SIMPLY ME

Could it Truly Be.......

2012-01-14T13:54:00.001-08:00

I checked my Blog today and I can hardly believe that it has been this long....Well what happened to Jocelyn....did she just fall off the face of the earth.....No she did not....but what a year 2011 has been for this family! We have truly been tested, but as usual we have stood strong and survived. Things changed for me...so much that had been life as I knew it was no longer that life, and that threw me for a loop! I can honestly say....I am still trying to figure this all out!

I looked at my comments, and I was so touched by all the heartfelt love that you sent to me....so with this....I am back.

We have made it through health crisis' with my Mom and Dad...

We moved them into a new place, and then had to move them again, due to a horrible mold problem that they were having!

This was not easy on either of them...and I thought I would be sitting in the corner drooling...by the time we packed a second time, and went through all of this move two weeks before Christmas. They are in a wonderful Senior Building in a Fabulous part

of town, and they are sooooooo happy! God is good, and when I see them settling in, and loving their new home....I now realize that all that they went through, was worth going through, because they are so happy now!!!

We made it through Hurricane Irene, but I have to say.....it was one rough ride! We lost our electricity for over a week, thank goodness we had a small generator so that we could run the refrigerator and a few other appliances! It was one long, mean night, the winds howling so loud it sounded as if the roof was going to rip right off of the house! Thank Goodness for the Back Up Sump Pump, which kept the water out of the downstairs. Joe and I held each other close, prayed and I sang Amazing Grace to the top of my lungs when I felt the fear taking over, and finally daybreak came and we knew we had survived. Small damage...nothing like many of our neighbors! We also felt our first earthquake shortly after...now that freaked us out! We made it through Tropical Storm Lee....the yard was a river but no water on the inside. So yes, a very interesting summer we had!

The Holidays were wonderful, the boys are getting so big!!!!

Evan is now 9 and Gavin 4! Danielle is working full time, and returned back to school for

her Masters Degree....she is going to become a Nurse Practitioner! We are

so proud of her! So I am back to taking care of the boys. I go to Danielle's early in the morning, Shawn leaves for work, I wake the boys, breakfast, lunches, dressed and then off to school. Evan is easy, Gavin I drive about 15 minutes to get him to his Pre K, he goes three days a week and then back home until time to pick them up! I am busy!!!

Here are some pics from Christmas!!! My sweet girl!!!!

Joe and the boys, playing with the new Laptop!!!

Momma and Me!!!

The stars of the show!!!! Evan and Gavin!!!

I must admit to you all.....I have not been scrapbooking, I think I am burned out...but doing lots of online classes with all the best intentions of creating Mixed Media! This is my new passion, but I am finding it difficult to carve out the time to create! I have done a few She Arts and am working on an art journal, which makes me happy....now I like the idea of getting paint all over, and not having to have everything perfect.

I am having the surgery that they scheduled for me last year, on February 10th....this is where it gets a bit scary. They will remove a large part of my intestines, large and small, hoping to remove the diseased part. I am having it done at Johns Hopkins, one of the best hospitals in the world! It is going to be a difficult surgery for me due to the Myasthenia Gravis, being under anesthesia can cause problems for me. I am taking the next few weeks to try to get meals cooked for Joe, the house cleaned, and all my ducks in a row! My girls and I are going out for a Fabulous Lunch to just have girl time on January 29th....I am excited to see them all!!! So...if you believe in prayers....keep me in yours!

So I will be stopping by and trying to catch up with all of you!!!! Maybe that is just what I need to find that missing Mojo!!!

I will be back...I promise. Love to you all!!! Keep smiling!!! :-)

Well Hello Friends!!!!

2011-08-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Taking time away is a good thing....but not being in touch with all of you has left my heart heavy!!!

We have had a very busy summer...Mom and Dad are settled in to the new home, and doing very well!!!! There are still some health issues....but all in all...we are going day by day, and they seem happy!!

The boys are growing like weeds...schools starts soon for both of them!!

Evan is a big Third Grader and Gavin will be doing 3 days a week in Pre School!!! Baseball

season has ended....and now we are into soccer season. We have vacationed at the beach, gone to carnivals, and lots of family time.

I am doing OK....still battling some issues...but I keep plowing through in hopes of some answers!

We have some awesome things going on at Paper Issues....check out the

new challenge....RIDE IT!!!! I am working on a new computer...so I have no

things loaded to show you!!!

We will be having a super duper Blog Hop coming up and I will have an awesome giveaway to offer...More details to come!!!

I have also been asked by Amy at Create 365, to do some Guest Designing , and I am so excited!!!

So with that...here are a few pics of what I have been up to this summer!!

Our annual carnival in town!!! A must to attend!!

A ride on the Merry Go Round with Daddy and Evan!!!

I love this pic..that ride went so fast and both of them were so dizzy when they got off of it!!

Nana and MeMe!!!!

The family sitting a spell...waiting on the boys to get off of the rides!!!

Wow...look at that HAT!!!! :-)

Love ya girlies and I have so missed you!!! Wishing you all a Fabulous Week!!!!

It's Been Awhile!!!!

2011-07-07T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hi sweet friends....it's been some time since I have posted on my Blog...I have received many emails checking to see if everything is OK!!!! Thank you for your concern!

I am OK!!!! The last 8 weeks have been so very busy for us....Dad is doing a bit better, we have them all moved into their new home, and the garage is just about finished! With all of these events happening in just a few weeks time...it has taken every bit of strength that I have to move from one task to the next!!

I am taking a bit of time off from blogging....I love sharing time with all of you...but the task feels overwhelming right now....

The heat has really done a number on my Myasthenia Gravis, the stress has been high, and I find myself at that fork in the road, and I must take the path of taking care of me for a few weeks.

I am good at getting through things...and then when I think I have it under control...BAM...it hits!!!

So....I am fine...tired, not feeling the best....and trying to sort things out!!! The heat is not helping....I am having some testing done....so keep those prayers coming!!!!

I have not had any time to create....not much time to do anything that I really love...so I am taking this time to sit back and gather myself!!!

We had a wonderful 4th of July with the family....

My little cutie...
They make me smile!!!My Beautiful Daughter enjoying some Maryland Steamed Crabs...she must have picked the smallest crab in the batch....insert giggle!!!Some pool time!!!Off to see the fireworks....and this is how our little man walked around all night...he hates the big booms!!!!! Poor little man!!!Family pic...does this one make you giggle!!!!The whole gang is here....missing Joe...he was taking the pic!!!
So for the next few weeks....I will be working on me....We all need to take that time to gather our wits!!! I miss you all....I adore you all, and I will be back...I promise!!!! LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!!!!

Hello Thursday!!!

2011-06-23T03:48:00.000-07:00

Whew....it is so hot and humid here....I can take the heat...but I hate the feeling of soupy air!!!! Yucko!!!! Looks like we may have some better temps this weekend!!!

Tomorrow is the BIG move day for Mom and Dad....the movers are coming over to move all the heavy furniture!!! I know the house will not be totally empty...we still have to empty out the shed, and there will be a few things for Joe and I to pick up and take for donations.....I just want to get the furniture in...so that we can get some of these boxes empty and be able to move around a bit easier!!! Mom does not want any boxes placed on the carpet....I can understand..because of the marks it may leave....but the space for us to work in is getting smaller and smaller....

I had the root canal done...or should I call it the root canal torture!!!! The dentist told me it would take about 40 minutes to an hour.....sure...................it took over two hours and of course I couldn't have 4 roots, I had to have 5!!!! My jaw bone still hurts and now the tooth in front of the one they just did, is hurting!!! I have to go back for the cap to be done.....OH JOY!!!!

The garage now has drywall....and I am beginning to believe that to be a contractor, you have to be a fast talker.....everything that I say...he talks fast and in circles...so..........we have some problems....One positive.... NO GET PAID....until MeMe is happy!!!! It would be so much easier if he would just SHUT his mouth and listen!!!!!

Baseball season is now over for us!!!! Makes me sad...I so enjoy watching this young man play!!!He just adores Baseball!!!
Evan has been in soccer camp this week and is having the time of his life....Gavin cries everyday....he wants to go with Big Brother...but he is too little!!!! Poor Gavin! We have some plans to take the boys to do some fun things....so hang in there sweet boy!!!

I stopped at the store and picked up some yummy watermelon, sweet corn, cherries and tomatoes!!!! I just love Summer fruits and veggies..... Lots of salads being eaten tooooo!!! No heavy food in this heat!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous weekend...wow JUNE is almost gone!!!! Smiles to each of you!!! :-)

Paper Issues is having a DESIGN TEAM CALL....they are the best team to work with....no pressure.....the team works so well together, and we have some awesome fun with one another!!! Check out the site for the details...I would love to see some of you throw your hat in!!!! You will love it!!!

How would you like to be a part of the Paper Issues Creative Team?
There are no assignments or due dates.
You need to have a Facebook account, that is where we gather and discuss all things paper.
Paper Issues is all about promotion.
We have a topic every two weeks.
You link projects that you have already made to the party. Easy peasy.
We choose a few each day to feature, post them on the Blog and Facebook and Voila!
You are famous!!
You will see more blog traffic and everyone is happy!
We also have a Shop where you will receive extra discounts.
Think you have what it takes?
Send an email to paperissues@gmail.com and tell us a little about yourself.
Include your blog address. We want to do a little stalking.
Any questions...let us know!
You have until June 30. New team announced July 1.
Ok...Go!

See....I told you it was easy!!!! :-) HURRY....get those emails in!!!!!

Oh My.......

2011-06-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind in my blogging.....real life just keeps getting in the way!!!

We have accomplished Day 1 of moving Mom and Dad....it was so hot, and we were worn out by the end of the day!!! Poor Joe spent Father's Day moving boxes!!!! We got all the clothes moved and hung in the closets....tons of boxes sit waiting to be unpacked....Today it is raining...great....that puts a damper in Day 2 of moving, and I am off to have a root canal....stupid teeth!!! I must admit the thought of walking into the dentist office is enough to make me have a nervous breakdown....it just freaks me out...so I am trying to get the courage to get into the car!!!

I promised Mom as soon as I got done...I will ask for extra novacaine...I will meet her at the new house, and we will put the kitchen together! She and Dad look so tired....hey Joe and I look tired too!!!!

We spent Saturday watching Evan play in his baseball tournaments....we had a blast....it was better than watching the pros play!!! We won the first game and lost the second 1-0!! They played 8 innings....my Evan got hit with a pitch....and of course the pitcher threw balls marked at 52mph!!! He went down like a sack of potatoes, and I thought I was going to lose it...Joe and Shawn ran to him...he got up....shook it off and headed to first base!!! I was sitting on the bleachers and Gavin was standing in front of me...I heard a bat crack, looked up, and in a split second I saw the ball....reached over two bleachers and caught it two inches from Gavin's head!!! Gavin kept telling everyone...My MeMe saved me Life!!! Amazing how quick you can react!!!

The garage is built...now we are working on the inside....drywall.....paint, and then the landscaping....I am not really happy with some of the work....we will handle that!!! I am turning this part of it over to Joe...go get them Babe!!!

Not much time to create....but this was a LO that I completed at the crop last week!!! Why is this picture so blurry....oh well...you get the idea...I am having camera issues!!!! It looked OK when I loaded it!!!!Yep, it's that time of the year.....
Loved this New Punch from Martha Stewart!!!Wishing you all a wonderful week....we are in for some HOT TEMPS and severe weather....Oh JOY!!!! Smiles to all of you!!!! :-)

It's a Good Thing!!!!

2011-06-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

What a busy week.....where in the world did it go? Well, I know we have been moving quickly on the garage....I have a roof, that has been covered with shingles...I have french doors, windows and a sky light, and now I have vinyl siding just about completed...I say that is a GOOD THING!!!!

The temps have been awesome....low humidity, sunny cool mornings and evenings....if only it would stay that way....but it looks like the temps are on the rise!!!

I have a yearning to head to the ocean....I want to stick my toes in the sand...but that will have to wait until later in July!!!!

Father's Day is this weekend, and we will be doing a lot of moving....Mom and Dad get the keys tomorrow...so we will be taking over clothes and boxes.....cleaning the new place, and poor Joe and I get to empty out all the things in the shed, and move them to our house!!!! We celebrated Father's Day on Monday.....we had Maryland Steamed Crabs and ice cold beer....they were so yummy!!!!

Today Danielle and I are off for mani's and pedi's.....girl time....the best!!!!

Here is one of the projects I completed at my Crop on Saturday!!! It was a class that Jen Cheznick taught at Great Scraps...I bought the kit and it turned out so cute!!!! I love these printers drawers from 7 Gypsies!!!

The cherries are so cute!!!Love the happy colors!!!!Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.....we will be busy....hoping that you all get some time to sit back and relax!!!! Smiles!!!! :-)

It's Monday!!!!

2011-06-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

We have come a long way since my last post....The garage has been taken down. and we now have four walls up, and the roof is being raised!!!! YIPPEE, it is moving along!!! The next few days will entail...the roofer putting the shingles on, siding being installed. and the electrician coming out to install the electricity and the phone!!! We have decided to put french doors and windows in!! We are getting there!!!

Mom and Dad get the keys to their new place on Friday...so we will begin to move their clothes and antiques! On the 24th the movers come to take all the heavy things! I know they are exhausted, and I just want to get them in their new home, so that they can settle down and rest!!!

I spent Saturday Scrapbooking...I did...I really did, and it was the best dose of medicine I could have asked for!!!! I met new friends, and loved spending time with the old ones....We laughed...we ate....I created a little...but best of all...I felt normal!!! Nothing better than Friends!!!

Jamie and I were getting tired....late into the evening!!! Jamie working on a LO....oh her girls are just beautiful!!!
Here is a LO that I created!!!! I had such a hard time getting started..I think all the Mixed Media that I have been doing...had me thrown off when it came to scrapbooking....so I went back to safe...a white background makes things go so much easier for me!!Loved the colors on this paper and Pop Dotted the stars!!!! Working on a white background is always so much easier for me!!!I do ADORE this little man!!!
This was a trip to the State Fair and Evan was on the ride with the Big Swings...I couldn't get on with him...that makes me sick to my stomach to go in circles that fast!!

I also need to Wish My Son In Law Shawn.....a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous Week.......temps are little better and I am so happy...I felt like was melting all of last week.... Smiles and love to you all!!!! :-)

It's WAY TOOOOOO HOT!!!!!

2011-06-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

My goodness...who would think that we, here in Maryland, would have temps in the 100's in June!!! NOT liking this one little bit!!! My new grass that I planted is all burned up...the flowers look droopy, as do I!!!! YUCK!!!!!! Me no likey this weather!!!

Joe and I met with the insurance adjuster on Monday...she was Fabulous.....but the job was not.
We started by laying down tarps and the the fire restoration company went into the garage and started shoveling everything out onto the tarps....Smelly, dirty, horrible mess!!!! Some things we could not even tell what they were! Joe was upset...he lost all of his CD and DVD collection!!! I had a hard time with a couple things....we had a large Sketch done in New Orleans....Bourbon Street, and it was a beautiful piece of art, that was lost..it broke my heart and then the Department 56 Halloween Village that Joe and I have collected for years....all gone!!! I cried when I saw Danielle's Barbies and her school work burned up!!!! We worked all day, pulling and sorting and finding things we had forgotten were in the desks drawers!!! My feet were black...so much for the wonderful french pedicure.....and we stunk!!!! There were tubs of things that were not touched by the fire..but the smell....they were ruined....I had no idea that this was what we were facing! Tuesday was spent in the clean up.....my yard looks horrible...but now that phase of the fire is over...I am meeting with the demolition people today...hoping that they can get this thing down...

Kindness goes a long way...I so appreciate all the support that you have offered to us...I have a neighbor that lives behind us that is driving me crazy...where are they days that we offer our empathy and kindness to someone that has been through so much....not this woman...she knocks on our door, or tapes notes to the door telling us that the garage stinks, and she can't swim in her pool...she is contacting her attorney and going to sue us for taking away her right to swim in her pool....mind you this pool is one of those blue blow up pools from Walmart, that is about 3 feet deep......FOR REAL!!!!!! Give me a break lady...it's only been 2 weeks and I have to do what the insurance company tells me to do.....So after several days of this woman coming to the house, I finally gave her the insurance information.....did you think I was going to say, gave her the finger....it crossed my mind!!! :-) I also told her I could not do a thing and certainly would FEBREEZE the entire garage if it would make the smell go away...she actually thought that was a good idea.....HA.....not only ignorant but brainless....so please would the temps drop and the wind blow the other...so Miss Pain in the Pants, can float in her pool!!!!!

Off to get this hair cut and go to Mom and Dad's where the saga of boxes continues...I think we have a move date in stone....please let it be in stone and we are moving ahead!!! They need to get settled in to the new place and rest!!!

No creating....just getting a few things together for Saturday!!!!

Here are a few pics from the last baseball game.....Ahhhh to be young again!!!!Batter Up!!!! He played so well...they won the game!!! Yippee!!!Some Playground time...while Big Brother plays ball!!!Chilling with a Coke!!! Ahhhh!!!!The sun starting to go down and a breeze started to blow...!!! Perfect end to the evening!!!Love ya ladies....have a great weekend...stay cool!!!!! :-)

Grounded!!!!

2011-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been so stressful!!!! I was talking with Joe the other day and told him that I felt unbalanced....Crying alot...at times, when I would think I had it together! I had two doctor appointments last week and of course the ENT said said my Sinus CT came back horrible and they want to do surgery...Not yet...it can wait...more test to be done for the Pulmanary Doctor..Yuck....but I will do them...Mom and Dad are still packing and yes...very stressed!!! The fire restoration company is here today, along with the insurance adjuster, and Joe and I, to empty the garage and all the burned contents...now we have to try to prove what we lost....Taking my inventory list against the burned debris...this should be fun!!!! But I have a permanent smile on my face today...I am grounded....BECAUSE......I had the best day ever with Joe and the boys, on Saturday!!!

Danielle and Shawn spent Saturday...having massges, going to the Movies and out to dinner to celebrate their Wedding Anniversary and we got the boys for the day!!!! We played board games... went to the bowling alley, off to the batting cage for Evan to practice, and then Miniature Golf!!! Home to play catch in the yard, and squirt one another with squirt guns....

When I see these two.....I see glimpses of me....I hear giggles that make my heart sing....I hear little voices saying MeMe a thousand times and it is wonderful!!!! They ground me...they make me realize that life is perfect...even when it feels not so perfect!!!! I got hugs and kisses and the best part....the I love you MeMe.....simple, perfect, pleasures!!!! This is what I am holding on to....no negative can take this away......GROUNDED....and loving it!!!

Evan could hardly wait to get his bowling shoes on and then the competition began!!!!Gavin loves to Bowl...when we were finished he cried...I want to bowl more MeMe!!!MeMe acting silly...but there is that smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)YIPPEE.....a spare!!!!Batting Cage.....he did Fabulous...and even took a fast ball stinger to the hand...Gavin working the camera...look at those Baby Blues!!!! Now on to Miniature Golf...this was kinda not the best course..but the boys loved it!!!! It started to sprinkle rain.....so Gavin kept telling us to Hurry UP....Hurry UP!!!I can hardly believe he is getting so tall!!!! SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The 18th hole and end to a PERFECT DAY!!!I am so looking forward to Evan getting out of school for the summer...we made a huge list of all the things we want to do!!!! I intend on doing each and every one of them!!!!

No creating time this week....creating helps me to stay grounded also....but.....life does not allow time for that!!!! Bear with me....I am going to a crop on Saturday...yay......and maybe, just maybe I can find my MOJO!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful week.....love ya girlies....smiles!!!! :-)

Bad Blogger.....BAD...BAD...BAD

2011-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have been a very bad blogger.....I am so sorry that I have not been to visit!!! Life is just sooooo busy right now.... I may be taking the next few weeks off from the internet!!!

We are knee deep in packing for the move!!!! The weather has been soooooooooooooo hot here...we have never had a May and June so hot....and that makes me feel yucky!!!! I will take cold weather any day...I am a NO SWEAT kinda lady!!!! We have lots of boxes sitting in Mom and Dad's, and more to be packed!!!! I think I am a bit jealous!!!! Now I want to go through my house and purge!!!! In all this mess we did get a major giggle the other day....Joe, Dad and I were out in their shed trying to get things together....there was this big Bumble Bee that kept coming into the shed...I told Joe...I am melting hot....sweat is running down the side of my face...so just kill that stupid bee and let's get done....Dad was standing outside of the shed...I was standing next to him and Joe went in to make the kill....well the kill failed and that bee was MAD!!!!! He came flying out and Dad and I took off running....except...the Bee liked Dad best and he was chasing him, and I could not stop laughing....am I not the worst daughter....I think that is what sleep deprivation and heat stroke do to you!!!! Dad made it into the house and then.......I was running for my life.....Lesson learned......leave the DARN BEE ALONE!!!!!

We are still knee deep with the insurance company.....just come on and get this stuff torn down...the stink is horrible.... I just want to put Humpty Dumpty back together again...and then call the Real Estate Agent to see what he thinks we can get for this place...I know the real estate market is horrible here...but sell low...and then buy low....right!!!!

I have started my new Class, She Had Three Hearts with Christy Tomilson and I love it!!!! This one is art journaling...and the techniques are Fabulous...One of these days I will be able to create!!! My room sits waiting for me...but Mom and Dad are my first priority, and by the time I get home in the evening I am wiped!!!!

There is a New Challenge over at Paper Issues.... It's TIME FOR THE GUYS!!!! Let's see what you have for the men or boys in your LIFE!!!!!

Ahhhh this man.....what a wonderful Father and Husband he is!!!! He makes me a better person....he loves me with all his heart and soul.... I am Blessed to have him in my LIFE!!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous week!!!!! I just want the temps to drop about 10 degrees....that would be a good thing!!!! Thank you for all the love and support...What would I do without you????

Well....here we go again!!!!

2011-05-26T00:01:00.001-07:00

Good News to share.....the Townhouse for Mom and Dad went through with flying colors.....packing has begun.....purging is hard work...but we are well on our way to getting things started, and looking forward to moving day!!!!

I do have some sad news to share.....Joe and I were awoken at 3:30 Am on Tuesday morning by our faithful friend Miss Cosmo......to find that our garage was in full flames!!!! I heard our alarm system beep that the telephone service was down...this is not unusual...so I checked the house...all looked fine and I was so tired...I went back to bed....a half an hour later....Miss Cosmo was jumping all over me, and jumping into the bedroom window...I sat up and and our entire bedroom was orange..I screamed to Joe and we opened the door to the deck to find flames 50 feet into the air....Chaos erupted ...the phones were not working...Joe was outside trying to get the hose in the back...I finally realized I had to call 911 on my cell....our fire engines arrived quickly and they did a Fabulous Job.....We have lost everything...and guess what...most of the things from the flood that we were able to salvage were still in boxes in the garage...We have spent two days with Arson and Fire Investigators....insurance adjusters...and they determined that it was not Arson...but an electrical fire! Thank God..the thought that someone could set our garage on fire scared me... Joe and I are exhausted...the stress was horrible and I pray that I never see fire again in my life....My beautiful 150 year old tree is scorched....BUT...we are safe...our residence is fine and I am Blessed.... We will get through this..as Danielle told me...Momma, just another hurdle to clear!!! Boy my legs are tired from jumping hurdles!!

My heart aches for all of the people who have been impacted by these horrible tornadoes...I pray each day for all of them....When I saw the news....I cried...I cannot imagine losing loved ones, homes, pets, and cars....I am so sorry!!!! I just wish these horrible storms would just stop.. What is going on?

Here is a LO that I completed with a class that I took with Stacy Cohen and Miss Paper Arts School...

This was a fun one.....

Hand stitching.....this is so relaxing to do!!!!

Pleating....love!!!!
So don't forget to get all those summer LO's linked up at Paper Issues.....

I am wishing all of you celebrating the Memorial Weekend a wonderful one....My Family will be working, and I will be helping Mom and Dad....Take lots of pics.....eat a hamburger and hot dog for me...they are my favorite foods on the grill!!!! Love ya girls!!!! :-)

I Can See The Light!!!!

2011-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

We have been on a roller coaster...Man do you learn a lot of things when trying to find housing for seniors....Poor Mom and Dad have been put through the ringer!!!! They make too much money to qualify for Senior Apartments....maximum income $39,320....so no go on that one!!! Now of course we checked out Oak Crest, and some of the other Senior Living...Sure....give us $200.000 up front..that you will never get back, and pay $1,700.00 a month to live there!!! I don't think so!!!

So we live in a small little town, and I checked a local apartment building that offers townhomes and apartments...it is a very small community...so off we went on Saturday and filled out paper work and the wait begins...The townhouse is adorable...small, 2 bedrooms, washer and dryer included and the best....all new wood floors, counter tops and new carpet!!! I like it so well...I will move right next door...They will be two minutes from me, so that is a plus...Prayers that this goes through and then the crazy rush to pack and move...BUT....ONE DAY AT A TIME...and I can see some light at the end of that tunnel!!!

Our weather has been beautiful.....Warm temps...I even put on my first pair of shorts for the season on Saturday!!!! YIPPEE!!!! Danielle and I went to a Community Yard Sale on Saturday and I scored major....4 antique cans, an awesome stand up wreath holder, and antique white can, and a birdhouse.....all for $4.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippee!!!! I came home from the yard sale and then Shawn came over and cut the lawn...I sat outside and did some weeding!!!! So all in all it was a good weekend!!!!

I am trying to sort through this scraproom...where did all of this stuff come from....looks like it has tripled.....OH my what a mess...but I will get through this...I will!!!!! :-)

Here is my second She Art Girl!!!!! I am so enjoying sitting down to start a new canvas!!!! Christy is such a Fabulous Teacher, and I am signing up for the next class!!!! FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loads of paint and stamps, the background started with an old dress pattern!!!New hair style...I tried the Fussy Bun!!!Close up of her skirt...I doodled on it and added Burlap and Paint as an accent!!!Her She Art phrase....She found comfort in friends!!!
Wishing you a Fabulous week filled with lots of sunshine and smiles!!!! :-) Thank you for all the support and well wishes....It means so much...the unknown is so scary...but having friends like you, help to make each day a little more bearable!!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An Ever Changing Life!!!

2011-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I remember the days of raising my daughter like they were just yesterday....and then these wonderful grandchildren came into my life...and I felt like a child again...sitting in dirt, playing with trucks and cars, watching soccer and baseball games and then it happened...

Dad seems to be getting worse in some ways....the man that I knew all my life is no longer that man...Life came to a screeching halt! He cries all of the time....his gout is not doing well, his blood pressure is high, we have dozens of doctor appointments each week. We celebrated his 79th Birthday on Monday....we went out to the Olive Garden...his choice...he cried and cried and cried...My dinner...what little I could manage to swallow, sat in my stomach like a brick...Mom looks at me and tells me to make him stop it....Upon completion of dinner...we get a call from the Real Estate Agent, and he has a contract on their house!!! We get into the truck, and I felt like I was sinking into the pits of Hell!!! This was not the time to sell the house...I pleaded with them to take it off the market....We get to their house....my Mother shouts at me...WE ARE SELLING THIS HOUSE...you just be quiet....OK...she is stressed! I was a real estate agent and settlement officer for many years....so I know Real Estate, and we banter back and forth with the contract...I leave the house at 11:30 pm and crawl into the truck to drive home...the phone rings shortly after and my parents changed up some things...not good things, and the house is sold!!!!

We have 45 days to find them a place to live, pack an entire house of 56 years of marriage and move them!!!! What....how can this be? So today....I want to run...They have told me they can't do this...I have to get boxes and come over tomorrow and start packing....Dear Lord...I need the strength to get through this...I am now a parent to two 79 year old children....I do nothing right....but I must do it!!!! They want to move in with Joe and I until they find something they like....That means move it all into storage, and then move it all back out!! The worst is yet to come...the doctor has told me that moving Dad out of his surroundings may cause problems...he may wander, get more confused, his blood pressure will rise due to the stress!!!! So I take a deep dive into the very dark waters of the next several months...I look at Joe and I see the stress on his face! I look in the mirror and I am not quite sure who I am looking at!!!! So, life can change so quickly...Take this time ladies...enjoy the small things....remember to laugh..remember to sing, and take each minute as a perfect gift...because you JUST NEVER KNOW...how quickly things can change!!!! We all know as parents age that things can go wrong....physically is tough enough..but when the mind goes....it seems impossible....how can things be OK just a few months ago and now...who is this man? I want to hold him, and promise him that he is going to be OK...but he knows...he is afraid...and I am tooooo!!! This is not posted to make you feel sad for me, or even for sympathy...because I do not ask for that....THIS IS LIFE.....I am that Lady that believes that the glass is Half Full....there has to be sunshine at the end of this storm....what is most important in our in lives is LOVE....Love that I have for my family and my faith.....is what gets me through each day!!!! So that is why I LOVE all of you!!!

It looks like a scraproom may have to be packed up and put away....We need that room for my parents....I will have to keep out just a few things to create on my kitchen table...or better yet.....go to my local scrapbook store and spend more hours there!!! Now see there is some light at the end of the tunnel!!!!

I did not get to go out with the girls to celebrate my Birthday on Wednesday!!!! A tragic accident happened Wednesday Morning to Effie's Uncle...he was hit by a car and died from his injuries shortly after the accident..My heart is heavy for my friend..so celebrating my birthday will be rescheduled until a later date...Prayers to her and her family for their loss!!! SO SAD!!!!

Don't forget to check out the great Challenge at Paper Issues...IT'S All about SUMMER!!!!!

Wishing you all a great week!!!! I love you and adore you!!!! Jenny I am sending prayers and hugs to you!!!!! You inspire me!!!! :-)

It's All About Me!!!!

2011-05-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

First off I want to thank all of you for the wonderful Happy Birthday Wishes...It was a great Birthday!!! I got a Fabulous Surprise from my sweet friends...they planned a lunch for me on Friday, and my dear friend Jen was able to make it...She came all the way from Ocean City Maryland, to celebrate with us.......she also was able to catch a great concert at the Inner Harbor!!!!

We went to Don Pablos's...I adore Mexican Food.....and we spent several hours....eating lots of goodies, laughing and enjoying spending time together....

Look at all of this food for four girls!!!!Jen, Tina and Jamie...we had such a great time....thank you ladies!!!Of course it's time to sing Happy Birthday, and I get to wear this BIG Sombrero!!! I was bit red in the face!!! But it was fun!!!Saturday I went to the Mother and Daughter Tea at our church with my Momma...It was a great day!!! She smiled, and seemed to relax a little bit!!! It was good for both of us!!!

Excuse my hair...I got caught in the worst downpour and of course...I did not have my umbrella...so I was soaked....Mom Looks Stunning, she remembered her umbrella!!!!Lots of appointments this week.....Dad, Joe and I will all be seeing doctors! We have had rainy, yucky, dreary days and more are expected....This makes me want to not get out of bed.....but the flowers are getting natures watering...

Here are some pics of my awesome Birthday Goodies and we have another Dinner Celebration planned for Wednesday Night!!!! WOOHOO....PF CHANGS...another favorite restaurant!!!

I came home from Lunch to find a box from Texas....My BFF Sandra sent me the most awesome apron.....I love it....I will not be wearing it to create in...I am afraid I will get paint on it...I was sooooo Happy!!!
Posing for pics so that I could send them to Sandra!!!I love MR Ducks sweatshirts, and you can only get them in Ocean City Maryland...My favorite one was lost....so Jen brought this up from the Ocean for me, and I adore the color!!!

My sister in law sent me these Pandora Charms all the way from New Jersey!!!! LOVE THEM!!!!My super talented friend Tina....made me this P......I just love it!!!!!! It's time for another Party!
This time the theme is Summer!
Interpretation is up to you...BBQ, Graduation, Father's Day, Pool Parties, Camping...
We want to see what you got!
Cards, Layouts, Altered Items...Anything!

So please stop by Paper Issues and let us see some SUMMER!!!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous week....I adore you all!!!! :-)

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!

2011-05-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well....it's Friday the 13th, and it's MY BIRTHDAY!!!!! WOOHOO....I made another year!!!! A year filled with tons of happiness, some challenges and lots of growth....so I would say....a pretty good year!!!

No Huge Plans.....dinner with Joe!!!! He treated me to a shopping trip to Chico's....and I got to use some awesome coupons!!!! They have such Fabulous Clothes....but are a bit pricey...so when you can use coupons....you can get more!!!! :-)

I will be joining my girls on May 18th for a Birthday Dinner Celebration, and I am so looking forward to seeing them all!!!

Danielle and I will be celebrating later in the month...she has worked an enormous amount of hours this week and is heading to Ocean City on the 24th.....so she has something special planned when she gets back....That makes it even better......stretching the celebrating into the end of the month!!!

I completed the first LO in my Lesson 1 by Stacy Cohen, at Miss Arts PaperCrafting School! You must really check out these classes....super inexpensive...but filled with the most wonderful classes and ideas!!

This one is a Shadow Box LO!!!! Of course I used boy pics...would have been better with girl pics....but this one was a ton of fun to create!!! There is so much dimension and elements that draw your eye to every detail!!! Stacy did a wonderful job on this class!!!The flowers are stunning in this kit!!!! You can't really see the glitter on the white flower...but it is so pretty..I used some Mod Podge on it and then sprinkled it with white glitter!!!I loved this birdie...spray misted with Tattered Angels and she just came to life!!!Not the best picture...but I wanted you to see the dimension of this LO...I cut out two sheets of paper with my exacto knife, and then added tons of pop dots!!!! My favorite.....old sheet music.....inked and the pleated to make the ruffle!!!! LOVEEEEEEEEEE!
I am wishing you all a Happy Friday the 13th......hope you have a Fabulous weekend. We are expecting rain most of the weekend...but our weather this week has been perfect...so no complaints here!!!!! LOVE YOU LADIES....smiles and hugs!!!!

Hello Monday!!!!

2011-05-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

We had a very quiet Mother's Day!!!! Mom and Dad were not up to going out to dinner....nor was I! So I spent some time with them in the afternoon!!! Joe and Danielle both had to work....so it was a nice quiet day!!! When Dad is feeling better, we will all go out for a great dinner...

I gave Mom a beautiful plant stand and hanging plant for her yard...and my first She Art Canvas...that I completed just in time for Mother's Day!! Oh Ladies....if you have not tried this class...you must!!! I am in love...I am addicted!!!! Lots of messy goodies....Mod Podge, paints, stamps, rubons....but so much fun!!! Here is a link to Christy's Blog.....check it out... She Art!!!

SO...introducing my FIRST CANVAS!!!!! I have a second one in the making for a special friend for her Birthday!!!! Oh such fun!!!

Her skin color is a bit white here...I think I was having problems with lighting!!! Lace on her collar and the bottom of her skirt!!!Close up of her hair and face...her cheeks are really much more pink IRL!!!The saying...She was a Daughter of God! I just adore all the textures...they don't show up as well on camera...I used quite a bit of molding paste and it looks really bumpy...The background was old book papers, tags, and some ephemera covered in mod podge, paint, stamps and rubons!!!We took Gavin out on Thursday evening....so that Mommy and Daddy could go watch Evan play baseball!!!! We went to get dinner and ice cream, and then off to the playground...Mommy and Daddy got to spend a quiet evening with Evan, and we got one on one time with Gavin!!!! It filled me with such joy!!!!

Now that is a BIG ICE CREAM!!!!Look what he created...he dumped in all the M&M's, the sprinkles and the Gummy Bears...those things are nasty when they get cold!!!! YUCK!!!As soon as we got out of the car...he ran as fast as he could to get to the playground!!!Pure Joy!!!!Push me POP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes Joe is tall...I get that question all the time...he is 6'6"....he doesn't seem tall to me....but everywhere we go people look at him as say.....YOU ARE TALL!!!! :-)MeMe having some fun toooo!!!Slide time....New Hair Color....a bit more low lights and now flipping it back again!!!Well that is it for me today...busy week with more doctor appointments with Dad, and I have to have a CT Scan of my Sinus'! These sinus infections are horrible!!!!

So with that...I am wishing you all a wonderful week....I have a Birthday on Friday.....Friday the 13th as a matter of fact!!!! Woohoo it's Birthday Week!!!! I can't wait until the 18th...my girlies are taking me out to dinner for Birthday FUN!!!! Smiles sweet friends!!! :-)

Rainy Days!!!

2011-05-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

We have had several rainy days this week....and sometimes that is good!!!! On Wednesday morning, I awoke to the most wonderful sound of soothing rain....I heard the birds chirping, and I really wanted to turn back on my side and go back to sleep....but coffee was calling!!!! Mother's Day looks like we are expecting some showers!!!! The grass is soooooo green...so rainy days are appreciated!!!

I just cannot get anything planned for Mother's Day....Dad has gout, and it has gotten so much worse...we had to have another injection put into the foot, and he is walking with a cane.....so they will be staying in....I don't really like going out to eat on Mother's Day...way too crowded, expensive, and the food is never the best...so I think we will go over to Mom's and cook dinner for her on the grill...My Danielle has to work.....delivering all the new babies...to make the New Mommas very Happy!!!

I have a hair appointment today....YAY.....I need highlights so bad and a hair cut!!!! I ordered my new eyeglasses!!!! They are FUNKY!!!!! I was so tired of the same old, same old...so I went for WILD!!! Joe is going to pass out when he sees what I got....but I like them!!!!

Baseball game on Tuesday evening....these are the moments that I love!!!
Let's stick out our tongue!!!
Here are some goodies that I found on Pinterest that just screamed at me.....

I have a fascination for numbers.....and BURLAP...so this chair needs to be placed in my family room!!! LOVE IT!!!I am collecting some goodies to make one of these.....you see those numbers!!!!!Look at these antique numbers!!!!! I want them all!!!!!Add a few ABC's and I am happy....Love how the colors were broken!!!! AWESOME!!!I am behind on my creating time....I am trying to catch up with my classes....this has been a busy week, and it looks as if May is going to blow by!!!! Too many appointments!!!

Here is week 4 of Soul Restoration....this was a tough one...but a great lesson learned!!!

After putting down some of the negatives...we were able to affirm the positives....I felt tired....I kept loving anyway..... I felt like there was too much on my plate....I created anyway, I felt afraid....I smiled anyway!!!!!
I am wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day.....hope that your weekend is filled with bright skies, lots of smiles and hugs, and most of all LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

My Classes.....Such FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well as I greet you this morning....Joe and I are heading home from our sleep studies...We went together...of course in separate rooms....to have the study completed. He did not sleep...I did not sleep! How in the world do you sleep with all those wires attached to you...in a strange bed, and when you turn the light off.....you see a red beam in the corner of the room....You know you are being watched!!! The funniest part was waking up....here come Joe walking into my room with all of these wires hanging off of him and looking like he just crawled out of a deep dark hole!!! I had wires marks all over my cheek and my hair was filled with all this gummy paste!!! I wish I would have had a camera!!! I hope I slept long enough to get some kind of read...I kept putting the pillow over my head!!! It did not help of course...that my sweet friend Sandy, put all of these crazy ideas into my head! For instance...she said...what if you toot in your sleep...or get an itch in your private parts...or suppose you pick your nose...I could have hit her in the head with a red rubber hammer...Thanks Sandy for offering all this information to me!!! :-) That really made me sleep well!!!!! Love ya girlie!!!

We have been sick...poor Evan got Strep Throat and so did MeMe...now who was the germ sharer!!! But it has been at tough few days...Evan bounced back..MeMe did not!!! Yuck that stuff is horrible, and so is the medicine on my tummy!!!!

Wow...it is May.....can you believe April is over....only a few more days until Mother's Day!!!! I better get into action and plan the next family get together....

I got some time to create this week.....I completed a few pages for Soul Restoration Class, and I also completed the first part of a canvas for my She Art Class...

My third class of Soul Restoration....Bringing together...my Strong Self and my Weak Self!!! LOVED IT!!!
Of course I am only showing you bits of pieces of this class...My Journal is coming along well...but lots of private things written in there...so that will be one piece I will not be sharing...I am sure you understand!!! A Box of goodies to start my She Art Class!!!
Mod Podge...I should take stock in this stuff...with lots of textures...glass beads, texture paint!!! OH BOY!!!!!!!!!!! It's time to get messy!!!
My First Altered Canvas...lots of book pages, tags and ephemera!!! Paint and spray inks...Now to get my girl put on there and to finish it up!!!Some SUPER EXCITING NEWS.. I won a month of classes at Miss Arts Papercrafting School!!!! Thank you so much Stacey!!!! Please check out the link and see what this awesome class is all about!!! Here are three of projects we will be working on!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://missartspapercrafting.com/
So this week holds some appointments for me and Dad.....OH JOY...I should get a degree in medicine....I think I could pass the boards with all the information I have obtained!!!! Hmmmm....Doctor Jocelyn.....nooooooo....I will pass on that one...except for the money...now that would be wonderful!!!!

With that....I am wishing you all a Fabulous week!!! We have lots of rain on the horizon...Prayers to those that are still recovering from these horrible storms...such devastation!!! Love you girlies.....smiles to all of you!!! :-)

Hello Thursday!!!!

2011-04-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

We have had some awesome weather...in fact a bit tooooo hot for me...We go from the 60's to the high 80's....the pollen is so heavy everything is covered in green...That means, stuffy noses, scratchy eyes and wheezing....these allergies are killing me! These horrible storms have hit us again.....Scary winds, hail and buckets of rain!!!! I never remember an April being this vicious with storms!!!!

My 4th class of Soul Restoration started this week...I love it....SHE DID IT ANYWAY!!!! Wow...how eye opening...the weak parts validated....but I realize that I can do it anyway, despite the way I feel about about myself...I realize that anything is possible...it is all about the way I perceive it!!! Amazing how hard we are on ourselves...not pretty, not talented enough, no strong enough...but when we look inside we need to see the women we really are...not who we think we are!!!

Our first Baseball game was Tuesday evening...warmer temps... a bit breezy....but a perfect night to watch Evan play.....The sounds of children laughing...bats hitting balls and cheering our team to victory....ahhhhhhhhhhh, the simple joys of life!!!!

Gavin trying to keep himself occupied!!! MeMe in the background...watching my boy up to bat...He was 2 for 2!!! Good Job Evan!!!Look at that sky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Smiling...LIFE IS GOOD!!!!Danielle and I are planning another shopping trip on Friday....her last day of vacation...I have so enjoyed spending this time with her for the past two weeks....I have some wonderful news to share!!! Danielle received her acceptance letter to enter into her Masters Program...I am so proud of her....over the MOON proud....Hard work ahead....but I have every confidence she will accomplish all her goals with flying colors!!! ONE PROUD MOMMA here!!!!

Don't forget to check out Paper Issues for the Challenge on Mothers!!!!! Mother's Day is approaching quickly...I would love to see you link up some awesome projects!!!!

A tribute Page to my Momma!!!The title....I owe it all to YOU!!!!! I certainly do!!!Wishing you all a Fabulous Weekend....I think this weekend is supposed to offer us some Fabby weather!!!! Sending you all smiles and Hugs!!!! :-)

A Happy Weekend!!!!! PIC HEAVY!!!!

2011-04-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have been on a non stop course.....we have been making HAPPY MEMORIES!!! I am so sorry that I have not been able to visit with you this week....I have tried....but there were two little boys that took precedence over Blogging!!!!

We had an Easter Egg Hunt on Friday...it was sooooo cold...we had on winter coats.....Our hands were frozen....Tough too....they split the children up in age groups, and I now know I cannot run like the wind with 8 years olds...so Danielle and I switched....3 year olds are much easier to keep up with.....Lots of eggs were found, and best of all....lots of fun was had!!!

Doughnut Holes and Chocolate Milk....getting some energy together to go find those Easter Eggs!! :-) The wind was blowing so hard...look at his hair!!!!
Looking for the gold star....man...we didn't find one....no special prize...but lots of chocolate and stickers!!! Getting ready to get in line!!! See how cold we are!!!! BRRRRRRRRR!!!We dyed Easter Eggs Friday night...oh my Crafty boys...they had a blast....lots of dyed Fingers...but memories that I hold close to my heart!!!

He would not leave the table...all he wanted to do was COLOR his EGGS!!!Evan getting antsy tooo!!! Hurry up!!! Let's do this!!!Let the FUNNNNNNNNNN Begin!!!Look at that Polka Dot Egg Mommy made!!!! :-)
The weather was awful on Saturday....I spent the day cleaning and cooking!!!! Lots of goodies for the Easter Feast!!

Sunday was Church, and then we headed to Mom and Dad's for another Easter Egg hunt and dinner!!!! I took quite a bit of time just being quiet and taking it all in...I wanted to sear these pictures in my mind...Dad tired easily...but he was smiling....Mom was loving her boys, and we were together...together loving one another!!!

These two make my heart sing!!!Hunting for eggs at Nana and Papa's!!!!I a Blessed...truly Blessed!!!
The end of the day....Dad was tired...his sugar had been high...Joe snapped a pic of the three of us!!! Thanks be to God that we had this day together!!!!!

Today Joe is working and I am exhausted....I plan to work on my Class Project and check out the new class at She Art...yes, I am now enrolled in this class also! I may have a bit too much on my plate....but I have time...maybe if a I trade in less sleep....now that would make 4 hours a night!!!! :-)

My third page.....building my House!!!!
Now don't laugh at my primitive house building....It's not about the Art...it's about the journey!!! That is what I keep telling myself!!!
Love my little birdie!!!

I looked at the calendar and could not believe that Mother's Day is this close...and oh dear a Birthday coming up! Easter being so late this year and now May rolls in quickly...We are always busy in May....Mother's Day, My Birthday, Dad's Birthday and several friends Birthday's!!!!

I am wishing you all a Fabulous week!!!! I adore you girls...I truly do!!!

BUSY WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello...what day is it I say....hmmmm...where has this week gone!!!! Well...let's start with three doctors appointments for Dad...My trusty journal in hand....lots of note taking....tons of questions...We saw his orthopedic doctor.....got more information about the combative state that he was in after coming out of anesthesia! Another piece to the puzzle.....what happened to his oxygen levels after this surgery....His sugar has been very low......hmmmm...why so low now? We saw his primary care physician....make note...I do not care for her....we need to find another doctor!!! He is scheduled for his Sleep Study next week! Check one more test to be completed! Appointment made at the Brain Clinic at Johns Hopkins.... He is doing OK....still does not seem to be on top of things....tires easily, and we get that disconnected look more than what we would like to!!!

Shopping trip on Wednesday with Danielle and the boys.....Shopping with boys is exhausting...but a good exhaustion....I felt much more grounded...laughed and actually looked in a mirror, and saw a smile on my face!!!!

Checking out the fish at Bass Pro Shop!!!Acting silly at Lunch!!! Poor Evan got poked in the eye!!!Mommy and Gavin!!!!Best $10.o0 spent of the day!!! Evan was inside of this huge plastic ball, just like a Hampster, floating in water...he loved it!!!
Easter Egg coloring and Baseball practice...another positive!!!!

Week 3 of my Soul Restoration class began on Tuesday...I am back peddling...I am behind...but that is OK....I have the materials and I will work on my own pace...I will not get stressed...this is not what it is all about!!

Here is my cover for my book...It needs some more color!!! I think I will add some red to it!!! What do you think?

Here is my first page.....you will see lots of birds in this project!!! Love the birds...bringing me important messages!!
We are also having a Fabby Challenge at Papers Issues....It all about the Mother!!!! What are you making for Mother's Day Gifts...Tributes to Mom.....Cards, you name it.....link it up and play along!!!

Danielle took me out to a Tea House last year for Mother's Day!!!! This page is a tribute to us!!!!
I love this girl with all my heart and soul!!!
I just love this line For the Record!!!!I hope we get to visit the Tea Room soon!!! I had such a great time with my girl!!! I just love her with all my heart and soul!!!

For those of you celebrating Easter...I wish you all a very Happy Easter....I can't wait to sink my teeth into a Peep...

Are these not the best Chocolate Eggs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have decided to celebrate at Mom's...I will be doing the cooking...Dad wants it at their house...so what my Daddy wants...he gets...

Wishing you all a Fabulous weekend!!! Thanks again for all the love and support!!!! :-)

WHOA NELLIE!!!!

2011-04-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

What a weekend...we had the worst storms....scary storms....tons of rain, hail, winds that ripped through the trees....Sunday the winds were horrible...I wanted to run for cover!!!! What is up with the weather? Scary...and as I was watching the news hearing the TV beeping with TORNADO Warnings....we never get a Tornado in Maryland.....I was beginning to freak!!! For all of you that have been hit by these storms.....I hope you are all safe!!!

Today I go for the annual Mammogram....Oh JOY!!!!! The wonderful torture chamber awaits my arrival....Last year when I had this done...we were having horrible thunderstorms! I was waiting in the office for my name to be called, and the lights kept flickering on and off!!! When I got back to the torture chamber.....I was placed in the machine and the lights flickered again...I screamed...WAIT A MINUTE....what is the power goes off and I am trapped in this thing....I will pass out from pain and be hanging by my girls.....The technician giggled....there is an emergency button that they can push to stop the mammogram....OK....have you tested this....does it work...because NO WAY am I getting trapped in this thing!!! So Today...the weather is clear...just hurry up and get this over with!!!

Dad was released from the hospital....with no real answers again....we have been told by one doctor that it is COPD related, and another doctor said that he has Dementia...Mom and I am so confused!! Danielle found a center to take him to at Johns Hopkins that does all the Cognitive Testing for Dementia, he is scheduled to have a Sleep Study!!! Why would this happen when he goes to sleep...does Dementia happen then? I had to take a deep breath, and try to not panic...Keeping them both calm is so important....I see the fear in Mom's eyes...We have not told him anything as of today!!! I will do this one day at a time!!! I know that he has an idea....but he remains in denial...he just keeps telling us...this is over....I'm Fine!!!!

Easter week is upon us...so there are some Happy Times being spent with the boys....Danielle and I are taking them to shop for their Outfits for Easter...the big Easter Egg Coloring will be taking place, and I think an Easter Egg Hunt!!! I am so looking forward to spending time with them!!! No Genna included.....nope no Genna included..only girls allowed, are Mommy and MeMe!!! :-)

Here are some of my Favorite Finds on PINTEREST!!!! Is this not the most beautiful Easter Basket!!! Do you think the Easter Bunny can bring me one like this!!!
Look at this adorable frame...an Easter Egg made out of Buttons!!! LOVE IT!!!This is the best...I have all the things to make it for our table...just need to get the tulips later in the week!!!! How unique!!!
I have completed week 2 of my SOUL RESTORATION course...it has been a tough one....I have had little time to get into my craft room!!! I am not stressing...I have the materials...I will complete it when I can!!!

A NEW CHALLENGE IS UP at Paper Issues!!!!! It's a Mother's Day Challenge!!!!! All about Mothers!!!!! So check us out....link up your LO's and get featured on the BLOG!!!!! How Fun is that!!!!

My Momma loves her Maryland Steamed Crabs!!!! So for her Birthday...we bought her a whole Bushel of crabs....Lots of crab soup, crab cakes and dirty hands from picking these babies...We in Maryland can pick them clean!!!!I am wishing you all a Fabulous week......hoping that you have tons of smiles, and lots of sunshine!!! Thank you again for all the support and prayers...it means so much to me!!!! Love you girlies!!! :-)

UPDATE on Dad

2011-04-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the wonderful support, prayers and love that you sent to our family!!! We have had another setback....late Tuesday evening, we had to call 911 and have Dad taken to the hospital again... He was having the same symptoms.......confusion, inability to wake him, and we called his Primary Care Physician and she suggested we call 911!!! My poor Mother is exhausted...I just keep trying to put one foot in front of the other!!! He is admitted to the hospital again....after sitting all night....running more tests...they finally got him to his room at 6:00 AM!!!! More testing is being done...to try to put the pieces of this puzzle together!!!

Little time to get anything done this week.....I feel as if I am walking in a haze...waiting for the phone to ring...in which it did many times this week...As our parents age....this is to be expected...we the adult children become the parent!!! I see them both trying to hang on to their independence...they have been blessed with relatively good health until the past year!!! So I will practice patience and empathy, and try to be the BEST Daughter that I can for them!!! I by no means am a super woman....I know so many families that are going through so much right now...I take strength in them.....I don't want to sound like our lives are a mess....it is just what happens....and I find my strength in my FAITH!!!! After all we did not get a contract for life that said...all will be GREAT and HAPPY and PERFECT....how boring would that be!!! I have been a fighter since a small child! You have to learn to look for that rainbow....I look for it everyday!!!

The weather has been so rainy and cold here for the past few days, and I see that we are expecting a wash out for the weekend....I could really use some sunshine to stream down on this tired body...the rain and dreariness make me feel even more tired...

The Second Week of my Soul Restoration started on Tuesday....I did some journaling on Tuesday evening, and it was amazing when I went back to read it....wow....I do have some work to do!!!! Labels and roles that we think make us the person that we are are so untrue!!! We are learning to be that little child with no labels, no idea that there are roadblocks awaiting us!! Just precious, loved little children!!!

I did receive some Happy Mail....several weeks ago I sent off a BIG BOX of scrappy supplies to Ellie...she is a dear friend of mine...Michelle's daughter, and is a scrapbooker...She was so excited to get her goodies from MeMe, and she started scrapbooking right away!!! Michelle and Ellie packed up a box for me with Ellie's artwork and some fabulous goodies too!! Ellie is so adorable!!! Look at what she made for me!!! This is truly what life is all about!!!

Is this not the best Happy Mail!!!
A Handmade Card!!!! Melts my heart!!!I have to share a little giggle....It was a major life event for MeMe....I was present at the birth of both of my grandsons...When Danielle had to return to work after the birth of Evan, I was with him 5 days a week.....I saw him do all his firsts....and then his brother came along and I was there with him also!!! Well....on Sunday I really needed some time with the boys.... They make me feel grounded...so I showered and called to see if they wanted to go bowling, and to the ice cream parlor....here is the conversation

MeMe....Hi Evan...I thought I would come pick you up and we can go bowling and visit the new ice cream parlor....How about in an hour or so?

Evan.....(quiet voice ) ummmmm....I kinda want to go see Genna play lacrosse...

MeMe....oh.....what time are you doing that?

Evan...(quiet voice) ummmmm....soon! So why don't you just take Gavin? He will go with you...(now MeMe feels like the Cereal Commercial...give it to Mikeeee, he will eat it, he will eat anything!) Are you mad at me!!!

MeMe....No sweet boy...I love you to the moon...you go to the game with Genna, and we will try to do something next weekend.... ( my heart is broken) OK?

Evan....well maybe....if Genna does not have plans for me!!! Okay...BYE!!!!

Ok....this Genna needs to be taken out....how dare I be passed up for an 8 year old....Go away Genna....I don't think I like you....Humph...pass on going with MeMe for a darn girl!!!! Ok...she is really cute and they are attached at the hip.... I NOW HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY A GIRL...I better hang on to Gavin as tight as I can...before some little girl steals his heart away!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! :-)

So with this being said...I am now available for anyone who would like to borrow a MeMe!!! I have some openings and a huge heart!!! Should I place an ad on Craig's List!!! Hmmmm MeMe for rent... Do you think that sounds desperate!!!! Oh dear...maybe I need to take on a craft!!!! Hmmmm....I think I already do that....how about a new career...hmmm...have one of those....I know........ I can become a DOG WALKER!!!!! What do you think????

Loved this pic of the Big Guy.....PRE GENNA Days...when hanging with MeMe was cool!!! :-)Wishing you all a Fabulous weekend...I hope the sun shines for all of you!!!! Oh to have nice warm temps and pretty gardens filled with colorful blooms....but I shall wait with patience!!
Thanks again for your love.....it over flows my heart with gratitude! Smiles to all of you!!! :-)

Ok....let me off this ride...please!!!!

2011-04-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well.....here we go again!!!! I received a frantic phone call from my Mom late Thursday afternoon! She was frantic...My Dad has been suffering from a lung infection and seemed to be doing better and then it happened...He went downstairs to take a nap and Mom could not wake him up!!! She called me crying and telling me to come quick!!! I dropped the crafty project I was working on, jumped in the car, and drove as quickly as I could to get there!!! I shook him, called out his name, and finally he roused a bit! He awoke disoriented, and I could not really engage him to the here and now!!! Mom did not want me to call 911....I checked his blood sugar...it was higher than normal...but he has been on large doses of prednisone..so that was to be expected...I got him to move around a bit, and then loaded him into my truck! Off to the hospital we went...I ran into the ER and the nurses came flying out with a wheelchair...Tons of testing..they thought he had a stroke, but after the CT...they ruled that out!!! He was admitted to the hospital with more tests being done on his heart and lungs....They discharged him late Saturday afternoon with a ton more medicines, and lots more tests to be done on an outpatient basis...They think that his oxygen levels are dropping...due to his COPD! So...I have spent several days at the hospital trying to take care of both of them!!!! Oh dear....I have a feeling that things are not going so well...that leaves me to take care of them and this is a tall order!!! I have so many doctor appointments scheduled for him next week....I am thinking it may be better to just stay there with them!!!! So....keep my Daddy in your prayers!!!

We missed baseball practice, we missed the ice cream parlor, and now everyone has terrible colds...including me!!!! Yuck.....sneezing, coughing and just feeling yucky..nothing worse than a Spring Cold!!!

I did get a chance to work on my Soul Restoration book...I got the cover done, and several pages that were Lesson 1!! This class is intense...lots of things to do....I hope I can keep up!!!

Today Joe is traveling with the Orioles, and I am home trying to catch up on some much needed things around here....how do we get so many dirty clothes? :-)

Don't forget the Challenge over at Paper Issues....lots of adorable things being linked up!!! How about some Easter LO's or Spring LO's....I know you have some!!!

My Momma's tree is just beginning to bloom!!!!Wishing you all a wonderful week....I will try to visit and see what you have been up to!!!! We have more rain in the weather forecast!!!! Smiles sweet friends!!!! :-)

The Best Laid Plans!!!!

2011-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, the Best Laid Plans, did not work out!!! I had my rubber boots, my heavy duty gloves and bags all together, ready for our picking day.....and Mother Nature had other plans....We had winds, thunderstorms, rain and more rain on Tuesday...so no picking!!! I was so disappointed...but I am hoping we can reschedule another date!!!!

On Tuesday I started my Soul Restoration Class...This class is amazing....I spent hours looking over all the videos and prompts...I am excited to get started...Taking this class requires quite a bit of time....So for the next six weeks....I will be working on the projects...I may be able to share a few things that I am doing..but this is a really personal experience....Growing, learning to let go and working on ME!!!!

Check out the Paper Issues site!!! We have a new challenge up and it is amazing!!!

Time for a new Par-tay!
Our theme this time around is "Show Us Your Grass"!
We want to see what you are making for Easter or to celebrate Spring.
Cards, Layouts, Altered Items...Anything!

Here is a Altered Frame that I completed for the Challenge....I hope you can stop over and play with us!!!

A Few Easter Decoration are placed on the Dining Table!!!! The pastel colors always make me so Happy!!!

Love this little Birds Nest!!!
I purchased this Basket the year that Evan was Born!!!!
An Easter Egg Tree!!!!
Dad seems to be doing a bit better.....Mom has an appointment to see a specialist for her Arthritis, and my hopes are that they can get her on some kind of medication to help ease her pain!!!

The boys are doing Fabulous!!!! I am hoping to take them to a new Ice Cream Parlor today!!!! It is so cute....retro...all done in black, white and red! The owner even has a penny candy bar!!!

I am wishing you all a wonderful weekend.....the temps looks like they will be rising...but lots of rain expected...but April showers...bring May Flowers!!!! Smiles to all of you!!!!