go and rent the series and just watch it, so you can imagine how excited I was when Sci Fi began airing 4 episodes each Monday...starting with Season 1! I had T.H. set up the DVR to record it and I would sit and watch four hours each Sunday when I was home for work. Then all of a sudden Christmas happened and the Sci Fi channel went a little wacko and started airing things under the wrong tie and title.

So there I was...smack in the middle of Season 3, still needing to finish Season 4, so that I could watch Season 5 when it begins on the 21st. I should have just rented it...instead I put it off until this weekend and now I am exhausted! I watched all of the remaining episodes of Season 3 last night...until 3am. I have watched part of Season 4 this evening and I plan to finish it tomorrow...talk about waiting until the last minute!

I am in serious need of a TV and internet intervention...I am soo addicted it is not funny. Tomorrow I will enthrall you with tales of reborn babies and more!

LOOK MA!!!

2009-01-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have snowy hands! 

Over break Aidan and several other kids from the neighborhood took advantage of the snow covered college hills and went sledding.  It was a blast to watch...he went down hills his sister didn't even want to attempt!  I was quite impressed with his enthusiasm...especially since he is known to be quite wary of engaging in activities that could be perceived as even slightly dangerous!

Katrina seldom came out of her room...mostly for cd's to load on her Ipod and time on the internet.  I know she is sad that school is back in session because we won't let her take the Ipod with her and homework is consuming her time. She has managed to find spare time to hang out at the mall though!

T.H. has been lounging around watching Sci Fi and drinking coffee...must be nice to have an extended vacation! OK, he has done some laundry too!

I have been busy at work, hosting kit club, teaching classes, working on samples, and putting out orders!  I am also counting down the days to February...can you say Scrapbook Weekend!!!  Woohoo!!!

A Christmas Concert

2008-12-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I took the day off from Paper Pals and stayed snuggled in bed all nice and warm and cozy! OK, not really. I did take the day off and I tried to stay snuggled in bed but my plan was foiled!!! I had to get up yesterday and tidy the house, plan dinner, and attend the boy's Christmas Program at West Park.

I got myself up and moving and would you just imagine my surprise at 12:45 when I went out to get my car warmed up and found it covered in snow!!! (We will discuss this more later). I will just say that I was not pleased with the thought of having to dig out of all that snow!

Anywhoo...TH and I headed on down to West Park and got settled in for the Christmas Performance of the year. A side note here:

Why does everyone have to be a seat saver? I was there a good 45minutes before the scheduled time and already people had thrown jackets over spots in the front "reserving" seats for their fellow family members! UGH! If you can't get there all together give those seats up to some of us scrapbooking mommies who want to take photos!!!

OK, I feel better now. So TH and I hung out and made small talk and while we were sitting there, in walked Judy. I hopped up and gave her hug and noticed that she didn't have a camera with her! As I sat back down the little precious gifts from heaven began filing in. Being a mom, I immediately noticed that my son was one of the ones who couldn't walk in a straight line. Had he been drinking??? Nope, he was just to busy chattering with the little guy behind him to pay attention to where he was going. Up onto the risers they went. By now I am frantically trying to get the lens cap off of my camera and get a photo before the guy in front of me shows up for his "reserved" seat.*NOTE: I love the kids that are looking expectantly at the door waiting for their friends to come in!
* 2nd NOTE: The boy wasn't expecting us so he was pleasantly surprised.
*3rd NOTE: Gentleman who was late coming to program and filling his "reserved" seat finally showed up and I don't think he was very pleased that I had my head and camera hovering next to his ear!

Once they were all filed in and organized they began their program. As the first song progressed my eyes filled with tears. I remember when the girl was little and I used to attend her concerts. That seems like so long ago. I know, I know...mushy mom moment.

At this point the kids were singing about Hanukkah and the boy was one of the West Park dancers! Let me tell you...he has mad dancing skills! I think we may have to enter him in So You Think You Can Dance. I mean after all, it is really hard to turn in a circle, clap your hands and sing at the same time. Look at how excellent he is! TV fame here we come!

This little cutie is Judy's granddaughter. Since Judy didn't have a camera and had lots of heads in front of her, I thought she might appreciate a photo or two!

All in all it was an excellent program. I am glad that I went and had the chance to enjoy it. I WAS glad until I had to go outside and the car had to be cleaned off again so that I could drive home.

Here begins the whining and complaining about the weather. Every morning I am greeted with:
Kids: "Mom, is it a snow day?"
Me: "No"
Kids: "Are you sure?"
Ummm, yes I am sure...do you think I want to look at your mug all day because the school doesn't want you?

Back to yesterday: Fortunately I had just gotten out and inside the car to start it when TH appeared from the snowy treescape to save me from shoveling myself out! He is my HERO!!!

The simple fact is I like the snow for very short periods at a time. It should snow and be gone by the next day and it would be great. Then it shouldn't snow again for at least 9 months! So I whined at TH about the horrid snow and said I wanted to move back to whence I came. To prove my point I went to the Weather channel online to show him how beautiful it was in Sunny old California and guess what? YUP!!! It is snowing where we used to live. I guess there is no getting away from it!

THANKS!

2008-12-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

For all of the birthday wishes! I will update again soon!

Tim Holtz Tag #4 and December Daily!

2008-12-04T23:29:00.000-08:00

So I was determined to have a post on my blog today...Thursday...and here it is. Now I just have to get the thing finished before midnight!!! Let me start with the newest addition (gorgeous) to Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas:Absolutely stunning as usual!!! I wish I could steal just the tiniest bit of his creative genius!!!

I also just finished adding photos and journaling to my December Daily Album. I thought I would share photos of the cover and front/back of days 1, 2, and 3.The Cover ( I LOVE this reindeer and this cover is totally a lift from one of Tim's past projects)

Inside cover journaling

Day 1 - Front

Day 1 - Back

Day 2 - Front

Day 2 - Back

Day 3 - Front

Day 3 - Back

Now I need to get going on the next few days...unfortunately my printer is not cooperating with me and I am having my photos done at Wal-Mart so I have to wait for those. I will continue to update as I get the photos and journaling in!

Today is Wednesday!

2008-12-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

I am sure that if you check your calendar regularly you already know that it is Wednesday...I just needed to say it so that I am reminded it is Wednesday.

Today I have to take care of some "at home" stuff (UGGHHH) and then I will be heading in to work. We are working on the kits for our Holiday Fun Book and can I just say they are stinkin cute!!! We finished the ornament kits last night and I am so pleased with how they turned out that I want to make a ton more!!!

Also, be sure to go and visit Tim! Here is Tag #3:I love that he used fragments because I recently started playing with them and they are super cool!!! I think everyone should own some and everyone should make a little time to sit down and play/be creative! Going to try and get my December Daily updated this evening...if I do I will post a few pics tomorrow.

Dec. 2

2008-12-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

WHAT....am I not allowed to post two days in a row??? Close your mouth, I know you are in shock but really! Besides, I want to share.

I took a couple of photos for my December Daily album yesterday and then began to feel discouraged because it was nothing special. We didn't pick out our tree or make decorations...but then I realized that I was supposed to be documenting us and our daily adventures whether they are all about Christmas or not...because there will be times we are out Christmas shopping or making our candies/cookies and who knows what else. Now I don't feel so bad!

Also, continuing on our journey of creativity...here is Tag #2 by the ever creative Tim Holtz!

Can I just say WOW!!! I think this is one of the coolest tags (I know there are 10 more) because it has lots of little details and I learned a bunch of new stuff! I mean really....who know you could do so much with alcohol inks? If you haven't been there yet, you should go and check out his blog....FABULOUS!!! (and he shows you step by step how the tag comes together!)

It's that time of year!!!

2008-12-01T08:07:00.001-08:00

WOW! It is so hard to believe that December is here. I will be celebrating a birthday and planning, shopping, baking, and making for the holidays. In addition to all of that, I am taking on a couple of other things as well...fun, creative things!

I am doing a December Daily Album - inspired by Ali Edwards.

I am hoping to make a few special gifts for friends and family.

and did you see this?

Tim Holtz has started his 12 Tags of Christmas...and this year I hope to be able to play along!

Almost turkey time...

2008-11-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but around here the air is heavy with anticipation. Anticipation, you say? Yes, anticipation. There has been nothing but talk of turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and....the list goes on and on. I purchased all the necessities on Sunday and now we just have to wait.

We don't like waiting...Thanksgiving is one of our absolute FAVORITE holidays. If you are feeling lonely and want to stop by you are welcome! We have a 23lb bird and lots of other goodies to go with it!

Thanksgiving...please hurry!

Reliability

2008-11-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

We all have people in our life that we can point a finger at and say "Reliable". We also have those people that we love that aren't so reliable. It happens.

My daughter has a different take:

said at dinner....."well, I just don't think I'm all that reliable up there!" The up there being her head!!!

Oh my god...I am still laughing!

Just Saying!!!

2008-11-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

I found this little piece on the writer's blog for Grey's Anatomy...

And then, of course, there’s Izzie. Who is clearly still connected to Denny, even beyond the grave…

Here’s what I’ll say about Denny.

I want you to take a moment, and just think for a second. About what you would do if someone you lost, who was unbelievably important to you, suddenly showed up in your room. Right now. While you’re sitting at your computer and reading this blog and suddenly feeling a chill on the back of your neck and hearing, from behind you, in a familiar voice: “Hi.” It’s someone – your lover, your parent, your grandparent, your best friend, your ex-fiancée… someone you thought was gone forever and suddenly now they are right there. Standing next to you. Asking you to talk to them, asking you to hold their hand.

Sure, at first you’d be scared and freaked out and seriously considering the possibility that you might very well be crazy… but in the next moment, what would you do? You have wished every day since that person left that you could see them, touch them, just one more time. What would you do?

I know what I’d do. I’d take my dead dad’s hand. And we’d sit there and stay up all night talking about all the things we never got a chance to talk about. And I wouldn’t care if he was dead or if I was crazy because it would be so great just to hear his voice again.

So, can you imagine, if you were Izzie, what you might do if Denny suddenly appeared to you? And after trying to ignore him, and trying to say goodbye to him, and even after BURNING his fricking sweater, he was STILL there…

All I’m saying is… maybe this is one connection that gets to defy all logic and common sense and, instead, maybe it just gets to be. Even if it does seem too good to be true.

Can I just say that this episode really touched me and when I was reading the writer's blog I was even more touched...I had tears and everything.

Who would it be...what would you say...what would you do?

Flickr Friday!

2008-11-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

This week's collage is a beautiful mix of colors...teal and red! I really love this color combination. Do you have a favorite color combo...what is it?
1. Jerusalem - Roses, 2. Red and Green, 3. Cherry Who Earrings, 4. Bird_Embroidery_2, 5. Polka Pin (C365: day 72), 6. Vintage Tree Print Cards, 7. Red Bird, 8. Do You See the Glass Half Full?, 9. India Palace Restaurant 02-29-08, 10. The Loneliest Faucet, 11. Untitled, 12. Poolside Relaxation, 13. mosaic pattern, 14. X, 15. Rocket Fin, 16. Buttons in the mail, 17. custom cab, 18. phoney phone, 19. Style- an art journal, 20. Sent - Goodies, 21. hbhb!, 22. Thank You, 23. Dressing room, now teal, 24. Nature's Roqua, 25. Untitled, 26. Fire Jack in Contrast, 27. Turquoise with Chilis, 28. strawberries on teal005.jpg, 29. retro wallpaper 2, 30. Wide-eyed Finch, 31. Hibiscus, 32. Untitled, 33. White, Red, Teal, 34. tilted bike rack, 35. coração escorrendo de amor, 36. rot schwarz türkis

You have to check this out!!!

2008-11-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

The Scrappy Shack Blog Giveaway - Look what you could win...in your choice of colors!

So I was blog rolling when I came across these beauties. I have seen them on Two Peas while I was perusing the gallery but had no idea Lori was selling them in her Etsy shop or having a giveaway. Be sure to go check them out!!!

The Real Deal

2008-11-10T01:55:00.000-08:00

Life!

I have opened this blog window several times in the last week and have been unable to put words to the various things running through my head. There are days that I wish I had a manual so that I would know how to handle things, the right words to say, etc. There is an even larger number of days that I just plug on through and never give those things a second thought.
This week I feel like I have held on to much more than I should and I need to let it go. I think we all have those days, weeks, even months when we let too much stuff get in our way. Life happens, people do/say stupid things, people don't/won't forgive, and inevitably there are obstacles that are so large you lose sight of what is on the other side. From the smallest incident of someone cutting me off to bigger family issues, this is my reminder to myself that those things are trivial and unimportant.
These things are important:

1. I am a good person
2. I love my family...they are beautiful and I am constantly reminded of how amazing they are and how amazing our relationship is. There were so many moments this weekend that touched my heart, made me smile, and even brought tears to my eyes. That is the Real Deal!

Success is not measured by how big your house is, how many cars you drive, how many friends you have, how big your paycheck is, etc. It is measured by the decisions you make, the people you love, and the people who love you back.

The trivialities of the last week are behind me. I am moving forward yet again. It is a beautiful thing to move forward and I have spent my entire life doing it. If you are ever bored and want to hear a bit of my story let me know. It is part of who I am and the driving force behind moving forward...and today I just needed to get it out and tell myself to get off my ass and get moving!

Flickr Friday!

2008-11-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!!! It is Friday and you know what that means...Flickr Friday!
This week I thought I would share a little graffiti. I love driving by and seeing graffiti that was obviously created by a talented artist. Don't get me wrong...I am not into all the gang tagging, etc. I am more into the I have permission to paint on your walls type of graffiti.

1. Spray, 2. GRAFFITI_NEWTOWN_0208_141, 3. Graffiti, Illustration von Joy, 2005, 4. doorway to my heart, 5. _MG_9973, 6. Untitled, 7. GRAFFITI YES, 8. New York Stencil, 9. SALTY STREETCAR #2, 10. Street Art 5, 11. Dare To, 12. David Choe Detail, 13. Lomo graffiti collision

2008-11-04T07:32:00.001-08:00

Go Vote!!! 

I'm just saying!

Flickr Friday!

2008-10-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here is today's installment of Flickr Friday. Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

1. The Halloween Tree, 2. Flopsy The Friendly Ghost, 3. what makes a pumpkin smile? A big plate of candy corn, that's what!, 4. Halloween 2005, 5. oooOooOoo...Happy Halloween!, 6. halloween candy, 7. Jack-o-lantern, 8. Jack-O-Lighting

TOXIC TUESDAY

2008-10-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well folks, I have thought long and hard about what I want to say today and have finally decided...

I am not going to say anything. I think that the whole idea was to be able to get things off of my chest, bitch and groan, etc. Well...that shouldn't be the point at all. It is negative and not nice to hear and I don't want to be that person. I think there are times that I am going to have posts that aren't so nice...we all have those days and my blog is the place I express myself and feelings.

Sorry if I had you excited to see what today's bitchfest was going to be about...I do have a disclaimer for you though...if you don't like what I have to say, don't read it!

Instead I am going to clarify a few things and move on...
1. This is MY blog
2. Because this is my blog I can post what I wish as long as it complies with blogger's TOU.
3. There will be times that I post things that are offensive to some, sound ignorant to some, etc.
4. These are MY thoughts

Thanks for checking in!

Lookie what I made...

2008-10-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share a few of the layouts I made yesterday.  This first one is for the store and the second is a page about Karen. (sorry about the photos...they are fuzzy.  I didn't feel like cleaning them up or retaking them).  I played with some Tim Holtz product - fragments, paint dabber, distress reinker and perfect pearls, and the new Nature themed grungeboard...I love his stuff!  I actually made 6 pages and I have no intention of cleaning up the scrap stuff anytime soon!

On another note...I am about to add another weekly type post (similar to Flick Fridays) up on the blog.  I am informing you in advance because you may not want to read what I will have to share.  Stay tuned for...TOXIC TUESDAYS!

I'm Scrappin...

2008-10-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

What about you?

I have completely taken over my dining room. T.h. is doing homework and the kids are free to play outside, watch T.V., play video games, or do just about anything as long as it doesn't involve injury, death, or crime! If you are feeling bored and want to play let me know...I am sure I can make some room!

Flickr Friday!

2008-10-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

For today's collage I thought I would share a a tribute to the letter "S". It is such a great letter, I mean think of all the words that wouldn't exist if there were no "S"...words like Sun, Saint, Sleep, Star, and Shawna! I bet you can think of a few more, can't you? So here ya go:

1. S, 2. S, 3. S, 4. S, 5. paperclip S, 6. S, 7. Bead Letter S, 8. coloured card disc letter s, 9. S, 10. Scrabble Letter S, 11. S, 12. S, 13. s

BASIC DESTRUCTIONS!

2008-10-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

So the boys decided to make some Jell-O yesterday...T.H. asked the boy to read the instructions on the box so that they knew what they were doing. Here is what I heard...

T.H. - OK read the instructions so we can get started.
A- Where are they?
T.H. - On the back of the box
A - Oh...there they are...BASIC DESTRUCTIONS...

This was promptly followed with laughter and a "try that again" from my corner. It seems that he wasn't taking his time, what he heard T.H. say was read the instructions...so when the word following Basic on the box started with a D, he just put the D and the instructions together!!!

We clarified for him that it was basic directions, but I think it is awful funny that he came up with basic destructions...I guess I shouldn't be surprised, after all...he is a boy!

Flickr Friday!

2008-10-17T08:13:00.001-07:00

I decided today that a little brightness and color were necessary! I love color and I love color even more when in is displayed in the form of a rainbow. The bazzill at the store is in rainbow order, my ribbon and embellishment jars are in rainbow order...there is just something about it that makes me happy. I hope it makes you happy too!
1. Colorful, 2. Gamme, 3. MarbleRainbow, 4. Target!

Just Once...

2008-10-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

I wish I had the right words when they were needed. I wish that I didn't feel so inadequate when trying to express myself. I wish I didn't need to find the words...that they weren't needed in the first place.

Here are the words that I want to share with those who need to hear them...there are a few of you.

It is not ok...it sucks! Will it be ok? Probably, but not until you feel like you have been put through living hell for weeks on end and you can't take it anymore. I wish I could make it ok but I can't so just know that I am always here with a hug, a shoulder, a smile, and words that will never come out quite right.

You are beautiful and smart and strong!

I am honored to know you!

Who needs that - "this too shall pass" bullshit...we all know it will pass, time does every second of everyday and with it, go the moments whether good or bad.

I Love You!

Flickr Friday!

2008-10-10T07:26:00.001-07:00

It is that time again...another installment of Flickr Friday. These week I thought I would share something that I collect...that's right, dressforms! These particular beauties don't belong to me but I wouldn't mind getting my hands on some of them. I would love to see a montage of what you love!

1. dress forms, 2. Dressform Stamps, 3. אליזבת-טרוסט, 4. dress form, 5. Dressform, 6. dress form, 7. dress form, 8. Vintage Dress Form, 9. Dressform Detail, 10. pirate princess, 11. Grey flannel, 12. Undressed, 13. bits and baubles, 14. dressform, 15. A La Couture, 16. Dress Forms - tan, black, brown, 17. Party Dress card, 18. Thrift Store Find, 19. Pretty Dress Form, 20. Speckels..., 21. Dressform Stamps, 22. perfect model, 23. Paris Mannequin, 24. Tutu on Dress Form Cake

DVR Disaster!!!

2008-10-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe not a complete disaster but a disappoint nonetheless. I sat down this weekend and tried to catch up on all of the shows I didn't watch during the week. The only show left unwatched was Private Practice. I sat down to watch it yesterday afternoon and quickly discovered that I wouldn't be watching it after all. It was there, recorded, the DVR said so....so I turned it on and was greeted by:

Now...I was a little disappointed that the DVR can't read and confused Private Practice with Pushing Daisies. I had heard that Pushing Daisies was a good show so I decided to watch it (I mean it was recorded after all). Actually I watched the first five minutes before I caught on that even though the DVR said I was watching Private Practice, I was nowhere close!

It was a cute show...I may set it up to record. I never got to watch Private Practice though...TH will have to reset the DVR to see if that will fix its confusion.

Awesome Class

2008-10-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this mini album that I made and will be teaching this month:

Spaces are limited and are filling up quickly so be sure to sign up soon!

Flickr Friday!

2008-10-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

I had such a great time on flickr on my sick day that I have decided to have flickr fridays on my blog. Every Friday I will share a collage from flickr that has cute things, things that are special or meaningful to me, or things that I think are cool.

For todays post I thought I would share these super adorable cupcakes...1. Happy Breakfast Cupcakes, 2. Happy Breakfast Cupcakes, 3. Happy Breakfast Cupcakes, 4. Happy Breakfast Cupcakes

There is no way I have the patience required to make these, but can you imagine the look on the kids faces if they were to walk to the breakfast table and see these? These are the cutest things I have seen in a long time!!!

I would love to see what you like so if you feel like participating, go create a flickr collage and upload it to your blog. Then post a link in a comment and I will be sure to check it out!!!

Welcome Fall

2008-09-28T12:29:00.001-07:00

Just a little mosaic to welcome in Fall!

1. Autumn walk, 2. WILL YOU SIT A WHILE WITH ME?, 3. Golden Harvest, 4. Light Show, 5. Summer Bounty, 6. Baked Apples with Calvados Caramel Sauce, 7. The Story...., 8. Wreath of Fall, 9. This is the way I shall cook turkey for all eternity, 10. Scarecrow Gathering, 11. Pecan Pumpkin Pie Recipe, 12. Dijon Scarf, 13. Nutty Caramel Apples

OMG!!!!

2008-09-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here trying to put together a flickr photo collage for the blog today and debating if I have the flu or a bad case of food poisoning and this is what is coming from upstairs.......

867-5309

This is why you should never let your 6 year old watch hits of the 80's!

Awesometastical Class at Paper Pals!

2008-09-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

Have You Seen This?

Halloween Cascade Album-$20
Tues.,October 14th, 6:30-8:30

This cute cascading album features a unique layering of 10 pages made from chipboard, the newest Halloween papers, poems, and fun embellishments. Call to register. 332-0407

I still have a little bit of room left in this class if you are interested. Be sure to sign-up soon as spaces are filling up fast!

Ummm...did you see that???

2008-09-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

OK...I really NEED to talk about two things...(maybe three)

#1 - My son tied his own shoes this morning! The double knot he put in looks a little like an alien from another planet but he definitely tied them! When did that happen? I mean really...I was just changing diapers...now he is tying his own shoes?

#2 - Ummmm...did you watch Grey's? I did...and OMG! I missed watching it every Thursday and now I can settle back into my regular routine. As usual the producers did not disappoint and the season premiere was awesome.

#3 - My stupid DVR bumped Survivor!!! I am going to try and watch it online, but just in case...if you have it recorded and wouldn't mind sharing your couch (or chair) with me, let me know!

On my day off...

2008-09-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

I made 6 loaves of this...
went and watched the boy play a little of this...
and made this for dinner...

Oh, I also:
Did dishes
Cleaned house
Went grocery shopping (just a little, not the full monty)
Blog rolled
Planned classes for the next newsletter
Picked up the kids from the bus stop

I delivered two loaves of bread to Karen and one loaf to my mother-in-law. I still have a ton of zucchini left so I will be making more this weekend. Let me know if you want some. I don't know how long it will last...we finished a loaf for breakfast this morning!

I am enjoying having a day off during the week. It makes me feel a little bit more in touch with my people. T.H. is working hard at school, The Boy is settling in to 1st grade quite nicely, and the girl has a boyfriend (he is super sweet), is taking Accelerated English and has a high "A" (the rest of her classes are also coming along very well), and is generally happy with the world.

Happy Birthday to my Baby Girl!

2008-09-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

I know you are 15 today but you will always be my baby! I love you!

First Day of School - A Week Later!

2008-09-01T09:52:00.001-07:00

The kids were totally excited for their first day of school. Aidan started 1st grade at a new school this year, he is going to West Park and Katrina is now at the high school. I can't believe it...they are so grown. Here they are on their first day.

Sunday Scribblings...

2008-08-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

Somewhere deep within is a lonely child who longs for acknowledgement.
She wishes for words of praise and for loving arms to hold her tight.
She wishes for somewhere to hide those things never forgotten.
She wishes to find her place somewhere.

Here, she knows there are no words and no loving arms, for time has passed, and she has grown.
She knows there is no hiding place, for those things she would rather forget are a part of her and cannot be removed.
She knows that no matter where her place is she will always be lonely.

Somewhere deep within a lonely child hides away.

The Simple Things

2008-08-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

On my drive home this evening I felt inspired by the beautiful rolling hills surrounding me.  I instinctively reached for my camera and tried to juggle it and the steering wheel...I must admit I think I may have irritated my fellow drivers!  Even so, I was reminded of what a beautiful place TH and I have chosen to raise our children in.
Children...yes I have them.  There are plenty of days when I wonder what I was thinking...they are very good at pushing my buttons.  However, this evening I was feeling super mushy as I contemplated the beauty of the Palouse and I decided I would go home and photograph my little punks in their natural habitat. OK, so I managed to capture the boy (for those who don't know, that's him in the green) as he played with his newfound friends.  Unfortunately as soon as he realized I was taking his picture he became extremely elusive.

The Girl, however, managed to capture him for a brief moment and I managed to snap off a shot before he took off running!

Speaking of The Girl, here she is sporting a fancy little hat in a Uniontown Antique Store.  Isn't she the cutest thing!  I think we  almost got a shot of Karen wearing the same hat but she is even more elusive than the boy!

And finally, here I am with The Girl.  I took this one this evening and we both laughed when we looked at it.  I seem to suffer from short arm syndrome and thus my pictures never come out quite right.  Karen really likes to give me a hard time about this...especially when I am trying to take self portraits.

Short arms or not,
I am so glad that this is my life. 

What Happened?

2008-08-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

As I sat down after work and dinner this evening, I decided to sort through my blog posts and label each of them. The more time I spent reading and sorting them, the sadder I became. Why sad, you ask? Let me tell you...

#1 - I have no recent pictures of my children. I have known for a while that I need to pick up my camera and get busy but I just haven't done it. Looking through my posts reminds me that I enjoy taking pics of the kids and other things...I need to go do it.

#2 - The number of posts have steadily decreased over the past year. I started this blog as a place to capture and celebrate my life. I am pretty sure we didn't die this last year, but there are very few posts to prove that.

#3 - And probably the most important, I haven't been writing. There are fewer and fewer posts about random things. Things that define me, make me happy and sad, things that just bring me joy to write about.

I realized that posting to my blog was beginning to feel like a chore. I was trying to entertain people and that isn't what this is about. This blog is about me and my life and I am going to take it back to that place. I certainly hope that my friends, enemies (do I have any?) and even those I don't know will continue to stop in and read my ramblings. I love sharing with those who care to visit...but I think I should warn you...there is no telling what may come next.

Sunday Scribblings - ASK

2008-08-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

You want to know...
it is eating you from the inside out.

The desire to have the answer is so strong that it incessantly digs at you until you are ready to break down and discover the truth. You have thought of all the different ways to approach it but every one of them brings out the guilt; pointing their finger back at you, proclaiming your selfish desire to have the answer that you seek.  An answer that is just out of reach.  You need the piece of mind of knowing but you don't want to compromise yourself or your sense of integrity.

Just ASK!  
The answer is right here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

To an awesome and amazing individual and the best friend a girl could ask for!
Let me give you a few reasons why this person is so great:
1. She is funny...(and fun to make fun of)
2. She is understanding
3. She makes me smile
4. She is always there for me
5. She likes me
6. We have a lot in common
7. She is fun to hang out with
8. She is uber smart and uber creative
9. She is quirky
10. She is my friend.

So who is this great and amazing person? KAREN! Today is her birthday and we have a fun day planned. I am taking her shopping and out to lunch. I can't wait! If you have a moment drop on over to her blog and leave her a Happy Birthday message!

This Girl is Awesome!

2008-08-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

This punk has been coming to work with me everyday this week. She is a super hard worker and I am fortunate to have her! She cleans like a mad woman and is super creative. She helped to prep the recipe of the month and some special items for our passport program. On Saturday she is going to help prep for a class and maybe just make a little something...for the fun of it! If you are in town on Saturday you should stop by and see us!

I'm Back!!!

2008-07-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have officially rejoined the blogging world!!!  The computer/internet are up, 95% of the boxes are unpacked, and the old place is cleaned.  Now I just have to hang some photos, organize my scrap stuff (it is currently stuffed into a closet), and attempt to get caught up on cleaning and laundry!!!

To celebrate my return  thought I would share a few photos with you.  The first shots are from the trip Karen and I took to Otto's.

These are from a photo shoot I went on with Amber A.  We had a great time and I learned tons!!!

I have decided to take photos of the letter "S".  I think it is cool to find neat places this letter may be hiding.  This one was on an old sign up at WSU.

Check this out...

2008-07-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail this morning from Fiskars about a contest I entered two months ago. The goal of the contest was to help name their new ink colors. I am a winner!!!!

Here is the post from their blog and a link to the post. I am sooo excited!

A few months ago, Fiskars asked us to help name the colors of the new ink pads. I LOVE that they ask us to help out like that! When these NEW ink pads hit the stores, we’ll be able to say, “Hey, I know who came up with the name Solid Gold!”
The following are the creative ink color names and the Fiskateers who named them:
Black - Still of the Night by Shawna Kermott
Red - Fire me up! by Paula Aitken
Blue - Blue Ribbon Winner by Wendy Gibson
Yellow - Sun Kind of Wonderful by Michelle Morley
Orange - Fresh Squeezed by 4 creative thinkers: Nan Paturzo #734, Katie Wessels, Laura Casey and Lynn Trussell.
Pink - You make me blush by Michelle Morley
Lt. Blue - Why so Blue? by Rebecca Harper
Gold - Solid Gold by Karen Wilson
Each of the winners will receive a set of inks.
Congrats, Ladies!

http://www.fiskateers.com/blog/2008/07/13/congratulations-ink-name-winners/

Shhhh....

2008-07-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

blogging at work this morning.

There have been no updates because I am currently living without working computer/internet. We are working on getting everything up and running so I am hoping to return to the "REAL" world soon!!!

In the meantime thanks for your patience, I am trying to dig myself out from under my piles of boxes and get things unpacked. Things are shaping up quite nicely and we LOVE the new place.

Gotta go before the Big Boss catches on that I am on the blog!

Plans!!!

2008-05-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

I am about to enjoy a three day weekend!!! I can hardly wait!  I think I am going to search for a few of these stores with Karen...
make a few more of these (of course not the same ones...some new ones)!
and the rest of the time I am going to sit on my backside and relax!
What are you going to do???

Today is 80's Day

2008-05-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

and the girl is totally rockin it!!!

I am loving this look!!! I could easily go back to the 80's and dress like this and even do my hair like this.
We had a blast putting this outfit together and getting her hair and make-up done this morning.

I Love You

2008-05-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I always have and I always will!!!

Happy Anniversary!

A Quick Peek At My Busy Week

2008-05-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

In case you never look at a calendar, today is Thursday. So far this week I have worked...managed to fail my drivers test (I probably shouldn't admit to that), gathered boxes and sorted for the move, done a little shopping (because I am good at it, just ask TH), enjoyed some Mothers Day love, enjoyed spoiling the boy because he brought home the behavior bear and found mystery pics on my camera. Here are some photo highlights:

A pile of boxes waiting to be packed...
I was hoping they would pack themselves!

A Mothers Day bouquet

A random elephant

A random shot of the boy

A random shot of the girl
(Please note...I did not take any of these random shots...I think the girl did it)

A note to accompany the behavior bear

THE BEHAVIOR BEAR

Cool new goodies for the new kitchen...I have no idea where I am going to put all of this stuff!!!

I Love This Family!

2008-05-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

So sorry I have been negligent in posting. It has been a very busy few weeks and it doesn't look like it will be letting up anytime soon. We are just beginning to pack up our house so that we can move to college housing. We are very excited because it is a new place, it will save us a little pocket change, and it has a great play area (as evidenced below). Ok, you can't really see much besides the family having a great time, but trust me...the play area is great!

The saddest part is that this great old merry-go-round (if that is what it is called) is being removed as it is a "safety hazard". How silly and ridiculous is that??? I mean really, kids can climb the trees...I think that has the potential to be a bit more of a safety hazard. Anyhow, since we know it was going to be removed, we hopped on and gave it a spin. I was actually quite surprised that Aidan enjoyed it so much as he tends to be a bit reserved. (and if you are wondering...yes that is my purse that TH is holding...I was holding the camera after all)!

So that is what is new. I am in the middle of work and boxes, TH is finishing up finals and will head back to work for the summer, the kids...well all is pretty much the same there (except how much they have grown).

Holy Bat Caves!!!

2008-04-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

Never in my life have I "created" so much in such a short amount of time. I am in California with Karen and Donna Jean taking classes from Tim Holtz, Jennifer McGuire, etc. I fall out of bed every morning and into the truck...then off to classes, back into bed...and repeat! I have learned so much already and can't wait to share with everyone! See ya soon!

Happy Birthday Aidan Dear!

2008-04-24T08:02:00.001-07:00

I am two days late in posting this but happy birthday to my #1 son! It is amazing how quickly 6 years have gone by!

Just dropping in

2008-04-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

The last fews weeks have been pretty crazy. I have been busy prepping for my Cougar Pride album which was such a hit I pre-sold several kits over mom's weekend. The ladies that took the class had a great time too! I was also getting ready for Mom's weekend...I taught three classes and over 60 women!!! It was such a blast! I also have a WSU event this week, UoF I Mom's Weekend, Kit Club, and a few other things.

Even with all of that I have time for our customers and the great things they have to share. I had the opportunity to visit with Laura (who always has a smile and a hug for me) and with the ladies from Moscow Card Party. Julie (who also always has a smile and a hug for me) told me about a video her step-sons made and have on You Tube. I, of course, grabbed a pen and paper and wrote it down (since we all know I am a 100% internet junkie).

The video is a promotional ad that was made for a contest. I think it is really very funny. Watch it and let me know what you think!

Frosh

2008-04-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Karen, Katrina and I decided to go dress shopping for Frosh. For those who are wondering...Frosh is the freshman prom. This is Katrina's first "get dressed up" dance and dress shopping was a blast. We had lunch at Sangria and then hit the stores for some intense dress shopping. Here are some of the possible choices...

And here is the dress she chose. We also had her hair cut and highlighted, KK bought them each fake nails, and I spent and hour attempting to curl her hair. Even though I didn't go to the dance, I KNOW she was the prettiest girl there!

OLW

2008-03-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

Here is my layout for One Little Word. I was actually very pleased with the way this page came together. I painted and included some buttons from London (and even made a little scenic route one of my own)! It was great to get my scrap on again. I actually completed three pages!

Blog Overload Witihin the Next 48 Hours

2008-03-29T00:43:00.001-07:00

Things to be covered:

1. Mufflers and Men
2. Habits of a Stalker
3. OLW
4. Frosh
5. Sunday Scribblings
6. 5 year olds and their ramblings

I may even decide to add to the list! I promise to include pictures when I can. Get ready for some interesting reads!

Inspired...and other fun stuff!

2008-03-08T22:33:00.000-08:00

I had a great time today. I went to Spokane with London, Stella, and Lindsay to take some classes with Donna Downey. I think I shall need to put this into a little list form for you...

12:57pm Roll into bed after prepping supplies for Spokane trip

6:00am Roll out of bed and into the shower

6:20am Frantically attempt to blowdry hair and know that I am about to be late

6:37am Roll into Paper Pals Moscow and meet London

6:45am Roll into Starbucks for much needed drinks and vanilla scone (YUMMY)

7:18am Roll into Paper Pals Pullman and pick up Stella
7:26am Head out to Spokane

9:??? Roll into Apropos Paper Arts and anxiously await arrival of Scrap Celebs

9:30am Apropos opened their doors and a mad shopping rush ensued (London NEEDED PAPER!)

10:ish am Begin first class with Donna Downey "Unscripted"
This class was awesome and I had a great time letting loose. I painted, used transparencies, inked, laughed, and had fun!

Noonish LUNCH (and more shopping)

2:00pm Begin Journey of Me class
Another great class. I opted to only complete part of the project because I want to decide which direction the book will take and also have the chance to work on it with Karen.

2:45pm Look up and see my teenage daughter standing at the checkout counter...(what the heck?) Turns out T.H., K, A, and K decided to bring me Pepsi and a snack...all the way from Moscow. (I love my people)!

4:00pm Clean up (shop some more) take photos and checkout

Everything after this became a bit of a blur. The three of us went to Scrappers Attic and Target. We managed to get turned around (okay...nearly lost) a few times but we made it. We attempted Olive Garden for dinner but the wait was awful so we opted for A&W. We had an uneventful ride home (lots of fog) and now here I am.

I just want to say that Donna Downey was AMAZING!
She is totally down to earth
She is totally creative
She is my new BFF (she said so)!

I walked away from her classes totally inspired to create. I can't wait for Karen to be home so I can share with her and get her inspired too!
**Side Note - Karen I wish you could have come today but I know that you will love this stuff when you get back. Enjoy your trip

THANKS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN MAKING TODAY TOTALLY 100% AWESOME! YOU ROCK!

Class Sample

2008-02-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

I already posted a few pics over on the Paper Pals Blog, but I thought I would put a few additional ones here.

I still have a few spaces left in this class if you are interested. Class is on March 6, 2008 6:30-8:30pm. Give me a call at the store to register. 509-332-0407

New Collections, New Motivations, and New ???

2008-02-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

It is Wednesday night. I am in my usual place...parked in front of the computer and listening to (half watching) American Idol. I figure I had better take a moment and update the blog before the rest of the week and weekend get ahead of me. I am working on a new collection (to go with the dress forms...currently have 17). I want to do something with pin-up girls. I think I want to create an album (scrapbook) filled with them. I am in love with pin-ups...I think they are hot!!! That said, I am publicly requesting that you all keep your eyes out for them and let me know if you find any.
As for new motivations...I am totally feeling OLW (one little word). I think I am going to participate, just on my own time schedule instead of weekly like they do. I will post some of my creations once I get started. I am also considering Overlooked. Again, if I do this it will have to be in a time frame that works for me. I just don't feel it is reasonable for me to push myself to participate in a challenge that I already know I don't have a lot of time for. I guess that is the joy of a challenge. I can tailor it to fit me...and it can still be a challenge!!! I will say that I am absolutely excited at the prospect of doing these challenges. I can't wait to get started!!!

Finally, I will have a new ??? to share with you soon. I think it will be ready on Monday! I am super, duper, uber, ecstatic at the opportunity to share with you. I hope you will find it as exciting and cool as I do. Till then!

Buttons, Garden Gnomes, and Oh So Much More!

2008-02-24T21:29:00.000-08:00

I had the BEST time this weekend.  Usually I am tired and stressed out and I spend my time cleaning, cooking, and prepping for the week ahead.

This weekend I shopped, played, and just relaxed.  On Saturday I sat in on the Moscow Paper Pals Kit Club.  It was so cool to see the layouts, cards, and mini albums the girls made.  They are quite the creative bunch. 
When Kit Club was finished Karen and I  headed down to Lewiston/Clarkston for an awesome time.  We started at a huge flea market held at the Lewiston Fairgrounds.  I found a few things...a book by Amy Tan, a ton of buttons & pins for Katrina (see pic below...she already has them plastered all over her backpack) and a printers drawer (quite the find for $25 bucks)!  I am most excited about the printers drawer.  Donna Downey made one awhile back and I have drooled over it forever. I have run across them a couple of times but usually they are quite expensive and I am unwilling to fork over the cash!After the flea market we headed over to Honk's $1.05 store.  Oh my!!!  There was so much stuff in there I could have stayed forever...(Well until I was freaked out by the gnomes).   I totally scored the coolest little notepad in the shape of a dress form, a notebook that has graph paper in it(will be using this on a some scrapbook pages), a hanging sign that says "passion" (in burgundy no less...my favorite color), a new cup to use at the store (I am always losing the plastic ones), and a few other goodies.  Then it happened...we came around a corner and Karen found a puzzle in the shape of otters!!!  I was laughing at her (she was very excited) and strolling along with the cart and there...right in front of me...was a cart covered in garden gnomes!!!  They were hanging all over this basket, there were hundreds, if not thousands (small exaggeration on my part).  They freaked me out in a weird, creepy sort of way...(I am pretty sure they were watching me).  Of course I was then ready to make a hasty retreat and head on to our next destination.

Our next stop was at Crop, Paper, Scissors.  We had a chance to visit with Jan and Kristi, buy some paper and rub-ons (because we all know how I NEED my rub-ons), and discuss possible options for lunch.  Kristi suggested Fazzari's and their rotelle...so off we went.  We had lunch (the serving were huge) complete with blue cheese dressing for dipping, relaxed a bit, and then headed to The Hangar.

The Hangar is the coolest place to go junkin.  Karen and I manage to get down there every now and again and it is funny how much it changes from visit to visit.  This time around we decided to search out cool vintage kitchen "stuff" that was red.  When we move this summer I plan to have a red, vintage, kitchen (well...vintage except for the new red kitchen aide mixer I got for Christmas).  We had such a great time searching through the booths that we never even noticed they were turning off the lights and closing up!!! Karen bought me the coolest ice crusher. I also found a noodle cutter, 2 cheese slicers, an old spoon, potato masher, an old blender called a "liquidizer", a rolling pin, strainer, and a wicked looking fork...(I think the fork may actually be for gardening but it was red and looked cool so we shall say it is for serving turkey and roasts)!

I bought a cute little green vase for Karen to go with her Hall teapot, googly eyed owl salt and pepper shakers, and music box. On the way out of town we stopped at Baskin Robbins and indulged in some waffle cones.

Today was another type of day altogether.  When we got up this morning we decided it would be great to have breakfast down at the Breakfast Club.  Can I just say that this is a bad idea on a Jazzfest Weekend!  The wait was insane so we headed off in search of another option.  Needless to say we drove to Pullman.  We tried The Old European and Dennys but both of them were packed as well.

We headed back to Moscow and ended up in the parking lot of Safeway.  We all went in and ended up getting whatever struck our fancy.  Katrina opted for chili, flaming hot Cheetos, and dark chocolate peppermint mocha frappacinos! Aidan, T.H. and myself settled on donuts and chocolate milk.  We had such a great time we have decided to make it a new tradition.  We will try to do this at least one weekend each month.  The rest of the day was spent playing Pokemon on the Wii.  I am now headed off to bed because I am working hard the rest of the week.  Hope you drop in to see me at the store!

Playing with Paint....

2008-02-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

Karen, Katrina and I scrapbooked last Saturday and I broke out the paint and bubble wrap. Can I just say that I had a great time. Here are a couple of my layouts...
Katrina did a few pages too...and after some experimenting she has decided that she really likes 8.5 x 11. I am just glad that she enjoys scrapping. She was great company and wasn't afraid to try new things. Here are a few of her layouts...
On another note...the Paper Pals Newsletter is out. I am so totally jazzed! I am in the process of making the cutest Easter Album, lots of cards, and a few other things. Keep an eye out...samples will be up soon!

UGH!!!

2008-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing more and definitely nothing less!

This Just In....

2008-02-13T23:32:00.000-08:00

T.H. is officially another year older. We celebrated with dinner at home and some German Chocolate cake (YUMMY)!!!

Prior to the celebration we had to take the boy to the doctor. It would appear that his ordinary cold has developed into a bit of something a little more serious. That's right...the nasty pneumonia. Poor little guy. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic which we promptly administered, and now he is in bed and coughing up a storm. He has a fever (about 102-103 for the last 6 hours)and hasn't really eaten much food for the last three or four days. He has been drinking plenty of fluids though, and he managed to sing Happy Birthday to his dad and eat about three bites of cake.

I certainly hope he is feeling better soon. The house just isn't the same without him bouncing around.

Happy Birthday T.H.

2008-02-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

I Love You!

Echoes of the Hallelujah Chorus...

2008-02-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

are ringing through the walls of our apartment.

Let me clarify. The boy is sick. You know he is sick because he hasn't consumed food for the last two days. He coughs all night, sneezes and sniffles, is hot to the touch, and sleeps all day. We have convinced him to drink lots of fluids and are keeping him dosed up on Tylenol cold/flu medicine. What does that have to do with the hallelujah chorus??? Well, since he is sick, he is mostly in his bed watching movies in his room. This allows the insensitive addicted to TV mother a chance to get some quality TV time in! I know, I know...I am a horrible parent. Let me just say that I have been working like a dog for the last two weeks and was sent into an alarming panic attack when T.H. informed me that the DVR was just about full to capacity and I needed to do something about it. It just worked out so perfectly when the boy retreated to his room to recover and I could plant myself in front of the new TV. Here is the play by play...Karen and I worked the Bridal Fair at the Palouse Mall on Saturday. When we were finished we stopped by Qdoba for dinner and Hastings for a movie. It turns out that we were in for a pleasant surprise!!! The entire second season of Big Love was available for rent!!! Here is the weekend line-up beginning with Friday night and running through Saturday/Sunday... Friday evening I got all caught up on Celebrity Apprentice, Make Me a Super Model and Biggest Loser. I also stayed up extremely late finishing up "Escape" where Carolyn Jessop discusses her life inside a polygamous cult.
On Saturday I watched...
Oh yes...that is American Idol!!! I was on my knees thanking the television Gods for whatever blessing they dropped down into my DVR because we now have FOX!!! The hallelujiah chorus was quite loud at this point...I haven't watched American Idol in what seems like forever.
I spent the rest of Saturday evening, Sunday morning. and late sunday afternoon watching the entire second season of Big Love. I love this show!!! (I did break at 2:00 to run to Winco with Karen...it was totally crazy insane with people. We did manage to get a months worth of shopping done in one hour)! I am about to settle in to Project Runway and get myself 100% caught up on the shows I have missed for the last two weeks. It is kind of sick that I am so addicted to TV...but hey we all have our vices! And guess what... Next week I am adding Survivor to the queue. The only thing missing is Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. I will be so glad when the writers strike is over. So do your part this week...thank the television gods for blessing us and be sure to have room in your DVR for your favorite shows...Oh yeah, maybe toss a couple of hallelujahs out there for good measure! I have gotta go...Heidi is about to announce who is "in" and who is "out"!

new post tonight...

2008-02-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

keep your eyes open!!!

BOBO LOVE!!!!

2008-01-31T21:25:00.000-08:00

This is a special post filled with lots of love and hugs...especially for my BOBO!
We all miss you tons and tons! (BTW...there is a package en route, however I am wondering if all of our snow may delay it).

Aidan (he is in the middle of an intense game of spongebob on the PS2).  He of course stopped long enough to give you a cheesy grin and reminded me to tell you..."LISA!!!"
Happy Katrina (not really, she had just gone to bed for the evening...she has a bit of a cold)
T.H. same charming guy as ever!  He sends his regards.
And me...please note the "I am smiling for the camera", horrible grin I have plastered on my face!

Hope this warms your heart...it is about as close as I will come to visiting for a while yet.  Call me!