New layouts

I've been able to create a couple new layouts this week since I finally got one major assignment finished. Another is due soon, but there isn't class next week so we will use the usual classtime to work on it. It's major too! I hate these huge assignments :{

Anyway, these two layouts are using kits by Cindy Simon available at Elemental Scraps.

This is a kit called Lucky You. You can purchase it at at Elemental Scraps. Full credits can be found here. Right now there is a great deal on this kit. If you purchase the kit, you get the cool shamrock pin alpha for free! Of course it also come with the super easy to use pin action. I thought the pins were awesome!


The second layout is of my friend Shellie's daughter Kiana from her Libby Lu makeover day.

Thanks for the photo Shellie!



Full credits can be found here. Cindy Simon's Kit Rebecca can be purchased at Elemental Scraps.
Other than this and school and class my life's been pretty "normal." For those who know me well, "normal" is like walking up hill, backwards in a windstorm.

I do have great news though...I've lost 10 pounds! I'm beginning to have more energy. I'll keep working with my personal trainer for a few more weeks and need to get to the Y more often than I do. At least the weather is getting nice for a few outdoor walks. Since the days will be getting longer, I'm sure the dogs will love the walks.

Keep on keeping on!

a new look!

Yep I'm trying the new glasses thing again. This time I made sure the lenses were the absolute lightest ones I could find. You have to pay for a good thing and yikes these were significantly more than I usually pay. But hey...I'm worth it. I even got a "hey sexy" from my husband! They must look pretty good.





So I've decided to post a picture of just the glasses...not me in them yet, just the glasses to see what people's comments are. After that I'll snap a picture when my hair is done and I have on some makeup. Today it was quick shower and left to pick them up with wet hair.

Selected Layout AKA TOOT!!

Today I read the newsletter from The Digichick I found out that my layout was selected as the very first TDC product layout. My layout was right there in the newsletter and I guess I get a gift certificate or something. How cool is this! I don't know if my brother or sister-in-law read my blog but this is their cute son! He is so darn photogenic!

A Realization

It just dawned on me tonight that tomorrow may be the very last time I get to watch my oldest son play volleyball.

He's been playing volleyball for 4 years. He is a senior and tomorrow is the final tournament for his club team. Tonight we had a conversation about the high school team. He said he wants to play but he doesn't know if he wants to play for the coach. This coach is very demanding. We know that and that isn't what is holding him back. What is holding him back is that he keeps telling my son he needs to lose 10 pounds. The varsity coach even told his club team coach. My son expressed tonight that he doesn't know if he wants to be judged upon his weight instead of his ability. He is an average to above average outside hitter. He plays the right side, which is a bit harder than playing the left side or middle for a right hander.

While we were talking I started to cry and I knew this upset him. Actually the tears are welling up now as I type. It's not that I care what his decision is about trying out. I'm cool with whatever he decides because it is his life. He just has to be satisified with his decision. He's got to not regret his decision in the future. What is hard is that I figured I had about 4 more years of good sports mom in me. But Brian will probably not play because of grades and some behavior issues he has going on.

Being a sports mom is a huge part of who I am. It's been who I am since my oldest son was 4. We've played baseball almost every season until this summer. We've played many years of fall and spring soccer. Being the sports mom on hot summer nights, cold fall days, and wet spring mornings is who I am. I feel it is one of the biggest parts of me being a mom. If I haven't always been the best mom to my kids, they've always known that I've always, ALWAYS tried to make their sporting events. I bet I can count on 2 hands how many I've missed. Some days I would run across town to see both of them play when they were both playing at the same time. On Saturday's I was a single sports mom whenever Don worked.

I realize that tomorrow may be it. It may be the last sporting event that Doug plays in as a child. Sports has been his rights of passage. Sports is who he is. Sports, and his love of them has helped him make decisions on his future. If I had to rename this boy, his name would be Espen. The name the letters ESPN sound out when said together.

As I tried to explain to him why I was crying and told him that I feel I'm losing a part of myself, and realize that tomorrow may be it, he said, "Mom take a lot of pictures." I guarantee I will do just that. The last tournament is one of those a that a mother dreams about. Both boys are at the same location. At the end, I want to make sure I get a picture of both of them together next to the net, with their arms around one another, like teammates and brothers should do with those volleyballs in their hands. I'd also love to see Brian set Doug some balls to capture the jump, the spike or kill, and the face that shows such gratification, dedication, and the love of the game on film.

If tomorrow happens to be the last day, I will always have these to help me remember.

Happy Valentines Day

Today was just a nice, normal kind of day. Although it was Valentine's Day, we don't really celebrate. I guess why should I show the ones I love more love today? I want them to know how special they are to me everyday. I don't need to give or receive cards to know that. It is a Hallmark holiday if you ask me; Hallmark and the florists!

The roads are finally about back to normal. Yesterday I think we got close to a foot of snow. It is really high in some places due to the blowing and drifting. Thankfully my commute was much more normal today. Yesterday it was double, 1 hour 30 minutes.

We are having time with the router. For some reason it won't connect with the laptops. I need to find out what is going on. I really don't want to have to buy a new one, but it is driving us all nuts. I think I'll try climbing under the desk and reconnecting everything before I chalk it up to the router. I wish I had some "techno geek" who could walk me through the whole thing. Not so much though.

Just wanted to make sure you all knew you are my valentines! Happy Valentines Day!

New Blogger here I come

Today I was forced to switch to the new blogger. I really hope this goes smoothly.
From the looks of things, it does look about the same. Now I need to get used to
the changes on the posting end.

What is this new section, lables for this post?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm I'll have to keep experimenting.

Anyone else feeling a bit sad? It's like you've lost part of who you are just by a simple switchover.

I love the trainer

I went to my personal trainer again yesterday. She pushes me to do things I hadn't done before. I know I'm flexible and pretty coordinated but yesterday I used the spin bike for just a short bit. The way I could put my foot into the footcage on the pedal and get on amazed her. Then I used a bosu ball. Ever heard of one of those, I hadn't!

I really think I could use it at home. I think that everyone in my family could use it. It strenghtens your core. I need a stronger core too!

I also used the big ball and when we did some stretches, she asked if I did yoga. I have never done yoga but aparently, I know some yoga move. She called it the cobra. Hmmmmmmmm yoga by osmossis!

Ok, next Friday I have another trainer session and I have to get at least 2 days of cardio exercise in too. If I get 3 I get 2 gold stars! Don gave me 4 trainer sessions for Christmas. I think it was the best gift! I definately am going to pay for more.

Something is finally clicking. I've prayed about this and it is working! I haven't had a can of soda since January 1!!

A Don update

I've got some updated news about Don and the health situation we encountered 3-4 weeks ago. Today we went to the neurologist and this one was totally upfront and proactive. I'm so glad we switched. This one actually wondered what I saw when it happened. Once I told him, he pointed to his own head and said...your siezure started here and it did this and that. Exactly right! Don's also been doing research and new a few things he said too. When we told him about his job, and other things, and our concerns he addressed them upfront, honestly, and with a bit of humor to lighten things up which was really helpful.

He said a lot of doctors say, let's wait and see if you have another one. Like you need to live in fear that you could have another one. This doctor said, let's eliminate the fear, put you on medicine, you shouldn't have another one, although you still could, and get you back to your normal life. I'm concerned about the length of time he feels Don will probably need to be on the anti-seizure medicine, but Don is a bit relieved. He said probably 5 years worth of daily meds. See I told you a lot. But since Don is going on the medicine, he'll be going back to work on Monday. Hmmmmmmmm...he goes back to work after 3ish weeks and I get a day off...alone!!!!! ;) I'm sure I'll be doing some homework, housework, but I'm also planning a bit of retail therapy!

I'm looking for a new pair of black casual shoes. I'm primarily looking to see if I can find a pair of Privo shoes by Clarks that I absolutely love. I got a gift card from my Oprah teacher friend and can't wait to go browse and see what I can find.

Ok, now that I've given you a bit of an update, I'm going to go. I've got a sweet tooth today. Yesterday too. I feel the need to just gobble up tons of junk food. I've been doing so good lately too, but I'm going to the Y tomorrow for another trainer session.

Hope you are well and you've got some decent weather. Ours stinks. Let's just say this...WIND CHILL's Suck! Don't move north if ya don't want the wind and cold. I'm so tired of hearing the "real feel" temperature is minus...blah blah blah. Give me a break, don't bring out the sun if it's not going to warm up the earth! I want some heat! Not that much though, 70's is great, 40's would even feel like a heat wave.

Ok, going now for sure. Until we meet again!

Want to grade papers?

I swear I must have about 200 papers to grade. I absolutely HATE grading papers. Since I was off for 5 days ending this past Monday, I am really behind. Want to help me grade??? For some reason, other people seem to think grading papers is fun. Do you remember when the teacher let you correct papers in class? Did you like it?

Updating you on Don. He's still off work. He'll be off again all this week too. We are going to a different neurologist for a second opinion. We need to get all those test results and then see if he gives us different results. Thursday is that lucky day. No more seizures since January 20th. He's starting to kick the sinus infection too, but still has a headache. He's had the headache since around January 15th. That is what is still puzzling and worrisome to me. He isn't supposed to drive for 3 months, although they don't know what caused it.

As you might have guessed....the medical bills have just started arriving. Can't wait to add up the total of all of this. Care to guess?? MRI with contrast, EEG, 2 neurologist visits, 3 doctor visits, a trip to the ER in the ambulance, and several perscriptions. Thankfully his boss is understanding and he's not been docked for any pay. Thankfully we have good insurance and a flexible spending account. And I'm most thankful that they are saying it's not a brain tumor, a stroke, or epilepsy.

I think he was stressing out about his job, and the promotion he was pushed into taking. The other day it totally dawned on me, he may have had the seizure because of the stress from the promotion, but if he hadn't taken the promotion we were told he'd have to be let go from the previous job due to the excessive driving involved. Isn't life strange?

Well it's bitterly cold here. I could make ice cubes in less than 5 minutes here. The temps have been dropping all day and we are supposed to be -10F and windchills
-20 to -35 below. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

We'll be watching the superbowl here tomorrow. GO BEARS!!

So I've managed to do a bit of scrapping instead of homework or grading those papers...shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh



All the elements on the page and the paint are by Christine Smith and are available at The Digichick.

Remember the Apple Bottom story?

Well some of my friends said, "We don't want to see the model in the jeans, we want to see your butt in those jeans." Well I took that as a dare and set the camera on timer and snapped a few pictures of my butt in those jeans!

Then I took it a little further. I had to create an All-About-Me page with the photos. Here is the finished product!



All the products are by Christine Smith full credits

Just a busy blogger

I've been busy lately and have not been worrying about my blog. I've also been avoiding it because I've really not wanted to post about things that have been happening. First of all, my birthday was getting close and I was dreading turning 40. Well I couldn't avoid it, it happened today. So Happy 40th birthday to me. I like to really think of it as the 11th anniversary of my 29th birthday.

I've also been busy with Don. Last Saturday we were with our small group of church friends and had just finished having dinner when Don had a seizure. Out of the blue, and never before has this happened. He went by ambulance to the ER and was released but we don't have any idea why it happened. This was not the end of our doctor visits. Tuesday we were at our doctor. Tuesday night we were back at the hospital at 9:30 for a MRI. Wednesday afternoon we were at the neurologist. Thursday we were back at the hospital for an EEG. Today I had to take off to recouperate, and on Monday we'll be back at the neurologist. We are hoping to get good news and that Don can drive again and go back to work. He's still feeling like he's got this virus that has started almost a week and a half ago, and that the sinus infection isn't gone yet, and the cough is still hanging on. Not to mention that he's still got the headache that won't go away from the very first day of the virus.

Ok, all that being said, I was scared to death seeing him go into a seizure. Everyone said that I maintained my composure in amazing fashion. It sure puts things into perspective though. Here I was worried about turning 40 and this happens to my husband. I don't care how old I will be as long as he's healthy. What worries me though is a couple things. One, will this happen again and two why doesn't it seem like, for a healthy 41 year old, that he's bouncing back to his normal self?

Today I did a scrapbook page. I really like this one a lot.



The credits are here

Ok, no blogging for me until after Don and I go back to work, my portfolio is finished and I get my book order organized and submitted.

Until then...adios

A bit of Mojo

I've had a spurt of mojo lately.

I made 7 simple thank you cards. I lost our address book in the move and altered a spiral journal. Yes, I really used paper, scissors, glue, ribbon, and stickers. It felt a bit unusual! I still have to cut and tie on all the ribbons onto the spiral. It was done though and cute. Now I can start filling it up with names, addresses & phone numbers.

Wouldn't ya just know as soon as I made a new one, the old one appeared. It was in the top of the closet on a shelf. I think it's a bit jealous of the new one so it appeared. It's been missing since February!

I've also been trying to scrap a bit. Digital is my way now. I really have the urge to ditch all the paper I have and sell it on ebay, but then I think I have so many old photos and half completed albums that I really should keep it and finish those albums.

But here is what I've done.



Credits



Credits

Oprah's Favorite Things

Now as you know, my big secret is out. For those of you who don't know me too well, I was selected to be on Oprah's Favorite Things show in 2004. It was the show for teachers. You had to go onto her website and write a little essay about why you are a teacher. I did, only one time no less. I found out others wrote in more than once, twice, or even three times. I got a phone call at school that I had to return and I was invited to be on Oprah. I got to take one teaching friend with me. We went early that Saturday morning and stood outside for about an hour. It was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It was very unusual because she never tapes on Saturday and the past two days worth of previews were talking about Monday's show being the OFT show. Then they said OFT's with a twist. I kept telling my friend, what if it's the show. Then it started out all normal, except they fed us a snack in the waiting room. Hmmmmmmm was that a clue? Did they know we were going to be there a longggggggggg time? Next Oprah started it out all normal then broke into today's Oprah's Favorite Things and elves came out, trees started coming down from the ceilings, and soapy, snow bubbles started falling. The place started changing into Christmas, and then the fun started. The yelling and screaming freenzy began. It was unbelievable, and the screaming was not fake. It was something you never, in any way, shape or form, ever believe you'd experience.

Anyway, I know I'm going to get those questions "What did you get?" and as time goes on, I inevitably forget something. Often it's something big. I've decided to post the link to the Oprah show for that day. This is exactly what I received. I also get the question were you on tv, yes a couple of times, and sometimes it was just my boobs!

Now I always get this question too, how do you get the stuff home?? Well when you see the elves pass out the stuff, that stuff you get one of, you keep a pile of stuff, as best you can, down at your feet. It gets crowded. Then after the show, they come out and explain a lot of things. Then we got a file with gift certificates and forms to fill out and complete. They had due dates and also let us know that some things, like the tea pot would not ship out until after March. That is where I thought I had returned my card too late for my Apple Bottom jeans. I was holding off because they didn't offer my size. Then I wrote a note saying if you have a larger size, could I have that. I guess I thought too-bad-too-sad, you get what we offer, or my card arrived too late. I was waiting to see if I'd lose weight. HAHAHAHAHAA. So that's it, that is my story in a nutshell. I guess it's my 15 minutes of fame and my brush with celebrity. And for that one additional question... what was your favorite gift? I'd have to say I have 2. One was the trip I took to Mirival with my husband. It was beautiful, relaxing, and unforgetable; we want to go back. My other favorite I'm using right now, my laptop. I think other than being on vacation, I've used it everyday since receiving it. I've used it so much that there are dips in all the home row keys, the a, s, n, e letters are almost worn off and there is part of the space bar kind of dug out from where my fingernail hits it for each and every space.

The Oprah Gratitude Gift

How in the heck do you thank Oprah for giving you thousands and thousands of dollars in gifts? Well I know it was all donated from the other companies, but I was on her show. It was her staff members who found my little blurb about why I teach worthy of an invitation. It took me a while to figure out how to get something there. I worked with a teacher whose daughter had a good friend who helped pick out Oprah's clothes. What a fun job that would be! There was my in, I'd send it directly to her attention, not to Oprah's. I put a note inside explaining the circumstances and mailed it off.

I thought that when my neighbor called saying there was a package and it said Oprah on it, it was for sure going to be what I made being sent back. Don't ask me why, this is the way I frequently think. I'm sure it has to do with often times not feeling like I'm good enough. That's a blog for another day.

Well here is what I made for her. It is a little accordian folder. It has a lot to do with gratitude, blessings, hope, and inspiration; all things that Oprah stands for. Inside each accordian pocket, there is a tag. Each tag has an inspirational quote or saying about being blessed, or help. In the last one, is a hand written, heart-felt thank you for her appreciation of teachers and my appreciation of all the gifts she bestowed upon me.

It was a hugely emotional thing getting that stuff and it was God's way of telling me that I'd finally figured it out. I was always meant to be a teacher and for me to unselfishly be willing to go into a district where poverty is the norm and English is not. I felt I was being rewareded for my love of my job and for doing so much for those who don't have enough.

I was a little upset when people on 2 peas started trashing what Oprah does and how the women and men in the audience go a little too ga-ga and it's all pretend. Like the people there are people who don't need the stuff anyway. Well I quickly managed to put that behind me because that isn't what it was about. It was over 2 years ago now. My teaching friend and I still give each other a little happy anniversary of the day we went to Ophah talk. I wish I would have been able to buy a copy of that episode. It is fun to look back and remember.

A Surprise Package

We continually get a call from an old neighbor saying I've got your mail. See the old mailman is not forwarding our mail, even though we do have a forwarding order in place. Thankfully the person who bought our house is kind enough to bring the mail next door. Today's call was just a slight bit different. This call said, Hi Laura, it's Robin. I have mail for you. But today there is a package. My son ran over there and picked it up. He met my husband and I got a call that the package said "Oprah Request."

I figured that it was something being returned to me that I made for Oprah. I figured they finally got around to open it and they didn't want it. But another clue on the box said "picked fresh."

The mystery deepens! So I tore open the box. There was a letter from Apple Bottom apologizing for taking so long to get my jeans. The jeans I was given when I was on Oprah's Favorite Things in 2004. I just today received my Apple Bottom jeans and for the problem of getting them to me they sent a free shirt too! I'd given up all hope. Heck it's been over 2 years. What a nice surprise!

They fit like a glove too. They feel custom made, although I know they aren't. I even got a compliment from my husband. He said, "Those jeans make your but look good!" Wow two nice surprises in one day. My kids said, "Mom you're supporting a rapper." So they are cool today!

So here they are...my Apple Bottom jeans.



Here is the shirt I got for my inconvenience. Mine is white, not brown.


I also got a ton of Christmas cards. Shellie I got your card today, thanks!

Also, here is the folder that I made for Oprah as a way to show my gratitude and appreciation for everything I received.

Blogger is being a poop and it won't let me add those photos.

Back to school

Yep it's over. Vacation officially ends today, tomorrow it's back to school.
I've taken advantage of having 2 weeks off and feel I've made it through a little more relaxed than usual. It sure was nice to have just the weekend before Christmas then it was like having almost 2 full weeks off without the stress or the hustle and bustle getting ready for Christmas.

Over my "winter break" which I still slip and call it Christmas vacation ;) I offically finished crocheting 2 hats, 3 scarves, and 1 shawl. I am ready to start an afghan. 4 colors, newish stitch for me but I've checked out a couple of visual reference books and a million question book from the library. I also managed to catch up on 2.5 seasons of Sex in the City. I'm in the middle of season 4 now. Carrie's second go-round with Aiden. Whoaaaaaaa that guy buffed himself up and looks so much better with short hair!

So I'd better get to bed so I can get up and be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for those kiddos in the morning. In addition to back to school, I need to go get my eyebrows waxed, we forgot today during my appointment, pick up some mail, I want to get back to water aerobics, the boys have volleyball practice, I have thank you notes to make or buy and write out, and I still have a couple of scrapbook pages to finish for my creative team committments. OH!!!!!! How ever could I forget the BCS game is on too! GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!

Wish me luck on my first day back, I hope those kids are a bit more quiet than usual...you know being off of their schedule and all ;)

Here is my newest page

credits

Back and trying to relax and get things done

We had a fantastic time doing very little in Wisconsin.
There wasn't any snow at all and the boys were bummed they
couldn't snowmobile. I was too in fact. The boys found
some things to do on the ice. Brian found out he's a pretty
good ice skater. Doug wouldn't put on the skates when Brian
was done to even try. I put on the ladies skates, that were
brand new and totally too stiff to skate in.

We had a nice Chrismtas and wanted to show off a couple of
pictures of the cabin. The boys totally want to return in
the summer, but it's booked for every week already.

I did start crocheting again. I've been hooking like
crazy! Anyway, that is what vacations are for right, relaxation??
I'm trying hard to rest, relax, and enjoy before school starts
again on the 8th.

Enjoy the view, we did!

It's almost here!

Vacation that is! Tomorrow is the last day, FINALLY. Today we went on a field trip and OMG note to self, think twice before scheduling a field trip the day before a vacation/party day and also reconsider taking a "few" gems on the field trip next time. I swear field trip days are more exhausting than any normal week at school.

I've given the office staff their gifts yesterday. I gave my custodian his scratch-off lottery tickets tonight so I wouldn't forget. I'm done wrapping the student gifts. For a few friends at school, I've made Buckeyes for a small little gift. What you don't know what buckeyes are? If you do...you're Ohio State fans, I'll post the recipe below. In the mean time, here is a sneak peek. Now we believe that a real buckeye candy still has the hole in the top! ;) I have all my gifts boxed, and they are ready for the giftwrap. I just need to get a huge burst of energy tomorrow night so I can get wrapped, get the laundry done, and get all packed before we leave for Wisconsin on Saturday morning.

This is our first year that we've not spent Christmas with our families. Don, the boys, the dogs and I are headed to a chalet cabin in Northern Wisconsin. We were hoping for a bunch of snow but we've heard there isn't any. Bummer, the kids were really looking forward to snowmobiling.

Well I think this will be my last update until after Christmas. I really hope that you have a fabulous holiday and that Santa brings you everything you've wished for.

Have a Merry Christmas!


Buckey Candy Recipe

CANDY:

1 stick softened butter
1 3/4 c. (1 18 oz. jar) creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
About 1 lb. confectioners' sugar

CHOCOLATE COATING:

1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp. vegetable shortening

Cream butter, peanut butter, and vanilla together, adding confectioners' sugar until proper consistency is reached. Roll candy into 1-inch balls and place on wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Melt chips and shortening together in top of double boiler. Keep chocolate mixture in double boiler over low heat while you dip each candy. Using a toothpick, dip each ball, covering about 3/4 of candy. Place candy on sheet to cool.

Who wudda thunk

that snowflakes are so darn addicting. It's a creative thing I just know it.
Snowflakes are ultra creative outlets.

I've found this terrific site called make-a-snowflake

I've made about 20, no maybe 30. I've even gotten Don addicted.

Here are just two samples of what you can make.

Yea!!! The fun has been moved to another site!

You've got to check this out for a smile.
It will help eleviate a bit of stress in
your busy hectic schedule.

This is the link..check it out!

Another day closer to break!

Only 7 more days until that elusive winter break!
I can't wait!

Got a bit more Christmas shopping done tonight.
Not done but I can see that there could be an end in sight.

So far this week I've accomplished a couple important things:

Finished my class, yesterday.
Made it through the writing presentation, today.

Still to come:
Choir concert tomorrow
Volleyball tourney Saturday/Sunday
Volleyball luncheon Saturday
Wrap gifts, finish shopping, laundry, etc, etc, etc. Sometime between now and 12/22.

That link for the song that makes me smile was taken down. I think too many hits and it might have crashed the server. Too bad it was seriously a cute thing.

Thanks for reading!

For a little enjoyment and your viewing pleasure!

You've got to check this out!

This is the funniest thing!


You'll smile if not laugh.

Have a great night =)

We think we're getting an acceptance letter!

Some of you know that I'm almost finished with my master's degree in reading from Northern Illinois University. Well my son is a senior and we've been going through the college application process. Let me mention that he put this off until the last minute too! I think it's a boy thing. Well because I know a little about maneuvering around the NIU website, I found a link to check on freshman application status. We've been watching because we had to have the application in around Halloween. Every other time its said application incomplete. We figured they were making the determination, entering things into the computer, waiting to see if a better ACT score came through, things like that.


Well today when I was checking on information for my class, I decided to hop over to that page and check the status again. Well today it said ADMITTED Incomplete. Which after looking it up means you've been admitted, but your paper work is incomplete. It also probably means they don't have final transcripts and of course $$,$$$!!!

So although Doug is not one to show much emotion, you can tell he's just a tad bit excited. He HAD to retake the ACT and had to score at least 3 points higher. He did and now it looks like it's paid off. He's waiting to see if he gets accepted into Eastern Illinois too before he makes his decision, but for now, he'll be stalking the mail lady every day.

Now I can be just a little relieved and whisper...
go huskies!

Two weeks and counting!

I've got 2 weeks and counting before we leave on vacation. We are going to a chalet (cabin) we've rented for Christmas. I've also got 2 more weeks of school before our break. Most would think I'm like ARGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH but believe it or not, I'm relatively calm. I do have lesson plans written for 2 weeks. I should be productive and write for the week we get back too. I have not shopped at all. I don't even have the lists sent to relatives. Tonight we have our small group for church, tomorrow the boys have a volleyball tourney tomorrow...luckily and finally at the same location!

Today I've cleaned a bit, swept and mopped my living room floor and kitchen floor. The kids helped with the dishes and the bathroom. I also worked on a scrapbook page. This is a new kit called Carol's Calm by Cindy Simon available here at NDISB.

So here's my newest page. It is a photo from my spa trip at Miraval. Miraval is a spa where celebs hang out! I'll let you in on a little secret......I won this trip when I was on Oprah. Maybe I'll elaborate more in another post.

Christmas Questions

I've been tagged by Angelina. Thanks Ange :)~

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrapped.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? House none. Large tree-colored, but this year is a small tree, I want it white.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put up your decorations? When ever we get around to it.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Cheese ball

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I remember always drinking 10 cups of water on Christmas eve because then I was guaranteed to have to get up and to go to the bathroom and be able to see if Santa had been there yet.

8. When and how did you learn that Santa isn't real? Hmmmmmmmm I'm a firm believer that there is a Santa, in someway shape or form.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. Just one.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lights first, then ornaments in random places. It is a lot of different ornaments, then the little heart ornaments get to fill up all the tiny spots.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it while it's falling and there is that peaceful "snowy silence" but could live without it.

12. Can you ice skate? Nope.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I remember the Barbie town house, a Care Bear most of all.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Seeing the excitement in my kids eyes.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? I love a lot of the cookies my mom makes, Anise drops, homemade carmel, buckeyes, Lebkukhian(sp) a German cookie, Pizzelles.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? When our kids were little we started a contest with my parents. It is called the decorated car contest. We start at Thanksgiving and go until Christmas. We count decorated cars, those that have bows, wreaths, Christmas lights etc. The winner gets a little trophy for the year.

When we were young, we used to draw names and you would have to keep it a secret who you got. Your job was to do nice things for that person without them finding out. As you did nice things, you would put a piece of straw into the manger. The goal was to fill the manger with straw before the birth of Jesus.

17. What tops your tree? A old fashioned looking santa

18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving gifts? Not sure, depends upon the year and to whom

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Sleigh ride and Chestnuts roasting by an open fire. They must be the Johnny Mathis versions. Although Rob Thomas and BB Wyans have a really great duo too.

20. Candy Canes on the tree? No

That's it for me! I'm tagging Ursula, Christine Smith, Mary Canavan

SNOW DAY!!

It rained, it sleeted, it thundered and there was lightening, and it snowed. It is that very heavy snow and I had to shovel as much as I could because the guys left for the airport at 6:30 this morning. Well if you've heard the news, they said bad! It was bad. It is bad! So I didn't get all of the drive way shoveled.

My family is just landing in Philadelphia. The first flight was 9:35 am and they are finally arriving at 9:46 pm central time.

Anyway, here is a page I worked on tonight. Al elements are from Krafty Girl from Christine Smith available from the Digichick.

A new layout

I've got some layouts I've got to get done in the next few days and with all my guys leaving Friday morning for Philadelphia for the Army-Navy game I think I'll have a bit of time alone to work on some.

Here is one I've created with some new things coming out by Christine Smith.



Credits: Paper and elements from Christine Smith's Basically Krafty, Krafty Boy, Krafty Elements, Rick Rack, Painters Dozen all available at The Digichick Template, Blog gift from Christine Smith. J Sprague corner rounder brush, blog gift, and font is Pea Tracy

Great opportunity to get stuff!

Cindy Simon is having a terrific sale over at Natural Design in Scrapbooking

If you need to shop, check out this sale and earn chances to win a $10 gift certificate.



Here is my newest page using Cindy's Frameworks Classic which is available at NDISB.


Credits: Gold Frame from Framworks Classic by Cindy Simon available at NDISB
Paper from A Beautiful Mess by Lisa Whitney available at ScrapArtist

Big Ole Toots!!!

I found out last night that I was chosen onto two new Digital Creative teams!

First I applied to the call for Christine Smith's creative team and I made it! I'm so excited. I have so much of her stuff and it works terrifically with so many of my photos. I've been a fan for so long! Christine's products at The Digichick

Also, I was invited to join Tracy Rivera's creative team. What an honor to be invited without even applying! Tracy Rivera's products at SBB

I would have to say that changing from paper, scissor, and glue scrapbooking to digital scrapbooking has provided me with a cleaner workspace, it has taught me loads about Photoshop Elements, and has provided me with more creative opportunities than I had before.

Here are a couple of new layouts using Christine Smith's products.


All products from Christine Smith's Kit Completely Krafty and A Bit Boho element extra kits available at The Digichick.


All products from Christine Smith's Freedom of Expression kit available at The Digichick.

Adios and Peace out!

a few more pictures

Moldy Oldie Vegas pics

So long overdue, yes I know! I know but beter late than never right?
This was my first time ever in Vegas. We took the boys with us. Doug said I can't wait to come back here when I'm 21. I think it was a bit boring for the boys, but they were great sports!

So here is a sampling of the hundreds of pictures I took.

I'm a horrible blogger

I'm never in the mood to update my blog. I'm even convinced that no one comes to visit so this post will tell me if the blog stays or goes. No comments then it goes, I'll know that no one visits.

Anyway today I've been doing a few scrapbook pages instead of homework.
The paper and elements are from a kit called Blessing available at ScrapArtist.
Don's page was created with a template from Christine Smith.
Doug's page was a scraplift of a digi scrapper, Susan Toon

What do you think?

Week in Review

This was a crazy week. Monday I was scurrying around making sure all the information I needed for my presentatin on Tuesday's class was done.

Tuesday work and class and my presentation went fine, thankfully.

Wednesday I woke up with a splitting headache and sore throat. It was a full blown sinus infection. It was only a half day for the students so I called in sick. I was wondering if the stress of my presentation played a part in me getting sick the night it was finished.

Thursday I went back to work feeling only half as cruddy as the day before, but the kids were fairly sympathetic and were behaved.

Friday, such an exciting night Don and I did nothing and then Brian came home and got in a heap of trouble. Needless to say, he's grounded and who knows for how long.

Saturday means homework. I actually submitted it about 5 minutes late. I should have done it on Wednesday when I was home, or Friday night when we didn't have any plans, but I just didn't. I did laundry all day.

Sunday..today.. we have my nephew's birthday party. My excitement level is a bit lacking these days. I need to do more laundry, and have already done some, but gosh it never stops piling up.

I have tried to use a bit of my creativity this week. I worked on two scrapbook pages. Here they are.





Off to get ready for the party. I still have to wrap the gift and shower.

A little redecorating

I added a new header. Not sure if I like it...there is a lot of blue and white going on. I think I'll leave it for a bit then create a fallish looking one.

Any suggestions?

Fun weekend, finally pictures

Over the weekend, we had family in from out of town.
Don's mom and step dad were here from Mississippi.
Also my aunt and two cousins were here from Ohio.

Thank goodness that no one was staying with us
because our house is so teeny, tiny.

On Saturday I drove my cousins to the Scarecrow
Festival in St. Charles, Illinois. We walked
a lot and stopped into a few of the antique
stores that are there too.

I took a few pictures of some of the better
scarecrows.

After we left, we were almost hit by some idiot
who turned on a red light. Then we are coming
up to the next red light with the idiot driving
beside us and BAM! He ran another red light and
hit a car that was in the intersection. He
didn't even slow down. Thankfully no one was
seriously injured, but what an idiot!

Ok, here are my pictures.

Down to the final 4

We've narrowed the senior picture choice down to 4. The final 4! It was not easy. We've looked, sorted, laid them all out and started narrowing them down and picking them off and although the formal one is in the yearbook, it is not necessarily my favorite. Don thinks we need a "formal" one.

I'm asking for all of your opinions one final time. Note, that the one that is black and white can easily be converted into color, which is what we'll probably do if we go with that pose.

Please leave me a comment with your most favorite and then your second choice.

Top left is #1, top right is #2
bottom left is #3, and bottom right is #4.

Thanks so much! I'll let you know what we finally decide upon when we go and purchase on Thursday night.

Was it the storm or is it a full moon???

Last night we had some awful, horrible storms.
We had storms for at least 6 hours last night.
Luckily we didn't have much damage, but what
we didn't know is that our crawl space holds water.
It is going down, but Don needs to call someone
to take care of that. Nothing of ours was lost
because of the water, thankfully.

My mom had about 3-4 inches of water in her basement.
She lost power around 10:30 last night and they are
saying that it won't be back on until probably
Thursday night. What is that about?? She has her
sump pump hooked up to the neighbor's generator because
we are due for some more major intense storms again
tonight. You know when you watch the radar and the intensity
is marked by colors? Starts at green goes up to yellow, orange,
red, pink then purple. Well the radar clearly showed Purple
over my area.

Now if you think that's weird enough, let me tell you the
rest of my crazy day story. Next crazy thing is that
my inlaws are coming tomorrow. They have stayed with us in
the past, but our house is too small now and they'll have to
stay elsewhere. We don't even have the slightest clue where yet.
They haven't told us.

My aunt and cousin arrive at my mom's house on Thursday. Let's
hope that there is electricity by then.

Finally, I talk to Don after school between work and going to
class and he said did you hear the news? I wasn't going to call
you unless it was serious. Ears perked???? Mine sure were.
He tells me they found a pipe bomb at the highschool where the boys
go and that the school was on lockdown. The police had to detinate
it twice because the first one didn't help it to explode.
This bomb was within 250 yards of my mom's yard. Probably 300-400
yards from the school building and about 2 blocks from my house.
Bomb sniffing dogs were in the building. The driveways were
all blocked by police cars. There were a lot of police cars and
paramedics in the area. Now this is serious. Not a joke and
the only thing you get from the school is that a "suspicious package"
was found and it turned out to be nothing.

Well the scary thing is was that the first two of my mom's neighbors
went to the police and they said pipe bomb. The third person got the
"suspicious package" answer. But if it was nothing, then why were
there 2 explosions????? Hmmmmmmmmm???? Why on lock down???? Why
so many police???? AND WHY ARE THEY HIDING IT?????????

I'm not believing their story. What if someone had intentions of bringing
it into the school and they chickened out? What the hell would they have
done??? Don called the school and the deans weren't talking. The
principal called and left a message after Don called, but of course
the boys deleted the message before we heard it.

You know it is one thing to find it, deal with it, and admit it but when
they do not have the odasity to fess up to the truth it really
irks me because there are well over 3000 people in that school and
the power was out in the neighborhood adjecent to it.

My next idea is to file for a freedom of information act
about the incident. I can't wait for things to get
back to normal. Oh wait...this is my life,

THIS IS NORMAL!!!!!!!