The Girl Called Earl

I had forgotten I even had a blog

2010-02-14T00:01:00.004-06:00

Wow! Hard to believe it's been almost a year since I've posted to my blog. Real life intrudes and sometimes you have to prioritize. So much to catch up on.....

First of all, life has been extremely fulfilling and fantastic. I love living in the midwest and the house we have is definitely HOME. I've become a regular little hermit. My favorite days are spent here in my PJ's all day doing a little bit of "piddling" all over.

Secondly, I've begun a new chapter in my life....in the form of a new job. December 14th I started to work back in the medical field at a local hospital. I know it sounds so FAKE, but I have to say I absolutely love my job and my co-workers. The job is so fulfilling and satisfying. I guess my calling has always been in public service. I love dealing with the public and meeting so many new people every day. It is so satisfying to be able to make a difference in people's lives in my own little way.

Thirdly, I've aquired a few new "Play pretties" in my absence. Hubby was so kind to purchase for me my dream camera...a Cannon Rebel. I can't begin to tell how how wonderful this camera is. I'm constantly amazed at the shots that even an elementary photographer like me can capture. Even the lint on the carpet is facinating through the lens of that camera. He also purchased me an external hard drive (75GB) that will even fit into my purse! Holy cow....do I love gadgets!!!!

I have been creating though in my absence. I completed a very special project that meant a lot to me. For Christmas, I made my Grandfather & Grandma a family scrapbook. One page for each member of our family....all 43 pages of our family. I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to present it to them and see their reactions. Given that my Grandmother has Altzheimer's I thought maybe it would help her to remember us better. It was such a special project that I was blessed to do and complete. I've also made a new year's resolution....I'm making a special birthday card for each and every member of my family and friends and sending it to them this year. I'm doing good so far.

I hope that I will continue updating this blog on a regular basis. Seems that writing on it is cathartic to me.....:)

Happy Belated Easter Greetings

2009-04-14T22:44:00.004-05:00

Whew! What a crazy, hectic couple of two weeks. Last week, of course, was the big CKC show and that was hootie wild, but us SBF girls made it through all that work! LOL!

Last Wednesday, we (me, Mo and her BFF) left for West Virginia to spend the holiday with family. We had a grand ol time! It was great to spend time with everyone. In true family tradition, everyone gathered at my Grandparent's house for the big dinner/Easter Egg hunt. Talk about good food....turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, all kinds of different salads, desserts, and a big ol pitcher of sweet tea! (Can you say Jenny Craig's nightmare...lol!) It was sooo good. The kids had a great time hunting Easter eggs and of course, each kid got to find a lucky egg, that everyone pitched in for so each kid got $4, which they were estatic about.

Mo got a cell phone from her dad and (soon-to-be) step-mom, which of course thrilled her beyond measure. She told me this morning she's sent 64 texts (in three days!!!!) Thank Goodness they got her unlimited texts!

I've been working feverishly to transfer all my photos from the old laptop to my new play-pretty. Unfortunately, during my transfer the darn thing dumped allllll my photos into one big lump (and being the anal retentive person I am...I had worked so hard putting into individual folders by event, then by year on my old laptop) and it musta had a snafu in transferring them because it mixed them all up and quadruple copied them. What a mess! ERG....ARGH!!!! It's taken me two days, but I finally finished sorting all of it out...whew!

That's all for now....maybe now I can update a little more often....

Signs of Spring

2009-03-22T15:20:00.003-05:00

I'm loving this warmer weather and although my skin resembles the underbelly of a fish (lol, can you say bass-belly white three times fast?) I've even broken out my beloved Irish t-shirts. I tend to wear them allll spring and summer long, regardless if it isn't St. Pat's Day! I'm darn proud of my heritage, can you tell?

Life has been, as a good friend used to say, "hootie-wild". At the store, we're running around like crazy getting ready for the big Creating Keepsakes show in April, so I've been so busy with that I haven't had much time to update my blog. Two weeks to go and counting...

Imagine my surprise when I looked out my kitchen window the other day and spied some blooms on one of my bushes, so being the scrapbooker I am and novice photographer, I immediately went out (in my pajamas no less) to capture them.

I have started making my Easter cards though. I love the way they turned out. I'm using Great Impression stamps, which I love because they give you such a crisp detailed design. I also used Zing Embossing Powder from American Crafts and I have to tell you it melts like butta....worked wonderfully I think, but you be the judge....

I'm so excited. Mo and I are going home (West Virginia) for Easter. I'm so excited to see mom and dad and Hannah Bug (not to mention the rest of my family). Seems like it's been longer than Christmas since I saw them!

I embraced my inner fan-geek yesterday. I HAD to go to Wal-mart yesterday by 11am to grocery shop (just so happened to coincide with the release of "Twilight"!) I immediately came home ripped open the DVD and watched it. I loved it! So glad I decided to buy it...so I proudly wear my "I'm a fan-geek" T-shirt! LOLOLOL!

Sorry for the semi-short post, off to work for a few hours.....

Hugs!!!

I got a new Play Pretty!!!!

2009-03-09T17:10:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while...just seems like there aren't enough hours in the day for me lately. LOL! Been busy making page kits for the CKC show in April...sooo, needless to say I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off!

But, I wanted to tell ya'll about how great that man of mine is. Yesterday, he was making a trip to his favorite place (Home Depot) and he asked me "Do you need anything while I'm out?" Jokingly, I said "Yeah, get me a new laptop". (The laptop I had was at least 10 years old and was in a death spiral to go kaput!)

I went about my business and that man o' mine came in with a brand spankin new laptop (much nicer than I would've picked out myself). Needless to say, much hugging, squealing and kissing ensued. Isn't he something??? *Sighs*

Now, I promise to update more regularly (see Sha-na-na...I listened!)

Hugs to all!

Flea Market Finds=New Creations

2009-02-22T19:26:00.004-06:00

I got to indulge in one of my favorite, favorite activities this weekend...I got to go thrift store and flea market shopping! I love finding things that I can "do-over" or alter and turn literally one person's junk into my treasure. I scored big this weekend!

I got:

- an old (ugly) jewelry box

-a miniature primitive chair

-a little (ugly) green box/drawer

-a miniature cabinet with screen doors

-2 primitive wooden trays

-4 miniature iron rug beaters

-a wooden (long) tissue box cover

Total sales: under $15

Now for the fun part! I painted/papered the jewelry box and little green box/drawer. I used Making Memories and Kaisercraft paint and Graphic 45 papers (Botanicabella & Communique). I love, love, love the vintage feel of Graphic 45 paper. I was awed and amazed at their booth at Summer CHA in Chicago. I've always been a fan of primitive/country/shabby chic/distressed looks and these papers really capture all of that. (Did I mention I love, love, love them! :)

Here are the results that I'm very happy with:

More later, gotta paint some more! *Big grin*

Still Alive and Kicking...

2009-02-15T22:30:00.002-06:00

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. It isn't that there have been any problems of any kind, quite the contrary actually. I'm still in the "high on life" stage and truth of the matter, it's given me a newfound energy! I've been creating almost daily and have even found a newfound love of card-making. So, I've immersed myself in the creative side and have neglected my love of "gab" and blogging, unfortunately.

Things at work have been busy, busy, busy. All the new releases have been pouring in daily and so I've been working a lot (and I love it! I'm like a kid on Christmas morning and my checkbook IS suffering...LOL!) Things will be kind of hectic until the first weekend in April when we have the big Creating Keepsakes show in Collinsville, IL. Sooo, if I'm spotty by posting forgive me.

I'm very grateful to say that on Feb. 13th, I celebrated my 36th birthday. I never thought I'd be so happy to be turning older, but I'm just glad I'm still here to celebrate it. Bob and I enjoyed a very relaxed, and quiet Valentine's Day since Mo spent the night with her BFF. We watched TV and ate pizza...aren't we romantic? LOL! Bob got me new ink pens and 4 types of chocolate...Good Lord, I love that man! *big ol sloppy grin*

Anyway, hugs and kisses to those of you I haven't talked to lately (V & Bean especially!) and I promise to be back with a vengence soon...heehee!

All in a Name

2009-01-17T13:15:00.003-06:00

I ran across this page on Scrapjazz.com and thought it was so flippin' hysterical that I thought I'd give it a whirl. The layout was done by Jen Erikson (and I happen to LOVE her layouts and try not to covet her handwriting..LOL!) So, here goes:

Rock Star Name (1st pet & current car): Andy Maxima (ROTFL!)
Gangsta Name (favorite ice cream & favorite cookie): Vanilla Oreo
Fly Girl Name (Initial of 1st Name & first Three letters of last name): A Eis
Soap Opera Name (middle name & city born in): Jo Huntington (doesn't that SOUND straight off of All My Children or somethin!)
Stripper Name (sorry Mom! LOL!)(favorite perfume & favorite candy): Lovely Bliss (chocolates)
Detective Name (favorite color & favorite animal): Red Dog
Super Hero Name (2nd fav. color & "the" & favorite drink): Black the Diet Dew
Witness Protection Name (moms middle name & dad's middle name): Kathryn Gary
Star Wars Name (1st 3 letters of last name & 1st two letters of first name): EISAM

You try it...see if it doesn't make you giggle! Have a great Saturday!!!

2009-01-16T20:48:00.003-06:00

The "Bean" posted about the random-ness of it all today, and I agree with that. But, Vee and Bean both had something really neato on their blogs that I bloglifted from them. Looks pretty cool.... and can be found here.

1. Enough with the near zero weather I want SPRING!

2. Lucky Charms vs. Fruity Pebbles causes me to be conflicted.

3. I've been craving avacado :).

4. My lovely daughter who doesn't think before she speaks makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go to Ireland (*Sighs* someday) next week.

6. My Hannah Banana has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being a slug in my jammies, tomorrow my plans include staying in the same jammies and scrapbooking and Sunday, I want to stay in the same jammies, but that would be kinda gross...wouldn't it?

Now, wasn't that fun! *hee-hee* I just love things like that. Personally, I'm looking forward to a weekend that has NO AGENDA, which I find to be such a rarity and is always welcome...especially when the temperature is hovering between 0-20 degrees! Can you say...BRRRRRR! Methinks I will be spending quite a bit of time at the 'ol scrap space this weekend with a roaring fire in the fireplace.

I'm reading an excellent book that I'm going to share. It's called "Moments of Clarity" by Christopher Kennedy Lawford and you can read excerpts here. It's a book of stories by people of all different walks of life from the average Joe you see on the street, to celebrities that I know you're sure to recognize. These people all share their stories of addiction, their "moment of clarity" and happily their recovery. It's heartbreaking yet heartwarming. If you know anyone suffering from addiction, or even someone in recovery from addiction...I highly suggest this book!

I'll post pictures if I actually get any pages/projects done this weekend. May you all have a great and happy beginning to the weekend!

Lots of Lovely Projects

2009-01-15T20:23:00.013-06:00

Let's hope that the energy and the amount of "stuff" I'm actually getting accomplished this past week extends well into this new year :) . I finishes my "A Flower Blooms Once" mini-book that I made for Morgan. I'm pleased at how it turned out. I've even managed to complete a layout or two in the process. I also took pictures of some of my recent layouts (hoping that this time ya'll will be able to open them to enlarge the pictures. If not, I'm sorry but I'm just deficient in the photo uploading part of my brain! LOL!)

On a personal note, I feel FANTASTIC! Everything is so clear and bright and I'm even sleeping great and waking refreshed! 10 days and counting!!! (YAY ME!)

Hope you enjoy my little projects....

Much gratitude and love to those of you who sent prayers and well-wishes. They are helping me so much and giving me the strength I need to take each day as one step. Thank you my wonderful friends.

Changes..Clarity and Gratitude

2009-01-13T10:57:00.005-06:00

Wow! Can't believe it's been so long since I posted.

This post is very difficult for me to write for as most of you that know me, I'm very rarely ever serious...I much prefer laughter to drama, but I think that this experience may be cathartic and theraputic for me...so here goes.

For the last two years, I have been battling, lets just say a "demon of my own making". I hated what how it was able to take over and change me. But at the same time, I thought I was doing nothing wrong because I wasn't hurting anyone (but myself) and honestly, I kept it quiet so many people who know me well, never knew or even suspected that I was going through this internal struggle. Without going into details, the demon almost won completely on January 5th. The experience was scary, painful and I never want to re-live something like that ever again.

In order to never go there again, I had to admit some really hard truths to myself and my family. I had to face just how far I'd allowed this demon to take over part of me...and I have to fight really hard for the rest of my life NEVER to return there again. So, there have been some very big changes that I've made in my life.

I would like to ask that each of you that read this, if you would just whisper a prayer-a hope-a strength for me as I make these changes that I will continue to remain strong in my decisions and actions. Also, send those same prayers and thoughts to Bob and my family as they continue to be my "rock" of support.

I have had a moment of clarity...and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be here to tell about it. For the first time in nearly two years, I feel great and it's like I'm seeing the world through brand new eyes...clear, clean and fresh. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers! :)

Late Christmas Wishes and Catching up!

2008-12-27T17:49:00.008-06:00

Posting this hoping that each and every one of you enjoyed your holidays and hope that you were blessed with good food, good family and lots of happiness.

Things have been "hootie-wild" around here since I got here a little over a week ago. It was a constant "on-the-go" feeling until it all wound down on Christmas Eve. (For us, Christmas Day is a day of reflection, relaxation and eating until we're sick!)

(Pic above: my cousin Jen, My 'famous' uncle Bubbo and I don't know who that other girl is..LOL!)

I so enjoyed being here for the holiday. Of course, in our annual family tradition, our 'gathering' Christmas Eve at my grandparents was such a blessing. Grandma, I could tell, was a little confused as to why all these people were in her house (she suffers from Alzheimer's), but most of the time she was cognizant and aware. Grandpa was king of the castle surveying from the comfort of his easy chair. It was so good to catch up with everyone and my favorite moment this year was gathering around the kitchen table (all of us grand kids, significant others and some of the aunts and uncles) and reliving all the crazy things we did and said as young kids. The room was filled with roaring laughter (because, let's face it me and my cousins did some pretty funny things!). It brought back great memories and it seemed as if the time has passed wayyyy to quickly.

(Above pic is all grandma & grandpa's great-grandkids!)

Of course, the girls (Morgan and my niece, Hannah) got way more than they ever needed. In fact, Hannah loved the box that my Dad's gift came in! Both agreed it was "the Best Christmas ever!" And, given the great family that I have and the laughs we enjoyed....I have to agree.

May you all be blessed in the upcoming new year!

From the Hills of West Virginia...

2008-12-21T11:29:00.004-06:00

We made it! Although that is the L-O-N-G-E-S-T trip ever I think. It isn't that the trip itself is difficult, you basically get on the interstate and stay on the same interstate the whole 7 1/2 hours. It's just that you see corn, corn, corn, soybean, soybean, more corn, then some small hills, then they get bigger and then you're here! Not the most exciting things to see (well, except for the old ramshackled barns and farm houses that I'm just itching to stop and capture in black & white photos.) But, if I did that I'd never get here, because there are plenty along the way. Something else that always draws my attention, at least in the spring and summer months, are these huge brilliant green fields and there will be a lone tree stuck right in the middle. All by itself, and you can tell that the tree has been there nearly forever, just strikes me as interesting. Guess that says a lot about me! LOL.

Well, we've hit the Christmas Season running since I got here. The first night (Friday) was just for visiting with Mom and Dad, catching up and eating my very favoritest meal...pinto beans, cornbread and kale with vinegar! YUMMMMMM. I ate wayyy too much and it was sooo good. Mom and I stayed up until 4:30 in the morning just talking, just like we used to. THAT's what the holidays are supposed to be about, right?

Saturday morning, Morgan went to a Christmas breakfast with her dad and mom and I went to what we affectionately know as "The Junk Store". Think a giant yard sale where you can find ANYTHING! Boy, oh boy did I score with stuff....scrapbook stuff! I did a little happy Snoopy dance right there in the shop. I got ribbon for 50-cents a ROLL, Tim Holtz alcohol inks that retail for 6-9 dollars I got three bottles for a dollar, chipboard books for 25 cents, flowers and brads, old metal hinges, press-board plaques to cover with paper...oh goodness, look at my stash (for under $15 total!):

Last night, my neice Hannah had to come over and have a sleep over with Morgan and "A". She's never called me Amy, Aunt, anything but just "A". We made a gingerbread house, watched Strawberry Shortcake, sang songs and finally all went to sleep about 11:30pm. It was a barrel of fun!

I'll keep you posted on the rest of the activities of this week!

P.S. I miss my hubby :(

sniffle, sniffle, cough, cough

2008-12-16T22:04:00.007-06:00

URGHH! I hate being sick! Bob started off with a sniffle a couple days ago and it hit me Sunday night. I, on the other hand, have a nasty chest cold and one heck of a raspy voice, along with a lovely fever, aches and chills. Again, I say...I really dispise being sick.

On a happier note, only 2 days until we go home for the holidays! (YIPEE!) I'm so excited. My mom and I do "mega-shopping" when I go home. In other words, we're great procrastinators and we wait until the last minute before we run around like crazy for a few days! *grins* It's a great time.

I have been creating though. In my family, we have a tradition of getting a "special ornament" every year to hang on the tree. My mom started it with me and my brother when I was around 8 or 9 and we still do it today. I got the idea to create a mini-book documenting some of these ornaments and their history. (I'm not done only half way, but I'm posting pictures none the less.) Hope everyone is having a happy holiday season thus far.

locking down the shutters preparing for a vicious ICE STORM!

2008-12-13T23:11:00.006-06:00

Everything's too quiet tonight (Mo's having a great time at a friend's birthday sleepover, and hubby has been up since wayyyy too early) so all that's left up is me and the pets. The Christmas tree is glowing and I'm watching the "Weather Channel"! LOL! Seems we're gearing up to a vicious ICE storm for tomorrow night through Monday afternoon. Hubby brought in some extra firewood tonight and I made that important trip to the grocery today for staples...pretzels and salad fixins (for me!) and some yummy treats for the family that aren't concerned that the hind view is growing! LOL!

Funny, it seems sooo quiet in the house when Mogley isn't here, even though she'd be sound asleep by now. It's still wierd with her not being here, (even though I made her take my cell phone and call me before they settled down for the night! LOL!, I'm sure she was embarrassed to have to call "momma" but, she just has to do it for my frame of mind!)

It's only six days until me and Mo leave for WV and home. I'm so excited, but then again, I feel badly that hubby won't be joining us this year for the family festivities. I understand though that he won't get off work before 4pm on the 24th and has to be at work at 6am on the 26th. Not exactly time enough to drive 8 hours to WV one way! Still makes me sad that he won't be there with us for the "family Christmas festivities".

I've been absent lately from blogging, but we've been totally re-vamping the store and I've been working a lot more lately to get it done in time for holiday shopping. Needless to say, I've been falling into bed earlier this past week, but the store looks wonderful. I did take some time to take pictures of my Christmas decorations and our special ornaments. We have a tradition every year that we get a "special ornament" to hang on the tree. My mom still does it with me and my brother and has expanded it to include Hannah-Bug and Morgan. We still do it too...Morgan always gets a special ornament and new pajamas on Christmas Eve....although this year she's asked for an old-fashioned gown and bonnet....all white linen and lace...so I'm on the search to find the perfect outfit! (Truth be known, I can only imagine the pics of her on Christmas Eve, black and white in that white/lace gown and bonnet, now I HAVE to find it!) :)

Such a cute 'lil Oscar the Grouch!

2008-12-05T21:20:00.002-06:00

I couldn't resist capturing my cute lil Oscar the Grouch sleeping under the Christmas tree tonight! He's such a little he**-cat most of the time, it makes me smile to see him so cute and adorable! (Although, he'll 'headbutt' me about four o'clock in the morning demanding his breakfast....and I'll send him over toward hubby...LOL!)

Without going into much details, today has been a rough day! Just a lot of stress that was unexpected, and needless to day I'm happy to be in my PJ's sitting in front of the Christmas tree and watching "The Guardian" (which is a fabu Nicholas Sparks book...). Gives me an excuse to blow off steam whilst watching a Kleenex-worthy movie! *sigh* In the words of my favorite Scarlet O'Hara...."Tomorrow is another day"!

Family Movie Night

2008-12-03T23:02:00.003-06:00

It's really important to me that my family (me, Bob and Morgan) have 'traditions'. One tradition that we have is "Family Movie Night". Every Saturday night (other than the Saturday nights that Morgan is having a sleepover) we have "Family Movie Night". The three of us, with other members of our family...Like pets, Zack, Fred, Ethel and Oscar....will sit down with popcorn from a retro hot oil popper and enjoy a 'family-friendly' movie. Recently, we've been enjoying 80's movies (aka Karate Kid, ET, Indiana Jones, etc.). Morgan loves the fact that Momma and Daddy Bob watched these "way back when". We have a ball sitting around the living room laughing, and eating popcorn. To me, these traditions are MANDATORY!

I'm interested to see what kind of traditions your family has, so SHARE! LOL!

The Spirit of Christmas...(in my family)

2008-12-02T21:55:00.007-06:00

Thanks to my good blog buddy, V
, I'm reminded of some of reasons that Christmas is so very special to me...

All the festivites in my family happen on Christmas Eve. Every year (for as long as I can remember...30+ years and counting) everyone in my family gather at my Grandma & Grampa's house, which can be between 35-40 people respectively. That sounds cozy, doesn't it? Ooh, it's wayyyy cozy. Mamaw & Papaw live in a two-bedroom modest home and it's always 500 degrees too hot, it's loud, you stumble over everyone...and it's FANTASTIC! There have been years when the snow has been flying and we've thrown open the doors to cool off. The kids are squealing/running/crying/whining....bless their little hearts! Usually, the women all gather around the kitchen & dining room (where all the food is...we aren't dumb...LOL!). The men "congregate" in the living room where Papaw is relaxing in his chair.

We, like most families, have our traditions, and even though some of those have changed recently, I still savor the memories of them...

1. My Papaw used to always read the "Christmas" story from the Bible while all of us gathered around him in the living room. Papaw is getting a little feeble in the last several years, so he hasn't been able to do it...but it's one of my favorite memories.

2. You can bet that somebody will "goose" my Uncle, affectionately known as Bubbo, just to see him jump and yelp. (Yes, we are evil people, but it's soo funny when he jumps and yelps 'ooohhhh' hee-hee!)

3. Above mentioned Uncle will make good use of a wooden chair...and the result of deviled eggs, just to clear the room! (My mother will be mortified that I stated this, but again...it's tradition!)

4. You will hear "Can we open presents now?" four million times from the youngsters (and the funny thing is...I used to be that youngster, now it's my daughter that says it.)

5. It's the 'job' of the oldest grandchildren, now great grandchildren to pass out the presents...and guaranteed that somebody's present is going to get buried under all the wrapping paper!

6. You can bet that Mamaw's kitchen and all the dishes will be done before anybody leaves...that's how my aunts 'relax' by cleaning up the kitchen!

7. I love the gifts that we exchange...homemade jellies, breads, candies...handmade Christmas ornaments. Those personal things that were handmade with love by my family...wonderful gifts!

8. The scents...the sounds of my family around me. I cherish each and every year that we've been blessed to have everyone still here (on this Earth).

Decorating for the Holidays

2008-11-29T21:51:00.005-06:00

I can't seem to get into decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving has past. But after the Thanksgiving dinner has come and gone, I get into Christmas mode. Today, I spent most of the day cleaning the downstairs and preparing to decorate. Morgan and I decorated the tree tonight and it's beautiful. (BB doesn't particularly like Christmas, so I know better than to ask him to help decorate...LOL!) My tree decorations have so much history and tradition. I'm not one of those who have a theme to my tree, per say. I have ornaments that span my childhood up until the present. (The oldest ornament I believe is a ceramic angel that I painted in 1981).

Everytime I decorate the tree, I'm reminded of different times and places growing up, just by the different ornaments that are placed on the tree. I am by no means done, of course I haven't decorated the outside of our house while we've been experiencing high 50 degree weather....no, I'm waiting till this week where snow and sleet are expected all week! LOL!

Hope each of you are enjoying the blessings of being surrounded this week by family and friends and recalling each and every thing you are grateful and thankful for!

waddles up to the computer to post

2008-11-27T21:29:00.006-06:00

Ahhhh....the feeling of being pleasantly stuffed almost to the point of being ill...it must be Thanksgiving! :) Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who may read this! Hopefully, you feel as blessed and grateful as I do on this day.

I spoke to Mom (of course) today and got to talk to my neice and my brother (my Little "Big" Brother...he's four years younger than me but towers over me!) Affectionately named "G" to me. He and I don't get to talk much, usually on the holidays, and that's something I wish weren't so. Life gets away from us, and even though he's on my mind a lot...we just aren't as close as I wish we were. He's a top-notch guy and a great dad and husband, I've missed him a lot lately.

I really missed being home and helping Mom cook Thanksgiving
dinner. I called right before they ate dinner and I got to talk to Hannah. That sweet little voice asking me "Hey, A...are you coming over for Thanksgiving?" and telling me she loved me...brought a tear to my eye. I hate that I'm not close enough to see her except for a few times a year. I love that little munchkin.

Other than missing home, my Thanksgiving was wonderful! My sweet BB cooked the whole meal for us. The food was wonderful and the chocolate-pecan pie....mmmm, so good! I'm grateful and blessed to have such a great husband. He spoils me beyond anything I could ever could imagine...and I've never been used to that. He's truly my soulmate...I don't even want to imagine life without him right next to me.

My sweet daughter is such a blessing. She ate with gusto and tried the green bean casserole and stuffing and loved them! She's growing up on me and I hate it, but I am so grateful to see what a beautiful, kind and caring young lady she's becoming. I'm so blessed to be a mom and have a great kid!

We started a new tradition this evening. We always have "Family Movie Night" on Saturday night, but since it's a holiday we incorporated a "Holiday Movie Night" on Thanksgiving evening. Tonight, we watched "Home Alone" (which is a favorite). Morgan loved it and we all giggled and laughed even though Bob and I have seen it many times. We then followed it up with "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". (Another favorite of mine, but I don't remember it having as much 'language' in it as it did, so I did a lot of covering of ears!) We were in pajamas at 6pm and sat around watching Christmas movies and having seconds....that's what holidays are all about right?

May each of you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Visions of Chocolate Pecan Pie....yum!

2008-11-26T22:22:00.002-06:00

Lordy, my house smells delicious. My dear Bobby Bear Cat has a chocolate pecan pie baking for tomorrow's Thanksgiving dinner (chocolate + pecans = I can die a happy woman!)...I'm including the recipe at the end :) . I'm so glad I married a man that loves to cook...I CAN cook, but God love him that man is a talented chef and he truly enjoys it. *sigh* (cue the warm happy fuzzy feelings!) I'll be happy if I just have to mash the 'taters tomorrow! Although, I have told hubby that I am available to be "taste tester" as long as he don't mind me tasting in my 'jammies! (I don't plan on putting on 'real' clothes until right before dinner 'cause I know somebody's gonna be snapping pictures!)

Work was "hootie wild" tonight...guess everyone is gearing up to shop til they drop on Black Friday. (I used to be one of the ones that were waiting at the stores at 4am and wasn't above pushing a TV and DVD player across the floor at Wallie-World because they didn't have any more shopping carts available!) Now, heaven help me...I work in retail! *GASPS* and *SCREAMMMMS*

*****The following passage has to deal with politics and is MY opinion of it to date, please respect my ability to express freedom of expression and freedom of speech, if you don't agree...let's agree to disagree and respect different opinions.**********

Hubby and I caught the Barbara Walters special with President-Elect and Michelle Obama. I have to say that I FEEL hope when I watch him respond. He seems to have the HUMAN element that I think we've been missing in the White House. I laughed, I agreed and some of it made me a little teary-eyed. I pray that the things he said and the promises he made come to fruition. I am EXCITED about Obama's Presidency and hope it changes the dismal economic and troubled outlook that a lot of Americans have.

I LOVED the fact that he and his wife voiced that their children were going to be responsible for chores and making their beds when they change addresses. To paraphrase, they said "they do it now why wouldn't they when we move!" LOL!

*******End Political schpeel*******

I hope that everyone has a wonderful, family-filled Thanksgiving full of laughter, blessings and wonderful times.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup Light Karo Syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp Margarine, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cup pecans, WHOLE
9 inch deep dish frozen pie crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt chocolate chips. In a large mixing bowl, stir eggs, Karo syrup, sugar, melted chocolate, margarine and vanilla untill well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into the STILL FROZEN pie crust. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until knife is inserted between the center and edge of the pie and comes out clean.

Calories per serving: ZERO! (It's the holiday season! LOL!) Enjoy!

My new obsession.....

2008-11-23T21:48:00.002-06:00

(I know, two in one day again....I either have to be 'under the weather' or the world is not turning!) Had to share my latest obsession, Scenic Route Paper Co! (http://www.scenicroutepaper.com) Seriously, I saw them present at CHA-Chicago this summer and I thought....hmmm, nice paper. Then, I got some samples of the Sonoma line and was like *SQUEAL!!!!* Sooo, I've proceeded to buy each and every paper that we have at the store and covet for the entire....ENTIRE LINE! (I know I shouldn't covet...but it's sooo pretty!)

(Does the preceeding schpeel have anything to do with anything....nope, just had to share my paper lust....LOL!)

Blessings!

Pulls myself back from dropping off the face of the earth...LOL!

2008-11-23T21:12:00.002-06:00

I haven't dropped off the face of the earth...yet! Actually have been a little "hobbled" lately. I started having a bit of a problem with my knee about three to four days ago, noticed a little tenderness when I put weight on it. I chalked it up to the carrying around of a (as a friend put it) 75-pound child around my middle. Then low and behold, I had this lovely 'goose egg' swelling of my knee and the inability to walk without looking like I had a pole...strategically placed in my...in other words, stiff legged! LOL!

I spent all day yesterday with my leg elevated (thank you Boss Lady for working for me Saturday....I owe ya one!) and had a doctor's appointment today at 12:45. (I Love, Love that my doc is open 7 days a week!) Anyway, seems I have "water on the knee"...which I didn't realize was an actual diagnosis other than in the "Operation" game! Sooo, long story short...I have to Rest, Ice it, Compress it with a wrap and Elevate it. Just ask my hubby, I'm a terrible patient. I have a tendency to complain loudly and be a real pain! Sorry hubby! :)

Hubby went out today and bought the whole Thanksgiving bird and fixins. Seems strange that I'm fixing my own Thanksgiving dinner now....wish I could be at mom & dad's but I'm going home for nine days for Christmas, so I have to forsake Thanksgiving. (Although, my mom is the best cook....and Dad fixes 'Deep Fried Turkey'...which is four gazillion calories, but tastes sooo yum!) *sigh*

See, I told you I whine and complain when I don't feel good....sorry for the downer post! Hopefully, more of my "sunny" self later!

Where Did my Weekend Go?

2008-11-16T18:27:00.003-06:00

WOW! Where did my weekend go? I can't believe the weekend has gone by so quickly and it's back to the grind tomorrow (LOL, woe is me...I scrapbook for a living!). Busy, busy weekend though. Worked until after 11pm Friday night (and didn't even complete one page! when I have the sniffles I can't create.)

Saturday was a birthday party for one of the munchkins I carpool. Bowling party...the kids had a ball! Today, me and Mo went to a "movie" at the local library. They have them every now and then on Sunday afternoons, was a lot of fun.

Anywho, I've been working on an "inspiration" book this weekend. I'm covering a 9 x 9 Bo Bunny Bare Naked album and I'm using it as an inspiration book for me. It'll hold my most recent sketches, pages I want to "scrap-lift", journaling ideas, and also lists of my paint, Stickles, 2 inch squares of my Cuttlebug embossing folders, Cricut cartridges, punches...so I can throw it in the car when I'm heading to the store to shop and I know what I already have. Trust me, I need any kind of organization in my life! (and I'll post pics when I get it a little further along.)

I did manage to cook a yummy, yummy meal this evening. When it gets cold weather, I love soups and this one is my very favorite-est! I got the recipe over 10 years ago and I believe it is Emeril's recipe (but don't quote me on that because I'm not sure!) But it is super yummy and super rich (I'm guessing the calories on this one are through the roof and that's what makes it soo good, but ya only live once right?)

Here's the recipe:

Cheesy Potato Soup

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced carrots

5 cups diced potatoes

1/4 cup dried minced onion

5 chicken bouillion cubes

6 cups boiling water

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of celery soup

1 1/2 (yup, that's one and one-half pounds!) of Velveeta Cheese

chopped green onions for topping

crumbled bacon for topping

Cook celery, carrots, potatoes, onions and bouillion cubes in water until veggies are tender. Reduce to low/medium heat (I always use a potato masher and mash a little, but not too much...you want to leave some of the big chunks of potato). Add cream of chicken and cream of celery soups (straight from the can, don't add any water!). Stir until well mixed. Add chunked Velveeta and stir until completely melted. Keep on low heat to keep cheese from burning (stir often after adding Velveeta!)

Serve topped with chopped green onions and crumbled bacon pieces.

(The original recipe calls for adding flour--1 tsp--to the soup to thicken. But, I prefer using instant potato flakes so you keep all the flavor. I just sprinkle a little and stir...if I need more, I'll add another sprinkle.)

Enjoy!

This and That!

2008-11-12T10:43:00.011-06:00

I'm sittin here at 10:43am and still haven't started doing what I need to be doing today (laundry!) and it's all Kellie and V's fault....lol, cause I've been reading their blogs! I took a few days off from blog world and had to catch up!

Actually, I have been scrappin some and here's what I've come up with:

Can you guess who my inspiration usually is? Yup, my little Mo! Love her little heart. I have been cooking lately (which is strange for me..cause ask my hubby who cooks in the house and if you mention my name he literally *gigglesnorts*. Well, not really but he does laugh!)

Sunday afternoon, I made yummy, yummy White Bean Chili. It's sooo good and isn't really bad for you. I originally found the recipe in a "Weight Watchers" magazine about 10 or so years ago. The original recipe called for "browned ground turkey" but I don't like ground turkey much...so I improvised and put in boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead. It is gooooood! Here's the recipe (it takes about three hours to make, but it is soooo worth it!)

White Bean Chili

3/4 cup dried Great Northern Beans

2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth

2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup sliced green onions

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into small pieces

1 cup whole-kernel corn

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground cumin (I personally don't add this, because it has plenty of flavor without!)

1 (4.5 oz.) can green chilies

2 Tbsp. yellow cornmeal.

Sort and wash beans; place in a large pot. Cover with water 2 inches above beans. Bring to a boil; boil 2 mintes. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand one hour. Drain beans and return to pot. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover; reduce heat and simmer one hour or until tender. Remove 1/4 cup of beans with a slotted spoon and mash with a fork. Return mashed beans to pan and set aside. (This step is a thickener.) Add EVOO to pan and place over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, green onion and garlic; saute until tender. Add chicken to onion/garlic mixture and cook until brown stirring frequently. Add chicken mixture, corn, and spices to bean mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, uncovered. Sprinkle cornmeal over chili; cook until thick stirring frequently.

Yields: 4 (1 1/2 cup) servings

Enjoy!

Happy Veteran's Day!

2008-11-11T19:13:00.006-06:00

I'm very grateful today for all of the Veterans that have given so much so that I can live in this country. I'm very proud to have three of those Veterans in my family....my dear husband, my Dad and my Grandpa.

This picture of my hubby was taken in a military helicopter while he was serving in Iraq in 2004. Thank you, Bob for your service and dedication to your country.

This picture is of my Grandpa Fr ank. He served in the Army during the Korean war. Thank you Papaw for your service and dedication to your country.

This picture is my Dad (he's a handsome fella, isn't he?) Daddy served in the Army and this picture was taken during the Vietnam War. Thank you Daddy for your service and dedication to your country.

I'm so very proud of "my guys" and especially proud of all they sacrificed and gave so that we could live in this great country. Remember to thank the veterans in your life today!

I am sooo zonked!

2008-11-08T21:10:00.002-06:00

I am literally dead on my feet! Today was looooong and tiring for me. Me and Boss Lady did a trade show for the upcoming holiday shopping frenzy. Usually when we do a show (I work for a local independant scrapbook store) there are up to four or five employees working the show/registers/customer service....today, it was a small-scale show so it was me and Boss Lady. YIKERS! Am I tuckered out! As I told BB, darn how come I didn't hurt this bad 10 years ago...then he so promptly reminded me that 10 years ago I had a two-or-so week old and the ol' body was still recovering! (I just hate a smart man...LOL!)

Anywho, to further my immense tiredness and being the good momma I am, I agreed to a sleepover at our house. So right now, Mo and her little friend are upstairs hyped out on an extra helping of MM's and giggling, and from the sounds of it, jumping from the top bunk to the floor...*shakes my head* geez, somebody shoot me already! LOL!

I am in major creative mode though...not that I am actually creating, but I'm thinking about it! No, that isn't the entire truth. I have about a hundred projects that are "just a smidgen" from being finished...at least half a dozen mini-books, the seven albums I am constantly adding to, not to mention some samples for the store and doing samples for some classes I'll be teaching in the upcoming month or two. *whew* when I re-read that, now I really am exhausted! LOL!

And when exactly did the wind turn from almost tropical to "bite to the bone" cold? Today the HIGH was low 40's! YIKES! (and even though I've done the whole changing out of Mo's summer vs. winter wardrobe, mine still has tank tops and t-shirts. Guess that will be something I'm addressing in the next day or so.) ....these thoughts amid the giggles that have turned to squeals and two little girls screaming "Shhhhhh......be quiet THEY will hear!" I guess me and BB are ogres or something!

But, even though I'm so tired I can't think straight....I'm so blessed to be a parent. In these little moments, you hear those "deep from the belly" laughs and giggles of your happy child and it makes all the "growing pains" worth it, doesn't it? I love the little stinker! *goofy smile*

ARRRGH....It's attack of the lists again!

2008-11-05T21:56:00.003-06:00

"Bloglifted" from my good friend Ginny....(huggers Gin)

ABC's of me:
A is for age:35
B is for beer of choice:Bud Light (but the answer is NONE if my momma reads this...heehee)
C is for career right now:Momma/Wife and Scrapbooker Extraordinaire
D is for your dog's name:Zack aka Bubba
E is for essential item you use everyday: cell phone
F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Bones or NCIS
G is for favorite game to watch: Ugh, I don't like em
H is for Hometown: "Out" Wayne, West Virginia
I is for instruments you play? LOL, I 'faked' clarinet for a year to join the flag corps....so NONE
J is for favorite juice? Orange...no pulp
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick? No one
L is for last place you ate: Home
M is for marriage: 3 years in August, to the love of my life...*sigh*
N is for your name: Amy Jo aka Earl
O is for overnight hospital stays: only time would be in October 1998...after the birth of my precious daughter
P is for people you were with today: Boss Lady, Christine, lotsa customers, Mo, BB and the 'other' children (pets....Fred, Ethel, Oscar and Bubba)
Q is for quote: "Think Before you do and say" (my family's motto)
R is for Biggest Regret? Don't have any regrets....think I've lived my life very well
S is for sport team?Cardinals
T is for time you woke up today: 7:30am....and only cause the alarm screamed at me
U is for underwear you have on now: (pulls out my waistband to check).....Lime Green!
V is for vegetable you love: Maters! (Tomatos)
W is for worst habits:Procrastination (right there with ya Gin!)
X is for x-rays you've had? Last was teeth last week.....(no cavities thank you very much!)
Y is for something you ate yummy today: mmmm, Onion Rings
Z is for zodiac sign: Aquarius

Lighter Topics

2008-11-05T21:39:00.002-06:00

Since I was getting all serious last night, I thought I'd lighten the mood tonight and since I'm hooked on lists and it's threatening to take over my everyday life (LOL!)

So tonight, I'm listing some of my favorite guilty pleasures (or facts that you might be better off NOT knowing about me! LOL!)

Guilty pleasures:

10. Blank Journals. I can't help it, I buy them all the time and they all have "stuff" written in them!
9. watching "Wife Swap" and "Lock-up" (the prison show on MSNBC that airs when most people are asleep!)
8. Mowing grass on my riding lawn mower whilst belting out "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (darn those I-pods, I swear I sound right on key and pitch in my head!)
7. spending ALLLL day in my jammies and without 'supporting' undergarments! Those are always the best days!
6. 2nd day Jeans....they just feel good! (I know, that probably is 'ick' to some, but to me they are *sigh* just right!)
5. Pistachios, pumpkin seeds and sour cream and onion potato chips (they get better after everyone else in the house is asleep and I'm watching above-mentioned 'prison shows'!)
4. Good, skinny ink pens. (I don't like fat pens, so if ya don't want me to steal yours...give me a fat pen!)
3. Neat pretty handwriting. (I've been known to sigh and comment on someone's hand-writing....should I call my therapist now?)
2. 'Playing' in my scrapbook supplies....(I've been known to spend hours sorting and re-sorting paper, stamps, inks, etc....BB swears that I have a serious addiction to paper! LOL!)
1. NAPS....whether it be on the couch covered with the green fuzzy throw, or piled up in the bed with just the top of my head showing....I LOVE NAPS!

Well, there ya go. Hopefully, I've brought a smile to your face....now, tell us all about YOUR guilty pleasures! We won't tell....heehee!

Will you remember where you were?

2008-11-04T22:47:00.002-06:00

You know, there are moments that you know you will always remember when somebody asks "where were you when...". I think if we all think we could list the moments that changed history and that changed our lives. Given the date (election day) and the fact that we, Americans, are witnessing the election of our first African American President of the United States...It's made me think, what moments in my life will I always remember...what moments changed my life and here they are to date...and where I was at the time.

1. Of course, the birth of my beautiful precious daughter (and I was in pain! LOL!)
2. The moment I laid eyes on my wonderful hubby.....(he had on a blue polo and jeans!)
3. The attempted assassination of President Reagan (my brother and I were out of school because we were sick and my Aunt was babysitting us)
4. The explosion of the Challenger. (I was in Mrs. Blankenship's art class in 7th grade. I remember she and I both cried)
5. The beginning of the Gulf War. (I remember my mom coming into my bedroom while I talked to JQ, my big crush, and telling me we were at war.)
6. The Oklahoma City Bombing. ( I was working at Doc's office and I remember DD gasping as she heard it on the television in the waiting room.)
7. 9/11. (That day will ever be etched into my mind...as I think each and every American died a little that day as we watched what was happening on American soil.)
8. As I watch the TV right now, as Obama gives his first speech as President Elect, I realize that this is one of those moments. I'm so glad that this nation has overcome racial boundaries, and looked beyond color to see that we are all the same. Beyond color, beyond social class, beyond how we live our lives....we're the same. (I rarely ever breech the subject of politics or religion, but I do feel an excitement watching this change.)

Blessings to all!

Love this time of year!

2008-10-29T23:04:00.007-05:00

I love this time of year! The crispness in the air, the leaves on the ground, and the yearly carving of pumpkins for our family. I'm such a tradition-ist! I love and embrace the traditions that we, as a family practice, every year. One such tradition is carving our pumpkins for Halloween and roasting the pumpkin seeds (YUMMMM!)

This year we carved three pumpkins. One traditional jack o' lantern, the black cat and the skull and cross bones. Truthfully, carving pumpkins is great...but Mo and I really enjoy roasting the pumpkin seeds. We love them!!!

Mogie is going as "Mother Nature" this year (in other words a wood nymph). I have 48 hours to create her "nature" wand....YIKES! Most likely a trip the world of Wal tomorrow and spending the night trying to create it!

My pumpkin seeds:

Wash seeds in a strainer. Add some sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, season salt, lemon pepper and dill weed. Roast in the oven about 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn them after 10 minutes while roasting. The house smells great and the taste....YUMMERS! Make it a family tradition.....we love it!

I couldn't help myself from buying Ali Edward's "Life Art" book yesterday. (I've been flipping through it for months and months and I couldn't help myself!) I love the simplicity and enjoyment she finds in every day life. Her mentality has helped me really think of the every day things we do that really make up who we are. Needless to say, the pen and journal have really gotten a work-out in the past 24-hours. I find myself really enjoying the simple, everyday acts of me and my family! (Thanks Ali! :) )

Blessings to all!

Whew....finally back online!

2008-10-25T22:53:00.004-05:00

Grrr! Have I let it be known how much I just DETEST computer problems? Not only did my router get fried (I'm assuming) but so did my laptop network card! Again, I say GRRRRR! What a pain in the *errrmmmm*....well, patooski.

Let me just say.....I MISS MY MOMMY! *sob* I've had the extreme pleasure of having my mom and Aunt K visit for the past week and I forgot how great it is to have my family close. It's been nearly 3 years since I moved from West Virginia, and although I am living a very blessed life with BB and Mo, I do miss being able to see my mom and dad every day (nearly) and having aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents close. Reflecting back on how wonderful this week has been to be able to wake up and come downstairs and there is my mom saying "good morning honey" and offering a fresh cup of coffee....*sigh* the house feels lonely tonight, even though my hubby and daughter are here. Truth is, feels empty without mom! I'm so very lucky to have such a great lady for my mom...to me, she's my very best friend and I value every minute she's in my life. (And did I mention she fixed my favoritest, favoritest meal in the whole wide world....pinto beans, cornbread and fresh mustard greens smothered in vinegar!!!!! YUMMMO!)

Last Sunday, at 4:37pm my sweet baby girl turned 10! I don't know where the time went...I've spent the last week looking through photos birth photos, 1st bath, crawling, walking, etc. I don't know how 10 years has passed by so quickly. It's going too fast! What I wouldn't give to slow it down, and absorb every second I have with her, that infectious giggle, those crazy silly faces and the ultimate joy that she gives me every minute of every day.

Lastly, the chill is definitely in the air. I welcome fall and those chilly nights. The past week has been switching out the wardrobes...putting away tank tops and shorts and pulling out fleece pullovers and cable-knit sweaters. Something else has been welcomed back in my house....*sigh* I just love a roaring fire in the fireplace. It equals fall to me, chilly cold nights, and relaxing while I'm watching the fire.....hmmmmm.

Hopefully, the computer problems are solved and I can get back to blogging regularly. Hope I haven't been totally forgotten......:)

A Day in My Life...Albeit not very exciting!

2008-10-07T19:27:00.019-05:00

My ordinary day in words and pictures... (I haven't figured out how to collage the pictures yet, because I'm Photo shop stupid!)

DAY ONE:

-Alarm went off at 7:30am. I got OUT of bed and was cognizant enough to reset the alarms for 7:45am. Proceeded to go back to bed for those precious 15 minutes. Morgan was up at 6:15am approximately.

-Hubby Bob calls at 7:45am and makes me talk to him a few minutes until he's sure I'm vertical!

-Call down the stairs to my precious child who finally tears herself away from the tv program she's engrossed in to answer on the third "MORGAN!"

-Shuffle downstairs to see that she has had Easy Fries dipped in Teriyaki sauce for breakfast. Spend the next five minutes having the discussion of "good breakfast choices". Thus far, the score is "Had this talk=50+" "Morgan following my direction=nada". LOL!
-Tries not to roll my eyes while my little Diva and I discuss the wardrobe choice for the day.

-Have a meaningful talk with her whilst her mouth is full of toothpaste (and she can't talk back!) while I'm fixing her hair I go over making "good choices" at school. ("Think before you say and do!" is our family motto that we repeat every morning!)

-8:21 Amy's carpool service pulls out of the driveway and pick up the other two scholars from my neighbor's (darling little brothers with big blue eyes and platinum blonde hair)

-The three minutes to school includes the following conversation: "Please don't kick the back of the seat""Please don't hit your brother""Don't unbuckle your brother's seatbelt""Let's just keep our hands to ourselves please.""Please don't pinch each other guys!" This morning was especially action-packed in the car! LOL!

-8:35am Everyone deposited safely at school as the rain plops down and gets my Crocs wet. :)

-Enjoys the complete silence of the house and reads some emails, checks the online store and indulges in a guilty pleasure of watching ER rerun while eating a cold BBQ chicken breast from last night's dinner. (Ate it off the fork no need for a plate!)

-It's all Zack's fault (the dog!) The rain is falling, it's grey and gloom, ER is on and he's snoozing away happily...which makes me snooze too! ZZZZZZ!

-*YAWN* *Stretch* and make me a salad for lunch. (Am I the only one that can turn a salad into a 4-million calorie meal?) Mine had spring mix, croutons, mushrooms, green onions, feta cheese, slivered almonds, craisins and LITE raspberry-walnut vinaigrette! (Yeah, I saved some on the dressing!)

-Time to get busy....gather laundry from bedrooms, bathrooms, under beds, in closets, and begin it; unload and load the dishwasher, sweep the floor, run the vacuum upstairs, clean the kitchen...take a breath

-Turn the coffee pot back on to reheat this morning's pot...enjoy a cuppa joe as I watch "wife swap" while folding a load of laundry. (That show is another guilty pleasure!)

-Clean my closet (putting all my shirts in color-coordinated OCD style, as Bob says), put away two baskets of clothes (ugh! my least favorite job) and await my precious child from school

-Take a self-portrait in the hall tree mirror as I sit on the steps as Morgan gets home. Thrilled to learn that the day was uneventful and all choices were seeming good (YAY!). Dear hubby arrives home shortly thereafter and is met with his nutty wife and her camera!

-Does the laundry ever end?

-Catch site of this majestic sunset as I rinse dishes after dinner (a very healthy pork egg rolls with lots of soy). We decided to have a "free-for-all" for dinner, which is where anyone can have anything for dinner (as long as it is within reason)

-Off to girl scouts, I come back home to catch some of NCIS and begin the taunting task of documenting all this in a blog. Back to pick up the munchkin from Girl Scouts.

-At the moment, listening to the bath run upstairs for that child o'mine as my hubby irons a shirt for work tomorrow and breathing a sigh of contentment. In a few moments, there will be hair drying, teeth brushing and a chapter to read Morgan from "Little House on the Prairie" and hopefully, our day will fade to a peaceful black....only to start again tomorrow.

There it is...in all it's boring glory, and I'm thankful every day for my very ordinary , somewhat boring life. Thanks for watching!

Two in one day.....who'd have thunk it?

2008-10-06T19:19:00.003-05:00

Just a quick blurb. If you haven't checked out Ali Edwards' blog lately, you really should. Ali (whom I had the extreme pleasure of meeting at CHA-Chicago in July) is documenting her/and her family's daily life in pictures and words. http://aliedwards.typepad.com/

First off, I never realized until I read Ali's own notes how busy life is (especially hers!) but I also realized that documenting/realizing those everyday seemingly normal ho-hum moments are what makes us who we are. I am going to really try to post more of my everyday life (no matter how boring and mundane it is...It's still important!) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea and seeing as how tomorrow is my day off...it's a perfect opportunity! (Just realized that I do love "..." I seem to use them a LOT! According to BB, I also use the phrase "By the way" a LOT. Now he's given me a complex about it and I notice it everytime I use it. He even has MM bringing it to my attention! LOL! (I also really love "!" which seem to litter my posts. It's just because I'm so exciting. LOL!)

Have a great evening!

Good Lord! Ya'll forgot about me?

2008-10-06T18:50:00.002-05:00

Geez! It's been since the last of August since I've updated? Oh my goodness, where has the time gone?

I've been working really really hard on the Scrapbook Factory online store site (www.scrapbookfactorystore.com ). FINALLY, Scrapbook Factory kits are online and available for sale all over the United States. I've been working like a little bee along with BL to get the site up and running, so please check it out ya'll. Let me know what you think of our little piece of online shopping heaven.

Sooo, what's been happening lately with me and mine? Nothing much and a lot...if that makes sense. Mini-Me is enjoying being knee-deep in Scouts. She went to camp a few weekends ago. Momma was in bad shape, I was up until 4:30am because the house just isn't the same without her. It was too darn quiet, even though BBC's snores rival breaking the sound barrier!

I've been so busy, I haven't even gotten a chance to mow my grass regularly (and ya'll know how much I love to do that!) I've only been cutting it twice a week instead of three times a week....LOL, just kidding!

Mini-Me will be celebrating her 10th Birthday soon. I can't believe my baby will be 10! It doesn't seem possible. Of course, we're having the usual "sleepover" for the birthday girl....ugh, up all night with those wild little girls! LOL, even though I dread it...it's great fun for MM.

I've very very excited because my mom and aunt are planning to visit during October for a week. I haven't seen mom since Easter and before I moved, I saw her every day...sometimes more than once a day! I miss her something terrible and can't wait to see her again.

Anywho, sorry for the lack of posts lately! Hopefully, I'm back on track with updating my blog!

Ramblings of a Cronic Insomniac!

2008-08-27T23:22:00.004-05:00

*Sigh* why can I never sleep unless I take medicine to MAKE me sleep? Just a random thought...came out of nowhere! It happens when you're sleep-deprived. (Although I did go back to bed this morning after taking Mogel to school and caught some lovely "I have all kinds of things to do but I don't wanna do 'em" sleep. *Sigh* the best kind of sleep next to "it's Sunday afternoon and there's a thunderstorm outside" naps!

I had a pretty exciting day though! I mowed my neighbor's yard! Funny how riding the mower in someone else's yard, to me, is like when you're a kid and you have your first play date at someone's house...they may have the same toys, but they are different somehow! LOL! (Somebody please shut me up from this innane chatter!)

(( *Note to self...do not eat cold pizza and watch NCIS at the same time....blech!*)) Now back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Glad to say that there is little to report on B's recovery road! So far, it's been smooth sailing and that is such a blessing. He's doing wonderfully and goes back to the doctor Friday for a post-op appointment. I think I'm coddling the poor man to death (LOL!) but he takes it in stride.

School has thus far been a good experience for Mo. Her teacher is tough, and that's what I feel she needs at this point. My little munchkin has a tendency to wrap a person around her little finger and take a mile when you give an inch...so the structure and no-nonsense attitude of the teacher has been a good thing. I was afraid when she started school this year because her BFF moved away during the summer. Luckily, she met a nice girl that she hangs out with at recess (I wonder if a momma ever stops worrying if her kid is eating lunch/spending recess/etc. all alone in a corner or if she is making friends).

I have been creative lately....for the shop! Over the past two days, I've done three layouts for page kits (will post pictures later). I'm definitely in Christmas mode, which is funny since it's August and is supposed to be near 90 degrees tomorrow!

I guess I've rambled enough for now. The photos are just random ones I've taken in my landscaping. Enjoy!

Finally....it's over!!

2008-08-24T17:33:00.008-05:00

I'm so happy to report that the entire hospital debacle is OVER!!! B was released on Saturday afternoon after spending eight days FLAT on his back! I am so glad to have all of my family back to normal! *sigh* makes me really appreciate the days when everything is chaos as long as we're all together!

To celebrate my household's return to normalcy, I washed windows today! LOL! (No, you don't understand...to put it in perspective....24 windows and doors!!!) I also powerwashed the front porch and all the patio furniture. Why the big energy burst? I'm just so glad to have life back to normal! (and it needed to be done!)

The only creative thing I've accomplished in the past two weeks is to put the finishing touches on my family Christmas card for 2008. I used the following materials to make it:

-Bazzil cardstock (Berlin, Bazzill White & ...)

-Bo Bunny "Believe Noel" Paper

-May Arts Ribbon

-Burgundy Stickles

-White Gel Ink Pen

-Die Cuts cut from Cricut

(Holly cut from 'Stretch Your Imagination')

(Scalloped Frame cut from 'Accent Essentials')

-Fiskars "Threading Water" Border Punch

Hopefully, with life back to normal I'll be able to blog daily again. Thank you to all that sent thoughts and prayers for 'B's' speedy recovery. They are appreciated so much!

More Updates!

2008-08-20T22:48:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a while....life has been somewhat chaotic lately (if you didn't know!). Here's the latest on my sweetie-pie...I knew as I waited in the outpatient waiting room and it had been over two hours since they took BB back to the operating room that something didn't go as scheduled. After nearly three hours, the doctor finally came out to give me a report. Turns out that BB didn't have blood pooling in the wound as anticipated, instead the doctor discovered it was a spinal fluid leak inside the wound (which could be very, very, extremely bad!) Doc drained the spinal fluid that had collected and couldn't find the leak so he used a 'surgical glue' all over the area hoping that he sealed the leak. To give the 'glue' time to heal the hole....doc inserted a cathater in BB's spine to drain the spinal fluid and relieve the pressure while keeping the spinal fluid off the wound site. Doc said that BB would have to remain completely FLAT on his back for five to seven days to allow the "glue" time to set.
As we dealt with this change in plans, more bad news. BB tested positive for a staph infection (called MRSA) localized in his nose. Everyone (including us) was petrified that the infection would go to the wound, which would be extremely bad (think "could be fatal"!)
He has been lucky to have morst of the caring and nurturing nurses I've ever seen. I'd love for them to be taking care of him all the time!

*yawns* now, I'm so exhausted that I can't see straight!.

More to follow soon,

Amy Jo

Fear

2008-08-14T22:17:00.002-05:00

(I know two blog posts in one day.....who would've thunk it?)

The house is quiet and everyone (including my wildcat Oscar is sleeping). The last few days have been chaotic, to say the least. What really upsets me more than anything, is I feel gripped by fear, which in turn makes me feel that I'm not in control....which is never a good thing.

Of course, I have fear for my BB. I fear that he has to go under surgery again so soon. I've watched him as he tries to be his stoic self and be the 'man' and not admit that he's in pain so badly that it brings him to his knees.

I fear for PMM. She's starting school again and her best friend moved this summer. She's aprehensive about school and I keep trying to comfort her, encourage her...but at the same time I have such fear for her. Worried that someone will be mean to her, or that she'll be playing by herself on the playground....because I want so much for her.

I, even, have fear for me. I've never been in the situation that I haven't had family to lean on in a situation. The stubborn Irish West-Virginian woman wants to take on the world all by herself. Doesn't want to ask for anyone's help. Unfortunately, I don't have a choice in this situation. People have had to cover my shifts at work, neighbors have picked up Mogley from school, kept her while I was at the hospital, etc. I also find myself very blessed to have the friends and neighbors around me that do pitch in when the need arises. They have been such a wonderful support and comfort, that I could never repay their kindness and selflessness.

Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you guys updated.

Update and Yummy Salsa

2008-08-14T20:13:00.008-05:00

Thank you for those that sent prayers and well-wishes to my BB! Here's the latest...(according to the neurologist that did BB's back surgery) Fluid, blood and other 'ick's built up around the operative wound. The doc took needles and aspirated (drained) the fluid and stuff from around the incision (YEOWW!) BB was doing really well and we were getting ready to be discharged when Doc came in to do the final paperwork. He looked at BB's back and said "$#*@" and "You, sir, aren't going anywhere!" In other words, the fluid has built back up around the incision site, worse than it was the first time. So it's back to the operating room for my precious hubby, he has to report at 5:30am tomorrow morning. The doctor said that he is re-installing the postoperative drain and BB will have to remain in the hospital until the drain is "bone-dry". Needless to say, that doesn't make either of us happy. Neither one of us has gotten much sleep having to be apart. Last night, I think neither one of us moved in our sleep because we were so exhausted! Please keep the prayers and thoughts coming until this whole ordeal is over! They are much appreciated!

Amid the chaos that is life right now, I did manage to make some homemade salsa with all the lovely delicious tomatoes that BB has grown. Doesn't it look yummy???

Here's my recipe:

Earl's Gentle Simple Salsa

3 tomatoes, whole and chopped coarsely

1 small cucumber, chopped finely

3 green onions, chopped coarsely

1 small onion, chopped finely

2 tsp fresh chopped garlic (chopped finely)

2 small jalapeno peppers, chopped finely

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 small can of green chilis, coarsly chopped

2 tsp of sugar

juice of one lime

salt and pepper to taste

It tastes so fresh and refreshing! This recipe is very very mild (I can't do hot and spicy!) so I seeded the jalapenos. But if you're more daring, you'll need to add more chilis or jalapenos to make it spicy. I also didn't seed my tomatoes, I like the 'juice' in salsa. The cucumber adds a nice flavor, but doesn't overpower the salsa. Me and BB like it a lot! Enjoy!!

Prayers and Thoughts for my BB!

2008-08-12T13:35:00.003-05:00

I really don't know how many people actually read my blog, I know that I have sent the link to my friend's email list....but you never know. Anyway, I'd like to ask any of you that do to send healing prayers and thoughts to my BB. I rushed him to the hospital last night at 8pm, with a fever and chills and he was having a hard time moving. Being less than two weeks postoperative from back surgery, I knew his symptos may indicate something worse than "a bug". After EIGHT hours in a local emergency room, they finally told us they were keeping him because he may have pneumonia or a deep infection at the incision site.

I will keep family and friends up-to-date as soon as I know anything but I would appreciate any prayers or healing thoughts that can be sent his way.

Boring Sunday....Thank Goodness!

2008-08-10T23:54:00.002-05:00

I love boring Sundays. You have no agenda, nothing to do, and a bra is optional! *grins* Had a big disappointment today though, BB bought Maurice a nice sized pool. We spent part of the day getting it filled and getting her excited for it, only to have the side collapse and spill all 500+ odd gallons out into the neighbors yard. Unfortunately, our yard isn't "level" enough to put up the pool. So amid tears and disappointment, we were forced to take it down until we get a mini-dozer hired to level it out a bit. Truth of the matter, it probably won't be going up this season seeing as how there isn't really that much time left in the 'swimming' season (and hiring out for that kinda thing isn't by any means cheap!) I really hated it for her though, darn I hate it when that kiddo cries. It breaks my heart. But, the tears were short-lived and soon she was giggling again. What a trooper!

Other than that, it was a L-O-N-G nap on the couch with a warm blankie and a soft pillow and Pizza!Pizza! for dinner. *sigh* I love boring Sundays!

Random Ramblings

2008-08-09T11:06:00.010-05:00

Today is a fun filled day (except for the few hours I have to work...although I have to admit I LOVE my job!). Big neighborhood she-bang for "Back to school". Love, love my neighborhood...we'll use any excuse possible to get together with good friends and beer! LOL! All the kiddos will be out in full-force with bathing suits and screaming laughter! (which we all enjoy!)

Last night, I got some great pictures of our three kitties. Of course, Ethel is asleep on the back of the couch but that rarely ever changes! LOL!

The house smells so good! For some reason, people out here don't drink sweet tea or eat sauce on their hot dogs! (They call it 'chilli' out here I'm told.) So, I'm treating all my neighbors to "Hillbilly Hot Dogs" hot dog sauce recipe. (You can visit their site at: http://www.hillbillyhotdogs.com/ ) They are redneck-famous around my West Virginia roots and mmm-mmm good. They were also featured on the Travel Channel and have a great atmosphere. A true Hillbilly original. How my mother ended up with the recipe, I dunno but I'm sure glad she passed it onto me, so I can bring some Hillbilly to the Mid-West.

I woke up at 5am this morning....and you'll never guess the reason. My Christmas Card idea has been born. (Yes, I'm neurotic enough to have it wake me up!) I have everything planned out already from the colors to the patterned paper to the embellishments.....man, I'm good! LOL! As soon as I work out the kinks, I'll post it here for all you lovelies to view. But, I did find last years card (be kind, it was my first try at making cards). I also found some Valentine's cards I made.

All for now.....more to come later!

Elusive Critters!

2008-08-06T20:24:00.004-05:00

Today was a full throttle day! Started with an early morning doc appt for PMM (everything's fine, just a normal checkup!) and a few errands to run. Got PMM a pool so she can splash around in the backyard. (Believe me, the girl is a fish!) But before the pool assembly, I got to do my favorite thing, putter around on the riding mower! Yipee!! Took hours to fill up the pool (geez, I dread the water bill!) but finally my little fish got to go splashing in the water! She had a good time, even though most of the neighborhood kids weren't about.

After a trip to work-out (UGH!) I smelled really really nice! I was in the backyard trying to get the perfect picture of this butterfly that was loving my "butterfly bush". My dear sweet neighbor invited me over for an impromptu "have a glass of wine and chat with me while our kids play in the pool". I love those times. I tried like crazy to capture the dozens of hummingbirds that frequent their backyard. I got one picture, but then the little critters eluded me...maybe tomorrow evening!

YAY! She's home!

2008-08-03T10:12:00.002-05:00

My girl is finally home! It is so good to have my family all back in the same house! I can't believe how much she has grown up over the summer!!! She's looking less and less like a little girl and more like, (as she likes to call herself a 'tween'!) LOL! Everytime, I call her my little girl she reminds me of that.

The car ride to Louisville and back was UGH! Corn fields all the way from here to there, not one exciting thing on that trip. It was really good to see my mom again though. I am so excited to hear that she is planning a visit in October. I wish my dad would come too, but I know Daddy isn't much of a traveler.

PMM had a little trouble going to sleep last night, but after reading her a chapter and frequent 10-minute checks from Momma soon she was sound asleep and looking all angelic. I just wonder when the nightly chapter book reading went from fun things like "Little House on the Prarie" to "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi". It's pretty bad whenever your nine-year-old has to translate the names of the characters because Ol Momma can't pronounce them! GEEZ!

It's funny how she is so into all the things that were popular when I was younger and in elementary school...aka Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc. I just love to see her eyes bug out when I tell her that I saw those movies in the late 70's and early 80's. It's amazing to her that Mom used to be cool! LOL!

Whew I'm whipped!

2008-08-01T14:46:00.008-05:00

Spent the better part of the day cleaning the upstairs in preperation for PMM's return! I'm so excited I can't stand it...seems as if it's been years since I've seen her. So, I've been a busy little bee today, dusting, carpet cleaning, moving furniture, washing windows....the whole spcheel! But it's nice and shiny clean for her to come home to, but her momma is pooped! LOL! And my body forgot to tell my brain that I have to work tonight until 11pm! (What in the world was I thinking?)

I did go outside briefly to check the mail.....geez, could the humidity get any worse. The second you step outisde it's like a big hot damp wall hits you in the face. UGH!

I have been so lazy when it comes to creativity lately, I think all the stress of BB's surgery, CHA, PMM being in West Virginia needless to say life has been kinda hectic. Hopefully once the family unit is all under the same roof again, my creative muse will return.

I did recieve some sad and rather shocking news yesterday. A good friend of mine that I used to work with was diagnosed with MS some months ago. It came as a total shock because this guy seemingly had the world stretched in front of him....a lucrative career, good looks, charm and a genuinely nice guy. My heart aches for him and the troubles he's going through. He will remain in my thoughts and I hope he's on his way to a more managable life with MS, if that is possible.

Anyone who knows me very well knows that I'm a pretty happy person most of the time. I'm usually very patient and always has a joke to make someone smile...but I have to confess, my pets are driving me bonkers! We have three cats (Fred & Ethel Mertz, and Oscar) and a golden Retriever, Zack aka Bubba. Now usually, I am an animal lover but I think they know that our home has been in a state of limbo with PMM being gone and BB being in the hospital and moving around slowly. One cat, Fred (who is jet black and a little creepy looking to me! LOL!) has been howling.....yes I said HOWLING at the doors to get out. Remind you that Fred and Ethel have never lived outside nor have they ever been outside. It's driving me crazy!!! At first I thought maybe it was a female cat outside somewhere that...erm, well desired some male company if you will. But it's been going on three weeks now and it's starting to make me have a twitch for goodness sake!

Oscar, well.....Os is just mean! The other cats will be just relaxing and he has to come up and mess with them, biting hissing and chasing each other through the house. And believe me, a herd of elephants have softer feet! Os is the cat who bites your toes under the covers at night and pounces on your hands if they are under the covers. That and he has a penchant for licking BB's underarm to wake him up at 5am.....ewww!

Zack, *sigh* has always been the neediest animal I've ever seen. He's super jealous if you show any attention to the cats, he follows you around everywhere and we're always tripping over him when we turn around. I mean, he's a loveable lug but he's driving me ape! Then of course, there is the barking to come in (which is five seconds after he's done the 'pee-pee' dance for you to let him out! ARGGHHHHH!

Ethel is the only one who is halfway normal. She is a regal little priss. She can't be bothered to chase or run. Her only time of actual awakedness is standing up on the back of the couch, stretching, walking in a circle and settling back in. *LOL* what a life.

Well, I'm guessing pre-work shower is calling.....

Just another Day in Paradise!

2008-07-31T21:27:00.001-05:00

I have to tell you I am so enjoying being home with BB as he recovers. Today, all the anesthesia has totally worn off and he was feeling a little bit of pain and stiffness, but my stoic spouse swears it's "not that bad".

The day was spent in a lazy humdrum. We didn't really get into a hurry to do much at all....I love those kind of days. Of course, I spent part of the day doing my favorite thing...mowing the grass. I swear, I am a sick individual. BB swears if the grass grows 1/4 of an inch that I'm running toward the riding mower to cut it down! He isn't far from the truth, to be honest.

Of course, I also created an excuse to go the SBF to see what new things have come in this week. OOOOhhh...there are so many new things. New Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Bo Bunny, new Snowy Jo collection from Imaginesce (*does a happy dance rubbing my hands together as I squeal*) Needless to say, I won't actually be GETTING a paycheck until well after Christmas if we keep getting all this new stuff in.

The fun of having no agenda screetches to a big halt tomorrow though. Being ever the procrastinator, I have put off really CLEANING PMM's room while she's been visiting my PU. And now, I've waited until the last minute so I have to get into the thick of it tomorrow before I go to work. (and honestly, I'm not looking forward to it.....she is precious, but she isn't exactly tidy!)

Saturday will be spent on the road to pick up PMM and bring her home. I can not wait....I have missed my little munchkin so much I just can't wait to hug her tight and kiss her little cheeks (only to have her moan..."MOOOOMMMM!" because I'm embarrassing her to death!) LOL

I have actually been scouring past books searching for THE Chrismas card for the upcoming season. (Yes, I realize that it's near 100 degrees and miserably hot...but I have to pre-plan these things if I actually want them sent out a few days before Christmas!) Last year's theme was snowflakes using light blues, iridescent whites and vellum. (and if I can remeber I will dig it out and snap a photo of it) Sooo, only time will tell what I actually find that will please me enough to create! More to follow on that topic...

Meanwhile, I will enjoy the pictures of my blooming flowers and other goodies I have snapped photos of....

I absolutely LOVE this picture I snapped of a pristine white peony. I didn't even realize I had a little spider that wanted in on the image, but I love the way it turned out.

I was in awe of this beautiful fellow. The contrast of my momma's black car really makes the brightness of the colors show up.

Kind of makes carrying a big camera everywhere I go, so worth it!

Yummmm.....and surgery update!

2008-07-30T20:23:00.001-05:00

Needless to say, our meal at the Japanese Steakhouse was totally yummy! Oooh, my tummy hurt in a real good way! LOL!

Now, for a surgery update. BB's surgery yesterday went wonderfully. Upon coming out of anesthesia, he was raring to go and spent yesterday walking up and down the hallways of the hospital and being totally charming to the whole nursing staff! The doc kept him last night in the hospital because of the drain at the incision site in his back, but it was removed this morning and I got to bring him home. He's doing so well and will soon be back to normal!

I'm off work for the next few days to take care of BB...so expect some no-nonsense boring housewife sorta posts...LOL, and I'm loving it!

Quick Post for now!

2008-07-27T16:57:00.001-05:00

Geez, I've been looking at everyone's beautiful blogs and realize mine is on the sucky side! LOL! I'll have to try to fix that a little later. I can't concentrate it right now because *does a happy dance where I shake my tushy* My hubby is taking me to the Japanese Steakhouse for dinner! Yummers, yummers, yummers! I'm so excited! Not that I haven't been there many times, but it is just so yummerific!

And it just seems fair that I stuff myself with all that good food since I just worked out for an hour at the Y (nope, there is not a blip in the radar screen) I did say I worked out...on purpose! Actually, don't tell anyone....but I've been at the Y three times this week and worked out for an hour each time. I'm so darn proud of myself!

Oooooh, gotta run that gorgeous man o' mine is ready to go! More later...

Sittin on my tail! (and lovin' every minute of it!)

2008-07-26T13:20:00.000-05:00

I'd love to say that I'm sooo busy right now and have all kind of projects that I have completed today....Nope! Can't say that at all. Let's see, I slept late....I got up, showered and beautified...took the dog to the groomer...spent lottsa money at WallyWorld...bought Season 2 of NCIS and proceeded to come straight home, pop a disc into the player and plopped my buttooski down on the couch! Man oh man, I love being lazy (and I'm so good at it!) *gigglesnort*

I think it's just too darn hot to be outside doing what I need to do...mulch and weed! (Ugh...even typing it isn't fun!)

On a fun note, I got the new Storybook Cricut cartridge and it is soooo pretty! *grins* Also, the new "Graphically Speaking" cartridge that I thought was going to be "ehh" is to die for!!! It's like the Paper Doll cartridge, only a 1/4 of the stuff is shown on the back of the box....what it doesn't show on the box (after looking in the book) is AMAZING!!!

Kay, back to my NCIS marathon (I just LOVE Tony Denozo! aka Michael Weatherly....hubba, hubba!) LOL!

ARRRGHHH!

2008-07-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

Okay! I know it's been a while since I posted, but GEEZ! *Sigh* Yahoo unfortunately deleted my account due to lack of use (I'm guessing) and since I can't remember my password or username.....I had to create a new blog! (Hey, KB at least I'm blogging, so get offa my back! LOL!)

Anyway, I just got back from CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) yesterday and OMG!OMG!OMG! am I pumped for all of the new products I got to see! I was like a fat kid on cake (no offense meant to any obese children, it's just a redneck saying!) Needless to say, it was like Christmas! Not to mention, that *does a wild squeal and jumps around like an idiot!* I got my picture made with Ali Edwards (of Creating Keepsakes magazine!). She was sooo nice and so funny! It was the highlight of a wonderful trip! See I even have proof.....*points to the picture!*

I have been working on some projects though (not just blowing off work to go loaf and look at new scrapbooking projects! See....

By the way, the cute little stinker in the picture is my adorable neice, Hannah. Isn't she just darlin? Anyway, this project was created using Kaisercraft's (LOVE 'EM, LOVE 'EM!) Lace-up book and the Esperence paper line (Summer Breeze and Sand Dune, respectively). I think it turned out sooo cute!

Sorry for the email to update people on the new blog....just hate that I lost all those words of wisdom I posted before! (cue the SNORT!)