What I Wish I Knew and Some Inspiration for Naomi

This is my camera. Or you could call it my baby. I love this thing. It goes practically everywhere I go, for I hate to miss opportunities for good pictures. (Even though it's not the handiest thing to carry around.) The problem is....I'm camera illiterate. I wish I knew so much more about the capabilities of my camera, yet, I don't. Most of my shooting is on automatic, but I know my camera is capable of so much more.

It's a Canon Rebel XT and although it's nothing special, it was quite pricey when I purchased it as my first digital 3 years ago. I paid over $1,000 for it, but I'm sure you can purchase the same model now for 1/2 of that or less. It doesn't make it worth any less to me, but I so long for some great photography and have faith that "my baby" can do it. (Not so much me, though..)

Here are some extra's hubby has bought me that I really like.

-my external eye piece extender.

I really like this because it helps keep my makeup and smudges off my lcd screen.

-my battery pack.

He got me this for Christmas this year and it is wonderful. I had issues leaving my camera on (I know..it's that scatterbrained personality of mine) and everytime I got ready to shoot, my battery would be dead. It makes the camera a little heavier, but knowing I have plenty of battery to last is worth the extra weight.

-my external flash.

ok. this is an extra, but I'm not sure I can say I really like it. I have absolutely no idea how to use it and even when I have it on my camera on automatic, I seem to get better pictures using the flash without the external one. Any suggestions?

-my rubber pull out sun shield.
I have just recently discovered what a nice tool this is to have. I have been taking church directory pictures in noon sunlight and was having issues with sun spots on faces. This alleviated my problem and I was very glad to discover this remedy.

Has anyone ever taken any online tutorials or found websites helpful?

So much I wish I knew.

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This part of my post is for Naomi. She asked for some scrapbooking inspiration because she was doing some pages for a family member. Naomi, this isn't much, or one of my better pages, but it is one I did for myself and my husband and thought you might could use the layout or quote (or anything...haha)

The background is just several different patterned papers torn and I inked the edges. I used buttons to accent the black/white photo. I used big foam letters that I inked in paint for the title, and the journaling was done on the computer. I printed it on vellum paper and inked the edges. Used sparkle brads to adhere to page because I hate when glue shows through your vellum. Enjoy!

Pages At Your Request

You guys are so sweet. Asking to see my pages. You don't know what that means to me. I have gone years now pushing my pages on people (a few friends, but mostly family) who go "oh yeah, that's great"...and act like they are interested. But you guys...I know you could skip right on over to the next blog or make a choice to comment. It does so much to boost my confidence and I really appreciate it!!

I have asked for a 12 x 12 printer/scanner for Christmas so the quality will be so much better then, but for now I just have to photograph them lying on my kitchen floor. I can never get them completely straight no matter how many times I take them. They look crisper in real life so I hope you can get the full effect....And I was planning to wait until tonight, but after your comments, I just couldn't. lol. So here goes. (and you will probably recognize some of these pictures from the blog already, sorry.)

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"My Boys of Summer" - This page just captures some of my favorite shots of baseball this past summer. 2 pictures of each sweetie...Green is my middle nephew (this was his first year and doesn't he look precious out there in left field?), the Blue is my brother's oldest, and of course the Red uniform is Big Dan playing Legion.

I just used cork paper, some ribbed scalloped cardstock, and baseball patterned paper. I also used white rub ons and painted chipboard for the title. Journaling done on the computer and a metal tag for extra!


"2 New Teachers" - This page just shows Little Ann and her new 5th grade teachers on the day of Open house. I talked her into letting me just drop her off and not go inside (I know most kids would hate that at 10, but she is a clingy one for sure)..anyway, we knew we'd better get pictures then or we wouldn't. Just some basic school type patterned paper, real notebook paper, and cardstock for the mattes. I used a chipboard number, and rubons for the title..and also I cut the "teachers" and the arrows with my die cutter. Ribbon and staples for some extra umph!

"First and Last" - These next 2 are of the kids on the first day of school. I've already blogged about this and actually used the same title. It's just about it being his first "last" day of High School. Most of this page is just a mix of cardstock and patterend paper used in a symmetrical fashion. I used a circle paper clip, some staples and a chipboard square that says " enjoy the Journey".

"Changes"
Little Ann's page is designed using the same sketch as Big Dan's. I just chose more feminine "schooly" papers. Both of their titles I cut using the die cutter. Her title is "Changes" and the journaling just talked about..her shaving her legs, getting a new hair style, and getting "growny girl" glasses. All big changes for her. I used a couple of flower bling pieces.

"OOPS! My Bad" - I think this is my favorite. Not because it looks the best, but because it captures some hilarious content. Well....it's hilarious now, but it wasn't then. We bought Big Dan a Honda Civic on April 19 this year and he wrecked on April 21. Yes people..2 days. That's all it took. Now you see why I need tranquilizers until he gets out on his own? It was inevitable, I knew. Which is why I was already pretty much mentally prepared. It wasn't a surprise to me, but I did think it would've been longer than 2 days. He keeps it real. What can I say.

I just used some scraps of the black ribbed scalloped paper. Also some bright card stock to add some color since the car is grey it looked kind of dull. I sewed a zig zag stitch around the patterened paper and used the cutest little brads that looked like screws. The title is chipboard I painted, and I also used some ribbon.

"Mother's Loving Ways" - This one I was very pleased with. I used this picture on my "tribute to my mom" post. I won't go through all the journaling with you, but if you are just tuning in to my blog and are interested go visit the post. She's a great woman and an excellent seamstress with a new ETSY shop!! I got this paper at Mardel's and I loved it when I saw it. I tore the paper and used some rub on with bling for this look.

I hope you like these. You've given me the desire to press on....lol. (that sounds funny). I had thought about entering these in our County Fair. What do you think? Are they good enough? I've been back and forth with this decision.

Monday, Monday..

Hi guys. Well, here it is Monday again, and I totally feel like I've been away For.ev.er.

After a hectic first part of the week last week, the weekend was considerably calm. Not weather wise, of course, but.....I had the house to myself for most of the time. It was GREAT!! Guess what I did...(not blog, if you couldn't tell)...I cropped!!

Friday, I went with Big Dan to a job interview at our local hospital. Before you guys give me the OMGness, let the boy grow up speech, just to let you know, I was invited...by the interviewer himself actually. With Big Dan being under 18 and still in high school, he felt it was better to have a parent present. I didn't tell him, but I most definitely agreed. (I would've only gotten half the story, as usual). It went well, and I am sure Popeye's fried chicken will soon be a thing of the past.

Get this, ya'll. After the interview, he headed out to work the evening shift serving up some chicken, Little Ann had been invited to a sleepover and Pete was at work, so I stopped in Chili's. Yes, I love me some chips and salsa...and I ate for like $4. I did feel a little awkward..you know, it was Friday night and I was the lone ranger. Pete called to make sure I wasn't sitting at the bar. (no, I wasn't...honest)

I kept late hours scrapping. It was heavenly. And then I got right back to it on Saturday. Everyone was still gone and I pretty much scrapped right through the storms..alone. I had the tv on the news listening as each new tornado warning popped up. Even went and cleaned out my fraidy hole under our stairs..just in case, but for most of the day, I put out page after page.

AND...to show how dedicated I was, I even gave up my Sunday afternoon nap to do another couple of pages.

AND...I just discovered blogger is not in a very cooperative mood tonight, so I can't show you what I did.

I hope everyone has a great week, and I promise I'll be back soon to share!!

(I just love how my spell check wants to correct me when I refer to you as "ya'll")lol!

Some Things - Updated

We are still in the midst of "renovating" I guess you could say, around the outside of the house. We thought we would just get new french doors, but after pricing them, I decided I would just do this at least until after Christmas.

The lawnmower threw a rock into the glass on the back porch more than a year ago. At first we joked that it "gave it character", but now glass falls out everytime the door is opened. I gave Little Ann a butter knife and she amused herself for awhile.

(Update: ok, in lieu of Chickadee's comment, I just want everyone to know the glass is double paned. We only chipped away at the outside pane. There is still the inside pane to protect us from the "teenage" vandals on the loose in the neighborhood at the moment, lol. That cracked me up that she thought there was nothing there!! nu hu, no way hosea!!!)

I hear the wind howling outside now as I type. We are in Arkansas and thankfully not having to endure the brunt of Hurricane Gustav, but we are getting a little taste. Although the rain has been off and on all day, the winds have been at least 25-30 mph.

I tried to capture the high winds, bleak sky, and rain, but this is the best I got. I'm sure alot of you saw it first hand anyway.

Unfortunately, today I had to get out and brave the weather. Of all days I was wishing I could stay curled up in bed, I had a dental appointment. I like to get my teeth cleaned. They always feel so good afterwards...I hate to eat and mess them up. Afterwards, I went to my local scrapbook store and spent a little more of my certificates. She had several new papers in and I was soooo excited. This is what I got!!

And then when I got home, my absolute favorite scrapbook magazine was in the mail. It is full of all kinds of neat layouts for the Fall. Between the new supplies and the new magazine, I couldn't help myself but to sit down for a bit, organize, and whip out a "re-do" of one I did a couple of weeks ago that I decided I wasn't happy with. I think it looks much better now.

The boss called tonight to let me know they had a better night at work. She really called to let me to know she had let Big Dan off an hour early so I could know when to expect him. Of course he is currently grounded from his phone (under the circumstances) and I am a nervous wreck with him out on the roads in this rain and wind with no phone. I should've sent it, but he is probably safer without it, since I know he would be talking all the way instead of paying attention. I don't know how we ever managed without cell phones when we were kids. My poor mother. I couldn't have stood not being able to call me. (lol, that sounded funny)

Anyway, I think I am actually going to go to bed before 1 am tonight. I am working at the High School tomorrow for the first time this year. NOT looking forward to the work, but anxious to see all the kids again after the summer.

Hope everyone has a great hump day and sorry for the RAMBLING!!!

Feeling Scrap Happy!

Wow, guys!! I have been one scrap happy chick this past weekend. It's been exciting watching my stack of completed pages grow since Thursday. Don't know what motivated me, but I'm glad it happened. It may be the start of Big Dan's Senior Year and the fact I've got quite of bit of memoriabilia to get into a scrapbook. Hope I'm not boring you with my pages, but I love to share them with you when they're done.

Saturday, I thumbed through some July pictures and decided on this:


It's just the dog, but I like these pictures and it's been awhile since I took any. This is just circle patterned paper. I matted the pictures, used some "dog themed" pattern paper to help the symmetry of the page, a metal tag. Computer journaling reads:

Dixie is such a sweet puppy. She guards our yard, she is so friendly and plays well with the kids, she doesn't run much with the other dogs like our previous ones have, and if we could find a way to help her overcome her destructiveness, she would be almost perfect. She loved getting this bath. It was such a hot day and the water felt so good to her. As soon as it was over, she stretched out in relaxation mode in the freshly mowed grass. Such is a dog's life.


This one is from our July 4th partay at a church member's home.

All of the pictures are matted on white. I cut the title and stars with my die cutter. The journaling is handwritten in the star and reads:

Every year blank and blank invite the church over for some 4th of July fun. We always have the greatest time fellowshipping, eating, and watching the fireworks!

I was very pleased with the way this 2 page spread from Little Ann at church camp turned out.

Layered several styles of patterned papers, used flower rub ons, did some free hand arrows pointing to her smiles. Part of the title is chipboard and part I cut from the die cut machine. Journaling reads:

As I was scrapping this page, I noticed a recurring theme with the pictures. You were smiling from ear to ear in almost every one. That just proved one thing that I already knew. Just how much you love church camp. I've been sponsoring you since you were 3 years old and each year I keep expecting to hear you say to me that you want to go by yourself. Hasn't happened yet. I guess I am glad. So far, we still put our beds together and make one and you continue to snuggle with me. I love that you don't care what the other girls think of that.

Camp is always a joy. You still love the creek, the worship, the lessons, and just the all around fun. This year you played kick ball for the first time and even I got on the blow up toys! Can't wait til next year!

Today after church, I decided I would try to fit one more in before I took my nap. I just wanted something easy, so here is the dog again.

I used patterned papers. I cut the squares out of some scrap pieces of the "cork board" paper I used last week. The letters in the title and the journaling, I generated on the computer. Used ribbon and the "torn" paper look. Journaling reads:

Dixie is such a good puppy. She was only in the house for the first 4 or 5 months of her life before we put her out. She knew the line of carpet was her "limit" and wouldn't go any further, even when we went to bed at night. I could've gotten used to her staying inside with us if she just wasn't getting so big and shed so much. She is like a member of our family.

Sorry if you find these boring. They are not that great, but this is all I've been doing lately, therefore, this all I have to blog about!!

Some Pages

Today, I put out 3 of the simplest pages I think I have ever done. I thought they turned out ok, for simple. I have been trying to take advantage of my "quiet time" this week now that the kids are gone during the day....I spent the first 3 days getting things in order so I didn't have this cloud of guilt surrounding me as I cropped, but today..it was mine.

I didn't actually get started until around 3 pm, but Little Ann was busy outside doing some bird watching, Big Dan left as soon as he got home, and Pete..well, he went scouting for deer with a friend, so I still pretty much had the house to myself. I broke away to cook dinner around 6 pm, ate, and went right back to cropping..all the while giving orders. It worked out pretty well, if I do say so myself.

Because the pages were so simple, I finished the last one around 9 pm, just in time to lie down with Little Ann for a while at bedtime, call out some words to Big Dan for a vocabulary test tomorrow, and of course, surf the net and compile this blog.

Most of these pictures you have already seen on the blog, but I still must incorporate them into a scrapbook page. This is what I accomplished:

Page 1:

This page was so easy. The paper was patterned and already had this writing on it. I added my pictures which I matted with the neatest paper which was the same consistency as cork board. Very cool. I stickled my arrows, added some brads, typed my journaling and...walla! So you can get the full effect (for the ones that care), my journaling reads:

Back in April we finally broke down and bought you your first car. Of course, as I expected, you wrecked it on your way to school the very first day, so I never actually got to take pictures of you and the new car before it had the front end smashed in. On this night, you were about to embark upon another great milestone in your journey of life. Your first real "one on one" date where you actually drove to pick up the girl, paid for everything, dropped her off, and made it back home...alive. I took the opportunity to savor this moment and get pictures of you and your new ride after it's cosmetic surgery.

Page 2:

On this page, I used polka dot patterend paper, slapped some other pieces of patterned paper down. Matted the pictures in black to bring out the black in her outfit. I used prima flowers and used a glitter brad in black in each flower also to go with the other black. I used chipboard alpha letters for kit's name, journaled on cardstock, and incorporated the actual movie ticket. That's it! Journaling reads:

You had this date marked on your calendar for months and couldn't wait for the day it came out...Kit Kitteredge, An American Girl, that is. We looked and looked for it nearby, but found the closest showing at the Rave. So, we took us a "girls day out" and went to see it. It was so cute. We both loved it! This was one of the highlights of your summer.

(UPDATE: The OCD in me decided that I didn't like the 3rd page, therefore, I delelted it from the blog and am planning a re-do sometime this week. I'll be posting it when I'm finally satisfied with the results. SORRY. I can't help myself.)

Well, for those of you that scrapbook, I hope you enjoyed looking at my pages..as good as they can be. And others, I hope you weren't totally bored out of your mind looking at this stuff!

Have a great, wonderful weekend!

Some Usual Sunday Randomness

I didn't spend too much time on the blog this weekend. I checked in occasionally to read a few of your comments as you posted, but I didn't spend much time "lurking" around. I actually tried to get a few things accomplished that have very much been lacking around here (I took pictures for some future home tour posts)....and I had a few things on the scheduled agenda.

Before I head into the recap of my weekend, I want to be sure and let everyone know that my mother has been diligently working on her etsy shop and has it "somewhat" up and running. Her etsy shop address is http://www.katiebugcasuals.etsy.com/ so please go visit whenever you get the chance....and I'm sure she would very much appreciate you sending as many people as possible over there as well. Here is a spoiler for ya, just in case you missed my post dedicated to her and all her talent...

An Internet business has been a "dream" of hers for awhile so we are hoping this turns out well for her....(and yes, Little Ann's real name is Katie...and yes, she is the only granddaughter and yes, she is pretty special...and is fully aware. ha)

Friday, I spent the majority of the afternoon in our town. It's a place I don't like to go because I am pretty much a countrified home body and I loathe the hustle and bustle of crowds. Walmart was especially crowded on Friday. It was like a traffic jam on every aisle, and I swear their air was broken. I had pictures in the 1 hour so I was forced in the store for at least that long. I think the crowds must've been a combination of 1st of the month grocery shoppers and back to school shoppers and everyone else that couldn't find anything better to do. Ug.... I had a hair appt. scheduled earlier that day too...trying to get prepared for my 20 year class reunion coming up this next weekend. I have a couple of postings in mind for that....(you know, trying to get my 80's groove back on.) Before I headed home, I went to our local scrapbook store and picked up a few items with my gift certificate, but I wasn't sure what all I needed, so I still have plenty of credit left! These are a few of the things I picked up:

Friday night after I got in from errand running, we had our monthly Ladies Bible Study. Sometimes I dread getting out, but it is always so worth the trouble. I come home feeling refreshed and being with my christian sisters is such a blessing to me. We are talking about "witnessing" for Christ right now. We are going to be studying in a book called "The one thing you can't do in Heaven". Know what that is?? Yes, you got it. You can't win souls to Christ in Heaven. By then, it's too late. Why is it so hard to tell people about Christ, especially the ones you are the closest to? I hope all of you who are reading know Him as your personal Savior. If you don't, please take this opportunity to ask Him into your heart right now. I may not know you personally, but I most definitely want you in Heaven with me no matter who you are.

We also discussed our itinerary for our mission trip we are taking in September to an Indian reservation in South Dakota. I can't wait. I think I am going to let Little Ann go too, and she is beside herself.

When I got home Friday night, I was in the mood to scrapbook so this is what I did:

Saturday, Little Ann and I put our noses to the grind and cleaned house. I, of course, "hired" her to do things that I didn't want to do...isn't that why we have kids in the first place? She did things like wipe down kitchen cabinets, baseboards, clean the jets in my whirlpool tub, and vacuum stairs. Here she is in action: (no roller skates this time - roller skates, top of fridge, not a good combo)


I went to bed Saturday night on clean sheets, feeling very much satisfied with my day.

Today, we went to church and this afternoon, I once again took advantage of my child labor. Tomorrow, I am taking the kids shopping for school supplies and clothes so I bribed Big Dan and the girlfriend into detailing my van before our trip. It was sooooo hot out and I almost felt sorry for them.. you know, working in the heat, while I took my nap, and Little Ann slurped on watermelon.

I've been battling a migraine all day long so tonight I decided to indulge in chocolate cake. Have a great week. I hope I can post all my great back to school finds for you tomorrow!!

Scrapper Mom
(I deleted it again..I have got to stop doing that!!)

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.

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!)

All about me

Little Ann just finished the 4th grade and one of her favorite things they did (besides read), was her end of the year project "all about me". She had to write an essay about her family, hobbies, and favorite things. Then, post pictures, magazine clippings, etc. on poster board to be hung in the Elementary hallway. We had so much fun doing this together.

Today has been such a good day especially for a Monday. Mellow, I must say or rather peaceful. My husband is at work, Big Dan has been at work all day, rushed in and flew right back out to play baseball, and Little Ann is tucked away up in her room with 2 sweet friends, playing Barbies or Dress up, I'm assuming. So, where does that leave me? No drama for sure. In fact, I've pretty much been doing my own thing, reading blogs, of course, and with each load of laundry I fold, I am contemplating my own next post. Thinking about what kinds of things I want to talk about and of course which pictures I want to include.

Although, I still haven't taken the time to give you my entire life story, nor would you want to read that in one sitting, I wanted to share my own fairly condensed version of "all about me".

I love my community which pretty much includes our school, 2 stores, several churches and lots of chicken houses. I have always lived a pretty sheltered life and although we usually try to take summer vacations each year to expand our horizons, I always enjoy coming "home". Our house is in the country, positioned perfectly between our church and school, yet conveniently 10 minutes away from Walmart. I've lived here all 37 (almost 38) years of my life except the 2 years I did the college thing.

I love my family.
This is a recent picture of us at Christmas. I am the one in the black and white sitting in my hubby's lap. Big Dan is in the middle. He is the oldest grandchild and is sporting a fresh mohawk for the holidays. Little Ann is in the blue. She is the only female grandchild. The others are my dad and mom, brother, his wife and my nephews.


I love chocolate milk. I have tried repeatedly to shake this addiction, but it just won't go away. Ever so often, I will join Weight Watchers and rid my body from all the Nestle Quick toxins, but then I go right back. I can't help it. It calls to me in my sleep. Less Sugar, that should count for something.


I love my bed.
I think I inherited the "need much sleep" from my dad. He's usually asleep when his chickens roost at dusk, and can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. So...it's a gene thing right? Really it's not my fault, huh?


I love my scrapbook stash.
The newest item I have added to the stash is my die cutter. It is awesome!! After much consideration and forum discussions, I settled on the Klik n Kut Element. It cuts any true type font on your computer and you don't have to continually purchase cartridges. It was a Christmas present from my husband, and I have loved it. What I would give for my own room where I could spread out and be oh so neatly organized, but for now this will have to do. I have my rolly thingy that has all my stamp sets, foam stamps, ink pads, stickles, paints, punches, and pretty much the tools of the trade. Right now, I have separate rubber totes for chipboard, one for patterned paper, and another for ribbon. The carry on was a gift from my husband last Christmas and it pretty much has everything inside it. I load it down when I go croppin'!


I love mashed potatoes and gravy...and Diet Mt. Dew!

Ok, so by now, you can tell I am a little weird. I have always been a very picky eater and my mother didn't help that any. She catered to my pickiness by always creating an alternative such as "cookie pudding" instead of banana pudding since I didn't like bananas. (Which more or less is the same less the bananas) My hamburger is still plain with cheese even since the days of "Burger Chef" a million years ago. When I was a kid, I learned to love mashed potatoes and gravy. Instant was just fine. When I moved to my college town I lived off of the Colonel's potatoes and gravy. That was ok, because I never had enough money to include the chicken in the meal. Now, instead of the brown gravy mix, I have upgraded to Campbells beefy mushroom. I guess because now I have developed a liking for mushrooms that I have never had in the past and it's one less step. Just heat. No more add water and heat. Little Ann has fallen right into my quirky footsteps. This is by far her favorite meal as well. I have never been a fan of diet drinks, as a matter of fact...they are all pretty much nasty..that is except Diet Mt. Dew. That is my drink of choice...aside from the fact it has mucho caffeineo and I need all the energy I can get these days.

I sure love these little dudes!
I do love to talk on the phone. Not near as much as when I was younger, I admit, but I still do. When we built our house, I even had the electricians put a phone jack next to the tub. I can't figure out what it is about my cell phone that wants to attach itself to my ear the moment I get in the vehicle. I honestly don't know if I can drive and not talk. They go hand in hand.


And this is where I love to go to talk.
I often wonder why nobody ever wants to hold a conversation with me at home until I get on the phone. It's kind of like when I get in the tub to soak (another favorite of mine). It's like the world comes to an end when mom locks herself away. I have come to love swinging in my porch swing when I am trying to hold a friendly conversation. I have trouble focusing on the person on the other end when there is too much going on around me. Nobody bothers me there (mainly because they don't know I sneak out here). My grandfather made this for me before he passed away so it holds a special place in my heart. I can enjoy the hummingbirds flying around me, smell the gardenia growing right around the corner and have privacy all at the same time. It's lovely.

I know it's corny, but I loooooooove the Bachelorette. So sue me. I'm a sucker for these reality romance shows. I think I have watched every single season of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. I think Deanna is doing an excellent job narrowing down the search. These guys are exactly who I would pick!! ooo la la.

I love the 80's. Who doesn't? The music was awesome and the clothes were rad. Oh, and who can forget that hair! GEEZ! Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to share my big hair days with you..or NOT! My friends know I am an 80's child. I force them to play my 80's version of Trivial Pursuit when we get together. My husband and I sometimes play "name that tune" with midi files from the 80's. I guess I'll always be an 80's child at heart!

Do any of these things sound familiar to you?