It's My Life

More Yellow Butterfly Sightings

2011-12-12T10:48:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share the latest "God Winks" I have had since back when I first realized Yellow Butterflies will have a new meaning to me. If you remember from this post- Yellow Butterfly I needed a "sign" if you will. There were more of those times this past year, it was a really hard year for us, and praying 2012 will be better!

One day this past summer, I was worried and stressing, trying to chill out, I got a book and went outside to get some sun. I was kicked back, eyes closed, praying for peace and hope in our family. At one point I just asked God to show me that He was there and things would work out and get better. About 2 minutes later, I opened my eyes and there resting on my knee was a yellow butterfly. If I would have kept my eyes closed, I would have never seen it, because I surely didn't feel it, if it had just flown by I wouldn't have seen it either.

Then another day I was praying on the way to pick Trey up from school and as we got on the feeder road in the middle of traffic, another one flew right across our path.

Then on our cruise, when we were on our Segway and Snorkle tour, we were cruising along this gorgeous road with the Mexican sun beating down on us, beautiful scenery all around, and there were yellow butterflies all over the place. I had seen one or two before I mentioned it to Nick and as we went further, they kept coming, almost in swarms! The whole 7-8 miles, they were everywhere. It wasn't like they were in the bushes on the sides of the road, they were flying right through our path! I just had to giggle! We really needed to see those and it was so perfect because we were out there together, just us and enjoying each other. So now we share this "wink."

This post is just to let some of my friends who are going through rough waters know.. just talk to Him, take time to be still and listen, He is always there, He never leaves, He loves you! He may not answer when you want, but be patient and hang in there. Praying for you all too!

2011-11-25T09:37:00.000-06:00

Can't believe it's the holidays already! Seems like it was just Christmas and here we are going to look for a tree later. Had a great Thanksgiving, hosted it at our house, we did all the cooking. It was awesome, Nick makes the BEST dressing and gravy, he learned from the best, his Mamaw. It was a good day, relaxing and easy. Today I did not join all the crazies out shopping, there is nothing I need THAT bad! The only thing we are getting today is a tree. The guys want a real one this year, so going out later. Have a great weekend!

Hello, it's been a while....

2011-11-18T16:49:00.001-06:00

Seriously? Last August? I have been SO bad about blogging! I really missed it, so I hope I'm back to some regular posting! So much has happened since last year, and I probably can't remember it all! Highlights... last post Trey was going in 6th grade, now he's in 7th. Time flies! He's also 12, not too far from being a teenager, scary....

Nick and I went on our first cruise, and it was our first vacation in 17 years, not including weekends camping or things like that! It was awesome, perfect, dreamy and I wish we were still there, we'll go again soon for sure. First we have to take Trey on a vacation.

We stopped in Cozumel and it was gorgeous. I could live there!

We had a Segway and Snorkeling tour planned ad went to the meeting spot at a really nice resort where I took this pic and lots more.

We started getting worried when no one else showed up, it was just us. But, it worked out perfect, we had our two guides all to ourselves! One led us on the segways to a private beach club about 8-10 miles down the island, the other followed in the truck with our snorkel gear and water. It was amazing! The guide, Bob, was awesome, what a job this guy has!

I would go back and do the same tour with the same guys again tomorrow!

As for the drama that was our townhouse.... it is gone, they bulldozed them about June or so. We did get some money from their insurance, but not nearly enough!

We celebrated our 17th anniversary in September, that is a miracle in itself, there were times over this past year I didn't think we'd make it through. It was a hard, stressful tough year and surely they can only get better! Remembering this: 1 Corinthians 13:13; And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. One reason it's better is Nick isn't selling cars at "that place" anymore, he's actually home some now. He was gone so much that was a main problem, I felt like a single parent and he was missing out on alot around here. We have been having lots of time together and it's awesome! He's working with Kevin building pools, so he's in shorts and tshirts mostly not dress clothes, and he's here.... that's the best part.

I haven't gotten together with my girls this year, but Jenn did come to visit! Of course we went to see Bon Jovi!! Spent a day at the beach and The Spot, and an evening with Jon! Good times!

Well, that's all I got right now, hope to be back soon!

kris

School Days Again!

2010-08-23T13:22:00.006-05:00

Well, it's that time again! School Days! My "little" boy is going to 6th grade!?! Where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday he was going into Kindergarten. I know people always told me time files after you have children, and boy they were right. He is 11 and almost as tall as I am! He got an awesome teacher, well 3! This year he will change classes for the first time. He also has a male teacher, for Math and Bible, another first. Tomorrow night is Parent Orientation, I haven't been for years because I have always gone to "Meet the Teacher" day, but I was working this year and couldn't, so I'm looking forward to seeing his classrooms and meeting his teachers. I pray he has a great year! I am going to enjoy having a schedule back, it was a hard summer with both Nick & I working outside the home, trying to find a place for him to go when we were @ work. Thank goodness for Grandparents and friends! I look forward to having some time to enjoy my days alone for a change too. I'll miss him, and the house is very quiet, but I have tons of things to do! Hopefully I can get some scrapping in also! Speaking of summer; it was pretty uneventful. No vacations, Nick won't have time off enough for a while. Trey had fun swimming with friends, got a few bad sunburns along the way! You know kids and sunscreen don't go together. He enjoyed a day at Schlitterbahn with one of his best friends, he loved it! He also had a birthday, kinda sucks for him to have a summer birthday. Ususally his friends are out of town and it's hard to schedule a party. We did finally manage to get one in the weekend before school started. We took a bunch of boys to Putt Putt and they had a blast! Then they all came back here for cake and ice cream and a sleepover. They are all really good kids and such a riot to be around!

We (me, Mimi & Poppy) did take a day trip with Trey and Morgan to Galveston to see all the tree sculptures, carved from oak trees that Ike destroyed. It was amazing and sad at the same time. The sculptures are beautiful, but knowing they were once huge, majestic trees that were standing just before the storm. There are many more that could be done, but we saw around 15. We took the kids on the ferry and watched the dolphins. It was 100 degrees that day, but we did it! Poppy took us for a shrimp lunch at Shrimp N Stuff. If you've never been, I recommend it! Good shrimp at a decent price, just don't ask me where it is, it is stuck in the middle of homes somewhere off of Broadway! Google it!

Until next time,

kris

This is ridiculous!

2010-07-12T10:45:00.002-05:00

It's been forever since my last post....do I sound like a broken record? I'm not doing very good at being a blogger lately. Summer is here and it's never a dull moment. We don't do vacations, never have time off or the money. Maybe someday...
I have been working some, alot the past week, but back to normal 22- 25 hours a week starting this week. Somehow I have been getting Mondays off and I love it, it gives me a day to get the house clean and in order for the week. I have this weekend off and plan to scrap. I did a few layouts for the store, actually the kit examples and the new Basic Grey Oliver. The theme is trains and it was perfect for Trey's train trip with Mimi and Poppy. I need to post pics, but didn't take any before I put them in the store! I know, bad me. Hoping to get more done this weekend on Trey's train trip album and some of my girls trip to the beach. Popping out for now, check ya in a few!
kris

I'm baaaack!

2010-04-08T16:14:00.008-05:00

Well, got a new header and layout, so I'm ready to update!! Are you ready to catch up?? Last post I had worked on the Extreme Makeover Home Edition and had a blast. Seems so long ago! It just aired last Sunday. It was a blast to relive it all. Makes all the hard work and purple face worth it! I got a few texts that I was spotted in the kitchen, right where I thought I’d be. That was filmed on the reveal day and it was misting rain and miserable! We stood outside doing take after take for 3 hours in the same spot, after we had been inside warm and dry touching up paint, sweeping, mopping and filming a few spots. All in all it was a great experience!

Since then it’s been pretty much life back to normal, work and school. We have entered a new phase in our family life. Nick and I are both working out of the home. It has been a hard adjustment, just schedule wise. My schedule changes week to week, never the same days or times; I can go up to 3-4 days off in a row. Which is great, don’t get me wrong, it’s just hard to coordinate pick ups for Trey. We have always been around. Nick worked from home, I was a SAHM, so we were both able to take and pick him up from school. Now, we have to find someone to pick him up and stay with him until we get home in the evening. He is not quite old enough to stay alone, nor does he want to yet. We both work Saturdays, so that is a long day for him, although I don’t work every weekend, but Nick does. Thank goodness for our parents and friends! They have stepped up! Now summer is going to be a whole different story! We’ll get thru it, if only he’d go to Church camp, but he’s not into that yet either!

We lost Nick’s sweet Mamaw at the beginning of March, actually the day before Nick’s birthday, not a great birthday for him this year. She was an awesome lady and lived a long and happy 95 years. We miss her, but know she is dancing in Heaven, healthy and whole and we will see her again one day!

I had my annual Girl’s Crop Weekend again, this time in TEXAS, so I didn’t have to fly anywhere for the first time in a few years! It was as usual, the best time! I miss my girls and hate that I only get to see most of them once a year! It always goes by so fast, already looking forward to the next one. We’re thinking Daytona, close to Jan’s home! We had a total of 10 of us. Jan, Laurie, Jenn, Jodi, Suzanne, Bren Denise, Kelly, Lynn and Me! Jan, Laurie and Jenn came in early so we could “do Houston” as Laurie put it. We went to Discovery Green, hung out in the park, had lunch at The Grove, (YUM) and went shopping @ One Houston Center.

Let me tell you, these girls can shop!
They had been cruising Old Town Spring the day before and weren’t tired of it yet! We found a store that sold Chamilia beads and we all went crazy! Got a few new charms! We went to shop at the Pavilions, but no stores were open, it’s a new center, will be nice, but don’t know if I’ll go back, we got in trouble… seems like we always have some kind of silly drama! Did you know you can’t take pictures of anything without people in them? There were these really cool Japanese lanterns hanging in this area below us in a courtyard, so Laurie and Jenn started snapping away and a security guard(who obviously loved his job!) got in our face and said we couldn’t do that! We could be terrorists (yeah right, a bunch of women, most of them tourists) scoping out the area! HAHA! Whatever.
The weather was awesome! Especially for Laurie and Jenn, whose flight was cancelled the day before due to snow in Denver! We were all soaking up the sun. The next day we picked up Lynn, Denise and Kelly at the airport and headed to Galveston to shop some more and eat at Fisherman’s Wharf and meet Bren. It was great seeing how much has been done to The Strand and the Waterfront since Ike. There is still some visible damage, The Flagship is still messed up, some of the fishing piers and of course beach houses. We messed around for a while then drove to Surfside to meet Suzanne and get settled in the house. Jodi, Jenn, me and Laurie drew the short straw; mine the shortest of all since I got the top of the top bunk!

3 levels up! Good thing I don’t get up in the night that would have been a riot! After fun, sun and scrapping for 3 days, it was back to life, back to the grind!

Now it’s time to focus on the golf tournament again! This year is our 20th Anniversary and we’re hoping it’s going to be a big turn out! If you’re interested, check out our website! http://www.friendswoodlegends.org/

Hope to blog again before 3 months!

Leave some love!<3

Did I mention it's COLD!?!?

2010-01-09T08:35:00.003-06:00

yes, my cheeks are purple!!

I went to the site yesterday for Extreme Home Makeover to volunteer. It was around 36 degrees when I got there and the wind was howling! (it was 21 when we left). I was layered up though and had on my ski pants, thank goodness for those, the only thing that was really cold was my face and it was covered most of the time...the wind was brutal. We got on the bus under the Kemah bridge and got bussed over to the build. It was amazing, so much going on, so many people scurrying around, heavy equipment beeping, trucks in and out. Craziness, but such a feeling of community. When we got off the bus, the team heading out was clapping, cheering and high-fiving all of us, it got us pumped up! We got put to work immediately building a walkway from one block thru a horse pasture and to the other, stopping across from the house, or I should say at this point, the site where the house will be. It was already gone when I got there... We laid 2X4's for about 200 yards, then 8 foot plywood on top then connected them all together. My arms are sore from carrying plywood! Luckily my hubby sent me with some leather work gloves, they saved the day! It took us, about 30 of us, about 2 hours to do this. It was freezing, but when we got moving it was bearable. We were walking back to the warming tent and I was clapping my hands to keep them warm and one of the guys from the construction company in a golf cart asked if my hands were cold and gave me hand warmers to put in my gloves! How cool! It really helped for a bit. We were fed a warm dinner and had plenty of coffee and went back to work. We laid a floor in the VIP tent, more plywood, for another hour then we were done. The walk back to the bus stop was about 1/4 mile, but it seemed longer! We hooped and hollered at every truck waiting to deliver stuff, we had horns honking all down the street...bet the neighbors love this!! Actually they have all been great I hear, especially the one across the street with a huge tent in their front yard!! All in all it was great, next week should be warmer and more fun stuff to do.... hopefully I can get out there and get more pics!

Stay Warm!

It's EXTREMELY cold!!

2010-01-07T13:58:00.003-06:00

Well, it's on it's way to freezing as I type. The "arctic blast" is on its way! Sounds like a Dairy Queen treat, doesn't it?? :) Just great for this weather to be coming in here now as we have Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in town!

Ty and the gang, just rolled in this am and surprised the Beach Family that they are getting a new house, and boy do they need one! The article is there if you click on their name, it was from last year after Ike. It is just across the Kemah Bridge from me, so I hope to be out there and taking lots of pics to scrapbook! The Pep Rally was held at our church as we are a sponsor and they are doing all of the interviews there also... I might need to run up there and get something.... I think I left my bible.... hee-hee.... I'm hoping to run into Ty or Paulie...The show will air in March and this is the biggest house they will have ever built for the show! You can keep up with the progress on Blu's website! Stay warm and say a prayer for the Subs, Trades and volunteers out there working in this weather!!

kris

Happy New Year, almost....

2009-12-27T16:42:00.005-06:00

Well, yes I know it's been a while! So much has been going on, it's been nuts. Last post I mentioned I was working again, yes I am, but now at a different job than then. Wait, lemme back up, that last post was the day before Halloween, and Trey was sick. Got him on TamiFlu and he seemed to get well pretty quick except he missed Halloween altogether. He slept thru the doorbell ringing, dogs barking and kids hollering for candy. No trick or treating for him this year.
Then it was time for my birthday again... they keep coming closer and closer together! Guess that's better than the alternative! ;) After that I got another job. The one I had was at a private day school and it was good, but I'm not cut out to be a teacher and I had a class of 3 year olds on Tuesdays and a class of 4 year olds on Thursdays. I was ready to pull my hair out on those days! Bless teachers hearts! SO.... I got another job, my dream job... at a scrapbooking store!! I am working at the Scrapbook Junkie and love it! Come see me if you're in the area! The days fly by and it's fun to help people get into the hobby! Then it's time for Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays! We had the usual fare with the family! Good times and good eats! Next is the hustle and bustle of Christmas, but the Grinch in me came out.... I had no extra money to spend this year.... but it worked out, lighter than in the past, but everyone was happy. Just glad to get this year over with and pray 2010 is better, it has to be, hopefully it can't be any worse....

We did have a Christmas miracle in our family this year though! Nick's cousin has been sick for a while with a bad heart. In and out of the hospital numerous times. The doctors would think they got it fixed then he'd go down again. Finally put him on UNOS for a heart. Not really sure how long he was on the list, but Nick and I were heading out to shop for Trey on Thursday the 17th of December, and his mom called to tell us they were on stand-by, meaning, be ready they may have a heart for him. Then around 2:30 they told them to head to the hospital, it was a match and after a few more tests, they may do surgery that night! When it happens, it happens fast! Sure enough, in the wee hours of the morning of the 18th, he got a new heart! Last time we saw him, he looked pretty bad, and had a backpack and port line for medication that he had to have 24/7. So it couldn't have come at a better time. He came through surgery with flying colors, and was in CICU for a few days, then to a regular room for a day or two then home for Christmas!
If that isn't a miracle, I don't know what is! One week almost to the day, home with a new heart!
He was given the greatest gift this year, from a stranger! We are so grateful and his family has their husband and dad back! We have said many prayers during this for the donor family and the doctors and they have all been answered!

Our Christmas was crazy as usual! 4 get togethers and lots of food and whew, I'm in a food coma... so much junk, sweets and food non stop! Tonight I'm making a real dinner and will try to stay away from the leftovers!

No work until Wednesday, so hope to get this pit cleaned up and all that laundry done! No rest for the weary!

Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

kris

I'm still around!

2009-10-30T13:31:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted! I haven't been up to too much except working again! EWWWW!! But it's a must do in this economy! I forgot how tired I am in the evening when I work, how messy my house stays, how big the pile of laundry gets, how I don't have my days to grocery shop, visit my grandparents, or have lunch with my girls, I could go on and on, but I digress. Anyhoo... I have missed checking in on the blogs I keep up with, (or used to) and just playing away the day away on the net. I am still scrapping when I can, but those times are few and far between too! Well, this is a short and sweet post, I have a sicky kiddo today and need to go check on him! Check y'all later!

KRIS

Another Anniversary

2009-09-12T18:38:00.003-05:00

It has been a year since our lives changed overnight. In some ways it's hard to believe it's been that long, in others it seems like yesterday. This time last year we were headed to Mom and Dad's to hunker down. It was hardly blowing but the water had already risen at home. It wouldn't be but hours until the nation's third costliest storm hit us head on. To remind you of what we went through, read my post from last year about seeing hell. Since then have we seen former presidents raising money or movie stars on our behalf begging the rest of the country for help, have we even seen much help from our own government? Some who needed living arrangements are still fighting with FEMA, but where are all the trailers?? In Louisiana.... for Pete's sake! I'm going to rename this storm and it's victims, (one of which I am, though I hate that word), The Forgotten Ones. We had to fight with FEMA for 3 months to help, then after 3 months they said we no longer qualify. We pay a mortgage for a place that is still condemned, and we pay rent. Thanks FEMA, said with all the sarcasm I can muster. I'm trying to be happy because we all lived through it, we have a home and our health, but sometimes I wonder...anyway, this is one anniversary that can quietly slink off into the night and I won't care. I'm going to go to sleep tonight not worried, sick to my stomach or scared and not hearing the roar of hell. I'm looking forward to tomorrow for it's a new day!

kris

Where were you?

2009-09-11T09:36:00.002-05:00

Do you remember where you were on this day 8 years ago? I remember it as clearly as I remember where I was when President Reagan was shot, when Challenger exploded and when we lost the space shuttle Columbia. Things like this stick in your mind always. It's a good thing... we should remember who was lost, who the heroes were and always lift up the families whose lives are forever changed in a split second. Never again will 9/11 be just another date.

with reflection,

kris

Creek Kids Warehouse is open!!

2009-08-23T14:28:00.007-05:00

Today was the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for our new Children's Ministry! I am so proud to be a part of the team and WOW what a day! It rocked! Everything went well, the kids were wide-eyed and excited, just wait, there's more to come!! We started this building journey 2+years ago, and broke ground June 08 and today it was a reality! I took a few pics, but they aren't great, so hopefully I can direct you to better ones as soon as they are published! I am the Shop Foreman at the 10am service time, if you are in the area, stop by and say HI! The whole building is themed as a Warehouse, garage, alley, service station, you get the jist.(Click pics for larger size!)
in the Chop Shop (volunteer lounge)

new kids check in

the alley

entrance to the Garage (door closed)

when large group starts, the siren goes off

and the door opens to the Garage area.

Couldn't get a good pic, too dark!

this is the slide from the loft to the main stage,

Trey was messing around one day when I was

painting!

More of the alley; foosball, air hockey, basketball,

skateboarding, shave cream wall, Tic Tac Toe,

checkers, video games, ping pong... it's hard getting the

kids outta here! (and some grown ups)

K-1 classroom, still waiting on the rugs for in here.

2-3 grade classroom, those bean bags are HUGE!

4-5th grade room.

We are just so blessed to have this for our kids, the people that

volunteer are the best and the Campus director rocks!

We are having a carnival for the community in Sept,

it's gonna be a biggie! More on that later!

Happy Birthday Morgan!

2009-08-14T09:47:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet niece today!
She is 3!
How time flies!

2006

2009

Love you Mo!

Aunt Kiss

It's almost here!

2009-08-13T09:52:00.002-05:00

School that is! The end of summer is almost here, well... in terms of the school year, but not the heat! The heat indexes have been in the 109 range for the past few days. I thought we'd get the rain like crazy yesterday, it was thundering and lightening, blowing and got so dark....and it started raining, then nothing! Didn't even rain enough to get the driveway wet!! WAAAAHHHH!
Just wanted to pop in and say hi, as soon as school starts, I'll try to get back in the blog groove!

Wild Olive

2009-08-03T09:50:00.003-05:00

How cool of a name is that for a company? Wild Olive They are an online Tshirt company that has the coolest shirts and each one has a message! They are launching their kidswear and I'm helping spread the news! They also contribute to a charity Love Without Boundaries that helps improve the lives of orphaned and impoverished children in China. I personally don't own any of their clothes, but I check the site weekly to see what is new...and hopefully I'll get some soon! Go check them out! thanks!

More Blog Hoppin LO's! Part 3

2009-08-01T16:10:00.003-05:00

OK, so I am almost finished with my book from the Colorado Crop in 2008. Thanks to Chrissy for getting this Blog Hop going and helping me get me scrap on! Here are a few more pages.... I had to take a break and post, but I still have more to do! (sorry, the tripod was cock-eyed, and the lighting is horrible...)

tag pocket page about Miramont Castle

pics of the castle

lunch at the Tea Room

view from the house

kris

Party!!

2009-08-01T09:54:00.002-05:00

Trey's party was fun...we met all his friends up at the Fun Max, it's an old grocery store turned into Bouncey Heaven... they played for an hour and half, lasted longer than I thought. It takes alot out of them, good if you wanna wear em out! Then we got Chinese take out, came back home and let them eat. Then I got Trey's present (A cell phone) which I swore I wouldn't do... more about that some other time, and put it under the ottoman before I called them in to open gifts. He had a time with some of the cards and got some cool stuff. Then Nick called his phone, and we were like "what is that?" they thought it was from a card, so he did it again until they went searching. He was really surprised... he just better prove he can handle it! Then we made ice cream sundaes and had cake. It was all good! But all night he wanted to jack with that phone, but we got him off of it and all the boys, young and old, had a Rock Band night. For some reason I keep hearing AC/DC in my brain! I got to bed about midnight and slept without getting woken up. Miracle of all miracles! Fed them eggs and bacon for breakfast, and sent them all home around noon. Yesterday we had to go spend some birthday money. First a case for the phone and a USB cable, then a new Wii game....can't save money this kid.....
Click on the link for a slideshow! Bday Pix

My Little Buddy is 10!!

2009-07-29T09:07:00.003-05:00

Where does the time go? 10 years ago today I was at
Clear Lake Hospital with a pitocin drip working on
having my baby boy.

He actually didn't arrive until 10:50 pm after a long hard day for all of us. He was perfectly healthy and beautiful.

newborn

2 months old(a favorite picture)

8 months old

Seems like yesterday....

Happy Birthday Trey!

More Blog Hoppin LO's!

2009-07-26T15:04:00.004-05:00

Here are a few more! I hope to get at least half way thru this weekend!

This one has tags in it from each spring that
tells when it was discovered, what type of water, etc.

I didn't like any of them...as you can tell!

Blog Hop LO's

2009-07-25T15:08:00.006-05:00

Welcome Willows! For the Blog Hop I have posted a few pages I am doing from the last Co Crop in 2008. We went to Manitou Springs and stayed at the Keepsake Inn, and yes, I'm just getting to that book! It's a 7x7, and not many pics fit on a page, so remind me never to do that small when you have over 300 pics to scrap! ;)
Sorry they are a little crooked, wanted to avoid the flash!
cover
From the plane

House
Front porch

D'Vine Wine

Natural springs around town

so far that's all I have, there are a few more pages in the works...

stay tuned!

Oh and by the way....

2009-07-25T10:15:00.003-05:00

I am doing the Blog Hop at Willow Traders, go check it out! Look at the cool new blinkie!

Thanks Chrissy! This will be fun!

Colorado Cool~ :)

2009-07-25T09:45:00.005-05:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I blogged! I have been having a HOT, dry summer. But I got out of it for a bit and went here:

My annual scrapbook trip with my girls, the Chi5. The name comes from the original Chicago meet-up back in 2005. Everyone thought I was crazy to go spend 5 days with people I'd never met except online on a scrapbooking message board, but it was awesome and I have some of my best friends in my life with these girls! We get together once, sometimes twice a year, in different cities around the country. This year was Evergreen Colorado at 8500 feet up in the Rocky Mountains. I didn't want to come home! It was cool, so heavenly after the 100+ temps we have been at for weeks! It was 5 days of scrapping, laughing, eating and fun. We were spoiled by our hosts, Darren and Jule. They run The Scrapbook Retreat, go check it out! Will chat more about it later, but I need to run.... Thanks for stopping by!

2009-07-03T09:43:00.003-05:00

Well, Happy Blogoversary to me! Can't believe it's been a year since I started this blog, especially when I said I'd never... well you know how that goes! ;)
I'm glad I did jump on in because I've met lots of great friends, some I've met IRL, and gotten lots of inspiration! I look forward to sharing life with my readers! Thanks for that!

Caliente!!

2009-06-24T17:31:00.006-05:00

Wonder how hot it can get around here?

103° Scattered Clouds <----clouds w/ rain would be awesome!
Wind: N at 3 mph
Humidity: 30% <------seems thicker than this for sure!
Dewpoint: 66°
Pressure: 29.79"
Heat Index: 108° <-----no kiddin'?
Wind Chill: 103° <------WHUUUT??
Sunrise: 6:22 am
Sunset: 8:26 pm

from justweather.com

We haven't had rain since April, then it was flooding! Feast or famine around here! Makes you wanna hole up in the AC. Matter of fact, that's what we've been doing! Hope we get some relief soon! Stay cool wherever you are!

9 months later

2009-06-18T13:59:00.003-05:00

No, not 9 months later and a baby is here!! LOL! No way.....;)

Nine months after Hurricane Ike and not much has changed with the townhouse! We went over there this past week and took some pictures. You wouldn't believe it! Looks almost as bad as a week after the storm. I'm sure there are parts that look worse, but after 10 minutes I was sick to my stomach and had the heeby jeebies, I had to leave! Not only are the fleas taking over, the rats and homeless people from time to time are making themselves at home. You know too, the pool hasn't ever been drained... that is a liability big time! What has our Board of Directors done about it? Not much at all! Oh wait, except spend our money!! I will post a few pics, and you can look back to the others in older posts to compare, but most pics will be on my Flickr site if you're interested. I have sent them along with letters to any news agency I could think of and every local news channel and even some national ones. Maybe if we get some press, something can be done. Not that I would live there again, ever, but we are still paying our mortgage and rent too, and the Board is spending any kind of insurance settlement we may get on frivolous things. It just makes me want to scream, wait... I have done that! So prepare to be shocked:

Our front door is back there somewhere, the weeds are 10 ft high!

the marina

remember this boat? hasn't moved!

lumber anyone?

just sick...

VIsit to "Big D"

2009-06-08T15:21:00.008-05:00

Nick and I took a weekend trip to Dallas for a family wedding this past weekend. It was a nice getaway just the two of us. Trey stayed at Mimi & Poppy's, and had fun going to the museum, riding bikes, building fires in the chiminea, and making smores!

We left on Friday morning and got there around 4pm. We stayed with the family at The Adolphus Hotel, right in downtown and it was fabulous! The rehearsal dinner was at 7pm. My husbands cousin was getting married, lemme give you a little background and this will all make sense! Nick's cousin (the Groom's father) owns a Budweiser distributorship in Brenham, he was a wholesale beer distributor lobbyist for 15 years. The bride's father owns one of the largest construction companies in the country, you'll see why this was such an extravagant weekend! ;)

The dinner was at a place in the West End district called YO Ranch Steakhouse (check out the website, it's awesome). This place has so much memorabilia and fantastic photos from the 20's. We sat by the owner and his family and they told great stories from way back when. It was one of the best steaks I've ever had. The whole place was awesome, and we were there a while, from about 7pm to 2 am! We had a 5 course meal and dessert you wouldn't believe! There was umlimited amounts of beer (Bud of course!) and wine, actually whatever you wanted, all you had to do was ask. The staff was amazing dealing with all 200 of us, serving our drinks cold and our food hot! Lots Aggies roaming around, plenty of stories, photos of the bride and groom, lots of love and well-wishes! Most of the groomsmen work in DC for various lobbyists and congressmen, so imagine the schmoozing going on! I think out of all the festivities thru the weekend, this was the most fun! Mike's Mom, Aunt Bibby, even showed up, she was really sick and they didn't think she'd make it (as in live) much less come to the wedding, but she promised Michael she'd be there and she was. She was a trooper too, she was there until almost midnight, and stayed awake too! Bless her heart!

Saturday Nick and I had the day to be tourists, it had been about 20 years since I'd been in Dallas. I had a list of things I wanted to do... if you know me, lists are friends!! Nick's best friend Patrick works in N. Richland Hills, so we took a drive. He works at Cabela's and we spent 2 hours there, it is HUGE! Then we plugged in Simone (GPS) and off we went to play tourist! I wanted to go to the Sixth Floor Museum, it was a gorgeous day, so we parked there and visited the Grassy Knoll, the Book Depository, and the reflection pool and memorials. It was very surreal to realize what had taken place there (since we weren't born when JFK was assassinated)and see all the memories, photos, newspapers, Jackie's jewelry, etc. We wandered around town and found Pioneer Park, there were lifesize bronze statues of a cattle drive, pictures don't do it justice, they were down a hill, across a stream, everywhere!!

standing on the "X"

on the grassy knoll

pioneer park

The wedding was at a church on the campus of SMU, Highland Park United Methodist. It was a huge gorgeous old church, made for a beautiful wedding! It was a short and sweet wedding, my favorite kind! We didn't hang there long, headed back to the hotel where the reception was. When we got there, in the foyer of the Grand Ballroom they had an ice sculpture and a table with goodies, cheeses, breads and fruit. Good thing because we were both starving! Oh and the first of many bars we'd see! The ballroom was gorgeous, the cakes; incredible and the band was awesome! We grabbed a table and enjoyed the music for a while, then got some dinner. Everything was great, the wedding party showed up and started the dances. By now my feet were killing me, and I saw alot of bare feet, so I joined in! By the time midnight rolled around and the carriage arrived for the bride and groom, I was more then ready to go up to our room.

the groom's cake!

my aching feet!

The next morning we had a brunch to attend and it too was wonderful, but I was ready to get home and sit still for a bit. I was pooped! Trey was ready to be at his own home too, nothing like home after a trip. Thanks for reading this far, hope you enjoyed it!

Long Time No Blog!

2009-05-30T14:28:00.005-05:00

It is officially summer and that's why I haven't had a few minutes to sit down and blog. It has been crazy and I realized I never posted about Trey's musical and what a great job he did! Here are a few snippets of what we've been up to:

Life School Musical - 4/25/09

The day of his performance I must have said a quick prayer every 2 minutes that he wouldn't be nervous or get jumbled up when there was an audience full of people out there! I found out they did the whole thing that day in school, for the students, so that was a nice run through with bodies in the seats! ;) I also prayed that I could keep the butterflies jumping around in my stomach to a minimum, I was very anxious! This was my kid who was so shy and could barely squeak out his name and would turn beet red if anyone talked to him. I said "was" because in the last year he has really come out of his shell.

He let me gel his hair and make it all crazy, he was supposed to be a silly looking guy. It looked cute! Everyone told him he should wear it that was everyday...not....

When we got there they miked him up and got him backstage and off we went! Amazingly I was calm and could enjoy it. I was worried about him missing a cue of forgetting a line, but I shouldn't have, he did great. He got up there, that was a miracle in itself! There were a couple of times that there were total mess ups by all of the kids, but if you didn't know the play line by line like I did you probably wouldn't have noticed! He even wants to do it again next year!

That night after the play, Nick was heading to a race, and Trey and I went to dinner in the middle of hell. The thunderstorm was the first of many for this and the next weekend. Thought we'd never make it home, 30 mph all the way and our street was flooded, I could see visions of having to put up furniture in the middle of the night!

Mothers Day '09 - My guys took me shopping for a new cell phone. I didn't have a keyboard on my old one and I am into texting! I got a new Blackberry and it's so fun! Texting is easy, I can take pics and it's a MP3 player too! Lovin it! We did the Mom's thing with our Mom's, but I am such a bad scrapbooker and didn't get one picture of either of us with our Mom's!! I did get a few cute ones of Trey! (and Morgan)

End of School Functions -

Trey's school always has Field Day, all kinds of track and field events to compete in. My GF and I went to eat breakfast before and got there in time for one event and lightening halted the whole thing. Happens every year! Home we went!

His last day of school was Thursday the 28th and the whole class went to Fun Max Jump In. An old grocery store that is now jumpy paradise! The kids had a blast, it stunk to high heaven, lordy all those sweaty kids, sock feet and ewwwwwwwwww! No one even got hurt, that was a bonus! It all started at 9:15 and we we're outta there by 11:30!

That night we had to be back at the school for awards, last hurrah of the year!

Trey made Honor Roll, Scripture, and Superior Conduct, he's a pretty good student!

So, that in a nutshell is what's been going on here! We are going to Dallas next weekend for a wedding, it'll be a little get away for Nick and I. Will post about that in a few weeks!

New Look

2009-05-06T08:50:00.002-05:00

Well, I put a little spring look to my blog, I was getting tired of the other one, so I bet y'all were too! Hope you like it! I'll be back later with a few updates, there are some things I have been meaning to blog but haven't yet! See ya on the flipside!

Church Has Left the Building

2009-05-02T09:56:00.007-05:00

Last weekend was "Church Has Left the Building", so that is what we did! We went out into the community to do some repairs, clean up whatever they needed to a school in desperate need! We were supposed to do this a while back, but got rained out. The school had even gotten water in it the day before during the torrential rains we had. I haven't heard how many all together showed up ready to work, but it was a bunch! We rock!

Our small group had the nastiest of all jobs, not sure why they assigned us to the "Stinky MudPit" which we lovingly called it. Maybe they knew we could do it, we're tough and strong, or maybe they were punishing us for some reason!

me, Matt, Shawna, Einar and Tanya. heave ho!

Most got painting curbs (Laura) or painting picnic tables, landscaping, etc... But we got to dig up a pond, an old waterfeature, in the teachers atrium. Remember I said we had tons of rain lately? Well the pumps didn't work on this particular pond and the water was stagnant and nasty! We had to take out all the ~~rocks~~ boulders, liner, water, weeds, frogs, earthworms, etc., out of the muck filled hole and fill it back in!

The kids were not thrilled when we got there, but they busted butt and hauled rocks, dug up weeds, played with frogs and doodlebugs, and after we were finished, they were all glad they helped!

But you know what? It was fun... we spent the day serving in our community, sharing the Gospel by our works and getting blessed by doing it! Sunday Night Survivors ROCK!

I saw this group on Facebook and it's so true!

Here is a link to our GO site too, much more pics!

What a weekend!

2009-04-20T12:28:00.003-05:00

Well, the golf tournament I (we) have worked on for months was rained out Saturday. We did have the dinner and auction on Friday night. It went well considering the area was flooding! It stopped raining just for me to get there on time. We made $3100 on auction items. Most of our money is brought in on the golf course and we were all hoping and praying the rain wouldn't come this way, how wrong we were! I got a text on Saturday at 7:30 am saying it was cancelled. Then the weather didn't look so bad so I told my gf, "it better come a torrential turd floater or I'll be pissed!" Well, about 3 hours later, here it came! It rained and blew and thundered and lightninged (is that a word?)like it was the end of the world. The power went out probably 8 times but never stayed off for too long, thank goodness. There are some in our neighborhood that still don't have power, saw 4 power trucks go down the street last night at 10pm. There was a tornado touchdown 1/2 a mile from us and I knew when it hit, the winds were crazy! These poor people weren't even back into their house after Ike and now this! Sucks...We got close to the point of needing to put up furniture, especially when the ~~inconsiderate wackos~~ drivers fly by and throw a wake up and wash out all my new mulch and bedding plants! Nick was being "flooded street cop" for a time since it was so high! We were also taking pictures of them and their license plates in case we got water in the house! Texas weather is amazing, this house had NO water during Ike, but 6 inches of rain in an hour comes much too fast for the drainage to hold up. Thank goodness it stopped just in time! Here are a few shots from Saturday:

Nick the "flooded street cop"!

my gf's car that would have had water in it had it still been in the street!

So now I have another dilemma, the tournament is rescheduled for a weekend I'm supposed to be at a family wedding in Dallas. I was looking forward to it as a weekend getaway for Nick and I but now I'm reconsidering going... no I haven't RSVP'd yet, if I had I would be going. I just hate to put in all the work and not get to enjoy the fun part! Plus I'm the course photographer this year and not sure who I could trust to take that over. Well, there is a little time to figure this out.

In other news, Trey's play is this Friday, please keep me him in your prayers. He knows his lines, but during practice the auditorium is empty, when it's full and everyone has an eye on him, Lord knows how he'll react. I know I'll be a nervous nelly!

Mom and Dad left on their cruise yesterday for 7 days, they'll have a blast! Can't wait to hear all about it!

I fell crappy today, not sure what is with me, but I was hoping to get back to the gym today, at least this week! It's almost summer and I am in no shape for a swimsuit!

Well, ramblings over..... I'm out!

What He did ROCKS

2009-04-11T10:25:00.004-05:00

Remembering what Easter is all about:
(scroll down and mute JBJ for a minute!)

Family, Fun, Frenzy & Fuzzy!

2009-04-04T15:48:00.008-05:00

Seems like it's been forever since I've been here! I have been really busy. No, not at work, I don't have a paid position in a fancy office. I'm a MOM. Who has time to hold a job and be a Mom? God bless em, because if it were me, I'd never have clean laundry, house, kitchen, kid or husband.. they'd be all dirty all the time! We have had Spring Break, (see: bored 9 yr old after 2 days), we had family in town from Ohio on their Spring Break, then got a new family member, a fuzzy one. Maverick, he is another rescue. Like Merry, our first Anatolian, we couldn't let him go without a family. He was orphaned, long and sad story, in North Texas and brought here to our friends that do great work with the National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network. We saw him and fell hard, he is precious, but he's a puppy and I wanna wring his neck, or course not literally, but dang those little fangs hurt!

SO he keeps us busy, and the play practice (read previous post) and playing tourist with family. Back to the family visit, it was fun, Trey wasn't bored, he had two other boys to hang with, my cousins kids, they all got along great. They got in on Friday night, so everyone came here from the airport and we had dinner. Saturday we hung out at my parents and the kids played outside. We were supposed to swim, but the cold followed them down, it was way too chilly! Sunday they had plans across town, so we did our normal things. Monday was Space Center Houston day, I have been many times, but there is always a new attraction, this time was "Pirates". Of course the kids favorite is the Martian Matrix (a huge plaything like McD's, but waaaaaay bigger).

Then Tuesday we went to Kemah, yes, it's back. There are a few rides that Ike messed up and they have fixed, but there are some gone totally and some that won't be back for a while. It looked good though considering!

We went out to the bluebonnet field and got lots of pics, but I didn't have my camera, so I'm waiting on those and will post when I get them!

Hope Spring has made it to your neck of the woods! Get out and enjoy!

The Professor

2009-03-22T13:44:00.004-05:00

Found out my DS has gotten a part in the 4th grade school play! Exciting? Yes. Scary? Yes. If you know him, you know for years he couldn't look anyone in the eye while they talked to him, he rarely did the talking! I used to warn teachers that if you raised your voice the least little bit, he'd be reduced to tears, like mother like son. He was so shy, up until lately. He let me know that in kids church he gets up on stage!!! WHAT??? He looks forward to it! This morning he said, "I'll probably have to be up on stage again" rolling his eyes like it was going to be a real chore! Deep down I could see he was hoping that was the case! So, he got the part of Professor John Spiritus Baptismo. He has 6 pages of lines. It is a musical, "The School of Life", a High School Musical of sorts, though one with a message! I will work with him on lines but I'd appreciate prayer from now until showtime, April 24th. He's thinking how cool it'll be, but being on that stage with an auditorium of parents staring at you is a different story! I'll be a nervous wreck for him that night! I'm going to do my best and see he's prepared! Thanks! I'll record this momentous event for sure and share here later!

2009-03-14T18:57:00.001-05:00

Got another blog I'm keeping my eyes on...If I keep this up, I'll never be able to do anything but read blogs!! Here is Lisa's blog and enjoy!

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Rainy days...& ER

2009-03-14T12:08:00.009-05:00

These kinds of days make me catch up on all things DVR'ed. It is cold and rainy out, all my laundry is cought up and my house is pretty clean, so I'm camped out by the fire watching things I have recorded! I love the regular shows like Grey's (finally with a new epi), and Survivor, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars... but my favorite for years is ER, and I am sad, so sad that this is the last year...I have watched from the beginning. The beginning being 1994, I was not a Mom yet and still in the working world! Different days! Here are a few of my favorite ER moments: Season 1 starts out as your typical medical drama with a great looking cast. They are building relationships and helping us get to know the doctors.

Do you see how young they all look?? My favorites at the beginning were of course John Carter (Noah Wylie) and Doug Ross (George Clooney). I liked Dr. Benton, but his character was a bit of a jerk, though we grew to love him. Dr. Mark Greene was awesome in a sweet, goofy way, we all knew him from Top Gun (Goose).

Some memorable highlights from ER through the years:

a crazy patient takes over the ER and kills and intern (Lucy; played by Kellie Martin) and almost Dr. Carter. Season 5.

Luka Kovac joins the cast... ooh la la... played by Goran Visnjic. Love me some Luka! Season 6.
Carter and Abby get involved in drugs and alcohol struggles. Season 7.
Dr. Greene gets married and discovers he has a brain tumor. Season 7.
Dr. Greg Pratt played by the hunky Mekhi Phifer joins the cast. and the worst part of this season was losing Dr. Greene! :( Season 8

Some of the cast, Carter, Pratt and Kem (Carters' wife) go to Darfur, really heartbreaking shows. Season 9

One of the most memorable episodes of Season 10 was when Dr. Romano gets killed by a helicopter falling off the roof and ont him in the ambulance bay! He was a jerk, so no one really cared, except the special effects were awesome!!

Dr. Carter and wife finally have a baby only for it to be stillborn. Really sad shows in Season 11.
Then.... my man... John Stamos joins the cast as Dr. Tony gates!! Season 12 but Gallant dies in Iraq.

Season 13 - Sam and her son get kidnapped by her ex and Sam ends up killing him when he's asleep. Abby and Luka have a baby, Joe.

Dr. Moretti (Stanley Tucci) joins the cast, but doesn't last long... I liked his character! Season 14

Dr Pratt dies in an explosion in the ambulance bay. Hated to see him go. Season 15.

Now to Thursday night, John Carter showed up a few weeks ago and we discovered he needs a kidney transplant. He is admitted to Northwestern where Dr. Benton works, so we get to see him for the first time in 7 years. Then forward to the hospital where Neela and Sam are retrieiving organs, and there are Doug and Carol! They have been married and working in a hospital in Seattle (wonder if they know McDreamy?) since 2000. I read on the official ER site that they ordered 3 more episodes and it will make the FINAL show ever of ER to air on April 2nd. WAAAHHH!! Thank goodness I have plenty of shows to watch on Thursday night, but I will really miss ER.
Season 6

Season 10

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Secret Admirer?

2009-03-06T13:26:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago I was getting Trey's planner that I have to sign every night out of his backpack and I found a box with his name on it, curious, I opened it... this is what I found:

then I opened it and see this:

then under that the padding they put in jewelry boxes, then:

then this:

:0 ( little young for this heh?)

then last week I found this:

wonder if little Miss Thang is the SA*

*Secret Admirer

too funny! I always hope my child is liked and has friends,

looks like that is the case!! I'm saving these for blackmail! ;)

Free Signature Generator

2009-03-05T08:45:00.002-06:00

So I heard you wanted to hear who got the goods? Well, I still have some left believe it or not! But... Ruth got the metal embellies, (I'm going to link her blog even though she hasn't updated in forevah!!) She has been busy with her new house construction, so she has a good excuse!! Diana got the paper and kit lot, good thing because I can drive it to her, it's one heavy package! She is great about keeping up her blog! Go check it out! Jill got the rub ons and such, but she has to share with Dana... :) cause I wanted everyone to get something! If you want ribbon or fibers, holler, they are still up for grabs!

Free Signature Generator

Thanks for playing!

2009-02-28T09:24:00.002-06:00

Thanks for visiting and commenting for blog candy! I have notified the winners and will get the packages out this coming week! Thanks for helping me clear out my "scrap crap" as DH so lovingly puts it! :) Hope you all have a great weekend!

Blog Candy

2009-02-24T16:35:00.004-06:00

It's close enough to spring for me to start cleaning and organizing my scraproom. So you know what that means??? I have been going thru all my stuff I haven't used in months and will send it to you! All you have to do is reply with the link of your favorite blog, let me know which lot of stuff you would like to have and I'll draw a name of all entrants for each lot of goodies. (The only one I'll ask for shipping for is the kit and paper lot since it's heavy!) Go!

Lot 1: mostly metal; buckles, big brads, dog bone brads, bottle cap brads, eyelets and tilez

Lot 2: Misc; tags, magic mesh, felt flowers, chipboard paisley, kit leftovers, die cut adhesive dots, Christmas embelllies

Lot 3: Rub-ons and letters; Cosmo Cricket, Gin X, metal letters and Heidi Swapp Iron on letters in light blue, red and black outline.

Lot 4: Chip bases, Junkitz gumdrops, Icicle words (KI & Doodlebug), Queen & Co felt fusion, Prima Wings in lt blue.

Lot 5: misc stickers and die cuts(2 photos)

Fancy Ribbon Lot:

Twill and Floss Lot:

Fiber Lot:

Kit Lot and paper: no pics (sorry)

6.5x4.5 mat stack primary

PC Paper Palette (handmade paper)

Tim Coffee Travel 6x6 stack

CM calendar kit (5x7)

Dee's Designs "brothers" page kit

Magic Scraps Memory Board page kit

misc 12x12 patterned paper

Miracles?

2009-02-18T14:24:00.004-06:00

I felt led to share this with y'all, not sure why except hoping you can see the everyday miracles that we are blessed with and thank the One who makes them happen!

This weekend we went to hear a man speak who was dead.... yep, for 90 minutes. He was awesome! If you haven't heard of Don Piper or read his book, "90 Minutes in Heaven", let me know, you can borrow my copy. Short version; this preacher on his way home from a pastor's conference in the Lake Livingston area gets hit head-on by an 18 wheeler driven by a trustee from a prison close by. The truck was going about 80 and it killed Don immediately. I won't give anything away, but this man is incredible and awesome to see how he is doing, walking and talking, both of which the doctors said he'd never do. He was a pastor at a church in Alvin,TX and still lives close by in Pasadena. While listening to the speakers before him, they were mentioning how everything that happens these days is explained by "coincidence" or "luck," do you know what the definition of coincidence is? It is: The occurence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection. Hmmmm.... doesn't anyone notice that there is a Person behind these events? Like one of the speakers at Saturday's breakfast said, most people would rather believe that alot of things "just happened" to save that man, keep that plane from crashing and instead land in the water safely... have you heard of all the things that "had to go right" for that to happen?? I don't believe that, I believe there were reasons unbeknown to us and the passengers for it to land safely and have everyone survive. Do you see what I see? (I got this photo from another blog, but forgot who's...sorry)

I know in my life I have been witness to more miracles than I can count and most of which were not fun. My husband is an accident waiting to happen, or was in his younger life! He has been hoisted out of the lake unconsious and face down from a wakeboarding accident and flown to Hermann Hospital by Life Flight. I had always been a believer and a praying person, but during this time more than ever. He had caught a rock underwater with his board and had flip-flopped over a rocky shoreline back in Clear Creek splitting his head wide open, breaking many bones along the way. His brain was swelling and we were told that if he woke up, he might not know us. Among other terrible injuries, this was by far the worst. After 3 days in a coma, all the while, my family, his family and all we knew were praying without ceasing for him, he woke up. It was the longest 3 days of my life, but I know it was a miracle, there was no other reason. He was fine and except for the staples, stitches and bandages that would help him heal, he was his normal self! Praise God! There were a few other times where he managed to survive, keep his leg, (another long story)and live thru driving in the middle of a hurricane that I knew there was a bigger pair of hands keeping him safe!

The biggest miracle is the birth of my son. I had a normal pregnancy and long delivery, so there's no drama to that story, but just the miracle of life, that is the best one of all!

Hopefully this post will just open your eyes to see the miracles in your lives, and not just think, "how lucky" or how it "just happened". Let me hear about your everyday miracles!

My day of baking

2009-02-12T17:28:00.004-06:00

Here are my sweeties I made today! They will go to the Valentine's party tomorrow at Trey's school, and they better appreciate it! LOL! They were easy, though trying to ice some with chocolate isn't what it's cracked up to be!

and no, mine don't look like the ones in the picture of the ones below, I know that!!

I'm not a professional baker!

Caution.. sweets in here

2009-02-10T08:37:00.003-06:00

Sweets for the Sweets!

OK, I have been looking for something to take to Trey's Valentines party Friday and I want to try all of the recipes!!! First off, don't blame me if you add a few pounds, I'm just the messenger, I'm not going to force you to make and eat any of these!! One of my favorite sites to check out new recipes is Bakerella, she is FABULOUS and her stuff looks so yummy but some of her recipes take alot of time and patience! She is so good about pictures walking you thru every step. I am a very visual person, if I see it I can do it! But these...so simple yet so evil!! Brownie/Cookie Heaven. Then I found these this morning: Pretzel Buttons WOW! That's it! So easy anyone can do it!! Peanut Butter, salty pretzel and chocolate?? 'nuff said! I'll show you my creations when I get to them, hopefully tomorrow!! Remember... I warned you!

Happy Birthday Brother!

2009-02-03T10:25:00.004-06:00

Today is my baby brother's 40th Birthday!
Happy Birthday Bub!

(1969)

We grew up in a great home and had great parents, but I can remember our Mom

threatening to lock us in a room and let us "fight to the death"!! There were times we

fought like cats and dogs and couldn't stand the sight of each other.

But he has always been my favorite brother! ;)

(about 1970)

We have always looked out for each other and have grown to be friends!

(after dinner Saturday night)

Hope this year is a good one for you! 143, Sissy

STL Pics

2009-01-28T11:52:00.005-06:00

Here are my pics from St. Louis. We had over 300 pics between everyone!

Lots to choose from but here are the highlights! (close ups if you click on the pics)

Day 2 - shopping in 8 degree weather. Yes we were the only tourists on the street!

Suzanne, Me, Meghan, Lynn, Janis and Kelly

In a Celtic shop.... what did he have on under there??

Can't take me & Jan anywhere!

200 scrappers and all their junk ummmmm...I mean important belongings!

Outdoor photo shoot during an all day Jammie crop (brrrrrr, it was about 14 degrees!)

The arch... if you ever get a chance to see how this was built, check it out, it's amazing!

Holding up the arch! Can you believe people had scratched graffiti on the steel?? Unreal!

In the museum under the arch... trying to get a kiss from Thomas Jefferson!

We are all pointing to where we live.

What did I say about can't take us anywhere?? In the museum...

A wall mural about the men who built the arch

Here we are 630 feet up! It was a great time, just wish the weather had been better!
Jan, Lynn, Kelly, Me , Suzanne and Jenny

Downtown from the top!

Leaving the arch grounds, ready to thaw out!

Me, Kelly, Jan, Lynn and Jenny

about my trip...

2009-01-22T09:02:00.005-06:00

Well, first off it was COLD! Got into St. Louis on Thursday the 15th. When we left here it was chilly, but not cold. I did take plenty of warm clothes since Kelly had let us know the forecast. It was nice and sunny when we landed around 2pm but about 20 degrees. Kelly was waiting for us when we (Suzanne & I) got off the plane. Thank goodness she lucked out and got a front row parking spot! We then went to the hotel to check in and get rid of some bags since we had to pick up Jan a bit later. We stayed at the Sheraton Westport Chalet. It was on a lake and it was mostly frozen. There were little bridges across a frozen stream all around. We had a great view, but kept the curtains closed most of the time to help keep the cold out. We picked Jan up at the airport then went to Kelly's house in Illinois, (just across the river) for dinner. We got to meet the "boys," all four of them, her DH, her son and 2 furry boys, Scooby and Butter. She made lasagna, salad and bread for us and it was yum! We then made a trek to WallyWorld for scrappin snacks and scarves, gloves and hats! It was really cold! Then back to the hotel. Speaking of cold...We sat a case of water out on the balcony since we didn't have a mini fridge and got up to 12 blocks of ice in water bottles! Frozen solid!

Friday morning we couldn't really unload in the crop room until later so we had a nice breakfast in the hotel restaurant. I had a croissant with poached eggs, cheese, canadian bacon and asparagus, oh man was it yummy! We then went to St. Charles where Lewis and Clark first left the shores of the Missouri River to look for the route to the Pacific. It was a great little town with brick streets and historic buildings, but did I mention it was COLD?? It was hovering around 12 degrees and spitting icy bits everywhere. We had the clothes piled on and each time we'd go into a store we were sweating! I think we were the only "tourists" on the street that day, no one else was dumb enough! Most of the shops were closed! The schools had been cancelled too! Can I tell you, when your face is so frozen, you can't feel your nose run or your eyes water? Just say, it's not pretty! ;)

Later when we got thawed out, we unloaded all our scrap stuff and got busy. I got so much done! Nick had mentioned I never make him anything, so that was first on my agenda! I made him a book:

I'll post all the pages on my Scrapbook.com home page if you want to see.

Then I started a Basic Grey calendar. Man what a PITA! It was tough, lots of rub-ons and lots of chipboard that was supposed to be self adhesive, but wouldn't stick! It turned out great, but I wanted to quit many times!! It'll be posted on my scrapbook site too. Here's one page:

We took a class, me, Jan, Lynn and Suzanne, to make a mini book and it was so cool! Learned lots of new techniques. It is a small Valentine themed book:

There were almost 200 croppers that attended and we all had a blast! Saturday was an all day Crop in PJ's. That was awesome!

Sunday we took off and went to the arch. It had gotten warm, 30 degrees that morning! WOOHOO! I was a bad scrapbooker and never took my camera anywhere. If you know about "us" we usually have the same 500 pictures, so we designated Suzanne the official photographer! So.... I have no pics of any of the touristy stuff! Let me tell you, the arch was amazing! We watched the movie about how it was built and those guys, man, it was unreal! None of them wore safety harnesses! They were walking along at 500 and 600 feet up and just watching it made my knees weak! There were no deaths during the building of the arch either! Simply amazing! OK, so you go thru security, and get in line... the tram cars are tiny! TINY!!!! 5 people cram into this thing for a 4 minute trip up. Thank goodness it was cold, because I can't imagine being crammed in there and as rickety as it felt....in hot weather... barf! It wasn't a very pretty day, but you could see a ways. It was very cool! I'll post some pics when I get them!

Then it was time to go.... always a sad time since it'll be months til I see my girls again!

My guys sure were glad to see me though! They had done well while I was gone! Trey had a Lock In at church and had a ball. My Mom had a birthday on Sunday, I did remember to call her that morning! I had freaked them all out since my plane was in the air when the one went down in NY. Just hearing a plane is down before you hear the info is heart stopping! Believe me when I got on the flight home, I prayed all the way!!

All in all it was a great trip and I'm looking forward to the next one!

I think I can feel my toes now!! ;)

til next post!

Literally... chillin

2009-01-16T09:47:00.001-06:00

This is my mood for today since i'm in St. Louis... it's 2 degrees at the moment... going to crop downstairs... check y'all later!

Bad, Bad Blogger!

2009-01-13T12:32:00.002-06:00

I have been a bad girl! I used to be so with it when it came to blogging, but I haven't been keeping up! Things have gotten back to normal with school starting after the holidays, I think I'm the only one who is glad about this! Trey is doing good in school, notice I didn't say great. He is still holding an "A" average, but barely. His handwriting is atrocious and he hates math and I can't get him to even try harder. Hopefully it is a short term thing or he won't make it to 10! LOL, kidding of course, but geesh...

I am getting ready for a scrapping trip this Thursday, can't wait, I'm already mostly packed but that's so I don't wear the clothes I wanna take! I do enough laundry as it is! I am heading to St. Louis to meet up with Jan, Suzanne, Kelly, Lynn, Jenny, Meghan and Janis. I wasn't planning this, but my BFF talked me into it, tho I didn't need much convincing! It's practically free, thanks Jan! She is such a great gf! Will share many pics when I get home! We are doing the arch on Sunday. As cold as it is here I can't even imagine how cold it'll be there! BRRRRRRRR!

I have been hearing from so many friends I haven't heard from in forever or lost touch with. I think the world has gotten much smaller thanks to the internet and Facebook!
Hi Becky and Alane!

Also, I'm just gonna put it out there so I can be held accountable.... I'm trying to, No, I will, read through the Bible this year. I got off to a rough start, not until the 9th of January, but i'm almost caught up. Genesis is tough since most of it is family trees and how long these people lived and how many kids they had, but I'm pushing thru! Our pastor challenged us to do this, so I can do it, I don't back down from a challenge!

OK, well, gotta go get the kid from school and make some stops beforehand, so I'm outta here! I promise to be a better blogger! Say "hi" when you stop in!

Peace out...(can you tell it's Idol time!) YAY!

kris

My Own Space

2009-01-03T19:53:00.004-06:00

Thanks to my Mom who prayed endlessly and relentlessly for me to have my own scraproom...here is my answer to her prayers! I have been trying to get it all together and I think it's almost there. I have a few things to do yet and a few more shelves to hang. I decided I really need better lighting too. It never ends, does it? I had to rearrange a bit since Santa brought me a flat screen for the wall! (click on the pics for a bigger shot)

lovely scraptable FIL built for me! Expedit and other bookshelf

my memo board DH & I made!

bird cages I found at a consignment shop, Kristie D. had some painted (stenciled) on her wall in her scraproom and I loved them! When I found these I knew they were MINE!

cubes from Big Lots I covered and backed w/patterned paper.

Thanks for looking and come over and scrap anytime! ;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T10:19:00.003-06:00

2008, a year we won't soon forget! It was one crazy year and I'm glad it's in the past. Although we had plenty of great times, we had some hard times too. Losing a family member is the hardest by far, but then we had Ike too! We have been a blessed family in 2008 and hope for that and more in 2009. We pray for you and your families to have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

A Christmas Angel

2008-12-26T14:37:00.002-06:00

I have to tell you about something that happened this week. It makes me realize there are still good people in this world! A friend came over to bring some goodies that she didn't use in a house she was decorating. That was coool in itself, but she left a gift bag under our tree. When she left I checked it out to see her Christmas card, because she always makes the cutest ones of her boys. There was another envelope in there made out to my DH and myself, so I opened it....there were 2 American Express gift cards in there and it was enough to buy Christmas gifts for all the ones we needed to! I was shocked and kept looking at the envelope making sure it had our name on it! I showed DH and he was like, "Whuuuuuuuuuuuut????" I called my friend and told her I had to get the wrong envelope and she needed to come get it! Of course her phone went straight to voice mail and a few minutes later she called back and was just giggling. She said it was ours to spend on whatever we wanted. She has a client that does this for families every year and she had asked her if she knew of any families affected by Ike and that she wanted to help. I am so moved by people like this and never thought I would be on the receiving end. I am humbled and so appreciative. It was wonderful to get the gifts we needed to and not worry about January bills. She was truly our Christmas angel!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T08:10:00.005-06:00

Luke 2: 1 – 14
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men."

It is full on Christmas mode starting this morning and not ending until Saturday. Trey went to bed last night at 7pm, VERY unusual for him, especially with no school. But he wanted today and tomorrow to get here quicker, that's a kid for ya! I hope all of you have a Blessed Christmas! We are, we have so much to be thankful for, our new home being at the top of that list! I got my wish this year and if that is all I get, I'm thrilled! Remember the "Reason for the Season" and have a

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

More snow!

2008-12-13T20:51:00.002-06:00

well, in my blog that is.... I got the link from Dawn, you have to see her blog.. it is gorgeous and always uplifting and oh, so funny! I really have missed reading my list of blogs... gonna get back to it! I wanted to find a holiday background, but I'd have to make a new header and I have my background and header just like I like it. Y'all may get tired of looking at it though! Maybe after the holidays I'll spiff it up a bit! So enjoy the falling snow as you read! Will share our decorations soon, have to learn how to get a good pic of lights! See ya!

Snow and Shuttle Fly over!!

2008-12-12T10:58:00.004-06:00

Snow one day and the Shuttle the next....what a week!

I hope most of you in the Houston/Clear Lake area were outside yesterday around noon... this is what was circling the city skies... I couldn't take my eyes off of it! Some of the overhead shots are from the NASA site. In one you can see how low the water is in the lake!
It was a perfect gorgeous day for a flyover!! Enjoy!

SNOW~

2008-12-11T08:38:00.005-06:00

First off, you Yankees are probably gonna laugh, but we Texans rarely get snow. My son used to ask, "will it snow for Christmas?" and I learned not to say no becuase I was so wrong a few years ago when we had snow on Christmas Eve! Well, it did it again last night. It was sleeting around dinnertime and then turned to big fluffy flakes after dark and kept it up until the wee hours of the morning. It was a perfect night to decorate the tree with the fire going and it snowing outside! Trey had a blast and maybe had a bit of frostbite too! He didn't want to wear gloves because he couldn't feel the snow! Here's his best snowball and a few more pics:

So have a MERRY CHRISTMAS, now I better get to shopping!

Here's me and my snow friend!

Here's hoping....

2008-12-04T16:31:00.001-06:00

I signed up for a giveaway on Ellen's website and hoping she pops in to read my blog!
HI ELLEN!!!

Thankful

2008-11-28T10:08:00.003-06:00

appreciative, contented, gratified, pleased, relieved, satisfied all these and more.

Looking back on an Ike post I saw I used alot of adjectives that were sad, scared, etc... well, times have changed people and life is great! During this season I have so much to be thankful for and you are one of them! Thanks for stopping in and I promise I'll be better at posting. (since I have my own computer back for the first time in MONTHS!!! ) YAY!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Home pics

2008-11-10T15:40:00.005-06:00

OK as promised....pics of the house, thanks for looking and try not to notice the mess and boxes!

front porch

from front door

living room

opposite view

coming in back door

looking at back door thru kitchen

pantry!

laundry room

Nick's office

Dining room

hall to right side

Jack & Jill Bathrooms

Trey's messy room

wanna-be scraproom!

hall to Master

one half of Master

other half of master

our closet

half of master bath

other half of master

music/gameroom

driveway

Nick's favorite part!

Merry staying in from the rain.

cool bowl from MIL.

If you really made it this far, YOU ROCK! Hopefully soon you can come see it IRL!

The Yellow Butterfly

2008-11-02T20:57:00.002-06:00

I have to share this "God thing" that happened to me. A few weeks ago when I was feeling really down and worried about our situation I was on the phone trying to get thru to FEMA, sitting outside at our friends house on the patio and in between being on hold and pushing more numbers I was talking to God and just telling Him I knew He had a plan and it'd all work out. I told Him I was frustrated, scared and just so worried, but I was asking for a sign and some peace & patience. This yellow butterfly kept flittering around, never landing but hanging around close. This happened the next few days in a row. Fast forward to finally finding a house and we were taking a break in moving in boxes and I went in the backyard and guess what I saw? Yep, a yellow butterfly! I just let out a little giggle and said outloud, "OK, you got me and thanks!" So the answer may not always be heard, but I knew He was there and just saying to me.... "I handled it, didn't I?" So keep a look out for a Yellow Butterfly, He may be hovering over you too!
Will update with more pics as soon as I find my camera!! Love you all!

HOME

2008-10-23T09:14:00.004-05:00

Well, here is our new home. It is in a "Front Porch Community" in Seabrook called Mystic Village. It looks like it shouldn't be on the gulf coast. No houses in this neighborhood had any damage, they all still have trees even! After a storm is a good time to look for a house, you can tell where not to buy if there is a pile of debris on the street. Sorry the blinds are all wonky.. I have been cleaning! We have 4 bedrooms and all the formals, thought they will be empty for a while since I have no furniture!! ;) Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes! God is good and we are on the road back! It'll be good to sleep in my own bed for the first time in over a month! Will have a huge housewarming party in November!! Look out for the invites! Back to moving!

Home Sweet Home

2008-10-21T08:56:00.003-05:00

We got a house! Moving now and will put pics up later tonight hopefully! We were so lucky to find something since everyone is looking at the moment, but like I have said before, I was trying to trust God and wait on Him and His timing and He heard us and found us a home. I have been tellling Trey that "home" is wherever we are together as a family and since Ike we have had many "homes" but this will be our real home! The neighborhood is awesome, doesn't look like it should be on the Gulf Coast, none of the houses are damaged or had water, the roofs are great and they are all decorated for Halloween. It is gorgeous and I can't wait to show y'all, but I have to get moving, literally! Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes! Thanks most of all to God....
now just give me strength to get this part done!! ;)

Favorite Song

2008-10-06T16:57:00.002-05:00

I love Third Day and today I really listened to the words of this song, and it might be my answer... I've been asking God what to do in our situation and I realized I just have to trust He'll bring us thru. I got a comment from a friend the other day and it is so true,
"The bigger the mess, the bigger the message"

"Revelation"

My life has led me down the road that's so uncertain
Now I am left alone and I am broken
Trying to find my wayTrying to find the faith that's gone
This time I know that you are holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances
On roads that never seemTo be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation
Show me what to do'
Cause I've been trying to find my wayI haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you

My life has led me down this path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn, I'm always finding
That I am lost again
Tell me when this road will ever end
I don't know where I can turn
Tell me, when will I learn
Won't you show me where I need to go
Let me follow your lead
I know that it's the only way that I can get back home

Fed Up

2008-09-27T11:45:00.002-05:00

Frustrated, anxious, stressed, worried, fearful, man what else... since the day or 2 after the storm I have been all of the above and more. We have moved our belongings all over the place and torn out all the walls that were saturated and moldy. Just in cast they decide to rebuild. My hope is they don't. We would never be able to afford it. Since Katrina, our flood insurance went up $400 and now with a direct hit, we wouldn't be able to get insurance unless it's way high. The complex is over 40 years old and to fix it would cost more than just to tear it down and sell the property. Just say a quick prayer that it will all work out. I know God is in control, and His way is not my way, but I'm getting so impatient and I'm on the verge of tears 24/7. I am trying to be strong but my faith is weak. I know it will all work out, but starting over is scaring me to death. Not having a home is beyond stressful. If you know me, having my stuff scattered from here to Kingdom Come is driving me crazy! I am a neat and organized person and I am not that way at the moment. Waiting on Flippin FEMA to reassess our case file so we can get some cash and get a place. We have a nibble on a house but can't move forward until we have a bit of money. At least Trey had school all week and had some kind of normal. Except that we had to get up at the crack of dawn to get him there since we are 30 minutes from where were were and it's another 30 minutes to school from home. I'm still around, don't have my own computer yet, don't have a plcae to plug it in, so I'm not ignoring you if you have emailed me, I just can't get those yet. You can email me at kstrat33@yahoo.com and I can check those! I miss all of my blog sisters and what is going on in your lives. Hopefully soon I can get back! Hugs from here. Oh and I got a new link for more pics if you're interested. They are from a few days after Ike and taken from the water in Clear Lake . For you out of towners the towns are League City , Clear Lake Shores , Kemah, Seabrook, El Lago... all Texas of course. Clear Lake is one of the top three areas for privately owned yachts and water craft in the nation.
Clear Lake pics

Now I know what HELL looks like

2008-09-15T08:27:00.006-05:00

Just to let y'all know we are alive and ok. We won't have power for maybe months... even when the city is back on we won't be since most of our transformers are under water and it'll take so long to remove all the debris. First off, thank you for all the prayers, I know that is the only thing that kept me and all of my loved ones here, it was hell friends, I was beyond terrified and wasn't sure if we'd make it, seriously. We started getting wind around 8:30 pm, not bad just blowing and by 10:30 it was on... and it didn't stop until 8:30 am. It was coming thru like nothing I have heard before and imagine it is what hell sounds like. Nick has stayed at home to put more things up and decided at 11:30 to get a nap and slept thru his phone ringing, thank God the dog, our hero, licked him in the face until he woke up and when he swung his feet off the couch they were under water to his calves. He grabbed the dog and took off, he looked out the front door and my truck was up to the tailpipe in water. He decided to try to start it and it did and he got the heck outta there. But.. this was in the midst of the storm at 3:30 am. He called me and I listened to him drive to my parents and I never want to do that ever again. I was physically ill the whole time. I taked him into the driveway and I could see & feel the rain and wind finally and it stung like a thousand bees, but he had made it. We just collapsed into each others arms and cried. Thank you Jesus. He managed to get some sleep finally, but I could not. I thought the house was going to come apart and I was terrified. I had been thru Hurricane Alicia in 1983 and this was 10X worse. We never got he eye wall so it was 10 hours of 80 mph wind steady and gusting to 100. Thank God my son slept thru it, if he was awake and scared too, I wouldn't have made it. We had TV until midnight and could see what was going on by the news cast. Then when it went it was really scary. We could hear things hitting the house but not see it since all the windows were boarded up. It was the longest night of my life and I have never prayed so hard. When we were able to come out the next morning there was hardly a tree with leaves. Limbs were everywhere, trees uprooted, just trashed, but the roof was fine and all the vehicles made it. Then we went home. I'll keep this short and you can look at the pics, it is undescribable....you wouldn't believe it unless you saw it. We were lucky, we had only 10 inches after all, and all of our "stuff" most of it was already upstairs and all the boards held. But our new wood floors are ruined, furniture desks, kitchen, my drawer in my stove was full of water...I could go on, but the valuable scrapbooks and all my scrapping stuff were fine. ;) Our parking lot is supposed to be for cars, but now it is full of boats. Just go take a look at my Shutterfly and see for yourself. These are the places I could get to, I will get more today. The pavilion that sits waterfront was totally underwater and it is harly recognizable and I didn't have my camera yesterday to get pics. We have had news crews from all the local national and even Italy and the UK. I believe NBC Nightly News will be broadcasting from our place sometime, maybe tonight. They were scouting for a dry place to set up yesterday, so keep an eye out. I'm going to go for now, not sure when I can check in again, so keep praying for those we haven't heard from yet. Thanks again friends, I can't stress enough how grateful I am for all the thoughts and prayers.
Go check out the pics, there are lots (157)so beware! I'm a scrapbooker after all! Love from Texas!

Hurricane Ike 1
sorry, you have to sign in, I don't have time to jack with it, so sign in w/my stuff:
sign in txkris at comcast dot net
password 1432

It's been 2 days

2008-09-10T12:53:00.002-05:00

Well, the weather guys said on Monday we should know better where Ike was going, well... guess what? they don't!! It is all depending on the HIGH that is floating around. Well, I like to know what I'm gonna do before I have to do it, just A+ like that... sorry. So I'm sitting here acting like it's a normal day, laundry, making muffins, cleaning a bit, scrapping some and watching the tide rise already, that is a bit unsettling. Well, that's all we can do, we're hanging in another day!
All my friends, be safe and check in soon!

Take a hike, Ike!!

2008-09-08T12:27:00.011-05:00

I have read this on other Texan friends blogs today too, but I have to put my own on here because I think our luck has run out this year! "They" (the weather guys) say we have to wait 2 more days to kow for sure, but look where Ike is pointing!

and look where I am! (and a few of my friends, we're all labeled in red.)

not liking Ike at the moment, but will wait and see what TPTB say and start batting down the hatches in the next few days. Have plywood, have hurricane kit (thanks, Dad!) and will bug out if need be! So here are some pics from today.

out the back

from the pier by the marina, the bridge in the middle is the Kemah bridge, past that is Galveston Bay.

the pool and clubhouse. This is high tide for today. All I can do today is watch and wait! Prayers for all my Gulf Coast friends! Will post another update in the next day or so!

SITS

2008-09-06T12:49:00.006-05:00

OK, found another site to read everyday and they are giving away a CRICUT EXPRESSION!!
Yep, how cool is that? GO check them out and leave some love!
The Secret Is In The Sauce (how cute is that name?) You can also get there by the button on my sidebar ;)

2008-09-06T12:30:00.003-05:00

This week I was searching my photo folders and came across my parents trip to the Holy Land last year. There are plenty of critters over there, so here they are! (and my Mom who rode one!)Notice the pageant/parade wave she has going! ;)

New Hair Do's?

2008-09-04T18:49:00.006-05:00

nevah!! well, I can't say never... because I have!! I am not worthy! These pics cracked me up, but some of them were a reality and they didn't shock me because somewhere I have pics with big hair! I'll have to find them and scan, you will see what I mean!! I saw this on Rachel's blog a few weeks ago and decided to try it, if you want to see what you look like with 50's or 60's hair, go for it and link me to it! I'd like to laugh too and not just at myself!! Thanks! Here is the direct link: Yearbook Yourself

1960
1966 - year I was born!

1968

1974 - not sure why it's so dark?

1984 - the year I graduated from HS -

this hair made me gain 50 lbs!

1988 - and I have this same do!

1990 - and this one!
1992- seriously, this has to be my Olan Mills photo!! ;)

1994 - lawsy, this one too!

1996 - now this isn't so bad...

so go play and show me your loverly styles!

Awards!

2008-09-03T19:31:00.006-05:00

I was awarded a few, yes a few, blog awards from another blogger I so admire! (and she's a Texas girl)! I love her website and check it everyday to see if there are new posts! So, thanks Tanya! First up is this one:

Isn't she adorable!? When Tanya told the blog world she loves my blog, it was awesome! I am a newbie of sorts at the blog thing, I have been on many message boards, but never put my not-so-exciting life out there for all the world to see. Mostly I started it because a few people egged me on and it's an easy way to keep up with friends! It is fabulous to be recognized and it's going to be even more fun to introduce you to some of my faves! (BTW - you'll recognize a few, only because they are on Tanya's list too so it shows we have good taste!) If I could I'd list every blog I read daily because I love them all, but I can't do that in one sitting! So all of you listed below:

I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH!

1. Cracker Scraps - Jan, my buddy pal, sweet peach from Florida. We are online scrappin buds, ScrapJammie girls, that have gotten together every year(and then some) to scrap, laugh and eat chocolate! wub u!

2. Sitting On My Back Porch- Rachel - she is one of the ones that got me into this crazy blog world and her blog has the cutest craftiest things! Plus, she has the cutest kids that make alot of posts! Love ya girl, Cheers!

3. Julie's Life - JLB, my A+, crazy red-headed, New Yawk transplant! We have never met IRL, but I'd bet we'd be great together! Her blog is like the Weather Channel alot! She also shows off her cutie daughter too! Peace and Cheers to you too!

4. My Blogsong - Linda, she's my "old hippie" friend, her words not mine! We have never met IRL either, but one of these days! She is the Link Queen. If we ever need something, anything, Linda is the go-to gal! Cheers, hun!

5. A Day In the Life - Dana, first off, has the cutest little guy, he is the star of her blog. She is one of the best bloggers I know, posts almost everyday! I have met Dana IRL too, she's one of the ScrapJammies girls!

6. We Are THAT Family - Kristen, she's a new friend whose blog I look at everyday and can't wait to see what kind of hilarity or inspiration she has in store for me! Thanks for the daily pick me ups!

7. Forgetfulone - she is a new blog friend that is a Houston girl too and we have yet to meet, but one day! I love reading her blog because she is from around here and I recognize things in her posts and we can compare sweet teas and apple pies!!

8. My Life is Based on a True Story - D - she is also new blog friend and a Houston girl too! Maybe we'll meet and have some good apple pie with Forgetfulone! Her kids are a little older than my DS, so I get some "advice" if you will from some of her posts!

9. Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend...Me - well, Bubba's Sis.. what can you say, she is a riot and a Houston girl. She has a son in the Naval Academy, and I think that is awesome! DH wants our son to go there... someday! It's partly her fault I do some of these Meme's...thanks! ;)

10. this is reverb - Pastor Ryan, he is awesome and probably doesn't even know I exist. But I love his blog because he's a man that isn't ashamed to tell of his love for Jesus, his wife and gorgeous daughter! He is a crazy, rocker type, cooking, tattooed, husband and father and I admire him!

Next up is a very special one! If you or anyone you know has ever thought about organ donation, and I know it's not a fun subject, but don't think about it, do it! You don't need to have perfectly good organs buried with you, you aren't using them anymore! I know two people who have received the greatest and most unselfish gifts, one a kidney and one a lung. They are living proof that this is a remarkable thing to do and the families that give are angels!

This award was created by Memoirs of a Mommy. It’s a very special award that she created in Honor Of The Donor That Saved (her son) Noah’s Life. Noah received a heart transplant, and she hopes that by passing this award around the blogosphere everyone can help raise awareness of the need for Organ Donation.
The rules of this award are: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog.
**All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipients to do the same**

Again, some will look familiar! ;)

As A Parent the Days are Long...

Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend... Me

Forgetfulone

My Life Is Based on a True Story

We Are THAT Family

and last but not least...

brilliant? me thinks not, but thanks so much! I'm passing it onto some of my blog mentors! Once again...

As A Parent the Days are Long...
Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend... Me
Forgetfulone
My Life Is Based on a True Story
We Are THAT Family

After all that, I feel so loved and hope y'all will too! Hugs and see ya soon!

Labor fun for Labor Day

2008-09-01T11:55:00.003-05:00

Just for fun, I thought I'd pull out this meme I found. In honor of Labor Day, it's about...well, labor. And not the kind you get a day off for, either.

How long were your labors?
14+ hours

How did you know you were in labor?
scheduled induction

Where did you deliver?
hospital

Drugs?
of course! Epidural at an 8!

C-section?
almost, I had 3 more pushes and she was gonna take him, I had been pushing for 3 hours.He was a big one!

Who delivered?
doctor

If you want to play along with this meme, just cut and paste the questions into your own blog.
Then link back to it at Rocks In My Dryer. Thanks!

2008-08-31T13:42:00.002-05:00

I say... and you think...?

Groceries :: to the store again?
Deodorant :: no sweaty pits
Psychic :: not...
Cherries :: good on scrapbook paper, not to eat
Spooky :: Halloween
Yogurt :: wish I liked it
Kitchen :: one of my favorite places
Nothing personal :: creative critiquing
Be nice :: what I say to DS constantly
Delivery :: free shipping?

If you wanna play: LunaNina

Camera Critter for today

2008-08-30T20:33:00.005-05:00

This picture was taken in 1961 (I think)... at McMurdo Station in Antartica when my FIL was stationed there for Operation Deep Freeze. They made friends w/a group of penguins who
hung around every day. You can see the planes in the background. Sorry it's such bad quality, but it's a scan of a B&W!

Photo Hunters

2008-08-30T11:01:00.005-05:00

Today's theme is beautiful

I chose this photo because the freedom we have is beautiful to me. I have been reading about a family on THAT family's blog who were forced from their homes just for being followers of Christ, and so wanted to share Him with others. They came to this country so they could do just that, and that my friends is beautiful! Happy Photo Hunting Saturday!

This picture was taken when the Astros made it to the World Series in 2005. Don't ask how it all turned out, that is NOT a happy ending! ;)

Friday Fill In's

2008-08-29T19:44:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Michelle for the questions!

If you wanna play: Friday Fill In's

And...here we go!

1. When I'm sick I'm weepy.

2. When I take a walk, I think about how many calories I hope I'm burning!

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can buy a nice new wardrobe & lots of shoes!

4. Cotton makes me comfy and leather makes me feel like a bad @$$.

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was nope, not goin there! ;).

6. My favorite color these days is black because it goes with everything!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to sleeping in, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and Sunday, I want to sleep in (though I can't) :(

I DID IT!

2008-08-29T18:24:00.002-05:00

Well, how do you like my new background and header? I figured it out thanks to
The Cutest Blog on the Block girls! It was fairly simple, the hardest part was resizing my huge digital pics to fit in the header without making us look all wonky! So I spent most of the day doing this blog, now I need to do a few posts!

Labor Day weekend.... whoopie.... we may be dodging a hurricane, so we don't have any plans... we may be running away, no one seems to know yet.

I'm gonna go grab the list for Friday Fill In's and do that, after we grill some dogs! later gator!

Catch up Day

2008-08-24T12:39:00.007-05:00

Well, since I wasn't feeling good, I surely didn't want to look at the computer, so I have alot to catch up on, mutterings, fill ins and photo hunts, so it all goes on today! Get ready!
Friday Fill In's

1. Dancing to the stereo while cooking makes me happy.

2. The last time I laughed uncontrollably I nearly had a beverage come out my nose.

3. When I drive I sing to the radio.

4. I saw a goose standing almost in the road this morning.

5. Give me patience, give me strength, give me sleep.

6. Next week I am looking forward to scrapping again.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to rest, tomorrow my plans include rest and Sunday, I want to rest! (you see a pattern emerging here?)

I say ... and you think ... ?

Cry :: alot lately

Stretch :: after working out

Efficient :: well done

Brunch :: a favorite

Afro :: Dr. J

Preheat :: patience

Delicious :: warm chocolate chip cookies

Global warming :: not

Actions :: speak louder than words

Ride :: convertible

go here to see others mutterings!

Last but not least, Photo Hunter for this week. The theme is WRINKLED. This was harder than you would think, and I had alot of people in pictures that were (are) wrinkled, but I'm sure they wouldn't have appreciated it!

So here is my version of wrinkled: (but I wouldn't tell him that!)

2008-08-23T16:55:00.004-05:00

This bear is at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and when I was there with my Scrappin Sisters we couldn't get enough of this guy...

I missed Friday Fill in's , felt like crap with a sick headache, but I'm back! Ready for another school week! You know, I went to the gym Wed, then got sick... must mean something! LOL!

Oh and if you wanna see more Camera Critters, go here: CC Meme

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-20T13:28:00.004-05:00

Snoozing Schnoodle! ;)

If you wanna play along: WW

NASA's 50th Anniversary

2008-08-19T16:28:00.002-05:00

It's been 50 years since NASA started and there are things going on all over here. So in honor of this I'm adding a NASA gadget to my sidebar. Happy 50th!

School is in!

2008-08-19T10:39:00.002-05:00

Yes, it is that time already! At some points the summer seemed to drag on and on... but now that I look back, it was really short and we didn't get everything done we wanted to!

Today is the first day for Trey in 4th grade! Yesterday we went to meet the teacher and see who was in his class and see his desk. He has some friends from last year and some that he hasn't had in his class for a year or so. He was estatic to see he got Ms. Robertson. His friend had her last year and they raved about her. She is young and really loves on the kids and we've heard she doesn't give much homework! YAY for me! Hoping and praying for a great school year! Here is my 4th grader this morning, bright and early.

2008-08-17T14:35:00.006-05:00

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Signature :: paying bills
2. Olympics :: yawn... late nights, but can't miss em!
3. 100% :: what I wanna see on DS papers this year
4. Damn! :: what I say when the dog slobbers on my clean floor
5. Gold :: money
6. Fresh and natural :: Ivory soap... what??
7. Fraction :: hate em
8. Hurry :: what I'm always saying to my family to get out the door on time
9. Summer :: almost over... YAY!
10. 29th :: Trey's BDay

If you wanna play, head on over to Luna Nina!

All about Merry

2008-08-16T21:13:00.003-05:00

Our first family photo with Merry - 10.06

I had a few questions come up on my last post about Merry, so I thought I'd introduce you all to her and tell you how she came to be a part of our family. My DH has a friend who owns a kennel here in town and his wife breeds Papillons, which I love. But he also has an Anatolian Shepherd that Nick just loves. Well, one came in that was a rescue dog, and Todd called and wanted to know if Nick wanted to come check her out and maybe adopt her. So, that's how we got Merry. Her name was already Merry, and I would have loved to change it, but she knows her name, so Merry it is. We call her plenty of other names; Thumper, because her tail thumps the floor when we come in and Chewy, because when she "talks" she sounds like Chewbacca. She is 4 years old and she has been with us for almost 2 years. She is very protective of us and we don't let on to just anyone that she is very friendly. She is 130 lbs and very strong. She has walked my son before! She is part of the family and we love, even though I hate the hair she sheds and the slobber she leaves behind when she comes in from running, but I wouldn't give her up for anything! Thanks for all the comments about her!

Camera Critters

2008-08-16T10:41:00.003-05:00

Today is my first Camera Critters spot and I have pleanty of animal pics to share, so here's the first:

My girl Merry, what a cutie! Happy Saturday!

Fun site

2008-08-15T21:39:00.002-05:00

Real quick... I have been running around on the web and found the coolest place! Tres Fun
They have the cutest things and great, fun ideas and give-aways!! But - don't blame me if you sit there all night browsing!! ;)

Friday Fill In's

2008-08-15T09:35:00.003-05:00

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was at Mely's (mexican food).

2. Locusts (cicadas) are something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon was beautiful last night.

4. "Fixin to" is one of my favorite local expressions.

5. Sometimes it's best to think before you speak.

6. __________is the best movie I've seen so far this year!

(can't answer, it's too early)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to more Olympics,

tomorrow my plans include Morgan's Bday party and Sunday, I want to relax!

If you wanna play, go here!

Happy 2nd Bday to my niece!

2008-08-14T13:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Morgan!

Elmo Loves you and we do too!

from Uncle Nick, Aunt Kissy, Trey & Merry

Olympic Dreams

2008-08-14T10:29:00.004-05:00

Yaaaaaaawwwn... I can't keep doing this! When are the closing ceremonies? We have been staying up late to watch the Olympics and man, am I tired. I can't do this next week since school starts. YAY! Yippee! (yes, I'm so ready!) I have been crashing around 12:30 and sleeping in, but all that comes to a screeching halt on Tuesday! Nick is a night owl, so it's not getting to him as much. The swimming has been in a word FABULOUS! Our guys are amazing! That Michael Phelps is a machine! Our girls gymnastics seem to always get a case of 'worst luck' during the games. I felt so bad for Alicia, the one that made all the mistakes. Guess there can only be one Nadia, Mary Lou or Kerri, I won't ever forget those girls! I have even been getting into the volleyball, no, not for the tush show, that's why hubby likes to watch them, they are just GOOD! The butts hanging out take away from the sport a bit, but whatever, May & Walsh rock!

Well, onto my daily to-do's and more coffee! Oh, and thanks to Pastor Ryan for the graphic, I borrowed it from him, yes, I'm too tired to look at this screen and search for my own! Have a great Thursday!

Home

2008-08-09T17:28:00.003-05:00

finally.... the trip was uneventful going to Ohio for my aunts funeral. We visited with family and enjoyed the time we were there, not fun, but we made the best of it. My aunt and her family are really loved, the visitation went on for over 5 hours and they had over 815 visitors, those that signed the book anyway... could have been more. Their church family is incredible. There were at least 10-6 ft long tables with food when we got back to the church from the gravesite and 3-4 more with just desserts. They thought of everything. Just so amazing. We got up at 4am to catch our flight back to Houston on Friday and got to Charlotte with no problems, then it started... out flight home got cancelled for mechanical problems. They sent us to a counter to resolve it, but we were about 100 people back and were about to spend the night there, but luckily got a flight to Atlanta then on home. I was mentally and physically exhausted when we rolled in the front door after 6pm. Only a mere 9 hours later than expected. Never again will I fly POS Airways (US Airways), never ever! They had the lowest fare when we booked, but it was not worth it. Airlines really take advantage of short notice. I swear, if I could start an airline just for grieving families, show some compassion and have decent fares, I could be rich!
I made it thru the Opening Ceremonies long enough to watch the USA come in then I crashed until 9am. Still groggy, but starting to feel better! Back to normal tomorrow. Then less than 2 weeks until school starts! YIPPEE! Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers for my family, they'll need more as things try to get settled and all quiets down around their homes without their wife, Mom, Nana, and sister, so keep them coming! Thanks!

Remembering

2008-08-03T21:47:00.003-05:00

We lost a great lady yesterday, my aunt Nance. We were lucky enough to vacation with the whole gang last summer in Myrtle Beach and we saw her and her family this past February when they visited for my Grandfather's 85th Bday party. Just wanted to share a picture of my Dad, Aunt Nance, Uncle Greg and Grandad. Bless your heart Aunt, we'll miss you! I know she's greeting other family and rejoicing with the angels. Till we meet again... love you!
I'll be in Ohio from Tuesday until Friday, please keep our family and all their children and grandchildren in your prayers! Thanks!

Quiet Saturday!

2008-08-02T17:03:00.002-05:00

Just saw this video on another blog, Texas Tanya, and thought it was incredible! Enjoy!

Please pause my music so you can hear this!

Big Ol Baby!

2008-08-01T22:22:00.003-05:00

Just had to share these pics of Merry. She was chillin on Nick this afternoon. When the kids came in she didn't even lift her head, just rolled her eyes up to look at them and then went back to sleep! Thought she looked so cute! Not much else going on in HOT Humidity City aka: Houston where it's 98 and feels like 120 and getting hotter by the day! Staying in the a/c and keepin cool!

Happy Weekend, catch ya later!

The Day After!

2008-07-30T19:52:00.008-05:00

Last night we went to Ichibon's for dinner with the family for Trey's Bday. We had 14 people and overfilled a hibachi table. It was great! He got Fried Ice Cream for his dessert and Morgan and Eleanor ate most of it. The kids enjoyed the Edamame the most and even Eleanor ate it with chopsticks!I can't believe we forgot to get a group picture! Dang... oh well, we'll all be together for Morgan's 2nd Birthday in a few weeks. She was a bit freaked out by the noise and the fire especially. She hung onto Mimi and Poppy for dear life! She got used to it though and enjoyed it eventually!

The chef was great and what a hoot and he cooked my steak and shrimp to perfection! I took lots of pics and got some good ones, but I won't bore you with them all! Just a few more! ;)

Oh and the "gang" consisted of Trey, Nick & Me, Mimi & Poppy (my parents), Nanaw & Papaw (Nick's parents), Kevin, Alicia, and Morgan, (my brother, SIL and niece), Grandad, (my Dad's Dad and Trey's Great Grandpa), and our best friends Einar, Mary and Eleanor.

When we got home Trey and his Dad put together some of his new Lego's. I went to bed around midnight and they were still up. Boys...

After school starts we'll have the friends Bday party. Most of Trey's buddies are out of town for most of the summer, so we'll wait and have another blow out in September! YAY....not! That's all for now! See ya later!

Happy Birthday Bub!

2008-07-29T16:37:00.006-05:00

Today is my baby's Bday. He is 9 and I can't believe how fast it went by! It seems like this was yesterday.---------->

and this--------------->and now he's this-------->

and this too------------->

but I cannot complain, he is a sweetie and he's mine! Doesn't mean somedays I don't wanna pinch his head off, but he's a great kid and a great son! 143, Buddy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREY! XOXO, Mom

Is it time for school to start yet???

2008-07-28T20:57:00.003-05:00

Man, if I have to go through another day like today, I will end up in the loony bin! It is flippin 100 degrees outside and in since none of the kids that are running in & out all day don't know how to close doors! One thing they do know how to do is eat all my food! You would think they are homeless as much time as they are over here! I love that Trey has friends and they do keep him busy and not hollering for me constantly, but jeeze, when there are 6 of them, things happen. I was trying to vaccuum and it only took an hour (which is usually a 20 minute job) because people kept coming in and out. A neighbor just stood there talking my ear off while I had the vaccuum running! I left it going on purpose, get a hint, but she didn't! ;) and the door was wide open! I laughingly said, "you're just like the kids, go in or out"... but she didn't get it! I should have bet money when these certain kids came in they would be down in 5 minutes to ask for food, well it only took 2! Then once they came back from her house to ask for a bottle of water!?!?!? I said, "Don't you have water at your house?" I am PMSing so that is part of it and hopefully Trey's friends won't think I'm the Wicked Witch or something, but it's like this day in and day out! Oh, and get this... the Dad of 2 of them was complaining to someone that he only got them for a month in the summer, but on his day off, guess where they were?!?!? HERE! Hellooooooooo... spend some time with your kids! I had one of them for 3 days without him even going home! OK, that's enough, I'm sure you are tired of my piddly drama!

I did get all the Yard Sale stuff priced and boxed up and in storage. We decided to wait til after school started (if that ever comes!) and then it'll also be a little cooler! So we'll have it in Sept or Oct. By the looks of all my crap, I hope to make some coin!

I have not scrapped in ages! I'm trying to get going on our Myrtle Beach album, but I've been going thru 300 some pics and need to just order them instead of printing them myself. But... sometimes I like different sizes of pics and it's easier to print them as I go. I guess I'll have to pick the best ones and not print hundreds!

I'm hooking up with an old friend of mine who's going thru a rough time and we're gonna lay out by the pool and just talk and tan! Looking forward to that later in the week.

Tomorrow is my baby's Bday. Can't believe it, I'll post about that then. We are going to see my Gma with my Mom and niece, then all meet up for dinner at Ichibon's for some yummy steak and shrimp cooked on the hibachi! Trey picked it, he loves the cooks and their tricks!

Going to chill for a bit, check ya tomorrow! Thanks for hanging in w/me today!

Word of the day...WHY?

2008-07-26T10:41:00.004-05:00

Well, I guess you could say I've been busy this week! I have been in Shaggy's (Trey's new nickname) room for the last few days from sun up til dinner! He has so many toys and crap, I couldn't stand it any longer! He has a 10x6 closet that was packed to the gills, and shelving along one wall that was overflowing onto the floors. Not to mention a few toy boxes and drawers full of mostly junk! So since his Bday is Tuesday and he'll be getting much more stuff, I had to do it! I started taking everything off the shelves and dusting. I had been collecting that dust for about a year, and was sad to see it go, NOT! Then only putting a few things back up. The others went in boxes for storage, Yard sale or donate. He is a packrat like his father and keeps old broken Mickey D's, Sonic and BK toys... WHY??? so they are gone to toy heaven by way of the big blue monster(dumpster). Have I mentioned I love big, black lawn & leaf trash bags, the kind you can't see thru?? LOL! So then it's on to both toy boxes. One has his rubber ball collection, why again?, and all his naked Build A Bears. Why buy clothes for these guys? They never stay on!
I also went thru all of his clothes in drawers and closet and weeded out stuff. He is in a 8-10 and had size 4 shorts still! I got under his bed, which is a platform bed and has great storage underneath, and threw lots of stuffed animals in the Yard Sale boxes, but also found the Pooh talking bear and the singing Caillou and a few toys that he had when he was a sweet 2 year old. Memories.... I did keep a few sentimental things. I also went thru all 4 boxes and totes of old schoolwork, my lands, why did I feel the need to keep all of that? 3 trash bags full of old paperwork. I kept things he had made that were special, but ended up throwing most away. So, long story not so short... I have made 2 trips to storage so far and have 7 bins for Yard Sale in my bedroom and still need to price 3 of them, mostly hiding it from Shaggy, or he'll pull most of it back and stuff the shelves once again!

So, why Shaggy? Well, he goes to a private school and has to keep his hair short, but during the summer I let him go without a haircut. He is trying to be a Sk8terBoi and wants long hair like all the gromms he is riding with, WHAT??? anyway, his hair has a curl to it and now it's beyond looking cute, it's just plain shaggy, hence the name! I don't have any recent pics, because his hair always looks like crap! I'll try to get one soon! and no I didn't take before and after pics of his room, WHY? hmmmmmm, guess I'm not a true scrapbooker after all that would have made a great LO! That's ok, it'll be there again eventually! Not too soon for my back's sake!

Going to price stuff and get it outta here before he wants to see what's in all those boxes!! see ya!

Well, Hello Dolly.....

2008-07-21T18:21:00.004-05:00

Well, Dolly has made her way into the Gulf. So far we may get some rain and storms, but she isn't supposed to visit the Houston/Galveston area. We hope she doesn't have a change in plans later in the week! This is just a "get ready" for the rest of the season!

Today we went Bday shopping for my baby... my 9 year old baby! His birthday is next week, but we were out running around and he found the skateboard he wanted, so it's his now and he's out riding as I type. Where did the time go? It is true, the older we get the faster time goes... how is it that for the kids, it still crawls?

I also found "the" purse I have been looking for! The hot color of the summer is a butter yellow, and I found it! I wanted a big enough one to hold my camera when I wanted to drag it around, and to hold all my crap! I am really picky about handbags, I like one strap, because if there are two, one always falls off my shoulder. It has to have a phone pocket so I don't have to dig and if there is any metal, it needs to be silver because I wear mostly silver jewelry. I don't want much do I? LOL!

Not much going on here except I need to do some scrapping. So... that's my plan for tomorrow!

Tonight I'm chillin and since we had a big lunch at Red Lobster (Trey's pick) we're having leftovers for dinner! Love their Cheddar Bay biscuits! We had Lobster Pizza and the Peach Bourbon BBQ Scallops and Shrimp and it was all great! Haven't been to RL in a long time, but it was really good! Have a great night!

Welcome to the Jungle!

2008-07-17T20:39:00.006-05:00

NOT! Took Trey & Morgan to the Rainforest Cafe today. Thought Mo wouldn't be quite so scared. She will try anything and is usually into just about everything, except for the gorillas there! She loved the gift shop and the games out front, but clung to me and Mimi the WHOLE time! Then when the monkeys and gorillas would start she would squeeze tighter. She never cried or really freaked out, but she did NOT like it! Here she is saying . "No monkey, no..." We ate then went out front to look at the beach and the other animals out there and she played around a bit, but she wasn't happy.

Trey & I played a few games then we headed home. Didn't even try to do the boat ride! Here's me and my guy by the "not real" monkey.... she kept saying, "Monkey not real!"

We wanted to get a few pics on the seawall of the kiddos, but it was SO hot and windy we just headed back home for a nap! Not me, the little one! Maybe when it cools down a bit we'll try again! Next week we're doing something in the a/c and without monkeys! Hopefully she's not scarred for life and terrified of chimps! ;)

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwnnnnn...

2008-07-16T21:08:00.003-05:00

Man, last night was about the worst, longest, sleepless night I've had in a long time! Trey had a friend over and they were playing all night, then there was a gas leak somewhere and they decided to "release" it 50 yards from my house. It looked like a huge bunson burner in the middle of the street! But did I get a phone call from the power company? No, but my brother did and he lives 6 miles from me!! SO I went to bed about 10:45 to a roar out the door, and worried about blowing up in my sleep! Then for no reason, except maybe I knew I had to get up at 6:30, which I haven't done much this summer, I woke up at 4:30 am and couldn't go back to sleep. I was watching my almost 2 year old tornado (niece) today and I thought I was tired... now I'm just plain pooped! At least the leak is capped, I hope to sleep like a baby tonight. Tomorrow, Mimi (my Mom) and I are taking the kiddos to Rainforest Cafe. She has never been there and neither has Morgan. Trey loves it, so we'll see how Mo does. It's a photo op though! See ya manana!

I've been tagged for the first time!

2008-07-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

I was tagged by Linda.
Looks like a good one too, so get ready!

Here are the rules...Each player answers questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 or 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.

What were you doing ten years ago?
spending my last summer without a child
wakeboarding 24/7
still working in a salon

5 things on todays "To Do" list
1. go to the grocery store - done
2.go to Sam's - done
3. do laundry - doing
4. change beds
5. make kits

I'm addicted to:
scrapbooking
Diet Vanilla Pepsi
Goldfish - the snack kind
my computer

Things I would do if I were a MILLIONAIRE:
buy a new house
buy everything new for my house
give some to our church
put most away for retirement and college
travel

Places I have lived:
Friendswood, TX
League City, TX
Chagrin Falls, OH
Seabrook, TX

I'm tagging:

Jan
Rachel
JLB
Jana
Christie