thoughts for today

It seems that as I get older, time just ticks away from me. I have been off of school since the 23rd and have not done anything around the house. I am just enjoying the down time, relaxing, and doing lots of scrapping. I really need to kick myself in gear and get something done! The tree is still up, presents are still under the tree, decorations are still out and the house is dirty. One of these days...

Today I am off to do a few errands, go to my LSS (a girl has put her priorities straight), make spiced pecans (yummy goodness), take a nap, and do some layouts. I want to start my challenges for the New Year's Crop over at Just Scrappin'.

words...

I had such a good and productive weekend at the SB retreat. I completed nine LO's which might be a record for me. The above LO's were word challenges. So fun to use different words for a title.

I have several more LO's to post and will do so in the upcoming days. Right now, I am organizing my Cricut carts and then off to the grocery store. I am hoping to scrap some more this afternoon and take a nap. I am so enjoying my time off of school.

on vacation

Well, I am sorta of on vacation. I am off of school...so I need a mini vacation. I am leaving for a me weekend of scrapbooking. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas with family and ate lots of good food. Me, I am feeling like an overstuffed turkey!

Gratitude list:
1. a new electric blanket that keeps me warm.
2. a wonderful husband
3. time spent with "my" family
4. this weekend with no responsibilities
5. good food and good times

together

I so miss the two of us alone and together...no worries, no teenagers.

Introducing Mr. Arrogance...

Well, it's Sunday again. I cannot wait for Tuesday at 4:00. Then it's vacation baby! I will have a break until January 5th. It's time to relax, refresh and enjoy.

So anyway, let me introduce the youngest...Mr. Arrogant, but also known as the Prince of Palmyra, or sometimes Julian. He is arrogant, rude, stubborn, disrespectful, irresponsible, sneaky, dishonest and downright mean. Oh, I forgot to mention, he acts that way only towards me, his stepmother. To others he is quite the opposite. I am pretty sure it is because I "call him on the carpet" and am a black and white kind of gal...no grey area with me. He doesn't like that about me and hence, we butt heads all the time. That is OK with me as I do not want to replace his biological mother, just want the respect from him. I am frustrated, to say the least. I will stop there...

My gratitude list:
1. an electric blanket
2. Lighty
3. Chris
4. the ability and means to enjoy things in life
5. scrappy time
6. good friends
7. slippers

What is annoying me RIGHT now:
1. loud, LOUD snoring
2. Julian's bedroom...how can one have dirty underwear all over the floor for days and days?
3. knowing that I won't have a two hour late start

Sunday...again!

I can't believe it. It's already Sunday afternoon. Why do weekends have to pass by so quickly? I wanted to accomplish so much this weekend and didn't. I still have this evening to get some things done. I don't know what it is, but all I feel like doing right now is scrapbooking.

Busy week ahead...appointments, my luncheon I do for my 5th grade math students, a massage (happiness), tutoring, baking, last minute shopping, scrapping, and some more scrapping (I hope).

This LO was inspired from a challenge over at Fiskateers. I love the final results. I am using my Cricut more and more. What a fun machine with endless possibilities.

thank goodness

Tomorrow is Friday. Do you see me doing the happy dance? It's been a long week and I am so glad it has come to an end. I have lots on my plate this weekend; it's all good. I need to start and finish my Christmas wrapping and finish any last minute gift buying. I am so hoping to get started on some baking too. Here's wishing that by Sunday night all my Christmas preparations will be almost finished. Is it too much to wish for some scrappy time too? I have one more mini to complete for a gift for the inlaws.

The LO is an older one but a favorite. I love my Fuji S9000.

weekend is over!

It's hard to believe that the weekend is over. It seems that it takes forever for Friday to arrive and then before one can blink their eyes, it's Sunday night. Laugh.

We got our tree, decorated it, put a few decorations around the house and put the Belschnickels outside. I also did the mantle with my Santa collection. I am starting to get in the festive mood. I guess it's about time as Christmas will be here in seventeen more days.

On Saturday I went to my LSS to an all day crop. It was shortened by about two hours as the weather was starting to get bad. it was lightly snowing but the roads were starting to freeze. If you know me, I just want to be at home when there is bad weather. I hate winter, I hate the cold, I hate the wind and I hate snow. The only good thing is unexpected snow days. I did get two layouts done for challenges at Just Scrappin', finished two more mini albums for gifts, and made some stinkin cute gift holders.

So tomorrow is Monday and it's back to school. I sure hope the week goes fast as I have lots to do this coming weekend. I need to wrap gifts and would like to start my Christmas baking. I sure hope I can fit some scrappy time in this weekend.

And total loathe for the week: Jules comes home for winter break. All I can say is that it's going to be a LONG six weeks. So please, if you have a few minutes, send some positive vibes my way.

Layouts:
#1: challenge (from JS) was to do a LO with lots of layers and the theme "All I Want for Christmas." I took a totally different approach as I do not want anything or need anything for Christmas. All I truly want for Christmas is respect from the young man represented in the photo. There is lots of hidden journalling underneath the photo...emotional and from the heart.

#2: challenge (from JS) was to create a LO using at least one snowflake and some bling.

strength...

love this man!

more scrappy goodness...I just LOVE this photo. It shows so much love that a new mother has for her baby.

it's back to school...

Well, Tuesday morning and I am back to school. I keep telling myself only 22 more days until a long break. I am so wishing I had off today. I enjoyed my five day holiday. I ate lots of food, shopped Black Friday for 14 hours, got my nails done, scrapped A LOT, had fun with my friend Aymee, learned more about this blog thing (thanks, Aymee) and just relaxed. It's been a good long weekend for me; I am refreshed. I sure hope this week goes fast.

getting to know me...

I bet you didn't know (statements in bold refer to ME): 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 had to a 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 form from scratch 15. Adopted a child (DH has and I am helping to raise him...a fine young man) 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 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 Michelangelos 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 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 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 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 chickenpox 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

Introducing Aiden and other mundane stuff

It's hard to believe that Aiden was a premie. He looks so healthy and happy. These photos were taken about a month ago...I did a photo shoot of Aiden, Amanda and Carl. Actually, I was rather pleased with the final results. The LO was created in under an hour. I have NEVER done a LO in less than an hour. It was a challenge over on Just Scrappin...Cristal's wonderful, fun and no drama scrapping board. And guess what? I won the challenge! So excited :)

So, did anyone see the movie Twilight? I must say, I enjoyed it and want more Edward and Bella. And James...what a hottie! It's too bad he was one of the "bad" vampires.

Well, it was my last day of school. I am so in need of a few days off to just rest, relax and enjoy time with Chris and Lighty...oops, did I mention Black Friday. I love Black Friday. I am not quite sure if I like the shopping part, but I sure do love the excitement and all the people pushing and shoving to buy that perfect Christmas present. Laugh. Anyway, here's to a blessed Thanksgiving.

creative weekend

I decided to go to our cabin this past weekend with Lighty and Chris. They archery hunted and I scrapbooked all weekend long. I completed a mini album, and four layouts. I think that is a record for me. The two cirlce LO's are for a challenge on a message board called Just Scrappin.

It has all started AGAIN

It will soon be time to say good-bye to our koi pond. I dislike the time of year when we have to shut it down, bury the plants, put the heater in the pond for the fish and winterize it for the season.

Another school year. I am happy to be back at school but sad that summer is over. Fall is right around the corner and that means beautiful weather, beautiful colors, and cool breezes. But, that also means that winter will soon be here. Have I mentioned that I loathe the winter months? And guess what? Alaska baby! I gave Lighty his 50th birthday gift a few weeks back. We are headed to Alaska in June of 2009. We are doing several days on our own to see the country, the scenery, the wildlife and then headed on a cruise for eight days. I think I might be more excited than him. I am hoping we can fit Katmai National Park into the itinerary so we can see the bears feeding on mollusks and clams. It is also the breeding season at this time of year. It should be a fun time of the year. So, anyone reading the books by Stephanie Meyer? I can't wait until "Twilight" is in the theaters. I think I need a 12 step program...I can't stop reading! Until next time...

more Bisous...

Two more layouts using PDQ by Bisous.

The first layout is a snapshot of my feet right after I got my pedicure...feeling groovy.

Jules graduated high school back in June. We just took him to Bloomsburg University yesterday. I am not sure who was more excited...him or me! I just hope that he does what he is there to do..and that is study and learn. I worry because he is such a follower.

Well, two days of inservice is now complete. Tomorrow officially starts the new school year with teacher orientation. The kids start back to school on Monday. It is hard to believe that another school year is here and summer is over. Boo-hoo. I so enjoy my summers!

Announcing Bisous...

Well, after about four months, I can finally share some exciting news as well as show my layouts. I am designing for a Canadian based company called Bisous. The line of paper and coordinating goodies are so me! They have such an artsy feel to them. So, above is a two page spread of photos of moose that we saw on our recent trip to Moosehead and Baxter State Park in Maine.

So there you have it...the reason why my blog has been so quiet and not been updated with any fun, scrappy goodness. It truly has been a good scrapbooking summer.

Sweet!

Well, we are now owners of a custom 2004, Lowrider. It is a SWEET bike. Actually, it is Lighty's bike and I am just along for the smooth, loud ride!

Finally!

I finally created a layout. It's been long overdue! Actually, I made this for a challenge on one of my SB message boards that I am starting to frequent. Thanks for looking.

I will be back to this old blog to report about our recent Maine trip!

just because...

a page about my obsession with perfume.

A new layout of Chris and his "girlfriend" Justine. They sure are two peas in a pod. I just love the "Meistro Man." He is such a great kid...NEVER causing any problems and always so respectful of people and things. I just need to remind myself of this every now and again when I forget how limited he sometimes is when it comes to doing everyday mental or thinking tasks.

I know, it's been awhile...school is out for summer! So, I've been a happy person. Seriously though, I need to get myself in gear and start to complete some projects. My major project for this summer is to purge and declutter my studio. It is FULL and I need some space. I figure once I am back from vacation, I will kick it in full gear and get things done around the house.

I leave tomorrow for GASC in Virginia. I am looking forward to three nights and days of scrapbooking, classes, shopping and just doing my thing! No men, no worries.

When I return on Sunday, I then need to get ready for our trip to Maine. I can't wait to see some moose. I am not sure why I love moose, but I do. Such cool animals. It should be a good week, especially if i get to take lots of moose photos.

I'm back...

Just been busy! So, what is new with me? *planted TONS of gerbera daisies in pots all around the house...much happiness! *last weekend I I went to an all weekend SBing retreat...more happiness! (and I even completed lots of LO's for my Yellowstone and Tetons album. *I bought a cricut...the greatest happiness of all (right now)! *It's been 14 weeks of no cooking...will he ever budge and say he was wrong and "I'm sorry." If the truth were to be told...I want to cook, I miss it. I miss my food! *count them...7 more days of school. Now that is true happiness. *I can't wait for June...I teach 2 SB classes, I have a 15 hour crop, GASC and vacation to Maine to photograph MOOSE! on my agenda: *SB one day a week at my LSS *declutter my stamp and scrap space *clean and organize my closet Hopefully, things will soon start to slow down and I will once again maintain this blog on a more daily basis, with pictures, too. Happy Memorial Day!

Teenage Attitude, Being Busy and a New LO

I CANNOT stand the teenage attitude of the youngest one right now. I am struggling (and have been) with him even being in the same room with me, much less the same house. He has really become a young man that stands for something that I don not like. He is dishonest, his mouth is filthy, and he accepts no repsonsibility for anything. I always say: "for every action, there is a reaction. There are choices in life." However, noone would see this temperament of him. He can put the charm on. If only the walls of the house could talk. His own father doesn't even see it. Well, he does see it, but refuses to do anything about it. I will save that post for another day. I have so much coming up in the next couple of weeks, both professionally and personally. I really need to take some time and make myself a "me" calendar so I can view everything at a glance. It is so difficult to keep everyone's schedule straight. All activities are recorded on a family calendar but I am always afraid I will miss something. Just me alone: appointments, dinner and breakfast "dates", registration for summer classes: GASC and VF, design work for two upcoming classes, my first photo shoot that I will be doing for a friend, an album that I was commissioned to make, three swaps for ATC's, NSD crop (so happy about this one!), stamping convention in two weeks (another fun time!), acryllic class, prep work for two weeks worth of art camp (volunteer work...what was I thinking about this committment?)...not to mention all the deadlines at school because I am now heading into the final phase before summer break (do you see me smiling?). This is my busy time of the year! Check out my newest LO. It is the cover page for a club that I joined. By the end of a year, I will have created 30 LO's all centered around me. I am really excited to complete my All About Me album. I am still on strike...4 weeks and counting!

more happiness!

*Well, Monday is almost over and that means only three more days of school until a four day weekend. Can you tell I am excited? *Tonight is the start of Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor. I go from not watching any TV to a reality TV junkie! I wonder if I can multi task and watch TV and stamp at the same time. Probably not. *I'm still on strike with the not cooking thing. Lighty is just not budging on this one! *I finished another two page spread for our Yellowstone/Teton album...just need to add a title. *Jules is still in his bedroom working on schoolwork...that means leaving me alone! Now that calls for a real big happy dance! So, I leave you with this quote: do unto others as you would like them to do to you.

Doing the Happy Dance...

I am HAPPY because:

1. I am no longer sick and am actually feeling good. I am still tired but that is because Lighty has been snoring and keeping me awake most of the night. Last night, the last time I glanced at the clock it said 3:50 AM. He doesn't seem to think it's a big deal! 2. I actually created a fun LO. I have spring fever so bad, so I had to use bright and happy colors on this LO. Bright is so not me on a LO as I normally stick to earth tones. 3. All the reservations are made for our trip to Maine this coming summer, not to mention I also booked my hotel rooms for GASC in Virginia and CKC in Valley Forge. 4. Julian is in his room working on his graduation project and presentation. That keeps him busy and the two of us away from one another. How much longer until he starts college? 5. I just bought a great book for scrapbooking called Designing with Recipes. It is full of inspiration. So, I think I will just go and cuddle with the electric blanket on high, read my new book and catch up on some sleep with a Sunday nap.

so sick of being sick

Well, Sunday morning at about 6:05 AM, I awoke and needed to hit the toilet bowl really fast...I was so sick. The flu finally hit me. It wasn't until about 1:30 PM until I was actually able to not have to be sick every half hour...just like clockwork! So, here it is Tuesday night. I will be going back to school tomorrow. I am stilll not 100%. I am just so wiped out, tired, stating with a wet, hacking cough, and just not feeling hungry. And man, talk about a pounding headache. I think that is from lack of food + energy + caffeine = one tremendous, pounding, never-ending headache. I had to cancel my painting class tonight. That realy bums me out as I look forward to my weekly paint lessons. So, tomorrow is back to the grind. I HATE going back to school. I mean I love my job and the kids but don't like the idea of having to go through two days of plans and then plan for day. That is the job of being a teacher I really dislike. I just need to tell myslef on my drive to school tomorrow, "it will all come together" and take several deep breaths. So, needless to say, I have taken two over the counter sleeping aids in hopes that I can get a good night's sleep. Who knows what is in store for me since all I have been doing is sleeping, napping and resting.

more of the same

and another one...

circles everywhere

an easy circle card...used some scraps, flower and saying stamps and some paint.

fun night

Well, Friday night I went to a midnight crop. It was much needed after such a long week at school doing all that state testing. I met up with Wendy and we had fun times. Lots of laughs. Heck, there were only about six people there and noone talked but Wendy and I. I bet all the other croppers were glad when we left. I actually completed three layouts, minus the journalling, titles and embellishments. That is big news for me as I am lucky if I finish one layout at a twenty hour crop. Anyway, I will finish up those layouts at home this weekend. So, this morning I am finding myself doing the wash. I want to get all my house stuff done now so I can scrapbook all afternoon and into the evening. I really want to finish my album of our trip this past summer to Yellowstone and the Tetons. Then, I need to work on "blue" ATC's and an accordian album that I am being paid to make for the secretary at school. FUN. Happy Saturday!

and another one

another card...

woo-hoo

Well, it's snowing outside. School left out early so that is always nice except, I HATE THIS WEATHER! We are expected to have more frigid temperatures tonight and ice, too. Here's hoping we have a two hour late start. It would be so nice to be able to catch an extra two hours of sleep tomorrow morning. Here is a card I made. Ms. Muse is still visiting. I hope she decides to stick around a bit longer.

count it...TWO!

Can you believe it? I am in the creating mood...made a criss cross card for my mom's birthday and attached a GC to it. I am loving this card!

newborn

Nope. Not me having a child. I just created a LO about a newborn fawn that I saw while up at the cabin. I just love the photo. It looks like the fawn was actually posing for the camera.

scrapbooking mojo is back...I hope!

I've been in the mood all day to scrapbook a LO. So, I got out my Scenic Route and created this LO of Lighty. I just love this photo of my DH. Hopefully tonight while the men are watching the Superbowl, I will be in Studio 109 doing some more creating since my mojo seems to be back. Doing something stamping or scrapbooking related is also a challenge put forth by my cyber friend, Karie. We are to create 14 cards or LO's by the end of the month. One down and thirteen more to go...here's hoping I can succeed!

woo-hoo

I am tired but the good news: I get to sleep a little later tomorrow morning. It's parent teacher conferences. I will start the day with lunch out with the girls. love that. Joycie and Barbie are the best! Fun times will be shared. It will be a long day but one I look forward to as I get to chat with the parents. Off to put on the electric blanket, get comfy and cozy, drink a mug of chai and relax. Sweet dreams...

It's Monday

Well, off to a new work week. Parent teacher conferences are this week. I always look forward to sitting down and chatting with the parents. Conferences always give me insight about a student. Love that. Some thoughts... 1. I'm so cold 2. Why does Jules lie to his friends and make Lighty and I look like horrible parents? 3. Is Jules working on his paper? 4. Did Jules make that phone call? 5. Why is my life consumed with him right now? 6. Flying lessons? I can't wait for the meeting. 7. I am tired. It doesn't help that Lighty's snoring is getting worse and my sleeping time is shortened. 8. American Galdiators is soon on TV...man, those men are built. It's amazing that the human body can have all that muscle. 9. I think it's going to be a Chai night. 10. I was headache free today.

and another one

together

I went scrapping this past Friday night with my friend Wendy. I even completed two LO's. That is good for me as I hardly ever complete anything. I am usually over stimulated at crops. Anyway, had lots of fun. Here's one of the LO's...easy and simple but I like it.

Happy New Year...a bit late!

Well, a three month hiatus. It's been too long since my last post. Here's hoping I will find the time to keep up with this journal. So, what's new: *Chris is enjoying his full time job. I must say, I am so proud of him. I just pray and hope he does a good job. He also got his Learner's permit. Three long years to get that baby! He is so proud! Weekends find him busy with his new girlfriend. I must say I like her. They are two peas in a pod and so well suited for one another. *Jules is still the know it all eighteen year old with an attitude. He has senioritis big time and it is showing in his grades. He is just sliding on by. He is no longer an A student and is happy with C and D's. That doesn not go over well with me! His soccer team won states and so enjoyed playing for a winning team this year. He "found" alcohol and I must say, I guess this is the reason for the constant battle between the two of us. Can you say vladie and nipple tassel? I guess his drinks of choice are that of vodka. And he thinks I was born yesterday????? His father is very passive about the whole thing and I am the outspoken one! It makes for lots of dissention around the house. He got accepted to a few colleges, but has decided to go to Bloomsburg for accounting. Quite frankly, I don't see him making it through a year. He does not have good study habits and hates school. Not quite sure why he wants to even go to college. Oh, that's right, he needs to get away from Palmyra and his strict parents, especially his Nazi stepmother (that's my nickname to his friends, among others...I'll make that another post). *Lighty continues to work for Pyramid Construction. He is enjoying it. He likes the challenge it brings him. He also says there is less stress than his previous job. I just am not liking the long hours he is working; not to mention 6-7 days a week. This too shall pass. He is also teaching Chris how to drive and playing referee between Jules and me. I wish he would step up to the plate more where Jules is concerned. *This is my second year in the enrichment program. I am loving it. My program started at about 70-75 students and as of today, I am servicing about 132 kids. FUN! I am still painting, stamping and scrapbooking. In fact, I am hoping to use this blog for more of my art stuff! I just need to get my butt in gear and post photos of my creations. ***Well, update completed. It's time to get off the computer and use the next hour to do some scrapbooking. Then, I am making supper. I have another new recipe to try on the family.