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!!!!

Hello Sunshine!!!!

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

Well, there was some sunshine this weekend...still cold temps...but that yellow ball in the sky appeared and that makes for a great day!!!

Speaking of Yellow......I received a box filled with the most wonderful yellow goodies on Friday!!! My postman rings the doorbell...we have an ongoing banter with one another....he has delivered things from all over the world to me, and he gets a kick from seeing where the packages are coming from!!! This was a heavy one, and he laughed when he handed it to me...I opened it up and SUNSHINE filled the room.... I knew what had to be done right away!!!

Beautiful Sunshine!!!!!

I ran to the pantry and gathered the ingredients.....LEMON BARS were in the making!!! I love anything lemon......but these are my all time favorites!!! If it is Lemon...my name is all over it!!!

So with a passion...I started baking and the smell of these goodies filled the house!!!! I could hardly wait for them to finish baking....Oh Heck with this diet...or as it is called...eating plan.....when given LEMONS...make LEMON BARS...and EAT THEM ALL UP!!!!! Yummo!!!

I have used this recipe for years...the tart of the lemon, the sweetness of the sugar and the soft filling....oh my.....there went 5 pounds right back on!!!
Today Joe and I are off to see the eye doctor.....OH JOY.....I can't see things far away, and what is this with holding everything at arms length in order to read it!!!! So yes...another wonderful part of aging.....you can't see a darn thing!!!! I know this appointment is going to be a long one...the doctor is always behind, and with Joe and I having appointments at the same time....hmmm..I better pack a lunch!!!

I am so excited about TUESDAY!!!! You want to know what I am doing.....well.....does anyone watch AMERICAN PICKER....if not....here is the scoop. These two guys ride around in an antique truck, and visit homes where there are barns and outbuildings to pick for goodies to repurpose or sell...So early Tuesday morning, Tina, Stacey and I, will be driving about an hour away, to go picking!!! The temps are supposed to be decent...but we may have showers...so we are loading up the car with our boots, gloves and lunch, and heading out to PICK!!!! Oh I hope we find something awesome....pics to follow!!!

I did another LO this past weekend....

We had just gotten Gavin this Learning Game for his Birthday...He was so excited....and look at that smile!!! He is just 2 Perfect!!!

My Soul Restoration Class starts on April 5th...I can't wait to get started!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful week.....lots of sunshine and most of all SMILES!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Well, So Much for Making a List

2011-03-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

OK....you know that list that I made of all these things that needed to be done....take that list and throw it in trash!!!! One thing accomplished...CT scan done on Monday, and still no call from the doctor with the results...No cleaning closets out, no shopping with Danielle, one crafty project and that is it!!!! So much for making LISTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The weather is cold and dreary and I hate it!!! This has been the week where everything we have set out to do has been a mess....Poor Joe was in an accident a week ago....just a small fender bender, not his fault and then the saga begins....We find out the girl that hit him has no insurance, so the insurance company has to do an investigation....on Monday we find out that the girl that hit him... says she is hurt and that the accident was Joe's fault...HA.....I told Joe this was going to happen...She is driving a hunk of junk, no insurance, she hits him in the middle of the intersection, and now she is injured...OK...now I have my panties in a bunch....This is why we all pay so much for car insurance...now another investigation....statements to be made and insurance adjusters coming out to take a look at the car!!! His battery was dead on his cell...he had no way to take pics of the accident at the time that it happened, and the police were called, but did not make an incident report, just had them exchange insurance information!!! He did get some pics after Shawn took the camera down after the accident..so we will see...it just burns my buns...so now you see why nothing got accomplished this week!!! Wonderful Baltimore City...the best of the best!!! This is the third time Joe has been hit on his way home from work, and guess what....each accident was a pain in the tail! We need to move...we so need to move!!!! We need to move to the mountains and sit on a big wrap around porch...retire and grow old...Hey, that sounds really good!!!!

Dad has a really bad bacterial lung infection...they think he got it from having surgery! How great...now his arm hurts worse than it did before the surgery, and he is so sick!!! Mom is worrying herself and now her arthritis is really kicking because of all of these temperature changes....Life can really keep throwing things at you...but guess what...I AM GOING TO THROW IT RIGHT BACK!!!!

I did get a few minutes in that mess of a scrapbook room, and created this LO of Gavin!!! I ordered 3x3 pics from scrapbook pictures.com and I loved the size...

I just love this line from My Minds Eye...Stella Rose and the colors are perfect!!! This little chipboard banner is so cute!!! Loving that trim too!!!!I think I bought most of the goodies that came with this line...Lots of brads...After taking Evan to school...we would head out the door to ride his Bike...I loved this bike because it had a big handle on the back and I could keep him straight....he loved to go fast and would head right for the street...I got a workout....running after this little Biker Boy!!!! :-)I also got a couple things in the mail this week....some more goodies to alter and I am looking forward to working on them!!!

I hope next week to get out and do some retail therapy....coach shopping for Danielle and Easter Outfit shopping for the boys!!!! I love to buy them their new clothes for the Spring...better than buying for me...I have lost 8 pounds...but I still need to lose more...so no new clothes for me...Chicos is having an awesome sale...but I will wait....hoping for another 5 pounds off soon!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous weekend....Joe will be traveling the whole weekend. I think I have a lunch date with my neighbor on Saturday....oh that could be dangerous...calories galore!!!! Hoping to get a few things done around here!!!! Smiles sweet friends!!! Love ya!!!! :-)

This Week.......

2011-03-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well....the snow that we were expecting....was much less than they called for YAY!!!!! I was surveying the yard on Saturday, and saw lots of little things popping up from the flower beds....and that made me happy!!!! I am seeing the grass start to green up! That means that soon....I can get outside and start cleaning up the leaves and flowers beds....I called my landscaper, and can't wait until he comes out to look at several plants and bushes that have taken a hit from the past winter!!! I can't wait to go outside and play....there is something about putting my hands in the soil that is so relaxing to me!!! I have some sketches planned out for more ornamental grasses to be placed in the backyard....I love to add something new to the yard each year!!!

We had our little man on Friday evening...while Mommy, Daddy and Evan attended a school function....He was a very busy bee....in fact by the time the family came to pick him up...I was exhausted!!!! MeMe hit that bed and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow...We played, we ate junk food, and most of all of got lots of hugs and kisses!!!!

Make a mental note...do not give IPAD's to little boys....he has quick fingers, and the when I looked, he had purchased several app's that I have no idea what to do with them!!!! He wanted more bowling games, or as he calls them....bowin games....and now I have to clean off the IPAD....Playing with the Nikon.....I am still having a tough time with a point and shoot...I love my Nikon D90....but this one is so light and easy to carry around!!!Miss Cosmo...never far from her Gavin!!!
We called Mom and Dad on Saturday, and took them out to their favorite Chinese restaurant for dinner!!! These are the best kind of dinners...not planned, but so enjoyed!!!

Sunday was a relax day for Joe and I...he works so many hours...so my request....he watch Basketball all day....chill out, nap and just take it EASY!!!!!

I got to see my one of my favorite girls Jen, for a quick visit on Saturday, before she headed back to Ocean City.....I gave her Birthday Present, and we enjoyed some great conversation and then off she went...

This week includes...

CT scan on Monday
Shopping trip with Danielle to get her Coach Bag
Dad's Physical Therapy
Crafting
Hitting up the treadmill
Cleaning out some closets and getting rid of some junk

I did not have a ton of time to create last week....my room is such a mess...and I hope to get it sorted out before my Soul Restoration Class begins!!!! I think I have enough supplies in there to open my own scrapbook store....I really need to do a major overhaul....I think Joe is willing to get rid of the jacuzzi and let me have that room for a studio....one problem...getting this jacuzzi out of the house...we never use it....we thought it was awesome to have, but just another thing to have to keep up...and it has been empty for 2 years...so maybe in the near future I will have a new creating space!!!

I just adore this pic...look at that face!!!

Some buttons, a Butterfly, Prima Flower and some Pins!!!
Wishing you all a wonderful week.....come on warmer weather...I want to go outside and play...How about you...is the the Spring Bug biting yet!!!! Smiles sweet friends!!! :-)

We Have A Winner!!!!!!

2011-03-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wow....we had a great time with the Paper Issues Blog Hop!!!! It continues until April 2nd, so make sure you stop by the Blog and enter to win the awesome prize!!! I have picked the winner for my RAK!!!! I want to take this time to thank all of you for stopping by, and leaving a comment!!!! I see I have some new followers...looking forward to lots of new visits with all of you!!!!

The Winner of this awesome kit is........... Joanie!!!!!!...... please send me an email at GwainBear@aol.com....include your address, so that I can get this awesome kit out to you!!!

Joanie said..... Hi Jocelyn! I love your LO and the awesome details! How fun spending the day antiqueing and what goodies you have collected! The Blog Hop has been lots of fun! So many talented ladies! Love ya darlin!

Please remember that the Blog Hop Continues at Paper Issues ....Here....until April 2nd to win this awesome Kit!!! Keep those comments and LO's coming!!!

It has been a busy week....I spent last Friday evening scrapping with some of my favorite ladies, Jenny, Effie, and Jamie....joined me for an evening at Great Scraps....Lots of creating, lots of laughs and most of all it was wonderful, just to spend time catching up!!!

I worked on this Receipt Holder from 7 Gypsies!!! I have had it in my stash for quite awhile!!! I am so glad that I got it completed and it was so fun to work on.... I used all repurposed items to make the tags...they were made with the back of packaging from products!!!! WOOHOO...look at me go!!!I used papers from 7 Gypsies and Jenny let me borrow her Stampin Up Butterfly Stamp and Punch.....I love the houndstooth!!!I loved this little key from Tim Holtz and the numbered tape down the side!!!Look at that paper with the Eggs...looks like my Eggs left behind by Miss Chicken!!!This was a really fun project!!! Most of these supplies to complete this were purchased from Blue Moon!!!! They are one of my favorite online stores...Check them out!!!I have some exciting news to share....I have decided to enroll in the S oul Restoration Online Class, and this will be a six week class....I loved the idea of working on ME!!!! I am a care taker....have been since a small child! It seems so easy to take care of others...but when it comes time to take care of me...I push it to the back burner!!! I so hope this class helps me to restore my soul...to deal with the issues that keep trying to surface, and I push them back down!!! The class starts on April 5th....Check ou t the class.....see if it might interest you! Maybe we could take it together...Sandra and I are going to be taking this class, and we are so excited to get started!!!

I am wishing you all a Fabulous Weekend....we have entered into the winter stage again, and that makes me sad....we are expecting rain and snow....I so want this to be over....I want to get outside and put my hands in the soil...but not this weekend!!!

Thanks again for all the wonderful participation in the Blog Hop!!! Smiles to all of you!!!! :-)

PAPER ISSUES BLOG HOP

2011-03-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Good Morning.....yes it is a Fabulous Saturday Morning!!! Do you know why.....because it is PAPER ISSUES first BLOG HOP and, WELCOME to my Blog!!!

You should start the Blog Hop over at PAPER ISSUES and see what the team has put together for today!!!

Get ready! Paper Issues is having a Blog Hop!
We will start this TODAY, March 19.
There will be prizes! Oh yes!
You can win this kit with Crate Yummies!!
Come on over and PLAY!!!!

FAVORITES.....now that is an easy one....what is one of your Favorite Things, your Favorite Scrapbooking Product or even your Favorite Technique!!!

Well....those of you who are regular followers know that I have a LOVE for Antiques!!! One of my favorite ways to spend some extra time is to go on the hunt...for beloved old treasures!!! I just recently completed a barn crawl and found some awesome goodies...My favorite items are books, wood, and anything that I can repurpose makes me sooooooooooo Happy!!! I also love to use ink and spray mists on my LO's....this is one of my favorite techniques!!!!!

So here is the LO that I completed for today....NOT SO NEW!!!! Yeppers, look at all of these wonderful old kitchen utensils!!!! LOVE THEM!!!! I got such a kick out of looking at all of these old pieces and trying to figure out what some of them were actually used for!!!

I love this line from Bo Bunny!~!! The old clocks are just awesome!!!Of course we have to add some old keys, a Jenni Bowlin Button and some Bakers Twine!!!
I am offering a RAK today for those of you who complete the Blog Hop, and of course leave me a comment!!!! I will pick a winner for this Fabulous Kit on March 24th.....please make sure when you leave me a comment that you leave an email contact!!! Thank you, and GOOD LUCK!!!

This is the most awesome acrylic album kit!!! Everything that you need to complete this album, including papers, embellies and full instructions are included!!! I bought two of these kits...I liked it so well when it arrived...I had to order one for myself!!! It's easy enough to win...so please stop over and see what all of my talented team members are up to...I hear there are tons of prizes....I know you love prizes!!!

Next stop on the Blog Hop is KJ ....... Kelly Jo.....

Have Fun Ladies and Happy Blog Hopping!!!!!

Guess What!!!!!!

2011-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Guess what we are having at Paper Issues....our very first BLOG HOP!!!! WOOHOOOO....how much fun is this going to be!!!!

Get ready! Paper Issues is having a Blog Hop!
We will start this Saturday, March 19.
There will be prizes! Oh yes!
You can win this kit with Crate Yummies!!
We'll see you on Saturday!!!!

***************

So you need to check my Blog on Saturday morning....this is when all the FUN starts!!! Lots of prizes and wonderful RAK's to win!!!! I know everyone wants a chance to win some FABULOUS GOODIES!!!

OK....so here is sneak peak of my LO!!! I used all new Bo Bunny Products and I just adore this line!!!

Here is what I am offering you when you stop by and leave me a comment on Saturday...I would love for you to visit all of the wonderful and talented team members that have worked so hard to put this Hop together!!!!

This kit is filled with everything you need, the acrylic album, all of the papers and embellies and a full sheet of instructions to put this together!!!! It is awesome...I liked it so much, I bought one for me to complete also!!!! :-)

This is a picture that might give you a bit of a hint as to what my LO is all about!!! HMMMM....can you figure it out!!!! I bet you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Think really hard!!!

I am wishing you all a TERRIFIC Thursday and I hope to see you back on Saturday!!!! Let's support a great team over a Paper Issues!!!! SMILES to you sweet friends!!!! :-)

It's A Birthday Kinda Day!!!

2011-03-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

This time change has been whirling....but I love that we have daylight later in the evening!! That beautiful sunshine brings a smile to my face!!! We were out on Saturday, and I saw several stores have beautiful pots of pansies..purples and yellows and I so wanted to buy a pot of them...but with the weather we get here in Maryland...I will wait for a few more weeks!!!! The temps have been much warmer, and I see a few green buds popping out in my garden!!! YIPPEE!!!!!

Joe's vacation came to an end and I must admit...I am sad!!!! I wish he never had to go back to work!!! We took it easy this week! We had our new back up sump pump installed...if we lose power it runs off of the water pressure in the house...that is such a piece of mind...considering all the water issues we have had!!!! I had Joe working hard on Wednesday..he put together another piece of furniture for the office....hung up my Pottery Barn shelf and a few other things in the downstairs...We shopped a bit and I found another piece of furniture that I want at Ikea...I saw the look on his face...like...really another piece of furniture to assemble...I thought I was done...oh no...I should have never taken her to this store.... A shopping trip to Costco.....oh boy....tons of paper towels, chicken, fish and yes the ever needed toilet paper!!! :-) He bought me a new point and shoot camera...I have a Nikon D90 but that is tough to tote around....so a smaller version was purchased!!!

This week will be two days of physical therapy for Dad....He is doing well...looks tired, but I hope he will be back to feeling much better soon!!! Gavin is a ball of fire.....he is running and jumping, and of course fighting with his brother!!!! That's my boy!!!

You can just barely see the incision under his chin....It looks wonderful right now...red but healing beautiful!!!
Fighting over the DS!!!! You can see that Evan has had enough, and Gavin is getting soooo angry!!! Oh the love of brothers!!! :-)
My sweet friend Lisa is having her surgery this week...please remember to keep her in your prayers!!! I know she will do just fine.....she is such inspiration to me....her strength amazes me!!!

So with me feeling all Springy..... Look at that Blue Sky!!!! Oh Sunglasses and short sleeve shirts!!!This is a Super Important Day....It is my daughter Danielle's 30th Birthday...did I say that I have a daughter that is 30.....YEP.....I sure did!!! Happy Birthday sweet girl...I am blessed to have you......I am proud of the woman that you have grown to be!!! I can hardly believe that you are turning 30 today....where have the years gone....they have been filled with wonder, because of you!!!! I remember this day 30 years ago.....when I looked down at you, after a tough birth....yes all natural and she weighed 9 pounds 11 1/2 ounces..., I was in awe of you....I held you and thanked the Lord for you.....when you looked at me...I knew there would never be a more perfect day in my life!!!! You have filled my life with so much joy and LOVE!!!!!!

Danielle and Momma!!!!! I love her sooooo much!!!!Happy Birthday sweet girl!!!

Sharing Good News!!!!

2011-03-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

What a week this has been!!! Dad did well with his surgery...except for coming out of the anesthesia, he had a problem with his oxygen level, and became confused and combative....they gave him some drugs and lots of oxygen, and he came around!!! Scared the Heck out of me...I mean really scared me!!! He is home and doing well...Thank goodness that is behind us!!!

Gavin went to see his doctor on Tuesday for a follow up!!! We got the pathology reports and the tumor was benign.....PRAISE THE LORD and it was the Dermoid Tumor, and not a Thyroglossal Cyst...so that means....WE GOT IT AND IT WILL NOT RETURN!!!!! I am so Happy, I am over the moon....We must keep that scar protected with sun protection for a least one year.....if he gets sunburn on it...it will stay red!!! So we must be very careful to keep this covered!!!

My sweet baby boy just a few days before his surgery!!!!Always doing something silly to his MeMe!!!!We are having the worst weather......tons of rain and winds!!!! We had the sump pump system put in, and this thing is making we crazy....it runs constantly and sounds like a fog horn in the bedroom..I am having Joe call them today....I have not slept at all!!!! I really think it is time to visit the doctor about this sleeping situation....I cannot continue to go on just a few hours of sleep...I am sooooo tired!!!

Joe and I have had a great week together while on vacation...we got lots of things completed in the downstairs! Shelving has been hung, things put together and a few laughs shared!!! I wish he could stay home with me all of the time!!!!

This is the last week for our challenge over at Paper Issues.....We have had some great projects showing up from all of you!!! Remember...anything with a Bee, a Bird or a Butterfly!!!!

A Butterfly!!!!

Some Bees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now on to some Happy News!!!! My sweet friend Tina just started her Blog.....Tina and I live 10 minutes from one another! She is one of the most talented ladies I know....She can do anything....tear a wall out....put in flooring, create the most gorgeous goodies, and decorate like no one else....so take some time and pay her a visit.....She has an awesome Etsy shop that she is starting, and of course I will be her number one customer!!!! Welcome to the Blog world sweet friend, and HAPPY 40th Birthday!!!!
Celebrating at our Favorite Restaurant and of course awesome presents!!!!I am wishing you all a Fabulous weekend......I am hoping the weather will be clear by the Saturday!!!! It would be nice to have a few nice days!!!! SMILES AND HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Our Little Angel!!!!

2011-03-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

How can words describe how I feel today!!! Reading your comments has been so uplifting! The heartfelt prayers and good wishes just warmed my heart!!!! I want to thank each and every one of you for loving us!!! It has been a tough week!!! My Faith and your support has gotten me through!!!

We are exhausted....I think you get through what you have to get through and then BAM....it hits you like a ton of bricks!!! Gavin is doing so well.....he is up and about....Poor Momma, trying to keep a 3 year old still!!!! He has internal stitches and then they glued the outer tissues of the neck...Little swelling or bruising...but his little face still looks swollen!!! I thank God each day...that we made it through this, one and it turned out as well as it did!!! I have Faith that this is the end of it....the doctor got it all, and he is healed...Today...I am off to the hospital with my Dad....he is having surgery on his shoulder and we have to leave the house at 4:30 AM.....I am concerned...he is 78 years old...and has diabetes, so this surgery is going to be a tough one on him...Mom is not doing well......the roles have reversed on us....I am now the parent and they are the children!!! I have seen my father age quickly over the past two years! I am hoping that all goes well, and we will bring him home this afternoon...and then it starts....physical therapy...and I know I will be running several days a week!!! Oh Lord...give me the strength and patience to get through the next month or so!!!! :-)

Joe has vacation this week...so I have a Honey Do List waiting for him!!! :-) I know he is just so excited about this!!!

Here are some pics from my Sister In Law's Birthday Dinner!!! She was really happy with all of her new Pandora Charms!!!!
Our little Ben...look at that face!!!!!!!!!!Now what the heck did I do....I ruined a great pic... See what sleep deprivation does to you!!!A Family Pic....Look at that Big Smile Evan is wearing!!! He was soooo good!!!
I am so sorry that I have not been to visit with you...I have missed you all, but there are not enough hours in the day!!! I promise...I will try hard to get back to see you all!!!!

This is our Main Man...that is what Pop calls him!!! I had such fun playing with PhotoShop on this one!!!Wishing you a Fabulous Week....Oh how I am looking forward to some warmer temps!!!! Love you, and once again THANK YOU for caring!!!! MUWAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE on GAVIN!!!!

2011-03-04T04:04:00.000-08:00

Short one today sweet friends.....we are all so exhausted...it was such a long day yesterday!!!

We arrived at the hospital with our sweet angel early yesterday morning...Danielle had tried to explain to Gavin where he was going and what was going to happen...as best you can to a 3 year old!!! We didn't want him to think he was going to a Doctor appointment....we didn't want him to equate this procedure with regular check ups!!! When we got there...he did not want to get undressed...he wanted to wear his jeans...He was hungry and just kept asking for something to eat and drink...CAN YOU SAY....BREAK your Heart!!!

By the time it was to take him down...we were all at our breakdown point...I must say...I have the most wonderful Daughter!!! She kept it together...gathered her baby in her arms and took him to the operating room...They administered some laughing gas and then Mommy made her way back to us...They then put in his IV and breathing tube!!! She lost it only when you got to Shawn's waiting arms...we all cried and then gathered our things and headed to the waiting room!!

So many things were happening here....I sent Danielle and Shawn to get something to eat, and Joe and I waited. They informed us that the surgery began at 12:00 PM....Joe and I waited...and then things started happening in the waiting room....A pediatric patient was brought by being administered CPR....I jumped up and thought I would lose it....it was not Gavin..but it broke me heart....doctors kept coming in the room and I heard screams of agony coming from another room....I prayed for the family! My heart was breaking...something went terribly wrong with someones child!!! Finally our doctor emerged and I called Danielle.....Our surgery was complete and Gavin was on his way to recovery!!! The OR nurse laughed, and said we had a little wild man...when he came out of his anesthesia...he was fighting...Back to recovery to find him sleeping on his stomach.....bloody nose and very swollen lips!!! The benign tumor was removed and they did less than what they first stated....The doctor informed us that he would be conservative, and hope that this got it all!!! If not...we will be back again....but my heart tells me...he got it, and it will not return....

So....we got to bring him home last night!!! He is in a lot of pain...but so funny when we give him his pain meds!!!! To see a 3 year old acting a bit silly brought a smile to our face!!! He kept telling Pop to get him more grapes and he told MeMe to do Foot Do...which means rub his feet...I have given him foot massages since the day he was born...so he would stick his feet up and tell me....DO MORE FOOT DO MeMe...and get me my Ravens Juice!!! He calls his grape juice....Ravens Juice!!!! A rough night...but he is home!!!

Thank you all for the wonderful support and prayers....it made me feel so much better to know that so many people were praying for him and holding him close in your hearts!!! It was a 16 hour day and I am exhausted today!!!! We have my sister in laws Birthday party this evening..so today I plan on taking a long and much needed nap!!!

We have some exciting things happening at Paper Issues in March!!!! Don't forget the great Challenge for Birds, Bees and even a Butterfly!!! Stay tuned and keep your eyes open for what we have in store!!!

My Precious Little Man!!! He loved to go out and take long walks....I used some pp with Birds and of a course my favorite JB Butterfly!!!This one means so much to mean!!! FAITH.....and the Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch!!! I gave this to my Mom!!!

Again....thank you all for loving us....thank you for caring and being there....It got me through!!!

I truly hold each of you close in my heart and LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-) Have a great weekend!!!

This Week.....

2011-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

This week is going to be a super busy one....Today, Joe and I are off to a doctor appointment, and then to pick up the boys for a shopping trip!! They are getting new games for their XBOX, and dinner with MeMe and Pop....ice cream tooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, I have a Pulmonary Appointment...anxious to hear what the doctor has to say about this asthma...I am thinking that the Pellet Stove may be making things worse...we shall see!!!

Thursday is Gavin's Surgery....I am nervous and anxious...but my Faith is strong that all will go well!!! It just has to!!! I will try to update you all as soon as I can....I have Evan to take care of for a couple days...Mommy and Daddy will have their hands full!!!! I know that when we get to the hospital....I have to stay strong for Danielle, and that I will do!!! I can fall apart later that night...after Evan is tucked away for the night!!! Please keep him close in prayer....My Church will have a constant prayer chain going Thursday, and Mom's Church made him a prayer quilt, and the whole Church and Pastor prayed over it on Sunday...We are taking it to the hospital!!

Friday evening is my Sister In Law's 60th Birthday...and we are going out to dinner with the family...

So there you have it.....a busy week...but busy seems good this week....Less time to dwell on what can happen!!!

Joe took me to the Barn Shop on Sunday, and OH MY....I found lots of goodies!!! I got an old Pillar from a Barn.....an oil can, a watering can, a burlap pillow and table runner, some old bottles, and a film canister....

Here are a few pics of my finds!!

The Pillar...I wrapped some Burlap around it!!!My Burlap pillow and the old film canister!!!My Bird Cage!!!Fence posts!!! Love them!!
We also did a bit of shopping at my, LSS and got some new papers, Echo Park goodies, and lots of cool embellies....spent a little more than I had planned..but hoping that the new score will spark some MOJO!!!

I used the Echo Park Little Boy Line on this LO!!! Love these papers!!! Love this little boy!!!Love the Baker's twine!!! :-)
Wishing you all a wonderful week.....keep those positive thoughts coming our way!!!! I sure do appreciate it!!! Love to all of you!!!! :-)

We are on COUNT DOWN!!!!

2011-02-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Gavin was seen by his Pediatrician on Monday for his pre ops! He has had a stomach virus for 5 days....but he is cleared for surgery next Thursday!!! I can honestly say...I can feel the fear starting to creep in! I am trying to keep myself as calm as possible...so please hold our family in your thoughts and prayers!

We did get more snow.....it is melting a bit quicker than it did last time...but still enough to make a mess...I am really hoping this is the last one of the season....Today we are expecting 60 MPH winds and tons of rain....OK....now I am in a panic.....What IF.....the electricity goes down and the sump pump dies....if I have water in this downstairs again...you can book my stay at the RED RUBBER ROOM!!!! No less we have snow that is melting, and therefore that will make even more water!!! You know my fear of wind and these tress......GO AWAY weather!!!! Just be calm and quiet.....no such luck!!!

Joe and I have been doing well on our eating plan...I have lost 4 pounds and Joe has lost 6 pounds...but I have to admit...I really miss some things!!! I had a craving for french fries the other evening and of course sweets...Watching TV in the evening does not help....have you noticed how many commercials you are subject to, that have to do with junk food!!!! So I am plowing through, but at times it has been challenging!!! I think a good idea would be to BAN ALL FOOD COMMERCIALS after 6:00 PM....Who wants to jump on this Band Wagon with me!!!!!

Joe took me to do some Barn shopping last Sunday!!! We were not allowed to take pictures on the inside...but here are a few from the outside...I scored a few things....a bowling pin, an old frame that was made into a mirror, a few pieces of old wood, a large spool of thread, a pitcher and a license plate from Maryland with the sticker being issued in 77!!!! I am hoping to get to the other Barn this weekend...The two pieces that I wanted, were sold by the time we got there!!! :-(

This place was really Huge on the inside!!!! Joe still does not get the fact why I bought wood with peeling paint on it!!!! What is wrong with him!!! Doesn't everyone want an old piece of wood with lead paint peeling off of it!!!!
I had to giggle.....Joe looked like...you really are not going to buy that thing are you?Here are some goodies from Pinterest that spiked my interest!!!! Again I am sorry I am not able to give credit for these awesome pieces!!!! OWLS....is this not awesome...look at the dimension!!!Enamelware....my favorite!!!! Check out this frame made of TAGS!!!!! Love the colors...so soft!!!Puffy hearts made from old books!!!! LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Don't forget about the Challenge at Paper Issues!!! We want to see your creations with Birds and Bees!!! Oh don't forget a Butterfly will work also!!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous weekend!!! Love ya girlies :-)

It's Winter Again!!!

2011-02-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Oh what a lovely couple of days we had...I actually got to sit out on the deck and enjoy the warmth of the sun on my face!!! I had to giggle...here are some of the kids in the neighborhood...running around in shorts and flip flops....really....in February, and then it came!!! The winds from HELL!!! I mean I thought the house was going to be pulled up from the foundation....It makes me really nervous...because we have 3 huge Oak Trees that are over 100 years old in the back yard, and they are wayyyyy to close to the house!!! The wind tore at us for over 24 hours!!! Screaming through the trees, roof moaning and groaning and poor worry wart me...looking out the window to make sure the trees were in place! I was getting ready for bed on Saturday night, and what was that noise...it was quiet...it was peaceful, and there were only mild winds!!!! YAY!!!! But the temps have fallen and it is cold!!!! Did they say that SNOW word in the weather report!!! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wonder where my Rooster went...this wind gusted up to 60 mph....poor babies...but on Sunday morning I heard him singing in all his glory....They have moved down the road several houses...after one of idiot neighbors is shooting at them!!! OH PEOPLE..they are only helpless birds!!!!

Joe and I did a day trip to one of the Barns that I have so been wanting to visit....He treated me to a day out, and it did the soul good!!!! I was in HEAVEN...all the old furniture, textiles, and Fabulous finds!!!! Thanks sweet husband...you are tooooo good to me!!!

Poor Baby Gavin got the stomach flu this weekend and he has been so sick!!!! Burning with fever and now we wonder if the surgery will go.....he is so weak!!!! What in the world is going on with this little man!!!! Danielle is holding her breath that the rest of the family does not get slammed with it!!!!

It's that time again and I am hoping to score the Celebrity Seats for the Circus!!! Danielle, Evan and I had such a great time last year!!!! Of course...check out the Bird...don't forget the Challenge over at Paper Issues!!!! It's Birds, Bees and Butterflies!!!Love the embellies on this one!!!! Look at those Happy Faces!!!Wishing you all a great week!!!! I think this a is a somewhat quiet one, and I treasure that right now.... LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

Loving these temps!!!!

2011-02-17T03:49:00.000-08:00

We have been blessed with a warm up for the past several days, but looking at the weather report...this is going to be short lived...That's OK...I have enjoyed the days of sunshine!!!!

Some sad news to pass on....A Hawk got one of my Roosters....I know...I said they were a pain in the tail...but I have to come love these little guys!!!! I walked out to get the mail for my neighbor and I, and there he was! Mr. Carl did not want me to see him..thank goodness he was across the street...so the menfolk gathered him up last night to dispose of his body!!! I don't want to know the details....This was one of the two Roosters that hung out with Miss Chicken...she was squawking so loud...I cried!!! Amazing how these little creatures mourn also!!!

Gavin has another cold...come on boy....let's keep well so we can get the surgery completed on March 4th...March is beginning to look like a very busy month!!! Lots of Birthdays to celebrate!!!! I had to go have the asthma checked...have been put on prednisone, and neb treatments and can't wait to see my Pulmonary Doctor the first week of March...this is really kicking my tail!!! I hate to wheeze, and feel like I can't get my breath!!! The flu season has hit us hard...everyone seems to be sick!!!

Weight Watchers is treating me well...Still trying to figure out how to tweak it to my needs...but as of today I have lost 3 pounds this week!!!! YAY for me!!!!! Mom and Dad came over on Monday and brought me my favorite Vanilla Butter Creams from Wockenfuss!!! Now this box of chocolates has been calling my name...so I treat myself to one a day...Hey, I will substitute my one candy a day for my one a day vitamin.....fair trade HUH? :-)

Here are a few more Crafty Goodies that I found on PINTEREST!!!! Love these and I am so making them!!! I am sorry I can't credit the talented ladies who made these...I could not find the information....

Is this not adorable....It would go in my kitchen perfectly!!!
Just awesome....Love this idea!!!I have tons of Buttons, and I would love to make this for the Downstairs!!!I have several of these containers stored in the garage....I need to plant some herbs in them and put them in my kitchen!!! Love this idea!!!
Don't forget.....the great Birds, Bees and Butterfly Challenge that is happening at Paper Issues!!!! Yes...my LO is Featured there!!!!! Insert smile!!! :-)

These Bird Rub On's are just so adorable!!! Lots of Bling and Pink!!!!I have seen some Fabby things being made, and thank you Mel for making a page for the Challenge..Ladies check out her Blog...this is one talented lady!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!!!!! Enjoy making memories with those that you love!!! I know I will be!!! Love ya...and thanks for all the Fabulous Comments that you leave for me...I so appreciate them and look forward to reading them all!!!!! SMILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

It's Valentines Day....and my Valentine is off of work today!!! I think we are going out to lunch....to celebrate!!! That Big Yellow Thing in the Sky has been visiting us....we are going to have temps this week in the 50's, and I am DELIGHTED!!!!! I think a friend of mine posted we only have 30 some days until SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Really...is it coming that soon...oh I can't wait!!!Well first off....I now have a new Name....just call me Farmer Jocelyn.....My hen is laying eggs in my front garden!!! Everyday she visits, and leaves me a deposit...My neighbor Mr. Carl told me to get those eggs out everyday...or we will have chicks...NO WAY....I SAY....so here I go...out the door and reach into this nest that she has made, and pick up fresh eggs!!! Mr. Carl wanted them...it freaked me out a little...did you know that there is poo on the eggs...or at least that is what it looks...YUCK!!!! Everyone is laughing at me.....what did I think...that the eggs look like what I purchase in the store? Do you think they come out all clean and in a carton Farmer Jocelyn? Lisa and I were talking on the phone the other evening, and she was raised on a farm....she encouraged me to go out and get an egg, crack it open and see the color, scramble it and see what I thought!!! OK.....Lisa......I love you a lot girlie...so out I went...DO YOU KNOW THE EGG IS ORANGE on the inside....it is... I decided not to scramble it....The poo thing still has me feeling somewhat grossed out!!! So now...Farmer Jocelyn has egg collecting to do everyday...add another thing on my list of to dos!!!! :-)

I started Weight Watchers on line.....I have got to get this weight off...so I am now into my fourth day and it is a bit challenging...but I must say I am doing well....I am on the treadmill for forty minutes...and I am eating healthy!!! My down fall is sweets....if it is sweet I want it....not a salty person! I almost fell off the chair when I saw how many points you spend on a McDonald's sweet tea....I can have a sweet tea and nothing else for the rest of the day...so water it is!!!!

I have been a very bad girl this week...I have neglected quite a bit around here...because I became addicted....I admit it...I am a PINTEREST Addict....I got on the site and I could not get off....I would do what HAD to be done and run back to my laptop to make sure that I did not miss something....so between Blog Hopping, Facebook and Pinterest....I have become consumed!!! Joe came home the other evening and I was so excited to show him what I had pinned and, he was not so excited to see! He looked at me oddly and said "That is nice Honey....UH HUM...and then went on to continue to watch TV...Well how RUDE!!!!! insert smile here :-) What do you mean...don't we need all these things...I have to make this, and I have to make that, and he just shook his head!!!! We need to go to the salvage yard Joe...I need old pallets, I need old shoes, I need everything! He just continues shaking his head...I have a feeling he was not listening... I plan on attending an upcoming event for Barnstorming...YEP...that is what I am going to do! There is more than one way to skin a cat!!! Oh that sounds horrible...sorry Miss Cosmo!!!

So these are some of my finds.....I have to do this...Joe looked at it and said...what is inside that shoe!!!! He just does not get it!!!
PERFECT for Valentines Day!!!! OH I love this....drool!!!!!!!!!!!!Oh Cubbies...glorious Cubbies!!! Is this one not awesome!!!!Look what Shari did with these buttons....is it not the best!!! I LOVE IT!!!
Now Ladies....you have to click quick....to Paper Issues...we are having a FABULOUS CHALLENGE THIS MONTH....one that will bring smiles to your face....HOW ABOUT...BIRDS, BEES AND BUTTERFLIES!!!! Now does that not scream....SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!

Hop on over to the Blog and link up your LO's! We want to see all the goodies you ladies are creating! Last month was awesome...so much talent!!!!

So this week...I will be good...I will eat healthy...I will limit my internet time, and I will do what I am supposed to do....but that stinks....I want to eat brownies while dropping crumbs on my laptop, pinning away on Pinterest, and dreaming of all the wonderful things that I can create!!!!

Wishing you all a great week!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Happy Thursday!!!

2011-02-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wowzers...this week has flown by.....and what have I gotten accomplished....NOT A THING....and that is just alright!!!! It was one of those weeks....every time I thought I had it under control....something popped up!!! But hey that is life....I have been fighting the pellet stove all week....I must have purchased some YUCKY pellets...because the darn thing keeps getting all gunky, and then I have to shut it down, wait for it to cool off and then clean it....and what do I find.....several hours later....it is gunky again!!!! The truck is repaired again...costing me a fortune...I should have been an auto mechanic...they know they have you by the tail.....you need them, more than they need you!!!! I missed a doctor appointment....totally forgot about...oops!!!! But all in all....it's a Happy Thursday!!!

I think I can say...I am ready for Spring....I am a Winter Person...but the cold, the snow, the ice and the dreary days....they need to go!!! I am ready for some green.....a tad warmer...where I can at least turn off this pellet stove, and open the windows..I know we are all feeling that way!!!

Here are some pics of the boys from Super Bowl Sunday!!! Now we are Ravens Fans...but our Evan is a Steeler Fan...only because he is 8 and loves all the teams that are winners....he likes the Yankees too!!!! So no Steeler Fan steps foot in our house....with one exception...Mr. Evan...He came in and Papa gave the boys THE TERRIBLE TOWEL...Evan kept asking me who I wanted to win the Super Bowl...of course the Packers I said...but then halfway through the game...he was getting so upset....he cried... So I am just telling you guys...don't let anyone else know or they will hang me by my toes.....Evan and I cheered the Steelers on...there I said it!!! I pretended really well!!! See what you do when you love them to the moon....you cheer for a team that you detest...sorry Steeler Fans... you know there is no love loss between the Ravens and the Steelers..so just skip this part!!!! It's only Football...RIGHT?

Evan before the game...all excited with his towel!!!Gavin with his towel...He stuck his tongue out and said...BOOOO Steelers... He kept saying Go Ravens....so cute!!!Snack time for the boys!!!! Papa had such a great time with his great grandsons!!He brings me such joy!!! He looked over just as I was taking this picture and said...I love you MeMe!!!! I thought I would melt!!!Love this little boy!!! Playing peek a Boo!!!
I also created this one of Gavin!!!!!!!!! Oh I adore this little man!!!!

I am wishing you all a Fabulous weekend....guess what...we have temps that are going to be near 50!!!! Break out the shorts and start the gardening!!!! YIPPEEEEEEE!!!!! Smiles to you all!!! :-)

And now there are THREE!!!!!

2011-02-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well sweet friends...the ROOSTER SAGA continues....I thought I heard several roosters crowing in the morning, and I was right!!! There are now three....three is not a nice number!!! They are fighting...vicious fighting!!!! I ran out the other morning in my PJ's and slippers trying to break up Rooster fights, by throwing snow balls at them.... that did not work, so Joe ran out with a broom, and broke up the nasty fight.....The mystery is beginning to unravel...there is a HEN in my yard now....So all the boy Roosters want to get to her.....The neighborhood is in a uproar.....now three Crowing ROOSTERS at 3:00 am equals, the black circles under my eyes telling the story of no sleep!!!! The men folk of the neighborhood gathered, and it was a sight......three grown men chasing these roosters with no avail!!!!! I am beginning to think that I should just add a cow and a pig...and there ya go...JOCELYN and JOE's Farm!!!!! Next step....I am contacting the local Television Station....I will win this battle....I will!!!!!

Here is the new couple...this is not the Rooster that is in my yard..this one is much bigger, and has some chunks out of him!!! He has been fighting hard for his chickie!!!I should take that Birdhouse Down.....Not all Birdies are welcome!!!!! Only quiet Birdies are welcome!!!She is really pretty....I always thought chickens were white!!!! Just a city girl here...but I adore her colors...She is very quiet...just makes some delicate clucks!!!! They do make a HANDSOME couple!!!!! :-) If only he would be quiet!!!!So today we are off for dental appointments...I love dental cleanings....they make my teeth feel so good...Joe hates them!!!! Well he does have to get a deep scaling...and that does hurt!!!!

We spent the day with the family for Super Bowl Sunday....not that I wanted to watch this game...I had no interest....sorry PA friends...but I just cannot stand the Steelers!!!! So I cooked all day....made Lasagna, Fresh Salad, Homemade Garlic Bread, Peanut Butter Brownies, Cherry Pie...so the family enjoyed dinner!!! Halftime, we had Mexican Chicken Wraps with all the fixings, mini quiche, humus, chips, and lots of cheese and crackers!!!! I must have gained 10 pounds!!!! I rooted for the PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really did!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spending time with these two on Sunday was the BEST PART!!!!!!!!!!!!We always say to one another...I love you...with all my heart!!!!! Oh they do have my heart!!!!I am so looking forward to Tuesday....Tina and I are having our lunch date, and I just want to sit down and enjoy spending time with my sweet friend....

Wishing you all a great week...I have a busy one....but that is good...I GUESS!!!!! Smiles to all of you!!!! :-)

A Little Sunshine!!!!

2011-02-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well, our Gavin did wonderfully at him imaging on Monday!!! He actually got to go to a pediatric imaging center at Johns Hopkins University!!! They have TV's, and the children get to pick what they want to watch while the test is being done...The radiologist said he was such a good patient and stayed still....so they got Fabulous Images!!!! The THYROID is perfect...nothing wrong there, and they did not see a blood supply to the cyst...which means that they are pretty sure this is a cyst and not a tumor...THANK YOU LORD.....GOD IS GOOD!!!! So I felt like I took my first breath in the last couple weeks...On to pre op testing...his surgery is scheduled for March 4th!!!!

We are really SO HAPPY!!!!!We were very Lucky with the storm that hit most of the country...we got some ice....but not much...lost power for just a few minutes...but now the heat pump is making a strange noise....and of course....Joe's truck died at work and we had to have it towed to the garage...When it rains it pours...but that is OK.....small stuff!!!

I have so enjoyed seeing all the CHA pics...I so want all the TIM HOLTZ, 7 GYPSIES, and Maya Road has some awesome things too.....Oh Heck, I would be typing until tomorrow if I told you everything that caught my eye!!!!

We had a grand time with Evan on Monday...it was uplifting to spend the evening with him...We went out for pizza and he tore through his dinner in order to get to that Chocolate Cake!!

Boys.....always having to make silly faces!!!Evans Pizza, plain old cheese....Pop and I shared a White Pizza with sauteed onions and mushrooms!!!! YUM!!!There we go...a smile!!!!Before I could get the camera out....he was digging in!!! Hot Molten Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce and Whipped Cream!!! See I told you he dug into this!!!!! One bite for MeMe and that was it!!! TOOOOO SWEET!!!Today, this is what I am wishing for....sunshine, blue skies and warm temps!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHH Summer and smiles!!!! How much better could it be!!!

Thank you for all the well wishes, prayers, support and your friendship!!! I truly adore each and every one of you, and it means so much to the family!!!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend...filled with memories, happiness and lots of smiles!!!! :-)

Imaging Today!!!

2011-01-31T05:20:00.000-08:00

Today. Gavin will go for his imaging tests at Johns Hopkins University to see what organs have been impacted by this cyst and its roots...We are so hoping that the Thyroid Gland is Normal!!!! Joe and I will pick Evan up from school....and take him out for some dinner!!! After that, it will be back home...and Daddy, Mommy and Gavin should be home by that time! We are trying to keep things as normal as possible for Evan...he worries about his baby brother!!!

Many of you have asked me what this is that Gavin has....it is called a thryroglossal cyst! Click on the highlighted area and it will take you to a page that tells you what it is...This one has no pics....so it is safe!!!! Gavin's is very large, so the operation is going to be a bit more than what they usually do!!! Hope this helps!!!!

On Saturday, I cleaned the house and than ran out to catch Evan's Indoor Soccer game.....His team won, and he played like a champion...I couldn't get pics through the glass but here is Gavin cheering his brother on!!! On Saturday evening Joe took me to dinner at BoneFish Grill. Danielle had given us gift cards for Christmas, and we were anxious to use them....I have Chilean Sea Bass...poor Joe picked Diablo Shrimp Fettuccine, and I thought he was going to pass out....it was so highly seasoned...at first bite it seemed fine, but when it hit the back of your throat it burned like fire...He drank tons of water, iced tea and when I looked over, his face was red and he was sweating....I kept telling him to send it back...but he didn't!!! Poor man had a rough night when we got home....His tummy was a mess!!!

My Little Man...cheering on Brother, and having fun with his Lollipop!!!!
My dear friend Tina told me about this awesome Salvage yard she had found in Baltimore....I checked it out on the Internet and I had to go....I asked Joe if he would take me on Sunday...and off we went.....OH MY GOSH.....this place was awesome...so cold inside and out...we tramped around in snow....I couldn't really get a great look at the things outside...but oh my, on the inside it was filled was the most wonderful pieces....WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY pricey...I saw a couple pieces that I so wanted, but we were talking to much money for me!!!!

Here are some pics!!!!

This was the only heat in this huge building...but check out the solid marble mantel and that ornate mirror!!!
Another solid Marble piece....the carving is amazing!!!Here I am with a frame in my hand....I scored a P from the actual Baltimore Opera sign, some old spools, a crystal from a Chandelier!!!!Ropes from the ships that come into the Inner Harbor!!!!! I had a perfect place for this outside....but it was so frozen and filled with ice!!! I passed on it this time!!!There is my Joe checking out the goodies....The stained glass windows were awesome...but the one I really fell in love with was $800.00!!!I loved this piece...it probably weighed way too much for us to get it out of there...but it was my favorite!!!We then headed off to Towson Town Center and and went through Pottery Barn, and Crate and Barrel!!!! I got a few things from PB.....knock offs of the the originals I wanted at the Salvage yard!!!!!

We had a late lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then home! I had intended to do a LO....but that did not happen...I was way toooo tired!!!

Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.....Check out the darker hair!!!

No creative goodies..but I hope to get something done this week!!! We are expecting some nasty weather coming in, and did I see FLOODING ON Wednesday...OH DEAR GOD no....keep that water away from me!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous week!!!!! Sending you Hugs and Smiles!!!

We have SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

We got our first real snow storm Wednesday...and we have about 8-10 inches of snow....Pretty...but really heavy snow....Which of course makes for a difficult clean up, for us old folks....I am hoping our neighbor will be home to help plow out the driveway...I need to get out on the deck and get some of this heavy snow off of it!!!! Tree branches have snapped from the weight, and many people are without electricity!!!! Mr. Rooster has been crowing all night...but there may be a happy story to this one...A friend of mine is bringing a trap over this weekend, and we are going to set it up and hope to catch him...He will then find his new home at a farm!!!! My friends father has Roosters and Chickens, and I did not even know that!!! So wish us Luck that he will take the bait, and go into the trap!!! Poor guy has to be cold and hungry!!!

UPDATE ON GAVIN......with sad news...we did not get the report that we hoped for....He saw the Pediatric ENT on Monday....He told the doctor that he has a UMP on his neck!!! It broke my heart!!! The imaging will be done on Monday.....he is on antibiotics, need to have preops completed, and the surgery should take place in a couple weeks...Now this is where we thought we would pass out.....they will take some tongue tissue, remove some bone from his neck, excise the cyst and biopsy it, place a drain in his neck, keep him in the hospital in a narcotic state, so that he does not pull the drain out!!! This type of growth, has long roots and it is highly unlikely that they will get it all!!!! Poor Danielle is so worried, and now she went to urgent care, and has a horrible Respiratory Infection, Bronchitis and has been put on tons of meds and bed rest!!!! So....please keep those prayers coming!!!!

My Babies.....
We went to court on Monday, and the contractor did not show up!!! What a A HOLE!!!!! Now we had to refile the case and pay another $45.00 to have a Constable try to serve him with the papers....This is getting really old!!!!!

Thank you all for the love and the prayers....it means so very much to me!!!! I am tired....physically, mentally and spiritually...but I keep trying to keep my Faith and know that we are going to be OK!!!! This is Life....no one said it was going to be easy!!!! Heck if it was easy...how boring it would be...but I could a little boredom right now!!! :-)

I did not get out for my lunch date....darn snow, and I will not be getting together with the girls on Sunday......so that stinks!!!! BOOOOOO... I needed some time out with my girls!!!!

Here is another Valentine LO......for Paper Issues.....I have seen the most awesome things being made!!!! You have got to check out the site....There was a wreath made from cupcake liners and it was adorable!!!!!

I have no idea what is on the agenda for the weekend....I hope Joe will be home....I feel better when he is here.....

Wishing you a Fabulous weekend...hoping all the snow is gone soon...I have a hair appointment on Friday...mine was canceled due to the snow!!!! All of my friends at CHA....have FUN!!!!!!!!! :-)

Busy Monday!!!!

2011-01-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well today Gavin will be seeing the specialist at Johns Hopkins University!!!! Danielle and Shawn will be taking him...it is an early appointment!!! I just want to get this over with....find out what we are dealing with, and get whatever needs to be done....DONE!!!!

Poor Joe and I have to go to court....We had new sidewalks put in after the first pipe broke.....they had to dig up the entire yard, and the original sidewalks had to be torn up, and new ones put in!!! Well...the contractor did a horrible job...but kept promising to return to fix them!!! I guess you know what the outcome of this was....HE NEVER RETURNED!!!! So we went to the local court house, and filed papers for him to appear in court!!!! He is a smart one...he has not signed for the registered mail for the summons to appear.... So Joe and I have to go to court, sit through all the cases, and then have the judge tell us that we have to do this all over again...It cost me $28.00 for the certified mail....now I am going to have to pay $128.00 to have a Sheriff try to serve him...At this rate....I will be going to court and paying more than what the sidewalks are worth....So much for the consumer being protected...I did file a complaint against him with the Better Business Bureau...but now I have to have the sidewalks torn out again, and start all over!!! This really BURNS MY BUNS!!!

I spent the day Saturday cleaning.....I giggled...where is that Maid...I am going to have to fire her!!!! How come the house gets bigger and bigger, and I keep getting older and older!!!!!

Sunday was spent with Joe watching football...I have no idea who to Cheer on....I guess the underdogs!!!!!

I wanted to get some scrapping done...but Danielle has decided to go back to school to get her Masters Degree and NP, Nurse Practitioner....so we spent some time writing essays for her acceptance into the program!!! We wanted to get this done...she has one week to apply...I am so proud of her...working full time, Mommy, Wife and now taking on more Higher Education...She was looking at some jobs for NP's and she saw one in a Plastic Surgeons office...the money was super and she would get a discount on work....HEY sign her up on that one...MeMe needs some work!!!! :-)

Thank you Jenny for the lovely card that you sent me....It meant so much!!! I adore you girlie!!!

So we have had a bit on snow.....and here is that Big Pine Tree in the backyard that Mr. Red Rooster has decided to make his new home!!!
And here is Mr. PAIN IN THE TAIL....looking for something to eat!!! He still wakes us every morning at 3:00 AM....He and I are not on the best terms right now!!!I just thought this one was soooo pretty!!! My Big Oak tree in the backyard!!!Just as the sun starts to go down...he prances around the backyard....making it known that he is in charge!!!!!Don't forget about the awesome Prize up at Paper Issues!!!! We are getting tons of Fabulous creations made by all of you talented ladies!!!! Come Play along!!!

This is Miss Katherine Rose!!!! Is she not the most adorable little girl!!! This is my friend Jamie's little one!!!! I am always asking her for some pics of the girls to scrapbook!!!! Loving me some hearts on this one!!!See her little dress had hearts on it!!!!! AWWWWW!!!So that is about it for today....I have a hair appointment on Wednesday....YAY!!!!!!!!! Hoping to have lunch with my girl Tina on Thursday and a crop on Sunday!!!! See things are a bit brighter for me this week!!! Sending lots of love and BIG SMILES!!!!! :-)

Update on My Baby Boy!!!!

2011-01-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is has been a trying week to say the least!!!! Our Family is worried sick over Gavin!!! He was seen by his Pediatrician on Monday, and now is scheduled to see a Pediatric ENT at Johns Hopkins University on January 24th!!!! They believe that this growth on this neck is a thyroglossal cyst. I googled this, and that was probably not the best idea for me to do...I should have waited to hear what the specialist had to say!!!!

When I saw it...I must say, I thought I would pass out...It is huge....I would say a bit smaller than a golf ball...and that is BIG on a 3 year old!!!! Testing needs to be done...blood work, imaging and determining the best way for the surgery!!! There are all kinds of things in the neck that can be damaged during this surgery!!! They need to determine if his Thyroid is effected by this cyst!!! He has asthma....so all of this makes surgery a bit more difficult!!!! It just breaks my heart, this little boy has been through so much in his short life!!!

Joe and I just needed to spend time with him...so we scooped him up, and brought him over to the house...along with his nasty cold....but I really did not care about that...I just wanted to hold and love him!!! He got in the car and said "we go to MeMe's house and play, I want to go to MeMe's house right now"!!! I thought I was going to lose it in the car!!!!

So this is what we did!!!!!

Gavin loves to play on MeMe's Ipad!!!!! I have a ton of game applications that he requested!!! His favorite is bowling!!!
I just Love this little Boy!!!! He is MeMe inside and out!!!!Playing Kinect!!!! He was Dancing to Lady GaGa!!!! Look at him go!!!!This one made me giggle...he carefully lined up his shoes with Pop's!!!!A picture speaks a thousand words....I look exhausted...the dark circles and puffiness from the treatments and stress sure show in this one!!! Gavin told me I looked pretty!!!! You can see the ring that the Hubsters gave me for Christmas!!! I am making this a short one today.....I have lots going on....and I will share when I can talk about it!!!

How about another LO for the great Challenge over at Paper Issues....Stop by and visit us.....you should see the awesome Valentine goodies that are being made by some talented ladies!!!!It's my talented friend Maggi's Blogoversary, and she is celebrating by having some fabulous giveaways every day this week!

I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful comments, prayers and hugs that have been sent to me! It truly means so much!!!! I feel like such a Downer...that I am beginning to think that I should shut the Blog down for awhile!!! I am searching for that Happy Place...and the search has been tough...but you all make it so much more bearable!!! Faith keeps me afloat...but man, this river has been rough!!!!

Have a great weekend.....I have no idea what is on the agenda here..but I am wishing you happiness and lots of smiles!!!! LOVE YOU GIRLIES!!!! :-)

MY RAVENS LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-(

2011-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well......My Ravens lost the Football Game on Saturday...I am so disappointed!!!! I adore Football, and Baltimore was so excited....we were there....we led in the first half, and then just plain fell apart...some bad calls, some bad plays, and we are on our way home!!!!! Joe and I were so stressed out....yelling at the TV and yelling at our players...We GAVE THIS GAME AWAY....WE GAVE IT AWAY!!!! :-( Oh well...there is always next year and a Big shout out to Suggs!!!! He worked his tail off in this game!!!

Joe worked all day Sunday, and I sat back to recoup from tooo much activity on Saturday Night!!!! Who would have thought that a Football game could be so stressful!!!!! BOOOO!!!!!!!

Shawn found a lump on Gavin's throat and we all freaked....he took him to an urgent care and they said it is a Cyst, and will have to be removed by surgery!!!! Danielle called the Pediatrician on call and talked with them....Gavin has appointment to see his Pediatrician this week!!! This poor baby boy has been through so much!!!! I just feel so scared...thinking he may have to undergo surgery!!! Looks like this year is starting off with a Bang!!! I am still hanging on to the Glass being Half Full.....but it is getting really tough finding that sunshine!!!!

OK....let's go on to some Happy Stuff.....we all like Happy Stuff right!!!!

I think this if going to be a Fabulous Challenge!!!

Welcome to the Valentine's Day Partay! We have a fabulous sponsor for this round!
S.e.i. has been seriously Generous with the swag! They loaded us up with some Valentine Goodness! We are going to change it up just a bit. We will draw names as we go so that you have the paper in time to create something for Valentine's Day.

Is this not the Best Prize Package...Look at all those goodies!!!!!!

You can link as many projects as you want.

If you used paper...you are in!

Link to your blog post, not to the main page of your blog.

If you don't have a blog...feel free to link to a gallery we just want to find you!

It would be awesome if you were a follower here and on Facebook.

It would totally rock if you linked back to us...a text link or grab our button on the top right sidebar.

I just made several of these for Evan's teachers!!!! He gets so excited to fill up the box with a card and candy!!!!I got these at the dollar spot at Target!!!!

I am off today for a regular checkup with my Plastic Surgeon to check the lip!!!! We have a treatment scheduled for Thursday!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!!! It's cold here...but guess what...I love the cold...so bring it on!!!! :-)

BRRRRRR....it's cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well friends, we were lucky enough to dodge another major snow storm!!!!! Yippee....we had a few inches of snow..just enough to make it look pretty....but nothing to have to really get excited about!!! Now, next week...we may be having an ice storm, and that does not make me happy!!! Ice is worse than snow!!!

One more treatment next week, and then we will access how I am doing....the surgery is off for now!!! My tummy has been acting up, and this worries me....but I have to have the strength to come off the ventilator...and my neurologist does not think this is a wise time to sedate me for 6 hours!!!!

My Gavin is still fighting this horrible cold...so another week of just talking to the boys on the phone!!!! I miss them so much, it hurts!!!!! I want to give my boys hugs and kisses...but I can't take the chance of catching a cold!!!! Poor Gavin.....feel better soon sweet boy!!!!

We have a new Challenge Up at Paper Issues...this is a FUN ONE!!!!! VALENTINES!!!! Something about reds, pinks, and whites always puts a smile on my face!!!! A great prize is up!!!! Come Check it out and let's see some HAPPY VALENTINE PROJECTS!!! LO's, cards, altered projects are all welcome!!!!

This pic always makes me giggle...I ran to the store and bought these heart candies with the messages on them....of course no one will eat them....so I begged Evan to hold his hand out, and started pouring the candies into his hand!!! He looked at me and said..."MeMe do I have to eat this awful things", I laughed and shot the pic...he dumped the candy on the table, and I placed a BIG piece of chocolate into his palm...Now that brought a big smile!!!I just adore hearts....are these not the best!!!Ravens play Pittsburgh on Saturday.......COME ON BOYS....let's take this game!!! PLEASE!!!!!!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend....filled with making memories and keeping warm!!!! :-)

Another Monday Bites the Dust!!!

2011-01-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

We are off again for the third treatment...and I must say...this is getting old!!!! Getting the treatment is tough enough....but then being sick for days after, really stinks!!!! But.....what the heck else can I do!!!! I am planning on sleeping through this one!!! I am going to load up on lots of sleep inducing drugs and just sleep!!!! Maybe the day will go by quicker!!!! :-)

I did get up and get the house cleaned up on Saturday...and was so Happy to get that accomplished!!!! I love a clean house!!!!

We are on the last week of our Challenge at Paper Issues......There is a great prize up...so take a bit of time and create something that represents NEW!!! Stop over to the Blog and Check out the Super Talented Ladies!!! We are also on Facebook.....so don't forget to check us there also!!!!

Here is Mine.....This was Gavin's First Real Snow and his chance to wear his NEW snowsuit and snow boots!!

I had to laugh...when we took him out...he had no idea what all this white stuff was, and just could not walk in the snow...so he just sat down and looked around with those BIG BLUE EYES!!!!Look at that little face!!!!I just love this trim....it looks like snow!!!!I got a Knifty Knitter and wanted so bad to start a scarf!!! Well try reading the directions, HAHA...so I used Youtube and watched several videos on how to use this and..........YAY it worked and I am on my way to making my very first scarf!!!! I still want to learn how to knit with knitting needles...but this will do for now!!!!

We have something brewing in the weather for Tuesday....please no major snow!!! I can do with a little bit....but not what we had last year!!!

Hey.....Football Fans...did you see my Ravens yesterday!!!! WOOHOO.....we won, and now we are off to Pittsburgh next Saturday!!!!! Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!!!! GO RAVENS!!!!!!!!

I am so very sad about what happened in AZ.....my thoughts and prayers go out to the families that have been so sadly effected by this!!! I just cannot get my head wrapped around this!!! Why so much violence...We lost a police officer on Saturday Night while he, and the Baltimore City Police Department were trying to break up a Bar Fight!!!! Why guns....what happened to the days of a good ole fist fight!!!

Wishing you all a WONDERFUL WEEK!!! Thanks for all the love sweet friends...this is what makes my week...seeing all the great comments that you leave for me!!! :-)

No Treatment Today!!!!

2011-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well....I have the day off today from treatment.....It was a rough one on Monday, and they have decided that my body can't take another one this week!!! YAY!!!!! I will have another on Monday, and take this weekend to try to come back!!!! I have gotten very little done....but I have to do what I have to do!!!

We did get to take a trip to Ikea....they are having a major sale, and I did score some of the things that I wanted...a new chair cover, another piece of furniture that goes with our office, some storage items and lots of frames!!!! I love Ikea!!! They have the best things!!!!

Here is the addition to our office.....the glass doors are really pretty, and I got some awesome hardware for the door pulls!!!I have this chair...but it is in Black...so I got the new chair cover!!! Love the pattern!!!All kinds of these....all sizes..to go into the cabinet for organizing all of Joe's Important Documents!!! I just adore the colors and I may have to lift a few for my craft room!!!I received this from Lorry early in the week and it made me smile!!!! Yes, a Rooster Calendar....Let's talk about my friend the Rooster....we are having some major issues with him!!! He has decided to nest in our huge Pine Tree in the back yard.....His crowing starts at 4:00 AM and now he and I have been in a battle.....That is a wee bit early to start my morning!!!!! I have asked him to move on....but he seems to think this is the best place for him!!! There has been no catching him!!!! He is one smart cookie!!!! :-)

She made me this adorable card...I just love it!!! Doesn't that Rooster look like MINE!!!! Thanks so much Lorry!!!

We are expecting just a tad bit of snow this morning...but something may be brewing for the first part of next week!!!

I did do a bit of sorting in the craft room mess...I cannot even see the top of my desk!!!! I really need a week in there to tear apart...but that will come a bit later!!!!

Mom had her cataract surgery and is doing very well....She is having a bit of adjustment....being able to see out of her eye so well....it is making her a bit dizzy...they will be doing the other eye in a few weeks!!! Mr. Gavin has a terrible cold...so we are on high alert with his asthma!!!! I have not seen much of the boys in the past week!!!! The doctor wants me to stay away from little ones....since the treatment suppresses your immune system, and I am likely to pick something up!!!! So Danielle is keeping my little germy boys away from MeMe, and I miss them so much!!!

Joe will be working this entire weekend...so Miss Cosmo and I are pretty much on our own!!!! I have lots of TV to catch up on....and I intend on doing just that!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous Weekend!!!! Hope you are taking it a bit easy after this Big Holiday season is past!!!!! Love you!!!! Keep smiling!!!! :-)

Monday Morning!!!

2011-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here we are the first week of the new year!!!! I have an IVIG treatment this morning....OH JOY.....and another one on Friday...so this will probably be a lost week!!!! One positive thing....I have great insurance, because these treatments run several thousand dollars a treatment!!!! So see there is Sunshine in the midst of this!!!

Joe will be taking me today and spending some of the time with me, and then Dad will pick me up...Joe is heading to Chicago!!!!! Wish I were going with him!!!

The weather has been warm and no snow is expected...so that is another positive!!!

Decorations all taken down...the house looks kinda sad....no bright lights to warm the winter days, but now I have an itching for purging and cleaning...As soon as I feel better....the craft room is getting an overall.....I will be getting rid of tons of things!!!! I can't wait to get in there and create!!!

Still waiting to see if the surgery will take place on the 18th....the way things look right now...I really don't see it happening!!!!

We spent a very quiet New Years weekend...Joe worked most of it and I was asleep by 10:00 pm on New Years Eve, until the neighbors started shooting fireworks off....I woke up...said Happy New Year and went right back to sleep!!!

No creating...but don't forget the great prize that is up a Paper Issues....check out the challenge!!!

Create something NEW!!!!! New toys, new shoes, new recipes, anything new!!!! I would love to see what you come up with!!!

My word for this year is GROW....... yes....I have planted my seed....and I will take the time to tend to it....I have planted it, watered it, given it love and now I will wait patiently for that seed to grow....just as I will!!!! I think this is going to be a great year of learning!!!

I will leave you with a few pics of the weekend!!!

Miss Cosmo..all snuggled up by the pellet stove.....trying to take a nap...until Mommy brought the camera out!!! Look at her little feet....I love her!!!How about a game of Battleship....the old time one......with one of my favorite boys!!!!!
Ahhhhhh...the pellet stove!!! It has been running non stop, and I love to sit in the chair at night and watch the flames!!!!!Love you girlies and have a Fabulous week!!!!! :-)

This Year Comes to an End!!!!

2010-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well here we are at the end of another year!!!! As I sit back to reflect on this past year...I have many wonderful memories of time spent with my Fabulous Family and Friends!!!!

I have learned that being patient is a tough thing.....not all things that I pray for come when I think they should....I have learned that I work on God's time, and he is with me to guide and love me!!! He is my Father!!! Many of my friends are battling diseases that have taken so much from them, and yet they still have Faith!!!!! They lift me up, when they are so sick!!! I admire the courage that they have...and most of all I love them with all my heart and soul!!! I have spent many hours on the phone....laughing, crying and praying with these friends, and I know how Blessed I am that they are in my life!!!

I have seen the boys mature and grow up before my very eyes....They bring me more joy than you will ever know...I see ME in them....I see mannerisms that make me giggle, a zest for life, innocence, happiness and the wonderful times of being a child!!!

Yes....it has been tough at times this year....but it has also been filled with Happy Memories!!! I am Blessed and Thankful!!!

So what will this next year bring....I am anxious to see! My wish is for growth.....to learn more about the person that I have grown to be, to touch lives of those that I love, and to remain Positive no matter what is thrown at me!!!

I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Let's Bring on 2011!!!!

Here are several of my favorite creations from the past year!!! Each holds a special place in my heart!!!
I am not making any resolutions just taking my planner and jotting down a few things that I may like to attempt!!!! I have never been much on making New Years Resolutions...but one thing I can't wait to do......CREATE!!!! Now let me get some time to get into that room and put things in order....I have tons I want to finish and share with you!!! Happy New Year to all of you!!!!! MUWAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Love you!!!

It Was A Wonderful Christmas!!!

2010-12-28T04:25:00.000-08:00

Well Hello Dear Friends....I have been MIA.....so busy with all the Holiday Festivities, that I have had little time to Blog....I am looking forward to January...so that things can slow down a bit, and I can take time to visit with you all! It has been non stop....I must admit, I am a bit tired...but ever so Happy!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas!!!!! The family gathered at our house and we spent all day eating, opening presents, playing with boys....but BEST of all, COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS!!!!

We celebrated Joe's Birthday the day after Christmas! We always go out early in the morning and eat a HUGE BREAKFAST at IHOP and then off to Valley View Farms for some serious sales on Christmas Decorations!!!!

Here are some pics of the last few days!!!!

These Beautiful Flowers arrived from my sweet Friend Sandra on Christmas Eve....This was such a wonderful surprise!!!Momma was so Happy with her Peppermint Bark Cookies...I love this one of the two of us!!!Now these two made the day PERFECT!!!!! I love them to the moon!!!The Gift that created a HUGE SCREAM!!!! He got his Kinect!!!! We had a ball playing with this!!!Oh Boy.....Epic Mikey for the Wii!!!! Someone is Happy!!!Gavin decided to make MeMe a present!!! Look at his smile!!! :-)Tired but HAPPY!!!! :-)Birthday Breakfast Celebration at 8:00 AM on 12/26!!!! Whew, this boy can put some food away!!!
This one can also put some food away!!!We always take pics in front of the Poinsettias!!!! Family Tradition!!!Look at that FACE!!!!! He loved the Blue Lights!!!MeMe scores a New Outdoor Decoration!!!!!We have a NEW CHALLENGE AT PAPER ISSUES!!! I hope that you can all play along.....

The New Challenge is a NEW Challenge!

Show us your NEW projects...New baby, New shoes, New stamp, New house, New ANYTHING!!!!

Link it up!

We have a fabulous sponsor for this challenge!! Nikki Sivils!! Woot!!

Gavin was looking out the door at the NEW SNOW, and waiting for Evan to get home from school!!!!We were very Lucky with the Winter Storm that hit....we got very little, but our friends in Ocean City Maryland were hit hard with over a foot of snow!!!! Joe's family is in New Jersey, and they were also hit hard ...It is COLD and WINDY here....but just a couple inches of the white stuff for us!!!

Wishing you all a FABULOUS week....wow.....a New Year is upon us!!!! Love you!!!! Smiles!!!! :-)

Merry Christmas Sweet Friends!!!

2010-12-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

I have been MIA on most of your Blogs this week, and I am so sorry....but the week has been filled with so many things...

The first treatment is completed, and this one was very tough one!!!! I have not felt well...but pushed through, and I have completed all the things on my to do list!!!

Christmas is approaching fast, and I am thankful to be here to spend this time with my family and many friends, including all of you!!! Wonderful Friends have been made this year, and I am so thankful!!!

I am blessed.....so truly blessed!!! This season reminds me even more how thankful I am!

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas....Remember what the season is really about! Spending time with all those you love is the best thing in the world!!!! Enjoy every single moment, and take lots of pics!!!!!

I adore all of you, and can't wait to see what our New Year will bring!!!! LOVE YOU ALL to the moon!!!! :-)

Christmas Vacation!!!

2010-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, today is Joe's first day of vacation!!!! We are on our way to get my first IVIG treatment..What a way to spend your first day off!!!! It is going to a long day.....but we are packed with games, books, and movies to watch, during the treatment!!!!

Poor Joe.....came home from work Friday night, and he thinks the engine blew in his truck!!! It is being towed to the shop today......but I am not expecting good news....So we may be off this week buying a new car!!!! Just wonderful...Merry Christmas.....not what was on my List for Santa to bring....BUT..........................He did go to Jared's, and yes MeMe got a big ole diamond ring!!!!! I was shocked!!!!

The Rooster still resides here!!!! I hope Joe and I can catch him sometime this week.....Animal Control is still not willing to come out and help us!!!

We had our first snow and it was just perfect!!! Just enough to dust everything and make it feel like Christmas!!! In fact, the weather forecast looks like we very well may be having a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!! Yippee!!!!

This is a Lantern on the front porch...just as the snow had started to come down!!!
The Christmas tree that lights up outside, and you can catch the bottom half of my deer!!!
I am just about done shopping...just a few fills ins to purchase....all the Big Presents are wrapped! I need to complete my baking and shop for Christmas Dinner!!!!

The boys have been spending time with Mommy and Daddy...Mommy had five days off...she has to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day......so that is tough on the family!!!! I give a big shout out to all the Nurses that have to work the Holidays, taking care of our loved ones!!!! I am so very proud of the women that my daughter has grown to be!!!! She has been baking cookies with the boys, they went for a visit to see Santa, and their family tradition is to take the Boys to see the Symphony of Lights...I think we are nearing the end of Evan going to see Santa!!! He warms my heart....he told me that the Santa that he went to see was Skinny, and how come he is so Skinny MeMe!!! I told him I though Santa was Skinny, because he has not been here to visit all the children and to eat the cookies that they set out for him!!! I also giggled, Mommy told him Santa was probably on a Heart Healthy Diet!!!! :-)

Here are a few more pics of the decorations in the house!!!! Again, things that make me smile!!!

A Bit Blurry...but here is our 9 1/2 foot tree in the formal living room!!!!My Ice Crystal Tree is decorated with these wooden snowmen and antique star ornaments!!!These smell soooooo good!!!This little Birdie has been with us for many years....she has an antique pine cone ornament behind her and some apples to nibble on when she gets hungry!!!Miss Cosmo wants to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!The house is filled with candlelight...but the best is....these are Flameless Candles and run off of batteries! I have them on a timer and they click on right at dusk, and light the house in warmth!!!I got some awesome Happy Mail on Saturday!!!! Lisa my sweet friend, sent me a package from Bath Junkies, filled with the most awesome sea salt bubble bath, sea salt scrub and some yummy lotions!!!! I also received a Shadowbox from Jenny and this is stunning!!! I will take pics sometime this week to show you my goodies...I also got a wonderful card from Georgina....all the way from England!!! How cool is that!!!

I would like to take this time to wish all of you a Merry Christmas!!!! I hope those who are celebrating this Holiday......have a wonderful day spent with those that you love!!! Remember the real reason of this season!!!! Love you all!!!! :-)

Ok...this story is really true...I promise!!!

2010-12-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have been called the Statue of Liberty by my family and friends...you know the part that says...bring me your tired, your hungry, your poor....well I am the Statue of Liberty with stray animals....If someone abandons their pet...somehow they find my door step...I have done this since I was a little girl...Mom and Dad still talk about how many cats and dogs I would bring home and say they followed me because they were hungry.....and yes we would end up keeping them, feeding and sheltering all of God's little creatures!!

OK....last Friday I thought I heard a Rooster crowing...but no that could not be because we are not allowed to have any type of agricultural animals in our county....well I opened the door to go out to check the mail, and there is a Rooster in my front yard...I shut the door and opened it again...I thought I was seeing things...but nope there he stood squawking his head off...I walked out....said Shoo...Shoo..Shoo, and he walked down the sidewalk!!! My neighbors called out to me and asked if I was raising chickens and roosters....NO I SAID!!!!! They were complaining because this guy was making so much noise....Needless to say....the next morning he is sitting on my deck off of the master bedroom, and shouting with all his might at 3:00 am.....this did not go over well with the neighbors....I call the animal rescue the next day, and they tell me to try to catch him, and they will come out to get him and take him to a farm....How in the heck do you catch a Rooster!!! So for the past few days it has been sooooo cold, and I have gone out with a blanket...hoping to throw the blanket on him and scoop and run!!! But no luck!!! He is way too fast and I am a bit fearful that he is going to bite me or scratch me with those claws...I need someone to tape this.....I bet I could win America's Funniest Home Videos....but I am on a quest to save this guy!!!! Here he is........

Nibbling on some berries!!!

Look at that Strut...Is he not Glorious!!!I have been wrapping presents, baking cookies and trying to finish up a few handmade items this week....in between the Rooster hunting!!!! Whew.....time is flying by!!!! I sat by the tree last night and just took the time to enjoy all the pretties...the warmth of the pellet stove, the twinkling lights, and looking around at all of my favorite things!!!!!

I love this tea stained Snowman and pillow.. I have had him for many years!!!My Pink Tree in the Bedroom!!! I love to lay in bed at night with the lights off, and see all the beautiful Pink and Silver on this tree!!!Joe gave me this set many years ago and I just adore them!!!My Big tree in the Formal Living Room is filled with Birds, Nests, Berries, Twigs, and Grapevine balls!!!! I love this tree!!!

I am hoping to get the boys to 34th Street this weekend..but the temps have been so cold and the wind is horrible...We may be getting some snow....so we shall see if we can get them there!!!

I have seen tons of Christmas Projects all over your Blogs...Please remember to visit Paper Issues and submit these....You could be A FEATURED ARTIST on the Blog!!!!

Here is a quick card that I made!!!! I loved adding all the sparkles to the snowflake!!!

My sweet friend Victoria is having an awesome winter giveway....check out her Blog and don't forget to mention that I sent you there!!!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous Last Weekend before Christmas....Take time to ENJOY!!!!! Love you all, and thank you for all the wonderful comments you have left for me!!!!!

Christmas FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

What a FUN Packed weekend it has been!!!! I blinked, and the weekend was over!!!! Lots of smiles and lots of FUN!!!!

Mom and I took our Wreath Class at Great Scraps on Friday afternoon....It was soooo much fun!!! At first I thought....I can't do this...but once I got the hang of making the cones...it was awesome...Thanks to Jenny for teaching the class and helping Mom with her cones...Leslie helped Mom also and between the three of us....Mom's wreath turned out just perfect, and so did mine!!!

Here is My Momma with her wreath....I love the smile!!! She was so excited, and I bought tons of paper to make some winter wreaths...They are so much fun to make!!!This one is mine!!! I was toooo busy having fun...so the pics are slim!!!!Saturday was spent cleaning up the house, and getting things together for wrapping this week!!! I have so many presents stashed all over the house...I am afraid that I am going to forget where I put everything!!! Joe and I are off today to do some shopping, and have lunch together!!!

We had our Annual Christmas Party with THE GIRLS!!!! I must say that these ladies make my life complete....How great is it to have such wonderful friends...We went to Tina's house.....which by the way she has been doing major renovations and it looks beautiful!!!! We had Brunch, exchanged gifts, laughed ourselves silly, and cried a few tears!!!! When I got home I sat quietly thinking over the day, spent with these wonderful friends

The table was filled with fresh breads and bagels, egg casserole, stuffed french toast, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit and brown sugar baked bacon....YUMMO!!!!Effie and me!!!!Even the Sock Monkey came to the Christmas Party!!!Brayden being loved up by Ann, Jamie and Effie!!!Jamie and I have some major plans...we are hopping into the RV and traveling across the country...like Thelma and Louise!!! :-)Keely and Effie!!!Poor Jer....he had to take this picture seven times...and by the way....this was not an easy pose....he had feet where they should not have been and elbows punching in our sides...but most of all we had each other, except for sweet Ann...she has left just before we got the shot!!!Wishing you a FABULOUS WEEK!!! Wow...we are less than two weeks from Christmas....YIKES...slow down....I want to enjoy every single second!!! Happy Monday sweet friends!!!! :-)

A Christmas Kind of Week!!!

2010-12-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

We have been on a non stop go!!! I am so sorry I have been a Bad Blogger....but Life seems to be at a fast pace!!!! We are making tons of memories....We went to the Train Garden with Gavin on Monday, and he loved it!!! I felt such joy watching him moving through the garden...pushing the buttons to make things move! His little face was filled with awe, and he kept saying look MeMe...Look what Gavin did!!!! We visited another Santa...he wanted to sit on Santa's lap and make sure he knows to bring him Bowling Pins!!!! :-) A great lunch and then off to another mall to pick up a few things....Joe and I were so tired, we can home and crashed for a two hour nap!!!! I never sleep that long...but we were all warm and cozy, and the nap was much needed!!

The amount of work that goes into this garden is amazing...The details are stunning!!!
This is what he did for over an hour....just stood in awe at all the trains going by!!!When it was time to leave....he gave me this....at bit of Attitude!!!!Then I got this.....cheesy smile...maybe that is because his tummy was filled with Mac and Cheese!!!! He would not take his Conductor Hat off either...he loved it!!!Tuesday was Evan's Christmas Concert!!!! It was so cold and windy...but out we went to see the children sing their little hearts out!!! Evan was so excited....When he got on the stage with his class, you could see him scanning the audience to find us!!!! I will admit....I got teary again....it brings back memories of Danielle when she was his age!!! They are so stinking cute.....

Looking for the family!!!
Gavin was so excited to see his Brother...He kept saying Evan gonna sing!!!!!!Look at the joy in their faces, seeing their Great Grandson performing!!!Wednesday brought an appointment to see my Neurologist and I got into trouble...She saw marked weakness in my muscles and gave me the devil.....So.....I am now facing four IVIG treatments in the next three weeks...I thought I was going to cry and throw myself on the floor like a spoiled child...I hate these treatments...they make me really sick....but in order to get my strength up for the surgery...I am going to have to indure this!!! It takes about 4-5 hours to complete a treatment, and then the headache, severe bone pain, nausea, and just all over wiped out sets in!!! OK...time to put the Big Girl Pants on.....have I ever taken them off in the last few months!!

Today I am off to take a class with my Momma!!! We will be going to our local scrapbook store to learn how to make a wreath!!! She is soooooo excited and I am too!!! This will be a great time to spend with one another!!!! This is what the wreath will look like!!!!

This wreath is made with Crate's Christmas Line... Jenny Chesnick created this one and will be teaching our Class at Great Scraps...I think we will be using Echo Park on the wreaths we are making!!! Isn't it adorable!!!

Sunday is my Party with My Besties.....We are having Brunch....... Stuffed French Toast, Egg Casserole, Brown Sugar Bacon, Bagels, Muffins, Hash Browns, Fruit Salad, Pastries and Mimosas!!! We are doing a gift exchange...but the best part...we get to spend time together!!! I love these girls!!!!

So I am wishing you all a wonderful weekend.....hoping that you are making memories to hold close to your heart.... I love you girls!!!! :-)

Off to Visit the Train Garden!!!!

2010-12-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend was filled with making lots of Happy Memories!!! Joe and I took Danielle, Evan and Gavin to Lunch with Santa, and a Christmas Craft Show at our local elementary school!!! The boys made crafts, visited with Santa....and may I say....Gavin ran up to Santa, gave him a big hug, and hopped right into his lap....we were SURPRISED....but so Happy!!!! We ate hot dogs and chips and then off to see how Nana and Papa were doing!!! They did sell some of their Stained Glass and Homemade Cards....so that made me very Happy!!

I just got these sweaters for them....I can still get away with dressing them the same...Evan said it was OK!!!!
Here are some of the pieces that my Dad made!!! I have so many of his handmade Glass in the house!!! When the lights hits it ......just beautiful!!!Some Crafty Time!!!!! He loved making his ornaments!!!Why so Glum Chum? He thought making ornaments was SILLY...it was girl stuff!!!
Me and my Boys.......I even had on Red and Black!!!Look at how excited Gavin is with Santa...he is screaming cheese!!! I love this one!!!!Joe and I then headed off to get the Fresh Wreaths to put on the fence and I bought a couple Fresh Pine Containers and placed them throughout the house!!! They smell sooooo good!!! We spent several hours in Lowes....man that place kills me....A Man's Toy Store...and then headed off to Pier One, and Dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant....By the time we got home...I was exhausted...in fact I think I over did it!!!

Joe spent Sunday completing some things on his Honey Do List!!!! The Ravens game came on so late....I fought my way through to keep my eyes open!!! It is soooo cold here, and I LOVE IT!!! We had the Pellet Stove burning...a great Pork Roast for dinner topped off the evening!!

Today we are taking Gavin to see the HUGE TRAIN GARDEN at Kennilworth!!! I am so looking forward to this, and a small trip to my favorite mall....Towson Town Center....I am just about completed with our Christmas Shopping...just getting the fill ins completed....

I am wishing you all a Fabulous Week.....I hope to get some scrapping done....and maybe sneak in a few homemade cookies!!!!! Love you guys and thanks for all the wonderful comments you leave for me....I LOVE reading each and every one of them!!!! :-)

A Fabulous Week it was!!!

2010-12-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

We had such a great week....nothing extra special, but the Christmas Bug has bitten!!!! I took out the planner and set the dates for all the family traditions.... Train Garden, 34th Street, Lunch with Santa, Baking Schedule, and some serious Christmas Shopping!!

I completed all my Christmas cards....not all of them are handmade.....but they have been dropped into the mail!!! I try to send all the Senior Members in our Church a card....most of these ladies are widows, and they get such joy from receiving handmade cards!!! That makes me Happy!!! I have a load of coats to drop off to donation spots, and Toys to be dropped off to!!! Isn't that what this season is really about!!!!

I hit big sales on the Internet and received most of what I ordered! How Fabulous is that!!! The boys are the tough ones...what in the world do you buy little ones that have everything!!! Hmmm.....I will come up with something!!!!

Here are some pics from our IKEA Assembly party last week!!! I just adore these girls, and I am so looking forward to our Christmas Get Together on the 12th!!!! We are having a Christmas Brunch, and I can't wait to sit and enjoy time spent with my Besties!!!

Our Tina...the Ikea Queen...she can put this stuff together in a snap of a finger!!! You go girl!!!Two sideboards completed....insert BIG SMILE!!!! :-)Our sweet Jamie....just adore her!!!Our Effie....I know she and Callie are going to be so Happy in their new digs!!!Giving Michael some needed help!!!! :-) Love this one!!!Hubsters.....watch where you are pointing that thing!!A little break time!!!!! I love that Fireplace!!!A Little Wine...no glasses that's OK....just pass around the bottle!!! Love ya Keely!!!Don't forget to enter all of your Christmas creations over at Paper Issues....Cards, altered items, Lo's....anything Christmas, and I have been seeing some Fabulous Creations popping up all over the Blogs and Facebook....Here are some of my Christmas Creations!!!

We are off to have LUNCH with Santa on Saturday and to a Christmas Craft Show, where Mom and Dad will be selling some awesome Handmade Cards and Stained Glass Items....I so hope they do well!!! Sunday will be FOOTBALL DAY....OH YEAH....GO RAVENS!!!! I also have some things to complete in the Family Room....shelves to be hung, accent rugs to be placed, and some sconces hung on the wall!!!! We are getting it back together...slowly but surely.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend....Have FUN!!!!! Tis the season to be Jolly!!!! I love Christmas!!!! :-)

The Holiday Season Begins!!!!

2010-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wow...what a great weekend we had!!!! Of course the Best Part was our Thanksgiving Celebration....Joe and I said....we think this one was the very BEST ever!!!! Danielle did such a wonderful job with the food. The turkey was outstanding, Mom and I brought over all kinds of side dishes and everything was PERFECT!!! We got to spend time with the boys, and they were so excited to have us there. I was able to truly feel the Blessings of my LIFE!!!!

Here are a few pics of our Super Duper Day!!!!

My Beautiful Daughter...My heart was filled with so much PRIDE!!! This was her first Official Cooking of the TURKEY, and she rocked it!!!Papa and his great grandsons!!!! I love this one!!! Check out the scary Pirate Hat!!!This is our turkey.....Danielle did a Brine the night before, and the turkey was soooo moist and tender!!!This one touched my heart...they were looking at the Disney pics, and I love how Danielle has her hand on Gavin's head....he was so tired...he wanted his warm milk in his sippy cup!!!Evan waited all day for the PUMPKIN PIE...He made me giggle...he kept telling us that he waited a whole year for his favorite pie...Mental note made....make this Boy Pumpkin Pie more often!!!I did not venture out to do any shopping on Black Friday!!! Danielle headed to Toys R Us and Walmart and arrived home at 3:00 AM Friday Morning! She asked me to go with her...but this MeMe is an early bird, and I felt way tooooo tired to fight the craziness!!! She scored and scored big......savings.....over $200.00, in toys for the boys!!! She brought them over to my house.....so little ones would not find them!!! It is so wonderful that they still believe in Santa!!!

Friday evening Joe and I went over to Effie's house to help her put together a ton of Ikea Furniture for her new home...It made me smile to see Tina, Mike, Jamie, and Keely all working hand in hand to help our friend...Effie was near tears several times....she felt our love for her!!!

Saturday was spent cleaning and getting the house together...Joe has been working non stop....I worry about him...he looks so tired!!! This is the biggest season for Amtrak for travel, so I have seen very little of him over the weekend!!!

Here a few pics of the decorations in the house!!!! My favorite Ice Tree!!!Penguins are my favorites and they are all over the upstairs!!!Love this candle and holder....Pottery Barn of course!!!
Not much time to create.....I have got to get into that room....but it is filled with totes from Christmas decorations....I just did not feel like hauling these totes back into the attic...so they are making my room a bit cramped!!!

Wishing all of you a Fabulous week....I am doing a bit of shopping today online!!!! I love it...so easy!!! Smiles to all of you!!! :-)

Time for a New Challenge!!!!

2010-11-26T06:22:00.001-08:00

Time for another Challenge over at Paper Issues!!!

We want to see your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus/Christmukkah

...or whatever you celebrate...projects!!!

Here are the rules:

You can link as many projects as you want...nothing offensive, please.

If you used paper...you are in!

Link to your blog post, not to the main page of your blog. We want to be able to find your project.

If you don't have a blog...feel free to link to your Flickr, SCS Gallery, we just want to find you!

Comment on a few other projects...everybody loves some love!

You have until December 25 to link up!

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday.....ours was just wonderful....Danielle made the Best Turkey ever, and we were able to count our many Blessings...

How much better can it be....A Christmas Tree and Christmas PJ's!!!

Wishing you a great weekend...enjoy!!!!!

EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE!!!!

2010-11-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

I received some great news!!!!!!

I just adore Cassie's work over at her blog - "Something from Cassie". Well.....she recently started a FUN new challenge blog called Paper Issues. She emailed me the other day and I made the TEAM!!!! WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is this not the greatest name for a Blog!!! I LOVE IT!!!

The blog will feature Layouts, Cards and Altered Projects....The talent is amazing and I know you will find something there to inspire you!!! If you design something for the Challenge, your project has the chance to be "Featured" on the blog! How much Fun is that!!!

This is such a wonderful Challenge Blog....no pressures, but created from love!!! We have tons of wonderful things coming in the next few months!!!

And...it's not too late to join in on the current Thanksgiving Challenge! We are also on Facebook!!!

I am so excited to working with such a wonderful and talented group of Ladies...Please stop by and give us all a shout out!!!!

Check out my sidebar and you can click on the link to go directly to the Blog!!!!

Here are some of my Thanksgiving LO's and a little Home Decor!!!

Wishing you all a Fabulous week, smiles and love sweet friends!!!

Sharing.......

2010-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

This has been a long week....and then it happens....you receive an award from a special friend, Barb, and you get a tickle about it!!!! Attitude!!!! Hmmmm......yes I can say I can surely have attitude!!! Here are the rules for receiving this award....

All I have to do is tell you 3 things that make me different and nominate 5 blogs. So here I go...

1. I love breakfast foods, but rarely make breakfast...but love to go out and fill up with omelets, pancakes and bacon!!

2. A friend of mine suggested someone who would clean the house for me...but I rather do it myself....I like it done my way!

3. I talk to myself sometimes....oops now you are going think I am crazy...but when something is going on I will remind myself to calm down....slow down, or breathe and I say it outloud!!!

I am passing this award to:

Sandi
Julie
Michelle
Audrey
Jocelyne

I then received a moving comment from another Jocelyne....this moved me and touched me heart!!!

Here's something that I found that reminds me of you.

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do.
But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart,
that's true strength."
-unknown

My Momma taught me lots of things...but I think the most wonderful thing that she passed on to me was to always have FAITH and remain STRONG!! We went through quite a bit when I was a child...and she always made things better, and taught me how to find the Happiness in small things! This month is a month to celebrate being Thankful. Finding the Big Things to be Thankful for is always easy....Faith, Family, Friends, and Love! The little things are important too....these can slip by and you don't even realize that they have passed you by...I look for them every single day.....that great cup of coffee, kindness from a stranger, listening to the quiet of the house in the early morning, or perhaps Cosmo snoring away at the bottom of the bed!!! I have reached a place in my life...I look into the mirror and I see some wrinkles, and they are not awful....they remind me that I have smiled many times! I see some age spots and that reminds me that I am still here....I miss those special friends that have passed....I miss them terribly, but I was blessed to have them in my life! Sometimes the little aches and pains creep in...but that drives me back to exercise....to remind me to keep this body going. I look at my boys....I am thankful to share each day that I can with them!!! So you see, aging can be a plus....I have lots of life experience and I can grab each day and be THANKFUL!! The little things count....they help me to get through the day and not get overwhelmed when life throws a bit on contention at you!!! Thank you Jocelyne for this moving comment!!!

This is a LO of Momma and Me!!!! She is my Rock....she is a Blessing, she taught me many wonderful Life Lessons and I LOVE HER!!!!

So I am passing this to you....grab the little things....life is not about all the PERFECT moments...it is about taking each day and grabbing a piece to put into your life pocket....

I hit a roadblock with my Mixed Emotions Class....but I will get back...I need to stop coughing....and maybe that will help...it's a little hard to create while coughing your head off!!!

I am wishing you all a wonderful weekend..... Remember to make those memories.....they make you smile!!! :-)

It's A No Go!!!!

2010-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have been on a roller coaster all week....surgery is on...surgery is off!!! Well as of this very minute, it is a NO GO!!! I have such severe Bronchitis, and the antibiotics have not kicked in to stop the coughing, so they cannot go ahead with the surgery!!! Maybe the third time will be the charm!! It takes so much to get ready! Preparing the house, the finances and most of all getting my head wrapped around it!!! So....the belly has been in a flare....let's hope I can hang on until the next date!!!! I truly believe that God is in charge....there must be a reason behind this, and I will just push forward!!!

So now I guess I will be having Thanksgiving Dinner and best of all.....Danielle is doing the major cooking...WOOHOO......I will get to make the side dishes...and she has all the work...Bad Momma, I am a Bad Momma!!! :-)

No pics of my little ones...I am staying far away from them...did you know that Bronchitis is contagious...I did not know that...so I am a walking germ....no infecting those babies!!

This is a LO that I did several weeks ago....no creating this week....just tooooo sick!!!

I loved this picture of the pumpkins sitting in the crate!!!

I am wishing you all a great week...looks like I will be around to visit...you amaze me with all the creations that I have been seeing!!!! Lots of love and smiles to all of you!!! I so appreciate the comments that you leave!!! :-) Keep them coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wait and See!!!!!

2010-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Good morning sweet friends....it has been a whirlwind of a week.....tile being installed, doctors appointments, a new sink installed in the kitchen, and a hair appointment.... We still do not have a positive go for the surgery due to this respiratory infection...I had a chest x ray, and will get the results later today!!!! I just hate being in this limbo....either it is on, or it is not!!!

Little time for creating this week...I am behind in my Mixed Emotions Class....I have just not been able to carve out anytime to do a thing!!!

Here is a LO for the Challenge over at TAAFOMFT!!! They are having a challenge for your favorite sport...Well you all know Soccer is my favorite sport...but then I adore Football and then there are the summer days of Baseball....So this is my LO for the Challenge...Something about hearing the crack of the bat....makes me smile!!!
I do have a little giggle to share...I was watching the news last night and they had a report on Baltimore...I live in the county section of Baltimore...maybe I should not be sharing this because...... there was a magazine that took surveys of some of the states and one of the surveys was what State has the ugliest people and poor Baltimore ranked second.....now that was a real blow to our egos.... So sorry to know that we have ugly people...but ranked high in the best pizza and micro brewed beer...The newscaster stated that maybe is you have enough pizza and beer...we may lower on that list!!!! How sad that people would rate someone in LOOKS!!!!

I will be back on Monday to let you all know whether surgery is on....if so...I will be leaving for the Hospital early Tuesday morning....

Wishing you all a great weekend......we have a ton of things to get done....hoping the flooring will be finished and I can get downstairs to at least clean, and put things back in place...We know we have a ton of things to do down there...but the dust is horrible!!!! Anyone want to come and help!!!! Smiles to all of you!!! :-)

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Wow....where did that weekend go!!!! It's Monday and I am wondering where the hours of the weekend slipped off to!!! Well let's see......Friday evening Joe took me to Stoney River for the Best steak ever.....YUMMO...I love that place...a little pricey, but sooooo worth it!!! I don't like to eat tons or red meat....but if I am going to eat it...I want a steak that melts in my mouth like butter!!! He then took me shopping.....got some new awesome UGGS, some new makeup at Sephora, and of course some new pj's!!! Now you know I had to take time and shop a bit in Pottery Barn!!!! It was a great Friday evening!!!!

Saturday was spent with tile work being done on the house, soccer games, and more soccer games. It's tournament time, and that is how we roll!!!! Tile is still not finished but we are getting closer. It was soooooooooooo cold at the soccer games..that I thought my nose would fall off....Gavin and I huddled together in my chair...keeping each other warm!!!!

This is how cold it was!!!!
That's my BOY!!!!!Here is My Keeper....I did not get close up shots....forgot my lens and chose not to get out of the chair....Gavin and I were cuddling and keeping each other warm!!! He Had a FABULOUS SAVE, and shut them out.....4-0!!!! WOOHOO Blue Claws!!!This was the sky...it almost looked like it was going to snow!!!Evan was the Captain....he got to call the coin toss and pick sides!!!! This is his wonderful coach....and his last year with COACH Rob......a bit sad....they have been together since Evan started soccer!!!Sunday Afternoon...two more soccer games and YES WE TOOK OUR DIVISION...THE BLUE CLAWS ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!! Evan scored 3 goals and made 2 fabulous saves!!! I AM SO PROUD!!!!!!!!!! Oh...and THE RAVENS WON TOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Think he is HAPPY!!!! I think so!!!Our team.....they played so hard and the coaches were soooooo wonderful!!!!So here we are on Monday!!!! Joe came in way late last night...so he is sleeping in, and I am hoping we can get out later to get a few errands done!!!

Here is another page that I completed for my Mixed Emotions class....this prompt was FEAR....this was a tough one for me.....I wanted to share one of my biggest fears, but am not quite ready to share the whole thing....so I shared a bit, and did the rest of the journaling on the back of the page!!!The heart represent my soul, the eye....how I see things and the tears....the fear!!The wing is the symbol for flight...the need to get away from the fear!!! I used my copic markers to do most of the coloring on the this page and that was so relaxing!!! I used water colors on the background!!!!

I think you can read some of the journaling in this shot!!!
Here is a LO that I completed of the Family...Loved this Paper and found a few sheets left over from last year!!! In fact most of the products were completed with scraps!!!

Loved this flowers....just the perfect colors!!!Yes there is more of Maya's Pleated Ribbon...I am addicted, and of course JB Buttons!!! This would have been the Perfect Picture but someone is sticking out their tongue in the picture, and it is not a little one!! Can you guess who did this?????
Wishing you all a wonderful week...I am on the last week of countdown for surgery....but the chest is still not doing well!!! Keep your fingers crossed!!!! Love you and smile today!!!! :-)

Thanks for all the special CONGRATS on my Pub.........The magazine is just filled with the most wonderful ideas...!!!!!!