Life is Good

Sesame Street: Will.i.am's Song "What I Am"

2010-11-04T18:17:00.001-05:00

Saw this on Ali Edwards Blog and loved the message.

Football

2010-08-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

Brendan is a Freshman this year and playing football for Union. There was a football camp in Webster Groves for a few days. Hot as hell, but he had a good time "hitting" someone.

It's a shed

2010-08-11T07:45:00.000-05:00

The guys from church came over on Saturday June 5th and helped put out the shed. It brought tears to my eyes.
Today is Aug 11 and nothing else has been done with it, which also brings tears to my eyes.

Molly

2010-08-11T07:42:00.000-05:00

sorry forgot the picture of Molly on that last post

Fun in the sun

2010-08-11T07:40:00.000-05:00

We went to Robbie and Kevin's home to do some fishing. They also have "real" dogs, so Austin played with them most of the time. Molly will let you throw the ball and fetch all day long. The boys took turns throwing it in the pond and she had a "ball"

Murals for school

2010-08-11T07:38:00.000-05:00

Brendan my talented artist was asked to do some murals at school by his teachers. He does such great work and really enjoys it. Currently he has started doing logos for people. He did one for Brian Nieves radio show "The Patriot Enclave" and one for our Church, Leslie Baptist Church. One for the "Kupkake Kafe" ( a business DH wants to start, yea when pigs fly!) And he is doing one for Galati International. So if anyone out there needs a logo, he is the guy to call.

Weekend Crop

2010-08-11T07:33:00.000-05:00

We had another GREAT weekend crop at the Hilton in Chesterfield, in April. I love getting away for the weekend with the girls and catching up on my scrapbooking. I havent done much since that and that sucks.

Bike riding in Washington

2010-08-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

We went bike riding with some friends(Tonya, Albert,their dog Buddy, Andy,Tracy & kids(Anna and Joey). Our boys just love their dog Buddy, they say he is a real dog. After we went bike riding we stopped at Sonic to get some icecream. Buddy loves icecream

My silly boy

2010-08-11T07:27:00.000-05:00

Austin won this ballon hat at school for having the best attitude. He is such a great kid.

Catching up with some pictures

2010-08-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

March 17th Brendan, 14yrs old getting his tonsils taken out.

Another wonderful day............not

2010-08-11T07:09:00.002-05:00

Actually the title should probably just state "MEN" and that would say it all!!!!
What pains in the ass they can be!!!!!
So my wonderful husband, as a reminder I call him DH, has been working on Brian Nieves campaign day and night for about 6 months. No complaints about that part, cause it kept him out of the house and things were nice and peaceful for awhile.
Campaign over on Aug 3rd and Brian won the primary, yea Brian. So I am bumming alittle cause now what, he is going to be home all the time. Well that's ok, now he can get caught up on all the stuff he hasnt done around here, very LONG list by the way.
In the mean time the transmission goes out in the van he drives. We still have the little blue car sitting in the yard that hasnt run for a year. So he wants to get that running, to drive while waiting for the transmission. Well buddy that takes extra money we dont have right now. So the blue car sits. ( Some stranger stopped by the house about a month ago to offer to buy it....but NO cant sell it, going to get it running again....whatever) We decided even though we just paid off our credit cards we will use a card to pay for the transmission......come to find out, AFTER we drop it off, DH tells me they dont take CCs....GREAT news. Better go buy a lottery ticket buddy and HOPE you win!!!!!
So the election for Brian is over Aug 3rd, DH has worked his ASS off for his campaign. On August 6th DH starts feeling bad, really tired, everything is catching up with him.....Doesnt get started on that list yet. Monday still sick, stays home from work,GREAT. Tuesday stays home from work and I have to take to the DR, cause we only have 1 car. He gets a shot and some medicine for a Migraine. He is starting to feel better Tuesday night, thank you Jesus, now get your ass up and do something!
NOT!!!! Wednesday still staying home from work.........Ok buddy.....you used up all your days off earlier this year, so your not getting paid for these day, that's just great. And how we paying for this transmission, with your good looks, seriously doubt it.
If I have to look at him sitting in his recliner snoring one more time, I am going to jail for murder!!!!
Pray for me

WOW

2010-07-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

Life can throw you some curves when you are not looking. I have not posted to this blog since the beginning of the year. Which totally sucks. I used to love this blog and the whole process of using it to share pictures and events going on in my life.
One of my regular viewers of this blog was my mom. I lost her suddenly in March. It's been hard dealing with that. I feel badly I didnt talk to her more often. Didnt share more on here to keep her updated on what was going on with our life and day to day activities. Even though she moved over 8 hrs away over 8 years ago. I still miss her everyday and it's hard to think that she is really gone.
Also this year the scrapbook company I was a vendor for closed it's "doors" . As much work as being a vendor was; packing products up, setting up, coming up with ideas for make n takes....I miss going to the events and the interaction with all the great ladies I met at the scrapbook crops. Needless to say getting away from the business end of it, has also taken me away from spending time scrapbooking and I REALLY miss that. I miss spending time with "my girls" Erin and Roxie and all my scrapbooking friends. Erin and I have done a couple of scrapbook retreats, which have been GREAT!!! A whole weekend away, in a nice hotel, with 55 hrs of scrapbooking. But it has only been a couple times a year and it's just not enough to bring me scrapping, crafting pleasure. I have a WHOLE beautiful room in my basement and havent spent anytime to speak of down there.
I have gotten away from my dieting and gain back all the weight I lost, so I am SO not happy with myself about that right now. I have become a FLUFFY girl...hate it!
Life in general has totally gotten off track somehow, some way and I am feeling totally out of sync.
So my hope is, my plan is to get back to life as I knew it.....get back to scrapbooking, crafting, card making, eating better, getting up off my lazy ass and exercising (wish me luck on that one).
Here's to getting on to living life as I would like to

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-02T00:59:00.002-06:00

Brendan and Don playing Xbox

The gang waiting for the count down to midnight

Anna made it until midnight to celebrate the new year

Baby Julia was a part of the new year fun, such a cute baby

Tim set off some fireworks from July 4th that we saved for New Years Eve

Tank the puppy

2010-01-02T00:33:00.001-06:00

Bud and Melissa brought over their new puppy Tank on New Years Eve

He is such a calm puppy. So soft, cute and loving. He likes to snuggle.
He is a real cutie

Austin's birthday

2009-12-30T21:15:00.000-06:00

Today Austin turned 12 years old. Cant believe my youngest, my baby is growing up so fast.
He got a computer game he wanted and a punching bag. He really wants a six pack...six pack abs that is

football

2009-12-01T07:44:00.001-06:00

Yea, Brendan is the "man" in his uniform isnt he?

Brendan was also the kicker for the team, he really did a good job at the opening kicks for the games.

And he always liked being able to hit someone, thought that was fun

Prioritizing

2009-12-01T06:56:00.002-06:00

Life is all about priorities, but sometimes life gets in the way. I cant believe I only had one post in October, and none in November. So today is December 1st and here is hoping to a better track record for this month.
So what has happened in the past two months.....I hired someone to help me again, so I wouldnt have to keep working late....yea the best laid plans shot to shit. Still working until 6:30 pm most days. Way too many days spent sick in Oct, the boys have already missed over 5 days of school this year. Had another weekend crop with my girl Erin, had lots of fun and got a ton done. We went to a nice football banquet at the end of football season and an awards ceremony, since Brendan was a ball boy for the high school football team also. I took a week off from work in November by myself. No kids and no DH, spent the week at home getting stuff done and enjoying the peace and quiet. It was the best....I didnt even tell the family I was off...and no one figured it out, it was great!
Spent Thanksgiving with so dear friends and adopted family Tonya and Albert. They are from West Virgina, but they belong to us now. Tracy ( her sister) and Andy and their 2 kids, Anna and Joey joins us. Started off with death and mayhem with
the "kids" playing X-box. They beat me in Uno and we all ate way too much.
Lots of choir practices, cause I really need it to get ready for the Christmas Cantata. And this past weekend saw a fantastic movie " The Blindside". If you havent seen it, you should. Its touching, sweet and funny.
While that gets me caught up to the present. Here is hoping to posting more often.
Still have lots of pictures to load.

Wow

2009-10-12T23:19:00.002-05:00

This just goes to show you what happens when you work too many damn hrs. It has been a month since a posted last. I just hate that. Working too much and have too little free time.
We have been busy, Brendan with his football. He made Kicker as well this year, so he is doing really well with it and already talking about playing in high school. I just want to get thru this year.
Austin is wanting a "six pack". Not the kind you drink, but six pack abs. That kid is a mess. So I took him to a trainer and he and I worked out with the trainer for a Cross fit program. Holy crap, it about killed me!!! That was on Thurs and I still hurt when I have to bend down. Austin and I were both sore for days. I told him we need to get in better shape first, otherwise the trainer will just kill us.
We have been to the zoo recently, that was nice, the weather was great and went with the boys and Tonya and Albert. The monkey's were the best as usual.
I have LOTS of pictures on my camera that I need to download. That is my goal for this week, wish me luck.

Boy how time flies

2009-09-13T23:58:00.002-05:00

So my 1st born turned 20 this month, yea so how the hell did that happen and where has the time gone. Hard to believe it has been 20 yrs already. Anyway the little shit went got a motorcycle.

He knew I didnt like them, he knew his dad didnt like them. He knew we didnt want him to get one, but he got one anyway.
He looks soooo cool, doesnt he????
Yea, whatever. I am still not happy about it, but being the scrapbooker that I am I had to take his picture with the damn bike.
Wish us both lots of luck, definitely me for sure, I am going to need it!

It's Football Season

2009-09-07T14:13:00.006-05:00

Brendan decieded he wanted to play football this season. They have a new coach, he is actually one of the local policemen and has a totally different attitude than the previous coachs.

Brendan is a middle line backer, the one in red, with the red stripe down his helmet.

He seems to really like getting to tackle the other players.
It should be an interesting season

Katy Trail

2009-09-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the boys and I had a great time on the trail in Washington, so my DH has the great idea that we should do the Katy trail. Now dont get me wrong I wanted to do the Katy trail as well, but.....he wants to go from Dutzow to Augusta, 7.5 miles one way. Doesnt sound too bad right....well first it was pretty, that was a plus. But my bike seat is too small for my big ass, so I spent part of the trail trying to ride standing up, not to comfortable. Poor Austin again has one speed, he just has to go at his own pace. Well my DH would call out his name and Austin would get alittle shaky and over correct and hit the dirt. The first time is was his right knee and elbow, scraped up and bloody" I am perfectly OK mom" was all he would say and he got back up and rode off again. 7.5 miles doesnt seem like much until you do it, took forever! But I was bound and determined to make it, sore ass and all.

Finally arrived and stopped to go to the get some more water and hit the bathroom. Nice place here in Augusta with a little restaurant overlooking the trail and the valley, with a nice band playing that day. Would have liked a glass of wine, but knew I would never make it back to the car.

On the way back, I kind of hoped it would be like any other trip back, always shorter and quick then the trip there....not so much....sore ass, turned into sore shoulders also. Funny my legs were fine, just the other parts not so good. I finally had to get off that damn bike and walk just to give the other parts a break. Poor Austin was trying to ride slower, so as to not leave me too far behind, and he crashed and burned again, this time the left knee and elbow...." I am perfectly ok mom" What a tough kid! The last mile or so Austin would ask me " Mom are you ok" and my reply would be..." Austin, I am perfectly OK"
Never so glad to have a family fun filled day be over in my life!!!!

This is what it is all about

2009-09-02T23:30:00.011-05:00

A little back story here.....Austin is 11 yrs old. We live in a rural area, so he has had a hard time learning how to ride a bike. I have been teaching him in our yard, this way if he fell it wouldnt hurt too bad right? So after many days in the yard, I convinced him it was time to try a better surface. So when Brendan had football practice, I took Austin to the parking lot and let him try. He was scared at first, but after a few times, he loved it and went faster and faster and then he didnt want to stop.

So next it was to the trail in Washington by the river. Austin was so excited to go riding on the trail there.

And he was off, unfortunately he only has 1 speed, so I didnt see him again until we got to the end of the trail. It was 2.5 miles one way. He was happily waiting for Brendan and I at the end.

Yea Brendan wanted. his picture taken with the johnny on the spot in the background, he said it would be so Hoosier and cool,what a freak.

Austin was so happy and proud of himself, he made it the whole way and back w/o falling off or hurting himself. At the end he was waiting in the parking lot for us, "what took you guys so long????"

WTF

2009-08-28T23:13:00.003-05:00

Only two posts for Aug. that is terrible, shows how much time I have been spending away from home and working. Things have been really busy at work the last 2 months. A little too busy sometimes. But it has always been feast or famine.
I will post some pictures soon of us with the boys bike riding on the Katy trail, fun but hell.

New Website for Leslie Baptist Church

2009-08-15T23:29:00.009-05:00

The very talented Tonya Sawyers has gotten the Leslie Baptist Church website up and running, she may have had some help from her equally talented husband Albert, so I do not want to leave him out.
http://www.lesliebaptistchurch.com/
Check it out when you get a chance, lots of fun photos.
Better yet come by Leslie Baptist Church sometime and join in the fun and we can add your picture to the collection and the site.

Time is running out for signing up for the Fall Retreat

2009-08-01T20:16:00.001-05:00

We had such a great time in the spring we decided to do it again only BETTER.
A BIGGER,NICER LOCATION!!!! Just up the road from our spring crop
We had so much FUN, lots of LAUGHS, and TONS of scrapping booking pages (some claim to have gotten 55 pages done!)
NICER location, TWICE the cropping space to really SPREAD out

FALL CROP WEEKEND RETREAT
October 23-25, 2009
at
Hilton Garden Inn
Chesterfield, MO
Join us for another 55 hours of non stop cropping!
from Oct 23rd at 9 am to Oct 25th at 4pm
We are moving down the road this time to the Hilton Garden Inn...it is SUPER nice!!! LOTS of extra crop space.
Nice clean rooms
The weekend includes..
-6 foot table for each cropper
-optional two night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn
-buffet breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning
-24 hour access to a secured crop area
all of this for
$150.00 per person
(this price is based on double occupancy)
Each of the rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave
Indoor pool and fitness center
Wi-Fi Internet access
On site restaurant
Minutes from Michaels, Archiver's/Chesterfield Mall, Wal-Mart and Target.
Tons of sit down and fast food restaurants available.
A non-refundable deposit of $30.00 holds your spot is due by August 10, 2009 . The balance is due by September 25, 2009. Make payments as often as you like or pay all at one time!

A special thank you toCherish-Creative-Scrapbooking.com for their support in advertising

Life or something like it......

2009-07-30T22:47:00.003-05:00

Well it's been an interesting month to say the least! Work, yea has sucked! Every Friday this month has been really tough,(today was no picnic either) so tomorrow being the last Friday of the month, I am going with the attitude that, it's just another day and a new month is coming so I am just going to turn a negative into a positive and do the job I was hired to do. Repeat after me, I love my job, I love my job....yea whatever!!!!!!!
A close and very dear friend lost her son suddenly, so spent last week at the funeral home, not my favorite place, but she is one of my favorite people in the whole world and I love her dearly. She is a true inspiration on how I want to be when I grow up.
Brendan started football practice, and he is doing well. Unfortunately it is from 6-8pm every night, and we cant eat a big dinner before practice, and I cant eat a big dinner after 8:30pm, just too late for me. So we are working on getting on a better schedule.. yea the best laid plans just get shot to shit sometimes.
Havent done anything creative in far too long, makes for a crabby me. My girl Erin has had to change our plans the last couple of times...sick kid...sick her...hope she is feeling better this week. So my hope is to lock myself in my room and just have alittle me time. Just send me to room for the weekend and I will come out a new person.
"let not your heart be trouble", good things will come.

JK Wedding Entrance Dance

2009-07-25T00:16:00.002-05:00

A friend posted this on facebook the other day, and it is really fun to watch. So cool, it made me smile. Then this morning this couple was on the today show.

more 4th

2009-07-07T08:56:00.002-05:00

After all the death and mayhem was over it was time for a quick dip in the pool. Brendan ( Moose as he is called on the football team) got to carry Bobby on his shoulders to play chicken with Austin...Bobbie is tall enough he probably could still touch he feet to the bottom even on Brendan's shoulders.
Then Bobby insisted I get a picture of him body slamming Brendan into the pool...just a bunch of BIG kids!!!
Finally night time and time for the fireworks.
Anna and Sophie had fun with the sparklers, those two girls always look so cute!

More 4th of July

2009-07-07T08:50:00.003-05:00

Well the "kids" got to play video games...from 11 yrs old to 30 something kids.
It was fun watching them kill each other. Chad, the one standing really gets into his video games, he would get so excited and yell "get some" everytime he shot and killed someone.
Good times, good times

A visitor in the back yard

2009-07-04T10:57:00.002-05:00

I woke up the other morning, enjoying the peace and quiet and Harley started barking and would not stop, so I yelled at him to shut up. He kept on barking, so I got up to tell him face to face to shut up, seems to be more effective ( yea whatever) and I looked out the window to see if there was a reason for him to be barking and that is when I saw this out in our field

Isnt she pretty. She stayed out there long enough for me to take several pictures, she was eating leaves off of the tree, that I was able to go back inside, to put on my zoom lens and take some more pictures.
I guess I can thank Harley for being a noisy pain in the butt, otherwise I would have missed this.

Getting ready for the 4th

2009-07-04T10:53:00.002-05:00

My wonderful DH invited 10 people to our house for a 4th of July celebration, lucky me!!! Seriously it should be fun and we are really looking forward to today. The picture is the fireworks he and the boys bought for tonight. Yes they were "hidden" in Austin's closet and when I looked I could not believe how much the bought. So I asked " how much did you send on fireworks?" he told me $150. Now does that look like $150 worth of fireworks??????????? I dont think so either. Lord what was that man thinking??????????? Or did thinking have nothing to do with it?
Anyway I hope everyone has a Happy 4th of July

4th of july a day early

2009-07-04T10:51:00.002-05:00

The weather has gotten so much nicer, not 100 degrees this past week, thank goodness!
Last night we caught up with Tonya and Albert to watch fireworks. The fireworks were set off at Union park, so we met near by, set up the chairs and waited for the show to begin. Just a "pre" show for the 4th of July the boys are getting ready for

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-24T08:26:00.014-05:00

Wow, I may suck, but this made my day.

My Girl Roxie at Roxie's got this award from her friend Jenn at Mueller Time
One Lovely Blog Award. So undeserved, but I will graciously accept.
The rules are:
1) Accept the award, and post a link on your blog with the person name and blog who granted the award.

2) Pass the award to 10 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Contact the choosen 10 to pass this along

my ten:
1.Tonya LeeMemoirsofamountaineer
2.KorinSweetnsassystamps
3.KarenKarenskreativekreations
4.ElizabethLizzybells
5.BethAintshecrafty
6.MeganMyWonderfulGifts
7.ZenitaMom2my4boys
8.RobynHerebyGrace
9.Christina ckmom
10.BakerellaBakerella

WOW, I totally suck!!!

2009-06-24T08:14:00.003-05:00

In my defense life is out of my control lately. Yea I still suck, suck at blogging, suck at being a mom, suck at being a wife, suck at being a daughter, suck at being a sister I have been non stop at work most of this month. I have been working until at least 7pm, by the time I get home all I want to do is sit and stare at the tv with my mouth hanging open. I am so tired, so behind and feel like crawling in bed and staying there for a week.
So to all of you I have neglected, Happy Father's Day,Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Happy whatever day. I love you all!

Where has my time gone?????????

2009-06-13T00:14:00.005-05:00

This is one of the places I have been spending extra time. Farm town on facebook. You build your own little farm, raise your crops, get animals, harvest your crops and sell them at the market. It is fun. check it out sometime.
Yea this week has pretty much sucked otherwise. I worked late everyday, too late and had little to no fun at all, people were crabby, DH was whinny. I think I was spoiled by my week off without being aggravated.
The workout room, downstairs is functional and I need to make sure I use it first thing in the morning or I will not make time later in the day. I will post some before and after pictures soon
For DH to hook up the satellite tv in the workout room, he had to run the wires from the box to the tv in there. To run the wires, he had to remove some ceiling tiles in my scrapbook room. Did he say anything before hand so I could cover stuff up????Hell no!!! Did he break some tiles removing them? yes! Did he make one hell of a mess ALL over my tables, supplies and even some PICTURES??? What the hell was he thinking???? Oh that's right he wasnt!!!! I could not believe the MESS! I wanted so bad to clean it up right away....but since he had to replace the broken tiles and would make a mess again, there was no point. So I blew the dust and crap off the pictures and covered everything with sheets. Since I worked such long days all this week I have not made it down there yet to clean up the mess, I am just sick over it and my hope is to get it done this weekend.
It's late and I am tired. I will post more over the weekend.

Can't wait for "New Moon"

2009-06-04T20:45:00.002-05:00

I have read all the Twilight books, loved the first one and really enjoyed the rest (sequels are nothing like the originals, but still enjoyable)
I have watched the movie Twilight several times and loved it. I am so excited to know the new movie is coming out later this year.

More Summer

2009-06-03T10:51:00.001-05:00

And these BEAUTIFUL roses also came out of our garden. I just love flowers.

Summer Time

2009-06-03T10:32:00.001-05:00

Aren't they BEAUTIFUL?!? And do you know why they are so much nicer than your usual strawberries?? Because these BEAUTIFUL strawberries came out of our garden!!! And they are delicious!!!!!

Fall Crop Weekend Retreat

2009-06-01T09:33:00.005-05:00

We had such a great time in the spring we decieded to do it again only BETTER.
A BIGGER,NICER LOCATION!!!! Just up the road from our spring crop
We had so much FUN, lots of LAUGHS, and TONS of scrapping booking pages (some claim to have gotten 55 pages done!)
NICER location, TWICE the cropping space to really SPREAD out

FALL CROP WEEKEND RETREAT
October 23-25, 2009
at
Hilton Garden Inn
Chesterfield, MO
Join us for another 55 hours of non stop cropping!
We are moving down the road this time to the Hilton Garden Inn...it is SUPER nice!!! LOTS of extra crop space.
Nice clean rooms
The weekend includes..
-6 foot table for each cropper
-optional two night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn
-buffet breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning
-24 hour access to a secured crop area
all of this for
$150.00 per person
(this price is based on double occupancy)
Each of the rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave
Indoor pool and fitness center
Wi-Fi Internet access
On site restaurant
Minutes from Michaels, Archiver's/Chesterfield Mall, Wal-Mart and Target.
Tons of sit down and fast food restaurants available.
A non-refundable deposit of $30.00 holds your spot is due by August 10, 2009 . The balance is due by September 25, 2009. Make payments as often as you like or pay all at one time!

A special thank you toCherish-Creative-Scrapbooking.com for their support in advertising.

Happy Dance

2009-06-01T00:57:00.002-05:00

Yea been doing a little happy dance lately, and why you may ask, well on Sat morning at 4:15 am my DH and son (Brendan) left for a WHOLE WEEK. I got up when they left to say goodbye and to also savor every single second that DH is gone. Is that terrible of me?????? Dont get me wrong I do love the DH and I am sure I will miss him at some point. But I can watch what I want on tv. When I clean the house it will stay that way. ( Austin, my youngest is home with me, but he is not the messy one of the bunch and he is a people leaser) So I have been doing some extra cleaning up and throwing away, I figured if he hasnt used it, seen it or thought about it in the past 5 years, it is out of here.
So I am going to enjoy every moment I can between now and Friday night at 11:30 pm, when they are due back.
Maybe a little extra Happy dancing will help me lose some more weight also.

Look what he can do now!!

2009-06-01T00:21:00.003-05:00

It is a little hard to see in this picture,yea I know what the heck is this a picture of, right. Well this is Austin's mouth/tongue. Right above his bottom teeth is a "Short Frenulum" which caused him to be tongue tied. Austin is now 11 years old. He started speech therapy at his school in 2nd grade, 2 times a week. His progress was slow. I consulted the speech therapist where I work, Kelly (love ya, mean it, your the best) and she wanted to work with him for a while. In a few short weeks she mentioned he was "tongue tied" and if he got his tongue clipped it might help. I looked into it and figured why not, it could only help and not make things worse. In this picture you can see the the short frenulm keeps his tongue from raising up any higher, and he is unable to stick his tongue out all the way.

He is actually excited about having this done, especially if it helps him talk more clearly, he is obviously nervous and a little scared it is going to hurt.

In this picture this is the highest he can stick it up in his mouth, and it cause the tongue to puff up in the back.

This is a happy camper after the procedure. The Dr did the clipping in his office and a matter of minutes, numbed it first, the snip with the scissors. I was so proud of him! Here he is able to touch his up to the roof of his mouth. Something he could never do before and I had no idea he couldn't do this. His brother asked him "dude how did you get peanut butter off the roof of your mouth before" he answered " with my finger"

Here he can stick up for the first time.

And here sticking it out and down. He was so excited, all the way home in the car he played, moving his tongue around. He said he was so happy & excited that he could have ran a mile, no 3 miles.
Everyday he gets alittle better, practicing his words and his tongue exercises.
It's a shame that he spent so many years in therapy before and no one noticed his tongue before. Now all that matters is that Kelly discovered it, made a great recommendation and he can only get better from here.
Every couple of days he will say, "hey mom, look what I can do now"

Mother's Day Card

2009-05-29T20:59:00.003-05:00

This is the Mother's Day card I made. One of the very few cards I have had time to make recently.
I used a brown Bazzill base and pink Bazzill Bling. Then I used the Cuttlebug for Lable One Nestabilities, with the same brown Bazzill. I used Lable One again on white cardstock. I stamped the branch in brown and the flowers in 2 shades of pink and embellished with little pearls. Placed sheer pink ribbon all the way across the center.

Who can you trust anymore????

2009-05-18T07:16:00.001-05:00

The boys are always asking if they can go spend some time with Tonya and Albert. I thought is was because they enjoy their company, cause they are just big kids themselves and like playing video games. Or because they LOVE their dog Buddy, he is just a big lap dog.....but no, it is none of those things....Tonya and Albert, the sweet young couple from West Virgina,that we met through church, that we have welcomed as our own family....let our boys DRINK!!!! And this is a picture of the results!!!!!!!!!!

I got a call from Brendan the other night, he and Austin were spending the night at Tonya and Albert's home. Brendan calls and says "mom check your email, we sent you a picture" I am thinking oh how cute, a picture of the boys with Buddy maybe. I open it up and this is what I see. What the-----!!!!
I laughed so hard...love the belly Albert! The bottles are actually grape soda.

The "men" go hunting

2009-05-13T07:33:00.003-05:00

The guys went turkey hunting the other day. Austin needed some camo clothes to go, so I checked down in Bud's room and he had a camo pair of overalls, figured Austin could try them and just not button up the sides, since Bud is so tall and skinny and we were so surprised that they fit him just fine. Really proud of how well he has done with his wt loss!

Unfortunately for them all the came back with was the turkey decoy. I wonder why???? It looks SO real!! If I was a turkey I am sure I would be fooled!!! NOT!
Anyway at least they had a good time together.

Our other little girl

2009-05-07T10:55:00.001-05:00

This is Sophie on the same day at Albert and Tonya's, playing on the trampoline. We just love these girls and Tim loves to spoil them like they were his own. It's a good thing we didnt have girls of our own, we would be totally broke.
I get to be in the church nursery once a month and I always bring a movie to watch and sometimes a craft to make, last month we decorated boxes with foam stickers. And I bring a snack, yea sorry Megan I know I spoil their appetites for lunch, but it is only once a month....seriously though it wont hurt my feelings at all if you ask me to stop. Regardless I do enjoy spending time with "our girls"

Surprised myself

2009-05-07T10:48:00.001-05:00

Is this an awesome picture or what? Or is it just me that thinks it is amazing? I even surprised myself at how great this turned out. Just pure dumb ( and I mean dumb) luck that I caught this shot. We were at Tonya and Albert's home for a fun day of playing and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and I was taking pictures of everyone and happened to see Anna in the field. I just love this picture. I told Anna's mom, Megan, I have just as many pictures of her girls as I do my own kids.

Fun to watch

2009-05-06T06:34:00.004-05:00

And he sleeps

2009-05-05T08:46:00.002-05:00

DH and I were out Friday night until around 10:30 pm to set up for our fundraiser crop. When we got home I noticed, from his bedroom door, that Austin's TV was on and he was lying on his belly. " Are you still up? you need to get some sleep" no answer, so when I stepped into his room this is how I found him.

More Quilt class photos

2009-05-04T09:13:00.002-05:00

Quliting

2009-05-04T09:11:00.003-05:00

Betty teaches Megan what to do next

Joanie looks far too serious

Clara's husband Bill helped her pick out her fabric and we all loved it.

Learned to sew/quilt

2009-05-04T08:58:00.002-05:00

We had a sewing class at church to learn how to make this pillow/quilt. When it is folded up it makes a pillow, unfolded it is a blanket. Betty was a great teacher, very patient! And she needed to be as we are not the best seamstress around. I used flannel on one side, so it would be warm and comfy. Naturally as soon as I brought it home Austin wanted to know if he could use it, needless to say on a good day he does share with me.

Prom

2009-04-21T00:56:00.003-05:00

Busy couple of weeks here lately. Tim has gone back to work, thank god. He went back last Monday and is doing ok. The Dr never found anything, which is good news. The diagnosis is hypertension. So I told him he is going to have to take up yoga and meditation. We shall see.
Erin and I had our scrapbook retreat this past weekend. It went fairly well, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and got alot done. We are looking for a different hotel to have it at in October though. Somewhere with a bigger room to crop in.
Unfortunately I missed seeing Bud & Melissa this past weekend because of the retreat and he had taken her to her prom. The pictures are ones his dad took and emailed to me. He looks so handsome in the black tux and grown up. Melissa looks just beautiful. Wished I could have seen them in person, but the pictures came out great.

Fun weekend with friends

2009-04-07T07:36:00.003-05:00

Be sure to click on "fun weekend with friends" title & Scroll past the scary people in the pink bunny ears to the video that Tonya made. She and her wonderful husband Albert invited us to their home for fun and games. Then we sat around the camp fire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and made some mores(sp). The kids had a great time ( the big and little ones) and I got some great pictures.
Tonya is too darn talented and Megan and I are going to have to hold her hostage to show us how she makes these great videos.
Also Tim had a follow up with the Dr on Monday and he adjusted his medicine and so far he should return to work this coming Monday. Thank goodness.
Winter has come back with a vengeance, cold and windy, even snow flurries yesterday.
I WANT SPRING NOW!!!!!!!!!!
I havent made it to WW in 3 weeks, so I HAVE to go tonight....wish me luck!!

And so it goes

2009-04-03T01:52:00.002-05:00

Been slacking on the blogging lately, but hey life gets in the way sometimes. So let's see, Tim had his test done at the new St. Clare hosp in Fenton, very nice place and good people. Fortunately the test came back clean. That man for all his crappy eating, and unhealthy life style has great, unblocked, arteries. So I told him, lets keep it that way. His resting B/P is still too high. So the Dr is adjusting his meds. I told him he needs to take up meditation and yoga and learn how to relax. He has got the relaxing his body down just fine. It's that not letting things bother him that is the issue. And now that I know he isnt going to have a heart attack if I stress him out, he and I are going to have a come to Jesus talk.
Wish me luck on that one people.
The day at the hosp was an experience though. Not only was our good friend Pastor Chuck there, so were my lovely in laws. It was a nice surprise to see Chuck, since had told us he wouldnt be able to come by there, but there he was before we got there all smiles and support. But boy he is a chatty guy...never shut up the whole time...kidding he was nice to have a friendly face there...which brings me to the in laws, not so friendly. Didnt say hello, walked right back to the rooms behind closed doors to where they were prepping Tim, but were told to wait a few minutes. Since the prep room was too small for all of us, left Tim and went to the waiting room so they could go back to see him. I said Hello and the room is the first...." oh I know where it is" said his dad and walked on with his lovely mother, so warm and fuzzy. Chuck said, " well that wasnt necessary" yea welcome to my world.
So the surgery takes about an hour and the nurse comes out and called my name, "Karen Hays, for Tim Hays", right behind me walks up his parents,the nurse looks at me and says, you can go back now (who by the way sat across the room from me, behind a short wall...such family closeness.)and his dad says, " oh no we will go back there first" and off they went...well I am sure you can see the smoke coming out of my ears now. I thinking ok, who am I, just his wife no big deal. Pastor Chuck didnt look so Pastorly at that moment let me tell you, and he looks at me and says now that isnt right, you go back there. I decided I better go get some fresh air first before I put one of them in the hospital. When they did come back out not a word was said, but if looks could kill they both would have died right there on that waiting room floor, I was none too happy. Chuck says see you later as they were leaving and Tim's mom, with her back turned says " oh much later" warm and fuzzy again.
Anyway that is enough drama for one week.
Maybe I should take up meditation and Yoga myself.

Something seriously wrong with me

2009-03-28T17:32:00.000-05:00

Yes this is a picture of a snake. Say hello to Rusty. Oh yea it even has a name. Cute huh? Not. Yes there must be something seriously wrong with me. Apparently 3 kids, 3 dogs and a damn rabbit are not enough, I had to agree to let my son Brendan get a snake. Yea whatever. He had to pay for it himself and he has to take care of it (unlike the damn rabbit I am still taking care of) So he has to feed it once a week. And guess what snakes eat....no not just other snakes...they eat mice. Little, bitty, baby, dead, frozen mice. Yea lucky, lucky me. So we have Rusty the snake living in his room in a tank. 2 bags of dead, frozen baby mice in my deep freeze. You can get 50 of those little babies for $20 and that is a sweet deal apparently. See last Sunday we skipped church all because there was a snake show in town. Yes they had a whole big room full of snakes, lizards, big, hairy,spiders, huge, live roaches and a freezer full of little mice, big mice and rabbits ( for the bigger snakes...if I had only known I could have done a trade, my damn rabbit for ....no never mind that is not very nice.) And believe it or not this place was packed. It was held at the Viking on Watson. We had to pay to get in, yea that is where I want my hard earned money to go, to get into a room to see a bunch of snakes. And talk about a gathering of some interesting people. Lots of body art, tattoos and piercings ( and not just their ears) Wow it was a real experience. I have my good friend Tonya Sawyers to thank for this little adventure. Pay backs are hell.
So now we have a new addition to the family. He looks bigger than he is in the picture. He is no bigger around than my pinkie and about 1 1/2 foot long. And from what I understand Rusty will get up to 4 feet long....lord help please!!!!!!!!!!!

Biggest Loser Show

2009-03-25T12:24:00.003-05:00

I didnt get to see the show last night because we all went to the Blues hockey game, which was cool, Blues won 2-0. But I did record it and let me just say Tara Rocks!!!!!!!!! That girl pulled a car with an extra 257 lbs for a 1/2 mile and won the challenge and immunity. She is my hero.

In Christ Alone

2009-03-17T07:54:00.003-05:00

Another day in paradise....not

2009-03-15T11:33:00.003-05:00

It's been a couple of challenging days here lately. Austin has been running a fever gets up to 103, and only down to 100 with medicine. He hasnt been sleeping well at night, which means I havent either.I have had him in bed with us but he wakes up and wants me to lay on the couch with him, why I dont know the bed is so much more comfortable. If it continues today I am taking him to urgent care since he also has a sore throat, maybe strep.
Tim went back to the cardiologist on Friday and so far everything is coming back normal, except for his blood pressure, it is still running high. So he wants to do another MRI/MRA of the renal arteries and glands. The dr. said that is what actually controls the blood pressure, I didnt know that. Anyway that is schedule for the 19th and 20th. Since Tim has been off work he has gotten alot done around the house. The laundry room is almost done, new flooring, doors and painted. The kitchen flooring is in, just need to get the trim work finished. And this past week has been working on cleaning out the basement....that is almost as good as getting the shed up....almost but not quite. I will take pics and post later sometime when it is all done.
Since Austin was sick Saturday I missed being a vendor at a crop, which means I also didnt get any work done. I havent done any scrapbooking since the Beaufort Crop and that was last month. Maybe later today I can spend some time down stairs.
Just wanted to touch base and catch up here.
Love ya mean it

Interesting news today

2009-03-09T18:21:00.003-05:00

I had an interesting email today from I Remember When
"It is with a heavy heart I announce that effective immediately we are closing I Remember When as it currently exists. As you know, this economy has taken a toll on every type of business, and the craft market is no exception. Unfortunately, as every company must make changes to survive this financial crisis, Xyron has had to take a hard look at our situation and make some difficult decisions.
Sincerely,
Chris Phillips
President Xyron Inc."
Well I had been talking about getting out of the "Vendor business" looks like it's a done deal now......
Now what am I going to do with all my extra products.....hmmmm....sounds like a sale to me.
I have just a few more events this year, the last one being May 2nd. So you may want to come by and get it while it lasts.
I will post more info again soon.

Crazy Weather

2009-03-07T12:00:00.001-06:00

Boy you can tell this is Missouri, one day we have snow and it was very cold, all weekend (2 weeks ago) the high was in the 30's.

Then one day last week, Wednesday I think it was the day ( I should remember, but I dont, too tired) it was beautiful and hit 73 degrees.
Today is Thur. March 5th and it was another beautiful day, spring is in the air and I have cabin fever so bad. It hit 75 degrees. Hopefully winter is over

The Women

2009-03-07T09:52:00.003-06:00

I was watching the movie The Women the other night and in a scene where the main character(Meg Ryan) is saying goodbye to one of her friends, she waves goodbye and says"Love ya, mean it".....that's my goodbye phase.
Cute movie, check it out sometime.
Bye for now
Love ya, mean it!

Growing up

2009-03-06T12:00:00.001-06:00

Wow, they grow up so fast!! Where has the time gone???? This is my baby, Austin, he is 11, going on 20. He was getting dressed for church. Usually he will dress pretty causally, but on this day he wanted to get all dressed up. He showed me the outfit before he put it on and was holding a black tie. He said "mom,I was going to wear this tie with the suit, but I think I will save it for when I get married and wear at my wedding" OOOOHHHHHH, just makes my heart melt. So instead he picked out a striped tie. He just looked so grown up with the jacket, dress shoes, belt. He can even tie his own neck tie himself. I didnt have time to take the picture before we left for church so I had to take when we got home, he had already taken the tie off in the van. He had enough of being dressed up by then.

Valentines cards

2009-03-05T21:49:00.001-06:00

I havent shared a project for awhile, been working too much to show anything that's anymore recent than Valentines Day, since I havent had time to work on anything lately. I am so in need of some scrapbook/papercrafting therapy! Anyway here are a few cards I made for my DH and my boys.

This one I used brown and pink card stock. Nestabilities(large scallop circle die)cut with the Cuttlebug for the center, stamped the heart. Pink and brown dotted ribbon

Valentines paper background, red card stock and white Bazzill Bling cut with Nestabilities(lable one die) in the Cuttlebug. Heart flocked sticker, red decorative ribbon with white pearls

Valentines paper, red card stock, white Bazzill Bling cut with Nestabilities (label), using the Cuttlebug. White dotted sheer ribbon and "love" rub on

The Scrapbook Review

2009-02-28T17:22:00.004-06:00

A new site has been launched called Scrapbook Review, here is what they posted about their new site
We are a group of crafters who wanted to know the real deal about new products, expensive tools and industry trends.

We report on and review everything from adhesives to trimmers to big ticket personal cutting systems. With easy and comprehensive rating systems and TSR top picks, choosing the right products to add to your stash is just a click away.

We strive to be an interactive community where all are welcome to share opinions, ideas and inspiration. We have candid articles, a monthly newsletter, lots of give-aways and commit to bring you the latest and greatest from the Scrapbooking world.

Sounds promising, check it out.

2009-02-27T22:31:00.001-06:00

The Header of the Birds and the Bird Cages are for my girl Erin.
Love ya, Mean it!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

2009-02-27T21:35:00.003-06:00

DH took me out to dinner and a movie for Valentine's Day. We saw Confessions of a Shopaholic and it was a pleasant surprise, a really cute movie. One that he was even able to stay awake for.

2009-02-27T21:07:00.002-06:00

Bad blogger again

2009-02-19T22:50:00.003-06:00

Not sure where the time has gone lately. Everyone has been fighting some kind of bug lately, nothing worse than having the day off from work, but being sick and not able to enjoy it.
I have started the 365 album, been taking pictures, but haven't put them in the album for the last couple of weeks.
DH has been off work the last couple of weeks....lord give me the strength... having some B/P issues and high cholesterol the Dr's are running some tests. So lucky me he decided to get some things done around the house....replaced the flooring in the laundry room $$$, painted ( a color I didn't pick out) lovely raspberry with white trim$$$ and new white doors with new door knobs, $$$$. Oh wait I almost forgot the new washer and dryer, front loading of course, MAJOR $$$$$$$$$. I remember that purchase quite well...I was at the drive thru of the local pharmacy and my cell phone rings and the lady on the other end says" I am calling to get your authorization for your husband to use your line of credit for a purchase" "OOOkkk, where are you and what purchase? actually is my wonderful husband there and if so may I speak to him?"...see we had talked about the washer and dryer and I had a hard time justifying that much $. Well wouldn't you know that Lowes was having a GREAT sale and we can save a ton of money.
Several trip to Lowes later, we have flooring to put down in the kitchen, a new light over the kitchen table, a new storm door, and a new propane fireplace. More $$$$
After all of that the dishwasher goes out, $$$$, the water heater goes out, $$$$, the water softner goes out, $$$$. Oh and best of all the furnace went out last month ( that's why he got the propane fireplace) MAJOR, MAJOR, MAJOR $$$$$$$$$$$
So basically I had me a little nervous breakdown, I think I need to be treated and tested for high B/P. And I am taking up a collection for bail $ for when I go to jail for murder. Since I have shared this all with you, I am hoping for some support and witnesses that will say it was totally justified!!!!!!!!!
So back to the 365 album, all of the pictures I have taken have been of... come on you can figure it out....yup a furnace, water heater, dishwasher, laundry room, fireplace, oh and the furnace guys truck in the driveway....good times, oh the memories.
Love you all, mean it and keep me in your prayers!!!!!!!!

When I grow up I want to be an old woman

2009-02-10T22:08:00.004-06:00

Click on the title and follow the link

Spring Crop Retreat

2009-02-09T20:49:00.000-06:00

Spring Crop!!!
April 17-19, 2009
At the
Comfort Inn Chesterfield
Join us starting at 9am Friday April 17th until 4pm Sunday April 19th for tons of scrappn' good times. Enjoy 24 hour access to the crop room. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided throughout the weekend.
What you get…
55 hours of non-stop crop time!
6 foot of crop space for 55 hours (room will be open & secure 24/7)
Hotel room for Friday & Saturday night (double occupancy)
Each of the rooms have a mini-fridge and microwave
Indoor pool and fitness center
WiFi Internet access
Free Breakfast Daily
Minutes from Michaels, Archiver's/Chesterfield Mall, Wal-Mart and Target. Tons of sit down and fast food restaurants available.
ALL FOR $140.00 PER PERSON

A $30 deposit holds your spot. Please send us your deposit by March 2, 2009. The balance will be due March 27, 2009. You may send payments if it makes it easier for you! Limited space availability. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested!

Please make checks payable to:
Karen Hays
1597 Old State Road
Beaufort, MO 63013

Contact us by phone or via email :
Erin
erink88@gmail.com 636-346-7150
Karen
karenhays@yhti.net 314-974-3225

Registration Form
Spring Crop 2009

Name: ____________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
Email:_____________________________________________
Roommate: ________________________________________
Special Requests: ___________________________________

It's Barbie's World

2009-02-08T17:57:00.006-06:00

It's Barbie's World, we just live in it. Actually I was cleaning up downstairs in my scrapbook room and saw my Barbie tree.

and I remembered I was going to post some pictures of my Barbie tree and some Barbies for my friend Jim

These are some of my dolls I keep on a shelf in my scrapbook room. One of my favorites is the Catwoman Barbie and the India Barbie.

This Barbie case sits on top of a cabinet in my room and it holds 3 Barbies and 1 Ken and lots of clothes & shoes. I bring this upstairs when the little girls come over that we babysit ( Sophie and Anna) they have a ball with these and will play with them for hours.

These are some things I have a top of a shelf in my bedroom. My brother is kind enough to help me keep my collection growing and gives me new ornaments as gifts every year.
Love me some Barbie

Birthday Card

2009-02-07T12:03:00.004-06:00

This is a birthday card I made for my mom. It is called a circle medallion and I followed the tutorial on the attached link, if you click on the title birthday card. She is so talented.I used swiss dots for the background, bazzill paper and a satin bow.

Wt loss

2009-02-06T18:23:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since I have posted anything about my wt loss. So without further delay the current total is......drum roll please......23lbs and counting. That is from my last weigh in on Tuesday, 2/3/09. Since I have been sick all week and not eating much, maybe next weigh will make the 25lb mark!!!!

IRW Store now available to everyone

2009-02-06T17:29:00.003-06:00

Now you can go to http://karenhays.irememberwhen.com and shop for all your IRW/Xyron favorite products. You can get all the great items you have seen me carry at the scrapbook events now from the comfort of your own home. Just please put my name in as the instructor.
If there is something that you are looking for that you can't find, contact me and it be something I have in stock at home.
Enjoy this great weather we are having.

IRW Mini Supplements and crop info

2009-02-04T09:11:00.003-06:00

Hey all you can follow the link above to see the new mini supplements from January and February. We are offering some great kits, new Fancy Pants products ( I love Fancy Pants), Cloud 9, Dream Street and Creative Imaginations products including items to alter.
Also a reminder that the deadline for early bird sign up for the Beaufort Crop around the world is coming up quick
BEAUFORT ELEMENTARY’S 3rd SCRAPBOOK EVENT

Get ready to crop for 12 hours at
Beaufort Elementary School’s

Crop Around The World in 12 Hours

February 21st, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

$35.00 before February 13th
$40.00 after February 13th
$20 for half day and students
(Space is limited this year, so register early)
Full Day price includes lunch, dinner,
contests, attendance prizes, and classes
taught by our vendors

Make checks payable to Beaufort Elementary School and mail to:
Beaufort Elementary School
Attn: Scrapbook Committee 3200 Hwy 50 Beaufort, MO 63013
or call (636)583-7744 or (573)484-3221 ext. 2035

House of 3

2009-02-02T23:07:00.002-06:00

This is the house that HEIDI SWAPP helped build

Magical Wishes

2009-02-02T22:11:00.001-06:00

This new collection is being offered as some blog candy as well. She has some really pretty stuff. Click on the title for the link

Creating from the Heart!:

2009-02-02T21:49:00.001-06:00

Creating from the Heart!: Valentine's Blog Candy!! {and more!}
Follow the link for some cute blog candy from Melissa

Super Bowl Sunday

2009-02-02T10:58:00.000-06:00

Every store in the area was giving out 3-D glasses for a commercial that was going to air during the Super Bowl. So I whined until everyone ( yea thanks Chad) agreed to put them on so I could get a group picture. What a bunch of freaks!
I was a good day though, the weather was great, LOTS of food, laughs and even a little papercrafting squeezed in.

Trailer of Terror

2009-02-02T00:52:00.006-06:00

Some good friends of my ( Tonya and Albert, well not so much Albert) made a video called Trailer of Terror, when they lived in West Virgina and were very bored. This will some day be a cult classic. Click on the title of this post to see the video on You Tube. I am also saving it to the left by video.
Love you guys

Updated IRW News

2009-01-31T15:53:00.005-06:00

Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the beautiful weather we are having right now.

A couple of updates. First - you can now go to my IRW blog ( link below) and shop online for all those great IRW/Xyron products you know and love. Just follow the link and at the top of the page select products and go from there. So everything you need and want is now right at your fingertips and will be delivered to your home.
http://karenhays.irememberwhen.com/enUS/BBHome/default.html(copy and paste)or just click on the title "Update IRW News" Be sure and save the site to your favorites!
So everything you need and want is now right at your fingertips and will be delivered to your home. I will post more info about shopping at IRW's estore again soon, as well as a chance to win a great prize.
Second upcoming crop
Crop Around The World in 12 Hours at Beaufort Elementary
February 21st, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
$35.00 before February 13th
$40.00 after February 13th
$20 for half day and students
(Space is limited this year, so register early)
Full Day price includes lunch, dinner,
contests, attendance prizes, and classes
taught by our vendors
Make checks payable to Beaufort Elementary School and mail to:
Beaufort Elementary School
Attn: Scrapbook Committee
3200 Hwy 50
Beaufort, MO 63013
OR
call (636)583-7744 OR(573)484-3221 ext. 2035
I will have lots of products on SALE at this event.

The flier for our Weekend Retreat in April will be coming out soon, so start saving your pennies, It will be a great time and the opportunity to get away and get a ton done as well.

Have a great weekend

Happy dance

2009-01-30T00:31:00.000-06:00

Had to get some new pants, cause I could take the old ones off without unzipping them, yea baby, that is too cool

Vacation Album

2009-01-29T10:42:00.000-06:00

I am using the IRW Everyday Stories System for my vacation album from 2008.

Christmas cards

2009-01-28T11:00:00.002-06:00

I was cleaning up in my scrapbook room and came across these cards I didnt post from Christmas.
The first one is embossed with the snowflake folder,using the Cuttle Bug, on white Bazzill Bling. Red Bazzill for the Nestabilities Lable One ( I love this shape)Rub on for the sentiment, sticker snow flake and red ribbon.
The second one again used the snowflake folder, nestablities lable one, and scalloped circle. Rub on, ribbon and a sticker. Simple but classic looking.
Lastly the card I sent to some people this year. I was so pleasantly surprised by how this card came out. White Bazzill Bling, snowflake folder as the base. The wreath was made using the Martha Stewart branch punch, so each section was punched and run thru the Xyron sticker maker and laid out to make the shape of the wreath, pretty cool huh? Red bling and a red ribbon. I really loved how the card some out.

Oh the weather outside is frightful

2009-01-28T01:39:00.002-06:00

Stuck at home today, Tuesday, with the boys, I am hoping to get downstairs soon for some me time. I will get those pictures posted soon about what I have been working on, 365 project.
Also I am trying a new set up with the blog. I am not sure about the look yet, I wanted the 3 columns and black is such a "thinning" color.
It is a work in progress, just like life is.
More later
This was much earlier today or yesterday since it is very early on Wednesday morning. This picture was taken at approx 11 am. Now is has been snowing since around 4pm and we have probably 5 inches outside. Crazy.
I did get some work done downstairs so it was a pretty productive day.

Rehabcare Album

2009-01-18T15:52:00.001-06:00

Well I said I would post some pictures of things I worked at the weekend crop. This is an album made of chipboard that I ordered to spell Rehabcare. I thought it would be kind of cool to have an album out with pictures of the therapists and some of our patients at the outpatient clinic. Each letter makes up 1 page of the album and I added some flat blank chipboard pages. Each letter is covered with paper and embellishments.

365

2009-01-16T01:46:00.001-06:00

I started on Jan 1st, taking a picture a day. The first week was more than 1 picture because alot of things were going on. But this week I did better. I will post some pictures over the weekend.

Good Times

2009-01-13T08:11:00.002-06:00

These are some pictures from my scrapbooking weekend. We stayed at the Drury Plaza Hotel, very nice. It was great to crop, eat, sleep do whatever and not have to cook, clean or yell at anyone.
The next picture is the table I sat at with some of Erin's friends an co-workers and their moms, starting with Erin in the brown tee shirt, going counterclock wise, Tracy, Missy, Libby, Pat (Libby's mom), Karen(Tracy's mom) and I sat next to Karen.
Last but not least my girl Erin, Love me some Erin time.
We cropped, we talked, we laughed and we bitched alittle, sometimes alot. But this weekend was some great therapy for me. Hated to leave, but we will do it again.
Next time I will post some pictures of the projects I worked on, Rehabcare album, vacation and 365 album.

Wow what a weekend!!!!

2009-01-12T18:44:00.003-06:00

I had such a great weekend. I went to a weekend scrapbook event in Chesterfield. Stayed at the Drury Plaza Hotel, with Archivers right across the parking lot. I had a nice room on the 10th floor and a great roommate, my girl Erin. We were able to crop from 9am Friday to 4pm Sunday. It was fantastic and I got alot done.
I will post some pictures soon

Christmas at the Hays house

2009-01-06T23:36:00.001-06:00

I was finally able to get together with my family to celebrate Christmas this past Sunday. My brother Tony, my sister Lisa, her husband Mark and their 2 boys, Elias and Caleb came by and we had lunch and opened presents. I put together a scrapbook album for Tony and Lisa from our summer vacation together. The kids got together in Brendan's room and played Rock Band. I havent played yet, but Tony and Lisa got their chance at the drums. The big boys, Tim and Mark went outside and shot off some guns, for fun and to make noise I guess.
We had a good time and it was nice to get everyone together. Hopefully we can do it again soon.

The good, the bad and the ugly

2008-12-30T22:02:00.004-06:00

What to start with first....the good, lost another 2.4 lbs, making it a total of 20.6 lbs, feels really good! Eating all the junk from christmas has really made me feel like shit. Too much chocolate, hard to believe that is even possible, candy and cookies. Eating healthy really makes me feel better.
Next... could be bad or ugly depends on how you look at it. I had to call my boss today and tell her I lost us $24,000.00 in charges. Yea that's a hell of alot of money. How you might ask, well we do outpatient therapy in St. Clair. I havent been there much, so I havent kept up on things the way I should. We have a patient that is Medicaid only, young stoke pt. Well that pt has been on for a very long time, being seen by Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy. Over the course of her treatments the bill totals $24,000.00 and Medicaid doesnt pay squat. So I let her hear it from me directly instead of form someone else and if I have to turn in my resignation I will. So I may be looking for a job soon.
Next...My wonderful son, started at ECC this year through the A + program, which is a program that the state pays for your education and you end up with an Associates Degree. Who can turn down a free education...well apparently he can. He was too busy spending all of his free time doing lord knows what. And didnt do his homework until 11 at night or later, ended up with a GPA of 2.3. Which is .2 too low. All he had to do was maintain a C or better, but no he didnt like school and was more interested in other things. So this coming semester he has to pay for it himself, cause dear old mom doesnt have the $. If he can get a student loan and get his GPA back up to 2.5 then he can qualify for A+ again. He and I are going to be having a come to Jesus talk before school starts again.
Next...We have a crazy neighbor that is becoming a pain in the ass, and I do mean crazy...this is a story all on it's own and will save for another time.
Next..I came home in a pissy mood; work, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Was a bit of a bitch, that was approx 5 hrs ago. This caused DH to go off the deep end, all because I had a hair up my butt. I have since apologized for over reacting, small lie to keep the peace. Well not good enough I guess, cause he still isnt speaking to me...not sure that, that is a bad thing necessarily.
But hey, I still lost wt during the holidays, and next weekend my girl (Erin) and I are going to a weekend crop, from Fri at 9am thru Sun at 4pm. No kids, no husbands, free happy hour, scrapbooking, Archivers across the street and the cheesecake factory next door. I think I will make it through the rough stuff for all of that.
Have a Happy New Year

Update on the Rabbit

2008-12-27T20:45:00.003-06:00

Found out that Henry is a Henrietta. And now Austin thinks he should have another rabbit a boy so they can make baby rabbits, thanks to Grandpa Hays. Yea over my dead body. The one is bad enough, a stinky, smelly rabbit lately, I'll be damned if I am going to have a happy little family of rabbits around here to take care of.
Austin claims he will take care of them, yea right, like he takes care of the one he has now? So he does feed it and give it fresh water, but who gets the dirty smelly job of cleaning its cage. Oh yea, lucky me.
Any one out there looking for a cute little rabbit???? It needs a new home.

December so sucks

2008-12-27T20:40:00.003-06:00

Between rushing around to get everything ready for Christmas, buying presents, sending cards, wrapping presents, making cookies....whatever other crap I have to do and just cant think of at this moment. Then you have to have all the junk sitting around, cookies, candy, popcorn...I can not wait for it to be over and all gone. Whatever is left in this house come the weekend is going into the trash!!!!
I have eaten too much junk lately and not been motivated to work out. I havent even had the guts to weigh myself this past week. Scared to see what # comes up.

A very Merry

2008-12-25T20:18:00.002-06:00

Wow it's been awhile since I have left a post, so much too do and so little time.
Well Christmas is here, much too quickly for me, but it was a great day. The boys all got what they wanted and it was their first Christmas to buy our family gifts with their own money. They were really proud of themselves, though they spent way too much money.
I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and will have a happy and healthy New Year

Yea it's a rabbit

2008-12-14T11:20:00.001-06:00

Earlier this year, in Sept was Bud's,19th birthday. His girlfriend gave him this rabbit as a gift, Why, I guess cause it was cute. Anyway said son is hardly ever home, so who got the rabbit, Austin, why, right cause it was so cute. But guess who cleans up after the rabbit, right again, me. Yea it's cute, he calls him Henry, why, that is a good question and havent figured that one out yet. We used to call him Fugi, cause he likes Fugi apples. But now his name is Henry and Henry is a messy, smelly rabbit and boy can he poop! Lucky, Lucky me!!!!

Bad Blogger

2008-12-13T11:12:00.002-06:00

Funny how life just gets in the way sometimes. And time flies when you are having fun. The past couple of weeks have been crazy! Betw work, home and getting ready for our Christmas Cantata at church, doesnt leave much free time.
Here are a few pictures from a cantata practice, yea I am not in the pictures, cause I always take the pictures.
Dress Rehearsal is tonight, so I will post some more pictures later

Advent Calendar

2008-12-05T07:26:00.002-06:00

this was a great way for me to use up my scraps and little odds and ends. I made this Advent Calendar using a mini muffin tin pan, spray painted it white and used a circle punch for each spot inside. A square punch to cover up each spot and backed it with magnetic tape and just had fun and decorated each square.
I used to buy a new calendar every year for the boys, this was a great way to have the calendar to reuse year after year. Just fill each spot with a piece of candy or a coin.

Happy Dance # 2

2008-11-25T22:42:00.005-06:00

Yep it's that time again, time for the chair happy dance!!! Yea I dancing, shaking my booty! And why you may ask...well I will tell you....because I have lost another 1.8lbs, which makes a grand total so far of....drum roll please.....17lbs. Yea baby!!!
The only bad part is now that I have lost some wt my DH thinks that's an invite to have more quality time, if you know what I mean. But I am not going to let that ruin my good mood.
Now to just not gain any or at least too much over the holidays.
Just have to keep remembering " Nothing tastes as good as being thinner (skinny) feels"
I hope everyone has a great & blessed Thanksgiving

Check out Passion for Crafts

2008-11-20T20:12:00.001-06:00

Passion For Crafts

Weigh In

2008-11-20T07:09:00.003-06:00

Not the best week, but not the worst. Up 1 lb. Could have been much worse due to not the healthest of weeks eating wise....lunch with DH at Ruby Tuesdays total of 20 pts out of my 22 for the whole day, not the best choice, but damn good eating. I had stopped tracking, because I am so much smarter than WW and know what I can and can not eat...yea not so much, so now I am back to tracking and on the first day I went 2.4 pts over, multiply that times 7 days and no wonder I was up 1 lb.
And I still have not gotten up off my lazy ass to exercise. So I have to try a different mind set and not call it exercise but doing something FUN!!! Yea whatever.
Wish me luck!