Ready to Go!

Shannon's towel has been personalized and ready to ship!! I thought I would take a picture of it before I shipped it out so everyone could see. (Shannon, if you see this before it arrives....sorry if I ruined the surprise)....and I hope you like it!!

Be sure to look at the post below for a great giveaway! (did I tell you that I hope I win this?)

Nicole's Huge Giveaway

Nicole at Our Cozy Nest is helping her friends out by asking us to help them name their Internet lighting store. She has posted a picture of a beautiful chandelier that they are giving away to the person who comes up with the best name!

All she is asking is that you check out their site, offer your opinion, comment with a catchy name and then link back to her through your blog for extra credit.

ooooo, and this was really hard for me to spill these beans, because I really, really want to win this!!

She's At it Again (My Wordless Wednesday)

exhibits A, B, & C:

The culprit:

It's a very good thing I chose this for my wordless Wednesday post, because the "words" I would've chosen may not have been appropriate for this family, friendly, blog.

A Cinderella Story

Little Ann admits to feeling a little like Hillary Duff in this movie:

She worked hard for me yesterday doing some extra chores around the house. Seems like no one ever wants to help just for the sake of helping poor mom out. There always has to be some motive behind it. With Big Dan, it's usually, because he wants to do something or go somewhere, but with Little Ann it is usually because she is saving up for something big.

Our list started in the kitchen where I had her do things like wipe down the appliances and clean the inside of the microwave. She did an excellent job, I might add. I walked into the kitchen to check on her at one point and this is what she looked like.

busy, busy, busy.....roller skates and all.

Remember our "girls day", when we went to see Kit Kitteredge: An American Girl. She fell in love with Kit. And I don't hardly blame her. She's so pretty and I've said before the movie was excellent. Who wouldn't want Kit? So........now she is saving up for her:

I have plenty more jobs where those came from today, if she is up for the challenge. With only 3 weeks left of summer vacation, we'd better dive in to get those extra projects done or we will run out of time for sure. I know she must feel like Cinderella with Big Dan chillin' at the pool with the girlfriend while she slaves at home. But I guess a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

When I asked her last night how she felt about what she had accomplished, her reply:
"Daddy pays better". (I think she's got daddy right where she wants him, what do you think?)

And the Winner is..........

Shannon at Bless Our Nest. CONGRATULATIONS! (Shannon, you can thank Little Ann, she drew your name!)

First of all, girls, I just want to say a special thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the sweet, sweet comments you made about my mother and her clothes. That meant so much to me. I am so glad I did this. I really hope that she and I can work together to try to get her going on etsy or something. She is really busy right now working on her fall items for the stores, so it may take us awhile, but it is in the works! By the way, if anybody is ever interested in purchasing you can always email me from my profile and I will hook you right up! I also want to say thank you to all of you who commented and left Happy Birthday wishes. You guys are the greatest!

Ya'll, (yeah, I'm from Arkansas), this was just the best birthday (even despite the fact that I am waaaaay to close to 40). I just have to share my day with you.

First thing, of course, we went to church. When I first got up I noticed a card Pete had left out for me. The words he had written to me were awesome. I was so touched. He had already bought me a laptop which was supposed to be my anniversary/birthday present, but also inside the card was a $50 bill that he told me I had to use "exclusively" for scrapbooking paraphernalia. Wowzers!! That PLUS what my secret sister had already gotten me. I can't wait to go shopping!

When Big Dan got up, he couldn't wait to give me what he had gotten me. It was this black patten purse. SO CUTE!! I'm sure the girlfriend had something to do with this one!

I know you will think I'm crazy when you hear this...but Pizza Hut was my choice for lunch. (I know, I should've milked it, huh?) Little Ann thought so too and she was rather bent out of shape..she mouthed all the way to town.."but I wanted Red Lobster, wah, wah, wah". I told her when it was her birthday, she could choose the place. I think everyone else was disappointed with my choice, too, but they were smart enough to keep quiet. For some strange reason I had a hankering for cheese sticks from Pizza Hut. (I know, I'm weird). Most of the time, we eat at Mazzios when we dine in, or Little Ceasars if we take out, but today I wanted Pizza Hut, and it was my birthday for crying out loud.

The girlfriend met up with us for lunch and she had gotten me the sweetest gift. I couldn't believe it. It was this scrapbooking basket filled (mind you) with albums, paper, scissors, fibers, buttons, stickers, sequins, pens, etc....way more than she should've ever gotten me. But then she pointed out the real gift was in a purple envelope in the front pocket of the basket. This girl spent her hard working summer life guarding money on another $50 gift certificate to our local scrapbook store........ for me. It just made me want to cry. (You did expect that, I'm sure). She definitely scored some BIG TIME brownie points with me today! And look how cute she had it put together.
I couldn't resist having a family photo taken in Pizza Hut! Big Dan was like....."hurry, hurry, people are looking at us"...and "why are you taking pictures of your cheese sticks?"

The next part of my day was just the icing on the cake (ha) no pun intended....well, maybe just a little one. We went back for evening church services, and my husband rededicated his life to the Lord. It was a wonderful feeling. I know some of you have been praying for me, as I have indicated over the past couple of weeks that I was going through a difficult time. My husband has always been an insomniac and been on some type of sleep medication our whole marriage. His doctor has had him on a combination of powerful sleep aids, antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds that has just about taken a toll on him. When he is awake, he is normal. When he is on the meds, he is capable of some pretty bizarre stuff. Anyway, to make a long story short, he had admitted to me that he was feeling like he may have developed an addiction to the meds, absolutely hated the way they made him act or the things they made him do when under their influence, and wanted desperately to get off of them. He knew he couldn't do it without my help and God. I just want everyone to know that he is a wonderful man. (There was no physical abuse, other woman or anything like that.) So girls, I just ask that you continue to pray for our family, because we are going through a rocky time. We WILL get through this I know because with God.....all things are possible.

Ok, next up....after our evening church service, we went to buy groceries, and when we got home, I discovered that while I was taking my Sunday afternoon nap, Little Ann was busy in the kitchen making this: (it says Happy Birthday, Mom)

and this: (notice the trick sparkler candles) yeah, she's a tricker.

This child is 10 years old. I couldn't believe she did this. Pete said he helped her a little with the baking part, but she totally did all the decorating herself. I was sooooo impressed. And bless her little heart for wanting to do this for me. I just wanted to cry (again).

And now I'm at the end of a long day in the spotlight. I sure did enjoy it and it 's a good thing because it's over and now everything is back to normal....whatever that is.

Have a great week!

My Multi-Talented Mother...and a Birthday Giveaway! (updated)

I've been planning this post for quite a while and now that the time has actually come, I'm not really sure what I want to say. Defining my mother is not the easiest thing. She is so many different things to me.

First of all, she is the person I can thank for making me who I am today. I give her all the credit for all the knowledge I have in child rearing (and other things, of course). I don't know what I would do without her to call and "double check" myself. My kids frequently hear..."my momma always used to say........" She is the youngest of 6 kids, and the only girl. Her mother passed away when she was 28. I can't imagine. I was only 8, so I don't have that many memories of my grandmother, however, she has used that same line on us so, so many times. My grandmother must've been one smart, patient, talented woman herself!

She and my dad made sure my brother and I were always in church and for that I am so very thankful. We were both saved at early ages and if it weren't for parents strong in their faith, who knows what we would have become. She is the one that "forced" me to practice the piano because she knew one day God would use my talent for His glory..and that He has. That is us in the picture to the right, this past Mother's day....myself, my wonderful mom, and my only sibling. She would do absolutely anything for either one of us, and although I know we have both stretched her so thin, even in our adult years, she remains strong.

My mom is the greatest cook in the entire world. She is so modest about it though. We have our family holiday gatherings at her house and bless her heart, she takes on the entire thing solo. She will call each of us, grand kids included to find out what we want as our special holiday dish and she will make sure it is done. If we ask her what we can do to help out, her reply is always the same..."just come and enjoy". Ok, if you say so... There have been so many times on a Saturday afternoon when I am tied up doing something and remember a church fellowship the next day. I have just called her and she has happily made a dessert for me to take. (I never take the credit, though). Some of my girls will say..."wish my mom would make me a pie". And she can do so much more. It doesn't matter what I ask her to do, I have faith that she can.

Like I said in this post, my mom has pretty much sewn my entire life. She made all of my clothes growing up. We laugh sometimes about the times she made my blue jeans and we would use a seam ripper to take the "Lee" tag off of my dad's jeans and put them on mine. (I was much too cool to wear home made clothes in high school). I never really appreciated her talent until I had a daughter. Right before Little Ann was born, she bought her first monogram machine and began experimenting with it. When Little Ann was a baby, she never wanted for anything. She had monogrammed diaper bags, burp clothes, changing pads, bibs, etc., and the most beautiful heirloom dresses. A different one for every Sunday. I've kept them all. Mom is quite the perfectionist, and she has made for herself a good reputation....you will not find one crooked stitch on her garments. A couple of years ago, she placed some of her garments in the County Fair, only to be disqualified by the judges. We laughed and laughed at their reasoning. What? They said her garments were store bought. She didn't know whether to be offended or flattered. (Unfortunately, the perfection, the cooking and the sewing skipped a generation.)

Mother has been working so hard on her new fall line and I just wanted to try to help her out via my blog. She has been wholesaling to retail children's stores and selling to individuals who visit her shop at her home, but I thought we might really be on to something here. Since I posted my giveaway announcement, chickadee has suggested an etsy store, which is something we might definitely look into. Here are some samples of her different styles:

1st Birthday outfits:

Summertime FUN!

Fall Pizazz!

(the update:) Mommy dearest read the blog and was so touched, however, she said I must post her two favorite outfits. So, I've added a couple more for you to see. This one above right is pretty much same style as the one on the left, but slightly different....and the one below which she says is her best seller right now!!

Holiday Favorites:

Isn't she super?















NOW FOR GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Sunday is my birthday and you get a gift! How cool is that?

This is what I am giving away. It is a full sized black monogrammed bath towel. The current initials are monogrammed on black fabric so you can see what it will look like with your initials on it. If you are impressed with my mom's garments, just leave me a comment! I will randomly choose from all comments left on this post between now and Sunday evening (my birthday) at 9:00 pm. If you like what you see here, I ask that you please send a link to this post to all your friends and family that might have small children (or blogging about it will work just fine too). Serious inquiries about purchasing any of these items can email me!

Please leave your email address or have one available on your blog so I may contact you in the event you are the winner!! Enjoy and happy commenting!

Oh, and dad, ....your moment of fame is coming.

The End

Today marks the final day for our Vacation Bible School. Tonight is family night and after tribe and marketplace times, we will wrap things up with some singing and a slide show.

We have done this "Marketplace" theme for the past several years. The kids just love it. It's almost like you are really in Jerusalem/Galilee/Bethlehem (we've done all these themes). This year Chickadee and Clark wrote our material (excellent, I might add) and we incorporated it back into the bible days theme. I think the kids love the dressing up part the most. The week has been good, but as usual, I am so happy tomorrow is Saturday!! Here are a few photos from the week (mostly of people that don't mind their pics on the ol' blog)

I also want to remind everyone about my Saturday post dedicated to my mom!! And...my special birthday giveaway. Please tell everyone you know to tune in tomorrow, and just comment to enter! Check out all the details here.

A Thank You & A Giveaway Sneak Peek!

Friday night as we began putting up tents and decorating for VBS this week, I wanted to be anywhere but there. (Bad attitude, I know). I had had a really stressful week and frankly, just wasn't in the mood to socialize. As I went outside to choose my tent fabrics...I decided to walk into the Sanctuary to pray....just inside the door in the foyer was a gift just for me. My eyes welled up with tears as I opened it up. It was an anniversary gift. (I know I've already admitted to being a very sappy, emotional person, so sue me.)

Tuesday night, when I arrived at VBS, I entered my tent (it's part of the decor for our Galilee Marketplace, if you're wondering), only to find a birthday gift waiting inside. It was a gift certificate to my local scrapbook store. Once again, I could feel my eyes well up, but a smile came upon my face just the same. So, why am I writing this?

I know that I do have a few blog readers (aka lurkers, they never comment) from my church that participate in our "Secret Sister" program. I just want to say, if my secret sister should happen to be any of you who are reading right now...(and you know who you are)....Here is a big Thank You to you from me. You have truly blessed my heart at a very much needed time. All of my "sisters" in Christ are truly a blessing to me.

AND NOW FOR THE SNEAK PEEK for my birthday giveaway......Don't get too excited. This is my first giveaway, and like I said it's really not that big of a deal. However, I just wanted to show you what I was planning to give away and a few of the details. This is the giveaway:

It is a black monogrammed bath towel. What you see here is the actual towel, but the initials are just monogrammed on black fabric to show you what it would look like with your initials on it. My giveaway background? Saturday, I am planning a post in honor of my mother. She is such a talented woman. She has sewn all of my life. She bought her first monogram machine several years ago and incorporated that into her sewing. A few years ago she took the plunge and opened her own children's shop where she sells her garments. She also wholesales to local children's shops. Her outfits are adorable. She has gone from heirloom type dresses to casuals (much like RagsLand or Kelly's Kids). They are precious and I want to help her advertise by way of the blog.

So, how do you win? First of all, all you have to do is visit my blog, read Saturday's post, and make a comment. Then all I ask is... if you are impressed with my mother's items, forward my link (my mom's post) to any of your friends that have small children so they can see her work. I will randomly choose from all my commenters at 9:00 pm on Sunday night (MY BIRTHDAY!), and I will announce the winner on Monday's post. Good luck!

(Oh, and make sure you leave an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!)

Works for me Wednesday (updated)

Ok, seriously girls, this may be the lamest Works for me Wednesday you have ever read. But I have been very impressed with this little dude and it really works for me!!

If you are totally grossed out with feet....or anything associated with feet, please accept my apologies. I just thought during these hot, barefoot, summer days you might find this tool as impressive as I did!

This is a callus shaver. Every time I get a professional pedicure, those little Chinese women use one of these on my rough heels..and believe me my heels are rough. Contribute it to all my little girl barefoot days down South, if you will. I can't hardly stand to go barefoot anymore, even in the house I wear flip flops now. Just by accident the other day I ran across one of these in the pharmacy department at Walmart. I have used it several times already and it does great getting rid of all that callused skin.

update: oh and my apologies to Shannon. This is only my 2nd wfmw and I just read I should've been linking to her...oops! For more great wfmw tips visit here.

I took Big Dan to the doctor yesterday. The doctor did a throat swab and determined he had strep. He is taking penicillin and feeling somewhat better today.

Thank goodness my gas man (what a guy...he just has no idea) finally came yesterday and brought us a few gallons of butane to provide us enough hot water til they can get the tanks switched. I guess I have no more excuses. Today, I must get off my duff, wash clothes and de-germ Big Dan's bedroom. I will try to take pictures of his room once the task is complete and use his room as my next "home tour" post while it is clean. I figured that would be the last room I posted, as I am usually scared to even walk through the door for fear of what might be lurking.

For now, I am going to treat myself to a nice, hot bath and shave my calluses! Smile....

For Granted

I know I'm not the only one that takes things for granted. Most often it's the simplest things that are of the most importance to us and we don't even recognize it until they are gone.

Take hot water for instance.

A couple of days ago, my dad brought over a butane tank that he had bought for us so that we wouldn't have to rent a tank any longer from our local gas company. We had been trying to run all the gas out of the old tank so we could fill the new one. I guess we weren't paying close enough attention.

Today, first thing, I got up, ready to soak in my tub, but quickly decided these guys would have to go unused until I came up with plan B. I loaded this full of dishes, only to realize I would have to start it at a later time and hope we didn't run out of clean dishes in the meantime.
Oh, and this is the biggie. Remember Big Dan was at camp all last week? This is where he dumped everything when he came in and needless to say, this is where it still is. Poor Guy, we may have to go buy him clean underwear.
As I anxiously await our gas man, I can totally relate to His Girl as she anticipated the arrival of her heating and air man. Cool air...another something we take for granted especially on these 100 degree hot Arkansas days. What on earth did they do back in the days of Little House of the Prairie?

I am hoping for a good week. VBS got off to a great start. We had more little children than we expected and had a great time.

Big Dan is running 103 fever tonight. I'm not sure what is going on with him. We may be making a trip in to see the doctor tomorrow....Anyway...Happy Monday!

This and That

Sundays, for some reason are turning into my day for "rambling". I'm not quite sure why this is. I guess by the weekend, my mind is jumbled full of hodge podge thoughts trying to escape into the blog.

This week we will have Vacation Bible School at our church. We have spent the past couple of days working...setting up shops for our "Marketplace", painting murals on the walls (well, I didn't paint so I can't take credit for that), and just getting things prepared in general. Although Bible School takes so much time and effort, and I am always exhausted at the end of the week, I know it is totally worth it. Pray for us this week.

Thursday was my anniversary. Thank you to those who commented and wished me a happy day. I got to eat these:
I don't know if I have any Texas readers, but my husband has discovered this Barbecue place in Texas while on the road with his job. It is "Bodacious Barbecue" and I am not kidding. These are the best ribs I have ever put in my mouth. If you are ever in Texas, you need to look one up! (they are in foil, because they are so good, we bought an extra rack to bring home with us.)

Big Dan made it home safe and sound from Teen Camp Friday. I want to tell you more about camp in a future post, but it's too long for this one. A friend of mine took this picture of him during his quiet time. Something about seeing my son during his talk with God that makes me smile.

I wanted to ask your opinion on something I have been thinking about. Big Dan will soon be 18 and I have been debating on whether or not I should open a checking account in his name. I had already been considering this, but then I got an insert with my bank statement the other day and they had offered to deposit the first $10 for you just for opening the student account. I know it's just 10 bucks, but this just kind of made me think about it again. I know they need to learn about finances, but turning my teenager loose with checks and a debit card really scares me. Does anybody have any advice on when they should get these privileges and how much to turn them loose with?

To the ones who have commented or emailed me recently with uplifting words. Thank you. I know things are going to be ok, but it's going to be a tough road ahead. Continue to keep my family in your prayers.

And once again, I will leave you with this as a last thought. Next Sunday is my birthday. While I'm not that excited about turning 38, I wanted to celebrate with you, my friends. I am going to be having my first giveaway. Nothing elaborate, but thought I would try it. If you get a chance, tell your fellow bloggy friends to stop by and read. I'll be posting details later on this week.

Hope

Hello Friends. Once again, I have let the days get away from me. I can't believe I have been so consistent in my posting each day since I began this blogging endeavor....up until this week, that is. I know that even though I make plans for my life, (and plans for the blog, ha), that doesn't necessarily mean they are God's plans.

I just want to say that this has been a tremendously difficult week for me. I know those of you that faithfully read, are ones that I can count on to pray for me, so I would ask that you pray....even though you don't know what you are praying for, it would mean the world to me.

Tonight I grabbed my bible.....just thumbing through hoping something would jump out at me. I know that God speaks through His word...that is if we will just listen. These are a couple of verses that caught my attention and I would like to share them. Some of you I know and others I have only become to know through this blog. You may be going through some rainy times in your life too, and I just want to remind you of what I am having to remind myself. We are not alone if we are God's children.

Psalm 9:9 - The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalm 62:7-8 - In God is my Salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength and my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.

There is a song by Casting Crowns (which is my absolute favorite Christian Band) called Prodigal. If you are familiar with the parable of the prodigal son, you will love this song. The son goes out into the world, squanders his blessings away and when has no where else to turn, he comes back to his father, who lovingly takes him back. These lyrics are so powerful.



You know,.... so many times we grow so distant from God, squandering our blessings away.. and we wonder why things happen. This song is so touching. It just reminds me of how "our Father" is always there ready to take us back anytime we come running. From time to time, I have to remind myself that God isn't the one that has left me high and dry, it is the other way around.

There is hope.

This one's for Pete

To my readers, my apologies for making you look at that lovely picture of my teenager and the girlfriend for 3 days. Due to some "circumstances" in the life of Scrapper Mom, I have not been able to read, comment, or contribute to the blog world for a few days now. Truly, I have missed you.

My choice of posting today, you may find does not interest you in the least. Where I always hope to write well enough to keep you coming back, I must tell you up front, this one's for Pete.

The year was 1989..and I was bleeding love. Not with Pete yet, of course, but with somebody that I once thought was "the one". He was my big teddy bear and in my eyes he hung the moon. I had never experienced any teen romance like this. It was a college thing. (You remember..the one with the loud speakers). Despite some opposition from those that didn't want us together, we had a very good relationship. We didn't fight...(well, not much anyway) and it was no worries..all fun..the carefree life...yes, those were the days, but I made some choices that very much complicated things. We parted ways and six months later, in October of 1990, I gave birth to Big Dan. Big Dan was so beautiful..the spitting image of his father. Unfortunately a baby was not part of his life plan at the time, (and as it turns out, nor was I) so I began my mission. A mission to fill the void in my life and my sweet baby's.

The dating scene never stopped for me, even as a single parent. My heart had been broken and I needed desperately for someone to come along and help me pick up the pieces. I held Big Dan in my arms night after night...rocking....singing...crying out to God and speaking softly in my baby's ear.."I'm going to find you a daddy, I promise".

I dated this person, and that person...and that continued for two long years which seemed like an eternity...but it was no longer just about me. It became about me and my boy. So with every new relationship, I pondered..could he be the one? The one that will love us both?

1992 was soon coming to an end. Big Dan was 2 years old now and I was failing miserably in the daddy department. But then...all of a sudden, I thought I had found him..you know..Mr. Right. He had a nice car, a good job..suit and tie kind of guy. Yep, he could definitely provide. He had such a nice family and he went to church. Bingo. This was too good to be true....until he cheated. So, here I went...right back to square one. I had begin to give up. Why wasn't any guy good enough? Was I just too picky?.. and why was God not answering my prayers?

It was now the beginning of 1993. The phone on my desk at work rang. To my surprise I found a male voice on the other end. ..oh my goodness, I thought, who in the world is this person? Turns out a "fellow employee" (whom I did not know) had seen me walking down the hall and wanted to make contact. The rest is history...ok, I wouldn't dare leave you hanging like that. We talked for a few minutes and by the end of the conversation, he had asked me out on a date. I immediately ran across the hall to tell my good friend the news. She was very quick to inform me that I did NOT need a guy like that. Apparently Pete was a party animal and had developed quite the reputation......not the kind of guy I needed to be with. Somehow, that peaked my curiosity..a rebel? Maybe I needed to check it out. To be honest, I justified our first date by saying that if I went out with Pete, somehow I would make Mr. Cheater Pants jealous enough to come back to me (why, I wanted him back, I'll never know). He did get wind and start calling again, but by that time, I had changed my mind. I had already developed an attraction to Pete. Yes, all the things that my girlfriend had told me were true, but with every date, I began to feel more and more for him. It's so hard to explain. This guy was everything that was NOT ideal for me...the party guy, estranged from his family, driving his little sports car, squandering his money and heading wherever the wind took him. I was straight laced, a church going "good girl", very close to my family..with a child. He was not my type at all, but this guy "needed" me, I thought. I can help him find what is missing in his life...and oh how I needed him as much as he needed me. We were married within 6 months.

You know.....today marks our 15th wedding anniversary. I will be honest with you and say it has not always been easy. Pete came into our marriage not only a husband, but a father, and I know that was a huge undertaking for him. I thank him so much for raising Big Dan as his own and providing him with everything he has ever had in his life. He has been the best father he knows how to be to both our children.

We have faced many, many trials and tribulations over the years, and there have been times I have just wanted to give up. I've cried out to my God over and over wondering why I couldn't have the perfect marriage. I realize now,..there is no perfect marriage, and I am kidding myself if I think for one moment there will ever be. I do know this much though..if God is the center of your marriage, you will find one as perfect as perfect can be.

While Pete has made lots of changes in his life, he is still the same in so many ways. He has and always will be my protector. He is my provider. He is my partner. He is my friend and today...at this very moment... even as I write, I realize just how very much he loves me. I cannot imagine my life without him.

We took a vow 15 long, hard years ago that we would love each other unconditionally. That we would stay faithful to one another in sickness and health, for richer and poorer and for better or for worse. I am convinced that there is nothing that can happen that we cannot get through. We are chubby, and getting grey, but that's ok. Oh, and by the way.... I may not "understand" everything, but Pete, I understand this.... I love you more today than I ever have.

Happy Anniversary.

More Sunday Randomness...

Last Sunday I found myself with nothing much worthy of the blog. Today has been one of those days, so once again I feel the need to ramble. Hope you don't mind.

God is so good and we had a wonderful day at church. Sunday's are always a challenge for me. Can't sleep in and I always feel so tired. I can't wait until I can take my nap. When we were leaving the church, I could feel sprinkles...oh yeah..what's better than a Sunday afternoon nap..a Sunday afternoon nap with rain! (which actually never amounted to anything today)

Things have been going good with Big Dan and the "girlfriend". I can refer to her as that now, since he popped the question. Well, not the question, but the one that keeps them from seeing other people..just each other. It's been official for one whole week - non official for two. You know, back in our day, it was called "going steady". These days, our terminology is not hip enough for them so it is referred to as "going out". Anyway, that's what they are doing. I like her.....she is very sweet and she actually talks to me. Not very many girls he has crushed on have lived up to my standards (I am a little picky when it comes to my boy). Mom really should be the only girl kissing on him.

OK, so I hope you're not totally grossed out now. I just thought this looked like such a fun picture. Little Ann took it. Ah, nothing like the giddiness of young love?

For those of you that read my post on the finger accident..I wanted to let you know it is healing nicely. No more blood or bandages..but still no feeling. I've heard it takes a while for the nerve endings to regenerate, but it is the most annoying feeling ever.

I'm not sure what this week will hold. I do know that Big Dan leaves tomorrow bright and early for church camp and he is really excited (the girlfriend...not so much). She did stay after church tonight and help us pack. Little Ann is happy to be able to have a week with no brother. She'll be missing him before the week is over, I'm sure. I can sense a little "Beauty Shop" in store for me.

Thursday, Pete and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We haven't made any big plans yet, but maybe I will share "our story" with you on that day. Might even throw in a few more "big hair" photographs (yes, my fro followed me into the 90's). Yikes!

My birthday is coming up real soon too, and I'm getting ready to have my first bloggy give-away so you guys can celebrate with me. Be sure and keep a watch out and send your friends over.

And....last thing. If anyone notices my cutesy, wootsey signature is gone, it's because I accidentally deleted the html code for it as I wrote this post and can't figure out how to get another one unless I start completely over. Not happenin' this time, but it'll be back!!

Salsa, anyone?

First, you must know, I am far, far from Martha Stewart..the queen of all domestication. I can't give you tips on sheet folding, (hey, if you figure that bottom sheet trick out, please let me know!) or share exotic recipes. I'm the mom that looks for every opportunity to eat out. In all reality, my children have done very well fending for themselves..thank you hot pockets, pizza rolls and chicken chunks!! I do try though, to make it a point to cook when Pete is home. I guess it's not so much the cooking as it is the mental preparation that I don't like.

With all that said, you are probably surprised to find me sharing a recipe today. I don't know why I am..maybe because this stuff is just so good I thought you would like it too. I ran across this in the teacher's lounge at school one day. I was quite impressed. So, since I am preparing it myself today, getting ready for a Mexican themed Vacation Bible School "meeting of the minds" over at Chickadee's, here goes:

This is what you will need: (notice I buy practically all generic..I'm cheap that way)

1 large can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can of Original Rotel
3 T Red Wine Vinegar
1 1/2 T Cilantro
2 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp onion powder
You can either put it all in a blender (be careful not to over blend) or do what I do, which is put it in a mixing bowl and mix with my smaller hand held blender.
So easy...So good.

Let me know if you try it..and what you think.

A Clean Room (A Rare Thing)

Home Tour: First Room

Today, since you (my dear bloggy friends) and I are still getting to know one another, I thought I would give you a visit into my home. For starters, I chose to post pictures of our Living Room. Shannon did this on Wednesday and I often read posts from The Nester and Emily that give me glimpses of their beautiful living rooms as well. I guess I am a little nosy. I love looking at people's houses. Little Ann inherited that lovely trait. We can't go anywhere that she doesn't want to go in and "check things out".

Now, my decorating skills are quite different than those above....actually, I don't even have any decorating skills. Which is why I am posting the living room. It is the only room in the house, I have actually had "knowledgeable" help on. Like Shannon, I have been contemplating what kind of treatment to do on my windows...but I like the fluted trim, so I have been undecided. I think I need an area rug because of the big open space in the middle of the floor...and what I would do for a new couch. Oh, I didn't realize my pictures on the wall were crooked until I proofed this post! Please feel free to offer any suggestions.



So why today's post?....well, actually girls.....yesterday, I discovered in my living room NO stray DVD's - not in their cases...NO piles of laundry that have been ignored for days... and NO naked Barbie's lying around (oh, the list could go on). It actually looked presentable, so I ran got my camera and took pictures as quickly as I could. As for now, my dryer is beeping and laundry is awaiting it's place in my floor!

Is "Bloglifting" a Crime?

In the world of scrapbooking, we often steal each other's ideas, or rather "share" them. This is referred to as "scraplifting". I wonder...would this be "bloglifting" in the blog world?

Nevertheless, I see all these cutesy ideas on everyone's blogs and yes, I covet them. My latest would be this adorable signature line I have seen on "His Girl's" blog. Lately she has been eager to share her technology expertise with us and currently accepting requests. Go check her out. You might learn something. Thank you, His Girl.

Dog for Sale..uh, I mean Free?

I think these pictures speak for themselves. Do I really need to say more?

Naw, I guess I'll keep her. Those puppy dog eyes make her hard to resist in spite of stuffing.

The Retro Lunch Hour

A couple of days ago as Little Ann and I traveled the interstate, I had the radio on one of my favorite stations. It happened to be one that plays a variety of music....the best from the 80's and today. You would think that would satisfy everyone in the vehicle..but it doesn't. I still hear gripes and complaints because my music is so NOT COOL. What? How could they?

At one particular time during our trip, the dj came on and asked for requests for the "Retro Lunch Hour". They played songs like: Bostons - "Amanda", "What's Love Got to do With It" - by Tina Turner, oh and remember this one? - "Don't talk to Strangers" by Rick Springfield. Whew! What a hottie. (back in the day, of course).

I often find myself traveling back in time through music. It is the strangest thing. I know. Seems like I associate every stage in my life with a certain song..(and every boyfriend had one too). Isn't that funny?

Stuff like this - I remember jammin' to Olivia Newton John - "Physical" while cleaning my bedroom.... or another favorite from Rick Springfield - "Jessie's Girl". Remember this ladies?

I bet Jason (from the Bachelorette, of course) is singing this right about now. Poor guy.



Cheerleading dance routines to "Thriller" and blossoming teen romances to Whitney Houston.

Later on in High School - I got a little more "hard core" and graduated up to Poison or Whitesnake's - "Here I go Again" . One of my fondest memories is rockin' out to Def Leppard on our Senior Trip to Florida. Can I get a little "Pour Some Sugar on Me" or "Love Bites"? (fellow classmate reader friends of mine....I KNOW you remember this one, huh?)

When I ventured off to college, I vividly remember those long commutes singing at the top of my lungs to that song by Bobby somebody.."Don't Worry, Be Happy", or "Red, Red Wine". What exactly is that song about anyway? lol? A couple of my favorite slow tunes from 1988 (and boyfriend songs) Boy Meets Girl - "Waiting for a Star to Fall" or Sheriff's one hit wonder - "When I'm with You".

Where rap has never been one of my most desirable genre's of music, I was forced into it by another boyfriend who insisted on blowing out both eardrums with his booming bass. The louder, the better for him. I kid you not, the entire back seat was out of that little Toyota and replaced with speakers. I remember my hair blowing as I sat in front of those speakers, to the beat of Christian Artist with a little bump - DC Talk........or LL Cool J, Sir Mix A Lot, "My Posse's on Broadway" and "Baby Got Back"..oh dear. Did I listen to that? We listened to some tamer tunes too, such as New Kids on the Block, Linda Ronstadt, and Roxette's - "You've got the Look".

Oh, and did I mention drowning in sorrow over a bad breakup with Sinead O'Conner?

When Pete and I started dating, he was a hard rocker. He listened to stuff I had never even heard of like Ozzy and Dokken" etc... Never much got into stuff I couldn't understand, but we had a song. I couldn't not have a song for the one I married. It ended up being "Everything I do (I do it for you)" by Bryan Adams. We had it sung at our wedding....and that is so true. Pete sacrifices so much for us. I do believe that everything he does, he does for "us". He's a good man.

And so now...most of my listening stems back to my past. Although, I'm still one hip 37 year old mama (though my kids may beg to differ) and know the words to hits by Chris Brown and Boys Like Girls, I still sneak in those 80's tunes every chance I get.

Ah, the good ole days.....I know you have some too. What songs do you associate with stuff in your life?

In Shock!

You are kidding me. Well girls. I just don't know what to say. I am in total shock. I just knew Deanna was going to pick Jason...but I guess I should've known. The obvious one is never the winner.

I have watched all 3 parts now online and I just cannot believe it. Jason would have made such a great husband and I am sooooo sooooo sad for him. Jesse seems like a great guy too though, and they seem so happy...just don't know what to say. Does he even have a job? Oh well. Maybe she likes pink shoe laces.

For those who don't watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette, you need to get you a little taste. You will be hooked forever.

A Long Day

This day has been marked down on our calendar for months. Just as soon as Little Ann found the announcement on The American Girl site that Kit was making a movie, it was a definite we were going. The movie actually came out on Tuesday but we had trouble finding a theater that was showing it. After a little web searching, I located one and decided this would be the day we would venture out for a little girly afternoon fun.

Here is Little Ann...along with Felicity and Nikki (the 2 dolls she has collected so far) along for our girls day out. Glad I didn't have to buy tickets for them too, even though they each took up a seat!

You know, I am of the opinion that movie theaters are pure robbery. Who can actually go into one and pass up popcorn once the smell hits you in the face? Twelve buckaroos for this people. TWELVE DOLLARS.

I must admit, the movie was great. I cried. Yes, I'm a sap. I always have been. I cry about lots of things anyway, but touching movies get me every time. For any of my readers not familiar with American Girl, I highly recommend it if you have girls that still like dolls. Each doll comes with her own historical background and book. Most dolls have sets of books. Little Ann loves dolls AND history so it is a great combination for her. Some of you homeschoolers might even find a way to incorporate it into your history lesson. I don't know, just a thought, but it's healthy for her mind.

After the movie and our $12 bag of popcorn (which I was the only one that ate), we shopped around for awhile, and then had dinner. Later we did this...

No way Little Ann was letting me pass by Barnes and Noble..no way, no how. What kind of mother would I be anyway, if I didn't let her get a book to read over summer vacation? At least one of us likes to do it.

This was NOT on her list of things to do on her girls day out...

but tonight was Big Dan's last Legion Baseball game and I didn't have the heart to miss it. He was glad we were there..we brought extra fans.

I hope your day was great. Oh and yes, I did miss tonight's episode of The Bachelorette, but I plan to watch it online in the morning...don't tell me, don't tell me!!

I need to clarify..

that the names of the red bone hounds in "Where the Red Fern Grows" whom I chose to name my kids after (in the blog world here, of course), is something different than I originally thought.

Actually I asked Little Ann (because I can never remember anything)... and I put my complete trust in her, but she was wrong...so I'm blaming it on her. (It's ok, she doesn't read this stuff.) The dogs' names are "Old Dan" and "Little Ann", but if it's okay with everyone, I think I'm just going to continue to keep "Big Dan's" the same. He's not that old and if I call him old, he will think he's the stuff....and we don't need that anymore than it is.

More posting tonight. Little Ann and I are headed out for a "girls day". Yipee.

Rambling...

So far it seems that each of my posts have had some type of meaning to them....some particular subject I have talked about. Today, I think I just want to ramble.

Big Dan is rushing around getting all spruced up. The new female friend is on her way over to watch a movie. I have a future post in mind about their new found "friendship", but I want to see if it lasts longer than a week first. Yesterday they went to the zoo. No pressure...just a place to enjoy the company. He is such a different person when there is a girl involved. I like it when he is happy..that makes me happy (besides the fact he is much easier to get along with).

In the midst of my updates to my blog, I added a few new links. A few more of my favorite scrapbooking sites. If you like to do this type of thing, check these out..they are super. Also, if you are interested, I added a link to a site called Plugged In Online. It is an awesome site if you are trying to pick out a decent movie for your kids/teenager to watch. I was so impressed. It has all elements of the movie..including any spiritual content, sexual content, violence, etc.. It even tells you how many curse words it has in it, what they are, and how many times they are used. I love this site because I can feel comfortable when choosing what movies I will allow my children to view, but it will also save you from walking out of the theatre wishing you had kept that money in your pocket.

I love my dog. I really do, but sometimes I could just kick her right in the tail/tale..whichever you prefer. Dogs dig. I know it's a fact, but why on earth do they pick the places I put so much time and money into? I am so tired of re-landscaping the same 2 areas outside my back door, I could scream! Nine years ago when we moved into our house, it looked like this...

Eventually, this bark got old so I replaced it all with colored mulch. It gave it a fresh new look and as long as I replaced it every couple of years, we were good. Then came the dogs. We had a full blooded golden retriever named Molly that did quite the digging damage. I was convinced it was a no-win situation until she outgrew the puppy stage. So last summer, after she was no longer with us, I replaced the entire 2 sections with a paver sidewalk instead of the stepping stones. It looked like this...

This past October, we got another puppy, named Dixie who is part golden lab and part golden retriever. Needless to say, she has done her fair share of digging as well....so...I was forced to re-do again. This time I chose lava rock instead of mulch hoping to deter her. It looks like this..

It's been a month now and I thought it had been a good choice...until now. When we left for church this morning, I was greeted by multiple spots uncovered by rock and dirt slung everywhere! She has been hiding from me today. BAD DOG.

Well, I think that's all my rambling for the day. I'm hungry and I have biscuits in the oven. (Maybe I should look up a past blog for chickadee's chocolate gravy). Yum.

Some Saturday Scrappin'

Well, folks, today I hauled everything I owned in the way of scrapbooking to our church fellowship hall. It was so hard deciding what to take and what to leave, I just took it all! (You know what mama used to always say...better to have and not need, than to need and not have.) I've used that one alot since I began doing traveling crops.

Last night some of the girls decided they wanted to make cards today. Although, I'm not the card making kind of girl, I went. I love to do scrapbook pages, but I'd rather pay for a card. I know. They tell me it's just not the same. I always heard it was the thought that counted, right?

The little card makers slaved all day coming up with their own little creative designs and then actually producing them....lots and lots of them.

While I chose to do this instead...(I always have to be a little different, ya know).

This is a two page spread from this past March. Little Ann's birthday always falls during the week they are out for Spring Break, which works out pretty good for the whole family. This year we took her to the "American Girl" store in Dallas, Texas for her birthday. She had gotten a pretty good sum in birthday money before we left and spent every last dime! That evening we went back and they served us cake and ice cream from the Bistro.

Before I knew it, my Saturday afternoon had come and gone and this was all I had to show for it. I hauled everything up there, made 10 trips to and from the van, loaded and unloaded all for 2 pages.

Oh well, I guess the homemade ice cream and brownies made it all worth while.

It was the 4th of July...

when I got up this morning..AND when I went to bed last night. I wish I wasn't so dumb so it wouldn't take me so long to figure stuff out. I guess the promising thing is...at least I do finally figure it out (well, some of it at least). I've been working on a new header and look for my blog and after hours of trudging (is that a real word?) along, I came up with this. Hope you like it.

We had plans for this evening. I went out to admire my beautiful crepe myrtle blossoms around the same time the afternoon brought a small summer thunder shower. I was beginning to wonder if our plans would come to pass, but they did. Every year a couple from our church hosts a friendly get-together and firework display. We always have such sweet fellowship with one another...the kids swimming, eating our Southern foods and best of all, watching the sky light up in the cool night air (and I got to meet Big Dan's new female friend for the first time tonight). Hope you had a safe and happy 4th!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Oh, and it took me hours to figure out this slide show thingy, but it finally came together. Anybody have any suggestions for something different than Smilebox?

Forgive Me

For any of you who visited my blog in the past 6 or so hours, (yes, it has taken me THAT long)........forgive me. I'm so not the computer/html guru. I have been trying to make some changes to my blog...for the better I hope. I'm still not 100 percent satisfied so you may see more minor changes to come...maybe. For now I'm going to bed.

We interrupt this blog for.....

SOME CROPPIN'.

Well, actually, I didn't do these pages today, or even yesterday, but they are my most recent ones. I think I did them during a few spare hours back around the first of June. (and that's the last time I've done any scrapbooking. wah). You know, I guess I will blame it on the blog. That's what happens when you have a one track mind. I'm going to do better though. I want to share my pages with you, but their kinda hard to share when you haven't done them! Right?

This one first....and these aren't even my kids, but I love them just like they are. These are my two youngest nephews playing trains at my house. I introduced them to you here, and under the circumstances, I really wanted to do a page on them. Warning: I never claimed to be the best scrapper out there...It's just what I love to do (and that's what counts, right?)

The title is chipboard, the "Aunt Terri's" I cut on my die cutter, and Naomi - you will have to look real hard in this picture, but can you see the sewing around the edging of the patterned paper? The journaling reads:

"Aunt Terri, where are the trains?" is the first question W, M, and now L have always asked me every time they come to my house. Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends were Big Dan's most prized possessions when he was smaller. In fact, I often used "getting a new choo choo" as a reward for good behavior at the Dentist and other places. When we moved to the next phase of life and got rid of the "toys", these were some of the things I just could not part with and now I am so glad I have them. Thomas and his friends have brought lots of joy to my household.

Page 2: This is Little Ann and my oldest nephew out bird hunting one day. She's one year older than him. I titled it "GROW" and the journaling explains why.

Here I mostly used different patterned papers, some buttons, chipboard title and stickles over stamps. The journaling reads:

On this sunny, but cool day in January, you and W got the idea to go bird hunting. As I looked out the back door to watch the intensity of the moment, it hit me how much you have both grown...in age and in friendship. You have always acted more like brother and sister...you fight like crazy, but yet you were so eager to protect him on the playground as he started school. As cousins so close in age, I hope you will continue to grow closer to one another as the years pass.

Hope you enjoy!

My first Works for Me Wednesday!

Do I somehow have to be affiliated with Rocks in My Dryer to write a "Works for me Wednesday" post? I do read her blog...is that all it takes?

I don't have too many things that actually "work" for me, and the things that do you probably wouldn't be interested in....but this....THIS IS GREAT and I just had to share. I got this yesterday.

Holds 50 pounds, stainless steel, 3 tower utility cart - Sam's Wholesale -49 bucks!!

If you are a scrapbooker with these large tools, this is exactly what you need. It has a handle and is on rollers. On my top shelf I have the laptop. (which is my new baby btw, ignore the game Little Ann had been playing on the screen). The laptop has the software for my die cutter installed. Next to it is a printer..I also do most of my journaling on the computer because I cannot stand my handwriting and everything I ever hand write on, bugs me until I redo it on the computer! (That's another quirk about me)

On the middle shelf is the Klik N Kut element die cut machine. I've already told you a little bit about it here. WONDERFUL machine. If you have a Cricut or anything else this is the shelf to hold it!!

On the bottom shelf is my sewing machine. I have no clue how to sew clothes, but I do sew scrapbook pages!!

This cart is designed for anything. The box shows kitchen utensils, office supplies, shop/warehouse stuff. You could use it for anything, but this definitely works for me!! (oh, and I broke 3 nails putting this thing together, but it amazingly required no tools!)

Another down, and one to go!

That's right! You guessed it! I just have to post on my favorite show, The Bachelorette. Last night's episode was awesome. Here's my take:

Jeremy - poor guy. I felt so sorry for him. I guess what made it so bad was the fact that he has lost his parents, and I was just heartbroken that he had to go through another heartache. BUT, I did think she made the right choice (ya know, because of the OCD thing, I mentioned before). That date they had together in the Bahamas appeared to have a lot of awkward silent moments too. Things just didn't flow with him. I think she would've gotten tired of him pretty quick if she had chosen him. I did like Jeremy though, so don't think I'm a hater! He is what he is.

Jason - I am sooooooo happy she gave him a rose!! I really think she is showing so much character by not letting the fact that he has a son stop her from pursuing the relationship. That does not affect who he is as a person by any means, and Ty is such a sweetie anyway. I mentioned before that hits a personal note with me. Thank goodness that didn't stop Pete from pursuing me! RIGHT? It has actually given her insight on what a great dad he is and will be to "their" children. I thought their date went so well...natural for sure. I was having a hard time though concentrating on that kiss for that big zit on his head!! (I know, I'm weird. I notice stuff like that!)

Jesse - Wow, he really stepped up to the plate in this episode. He looked like he was just havin' a blast with her! I was loving all of those romantic moments around the fire. yeah?? I really don't see her ending up with him in the end though, mainly because of the way she talked regarding his snowboarding career. I could be wrong though. He's just so much fun and unpredictable, she may be willing to try anyway.

So fellow fans.......What's your take? Who will it be (or not be)?