When Your Efforts Feel Kinda..Well...Worthless

First let me just start out by saying that those that know me knows it takes great effort for me to get out of bed in the morning. I am known for loving my sleep. I've never been much of a napper (aside from Sunday afternoon's), but I have and will probably always be a night owl. Staying up late every night can only mean sleeping in every morning. Yes, I do have to get up early to get the kids off to school, but once they are out and the house is quiet...my bed calls to me.

And I just can't resist.

Sleeping in though, most definitely has it's side effects for sure. By the time I get going, it seems my day is almost over. My energy levels are low, and I find myself needing a break between tasks. And I don't want you to mistake me here. I DON'T leave things undone and I DO make sure the mommy mobile gets where it needs to be. I'm just saying, I have to make myself trudge through the day and I don't want it to be that way.

Pete and I both have had a desire lately. One that seems stronger than my desire for sleep. It is to get healthy, gain energy and lose weight. I am short and petite and it seems that every pound I gain goes right straight to the behind. The older we get, the easier the weight is to gain, but the harder it is to lose so Pete and I decided it was time to jump on the bandwagon, eat better...(and here's the biggie)...exercise.

It has done great things for my energy levels. I have been getting up earlier, we have been walking 4 miles each morning and I must say I can get so much more accomplished the rest of the day, but the scales? They just don't seem to be moving.

Somebody explain to me why I can completely alter my diet (weight watchers), drink 64 ounces of WATER a day, walk 4 miles a day, and not lose weight. I mean, c'mon. If I'm going to live out of my element here, I want results, people. Is that too much to ask?

I'm thinking my scales are broken. Yeah, that's what it is. My scales are broken.

Oh woe is me. What am I doing wrong? I feel better, so I guess it hasn't all been for naught!

Some Mid Week "Things"...

There's been lots going on in the house of Scrapper Mom recently. Lots of things requiring my computer scrap savvy brain...such as it is. Starting over the weekend, this is what I'm talking about:

- One book report over "The Long Winter". Ready for Little Ann to audition for her part in the Accelerated Reading pageant on the 30th. We're talking 3-4 minutes that had to be memorized. Not even notecards....and complete with costume. CHECK.

She did this on Monday and I must brag. She was the only one in the class that made a perfect score and was first pick for the pageant!!

- Next up for Little Ann was the power point she had to put together for yesterday's 4-H presentation. Community Service is a good thing. CHECK.

- I've been scrap happy for the past few days because Big Dan's last 5 spreads for his Senior Scrapbook are due tomorrow. This time he had to design a cover and back for the binder. The essay was on his best childhood memory which of course would be the 500 years he's played baseball. We..correction..I spent hours sorting through old baseball pics for the accompanying collage. CHECK.

- District Tournament started this past week. All pushed back a day because of rain. I drove 5 hours yesterday (round trip) for the game which we won. We play again tonight for the Championship. And I suppose I'll be driving to watch again.

- Pete's job did change a little. Not too detrimental at the moment. As a railroader, there is so much strange lingo that it took me years to learn to comprehend. All I can say right now is he got "bumped" off the "extra board" and is now working a "regular job" which gives him pretty standard off days instead of a few hours off between trips. There. Did you get all that? I said all that to say that he has been a little stir crazy with the warm weather and off days. So much that he and Little Ann began "PROJECT TREE HOUSE". I think it's supposed to resemble "American Girl..Kit's". The first day they worked on it brought a little tumble backwards into the mud in which he thought he broke his ankle. Now Little Ann is stressed that her clumsy daddy is going to really hurt himself during this endeavor and she wants him to stop. Aw...now that's sweet. How is it that some of us get so much clumsier with age? (Love ya honey).

- The Seniors have 10 more days of school. I have hung in there. No tears yet (well, recent ones), but I know they're a comin'!! As soon as this tournament is over we are going to have to squeeze graduation invitations in somewhere between Regional and State...and I'm trying to plan the "after party".

No doubt it's been and will be a wild ride around here for a little while. Say a little prayer for us....(and my dad who is having a skin cancer removed today and sent off for biopsy).

Happy Hump Day, my friends!

Total Randomness

Some randomness for you...

This past week seems nothing more than a whirlwind for me now as I look back. I'm so tired as I write, I can't really even remember what the past 6 days beheld. I do know that today marks the beginning of a new week and represents the day my Lord and Savior rose from the grave. Oh how I am so thankful for that "agape" love He showed the day He died for my sins.

It seems as though I'm missing Pete more and more. He's been working so much lately. Part of our mutual total money makeover plan. I am so grateful to him for the sacrifices he has been making and appreciate the contributions, but I must admit I miss him.

You know..(in deep thought)...as much as I miss him, marriage is a hard thing. I sometimes wonder for the life of me why Pete can't understand me. He thinks I speak some foreign off the wall idiotic female language, (but it all makes perfect sense to me). When I nag, he goes outside to escape me. When I cry, he tells me to stop wallowing. When I am angry, he tells me I sound like a banshee. And when it's that week of the month...well, he tells me to talk to him again next week. It must be true what they say about men being from Mars and women from Venus. I guess what I'm trying to say is...I wish they'd offer a crash course in "listening, consoling, understanding, and apologizing" on Mars.

...and I know it's a two way street.

I can be difficult. I know this too (but I won't take credit for all of it).

Oh well, in changing the randomness, just so you know...(even misunderstood), I'm pretty sure I love him.... alot.

We played lots of baseball this week. A game on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and a mini Tournament on Saturday. It was pretty exciting and we won all of the above.

Good Friday really did turn out to be a pretty "good" day. We welcomed this new precious boy into the world....

and then Little Ann and I went to see.....

which was pretty good for a Hannah Montana movie. (shhh...don't tell anybody I said that.)

Birthday Pictures

Yesterday was Pete's 40th birthday. It doesn't even seem possible that we are this old. Although I have at least another year and a half in the 30's, I know that 40 is just around the corner for me too. I let 30 bother me so much, but the rest of the numbers haven't seemed to be that bad. My mom's words "what's your alternative?" would run through my mind each year. Pete commented that 40 made him feel "half dead". I had to remind him of his alternative. Hearing those words will definitely make you look at birthdays in a different light. Even though I am prepared for my life after death, I would rather not go just yet!!

People say you're only as old as you feel and I don't feel old. As a matter of fact, most of the time, I still feel like a school girl....so, I guess that's a good thing.

I took several pictures throughout the day yesterday. All my shooting, of course was in automatic mode, but I tried a new angle.

I was trying new things and found that just turning the camera a little gave this shot a neat look.

I love this picture below. It just makes me smile to see this big grin on Little Ann's face. She is 100% daddy's girl. He loves her so much and believe me, she knows it!! Silly pictures just make me happy.

Pete's sister lives in the big city and although Pete and I already had plans for a night out to celebrate, she called and wanted to celebrate this milestone with us. She called his mom and step dad, our nephew and she and her husband all met us at one of Pete's favorite restaurants. I wish Big Dan could've come, but right now baseball is his priority...(even over the girlfriend, I'm afraid), and he practices late every night. Anyway, this restaurant is the Atkins dieter's dream. They have a selection of every kind of cut of meat you can imagine and bring you unlimited amounts. It was delish and we all left stuffed.

Not to mention this humongous birthday cake we had (and the leftovers we brought home).

I know he had a wonderful birthday. He's all about some food and he's played with his new cell phone all night and all day!! haha.

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's 40!

Guess Who? This is my dear husband who goes by bloggy name..."Pistol Pete". He is 40 today and I am not too far behind. We've got a big day planned which includes meeting up with some of his family for dinner tonight. I'll be filling you in on all that later on and hopefully be including some pictures, but for now, I'm anxious to do this "husband" meme that I've held onto until this special day. Let's just see how much I know about this man.

1. Where did you meet?
Haha. I think I've mentioned this before, but we met at a Prison Facility. I was working as a transcriptionist for a Psychiatrist in the Mental Health department and Pete was the Jail Sergeant..(actually at that time he was working as a Lab Tech over the drug testing too). He had come over to my building for a seminar and saw me walking down the hall and that was all she wrote! haha. Of course, I told you I went out with him to make someone else jealous, but I guess he was too hard to resist!

2. How long did you date before you were married?
Only 6 months. Things just fell into place. We were both at a point in our lives where we were ready to settle down. We both had good jobs, and I was a single parent. He fit the mold for everything I was looking for in a mate and father.

3. How long have you been married?
It will be 16 years in July. Wow.

4. What does he do that surprises you?
Nothing that he does really surprises me anymore. I think after 16 years, I've pretty much got him all figured out. I think though if he would try something "romantic" occasionally (hint, hint), I might BE surprised.. lol.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
I love his hands. He has beautiful, soft hands.

6. What is your favorite quality of his?
I love how he has it all together. We are complete opposites, but that's ok. I'm looking for something like a mad, crazy woman, and he hands it to me. He never loses anything. He's always prepared for any catastrophe. He always has a backup plan and I fly by the seat of my pants. He is a perfectionist and although sometimes it drives me crazy, most of the time it's his best quality. (and I don't have to iron his jeans because I don't do it well enough! lol)

7. Does he have a nickname for you?
Usually I'm just referred to as honey. (or other things depending on his mood!)

8. What is his favorite color?
I don't think we've ever had this conversation.

9. What is his favorite food?
I would have to say Chinese, but BBQ would have to come real close to that.

10. What is his favorite sport?
He's not a big sports fan, but he does watch an occasional football game..(ie Super Bowl or something big)

11. When & Where was your first kiss?
Our first date. (I know...You're not supposed to kiss on the first date...Who came up with that rule?) Wow. That's so hard to remember..especially for me, because I never remember anything! Were we in your car? Or at your apartment?

12. What are your favorite things to do as a couple?
We watch movies together occasionally when we aren't glued to our laptops. He likes it when I do things with him that he likes such as deer hunt. Most of the time he goes grocery shopping with me, but I think our favorite thing to do as a couple is just go out to eat and enjoy each other's company.

13. Do you have children?
Yes, our son who is 18 and daughter, age 10. (who acts just like Pete, I might add!)

14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He is a great cook. If he ever left me, I'd for sure miss his homemade hash browns, milk gravy and omelets!!

15. How old is he?
40 years old TODAY!!!

16. Who said I love you first?
He did of course.

17. What is his favorite type of music?
He listens to lots of different music, but I have always known him to be into hard rock. Right now, I catch him listening to Foo Fighters and 80's big hair bands on you tube.

18. What do you admire most about him?
He would do anything to ensure security for this family. I love this about him! And given some certain recent situations in his life, he has developed a closer relationship with God. I am so happy I am married to someone who will go to church with me.

19. Do you think he will read this?
Most definitely!! He's my most faithful reader..lol.

20. What color are his eyes?
He has beautiful brown eyes and Little Ann inherited them.

Anything you want to say to him?
Sweetie. You are a special person and I thank you for what you do for us, the sacrifices you make, and what you mean to me and to this family.

I hope you have many more happy birthday's!!

I love you!!!

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.

**********

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!

I'm Blue...da ba dee, da ba die

Anybody think I'm crazy? Don't answer that.

I know my title is kind of wacky. I'm just feeling a little blue and this stupid song just popped in my head.

And you're probably wondering why it's Wednesday and I haven't blogged about my reality TV. I even got a comment from my friend asking me why I haven't written about The Bachelor's season premier. Well, let me do that right now and then I'll tell you why I'm bummed out.

If you are my facebook friend, you knew that my ABC channel wasn't cooperating the night of the premier. I was so frustrated because I couldn't watch, but I did get to watch Momma's Boys because it is on sister channel NBC which actually does work. I am so appalled by JoJo's mom and all her quirks, but then I can totally see myself doing something so stalkish like getting in a helicopter and spying on Big Dan while he's making out in a hot tub. Letting your baby boys grow up and detach from us momma's is so hard. This is my first one, but I almost feel it will be easier with my girl. My heart went out to her when she saw her son doing the ultimate no no in her opinion because so many times I see the big picture when Big Dan doesn't, and no amount of talking can get through his thick teenage skull. I know she only wants what's best for JoJo even though she has a very tacky way of showing it.

I did finally get to watch The Bachelor online Tuesday. It was great. I don't have a lot to say about it right now other than I think he did a good job narrowing it down the first time. There were a couple of girls that were nutso in my opinion. Those previews of Deanna. OMG! What is up with that? I can't wait til next Monday!!

Last night we skipped out on the last few minutes of Girl Scouts (I know I'm a bad, bad mommy) to get home for the season premier of The Biggest Loser. Well, that and the fact that Little Ann had just taken Benadryl. Too many puppies around for a little girl with allergies...especially one that just can't keep her hands off of them. The show was super, but I wish they wouldn't have sent those 9 people home after the first week. Getting them motivated to work alone is good in theory, but maybe a little further down the road when they've built their confidence. I'm pumped for that one too! Could you believe that 460 something pound dude? Oh. My. He'll do great because he seems really motivated and you know the more you have to lose the easier it comes off.

Sorry I didn't link into any of these shows tonight. I didn't have the energy. If you would like to visit any of them, you can go here and I think I had linked to all of the shows italicized.

I got news today that Pete may have to move from where he currently stands at work to a different position. It's not that detrimental for us right now financially, but it will require some changes on both our parts. Not only that, but it's a little scary because I don't like change for one... and to me, this is only the first step in another negative direction. This economy is getting scary.

Which leads me to why I'm blue.

Broken promises to myself.
Defiant children.
Jeans that are too tight.
Pimples.
And...
I just figured up what I owe versus what I have and it aint purty, people. So, I guess dish network will continue to be a dream until I can see a light at this long, dark tunnel. I volunteered to get a different job other than substitute teaching, but he doesn't want me to just yet.

I think I'm going to visit Dave Ramsey.

Thankful Thoughts

I thought long and hard about adding this song to my profile as background music during the month of November, but I know how distracting music is to me, so I chose to save it for this particular post. I was first introduced to this song when I was in college. Our MBSF choir sang it and I immediately fell in love with it. It is very fitting for Thanksgiving and I hope you will take the time to listen and meditate.



Now, with that being said, I just wanted to take a moment to share a few things I am thankful for.

First and foremost, I am so thankful for my God. I'm so unworthy and for some reason He just keeps blessing me and blessing me.

I am so very thankful for my parents. They are such wonderful people. Tonight when I went to pick up Little Ann, my dad had sent home with her the homemade butter they had churned together from his fresh cow milk. FRESH COW MILK, people. I mean, really, how many of us can say we have actually made butter with our papaw. That is some kind of memory to make and I am so thankful for those times my parents share with my kids. And my mom....well, you can read all about her here, but I must say, she sent home with me tonight 2 new monogrammed hand towels (because she said the other one hanging was worn out...lol...she notices stuff when she comes to my house) AND get this. I had been in our capital city again today with a broken laptop and she knew I was going to be behind on my cooking for tomorrow's get together with Pete's family . She got my pie started and sent it home with me!! What a mom.

I am so thankful for my friends. My past and present. I love them all and am so very thankful for them. Just yesterday I reunited with my first and only college roommate.

We had a delicious lunch and spent a lot of time talking and laughing about old times. She taught me well how to sow my wild oats...lol. (and I told her I was giving her that credit). I'm glad we were able to spend this time together and I hope we can do it again.

I am so thankful for my family. My children are blessings from Heaven and I couldn't love them more (even when I don't feel the love back). I think my heart will just explode sometimes with the love I have for them. And my husband. He is such a good man. He puts up with so much out of me. I know he loves me even when I am constantly complaining, turning the air up to 80, habitually late, forgetting where I left my head, too afraid to leave my comfort zone, leaving my flat iron on for the entire day, showing my blond roots by some insane comment that makes no sense to him, burning him up because I have my electric blanket on in July, and even when he spends days searching for socks that really should be in his drawer. What can I say. Gotta love me!

And I could go on and on. God has been good to me even though I don't deserve it. I am just a simple girl living my simple life, undeserving.

Most wonderful wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.

This is what happens...

when you attempt to leave your Halloween pumpkin out as decor up until Thanksgiving. It's a good thing I looked out my front door this morning and saw this or I might have my own set of maggot stories to tell.

It is a beautiful Monday here in Arkansas today. The sun is shining and it is a pleasant 71 degrees outside. I lit my spice candle and opened my french door to enjoy what might be one last glimpse of fall.

The kids are at school, but Pete and I are home. A friend of ours is coming over to join Pete in the man cave to load some bullets. Did I ever tell you how much into guns and ammo Pete is? That is why I chose Pistol Pete as his blog name. It was ever so fitting. I have to watch my step around him, ha...

I thought I might make another Mayonaise cake because Matt has commented on how much he loves it. The first glitch was that all I had in the fridge was real mayo...and the recipe calls for Miracle Whip. It's pretty much the same, isn't it? So I went ahead and used it. Then I discovered all I had in the pantry was 1 cup of flour instead of 2, so after I jetted up to our little store and discovered all they had was self-rising instead of all purpose, I decided it wasn't meant to be.

HOWEVER, Matt brought me some flour when he got here, so I am off to finish the cake.

I hope everyone has a great week.

Out of my Element

Apologies to any readers who are animal rights activists..

But...

You know here in South Arkansas yesterday was the opening day of deer season (gun). I have only been hunting 2 other times in my entire life. One time probably about 10 years ago because Pete begged me to, and one other time when both kids were begging to go, but they were both too young to sit in a stand alone. Pete and Little Ann got in a stand and Big Dan and I got in another. Big Dan and I didn't see anything because we made too much noise. He was quite the fidgety one AND my stomach kept growling which would result in hysterical laughter even though it wasn't all that funny. It was the fact that we were supposed to be quiet that made it so hard. I must say, it made for a fun family experience though.

I've been born and bred around deer hunting. My grandfather, my dad, and my brother all hunted religiously as I grew up. Some of my best memories were made down at my grandfather's old home place in a little shack that became camp. My aunts and uncles that lived out of town would bring campers down, we would huddle around the fire and watch as the guys drove in and out of the woods...some with the big one on the back of their four-wheelers and others with disappointment on their faces. Although I highly enjoyed being around my family and the fun times we experienced, I never once had the desire to dress out and head out to the old deer stand. It just didn't seem worth the trouble of getting up as early as required or freezing my buns off. Pete knew going into our marriage that I wasn't the outdoorsy type and after 15 years, he's pretty much accepted it.

But my heart went out to him this year. It seems that he's lost both hunting partners. Big Dan is so preoccupied with his 18 year old life nothing else seems to matter...and Little Ann....well, let's just say she's become pro-life. She refused to "kill another one of God's creatures". lol.

So, yesterday as afternoon hunting time came nigh, I realized we were the only ones home. Then it hit me...the words from a book that I had read bits and pieces of. It's called "His Needs, Her Needs".........engage in recreational activities that both you and your spouse can enjoy together....the couple that plays together, stays together.

I thought Pete was going to fall out when I told him I wanted to go with him. He was so excited. He began scurrying around helping me get my things together.

We sat on the stand engaging in very quiet conversation for 40 minutes or so. It was nice. Not too cold, and it was so peaceful just sitting.... pondering... watching the cardinals fly around us and squirrels scampering below us. I actually enjoyed it.

Yes, we saw a deer. It was a nice one. Pete spotted it first and counted 5 points. I got my gun in position, set my sights right in the perfect place to shoot, but just as I pulled the trigger he ran. And so, I guess you could say I missed. We looked for signs that I had hit him, but there were none.

I haven't totally disregarded the idea of going again. Pete says a girl with a gun really turns him on.

Yeah, so what...

if I complain.

Pete says I complain.....alot. That's one thing about me that really gets on his nerves. (Hey, at least he's honest about it). It's too hot. It's too cold. I'm too tired. I can't sleep. Don't go to work, I'm lonely. Get out of here and make me some money. Yeah, so what. I'm a woman. I'm fickle and as a woman, it's my right to complain.

I went most of my adult life without voting. I'll tell you why I didn't vote. I was ignorant....and scared, that's why. I had no clue who and what to vote for and I couldn't stand the thought of making a wrong choice. One thing I realize now, is I had a say, yet all I did was sit around and complain. And you do too. You have a say. You have a say, today.

And although I'm still afraid of making a wrong choice, I know God cares how I vote. So, I pray. I pray for His guidance in my decision. He has all the power and ultimately no matter how I vote, He is in control.

And if it goes my way.....maybe I won't complain.

UPDATED - Perspective and Some Blog Business

This is a post I've been putting off for some time now. Not because I'm not just the proudest thing to be tagged by friends and showered with bloggy awards, but I think it's mainly because forwarding tags and awards requires more thought than I've had in me lately...(and because I've had a terrible time thinking of random things about me!!)

Anyway, I will get to my blog business a little further into the post, but first I wanted to share with you a little excerpt from my devotion this morning. This soooo soooo much related to me and I thought you might enjoy it too.

It's so easy to trundle down the path of the insignificant. Dressing and redressing, piling each outfit in a heap on the closet floor, throwing a tantrum because the hubby wasn't home for dinner on time, battling with your teenager over the length of his hair, or with your little one over a bath when a sticky, happy child would rather go to bed dirty. In some moments, these issues might matter, but in the long run...how much?

When the writer of Proverbs writes "Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife" (Prov 17:1). I believe he is speaking to busy moms (among others) who focus on the insignificant instead of the eternal.

The next time you find yourself spinning..ask yourself one question. Will this matter in 5 years? If so, focus your energy on completing what's before you with grace and efficiency. If not, I say forget it!!

**********

Ok, now let's get down to business....blog business, that is.

* I have been trying to "follow" as many blogs as I can, and I would so much appreciate it if you would "follow" mine too!! It brings me much joy to see your cute little faces on my homepage. If you haven't started this yet, it is so easy and works like the google reader, but with faces! (see all my faces on the right sidebar)

* I am fulfilling my noble duty of blogging about a really cool giveaway so I can get extra entries!!! So, you could just let me get my entries and go on about your merry way OR you could go visit and enter too! Heidi is giving away a custom made bulletin board.

* And finally, I was recently tagged by Kim, April, and Naomi to list 6 random things about me. So, here goes. (And this is very random) 1. I am the world's worst at directions. I can't get anywhere without calling my husband or my mother a million times. I was driving recently in our capital city and went to pick Pete up from work. I asked him how to get out of where we were. He said "turn right", and guess what? I turned left. Hows that for getting around!

2. When I was pregnant with Big Dan I gained 40 pounds and craved green apple candy constantly.

3. The biggest fight Pete and I have ever had was over a recliner. My uncle was having back trouble and my mom had called to see if my uncle could borrow our chair because it had massage and heat and was very comfy. I said sure, and asked Pete to help me take it over. He had just come in from mowing the grass and wanted to get a shower first. I said NO!! It can't wait. We have to go NOW! Pete shrugged and went on to the shower. While he was in, I lugged that big chair out to the trunk of my little bitty car and left huffing and puffing with a recliner hanging out of my trunk. When I got home later, I thought we were headed for divorce. I look back on that one and die laughing.

4. I sleep on my side most of the time and cannot sleep unless my ear is covered. Weird, huh?

5. I don't really like hot dogs, but I will eat it roasted on an open fire. It has to be black though!!

6. I have never read a book from cover to cover (at least voluntarily). I try, really I do, but I am convinced it's NEVER GONNA HAPPEN!!

UPDATE: (okay, so maybe I shouldn't have said "never". Let me clarify this a little because some of you are going loco on me because I don't read...lol. I guess it would be safe to say that I did somehow manage to read library books in elementary...maybe even "Nancy Drew". I probably even liked it!! And I know for a fact I was forced to read Madame Bovary in French class, but I'm talking about now...my choice...reading for pleasure kind of thing, or self help. I just can't seem to ever make it from the beginning to the end. It just doesn't happen for me. Ok, is that better?)

Because I have some awards to pass on soon, I am not going to "officially" tag anyone for this tonight, but feel free to tag yourself!! Let me know if you do. I would love to read about your randomness.

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!

A Work in Progress

If you read my post on all the things that needed to be done around this camp, you will be happy to know we finally decided to tackle it! We have told our kids they have to work to eat around here, thus, the quick response from them yesterday. Ok. so maybe not, but it sounded good, huh. Kind of authoritative.

Anyway, the real story is...that Pete got Big Dan up around 8 o'clock to get started bleaching the house down. He did a great job, but I heard grumbling along the way.

Pete steadily rinsed as Big Dan bleached and when I came out to supervise, I was quite impressed. A far cry from what it looked like a week ago. I was surprised Pete even volunteered to tackle this this soon...you know he was waiting on the cooler temperatures. I guess he picked a good day...I mean the high yesterday was only 97 instead of 107.

I hesitantly jumped in and tackled the jungle with my hedge trimmers, but with a little more caution this time.. and eventually we got the Queen Bee off her throne to join the fun. (yes, that would be Little Ann out of bed, away from Disney channel.com which she was watching on my laptop) Boy, kids have got it so hard these days.

When I was a little girl............. I won't go there.

We stopped working in enough time to get ready for midweek services at church, and afterwards treated ourselves to some cheddar biscuits from Red Lobster. Hey, we deserved it. I went into Lowe's to check out door knobs, light fixtures, and paint colors, but I walked out highly disappointed and a little dismayed at the cost of things these days. I'm going to do some looking around at Home Depot when we travel into the big city this weekend and see if I have better luck.

I got tickled at chickadees post yesterday about Milo praying for rain. It has been so hot and dry around here. I can't remember the last time it actually rained all day...lots of rain...enough to make a difference rain. July 4th maybe? Anyway, there was a woman at our church, who last night during prayer requests, actually requested that we pray for rain. Ok, no problem. So, when our pastor prayed, he did just that. Just a little while ago, I walked outside to see this beautiful, beautiful, wet rain falling from the sky and it is such a pleasant 80 degrees outside. God answers prayers.

We've still got quite a bit left to do on our home improvements agenda. Not sure when we will be able to finish everything up, but I can't wait to post pictures for you.

With only one week left of summer break, we are trying to squeeze so much in. Little Ann is traveling back to grandma's for one last visit, the kids and I are going on an overnight visit to see my bestest friend and her family..and to see their new home. (The 1st one they've owned.yea!!!) . I have scheduled senior pictures for Big Dan next Friday night and then it'll be back to the books!

Tune in tomorrow for a super fun post! I'm going back down memory lane!

Acountability and Much Needed Maintenance

This is my house. Cozy, isn't it? We had only lived here a few short years when this was taken. Notice, (besides the snow and ice) how nice and fresh everything is. Freshly painted doors, non-weathered shutters, and only a few neatly planted azaleas to line the front. And although, it was perfect when I planned it, and perfect when we built it, some interior choices I made turned out to be "not so perfect"...(kinda like the white carpet, I chose, but that's another post). The current "non-perfect" outside state.....well, let's just chalk that up to....

Mother nature, of course. Some wind, some rain, a little growing fungi, and 9 years worth of Mr. Morning Sunshine!

I have to say, I have a very busy hubby. His job as a Railroad Engineer keeps him away from home alot. When he is home, he is spending time with the kids, or me. He tries to catch a ballgame or two, a church service, and of course, he has to sleep. He does mow...does he ever mow. Like all the time, in cute little designs, he mows. (But, once again, that could be another post.) He tries to keep up, but sometimes it's hard.

Usually, I walk outside my back door or around to the porch, and think to myself...."wow, I really need to do something about that", but unfortunately, that's all it ever amounts to...thoughts. Yesterday, I drug Pete outside with me. We walked around every inch of our home, and I pointed out all the things I planned to do. (Well, I had planned for us to do.) He agreed. "It's got to be done, but not while it's this hot", he says. What that really means is...I'll tell her we'll do it when the weather cools off and then she'll forget all about it, and by the time fall arrives, she'll have moved on to bigger and better things.

Yeah, I'm a smart cookie.

So, these are my plans. And please, please, please, still be my friend when you see how disgusting things have gotten around here. I can't believe I am posting this, but I am counting on you to hold me accountable to my word.

Problem: The ever growing mold and mildew on our siding. Solution: bleach, bleach, bleach

Problem: The jungle. Solution: hedge trimmers, a wheel barrow, and fresh mulch

I admit, it takes a little motivation for me to cut, trim and freshen up the landscaping each summer. I always put it off until it gets so hot.. you know, so I can put it off some more. Sometimes, the mood strikes me where I actually want to go out and do it, but then things happen like this, that make me change my mind.

Problem: faded shutters from 9 years of morning sun
Solution: fresh coat of paint...have any suggestions for a new color? (I'm thinkin' black)

Problem: faded out door paint, worn out trim, and rusted (oh, ever so rusted) hardware
Solution: fresh paint on door, fresh paint on trim, and for sure new hardware!!!

Problem: faded door paint. These doors are to what used to be a little "consignment" business I owned - turned storage room. I think I need to cover the junk, huh?
Solution: fresh paint and mini blinds.

Problem: rock thrown right into patio door glass.
Solution: The neat little speckled look gave it some style for awhile, I thought. Now, that big "chunks" are falling out every time you open the door, maybe we should replace it??

Problem: Ewwww, these porch lights have got to go. Should I paint them, or replace them? Solution: Leaning more towards chunking these in the trash and starting over...I mean, I've gotten 9 good years out of em.

And last but not least: the chairs. I love this chair. I actually have 2. Pete bought them for me several years ago for some occasion (birthday, anniversary, just because), but anyway, I have always liked them. White shows way too much mildew, so I thought about painting them black. What do you think?

Ok, girls, now I've aired it. You've seen it all. Cheer me on and beg me for after pictures so I won't fail to proceed.

What kind of household projects have you let slide?

Scrapper Mom - (Drats!! I deleted my signature on accident again!)

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!