{a blonde moment}

Busy...

2011-12-29T09:12:00.007-06:00

No other word to describe it... I even missed posting about E's SIXTEENTH birthday. What mom DOES that? Sixteen... crazy! And what a beautiful sixteen she is! She is beautiful on the inside and outside! She loves her family, she loves her friends, and she just loves life! And nothing makes me happier than her random "just because" hugs! Gotta love that! Here she is on the banks of St. Thomas showing the world!Guess that leads into why we were in St. Thomas... My beautiful in-laws took us on an NCL cruise over Thanksgiving for our Christmas present! It was gorgeous... stops in St. Maartin (below Christmas card photo), St. Thomas, and the Bahamas. What a great way to spend time with family. We are blessed!

Then there is Pinterest! Pure evil, and I love it! Gone a little crazy with pinning and creating, but a great stress reliever and makes the house purty as well! Here are a few things I have created thanks to the fun site!

T's teacher gifts - dry erase boards using a normal frame, scrapbook paper, and I eventually attached the pens. Trust me, they work!

Santa Bellies - holiday tradition is to make my cards and an annual ornament. Didn't get the cards made this year (did photo cards), but made these... Jute - don't sit still for too long... you might be covered in jute! Love the way this took old things and made them look classy.

From our family to yours... Hope this new year finds you as happy and healthy as can be! Love us!

Lights Out!

3, 276 days...

2011-07-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

I just don't know where the days went, but this boy turns NINE today! He is one amazing kid!

I had a conversation with him earlier in the week asking him what he wanted for his birthday,

T: Well, I really don't want to be mean...

Me: What do you mean by that?

T: Well, I really don't need anything, so I don't want to be mean by not asking for things!

He is NINE... what nine year old does that?

He is truly a treasure and really completes our little family of four!

So... to continue the tradition...

Nine things about this little man!

1. He is so very sensitive, but it doesn't get in the way.

2. He has a great imagination. He can play with his legos for hours and create the coolest things from a bunch of little plastic blocks.

3. He is a team player. He loves the sport of baseball and is the first to support his fellow teammates no matter what the score is.

4. He is a natural born leader. He proves this in school and on the ball field.

5. He has a natural sense of humor...

6. And when the humor comes out he has the richest laugh that makes the whole room break into laughter.

7. He is a momma's boy, but not in a sissy fashion. He says he will always take care of me... even said when he is a "rich baseball player, I will buy you a house!"

8. He is a good natured, well mannered Young Man!

9. And he is MINE! We just love this guy so very much!

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

Lights Out!
me

Half Way...

2011-06-30T15:20:00.007-05:00

OK, so tomorrow is July 1st! How is it possible that 2011 is half-way through? Big things are happening next month!

E is coming home - she has been at the in-laws for the month of June, and I just down-right miss her! I don't have any recent photos... with her being gone, but I am sure to add plenty!

We are sure to be seeing lots more of this view as well! We have three baseball tournaments scheduled this month, AND Little Man is turning NINE! What? I have loved seeing him grow, but I sure miss that little guy. Good thing he is still a little momma's boy, because he is still liking to snuggle, and I love that!

And on the scrappy front... Look what I have accomplished this month thanks to the challenges at Scrap Friendzy! We held a "SPA" themed month of challenges. I didn't get as many as I would have liked to get done... but I got a whole lot more than I had!

Challenges really get my mojo going... and if that is your case, come hang out in July! The challenges that are being prepared will get anyone scrapping! Just click the link to take you to your mojo! Promise... the "guys in blue" will not be coming after you for joining the posse!

Lights Out!

Happy NSD!

2011-04-26T15:53:00.007-05:00

I realize that this day is a mere hour and twelve minutes from finishing, but over at Scrap-Friendzy, we are celebrating all month long! There are challenges every Monday/Wednesday/Friday from the DT, but there is even more! NSD bonus challenges! They all went up today, and are good for the entire month!

We are trying something new in the prize department as well. Every challenge you create gets your name in the proverbial hat. The more you do, the more chances you get. The cool thing about that... If you only get a few done, you still have a chance of winning! This works for me!

Here is the answer to my bonus challenge - 2 or more fonts in your title. It is one of my favorite things to do!

Here is my response to Cheryl's challenge. Her challenge was based on today's date of NSD - 5.7.11. You had to use those number to include that many supplies... I had

5 patterned papers and/or punched clusters
7 purple brads
11 photos

I need to have my camera fixed, but at least I can show what I finally get a chance to do!

Come check out what all the fun there is to be had over at SF! You will love all the stuff you get done! I have a few more projects up my sleeves with these fun challenges. Some of them I haven't seen anywhere else! Man those girlz are creative! And check out May's kit! I can't wait for it to arrive on my doorstep! It is yummy!

Lights Out!
me

ONE last chance...

2011-04-16T18:57:00.006-05:00

to pick up an amazing kit from Scrap-Friendzy! Amy and Cheryl have worked really hard to make their kits versatile, fun, and chock full of goodness! There is only one kit left at and you can buy it HERE! This is what I have made with mine so far, and I have enough left over for this much and more... Come check us out at SF, order a kit, and have a blast! Lights Out! me

Scrap-Friendzy's Bunny {Blog} Hop

2011-04-01T18:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to your SIXTH stop on the BUNNY {blog} HOP sponsored by Scrap-Friendzy! If you are following the links from the beginning of the hop, you should have come from TRACEY'S BLOG. If not, and you wish to participate in the blog hop, please start at the Scrap-Friendzy blog HERE! I made a fun little "egg tree" to go on my mantle for the Easter season. I wanted to get a jump start (no pun intended for the blog HOP) on some cards, so I made an Easter card for a special someone as well! Your next stop on the blog hop will be HEATHER'S BLOG. Don't forget to leave a comment here, and on each stop on the blog hop. Then, make sure you finish up at the Scrap-Friendzy forum and post that you have completed the hop. Your name will be entered into a drawign for a fabulous grand prize! If you are taking the additional BIG BUNNY HOP CHALLENGE, my "ingredient is: RIBBONS for those wonderful Easter Bonnets! In addition to the BUNNY {blog} HOP grand prize given by Scrap-Friendzy, I'm offering a fun RAK too! To be entered into my drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post! How easy is that? Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the rest of the hop! Lights Out! me!

Hoppity Hoppity... the blog hop is on its way!

2011-03-23T08:29:00.004-05:00

Do you plan on hopping all the days? Just click on the blinkie to take you to the site!There will be chances to win prizes along the way... follow the hop and leave comments on each DT member's blog, and you can have a chance to win a fabulous Scrap-Friendzy prize. Some of us will be giving RAKs away on our blog for just stopping by.

Each blog will showcase a project using an "ingredient" for you to work with. Make sure to stop by all eight blogs to get all the ingredients for you to work with in your "recipe." Then use those them to create a project/layout of your own!

Lights Out!
me

Before/After

2011-03-21T11:44:00.006-05:00

How do you get from this cute little time in your life...

to THIS?

Try and compete in The Warrior Dash! You, too, can have the time of your life running a 5K with thirteen individual obstacles. Can you climb 35 feet in the air on a cargo net? They can! Can you leap beat up old cars? They can! Can you jump flames? They can! Can you survive a "Texas Tornado"? They can! Can your allergies make it over the Hay Fever? Theirs can! Can you forge your way through the Texas muck? They can! Why? Because they are WARRIORS! E finished the race in 42:40 and Chuck finished in 43:59! He told her to go on before the last three obstacles, and that she did!

I am so proud of them, and so VERY jealous! I want to do it next year! There were people there that once I saw THEM finish... I knew I could finish! Then there were people that were all in crazy costumes! E and Chuck were the Wonder Twins! Rings and all! But some of these people had NO business wearing what they were wearing! Free beer in the end made for a great afternoon!

Look for MY photos next year! I plan on doing this! Just wait and see!

Lights Out!
me

Spread Your Wings & Fly Kit

2011-03-11T23:39:00.007-06:00

At Scrap-Friendzy is just beautiful... I haven't had much time to play with it, but I have sketches/photos and the monthly challenges ready for Spring Break next week. Wait till you see their April kit that they are planning! It is even prettier.

For the month of March, there are new challenges every Monday, Wednesday, Friday... The bonus challenge last week was to use black and white and a touch of color... Here is my answer to that one!

Then I posted an ad challenge, and this is the layout I created based on the ad... go check all of the other challenges out if you are in the mood to create! Those GIRLZ have the Mojo flowing in March!

Baseball and Track are in full swing... E's 4X400 relay team came in first.. It was just so exciting to watch. She is the youngest on the team and had never ran the relay before! It was amazing to watch!

T's team got new uniforms, and they are sharp! I will post photos of both when I get them off of the school's camera! Yep... my camera is in the shop! Thanks for letting me borrow the big bertha of school's computer!

Lights Out!
me!

Wow...

2011-03-01T11:01:00.002-06:00

I know I have mentioned a great little site called Scrap-Friendzy before... They are a fun challenge scrapbook site with an amazing group of ladies! I am not just saying that to brag 'em up, they really are! Amy and Cheryl work so hard to give it a laid-back, relaxed feeling filled with challenges and support!

Now I can say that I am more than a member of the boards! I am on their DT as well! I can't wait to see what the next six months has in store for me!

Come check us out, and be prepared to get more scrapping done than you ever have!

Lights Out!

Me!

What a GREAT month!

2011-02-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Not only is February the LOVE month with Valentine's Day, but it is the month I was born! Now I am not one of those fools that tries to pretend that I am younger than I really am... I am turning 42 today, and I am ok with that! Now... I could do without the extra softness around my middle that has taken residency since I turned 40 and all those fun meds I was on last year! But somehow watching the kids in action doesn't burn calories!

Here I am at ONE. I don't have any younger ones of me on my school computer, and I have no doubts Mom would be willing to share some beauts... but this will have to do!

Apparently someone decided that the zodiak that I have believed for as long as I can remember, has changed. According to him, I have changed to Capricorn... well... for 42 years I have been an Aquarius... I am going to continue believing that! Sorry, dude... I am not listening to your science. Not out of stupidity, but out of stubbornness! I love being an Aquarius!

Recently, I have met some great ladies, and ran into quite a few that I already knew at a great little scrap site... Scrap Friendzy! Come check out what Amy and the others have in store for us! And take a peek at the January sketch challenges! WOW!

See... February is a GREAT month!

Lights Out!

Me!

For MOM!

2010-12-16T08:55:00.006-06:00

One of the hardest things for me to accept about mom "retiring" and moving away, is the fact that she never gets to see my tree. So... this post is for her!

Chuck came home one Friday evening a tad bit later than usual. Said it was a long drive home. Then he took us out to his truck to see what held him up... This MONSTER of a tree! It has to be the biggest one we have ever had! We have TEN foot ceilings! Needless to say, the top had to be lopped off!

Now we are very traditional when it comes to tree decorations! I like my lights white! I have a ribbon chain that is from 1972 that I made with my mother when we were waiting for my little brother to be born. It has been added to, fixed, and adjusted MANY times. But it will always go on the tree! We have ornaments that are hand made from Chuck's and my elementary school days. Probably the most treasured items! Hand made ornaments from our kids' art activities are also on there. Then we kept the tradition that our parents sort of started. When we got married, we each received a box of ornaments that were "ours" growing up. We have also started that with our kids. These are the ornaments for this year...

E's is a stopwatch to represent her running. Haven't figured out which event/run/race to personalize it with!

T's is a snow man made from baseballs with bats for hands. Anyone that knows us knows that running and baseball consume our family right now!

When the kids found the lamp ornament from our favorite Christmas movie A Christmas Story we knew Chuck HAD to have it! And my obsession for snowmen could NOT let me pass up these furry little guys! There are THREE of them, and they are just too adorable!

OK, so there is our tree... The fam? Well... E turned 15 and is always a willing participant with my camera! Mom has one of the shots in the calendar, so I do not want to ruin that one! Here is another of my faves! She is also a willing participant in T's fan club! However, she was not pleased that the temperatures were in the low 40's! That is football weather, not baseball! She was buried and covered the entire game! I don't know where those green eyes came from, but they melt my heart! And those freckles! :) And what would be a weekend without baseball? Cold or not T was rocking the diamond! This hit was yanked out of the sky by a TEN foot eight-year-old (ok, he was just big). It should have been at least a double!
And here is his attempt at catching a fly foul ball! It was IN his glove untill he hit the ground hard! Balls tend to bounce when that happens! But it was an amazing attempt! He never ceases to amaze me! Just love that enthusiasm!

Then we can NOT forget our four legged friend. The kids found this headband in the decoration boxes. I guess their first instinct was to put it on Pepper!I still can not believe that she was a willing participant! Until she headed out the dog door. The funny thing, it has bells on it, and when she hears the bells, she comes running and sits in front of you. Well, she did that day! Chuck said we are humiliating her. I say NOT!

Might have to be all for this December update! Go grab a spiced apple cider and find a good book!

Lights Out!
me

Christmas Cards...

2010-12-14T15:58:00.004-06:00

for the most of you, the cards are in the mail, your mailbox, or you have already opened them. So excited with how the photos turned out. I showed the three final photos to Chuck and let him pick the card photo... here are the others! The top one was my favorite, but only because I loved the accidental background. If you heard the story from the kids you would have thought we were in the house of a serial killer! :)

I am so excited about the M. I had a wild hair and Chuck helped me make it! Now it is decor in my scraproom!

I still have quite a few to mail out, but waiting on addresses, a spare moment, or to see if you still exist!

Three more days of school then we are off on holiday break! Wish it was from practices as well, but at least we get a school break. Something is better than nothing!

If you don't hear from me before Christmas/New Years then Happy Holidays to all of you!

Lights Out!

525,600 minutes plus

2010-11-19T00:00:00.001-06:00

Or is that times? Times 15 equals 7,884,000 minutes! I would love to start this off by saying something classy, or smart, or thought provoking; but it just isn't coming. This beautiful young lady catches my breath almost daily. And now she is turning 15l That means the world is really opening up for her. She is just amazing!

15 things about Monkey #1:
1. Has an attitude, but usually cracks a smile in the end.
2. Runs... And she is good at it! Who does that?
3. Is taking the "Pioneer Viking" spirit up another notch in HS
4. Is taking on new challenges even when they seem to catch her.
5. Is learning that there are consequences to actions and is acutally learning from them
6. Really loves her little brother and looks after him.
7. Steps up and helps out without being asked too much.
8. Unless it is feeding the dog. Don't get it, but it is almost humorous... except at 3AM when the dog is hungry.
9. Has her daddy's sense of humor
10. And his stubborn streak
11. Supports her little brother in all of his baseball stuff, even when she is bored out of her mind!
12. Is so very creative
13. Isn't afraid to show me that she loves me.
14. Means the WORLD to me!
15. Is all ours, and we love every part of her!

I love you baby, even though I am not ready for you to grow up and leave me!

Lights Out!
me

What a week...

2010-07-26T14:39:00.005-05:00

It was full of baseball, scrapping, and high temps! Susan over at Simply Obsessed put on a great Pre-Crop list of challenges to get us geared up for the week. I showed you one of the layouts I got done from the pre-crop, so here are the rest.

A PARTY in my Garden: This layout was based on the Luau Challenge. I pulled the colors from the picture and turned it into this! I took these photos of all the flowers we had growing in our garden this past spring! I am glad I did because the summer heat isn't treating them very nicely!

I only got TWO of the crop challenges done because the rest of the weekend was run by baseball... more on that below.

TreasurE: This was the sketch challenge posted by Susan. I have been doing a ton of multi-photo layouts, so it was a blast to get back to my fave One photo layout. BG paper fit the photo of the kids perfectly. The photo was for the July Photo challenge. July 4th up at Mom's!

Summer Lovin': The other challenge that grabbed my heart was the summer hobbies layout. I took a photo of all the things I love to do during the summer. Then scrapped the heck out of it. The layout was lifted from SB Etc August

And here is why scrapping took a back seat! T's select baseball team took home a third championship of the summer. They played five undefeated games to get there! Luckily we have a break this weekend before two more to round out the summer tournament season. Fall will have fewer tournaments and more growth for the team!

Off to get the house in shape after ignoring it lately!

Lights Out!

me

Inspiration anyone?

2010-07-20T16:38:00.003-05:00

Go check out Simply Obsessed! They are having a July crop this weekend. The pre-crop is going on right now, and there are already some GREAT challenges! Susan (SO DT member) is really coming up with some great ideas!

This was the mystery challenge Walk the Plank ended up after scraplifting my assigned layout by Karry Weaver. Here is her layout, and this is mine!

I am working on the Luau challenge right now... didn't think I had anything to work with... NOPE... I am telling you, this crop is pushing my mojo!

So come scrap with us...

Lights Out

me!

Deep Contemplation...

2010-07-08T09:07:00.006-05:00

I know... it doesn't happen much, but tell me this... how did this little guy get to be EIGHT? It just seems like yesterday that he was this small! He is a great kid, and I am not just saying that because I am his mom!

So... EIGHT things about T:

1. Will melt your heart with his smile

2. Still loves to hold my hand and give me kisses

3. So very smart (it is scary really)

4. Could play with Legos for HOURS and makes amazing things with them

5. A natural baseball player and loves the sport

6. Gets along with everyone but is really shy

7. Just the happiest kid ever

8. Gives the BEST hugs!

So... big man... Happy Birthday to you! You and your sister are the joys to our days! Thanks for being MINE!

Went to Mom's last weekend, and boy was there some mojo there! I got four layouts (well, three complete ones and a partial one I had already started) done! They are mostly quick and easy layouts, but I am really pleased with them!

It's all in the Name: T played for a short stint on another select team.

It was the first time to have his name on his jersey! And boys does it look good!

D-Backs: This was the spring season at our little league. It was a rough season

with only two wins, but I think it is good for them to get the good

with the bad. Lesson learned.

July layout challenge at Simply Obsessed

Remember the Moments: E's photos taken right before graduation in our

front yard... I TOOK THESE! I want her to remember everything

that got her to where she is today!

100 days: T's 100th day of school, all the first graders dressed up like centenarians.

Hysterical. July sketch challenge at Simply Obsessed

Off to a baseball tournament this weekend... wish those boys luck for another championship! Hoping to see Despicable Me tomorrow for T's bday! Let see how that works out! That is all from my part of the world...

Lights Out!

Scrappy = Happy

2010-06-28T14:34:00.004-05:00

And I am on cloud 9! I have really gotten quite a bit done recently... Some of these are for the crop over at Simply Obsessed , two worked for the guy challenge over at Coordinates , some where just to get me scrapping again! Seven & Fourteen: This was a "just to get scrappin' layout! Used my craft robo for the ampersand and looked for TWO plus hours for the stamp to use behind the photos! Love it when I use OLD paper like the BG strip! Clean out those supplies!

Sunshine Superman: This was for both sites... worked for the Song Title challenge and the guy challenge!

It Came True: Just because... I used new Basics line from BG for this and an old Technique Tuesday tile for the frame... and check out my QK... haven't used those fonts in a while!

Hello: Many, this is probably one of my faves from this journey through scrapping! And it really isn't much! I used a background stamp and swirl stamp to make the photo mat and covered old Maya Road chipboard letters with MME paper! Rest is my handwriting! Photo was taken as we were walking out the door for her 8th grade graduation!

Cast: At SO they had a pre-crop challenge to see if we were Sandy or Sandra Dee - I am a little of both! This is my Sandy challenge! It was supposed to be a black background, but the Sandy in me chose to use brown instead (that and the fact that once I saw the paper in daylight I realized it was brown not black in the PP) How old is that Magic Mesh and Smile thingy - OLD! This was her cast photo for her school play.

4TEEN: And here is my Sandra Dee with pink background, ribbon, and flowers! Not over the top girly, but fits E just fine! This shot was taken when we were doing the Christmas card shoot! Boy: Another "guy" layout for CC! Nothing on this page is new including the photos! hehe I handcut the circles from the patterned paper, raided Chuck's tool box for the metal pieces, and found the ancient MM fabric tag that matched perfectly!

In other news...

E is home... home... HOME! I am thrilled that she is! She has been given the job of gutting her room, so that we might be able to make it look more like the room of a high... high... are you really going to make me say it? A high schooler's room!

T and his team won their tournament in that heat! They are now two championships into the summer and have two more tournaments in July and possibly THREE come August! It will be hot, but I LOVE it!

I go to the doctor for my post op appointment on Wednesday... I am just ready to drive and be able to say I can go somewhere if I want to go! Honestly... I am digging the jammies all day, scrapping, and lazy cleaning! It is too hot to be running around! I want to scrap and work on my curriculum a bit! You don't sweat as much!

Lights Out!

More summer...

2010-06-20T09:28:00.002-05:00

Surgery went off without a hitch... except for one thing! I do NOT sit still very well! I am feeling pretty strong, but I know that things are going on inside that I need to be careful with! But it is summer, it is hot, and I am just going to stay home (not allowed to drive for TWO weeks) and watch movies, scrap, and try to keep the monkeys from killing each other. Monkey #2 doesn't come home until Friday, so this week will be a little bit easier!

T's baseball team is out there playing their hearts out! They are doing pretty well in this heat and should do really well in this tournament this weekend. I am sad that I am missing such a big tournament, but secretly it is HOT! I have others to see... I can't wait!

Something else to keep me busy this week... a new little site I found Simply Obsessed is hosting a Summer Loving crop. It looks like it will be fun and a great way to keep me still at home! Go check them out... it is a sweet little site with beautfiul kits and great ladies!

Lights Out!

Summer is in the house...

2010-06-15T09:50:00.003-05:00

And what a way to start!

To back up a few weeks... T and his team played five games back-t0-back in the Texas heat to win the championship for an area tournament... Much different than Little League play. Man that is some intense ball playing! And they are only SEVEN!

Then my baby "graduated" from Middle School and is heading off to our high school as a ninth grader in the fall. Man... are there some good times in her future! I can't believe how old she has gotten!

Actually got some scrapping done... some firsts since my back surgery. It felt so good to be able to get in there and work! I can't wait to get in there an get some more of this pile of photos scrapped! Will post the others later!

Faces: used the Momma Razzi line for whatI thought was "perfect" photos of my family. I think that they are just tired of seeing my camera in their faces... whatcha think?

Live: this was a picture I got of T playing with his RC boat up at Mom's! Something about his stance just makes me catch my breath! Love this kid!

Fresh: This is E at the end of sixth grade... I finally got around to scrapping this photo! Amazing to see how much she has grown in two short years! But what a zest for life! Love this one too!

After school ended, we headed for some laid back fishing at the camp... hmmm... a tiny little oil spill stopped us from bringing home dinner! Sorry babe, I know you were looking forward to that trip!

Maybe towards the end of summer, we can try again! Love you!

Lights Out!

Seasons...

2010-04-28T08:51:00.003-05:00

Not Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall, but Track, Band, and Baseball! That is what has been keeping us busy as a family. And what a great thing that is! Loads of photos, loads of traveling, loads of sunburns, and just good ole' fashion family time!

Track... If you saw the progression before these photos, you would see E kicking it into gear to pass that girl from a rival school to become THIRD in conference for the 8th grade 1600 (that is an entire mile for those of us less "track minded"). She ran that mile in 6 minutes and 27 seconds! Phew! I can't run to my car in under ten minutes!

Band... almost done with it... not sure if it will continue through high school. It is up to her, I won't push it, but I love hearing her play! This was from the big "finale" at a local college auditorium! It was an impressive afternoon filled with music from our bands, choirs, and orchestras.

Baseball... Little League is half way done, but T was picked up for a local Select Ball team, so I am pretty sure we are in it for the "Boys of Summer!" Coach says he is turning into a pretty good little ball player... I just blush and press the shutter button on my camera! DUH! I KNOW he is good! :) If you want to fund his team through his "Bat-A-Thon" let me know! :)

Off to find the aloe for the shoulders and prepare for it to start all over again tomorrow! Wouldn't change it for the world!

Lights Out!

Two Wake Ups

2010-03-11T14:20:00.004-06:00

Three more classes, ten minutes left of packing, and $432+ in change, and we will be on our way HERE!

I think Chuck and I might be more excited than the kids... T gets his very first plane ride, and I wonder if he is more excited about that... it will change once we get to the Florida. He also can't wait to get to the Lego Store there! Ahhh... the joys of being a seven-year-old-boy! This was taken when we went in 2007! I can't wait to see the photo of us now... the kids have changed so much!

When we found out we were going last fall, we started saving our change... man, we didn't realize just how much we had! This is going to be so much fun.

After taking close to 2200 photos last time we went, I might spend more time watching the kids at Disney through real time than through the lens of my camera! We will see... I am bringing BG aka The Big Gun this time!

Next time you hear from us, will be through photos... I promise not to post them all!

Lights Out!

At the edge of your seat?

2010-02-09T07:27:00.005-06:00

I know you all have been DYING to see all these photos I have been promising... Well, don't want to disappoint you one bit! Below see the images of T's Valentine's box! Not a stitch of pink or purple was to go onto this box! I wrapped the box and cut the hole in the top. Using my anitquated MM foam stamps, T and I stamped his name on the box... then I left the room. Next thing I know, Chuck and T are talking skulls and crossbones! Tim Holtz to the rescue! They painted them metallic black and used steel wool to add the red. He is so proud of his "Guy Box!"

Then... since I wasn't really allowed to do anything active, I decided to make 25 of these bad boys! I took a 6X6 piece of cardstock, rolled them into rolls and cross pinched the ends at cross angles to make little pillow pockets. Used my crimper to crimp the ends (helped with the glue) and added tags! I used EYELETS! There are lollipops and Hershey kisses stuffed into each pocket, and T added the names of his classmates to the tags! Doesn't it remind you of those Minute Maid popsicles from when we were kids? Man, those were good!

And here is Little Man as a Centenarian. They celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up as 100 year old people. The kids were adorable! I wish I had permission to show you his classmates! Just too cute! His hair is painted grey, but it didn't show up very well in the photo!
I can barely imagine him as almost 8... stop growing up Little Man! He does have the grumpy old man look down pat!

What will tomorrow offer... another day... another dollar... Day two of work post surgery was a smashing success! Still stayed away from pain pills... two more days of steroids! Update later!

Lights Out!

First Engagement Shoot!

2010-02-08T16:59:00.002-06:00

Be kind... this is the first ever that comes out of MY camera... just a sneak peak, because this one was my absolute favorite! They were so fun to work with. She is the counselor at my school and I have known her for about three years... I had NO idea what his personality would be like... Boy did he put me at ease... QUICK!

She has already printed, sent, and framed all the ones I got... I was pretty pleased, two of her friends and grandmother said they look just like a professional did it! OK, that made me grin!

Still need to find T's 100 years, but I will add it when I add his Totally "GUY" Valentine's Day box that he did with his dad! I only wrapped the box... oh, and warned his teacher! Will take photos of those tonight!

Back at school today... ONE week post-op! I feel great... I am tired, and can tell I am not 100%, but I did it! I proved people wrong, and I am BACK! With a new BACK! hehe

Lights Out!

Phew...

2010-02-02T18:04:00.002-06:00

OK, so... how did you spend your last birthday? I spent mine having back surgery. Went in at 5:15AM and was home before the kids got home from school. My great SIL met us at the house at 4:30 so we could head to the med center and she could get the kids to school.

I guess the surgery went as expected... they did have to do a little extra that I don't quite understand, but I am hoping at post-op he can explain what is going on. I really just want to know my future limitations, etc. He lowered my steroids and I will be off of them in TEN days. Maybe this puffiness can go away!

Today I am sitting up and pretty much going about my daily business. I get fussed at, because everyone thinks I am doing too much... but I need to feel normal. The pain I have had is GONE! Now I have the pain from the jackhammering on my back... but I know that pain will subside with time... Still on quite a few meds... but that gets lowered as the days go by as well! And I finally got a shower...

Sorry for the photoless updates... I did do an actual engagement shoot for a colleague of mine, if I can get her permission, I will show some sneaks of those...

And T had his 100 day of school today, and they dressed up as Centenarians... he was absolutely adorable... When I get those off the camera, I will post my Little "old" Man as well!

Lights Out!
me

Quite a "P" Day...

2010-01-26T19:15:00.001-06:00

I have been poked, prodded, peed, pulsed, and photod... I had my Pre Op today... and barring anything that shows up... I am set for Monday! Sweet Monday!

Now keep me in your prayers...

Lights Out!
me

Seven More Wake Ups!

2010-01-24T16:40:00.003-06:00

To two things... One my 41st birthday... but that is pretty anti-climatic compared to the other thing. Probably the BEST birthday gift I could ever give to myself.

My surgery! It was supposed to be scheduled for the 29th which would have given me a few extra days to recoup, but the OR was booked... so it is now the 1st. Is it weird, ominous, to have surgery on my birthday? I don't know... but I just know that the pain will be gone. Yes, I will have the surgical incision to deal with, but he said it is less than an inch long! The elephant that has been sitting on my lower body will have found a new residency... That is the pain I am ready to be done with.

I am done smelling like Ben Gay, I am done with my heating pad, I am done reading every magaziine, grading all papers, and basically lying flat, just so I can work during the week. I am ready to PLAY again. Ready to be a mom! Ready to be a wife! Ready to get off these steroids and pain killers that seem to guide my day! I am ready!

Speaking of pain maintenance. I have tried every gel, lotion, patch, etc to help bring the icy/hot relief during the day without trying to teach tethered to a heating pad! Well... I thought I hit Pay Dirt with Therma Care wraps. Man, that was awesome. The heat felt so good, it stayed in place, the adhesive didn't rip the top layer off of my skin... Then came the time to take it off! Those cute little heating devices that made my day so comfortable BURNED my skin. I now have NINE blistered areas on my lower back... Talking about adding insults to injury... lower back pain, myelogram pain, blood patch pain, and now stupid burn blisters... it is just almost comical! Trust me, I am laughing! Trust me... don't buy those Therma Care patches... and if any of you happen to work for that company... sorry, I won't be using them any more!

Lights Out!
me

Play Break!

2010-01-23T15:19:00.003-06:00

Not that I have chosen this... but I have been TOLD to! And it is boring... I am sitting on the couch watching Julie & Julia, and writing this very depressing blog post! See... NO PLAY!

Wednesday, I had the pleasure of having a myelogram... basically, they lay you on your stomach and shove long needles in your back and put a fun little dye contrast into you and see what part of your nerves are being effected! Sounds like fun right? Sure... they tell you that you might have a headache afterwards but to drink plenty of liquids and lie FLAT for 12 hours. Flat... does not equal scrapping, playing with kids, or anything else for that matter!

Next day, I decide to head back to school and enjoy my life... then the battle axe side swipes my head and I have no idea what is happening. Nurse calls, says to drink more and lie down. OK, so when I go to the doctor on Friday for my pre-op I would ask if it was normal... apparently NOT! I am back on my stomach for something called a "blood patch" They apparently "knicked" something while they were inserting the dye and I was leaking spinal fluid which caused the spinal headache! So they take 20cc of my blood and shove it back into my spinal canal to heal their "knick!" Now... I am watching Julie&Julia, and not scrapping... Thanks for the fun!

E is at a friends, the boys are at baseball, I have finished two novels, a magazine and graded half of my diagramming tests... and NOW have written probably the most boring blog post in the history of A Blonde Moment! And in one week and one day I will turn 41 AND have back surgery!

So... for now... I am sure after being on my back for a week, you can have plenty more of these boring posts!

Lights Out!
me

And playing some more...

2010-01-13T14:48:00.007-06:00

This time I am playing in that nice clean room... Just wanted to share some of the layouts that I have accomplished since Operation Purge!

This was our Santa photo... The journaling is actually a Dear Santa letter from me wondering how many more of these photos I am going to be allowed to have. My favorite part of this layout are the trees. They are duplicates of the trees that I used on the front of the 80+ homemade Christmas cards I did this year. So... added a little memory to that as well. The sketch is page maps.

Got some great photos of Chuck doing some grilling. That boy can grill... definitely a Grill Master. About three years ago, when one of our SB stores went out of business, I bought the male/female QK dies not knowing what in the world I would EVER do with them... Worked perfect for that "I", I thought! Didn't want to use ribbon on the "manly" layout, so I simply crumpled and pleated!

And then I posted this as my OLD/NEW stash layout over at Coordinates Collections. We actually had enough snow to build one of these little guys. The kids were so very proud. I also used my new glue stamp pad and flocked the bottom of those Heidi Swapp acrylic letters. You can't really see it, but it looks like snow on there! This is a complete scraplift from the December CK I believe... just LOVED the way the holes punched in the edges gave it some pop

I have another item I am DYING to share, however, the receiver hasn't received it yet, and she pops on here everyonce in a while to see her favorite niece and nephew... so I can't reveal that yet! AND... a DOUBLE layout with MULTIPLE photos layout is on the table just waiting for journaling about the LSU game we attended! I will get that up this weekend!

Lights Out!
me

Fortune Cookies?

2010-01-08T16:33:00.002-06:00

I don't eat them... but I am a stickler for reading them... Mine today was perfect!

"Your smile is a curve that can get a lot of things straight."

Says quite a bit don't you think?

Lights Out!
me

Playing...

2010-01-06T10:26:00.015-06:00

I am sticking to my word of play... Now granted, it is only the SIXTH of January, but because I spent so much time in my room before the new year... my room is ready to play in when I have the few minutes to do it! And because it is such a huge rarity that my room is this clean... I wanted it documented.

I am very proud of my room. I have worked hard to get it the way I want it, and I know that I am truly blessed to even be able to say that I have this room for my craftiness. Ask Chuck, he says he has NO place in the entire house except half the garage (that MY car is parked in where his is in the driveway) and his "front door!" He is the only one that uses the front door, the rest of us use the garage door.

So... Now I want to take you on a personal tour of my precious space! Yes, Mom! It will stay clean! We started off by painting it a cool color called Green Tea! It is a litttle softer than the greens I used in my decorations, but it is a perfect soothing scrapping color!

ONE: This is what my room looks like from the living room. I can see the study and family room and still be connected to the rest of the family when I am in my zone. Chuck installed the French doors which keeps the dog out of my room!

TWO: This is my table. It is a 600 pound butcher block that my FIL saved from the trash bin after OSHA declared no more wood cutting boards. They didn't have room in their new house, so I get to babysit this beast of a table! The window looks out into our front yard. I added the close up of two more of the altered items I did to match the carousel you will see later. One houses scissors and glue... the other was fun to do... left over Crystal Light containers, altered and ready to store all writing utensils!

THREE: My big set of Expedit bookshelves from IKEA! They store everything from albums, to knick-knacks, to bin storage. In the storage I have tools, embellishments, cards stuff, stamps, chipboard, etc. I am ok with just throwing everything in the bins that belong in that bin! My wooden chipboard bins from Michaels will be altered this weekend. Going to spray paint them white and decorate them to match the other goodies!

FOUR: This is my computer desk from Target and my little shelves from IKEA. More knick-knacks and the bins house computer programs and CD photo storage. I altered my MM carousel and then decided to alter everything else that I used as storage to match it. Nothing is appearing safe that is alterable! On top of the shelves are a collection of M's for our last name and my beloved antique camera collection!

FIVE: The back side of my French Doors. Chuck built a shelf at the top that stores more of my M's, some photos and a layout I doubled and framed.

SIX: We had a lizard stored here... he has since found a new home, so now it is my cutting station, idea board from an old house window, and my newest fun... My SIL hand painted that quote on the wall for my daily inspiration. Isn't she a doll, and has the neatest handwriting ever! She did that in under ten minutes while we were waiting for the Turkey Dinner to settle at Thanksgiving! LOVE her! And it completes my room perfectly!

I have a layout from Christmas on my table right now just ready to get glued down. It sure makes it easier to get in there when everything is clean!

I would LOVE to see your rooms... leave me a link and let me see what yours looks like!

Lights Out!
me

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T11:17:00.004-06:00

Wow, that seems weird... It has been a pretty good one so far, however, it is only 11:30 in the morning. But... the boys slept late, I have finished two layouts, and started working on an altered item that I am realtering to match other goodies in my room...

AND... Chuck woke up in the mood to do some home improvements this weekend! Works for me!

My main goal of this post is to talk about my Word Of The Year! Ali Edwards started this a few years ago, and I jumped on it. Not always with much vigor as others, but still!

I have picked my word... and I wanted to keep this year light and simple!

PLAY!

And here is how I plan on working it into this wonderful new 2010!

With me... I want to play and enjoy daily life.
With family... I want to enjoy every moment I am allowed to play with them.
With the house... I want to continue to make this house our home.
With food... I want to get better about trying new foods and helping with the cooking.
With photography... I want to learn how to use this camera and play with photography.
With school... I am having an amazing year, and I want to continue to play with my students and teach them at the same time.
With reading... stop worrying about what others are reading and read what I enjoy... I do teach MS and love reading what they read... but at the same time, through in some good old fashioned grown up books.
With learning... I would love to continue being the best teacher I can be in the classroom.
With scrapping... I need to get in and let my mind play with paper.
With blogging... I want to make sure that this is an avenue for me to keep open for my thoughts, random useless info, family updates, scrapping goodies, as well as just playing!

I probably will be adding to this list as things pop into my head. But I do not set resolutions, once they are broken, they are broke. I set goals... My goal this year is to play! Come join me... Did you pick a word this year? I would love to know what your word is and why you picked it!

Happy New Year!

Lights Out!

Morning...

2009-12-29T09:00:00.002-06:00

Just sitting down and enjoying my very clean, pretty organized, and purged scraproom. I plan on getting in here and getting things done after perusing some online sites. I have actually already completed a project that I have been wanting to do for a while. I used some alcohol inks and fancied up an old hurricane lamp that sits on top of one of my book cases. Just need to see if I want to add a ribbon or something to it!

One of the things I came across over at Coordinates Collections was a photography challenge site. Thanks Natalia for the link. It will do a themed challenge each month for you to take photos each week to fit the theme for the year 2010! I think it is a good chance to learn my camera, take interesting photos that I might not normally take, and get me some goodies to scrap! Can't go wrong there!

Off to upload some photos to Walgreens to take advantage of their .9 photos! NINE CENTS! That will help get some scrapping done!

Lights Out!
me

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-24T14:05:00.004-06:00

To each and every one of you! I braved the mall and took T to see Santa! And, Yes, E was a very good sport! She knows she is wanting a pretty big Santa Gift this year and is willing to do just about anything! :)

Have a safe and happy holiday season, from Us!

Lights Out!

My Tree

2009-12-18T14:22:00.005-06:00

OK, it is time to start connecting with friends in the scrapping world again. Mom has been loving her time over at Coordinates Collections, so I pop in from time to time. My school limits internet stuff, so I have a hard time to connect at work... but I need to get in my scraproom and get busy again. I miss it, and I hope CC can get my going again.

First thing first... they wanted to see photos of our trees... so here is mine! It is ten feet tall and nine feet wide! And my mom actually got to see it in real life this year and even helped me decorate it. Truly loved that!

The tree skirt is handmade by my mom to match the stockings on my mantel. My grandmother made mine and then my mother made the ones for Chuck and the kids. Truly a treasure, and I hope that she will be able to make the kids' family stockings as well!

Lights Out
me

Here is...

2009-12-11T09:00:00.001-06:00

my retirement plan... just maybe he will get good enough to put his parents in a nice situation one day! And I don't mean a home!

and then E had her Spotlight Company production. A Christmas Carol - Circus Style! It was amazing! I am so proud of these monkeys!

Lights Out!

This isTexas?

2009-12-04T15:44:00.005-06:00

They have been telling us through the week that we were expecting snow down here in SE Texas... Yeah right! We might get cold rain, we might get some sleet, or even some dusting... but rarely do we get THIS!

We even got to leave school early. Not really because of a true snow day like up in the north, but it was supposed to be icy streets right at dismissal. Not good for Texas drivers that barely can drive in rain!

We have never been able to actually build one of these guys. This is a monumental moment...

Expect to see this shot in the family calendar. I should have used it as our family Christmas photo, but I have already taken, printed, cut, and stuffed the photos originally intended for this year's cards. They should go out next week. I just need to write the yearly epistle!

Off to get more photos... aiming for snow angels this time!

Lights Out!
me

5096 Days!

2009-11-19T10:50:00.002-06:00

If I say it that way... it isn't as obvious that she is a teenager... I am not a mother of a teenager, but I am admitting that I am a mother of a FOURTEEN year old! How in the world did that happen?

Baby girl... you never cease to amaze Dad and me. You put your whole heart and soul into everything you do! You are happy, healthy, and mine! I couldn't have asked for any thing more. We love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Lights Out!

Ahhh... Fall hits Houston...

2009-10-24T22:14:00.006-05:00

And it is ABOUT time!

I know I said I would add some photos to yesterday's post, and I still might! I have some great ones to add... but for now, check out these fall beauties!

In between a very "sad day in Mudville" and getting dresses for an 8th grade party, and another practice, and a date with Little Man, I sneaked some time in the pumpkin patch! I am pretty darned pleased with what I got!

It sure made the loss this morning sting a little less for me. I am not upset that they lost. I am upset at how they lost. These are kids... seven year olds! They should not have to fight the umpire to win a game. Both teams played their hearts out... our little first place Cubs against the second place Phillies. Would we have won if the ump hadn't called all those bad calls... Who knows... but we would have had more of a chance! One more game, guys! One more game! You are still in first place in the league and in all our hearts!

Little Misses... I am amazed at the young ladies you all have turned into. I have watched you all grow up for the last ten years, and am so proud of all that you all have accomplished. May the four of you be life long friends.

Now... I am off to go pick you all up from the dance!

Lights Out!

Hmmm...

2009-10-23T21:52:00.004-05:00

This is pretty indicative of my life lately!

Kids: GREAT! E has been running cross country and leading the 8th grade team... exhausts me just telling you about it! She has made her very best time the past two races and is headed to conference meet on Tuesday! First round of report cards made us all smile! We are so proud of her!

T is finishing up fall ball in Little League and with two games left in this season, they are 6-0! Pretty exciting... Two weeks into games, he was asked to join a select team. It is pretty cool... a little more hard core than we expected... but we signed up. We will see how this works... as long as he is having fun we will take on the ride! His first round of report cards also brought all smiles... what a great set of kids I have!

Us: GREAT! Between work... kids' sports... homework... dinners... it is just nice to find that place at the end of the day! Love you, Postie!

Work: Exhausting. I have never worked as hard as I have this year... but in all honesty... despite the craziness that has come down from the "powers that be," the students I have this year are amazing. I actually feel like I have a relationship with these kids. They are just fun and really want to learn... I mean, who wants to learn about intransitive verbs on a beautiful Friday afternoon. Yeah, I know it sounds like a dream, and I probably could have convinced them to do something else, but they were actually paying attention and trying! Great kids!

Home: Needs a good cleaning, laundry is ready to be done, and the dog has painted my kitchen floors with muddy foot prints... but it is ours! The roof isn't leaking, the family is here, and it is HOME! Love being here!

Family: Everyone is happy, healthy, and just enjoying life!

Scrapping: Despite the non-stop activity in this life, sanity does need to be maintained! Scrapping to the rescue! Have had quite a bit of luck completing things in spurts! Next task... Christmas cards!

This post seems awful boring... maybe I need to add some photos! Yeah... photos would make it perfect! But not at this hour!

Lights Out!
me

We Remember...

2009-09-11T14:42:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to take a moment and reflect on this day eight years ago. Some people remember the bombing of Pearl Harbor, some people remember the day Kennedy was killed. This generation will remember the day the twin towers fell.

I will always remember what a great country we live in. A country that lets us choose where we go to school, where we worship, where we live, who we marry, and even who our leaders are. We may never all agree on everything, but we know that in this country, that is ok!

To those that lost family, friends, neighbors, let us forever honor their memory today. To those that lost their lives trying to save others, let us forever honor their memory today. To those that continue to fight for the freedom that the rest of us cherish, thank you! May you be able to some day know that you are our heroes.

Lights Out!

Thanks Jennifer...

2009-08-01T17:57:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Jennifer and her little challenge on her blog, I got a total of TEN layouts done using supplies I already had in my stash. I have three more layouts lined up to work on while I am here at my mom's... but I won't get them done and photographed before midnight tonight. Here are the newest five to add to the ones already posted! Thanks again, Jennifer

Lights Out!

Time...

2009-07-27T15:56:00.003-05:00

in order to stay away from any cliche's, let's just say it has been good! Summer is good! For the first time in a long time, I have been able to just play Mom. I really hate it on Monday mornings when Chuck has to head on into work. I know it is hard when we are at home and living summer.

This past weekend we headed to my parent's house to just hang out. We scrapped, played, ate, read, rode the jet ski, and just hung out as a family unit. Made today even harder to be a Monday...

Over at Coordinates Collections, Jennifer (aka pinge) posted a challenge about using your stash instead of buying more. Well, I am ALL about that! And so is my husband... and so is my check book... and so is my scrapbook storage... well, you get the picture! So, Jennifer... here are my FIRST five layouts using what I already had in my space! This was a blast, and I am not stopping at five! And it is even using photos that are already printed to boot!

And to end this with a Travisism... this JUST happened! T is playing with a city mat and his John Deer /Lincoln Logs. He brings me a car part and starts asking about it. Remember we are a city family! Cass... don't you DARE laugh!

T: Mom, what do you think this is?

Me: I believe it is a hay hauler.

T: What does it do?

Me: It takes the hay from the fields to barn for the horses and stuff.

T: How does the hay not fly out when the farmer is taking it back to the barn?

Me: I have no idea?

T: Maybe you should just look it up on Google... it can tell you.

Definitely a sign of the times!

Lights Out!

Who knew...

2009-07-17T11:52:00.003-05:00

That I could actually DO this stuff? I don't ever want this class to end... I just want to sit and watch this woman work her magic... Now to just be able to remember how to do it each time! The great part about her class, is all the videos and tutorials will be available FOREVER! And this class was FREE! I think I will be signing up for more classes!

Lights Out!

O M Goodness...

2009-07-16T11:04:00.002-05:00

OK, so I have always loved the single color stuff for photos... and I have done it for past Christmas card photos... but it took me HOURS to get it done! And it never looked completely right! Holy Crow! JS showed us the easy way to do this! Can't wait to teach my class this in the fall!

Lights Out!

More playing...

2009-07-15T12:37:00.004-05:00

Today we got to creat a project from start to finish! We created our own clipping mask (just a simple rounded corner look), added textures, an overlay, and text overlays! I love playing with the different fonts! This is my parents on their patio. This photo was originally used for a wine label for a Christmas present!

And this is our runner! I have already scrapped this photo... but I thought it was perfect for the overlay!

Lights Out!

Just Playing...

2009-07-14T19:20:00.004-05:00

And LOVING it! So, Dad got me PSE6 a while ago, and I have been floundering around with it and having some success... then along came Jessica Sprague! She is my new hero! I am really not sure what I will do with these photos now that they are enhanced... but I am in love with some of the looks!

We started off simply by adding a frame and some word art... photo of E up at the lake!

Next we learned how to use brushes like stamps! Changed to colors to match things from the actual photo.

Creating a vintage hand tinted look with a different frame.

Clipping masks... these things are just downright FUN!

Wow... this one is just down right amazing. We learned how to find new textures and add them to photos to just change it! More frames... And my camera is now on the look out for all kinds of new textures to add to photos.
This one is called TTV (through the viewfinder) Apparently a new "old" look I also added a brush (stamp) and a later lesson the different fonts and goodies!

Here is the later adding fonts and stuff to photos. There is also an aged paper texture to the background.
This one is old school... but in a new technique. Just burning the edges to keep the focus on the center.

Still a few more days to go in the lessons... but I can't wait to teach this to the photo journalism kids next fall! They will just get a kick out of what art they can make to their photos!

Lights Out!

OMG... this would be AWESOME!

2009-07-09T15:50:00.001-05:00

I am currently looking to buy a new lens now that I am getting used to my new camera... and this place is GIVING one away! Go check it out! Then check out the rest of the site, it is a gem!

Lights Out!
me!

My first REAL photo shoot

2009-07-09T15:32:00.002-05:00

So go nicely! One of my former students had a baby... yes, I am feeling the age of this one. And she did it ligit... married, teaching, and a kid! Love her... This is just a sneak so she can see them before she gets back!

Lights Out!
me!

SEVEN?

2009-07-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Can it be seven years ago, this little man came into our lives? And it has been 2,548 days of pure joy that he has brought to us. Happy Birthday, Little Man! We love you so much and are so proud of the person that you are becoming. One with an amazing sense of humor, a zest for joy, and an overall love of life.

PS - This is my Day2 homework for Jessica Sprague's FREE Photo-Editing: Frame Ups ans Special Effects class! Loverly!

Lights Out!

My Dearest Blog...

2009-06-23T17:43:00.003-05:00

I have NOT forgotten about you... I promise! I have lots of fodder to fill you up forever, but everytime I go to update you... something else happens that needs to be updated!

My solution... maybe to just say that June happened and start fresh with July! I got my new camera, so there will plenty to fill up your virtual pages!

Love you Little Blog, I really do!

Lights Out!
me

23.9 plus miles!

2009-05-11T14:40:00.011-05:00

That is how far we walked after spending five days and four nights capturing the sites of this great country's capital, Washington DC, with the entire 8th grade and nine other chaperones... My phone has a pedometer that reads the steps as long as it is in my pocket... not telling what the actual number is for times I left it on the bus or was talking on it!

The following account is through the eyes of a Chaperone Tourist! Never being there, I felt just like one of the kids experiencing all that there was to see. For somethings there are photos, for others not... some things have memories, others just thoughts... I am not comfortable including photos of kids, so it is strictly through my camera lens that you will take this journey with me! And trust me... I do have pictoral evidence that I was with the said 84 people! I don't have time to put up any more photos (certainly this is enough eye candy for your bandwidths), so I only put 1-2 photos to represent each memory/thought/drive by!

Day 1:

We got to the airport at the unforunate hour of 6:45... after checking in all the students, eating breakfast, etc, we are airborn... only to realize that we have significant turbulance and rain meeting us in DC! (unfortunately, this rain would stay with us for the remainder of our trip!)

Isn't it pretty in the rain? Yes, people, this is the Pentagon... looks unfamiliar from street level... but I assure you, I was told it was... how about that rain... this is 1:30 in the afternoon! We passed it on the way to the Dulles Air & Space Museum! This place was just overwhelming... I couldn't believe I could be in a place with so much history (only to feel this feeling again, many times over) Here is the Enola Gay as well as the Space Shuttle Enterprise...

OK, so if you are in the situation and are travelling with any large amount of teenagers, the rest of the evening is probably a grand idea... but I won't be eating here anymore!

Then off to the movies (you try putting 8th graders into a hotel room and telling them to "be good!"), where we buddy off with the right amount of chaperones per group per movie. My group goes to see Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. GREAT movie if you like chic flicks... ok movie if it is with nine 8th grade girls, not a good movie if you are with 6 8th grade girls and 3 8th grade boys! My comfort level was tested... especially when they GOT the inuendos!

It was definitely time for the hotel... we had been up for a LONG time! And should I say, if you are ever in the Alexandria area... don't stay at the Washington Suites in Alexandria!

Day 2:

OK, the beds worked... or I was just exhausted... but I still won't give this hotel a positive review!

Didn't get any pictoral evidence from the Spy Museum, but I did get souvenirs for my favorite six-year-old spy! That place is so much fun! GO!

At the American History Museum, we saw some pretty cool things! The Pop Culture, Julia Child's Kitchen, First Lady's dress, and Star Spangled Exhibits kept my attention... the food... expensive! We actually got to see these... and more! Trav's favorite ride at Disney and one of my fave characters from Sesame Street!

Next stop is the capital or is it capitol? I never remember! I know I teach English and that there is a secret to it... but I don't remember it, so relax! But it was awesome in the truest meaning of the word! So much happens in this very building! Man I am proud to be an American!

That evening we donned our special Astro's shirts to go cheer on the boys from Houston! However, no one got to see most of those shirts because it was 48 degrees and misting! We were FREEZING! Sweatshirts up! And thanks to a precious 8th grader, I had a long-sleeved shirt to wear under my shirt for the evening!

Day 3:

We began this day with a humbling experience to the Holocaust Museum! I am just lost in thought over this one! No photos... I visited Dachau as a girl scout when I was a kid, and the piles of glasses and shoes stopped me in my tracks as a middle schooler... seeing the history behind this tragedy this week, just added to that. It was never meant to be a horror story, but those people lived true horror!

After we remove ourselves from that (as we will never be able to remove that from us), we headed to the National Cathedral... I initially thought I could have done with out this tour, but OMGoodness... this is just phenomenal! Besides being a beautiful building... the stain glass was beautiful!

From there we hit Ford's Theater where the assassination of Abraham Lincoln happened. It really is weird the feelings that hit you when you realize you are standing in a spot where history happened! We didn't get to see the museum tour, as they didn't tell us that the museum was being redone... but we got to see the very spot he sat the night he was shot!

We get some time in the hotel to change into something a little more us and less heals and dress clothes/uniforms and head into Old Town Alexandria, I could live there in a heart beat! That place is just adorable! Bugsy's was the funnest (and tastiest pizza) little place to eat! After that, a quick run through some shops before meeting someone like this for a ghost tour! How fun is he?

It rained, so they came on the bus to tell us their tales of woe... I bet it would have been so much better on foot! And my feet even hurt!

We were supposed to see some memorials at night, but the rain just didnt' stop! So... back to the hotels to catch our Rockets WIN against the Lakers! We will take in a few of these over the next few days and those will be posted after while... (are you tired of photos yet?)

Day 4:

What a way to start this day... being reminded all that was lost to make us have the freedom that we so dearly love today! This place (Arlington National Cemetary) is just so reverent! We were lucky to see the changing of the guards twice, and then four of our students were chosen to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier! Just makes my heart stop thinking about that again. And, yes, the sun peaked out for us during this ceremony! Small treasures!

Went to the neatest museum next called the Newseum! An entire museum based on the NEWS! We could have spent many more hours here... I feel like we missed quite a bit of different places... I spent the entire "free time" in the Photo Journalism exhibit! Just WOW! This is a piece of the actual Berlin Wall!

Then to Mount Vernon for a tour, shopping, and visitor's center! I actually WALKED through the room where George Washington ate a meal! Just History! You know... and I hated history as a kid! Where were these trips when I was younger?

We finally got to see ONE of the memorials at night... then the rain hit, and since we had literally been on the go for 15 hours, we headed back to the hotel... Tomorrow is another day! Here is the Lincoln Memorial at night! Just Wow... (again!)

Day 5:

This will prove to be a busy day, where more than EIGHT miles will be walked before we hit the airport to head home! We hit as many monuments/memorials as these little bodies can take before hitting the DEA museum. Take a peak to see all that we saw!

I will say, that when visiting these memorials, you get the same sense of humility as when you are at the cemetary. You almost hit an invisible wall that slaps you across the face and says WAKE UP... we died for you, so that you can enjoy the level of living that you do! Don't waste our lives! It was really hard picking the photos, as the better photos had students in them!

The Vietnam Memorial: Thank you Daddy for coming home! A Vietnam Vet that was helping people find names. He gave me a special paper as I found one of Dad's former pilot colleagues. Each student picked a Texas Hero to do a rubbing on and then left a flag and note in the tray under their names.

The entry way to the 911 Pentagon Memorial: We weren't allowed to take photos next to the Pentagon, so this is all I got! What an amazing memorial that is. If you have the chance to go, look up the symbolism that went into that memorial! This is on the grounds next to the side of the Pentagon that was hit by the plane on 911.

The Air Force Monument: This is as close as we got when I actually had my camera poised!

The World War II Monument: This is HUGE and just a really neat set up.

The Korean Monument: These are actual photos sandblasted into the wall! Just stunning!Iwo Jima: Took a shot of this and sent it to my Baby Brother... Thanks, John, for being who you are!

A shot of the Washington memorial through the haze on my lens from the FDR memorial! I thought it was pretty surreal!

FDR: I really had better photos of this one, but not without students!

I think this is the Jefferson memorial... it rained so much, that the water line came up too high to walk to it!

Well, if you stuck it out this much, you know I thoroughly enjoyed this trip, and would love to be invited back next year! I certainly plan to pay more attention to history! I know Dad, it is hard to believe!

Lights Out!

To the makers of PAAS egg dye...

2009-04-13T09:25:00.003-05:00

I am all about dying eggs... in fact, I will probably dye Easter eggs long after my kids have outgrown that tradition and will most likely beg the grandkids to come over to dye eggs. It is one of my favorite things to do. I love to get creative with different parts of the dying process...

Now here is where I have a problem... we were the proud owner the PAAS "Egg Head" kits! And they turned out absolutely adorable... but I miss the plain eggs! The creativity that goes into them, and the beautiful traditional photo you get with a basket full of bright colorful eggs!

One day... I will have complete control of the egg dying process... but I guess for now, I will just have to giggle at the love that was put into each egg, and treasure the family time that was created by this tradition!

Happy Easter!

Lights out!
me

Day 6 ~ Cozumel

2009-04-07T14:03:00.007-05:00

Cozumel will be a late start. That feels good after being always on the go... however, I have found that I am not that good at just laying in bed KNOWING that there is a world of stuff going on right outside my window! It was fun to sit on the balcony and watch the port come alive. Today is T's day... a dolphin encounter at Chankanaab Park.

We got to the tour area a tad early, so we thought we would cruise quickly through the port shopping mall to see what is in store for us when we are done! Both kids spotted some ideas to spend their money on, and we knew that we would be hitting Senor Frogs on the way back! Drinks on the boat are expensive!

There were guys dressed up like statues around the mall... It was fun to watch tour groups walk by and the "statue" reaches out to touch one of them! I thought one lady was going to drop her baby he scared her so much!

After checking in with the little tour group, they put us in a taxi and we head onto the park. It was slug bug central... Man, the amount of old VW Bugs down in Cozumel... I am sure the newlywed couple sharing our taxi though we were completely insane! Who cares... we are on vacation!

Chankanaab Park is a little private park about seven miles from the port. There is the dolphin encounter, swimming pools, snorkeling rentals and areas, beach front, and GREAT Mexican food! It was really clean... and I would suggest you visit there if you are ever in Cozumel on your own!

When we got there, we did the usual, lockers, change, and a quick lesson of what you can/can't do with the dolphin, a life-jacket pick up, and we are on the way to the dolphin tanks! Our little trainer didn't have much personality, but Xunam, the dolphin, did. She was almost one and beautiful. The trainer showed us some basic hand signals and then we took turns asking Xunam for hugs and kisses with a quick pose for the dolphin encounter photographer! Certainly an experience we won't soon forget. We did bring a little water camera and got a few good ones... James bought the DVD/photograph package... now we really won't forget. When T is a tad bit older, we can do the actual swimming with the dolphins. He loved it! It doesn't show in his photos... the water was really cold, he couldn't reach, and the way he had to be held made his life jacket press up on him.

It was a really quick experience, but we had a great time. After we found our towels and warmed up a bit, we started smelling the Mexican food... the reminder of the Guatamalan Guacamole was still fresh on our brains! Luckily for us, a little authentic Mexican place was right next to the photo booth!

T was anxious to snorkel, he really enjoyed it in Costa Maya... however the water was quite a bit warmer. The sun was behind the clouds and the bit of drizzling rain didn't help warm us up much. On the way to the snorkeling rentals, we ran into one of E's friends' mom and brother. too funny! We knew they were going to be there... but what was the chance we would actually see them? We didn't get much time with her or with snorkeling as we had to head back to the boat. The water was freezing and the rented gear was a little off... Chuck got went far enough to see the underwater Christ statue similar to the one in Brazil. We didn't have any more photos in the water camera, so that will just have to be a memory.

Back at the port, we dropped off our swimsuits and towels, changed clothes and headed back into the shopping part of the port. Some of us thought it would be fun to take the little trikes! The kids picked up the stuff they spotted earlier, got some shirts, and found a beautiful mask made out of stones (will find where I wrote all that down and add later) and a beautiful vase made out of black clay! Should have taken a photo of our goods, as neither the mask or vase made it home in one place! I was able to glue the mask back together, but the vase ended up in the trash! We picked up our "yard" drinks at Senor Frogs, had some personalized bracelets made for each kid, and headed back to the boat!

From our balcony, we enjoyed the free entertainment as we watched some very drunk people heading back. Quite humorous... I thought they were drunk AT the port... watching them try to get back ONTO the boat was better! And what they didn't come back with... I swear there was a sombrero bigger than my child!

We had the best little cabin people... each day they would personally chat with T and ask him what his plans were going to be... then at the end of the day, they would ask him about his day... one day they heard me call him by his nickname of Monkey... And this is what was in our room on this day... aren't they the cutest! These guys really were fun to be around each day! Thanks Freddie and Rachael!

Decided to head back to "Le Bistro" for dinner where Albert the waiter and "Big Boss" (T) continued their friendship from the other night! Chuck and James hit the casino while Penny, me, and the kids watched the "Kids Kamp" talent show before heading back to the cabins... little did we know that our favorite little performer would belong to a lady we would meet poolside the next day! Such talent... and I think her mom, Kim, and me will become great friends!

The entire cruise, Penny and James had been talking all about this amazing chocolate buffet that they had on their other cruises. And entire buffet made up of chocolate including an entire cruise ship made of nothing but chocolate. We couldn't wait... especially T... he has announced himself as an official Chocoholic and has offered to taste anything chocolate. Finally 11PM comes around... We were a little disappointed... but James said it was not nearly as big as past times. Oh... there was plenty of chocolate... some cool carvings, but not extraordinary... the best part was the amount of gluttonous pigs that were on that boat...

Oh... sweet slumber... tomorrow will be at sea... I do NOT have the tan I was hoping for... I plan on hanging out by the pool, reading a book, and watching my kids enjoying this last day on the boat! I can NOT believe that this week went by so fast!

Lights Out!
me

Day 5 ~ Belize City, Belize

2009-04-01T13:04:00.010-05:00

Today it is just James, Erin, Chuck, and me! Penny and T will stay on the boat. They swam, played games (T won SEVEN stuffed animals in the "grabber" in the arcade), had a room service picnic on the balcony, and just had a great time hanging out with each other. I know he felt special getting all the one-on-one attention from her.

While they did all that we put our life on the "line" quite literally. After taking a tender from our boat into the main port of Belize City, we took an hour bus drive out of the city and into the Belize jungle. Parts of Belize look really poor like Guatamala and parts look a little more affluent. And they can be right next to each other. James said when they came five years ago, most of what we saw wasn't even there! Looks like you can buy some property if you are interested...

The first part of the day we were going to spend in inner tubes, so the camera had to be left on the bus. As the tour guide said, "You will get 95% wet on the way down, and the other 5%... we will see!" They only let us bring US and their gear!

The gear meant inner tubes (FYI - when you stick to excursions sponsored by the boat, you get really CLEAN nice inner tubes, not the black "true"inner tubes that turn everything you own black! Glad we went NCL Excursions), headlamps, and rented watershoes **don't even go there in reminding me just how disgusting that thought is** to be carried by us on the 35 minute hike. they warned us that our feet would get wet, so to bring shoes that CAN get wet! I didn't realize that they would be wet BEFORE we started this hike... so we rented the water shoes. That really probably is a prosperous dig for these guys... what do water shoes cost at Walmart anyway? $6? You can rent them out for $3 a pair about three times a day... for about a month or so... I think that is more than I make teaching!

OK, so Day 2 of realizing that I really need to get back into shape... that walk was tough... especially since the inner sole was not IN my water shoes, so I felt every rock I stepped on... but it was SO worth it. Like the guide said, the water was "refreshing" (Belize for 'really freaking cold') at a whopping 65* !

Once in the water and able to breathe normal again, and the men able to talk in normal octaves, we connected tubes and took our liesure float through the caves of Belize. And it was "Un-Belizable!" Sorry, just HAD to throw that one in. We heard it from the guides all day! We got to hear waterfalls, see bat things, like guano, and just marvel in what is a part of this big blue ball we call the Earth! Looking back at all the headlamps in the cave was really cool, like little strings of Christmas lights! Note to self... bring a water camera next time! It is just undescribable how pretty that part of the day was!

At some point of this day, and I believe it was before the hike up to the cave... I was approached by one of the four kids that were in our group of eight! (Remember, the entire boat was swarming with college spring breakers) He saddled on up next to me and says, "Can I ask you a really random question?" To which I have no other way to respond than, "sure!"

"Did you ever teach at The **** School?" I stopped STILL in my tracks... really? HERE? In Belize?

Yep, thousands of miles away and I am face-to-face with Joseph F., a former student from my very first year at this school. How weird is THAT? I mean... I run into kids at the mall, at sports activities, they wait on my table at restaurants... but BELIZE! Just cool!

After everyone dried off, it was lunch time. We had a "catered meal" of rice/beans, chicken, and cole slaw. The surprising thing, we were in the middle of the jungle and these people served us on glass plates with real silverware. and even real coke in glass bottles. I didn't even know they did that anymore. But you needed that for the sauce. Man... that was some HOT sauce!

And now the moment of truth... another hike while all wrapped up in our zip lining gear to prove that I really AM 40 years old... Holy Crow that was a tough hike... straight up and all stairs! With about 30 extra pounds... okay, maybe 10... but we also JUST ate a huge lunch! Shouldn't we have done this BEFORE lunch? At the top of the hike they attach you to nothing more than a string and expect you to just LET GO! Are you crazy... we are 85 feet IN THE AIR! In the jungle! And... Yeah... let me attach my first-born child onto that string FIRST!What a rush... Been there... done that... don't have a t-shirt... but I have the souvenir photo! And ok, the "string" was supposed to be strong enough to hold a couple of tons... but I wouldn't have believed it until we were all done! That little white/orangish dot in the middle... THAT is Chuck!

An hour bus drive back with some local beers gives you some quiet time. The guide did fill us in with some more Belize facts and history. Nice time to just contemplate the adventure, the surroundings, the humanity, and just how lucky we are to live where we do! Especially if this is their idea of a Hurricane Shelter... If our house didn't fair that well during Ike, how will this thing ever... and how many people do they expect to FIT inside it?

Took the tender back to the ship to relieve Penny of her little charge... Found some snacks and hit the game room for a family game of Yahtzee! I won with T in close second followed by Chuck and E! I love it when we get to play games like that!

Dinner at La Trattoria, the specialty Italian restaurant on the boat. It wasn't bad Italian, but their polenta side dish was just about amazing! Reminded me of Grandmother's cheese grits only maybe a little more refined!

Oh... and I know you are dying to know! Did Alicia grab that sunset this time? Well, I was in the shower before heading to dinner, but Chuck pretty much got every stage of the sunset! I will take it... It was beautiful!

After a great day, and a filling dinner, and no interest in the White Hot Party, we decided it was probably just as well that we call it an early night. We had all had a full day!

Tomorrow... a day in the water with mammals in Cozumel!

Lights Out!

Day 4 - Santo Tomas, Guatamala

2009-03-31T14:00:00.009-05:00

It is beautiful! It is just like looking at a jungle. I know it is, but I didn't expect to wake up and SEE this. Little boats are circling us. It is so rustic and so neat. Almost Hollywood if you didn't know the truth about it. I don't know what I was expecting, but I wasn't expecting this.

Today we will head into the Guatamalan rainforest to see and swim in the waterfalls...

***

There were some good things and not so good things here in Guatamala... It is so poor and the people are just so excited to see us. I know that all the ports are thrilled when cruise boats come into their areas because we bring income. But these people genuinely seemed excited to be able to share their little country with us. On the way to the waterfalls (by bus) we went through the little town of Santo Tomas. The children stood on either side of the street and waved. It was the cutest thing.

Chuck stopped at the base of the hike at a little taco stand run by these Mayan people. This was, hands down, the best guacamole I have ever had, and Chuck makes a mean guac! Homemade tortillas, rice/beans, and that guac... sure made that hike better!

The waterfall was beautiful, the water... FREEZING... )I think we were expecting it to be much larger of a water fall and I KNOW I was expecting the water to be at least COMFORTABLE! Man that water was cold! I don't think I ever made it completely IN the water! I can just blame it on not wanting to get the camera wet!) and the hike... let's just say we obviously need to get in shape, and we just didn't swim as much as I had hoped. It was absolutely beautiful though. Everything was just crisp and colorful... even the little inhabitants of the forest! The time went by way too fast. But look how cute we all are and how excited we are that we are NOT at home and work and school!

Back at the port was a little open air market. You know all the goods that say, "Made in Guatamala"? They are... and it is beautiful! I got some rosewood bracelets from a man we watched making an alligator carving. T got one of the local drums that makes the neatest sounds, but gets old quick! E got some woven bracelets, and both guys got a tshirt. We found a beautiful sterling rosary for Chuck's mom, and hand woven placemats for my mom!

and then Chuck saw it... a young kid carrying around a Dr Pepper. You see... I don't drink coffee... I drink DP! And I had not had one since Sunday as the boat doesn't stock them! I KNOW! Anyway, not long after he spotted it, I saw the little booth that was selling canned DP! Chuck calmed me down, and let me know he planned on getting me a six pack for the remainder of the cruise! No more trying to perfect ice coffee in the morning! I was elated! It caught me a giggle to know that 1000's of miles away in another country I was buying a staple of mine that is made not that far away from my house in little Texas! That was the BEST DP I had had in DAYS!

Then it was time to head back to the boat... We were told by our tour guide to watch the dance at the port before we left. Knowing our rooms were on that side of the ship, we headed up to our rooms to watch from our balconies. This was the coolest thing, and most likely the neatest port from the whole trip. Practically the entire town of Santo Tomas came out to see us off. All the taxis parked in a straight line and honked and flashed their lights, two dancing groups came out and preformed their custom dances, "the punto", all the tour guides sang along, and they had a huge signt that said, "Have a nice trip, consider Guatamala your home!" It was so touching. Like I said at the beginning... this was one port that truly made us feel welcome.

Once we had pulled away, and we couldn't hear the music anymore, we cleaned up and headed to Cagney's Steak House for dinner. Should have gone with the filets (the kids' steak looked amazing), but that was the BEST dessert of the whole week ~ bananas foster! I am going to not fit into any of my work clothes!

Ended the evening with a magic show with Richard Burr and his wife Josette. T is hooked on magic, magic tricks, and anything to do with it... so this was a definite necessary for him. One of the tricks had flying cards, and one of the cards landed practically in Chuck's lap... he gave it to T and he got it autographed on the way out. A real hit of the evening!

Did I really miss the sunset again? There is always tomorrow!

Wonder what Belize will have to offer tomorrow! Am I really going to throw this 40 year old body down a zip line 85 feet up in the air? Hmmm...

Lights Out!

We interrupt this program for a brief message!

2009-03-30T10:45:00.005-05:00

However it is most likely NOT brief...

This past weekend, E and I drove to Dallas to celebrate the life of my grandfather. He would have been 98 in April. Granddaddy passed away on March 22. On some aspects the occasion was sad, but mostly it was truly a joyous occasion! I knew he was an amazing man, but didn't know the true range of his being. I would certainly NEVER ask any of you to read his obituary... but if you are family and you missed it, here is a his obituary from the Dallas Morning News this past Saturday.

This was taken when he was 96 with his 93 year old "baby brother," Dick! Gruncle Dick is an Aggie from Texas A&M and Grandy is a Longhorn from The University of Texas! Anyone that knows these guys know that they are closer than brothers, but they both joke that there is one day a year that they do not necessarily get along! It was a hoot to watch!

Grandy you will be missed more than you will ever know, but everyone was in agreement that you are where you want to be... right by the side of your life-long bride! From the bottom of my heart and from the hearts of your four surviving children, twelve grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren, we love you!

While E and I were in Dallas, Chuck and T were home tearing up the diamond! T's very first baseball game ever was this past Saturday. and being the dutiful dad/husband, he took photos for me, knowing how much I wanted them! Love you, Honey! And isn't he the cutest boy in baseball... even if it is a Yankees one?

It looks like I might be missing game #2 as well... Chuck will get that game and I get the track meet! Whatever works best for everyone! I am just thrilled that both kids have found something that they enjoy and that both Chuck and I can be a part of it!

Stay tuned for Cruise Day 4 - Guatamala!

Lights Out!

Pause...

2009-03-25T20:35:00.006-05:00

Lainey tagged me, and this tag was actually pretty cool... not sure who I will tag... but let's give it a shot!

~TAGGED~

go to the place on your computer where you store all your pictures and open the 4th folder. open the 4th picture. post the picture and give an explanation of what it is. tag 4 people. do not cheat!! you cannot edit or crop the picture!!

This is Chuck. We were at a state park where there was tons of wildlife, greenery, photo opportunities galore. Chuck came across this nasty cheese stick that apparently someone dropped. Chuck wanted me to document it as part of the scenery that we came across. I think it photographed well don't you... the next photo in the folder was the 11 foot alligator we had to walk around!

I tag...
Cassie
Annette
Lyn
Amy

Lights Out!
me

Day 3 - Costa Maya

2009-03-25T11:07:00.009-05:00

I see land... you can see just miles of a little green and a LOT of white sandy shores! And it is just so far away. The white just grabs that little touch of sun and almost glows. The little port area was just beautiful. So much color, and just the perfect touch of quaint! But pretty much all that there is to the island!

We head into Costa Maya today for a little "Beach Break!" Not much for sandy/salty feeling, but the kids should enjoy the time ashore! Haven't taken many photos... today's goal: photos of Penny and James and Chuck and me! I really want some good ones of us!

***

Costa Maya at the port is about all that there is left of this little area. Obviously it has been absolutely devestated by the hurricane last year. The mangroves were just gone, houses gone, waterfronts gone!

The beach break turned to be quite pleasant. It was hot but not stifling, as there was always a breeze. Got settled into a great group of chairs after "beating" the college girls to it! I wanted those chairs, and by goodness, we were getting them! They took all the good chairs at the main pool all day yesterday! so HA!

Back to normal broadcasting!

They also had hammocks everywhere, so the kids had to give those a shot! Decided that they would rather swim...

Settled into our chairs and hit the water. It was cold, but amazingly clear. And just the views available... it was just peaceful and relaxing!The kids found sea stars. BIG ONES! Sea urchins, anemones, and all kinds of fish. It was so neat to see their faces when they realized that they could just reach down and pluck out the sea stars and urchins from their perches on the rocks.

A couple of urchin shells ready to go home... **yes, they made it all the way home**

They had great kayaks available to us, so T and I went out for a short run. Chuck and I went out later for a longer run. Almost tipped the kayak over chasing down a sea star, but Chuck was determined he was getting it. Just to put it right back where it belonged!

James picked up some snorkeling gear and T took right to it. I couldn't believe how easily he found it! He would give us a thumbs up when he saw something.

After a few drinks, a few rays of sun, pictures galore **even of the adults**, and a lot of laughs we were headed back to the ship. We didn't want to be stuck on the last few bus rides back with all those drunk college kids! They were hot, sticky, and drunk!

On the way back to the ship, the blue water reflected off the side of the boat! It just doesn't look real does it?

Back at the ship it was more of a day like yesterday. Stopped back into Raffles for lunch. The Indian food was amazing! More pool, more ping pong, and more relaxing!

Headed to the room for showers and changing... the sunset was to be RIGHT at the time we were heading to dinner! Determination set in! I got part of it, but right before it hit the water, the boat TURNED to leave port! Am I not meant to GET the photo! This one will work for today... there is always tomorrow...

We ate at the French restaurant Le Bistro for dinner! Oh My Gosh! My favorite meal of the entire trip! Mussels AND escargot... all you can eat! It was just too hard to believe! I ate the vegetarian Napolean **trust me I like meat** but this was divine! French creme brulee beat out the crepes! They almost had to roll me out of there!

Second City **where a ton of former comedians got their fame** was performing a family friendly show! It was hysterical! But to add to the entertainment was the large older gentleman that fell asleep behind T and me! He was snoring and NOT quietly! It was so funny!

Can't wait to see what Guatamala has to bring!

Lights Out!

Day 2 At Sea

2009-03-25T10:35:00.004-05:00

We woke up WAAY too early for vacation time, but I think I was just so excited! I could see the sun peeking in through the curtains, and my curiosity was piqued! I probably could have been quieter, however, I wanted everyone up so we could enjoy the day!

We headed to breakfast at the Raffles buffet. Like yesterday's lunch, it was just so much food to choose from, however, everyone was happy with something! Makes like easy, and who can say no to fresh waffles with fruit on top?

Today was a day of doing... it is hard to sit still when there is just so much to do... And we did a bit of it all...

Checking out the view: and noticing that the water is definitely prettier than what we are used to in the gulf closer to home!

Swimming **multiple times**: there were two pools, but we spent most of the time at the kids pool. More kids T's size, he could reach the bottom, and fewer college aged kids hogging up all the chairs. Hey, the bar man found us there... nothing lost!
FYI or Note to Self: Be VERY careful where and when you mention that **YOU** never seem to be in the family vacation photos. And then make sure that you KNOW where your camera is at all times! Some of these just might show up on your camera card! Cass, this is for you to prove I was actually there!

Playing ping pong:

Posing: E was usually more up for posing, T I just caught when he would look at me... at this point, he is realizing that it is salt water he is swimming in... yeah, kinda messed up the pose, but I will take it...

Dinner tonight was Asian Fusion... another specialty restaurant, but it was all you can eat for a cover of $15. Kids were half price... I can promise you I ate my share of sushi... I probably ate my weight in sushi that night! It was awesome. And an Asian influenced creme brulee was a pretty nice way to top off the night!

Now to get that sunset I looked for yesterday... Saw it going down, reached in for my camera, and poof... it was gone. But this is pretty darn close for today! There is always tomorrow, right?

The "Newlywed/Not so Newlywed Game" was going on in the Galaxy of the Stars. We played along and did fairly well! it was a hoot to watch those poor people on the "stage" having to give their answers out in public... and to watch Penny's face change a 1000 shades of red when she had to answer one of them! Nope... won't divulge the question OR the answer... her secret is safe with me!

Costa Maya tomorrow...

Lights Out!

In the Beginning...

2009-03-24T14:16:00.003-05:00

It was definitely time to be on break! My students had been going crazy, the weather turned cooler, and we just needed this nice family break!

I had been packed for a while, but completely since the Sunday before! I didn't want ANY surprises! I told you I was ready!

Friday the 13th... probably not the best travel day, but we are on vacation! It was 44* when we left, so we had to do a little replanning our travel attire! Definitely looking forward to warmer weather!

We arrive at Chuck's sister's (Penny) house about an hour south of New Orleans Friday afternoon. Some family came over and Penny made an amazing lasagna and had some nice "hanging with the fam" time!

Saturday was pampering day. Penny treated "The Girls" to a mani/pedi to look nice for the trip. And a really great lunch. Everyone was just so tickled with anticipation. Our goal was to wake up and leave by 10AM Sunday morning! We were up WAY early! Man it was tough to kill that time before we left!

We got to the port in time to be in the first throng of people on the boat! Trav was amazed at the size! We toured the boat with our first stop at our room to drop carry on bags, and then at Raffles (buffet) for lunch. It was almost TOO much food to decide what you want to eat!

With full bellies, we headed back to our rooms to look for our luggage! Two bags down, NINE to go! We packed! Lets see what this boat is made of! We toured around some more, but the weater just wasn't all that nice! We saw the pools, casinos, etc and even thought we saw it all... boy were we wrong! Muster (mustard to a six year old) Drill was entertaining... T asked if we had to do that EVERYDAY and when would it be the Ketchup Drill? HA! This was what New Orleans looked like when it was time to leave! I sure hope that the weather improves!

Decided to give the luggage one more shot! Yeah... everything arrived! We unpacked everything... the room is tiny - with T's bed pulled out, we were wall to wall beds! E will sleep with Penny and James in their room down the hall! I cant' stand living out of a suit case, and there just isn't room for them to be out! After we settled in, we headed to dinner!

Teppenyaki at one of the specialty restaurants. It was a pretty good show, and the scallops were amazing!

Drinks at the bar and headed off to bed! Missed the sunset... there is always tomorrow's!

Lights Out!

One More Wakeup...

2009-03-12T11:30:00.002-05:00

as T would say! Bags are packed, batteries charged, camera cards are dumped, we are ready for ELEVEN days of fun!

If I don't get a chance to tell you... have a safe and happy Spring Break. And if you are one of the poor souls that don't get a break... I really do feel sorry for you, and I will enjoy a frosty beverage, pool side, on the boat just for you!

Penny and James... you are the best! We can't even begin to tell you enough how gracious you are to us! We love you!

Lights Out!
me

Well... hello there!

2009-03-09T13:40:00.002-05:00

Today's message is brought to you by ME! My name is Spikes (I was apparently named long before they realized I was a female) and I am a Bearded Dragon. I belong to one precocious 13 year old girl. She feeds me daily, brings me fresh water, and occasionally drops in some really yummy meal worms or crickets.

Yep, I know what you are thinking, how is it that that lizard is owned by a girl... well, I believe after listening to multiple conversations, that there is an older female that tends to tell her it is time to do this. I hear that this happens quite a bit in the human race...

Kid wants pet
parent says kid won't take care of it
kid promises to do it
kid doesn't
mom does!
Bless those moms!

Lights Out!
me

Travisism...

2009-03-04T13:17:00.003-06:00

OK, look'e there! Two posts in one day!

I forgot I had a quirky funny little man thing to say! I didn't forget I had the quirky funny little man, just that he said something funny!

So, we started baseball (photos to come later, I am waiting for good ones). Ran to Academy after the first practice to get gear! On the way out, he grabs my hand and is just grinning! The following conversation happened next!

Me: You excited about baseball?

T: Yep!

Me: What part?

T: It is fun out there...

Me: Oh yeah

T: And I like my hat!

T: And I like my new jersey!

T: but...

Me: yeah?

T: That weiner cover HAS TO GO!

Out of the mouth of Little Man!

Lights Out!
me

Random...

2009-03-04T13:15:00.004-06:00

Now I know why it took me so long to post between the last two... I just don't feel I have anything worthwhile to say. Nothing ground breaking has happened! Nothing earth shattering! Nothing overall sad, exciting, funny! Nothing but day-to-day life!

And I am OK with that!

Do you...

2009-02-26T15:43:00.007-06:00

ever wait SO long between posts to where it seems like it will be a chore just to finally post? This month is almost over and I am JUST "finding" time to put something up here! I am going to just peruse my camera flash card to see what happened, so I can tell all! Yep, this is going to be really BIG in the photo arena! But you are due, aren't you?

So...

February in review **and I am sure I will miss something**

Turned 40! And after that last post, we met up with Mom and Dad for some lunch and they gave me a MM Carousel. This is what it looked like AFTER I was finished with it! It just makes me giddy!

Basketball ended, so I made E sit for a little photo shoot! She had fun and even made a basket!

7th grade celebrates the end of their medieval unit with a feast! Costumes, games, art, and food. And what Medieval feast is complete without a PIG? My darling sister-in-law made E's precious dress!

Can't remember if I mentioned this before, but I was published in Scrapbook, News, and Review. It is an online magazine and this layout was featured for their Obsessions section!

Made the DT for a cute little sketch site called NutsAboutSketches and Shawn has really gotten my mojo back in the groove! Here are some of the goods from her sketches.

Valentines just can't be complete without homemade cards made at the very last minute with two adorable and COOPERATIVE kids. And they really were BOTH!

Track started and E just amazes me with her endurance. I would love to be able to say I ran the distance that she runs each day. And I would LOVE the legs that would come WITH that mileage! Will post running photos once I get some! **the layout below is from last year's season** I guess I could have cheated and just given you THAT photo!

Art Happened! It feels so good to just get into the scraproom everyonce in a while and actually USE it for what its purpose is. It gets used to store stuff more than anything else!

And finally... I leave the end of the month with Rodeo Day... those of you that know that Go Texan day is a huge event in the Houston area! It is tomorrow, but today was the kindergarten rodeo day! They ate cowboy lunches, danced, and taught their parents to dance! Look at the fun!

OK, for MY sanity and your server limits, I promise to post more often!

Lights out

me!

4-0!

2009-02-02T14:54:00.003-06:00

It is just a number! A wonderful number! A larger number than 39! A GREAT number! And I embrace it! Maybe that should be my "Ali Edwards Word of the Year!" (since I haven't picked one yet)! EMBRACE! I didn't wake up with any new wrinkles, gray hair, or creaks! In fact, after having the flu for the past week, I woke up feeling rather young!

Had a wonderful, quiet day at home, went bowling with the family, and came home and let Chuck spoil me with an amazing dinner and my favorite dessert... angel food cake with strawberries! They tasted a ton better than that photo might reveal! Look at all that yummy strawberry goodness!

The ladies at school did some scheming while I was sick... they all showed up in black, decorated my room, the kids brought me flowers, and my room mom brought in donuts for my homeroom! That makes coming back after a week off quite delightful! Kelly even made another fave of mine... Dr Pepper cake! It is just divine!

And to top it all off... in my email box was a note from Shawn over at Nuts About Sketches... she asked me to be on her DT for her sketch site! I am actually thrilled, as she will get me thinking outside my "one photo layout" box that I seem to be stuck in! Check in over there if you ever needs some inspiration!

Smooches to all that wished me happy times and even to those that made fun of my big 4-0! I embrace it all!

Lights Out!

Less than one week...

2009-01-26T13:39:00.002-06:00

I will be FORTY! The Big 4-0! Nah... it doesn't bother me... I don't really feel like that is old anymore! Now... I am noticing more lines on my face that weren't there last week, Chuck found more grey hairs than I knew I had, and my bones/muscles seem to bother me more when it is cold outside... but I don't feel OLD!

I can handle this! It is just another day! Everyone has been giving me a hard time, but I am riding it out in style! Chuck went out and got a tattoo when he turned 40! I doubt I will go and do something as drastic as that... but it would be fun to say I did that because I was 40! Now to figure out what "that" could be that doesn't make a permanent mark on my body!

Just random thoughts on a random day! and with NO photos to add!

Lights Out!
me

7 Random Facts - Final Installment!

2009-01-08T15:14:00.005-06:00

Little Man! Today is his "half birthday!" His birthday is in the summer, so for school purposes, they celebrate "half birthdays!" They get their free dress, snacks, birthday crown, line leader, and just to be king for a day! He can live with that!

So... in honor of his "half birthday" I will get to his 7 Random Facts! Kelly, I am finally done!

TDM
1. This boy is my little reader! Finally someone in my family that can just sit and read and forget about the rest of the world! I am right there with you kid!
2. He has a laugh that will turn the biggest Scrooge into a giggling fool!
3. He gives the very best hugs!
4. Is a Momma's Boy through and through... but like his dad, it isn't a bad thing!
5. This kid has seen more of this world being dragged from one of his sister's activities to another!
6. He is NOT a morning person!
7. Can throw more "why's" at you faster than anyone I know! He is just so curious!

Love you Little Man! Our world is a better place with you in it!

Yeah, I know Christmas is over, and it is time to change my background, but the "cutestblog" site is giving me issues! I will get it changed! :)

Lights Out!
me

7 Random Facts: Part 2

2009-01-06T11:13:00.004-06:00

OK, things seemed to have settled down, so I guess I need to get back to my random facts. Sorry Kelly that it has taken so long!

I was going to do T... but since Chuck and I just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, I decided that he should go next!

CTM!

1. This man knows the most random stuff. He doesn't know WHY or HOW he knows it, but he does. Sports, Music, history, you name it... he knows something about it!

2. He HATES it when his feet get wet!

3. He is a Momma's Boy, but in his case, that isn't bad at all!

4. He really does not like to read!

5. He is really funny and has a great sense of humor!

6. He loves to work around the house. Tinkering in the yard, fixing stuff around the house, building stuff.

7. He is loving, supportive, and MINE! Ok, I know that isn't random... but so true!

I love you!

Lights Out!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T09:24:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to take this opportunity to tell each one of you Merry Christmas. May the joy of the season envelope you all!

I took part in the CK Ornament drop... that was so much fun! I will post photos of that joy later on...

Lights Out!

Lain...

2008-12-21T09:28:00.005-06:00

I am not a stalker by any means. I actually met you through a podcast you did on the GBC kit I was designing for, and then met you in person at CKC Houston, and then saw you again at CHA Chicago this past summer. But I am not stalking you! I promise!

What I do want to attempt at this point is to tell you thank you! And I don't know how else to say it, but just out right!

THANK YOU!

Received this little gem in the mail thanks to the great sisters over at BOPELS. I read it every chance I could...

THANK YOU!

Thank you for making me feel normal after reading, giggling, calling out, "I do that!", guffawing, reading outloud to my mom over the phone, screaming, "That's Me!", warding off dirty looks from DH, and giggling some more... I finished it, sighed, and knew that I was OK! I can come out of the closet and announce to the world... I AM A SCRAPPER! I AM NORMAL!

So... Lain... when does Snippets 2 come out? But not stalking!

If you are NOT Lain, and you are reading this... and you ARE or KNOW a scrapper who needs a little boost of confidence... this is THE book for you! I thought about "regifting" it for my mom for Christmas, but... I read most of it to her... and I can't give up my copy! Off to get her one of her own!

Lights Out!

7 Random Facts...

2008-12-16T16:30:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my teaching buddy Kelly I was tagged... Now this isn't my first time being tagged, and I am afraid as random as I am, there isn't a whole lot more random to post about... seeing an idea from another place, I decided to blog 7 random things about the Monkeys! I will start with Monkey #1...

EBM:

1. The lizard that inhabits my scraproom is hers. She asked for a lizard for her 11th birthday... what eleven year old girl does that? Now if I can get her to take care of it without asking! HA!

2. She is NOT a morning monkey! Her alarm wakes me up, but doesn't seem to pull her out of her snoring slumber.

3. She works her tail off at school and we are so proud of her.

4. She loves to run! She doesn't come by that naturally as we don't run!

5. She is over-the-top about Jonas Brothers right now... I am still trying to figure out what that is about... but then again, I am not 13

6. Her favorite color combination right now is brown and turquoise.

7. She is so precious to us and we are amazed at what an amazing young lady she is turning into! We love you!

Look for T another day!

Now, to make this official... I am supposed to tag 7 other people and link and such... well, I should be putting potatoes in the oven... so consider yourself tagged!

Lights out!
me!

Handmade for the Holidays...

2008-12-15T14:08:00.007-06:00

Have you all been to Lainey's blog? If not, and are rushing to get teacher/neighbor/coworker gifts made... GO NOW! You can win as well! The girls over there were busy making our lives easier. How do I know... cuz it really kick started my mojo... Lookie what the kids' teachers, our neighbors, the daycare aides, and my coworkers are getting! I did these along with 29 thank you cards, finished addressing/stamping my Christmas cards, and wrote my annual letter ALL THIS WEEKEND!

Altered Dollar Spot calendars: I always make MINE, but I never thought of making personalized ones for everyone else!

Ornaments: This is an annual tradition of mine. But I was at a loss for what to do this year!

Altered frap bottles: I did this for Halloween once... but Christmas... ingenious! And with so many day care aides, this was PERFECT for them whole group! I will say I was a little... HIGH ON CAFFEINE by the time I was done!

__________________

On the homefront... It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Here are some shots of the tree, and our "little" pooch helping with the lights!

This is probably one of the prettiest trees we have gotten in a long time! I think next I will take photos of things around the house! We have such huge sentimental goodies, and I want to document it!

Lights Out!
me

Really? SNOW?

2008-12-11T10:50:00.002-06:00

OK, this is a rarity... Snow in SE Texas just doesn't happen on a normal basis. Well, yesterday we were hit with the white stuff. Now at MY house, we got the "flurries" and were able to catch it on our tongue and it clumped up on the trampoline, but it didn't stick to the ground. I don't care WHAT you Northerners call that, but down here in "Boy Howdy" town, it is called SNOW!

My parents live less than two hours north of us, and it stuck... This is her front yard with the REAL snow on the FAKE snowman! How fun!

And Little Bandit just didn't know what to expect when all that cold white stuff was all over the place! Isn't he adorable?

And I DO have my tree up and decorated! I promised photos for Mom, so that she can actually SEE my tree this year! I will put it up tomorow!

Lights Out!

I actually WON something...

2008-12-09T15:14:00.002-06:00

Have any of you met Lain Ehmann or had a chance to read her blog or had a chance to catch Snippets? NO? Well, I have been counting down the days until the release of her book... and then to find the time and a place to get it!

Well, on her blog, she keeps posting fun little blogs to go to try and win your own copy... so I figured I HAVE to have it, lets try winning it and finding new "people that get it" along the way! Well, I did! I found these sisters (and they are a hoot) and now they are sending me my very own copy of Snippets. I can't be any more thrilled! I have already called my mom and she is so very jealous (yes, she will either get her own copy for Christmas, or read mine when I am done).

GREAT weekend behind us... we went to Old Towne Spring and just had a nice relaxing scoot around the town, bought some Christmas gifts, tried some mulled wine, bought some vintage candies, and just people watched! so fun

Sunday we bought our Christmas tree and it is up and it is BEAUTIFUL! I will post photos when I remember to BRING my camera card to school.

Off to the glorious world of work and carpool. Keep your fingers crossed for the great Lady Vikings as they host a home game today! Woot Woot

Yep... an entire post without a single photo... so I added the book! :)

Lights out!

me!

A Week in Review...

2008-12-01T10:22:00.005-06:00

1. Twilight... yes, I read the books (all 4 in 9 days), waited in line to see the movie (have my opinions), but love THIS review by Annette over at GBC! She got it all correct in my eyes, so why write it over again! Thanks for letting me borrow your words, Annette!

2. Germs... yep, we all got it and they stayed with us all throughout the week. Now we are all just hacking messes!

3. Thanksgiving... it was nice! Mom and Dad came down and we had a nice quiet lunch. Chuck did all the cooking even though he was sicker than a dog!

4. Black Friday... been there done that, but we did it in moderation this year! I did get a GREAT deal on a pair of pants, and I got Chuck's Christmas present! I am so stoked! I do this though, I think it is a great idea, then I worry the entire time whether or not he will like it, is it goofy, etc! He never asks for anything, so it is hard!

5. Handmade for the Holidays... Lainey has it PEGGED with this. Go read her blog and see what fun she has in store from GBC! A great way to get those gifts taken care of without a lot of $$ in our pockets... Can you say TEACHER gifts! Great job girl!

6. Card Central... yep... my cards are done! I have made 58 of them, and once I get the list done, I will see how many more I need to do! Extremely simple this year!

7. Homemade Studio... OK, I did it again this year... had an idea for that "perfect" Christmas photo... I really like them, but for now you only get to see the extras... I want the "real" family one to show up in Christmas cards. I will post it AFTER they go out in the mail!

Here are the kids... I can't believe I got two of them!

And my 13 year old! I am still working on the color of these... but whatcha think?

Lights Out!
me

What have YOU done?

2008-11-29T10:09:00.003-06:00

OK, while stalking Lain Ehmann, I found this! Thought it was fun and not quite a tag! Do it... and let me know if you do...

Put the items you've done in bold. I've italicized things I want to do.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon (ok, maybe a half, or just a 5K)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (do home movies count)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (I am counting Discovery Toys)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (but I have had a story published)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chicken pox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Lights Out!
me

I am an Esme...

2008-11-20T15:00:00.001-06:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

We are going to the movies tomorrow night! I can NOT wait! I know I am almost 40 and this is a YA novel, and a "kid" (well PG-13) movie, but I am hooked!

Team Edward all the way!

Lights Out!
me

Can you believe it?

2008-11-20T13:44:00.004-06:00

This monkey turned THIRTEEN yesterday... but if you ask me, I do NOT have a teeenager in my house. I am just not ready to admit to that yet! It has nothing to do with being selfish and thinking I am old enough, I know I am old enough! I am just NOT ready to believe that my baby girl can be thirteen! And being typical 13 will probably DIE knowing I posted this photo... she JUST got out of the shower and is in her jammies! Talking about NOT posing! HA!

I love you Bug! Take the world and run with it... it is yours to have! We love you VERY much!

And... yep... still keeping everyone in suspense regarding last post! Don't want to lose anyone... but...

Lights Out!
me

Just one of those days...

2008-11-03T14:53:00.001-06:00

You know... I really have a TON to blog about! Some stuff quite exciting... yet... I ponder that thought and decide... yeah, I really can't!

Gotcha thinking don't I!

Lights Out!
me

Take that...

2008-10-10T11:03:00.003-05:00

Where to start...

First, so Lainey doesn't have to bury herself in this post to find my entry... here is the card I created for my Mom on WCMD last Saturday. Thanks for the great sketch, Mom loved her card!

Secondly, today is this woman's birthday! She is an amazing human being, and I really don't think I would be who I am today if it wasn't for her. She was always there for me growing up. She supports me in all I do without telling me I am crazy (heck, half she does with me... our master's program, scrapping), and best of all, she doesn't gloat when I talk about how hard it is to raise a soon-to-be-teenager and that she made it through it! I love you, Mom! Sorry it is the only photo I have on my computer... but... we ARE wearing graduation caps and scrappy stuff! hehe

Thirdly... check out our little man! He originally wanted to be a storm trooper from Star Wars. However, the ones at the costume shops were a little lame looking OR they were $60 bucks! As we were walking around, he saw a "really cool gun" like the soldiers wear! And the idea was launched that he would be an "army man" Well, I have nothing against army men, but I am the daughter of an Air Force dude, and a sister to a MARINE... so... with a little convincing... same costume, he is now a Marine like his Uncle John. No, John, you don't have to burst his bubble and let him know that you wear flight suits and don't regurly dress like this and wear the gun. Just know that he is telling everyone that he is a big ole Marine like his uncle! Gotta love him!

Can you see him? He is hiding there in his camos...

His sad little attempt of a hard core Marine with his "war face!"

And here he is ready to shoot the bad guys!

Gotta love a "man" in uniform!

It is Friday... What else is there to say?

Lights Out!
me!

I challenge YOU!

2008-10-02T15:13:00.002-05:00

OK, I posted a challenge over at Scrappy Arts for a layout about YOU! If you aren't a member, register, and I will accept you. You can leave a comment here to let me know you registered! There will be a prize... but after reading about Ali Edward's "Week in the Life," and Stacy Julian's "Give yourself a Present," ideas... then reading a challenge Cathy Zielske had at "The Simple Studio," I decided this would be the BEST challenge! I did it...

Now you do it!

Lights Out!

Cool NEW Stuff

2008-09-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

OK, you all know that I am addicted to Go.Be.Creative! Well, Tam is the new Creative Team coordinator over there and is GIVING away a kit! Run over to her blog and sign up! WAIT... don't do that... then I have less of a chance of winning one! I am so missing Lainey's kits since I left the CT! Might have to put my name in the hat for the next round! It is a super fun site, with super creative people, and super AMAZING kits!

And many of you all know how much I love Lain Ehmann, got to meet her at CKC Houston, and then again at CHA! She is just a HOOT! And as many giggles as I get from her blog, I can only imagine her book... YES... I said her book... I can only imagine how funny her book is going to be! She will be taking preorders! You bet my name will be on that list! What a great stocking stuffer as it will be out in time for Christmas!

The Scrap Pink

Not sure I have anything more profound to say at this moment! Yeah, I know, when do I say anything profound? Amy, I know you tagged me, but I still have to answer the questions! And I will be tagging people as well!

Lights Out!

Thank you, Ike...

2008-09-21T19:21:00.003-05:00

I know some of you all have seen these if you are on either of the boards I frequent, but I am pretty sure there are a handful of you all that DON'T go there, but still read here!

OK, , he came through and left his mark, but I had to make the most of it! I actually did FIVE layouts this past week in six days! That is HUGE for me! And for the most part, I tried something new in each one!

Monday... for the letters, I inked them, but wasn't completely happy with the color... when I did the second color it marbleized... then I tapped a third color! It matches the surfboards perfectly!

Tuesday... nothing new for me, but I did follow a sketch! I am t all that happy with it, but the photo is done, and it needed to be!

Wednesday... I came across this acrylic 12X12 and thought I should give it a go! OMG... I loved it! So much less intimidating than an entire album! This is in the store now! I did add "seventh" handwritten on the 7!

Thursday... OK, told you I loved that acrylic... here is his version. Used the bazzill stitches to sew on this one! I am just giddy about these clear backgrounds.

Friday/Saturday... this one is about ME! a rarity... I hand drew the back ground shape as well! Got the title idea from one of the magazines I was reading last week. Already had the paper! And by far, my fave of the week!

Now to keep up the motivation/mojo/energy/whatever it takes to get some more done!

Lights Out!

me

Gotta love it...

2008-09-17T17:31:00.003-05:00

when you go out to take specific shots, and you come across these on accident!
I am the DT coordinator at the store, and I pretty much fill in where she sees the need! We are trying to push some papers that can be used for school. I looked through all my photos from this year, and both kids were in all the photos! So... we are out of school, but I made them put on their uniforms, sat them in the front yard and begged, pleaded, and bribed! I got some goofy ones, but I came across these throughout! woo hoo

T monkey: when did he get so big? I hate that that happens!

Then these popped up of E! I might be biased, but I think she is absolutely beautiful!

Gotta love that... and these kids! Did get some back to school-"ish" ones, and will show those, when the layouts are done! ONE is already, and it is ROCKIN'!

Lights Out
me

Prepared?

2008-09-16T13:31:00.003-05:00

Yes, we had the windows boarded, lots of water, batteries, food, patience, and plenty to do if the power goes out!

We WEREN'T prepared for our little house to tumble around us! It did really well considering what some of our neighbors are now fighting. We are lucky, and I guess the way I look at it... I can now get rid of that PINK paint! A mistake in my younger decorating days. A mistake I get to see every day! So... we now will get a new roof, a new ceiling, and some new paint! Guess the cabinets, counter tops, and appliances will have to wait!

Lessons learned... we can live without power, we can live without shingles, we can live without ceiling tiles... we can't live without our little family. And we are lucky, we have everyone! I also learned to get paper plates BEFORE a storm. Washing dishes with the garden hose just isn't fun!

Just killing time... it was cool outside in the rain, watching DVD and Daddy trucking shingles.

And... the neighborhood fashion statement. It is all the rage on our street! Everyone has one...

Piles of shingles...

Pretty blue tarps on the roof...

And, yes, even Pepper experienced some hurricane damage! The plywood fell on her bowl while we were taking it off the windows.

Thanks to everyone that checked in...

Lights Out!

No Vacancy...

2008-09-11T14:25:00.002-05:00

For anyone named IKE!

It looks like it is heading up our back yard!

Gas: Check (not that there is any around but premium)

Trampoline: Check (it is flat and tied to the tree)

Back yard clear: Check (now lets hope the neighbors did too)

Groceries: Check (we do have a gas stove and peanut butter! I don't eat potted meat)

Laundry: Check (don't want to wear stinky drawers)

Ply Wood: Check (in the back of Chuck's truck. It will cover all those windows tonight!)

And where are WE? School! Work! I have carpool then we are heading home! It will be a busy night, and we are all off tomorrow! We will be home!

Positively thinking... I hope to have lots of family time, scrabble time, scrapping time, and just enjoy being together and safe! DON'T MESS WITH ME, IKE!

Lights Out (a little too ominous)
me!

This is CRAZY!

2008-09-08T11:58:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't posted in ages! I haven't READ blogs in ages! In fact, I haven't talked to my mom in what seems like ages! And we usually talk 2-3 times a DAY!

Life just got crazy, not really complicated, but definitely crazy!

School started, my MIL got sick, life continues! I just seem like I am whining!

The kids did start school with a bang! They are both having a blast. T loves his new teacher and is finding new friends! E is enjoying 7th grade (although maybe not having her own mom as her 1st period teacher), and took to cross country again this year! Man that Monkey is fast!

My MIL is doing better, they have her in a rehab hospital and we hope to have her home within the next few weeks. Her spirits are much better than we can hope for. She just wants to come home.

I actually scrapped this past weekend, for no one but ME! It was truly fun! And the layouts are not outstanding, but I scrapped, and I love the monkey face in them!

That is all I can think of for now!

Lights Out!

A trip to remember...

2008-07-23T17:12:00.002-05:00

Thanks Meredith for a wonderful experience!

Just thought I would share some highlights from our trip...
My lap on the plane...

Beautiful Rosemont (suburb of Chicago)

Lunch... traditional Chicago style pizza!
I can't believe I WENT here this year!
Our entry into the Melissa Frances bra contest!
Some celebrity sightings...
Hey there, Betsy! So good to see you!

One of my favorite scrappers, Stacy Julian
A glimpse of Tim Holtz... saw him almost everytime I turned around... and almost everytime i was on the phone with Mom
My to DIE for dessert! Cannoli Dip
And some sights we saw in Chicago on our girls night out...
The Bean
The "L"

The "L" at night

Like I said... it was a whirlwind few days... and it flew by!

Lights Out!

Me!

100 POSTS?

2008-07-14T08:57:00.002-05:00

I didn't realize I wrote THAT much... sorry this one won't be anything exciting... just saying that we are back and I have 537 photos to go through. I promise to NOT share them all with you.

Back soon, I promise!

Lights Out
me

I did THIS...

2008-06-27T18:41:00.003-05:00

We went to Schlitterbahn Water Park yesterday... had an absolute blast... And I DID THAT! well, the green one, Chuck did the white one, and I had NO interest in that! E did EVERYTHING but that white one as well, and T did everything that he was tall enough for... I am so proud of them! The weather was great... a little down pour, but nothing a Pina Colada and time for the kids to play in the covered Pirate Ship couldn't handle... Note to self... Make sure change of clothes are locked in locker, or UNDER the picnic table cover! They did NOT handle the rain all that well. Good thing they had time to dry out before it was time to put them on!

I did NOT take a camera, just enjoyed the day Mommy Style! It was awesome! Hey, Cass... they have one of these things in Kansas it says...

Well, four more days of summer school. The girls are GREAT, but I am done with that. Tomorrow is Scrap A Ganza, and it should be a blast, and our booth is looking pretty cool! But we are tired before it started! I don't know how people do this every other weekend. Then the countdown until vacation. ONE WEEK away... I just keep thinking about it! T will be SIX while we are on vacation. I am not sure I am ready to admit to that... it sure looks funny written out like that... I need a vault to put him in... keep him my baby forever!

Lights out!
me!

Day THREE...

2008-06-25T11:38:00.003-05:00

No, I won't count down each day of this so called "roll," however, I am pretty proud of myself! I don't have a third layout done, but there is one in the works on the table! It will be done today! Pretty excited about it... found an old CKU layout that I never finished by Jana Wilson... so I am taking some ideas from it! She just rocks!

Count down to Scrap A Ganza is just THREE wake ups! We will head over on Friday to set up the booth... any ideas on WHAT to take, please let us know... we are taking some fun stuff already!

Have you checked out the store's blog... A Scrap Affair is following suit of another talented lady and "Paying it Forward" Join in or start your own! Heck, I am not the best at mailing stuff out... but for this it would be worth it... so leave your email in the comments, and I will email the first three that post a comment for your addy to send out a little RAK! How can you go wrong?

Lights Out!
me

Can it be called a roll?

2008-06-24T09:38:00.002-05:00

I got TWO layouts done in TWO days, and TWO posts in TWO days! For me... I am going to claim it as a roll... I have another layout in the works, but I have to get TWELVE recipe cards done... got to get some inspiration!

Maybe Scrap-A-Ganza will bring in some inspiration this weekend. It is going to be a lot of fun. If you are in the area, head on out to Sugar Land and make sure to stop by the booth and say hi!

Speaking of that... here is another layout that might show its face in the booth! I am digging this thing called scrapping... it seems like it has been so long since I have just sat down and scrapped for the fun of it! Whatcha think?

Meanwhile, my dearest friend Cass has taken on another adventure... I am missing you chickie!

Lights Out!

Huh?

2008-06-23T10:33:00.005-05:00

OK, I just don't know how this happens... I am a teacher... I am ON summer break... why am I busier NOW than I am when I am working? Another two weeks have flown by!

Now that is a good thing at some points... closer to our little family get away... closer to CHA... but the bad thing... closer to another school year!

Chuck went shooting yesterday and I had a little conversation with my trimmer and adhesives... it was a GREAT conversation if I may say so! I am pleased with this little guy! This layout will be on display at Scrap A Ganza down in Sugar Land this weekend! Love this Little Yellow Bicycle paper company! So easy to work with!

More soon... off to get my cars registered and a little bribery with lunch! There IS a Michaels there!

Lights Out!
me

May 27-June 10th?

2008-06-10T13:15:00.003-05:00

How the heck did that happen? Well, I will tell you how that happened... end of school, beginning of summer school, working at the lss, Chuck turned 40, pool opened, and NO internet at home! There you have it... 14 days... two weeks... all in ONE sentence! And that is how it goes!

I don't know if you have read this blog for very long, that is if ANYONE reads this, but John, my baby brother has returned to the Grand Ole United States of America! He is HOME! He has been on a ship for the past nine or so months... and now he is home! He will be at my parents this weekend, so we are heading up there to hang out... The kids are so excited to see Uncle John!

Have been having a blast working at the store, but it is HARD work! It is still fun, and I am loving just breathing the same air that all this product breathes and working with people that "get" this craft and ME!

I will be teaching a class at Scrap A Ganza and working at the store's booth in Sugar Land the 28/29 of this month. If you are in the area, stop by and say hi! Then... and this is HUGE... Meredith is letting me tag along to CHA next month! I am just so stoked! So... our tickets are bought, and I dare anyone at American Airlines to cancel THAT flight! Please?!?

So... thanks for stopping by even after not hearing anything new for two weeks? Wait... does anyone even READ this anymore?

Lights Out!
me

How does YOUR garden grow?

2008-05-27T09:30:00.003-05:00

We don't have cockle shells (what are those anyway?) or little maids... but we DO have tomatoes AND a gate! I think we were just really surprised at how well our first plants were doing, so Chuck went back for MORE and MORE and MORE! We now have peppers (two kinds, jalepenos, cucumbers, and radishes to add to our summer salads) So... to keep the dog out of the veggies, he built a fence, and since T can't climb OVER the fence, he built a gate! All while cooking yummy BBQ on Memorial day!

And since it WAS Memorial day... I just HAD to "memorialize" something right? Isn't it also a day for scrapping memories? OK, so... this is what I made while he made the garden. I did go out and "help," but probably not as much as I should have... but it was HOT! I don't like it HOT! Used most of the end of my GBC May kit! Looking forward to June's (except that it will be my very last one).
Just a little layout about my daily addiction! Large Vanilla Dr Pepper Easy Ice!

Speaking of hot... we pulled THIS out... what a touching moment, huh? Yeah, that lasted a whopping 2.5 minutes! They were already at their throats first thing this morning! Summer is going to be LONG if I don't find a way for them to get along!

Lights Out!
me

Sweet Nostalgia...

2008-05-22T12:16:00.002-05:00

These are the moments... I have utter sadness for the fact that my own children are growing and will be moving on to the next grade level! I have utter sadness that the students that I have grown to know and love are moving on to the next grade level! And I have utter sadness to know I only have TWO MONTHS of free time to get everything I want to get done! However, I have TWO MONTHS of total free time to do whatever I want! Yes... it is THAT time of year... SUMMER! Precious summer! And yes, I completely understand that it doesn't seem fair to you all that do NOT get the next few weeks of precious free time... however, I bet if you were to come in and do what teachers do for a year, you might just think a tad differently. I am not saying we deserve the break MORE than anyone else, hell, what am I saying... Yes, I do!

So... as I prepare myself mentally to have my kids with me on a daily basis (I love having them with me, just can do without the constant bickering and whining about how they have NOTHING to do), I also know I need to thank the teachers that have without hesitation shown my own children the love of a parent away from home. I really do not have a ton of extra funds around the house to truly show them that they are beyond worth, so I generally fall back on home made gifts... personally as a teacher, I think those are the best, most meaningful kind! Here are the clips that the kids are giving their teachers.

And back when E was a mere pre-schooler, I got extremely emotional and wrote a little poem to her teacher. I gave it to all her teachers up to first grade. Now it is T's turn. So, here is what his teacher is getting. It isn't that I like to make people cry, but this does. And that means so much to me! I love these ladies for being the constant in my children's lives! Thank you!

OK, I think that is all my little brain can handle today... you will just have to check back for mindless rambling on another day!

Lights Out!

Two in Two...

2008-05-14T08:44:00.003-05:00

Now this is one for the record books! But it will be short and non-rambling! Made this with that great May kit over at GBC! Lainey is just rocking out these kits! I am hoping to get some teacher gifts made with this kit! They will love them!

Check back later... I might get some random brain fart and have something truly memorable to say! OK, so probably not! :)

Lights Out!

Out of the fog...

2008-05-13T13:38:00.006-05:00

The trip went well! Had its ups and downs, but it is over, I slept over forty hours between Friday night and Monday morning! It is over! Aren't we adorable... these are the amazing ladies that helped me through this past week! Love them!

Mother's day was wonderful! Chuck and the kidlets were amazing! Breakfast, fun treats, relaxing day, and a visit to the park just made it so worthwhile! Definitely a happy day for me!

I got TWO projects done for Lainey's amazing May kit over at GBC but didn't have a chance to post them here before I left! I have another project done and two in the works to be done real soon... check back for those! This first one is about my amazing mom... Just loved how easy this kit was to work with...

This is going to be a clock. I just need to get the clock works to get it put together! Will make a perfect addition to my scraproom!

Hope to get on here more often now that the trip is over! And definitely get more scrapping in! Summer just can't be sooner!

And as much as I am looking forward to having summer come, I am not ready to be the mother of a 7th grader and a six year old... just a tad of nostalgia here!

More later...

Lights Out