Crazy Momma

There are days

2011-11-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

when I just think I can't do this anymore. I've been struggling with some personal challenges. I am unhappy. Nothing seems to be going right and I just don't know how much more I can take. I have no one to lighten the burden. I sit in the midst of chaos - the house is a disaster. My boys are lazy, their father is lazy. I just don't know how much more I can take. 20 years of this and it still doesn't get better.

Promotion!!

2011-11-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Its official!! I am now a Director with Scentsy Wickless Candles!!!! I've been a consultant for three years and I love it more every day!! Seriously - the candles are amazing and the business opportunity is equally amazing! If you have ever wondered what it would be like to share amazing candles and make a bit of money check out my website and let me know what you think! I'd love to have you join team Rockin' the Glow!

I'm still here

2011-11-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

just in case anyone is wondering. Its been a rough couple of months. Going through some personal issues, missing my mom and best friend, starting a new job which takes so much out of me physically that I have little left over to take care of my family...........but I'm still here.

Crazy - as always

2011-07-25T16:17:00.001-07:00

Its been a hectic month. Being back home and trying to get in the swing of life around here has been challenging. Unfortunately being back in this climate has sent my fibromyalgia flaring. But I'm pressing on and probably pushing myself too hard. There is just SO much that has to be done! I finally finished the coursework for one independent study class today and I need to take the final. In my second independent study class I have 3 lessons, a research paper, a unit exam and the final. I need to have all that finished by 8/31/11 - a month! I can do it. So far I haven't had any luck finding a part time job so I have the time to push myself. I just have to do it.

In the midst of all this we are preparing to move. We are hopefully listing the house for sale this week and when it sells we are off to a new adventure in North Carolina! Jim wants to go back to school and found a master's program at Wake Forest he is interested in. It just feels like the right thing to do and we are all excited to go. Just need to take care of this pesky piece of real estate first!

and she's back!

2011-07-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed my classes in Utah but I'm very happy to be home! My husband was awesome. He took care of everything with help from my daughter. I missed him so very much!!! He is the love of my life and I couldn't be more grateful to have him in my life!!

16 Days

2011-04-07T11:27:00.001-07:00

until I begin my new adventure taking classes on campus again and living with a roommate. Its been a long time! I am excited but also a little sad to be leaving my family. I know I will miss them but it will be nice to not have to be the one in charge and dealing with everything for a little while. I'm looking forward to the chance to focus on my classes and recharge my very depleted personal batteries. I love Provo and I can't wait to go back.

Wonderful weekend

2011-04-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

I was able to sit and listen to three of the sessions of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was an uplifting and thought provoking experience. I love the opportunity to think more on spiritual matters and take that break from every day life.

Tonight I am making chocolate chip cookies. I think its my latest addiction.

I leave for Provo Utah in 3 weeks. I am excited and scared all at the same time. I will miss my kids and my husband and I know they will miss me. Yet this will be good for our family. I will be able to graduate sooner (thus find a job sooner) and the kids will learn to appreciate me more (as will the hubby *wink*) Its an adventure - I question my sanity - still not sure its the right decision but its a good decision so that means its right - right?

I should pull out the last batch of cookies and get to bed. After I watch Army Wives that is....

Hello Spring,

2011-03-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

at least I think its you. I had to turn on the air conditioner so you can see how I might confuse you for summer. Though I am sure your cousin summer will probably cause me even more discomfort and higher electric bills. But for now, I guess its a happy welcome to you. I kinda wish you'd come in a little bit more gradually though. I like the 60s and 70s. There is nothing wrong with taking it slow. Maybe you could consider my advice and back off the 80s for a little while. After all, its only March and there is still plenty more time to show off your upper digits. Don't let your pushy cousin summer steal your limelight. You could make March the month of 60s and April the month of 70s and May the month of 80s then let summer horn her way in. Just a suggestion.

Sincerely,
Amber

6 Months

2011-03-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

It will be 6 months this month since my mom died. I wish I could say its getting easier but it really isn't. I miss her so very much. She was my best friend. Not a day goes by that I don't want to call her and talk to her about what is going on in my life, in my kids lives, in the world - everything. This is a picture of us a long time ago - Dan isn't in this picture because he is behind the camera. He was probably only about 3 or 4 when he took it - not bad!
I am thankful to have so many pictures of my mom and our family. I miss her so much.

A New Adventure

2011-03-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

I've been taking classes through Brigham Young University's Independent Study program for a few years now. I have 5 classes left to get my Bachelor degree in general studies with an emphasis in English and American Literature. Just 5 classes away from graduating! I am a little anxious to be done with this phase of my life.

So I'm doing something crazy. Something a little bit scary - a little bit daunting. I am returning to campus to take 3 classes for the spring term! Eeek! I haven't been a student in a classroom in 15 years! As scary as it is though I'm very excited. I love the energy of the classroom. It is something I have dearly missed by taking my classes at home, by myself.

My family will remain at home. The kids are all in school and my husband is working full-time. I have secured an apartment not far from campus. I am a little excited to get back into the university environment even though I'm really going to miss my family. I think this will be good for them however. They get to experience life without me for 8 weeks. I suspect it will give them a good understanding of just how much I do around here!! I'm a little nervous to see what remains of my house after 8 weeks....it make take the rest of 2011 to get it set back to rights!

6.5 weeks...... a new adventure begins.

Living with Fibromyalgia

2011-03-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

It was a year ago that I was diagnosed. I had been feeling symptoms for many months previously and while it was a relief to know what was wrong with me it was also discouraging knowing what was wrong wasn't something that would be fixed and go away. The last year has brought about a lot of changes. I quit my job at the high school because it was just taking too much out of me. I started babysitting a toddler who is sweet, adorable and easy to watch for the most part. He has quickly become part of our family. I've seen growth in my Scentsy business but have put in a lot of work to get it there. My mom passed away in September. It was a hard year. One of the hardest things is that I look "normal" so no one realizes that fibromyalgia can be quite disabling at times. I've had to really evaluate all the options of what is needed to be done each day and narrow it down to what is most important - or what I can most handle - since I just can't do it all anymore. And I hate it. I hate it that I am limited in physical energy, mental energy and emotional energy. I hate that I can no longer keep up with my previous level of activity. Its so frustrating.

Fortunately, a recent medication switch has decreased my pain level and most days the fatigue isn't too bad. I am still always always tired though. Today is rough. The wonky weather as well as a head cold makes it worse and all I really want to do is sleep but I haven't been able to. I did get the living room picked up and vacuumed and a load of laundry done. But thats about it - other than fixing my breakfast and lunch. I still need to get something started for dinner. I'm thinking a crockpot meal is a good idea for today. Hopefully the week will get better and my activity ability will increase. There is always so much that needs to be done.

For a very accurate perspective of what its like to live with fibromyalgia you can read The Spoon Theory found here.

Really bad at this

2011-03-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

so its been months since I've written anything on my blog. I'm not sure what direction I want this blog to take. It is so hard for me to share my thoughts and feelings even the light and frivolous ones. I am trying to decide - do I keep this blog for me? or because I want people to read it? Even if it is for me someone is bound to read it once in a while - what do I really want them to know about me? Its not like a private diary where I can pour out my heart exposing who I really am. See I have a carefully crafted exterior. I've become very good at only letting people see what I want them to see. I think most people would be very surprised to see all of me and the thought scares me. I guess deep down I just want people to like me, to love me. Isn't that really what we all want? I spent some time this afternoon reading the blog of a beautiful young woman - the daughter of some dear friends of mine. Her beauty, grace and wisdom shines forth in every post and I admire her courage in sharing herself like she does. I wish I could be a little bit more like her.

2010-11-21T17:25:00.000-08:00

I don't post much on here lately. I guess its partly because there is so much in my life that just never changes - kids in school, babysitting, fibro.... its all so mundane. The other reason is that so much of what I am thinking and feeling is just so raw and tender that I'm not comfortable putting it out for the world to see. My heart is heavy and while I know it will get better it sure doesn't make it much easier in the here and now.

Its been 2 months today since my mom passed. It still hurts so much.

Its been one month

2010-10-20T13:40:00.001-07:00

tomorrow since my mom passed away. She was such an amazing woman and it has left a big hole in my life. Every day I just want to call her, talk to her, laugh with her, share a joke or a funny story about my kids, brag about my kids......I miss her so much. I believe there is a heaven and that I will see her again one day. But I want to see her now, talk to her now, hug her now. I miss my mommy.

Crepes for dinner

2010-09-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

I got mangos and strawberries in my Bountiful Basket this weekend and what better way to use them than in a delicious crepe? I used this recipe from Tasty Kitchen and they came out sooooooooo delicious! I combined the mango with kiwi, coconut and a bit of raw sugar to make a fruit salsa. For the strawberries I just added a few spoons of sugar to sweeten them. These were such a hit with my husband and daughter. We couldn't convince the two boys to try them. More for us!

I'm a Believer!

2010-08-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

Since I left my job earlier this year to stay at home I have been really hunting out the deals and bargains to save some money. Fortunately I found this site - BargainBeliever.com - and it has helped so much! She lists the deals and matches them to e-coupons as well as paper coupons so you get the most you can for the least amount out of pocket. I've scored several good shopping trips and I thought I'd share today's little jaunt to Fry's Food and Drug. Here is what I bought:

Nature Valley Granola Bars
3 boxes Nature Valley Granola Thins
Simply Lemonade - Raspberry
4 pack of Kraft Easy Mac
Revlon Emery Boards
Danimals Crush cups
Papermate pencils
Wonka candy bag
Mentos gum
2 Right Guard deoderants
4 pack of Charmin bath tissue
Campbell's Potato Ham Chowder soup
Purex 32 load laundry detergent

Price before coupons/e-coupons = $49.63

I had $6.50 in catalina coupons (usually printed out at the register when you purchase certain items - for instance I purchased 4 nature valley granola bars this time and got a $2.50 off any purchase coupon to use next time). When I combined that with e-coupons, competitor coupons and manufacturer coupons I paid out of pocket ----------

$11.49! That's a savings of 77%!!

Now it is important to realize that right now Fry's is matching manufacturer coupons up to a dollar off so if your coupon (for instance the Purex) is worth $0.35 they ring in a bonus coupon to bring it up to $1. That helped a lot. They are also accepting all manufacturer coupons. I went to the Target.com website and printed out some coupons as well as used one from a mailing they sent me. There were a few items that I purchased that were not highlighted in her deals (Charmin, EZ Mac, Wonka candy, Danimals, Campbells soup and Papermate pencils) but I had decent coupons for them and I so I went ahead and got them as well.

Check out the Bargain Believer site to find deals on most of the major stores found in Arizona and across the nation - Fry's, Safeway, CVS and Target are the ones I use but there are several others.

Sketchy Thursday's Sept. GDT

2010-08-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE scrapping with sketches so I was uber-excited to find this way cool challenge blog - Sketchy Thursday's. Head over to my scrappy blog - Momma Scraps - to see my entry and follow the link to enter your own!

Life is rolling along

2010-08-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Up and down it goes. I just recently returned from Denver, Colorado where I attended the Scentsy convention. It was AMAZING and I met some of the most wonderful gals. I enjoyed my little break from routine and can't wait to share all the new Scentsy products coming out in September.

Back on the homefront things are moving along. Stephen started high school. Rough transition time for him but its smoothing out a little. Brigham LOVES 3rd grade and is doing very well. Beth decided not to go out to EAC for college this fall and is now enrolling in Pima CC. So reshuffling the plans - Stephen is bummed to not be getting his own room finally but Brigham is glad he won't have to miss Beth now.

Jim is still hard at work for Leslie's Pool Supplies. His district manager is very pleased with his work and we are crossing our fingers for a raise soon.

I am babysitting the most adorable boy and will start watching another cutie next week for a few hours a day. I think I may be slightly crazy *wink* but don't tell anyone. I have to finish up my Romantic Poetry and Prose class in the next two weeks and continue working on another website design. A friend wants to have me redesign her blog (possibly) so I need to start playing around with some ideas for that. I sure do need to take a class on this or something so I can really know what I am doing instead of pretending I know! I'm sure I have room on my schedule here somewhere.........

Every 2 months

2010-07-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

It seems that is my blogging pattern. Hmmm a short update. My fibromyalgia was doing pretty well until the last two weeks when its been flairing up. Stress is a definite trigger for me and my life is rather stressful at the moment.

School starts back in 2 weeks and this former homeschooling, love to have my kids home mommy is most ready for them to return. I am craving the quiet of when they are at school and the return to the routine - we all miss that I believe.

Being the busy season for pools Jim has been working 55-60 hour work weeks and we all miss him but that should be settling down soon. It will be nice to have Daddy home again.

We enjoyed a nice 4th of July at my sister's house. Our newest niece was born that morning which was a bright spot in the day. Her name is Emmalyne Grace - a name I just love! She is beautiful. I wish she was mine :)

Really thats about all the excitement here. Stephen is getting ready to go off to High Adventure Camp with the Scouts to Havasupai next week. I'm a little nervous about him remembering to take his meds every day. His transplant meds have to be taken at specific intervals and you would think by 15, after 7 years of this, he would remember but no he is a 15 year old BOY - 'nuff said ;)

Here are some pics from the last month. Just random stuff.....

Brigham's random self picture of the month

Elizabeth, Brigham and Me holding Emmalyne

Stephen posing so he could have a new picture for his facebook page.

Two Months

2010-05-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

sorry I've been gone so long. I'm sure you've noticed I'm not the most consistent blogger. Life tends to get a little crazy - go figure!

I'm enjoying working from home. I truly love being home and being available to my children. I started watching a 12 month old boy 4 days a week and he is such a delight. I miss having little ones and he fills that need to snuggle and gives me so many opportunities to laugh each day.

6 weeks ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It has been a blessing health wise to be home as well. I'm taking Cymbalta for it which has it pretty well under control. I flair a little here and there but the constant pain and fatigue is diminishing. I'm still more tired than "normal" but its getting better.

Beth enrolled in college - my baby is graduating high school in two weeks. How did I ever get so old? My second baby enrolled in high school. My youngest got baptized into the church. I swear they are just growing up way way way too fast.

School is going well. I'm taking British Romantic Poetry and Prose which isn't my most favorite but I'm getting through it.

My Scentsy is going well. I need some more hostesses for May and June so let me know if you would like FREE Scentsy! I love Scentsy and can't wait to go to convention in July.

I think that is my life in a nutshell for the last two months. Perhaps the next update won't take so long.

Cha - cha-cha - changes!

2010-03-04T09:30:00.001-08:00

I am quitting my job! Tomorrow is my last day. I am sad to leave some of my friends but happy to start my new venture! I am returning to work for my previous employer. I used to manage his very busy home inspection office. It isn't quite as busy now but hopefully will be picking up. In the meantime I will be redesigning his websites and filling in when his wife isn't available for typing reports and taking appts. Hopefully he will have enough work for me. I am also concentrating on building my Scentsy business. I'm building a team of consultants and increasing the number of parties I do a month so it should provide enough to reinvest and provide some money for the monthly budget.

I am really excited! I will be able to work mostly from home and it will give me the flexibility to be available for my kids when they need me. I will have more creative time :D :D :D and more time to finish my schooling. Its a little scary starting on a new path but I know its the right one for us right now.

Another giveaway

2010-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

This time for scarves! Go visit the Affordable Scarf website and the blog Mom's Focus on Cyber World for a chance to win!

A Bed. A Giveaway.

2010-01-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of pain in my muscles and joints lately and while its medically caused (cause to be determined) a more comfortable bed might be helpful. Sealy has created a bed reported to eliminate pressure points while providing good back support. Head over to Mommy Mandy's blog to enter her giveaway and learn more about this bed! (just click on the large text to go right to the link!)

Hmm

2010-01-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

I am not a very good blogger. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I feel very vunerable most of the time and just don't want to put myself out there like I used to. there are so many things that are running through my head at any moment so I have plenty to write about but really, who wants to read it?

A blog is good for recording the comings and goings and events in a life. Yet my life is rather mundane. I get up, take the kids to school, go to work, pick the kids up from school, nap when we get home, get up and make dinner, make sure kids have homework done and then go to bed. Nothing significant has really happened in quite a while. I suppose I am glad that no negative events have happened - and I am.

One of my best friend's is dying. He has been an influence in my life for 19 years now and I am so grateful that he has been in my life. He and his wife have been such an example to me and my husband and we are eternally grateful to call them friends. They have been married for 25 years and have 9 beautiful children. I pray that God blesses them as they travel this very difficult road.

Giveaways - last chance!

2009-12-30T07:51:00.000-08:00

check this out today - its the last day to enter!

Styleish Reviews
Michelle Woo
Show Me the curry
Megan's Minute
Nothing But bonfires
Suburban Turmoil
Fluid Pudding

One Smokin' Giveaway!

2009-12-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

How fun would it be to win one of THESE? Head over to Totally Together Reviews for your chance to win!

Thankful

2009-11-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

It was a very nice Thanksgiving weekend for us. On Thurs. we went to Jim's mom's house in Mesa and ate dinner with Jim's mom and sister. It was a little weird having a roast instead of a turkey - I missed the turkey. But we had the rest - stuffing, rolls, green beans, sweet potatoes. Then on Friday and Saturday we had a Curtis Family Fall Bash and got to see Curtis cousins we haven't seen since Elizabeth was a baby! We had a very enjoyable time thanks to Uncle Tom and Aunt Kathy who arranged it and made the yummy food.

So even though I didn't get much accomplished around the house this weekend it was great visiting family and catching up. We get to feeling rather isolated out where we are. We live an hour from my family so we don't get to see them as much now. With hectic schedules just trying to stay afloat we can't go visiting as much as we'd like to.

Yet I have to be thankful - thankful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with loving family and friends, with a husband who works so hard for us, for 3 great kids that teach me patience and love and patience. I am very blessed.

2009-11-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

Monthly Update

2009-11-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hmm lets see. What has happened over the last month? Most has been the same ole thing. However last week I did go up to Tempe to meet one of my favorite bloggers - Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. It was fun and I now have her shiny cookbook signed. Of course it won't stay very shiny as I start using it more! I spent the night and went to the temple the next day. It was wonderful to have that time to myself - quiet time to refocus and get a handle on some things. I'm quite proud of myself too. I did not get lost in Phoenix! Quite the feat ;)

My gorgeous daughter

2009-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

is going to graduate from high school this year (yes a year early). I took these beautiful pictures of her for her "senior" pictures. These are some of my favorites from the 159 pictures I took that day! I got a few of the boys as well but I'll post those another time.

Bad Bad Blogger Girl

2009-09-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in such a long time now. The problem is that my life is fairly boring! I go to work, pick up kids from school, have dinner, do some laundry, watch some tv, maybe read a book or two and then go to bed, wake up the next morning and repeat! I did start my next class - Literature for Adolescents - through BYU independent study and I am so far enjoying it.

Oh - we did have lightening strike somewhere extremely close to the house causing an arc of electricity between my washer and dryer which burned out my dryer's electronic control board. So we had to take money out of savings to replace it while waiting for the insurance co. to reimburse some of it. It was quite the storm.

Lets see - I don't think anything else terribly exciting has happened in the last few weeks. Its my birthday next week - hopefully it will be a good one.

Julianne Hough concert!

2009-08-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

It was great! She is a very entertaining performer and I really enjoyed it. I was able to get up close a few times and take some good shots before my camera batteries died. It was a fun but late night!

Wonderful Wedding Weekend - Now with pictures!!

2009-08-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

Jim's youngest sister got married this last weekend. For the first time in 17 years all 8 siblings plus their spouses and children for those married (minus Bek who is in England and too pregnant to make a super long flight - we missed her!!!) plus Jim's mom were together again. It was a beautiful wedding, a fun reception and a very enjoyable weekend connecting and re-connecting. I took 235 pictures but haven't uploaded them yet. Hopefully I can get to that tonight. This weekend Jim's oldest sister and her family are coming down for the weekend so we are looking forward to some more family fun!

Waiting

2009-07-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

**Waiting for a job offer
**Waiting for my paycheck
**Waiting to go to bed
**Waiting to see Jim's family who are coming in for a wedding
**Waiting for my kids to finish their chores
**Waiting for Beth to finish the cookies
**Waiting for something good to come on tv
**Waiting to find out if I made the design team I tried out for
**Waiting. Frequently Waiting.

2009-07-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

I enjoy reading Pioneer Woman. She is funny, insightful and thought provoking. Sometimes though her posts provoke a sense of melancholy wistfulness. I have many friends in my life and I do appreciate the gift they are to me. However other than my husband I don't have one or two close friends - you know the kind that know all your secrets and love you anyway, the kind that would be there for you at 2 in the morning if need be, the kind of friend you link your bank account to because you are always paying each other back for something, the kind that you do things with on a regular basis just because you love being together. I see some of my friends who have this kind of friendship with another friend and I feel a little jealous. Sometimes I feel like people don't like me that much - which is just one of my many insecurities I have to deal with. I love my husband - don't get me wrong, I'm happy he is my best friend. But I miss having a best girlfriend. Someone who gets me in a way only a best girlfriend does.

2009-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Our Father in Heaven is so good. We have really been stressing about Jim's lack of employment and knew we were getting a deposit on the 1st but it was going to barely cover the car payment and insurance. We've been praying that Jim would get one more check from VSD but didn't think he would (and couldn't find the contract to find out). Not only did we get one last check there was an extra deposit! So we were able to pay the utilities, internet and a few other bills and have enough to hopefully make it to the end of the month. It will be super tight but we have a little breathing room now. We are still praying for a good job and looking forward to a positive answer to that prayer.

In the meantime we are immensely grateful to Heavenly Father for hearing and answering our prayers.

2009-06-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Its been a busy week. Jim went to Scout Camp and took my car so of course I missed him ;) His car overheated on me so I had to borrow my dad's truck. I'm so glad my dad was willing to help me out. Brig started swim lessons and is doing very well. He needs to practice putting his face in the water a little more but at least he isn't scared of the water anymore!!

Jim is still out of a job. We got his last paycheck this week. He was only a perm. substitute so his contract didn't renew for the next school year. I don't know what he is going to do but hopefully he'll figure it out soon!!!

Visit The Mommy-Files

2009-06-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

its a great blog with a super great Father's Day giveaway! Go browse and spend sometime there!

Done.

2009-06-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

I finished my research paper and submitted it to my professor a few minutes ago. Now I need to request the final and sit anxiously waiting to see just how bad a grade I get. I'm hoping I'll be pleasantly surprised but with this instructor who knows. At least its done. Now I need to get the money for the next class and figure out which one to take.

Wishing

2009-05-25T11:17:00.001-07:00

you a happy Memorial Day. May you enjoy fun times with family and friends making memories.

A HUGE thank you goes out to our armed service men and women past and present who fight for our freedoms and freedom throughout the world.

Had to share

2009-05-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

I found this guy through my friend Jenna's blog and I have to thank her for a new fave! I need to get some of his music. Very relaxing and beautiful.

Before and After

2009-05-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Musings of a crazy Momma

2009-05-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

I've been such a bad blogger! But I have excuses... I do! I have been so swamped with end of the school year stuff that I am feeling very overwhelmed. School is out in 2 weeks! 2 weeks! It went by so fast. And with the end of school brings the end of Jim's contract so he will be jobless in 2 weeks which terrifies me at times and at other times I'm feeling quite whisperings that it will be okay. It also brings the temporary end to my paychecks until school starts back up and I go back to work. Stress, yeah.

My parents are moving this weekend. Its sad. They have been in their house for almost 17 years and to have to sell because my dad has been unemployed for a year just breaks my heart. I dropped a very heavy cast iron vise on my foot yesterday so moving seems to also break my foot.......at least it bruised it super bad but it doesn't hurt too bad to walk on it so I am not really thinking it is broken.

I got my haircut. Short. Like very short. I love it. Pictures to come later.

Oh and check out this wonderful blog I found - Metropolitan Mama. She is awesome and is currently giving a way a boatload of fun stuff - including a laptop! Tell her I sent you over :)

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2009-05-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Yup thats me! No not the picture silly - the picture is Julianne Hough. I'm the winner! Thats right - I am the very pleased winner of 2 tickets to her August concert in my town. I'm excited!

2009-04-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Its Monday

2009-03-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

and its already been a long week! hahaha

Life is semi-settled at the moment with no major happenings. My parents are still unemployed and their house is now up for sale. Hopefully my dad will find work soon.

My friend Eddy is still in need of prayers. He has gone through his first round of chemo and it was hard. Fortunately the tumor is not damaging the surrounding bone so that was one bit of good news. Praying the chemo works and kills the tumor quickly.

Thats all for now I guess. My brain is scattered and my house is a mess and I'm at work. That about sums up my life at the moment!

Join me Tomorrow (Saturday)

2009-03-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Start at The Unity Stamp Co. blog and follow the links to see all the amazing talent and inspiration using Unity Stamps. I can't say enough good things about this stamp company and the owner Angela in particular. She is amazing!!! Very generous and kind and these stamps are wonderful quality. Warning though - they are addicting!!

So its been a month

2009-03-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

Did you miss me? I have been sick since before Valentine's day. My whole family got this respiratory virus thing that really knocked us for a loop. Jim and Stephen are on their 4th week of it so hopefully it will finish running its course and be gone for good. I'm still coughing a bit but not nearly as bad. Of course allergy season is here so that doesn't help much.

Not much else has gone on. We are just finishing our spring break. We go back to school/work on Monday and I am not looking forward to dragging myself out of bed before 9 again. Monday is going to be harsh.

Beth turns 16 in less than one month. Oh my.

This man is amazing

2009-02-24T19:08:00.000-08:00

and truly inspiring.

For the third year in a row

2009-02-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Snow! Pictures to come later, well one picture snapped before I scurried off to work and to drop the kids at school. Unfortunately not enough snow for a snow day though that would have been great! But enough to make my road a giant slushy mud pit. I wish I were home in my jammies snuggled under a blanket with hot chocolate and watching a movie :)

If you know me

2009-02-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

you know I try to avoid controversy. But I just read an article about a woman at 23 weeks gestation who went in for an abortion, was given a bunch of drugs, went into labor, delivered a live baby who was then taken by the nurse and put in a bag and thrown into the garbage. Just typing that out makes me want to go throw up. What is our world coming to? Autopsy verified that the baby had air in its lungs so it was alive when it was born. I read this quote by Mother Theresa and felt strongly that I needed to post it. As someone who desperately wants another child but has infertility issues I weep for these lost children. Have the baby - send it to me. I'll take care of it and love it.

"America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child -- as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters"

"And, in granting this unconscionable power, it has exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands from their husbands or other sexual partners. Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign."

--------------------------------

"By abortion, the mother does not learn to love, but kills even her own child to solve her problems. And by abortion, the father is told that he does not have to take any responsibility at all for the child he has brought into the world. That father is likely to put other women into the same trouble. So abortion just leads to more abortion. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching the people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. "

New Month

2009-02-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

My goals for this month include growing my business by adding a new team member and increasing my sales over last month. I also need to get my business organized - paperwork and products. I need to finish a short paper and an annotated bibliography for my class, submit my matriculation fee and apply for an extension for my class since it is supposed to be done by March 5th but it won't be. I need another 3 months - as usual. I need to connect more with my husband. Our lives are so busy that I feel like we hardly ever have time for each other and we need to fix that. I am going to scrap more and create more. I am also going to submit more layouts for publication this month.

Don't forget to check out my scrappy blog - Momma Scraps - I'm posting all my layouts over there and scrappy happenings!

Just checking in

2009-01-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

Life gets incredibly busy lately. I'm working full time at the high school still which takes a lot out of me. My kids seem to get busier and busier. With one car that means I play taxi driver quite a bit. It seems like I'm always in the car. Good thing I love my car! I've been working my Scentsy business as well. I love this company and their products. I have been scrapping a little bit but now I'm out of adhesive so no more layouts until I get more. I need to just buy an adhesive company! You can check out my scrappy blog to see my latest creations. Overall life is good. Incredibly busy. But Good.

Check out my new blog!

2009-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

I decided to create a blog just for my scrappy things. So go check it out.

Go Listen. Now. Please?

2009-01-02T17:55:00.000-08:00

This is my little brother! I'm so happy! He is a great musician. Go take a listen and let me know what you think :)
The WilLee Wolf Gang

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

During the hustle and bustle of this busy holiday season let us remember to take a moment to reflect on the miraculous gift we were given by our loving Heavenly Father. Our Savior Jesus Christ was born into lowly circumstances despite his royal heritage. May we remember His love and his sacrifices for us and truly feel the joy of this wonderful season.

Thankful for my blog

2008-12-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

When I started blogging a few years ago I did it only because a few of my friends had one and were telling me I should get one too. I didn't think it would be that worthwhile or important to me but it has become a journal of sorts. I am very bad at keeping a journal since I've grown up and its important to write those memories down. Today I am very grateful for this blog because last year I made this awesomely delicious sweet potato bake and couldn't remember where I got the recipe. Thankfully I had posted that it was in the Paula Deen cookbook enabling me to find it this year! Yay! Now I can make it again and enjoy its yummy goodness.

I am also thankful today for a very special reason. Today is the 6th year anniversary of my son's transplant. The depth of gratitude I feel toward his donor family is immeasurable. While I rejoice this season to spend another year with my child I mourn for the family who just six short years ago said goodbye to their 15 year old daughter. I don't know who they are or where they come from but I mourn with them as they miss someone they loved so dearly.

Merry Christmas.

Special Prayers for a Special Family

2008-12-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

Some very dear friends of ours received the awful news that the husband's cancer is back. He is the amazingly gifted father of 9 and someone we love with all our hearts. He is kind, compassionate, intelligent, witty and so loving. The world will be a dimmer place if he leaves it too early. Please pray for them to have courage and faith and as hard as it is that the Lord's will be done. I pray for a miracle for this family. God Bless Eddy and Karyn Hughes. Please heal him and let him stay with us longer.

A Letter to Ms. Stephenie Meyer

2008-12-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

There is no contact me info on your website and I highly doubt you will stumble on my little blog but I need to plead with you to finish Midnight Sun and publish it. It was horrible that your work was leaked and despicable that so many rushed to obtain this illegal copy. But those of us who truly love your work and are mesmerized by Bella and Edward's story want so desperately to see the rest of the story from Edward's perspective. I just finished reading the pdf version - the incomplete version - you have on your website and I am so incredibly sad to not have the rest of the story. Edward's perspective is so fascinating and so much more intense than Bella's - so different yet still so compelling.

So please Ms. Meyer, please, as a gift to your ardent fans can you please find a way to finish Edward's story. We need it. He needs it to be finished. Pretty please?

A devoted fan

Weekend Musings

2008-12-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

Thursday was an odd day at work. Still not sure how things will fall. That night I did a Scentsy candle party for my friend. It went fabulously! I must say I am loving Scentsy. Becoming a consultant was definitely the right decision for me.

Friday my 6yo was running a fever so home we stayed. He has a nasty cough which he has passed on to me.

Saturday I babysat for a lady who needed someone experienced with kids who have some special considerations. Lots of experience with my own son. He was a good kid so it wasn't too hard but I didn't sleep at all Friday night so I was pretty exhausted.

Last night we put the humidifier on on in our bedroom and had B sleep with me in my bed. It helped him sleep much better. Wish I could say the same for me. I don't know what is going on but I am just not sleeping lately.

Today we stayed home from church. I have a nasty cold, B is still hanging onto his and the rest of us are starting to feel yucky too. To top it all off our furnace pilot light won't light so it is cold in here! Lots of layers and blankets until I can call someone tomorrow. Hopefully it won't take more than the little bit we have in the acct at the moment. Sigh.

Saw Twilight

2008-11-23T17:27:00.000-08:00

and loved it! Of course there were differences from the book - there had to be to make the visual flow of the movie better but it wasn't terribly distracting and I just loved the movie. Can't wait to buy it!

I have some hives on my legs and torso so I'm taking 2 benadryl. I'm sure I'll be asleep soon...

So Sad!

2008-11-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

Mother's Cookies is closing and will no longer be making some of my favorite cookies! Those frosted animal cookies are such a favorite in our house. I'm going to the store today....

Story

2008-11-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

Supporting a traditional definition of marriage does not make someone homophobic. It is disturbing that there is no tolerance for people who disagree with "left" - ie all the protests and the calling for resignation of CEO's of major corporations who supported prop. 8. I guess only one side gets tolerance - and its not the conservative side it seems.

Two posts in a row

2008-11-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

This article is frightening! I want to know why it took 3 hours for them to respond to a burning substance on the steps of a church. I want to know if this is being viewed as the hate crime that it should be. For those that don't think the LDS people have anything to be concerned about, think again. If these are the actions based on our joining other faiths in support of defining marriage as between a man and a woman what will happen if the day comes that the Church is told them must perform those unions and they refuse?

So I just finished

2008-11-12T17:59:00.001-08:00

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer - for the second time in the last 4 days. I spent all day Sunday reading it only to find out the friend that was going to loan me the 2nd forgot she had lent them to someone else (its okay... I forgive you). To say that these characters are consuming is an understatement. I promptly ordered the entire series but was not at all content to just sit and wait. So I started #1 over again. And now I'm done. It was all I could do when I got home from school to put a load of laundry in and make one card before I picked up the book and neglected everything else. Thank goodness my kids can feed themselves.

I'm obsessed, utterly consumed, enraptured, enthralled and completely possessed by these characters. I've always been an avid reader but honestly can say I've never had this experience with a book that I have enjoyed so deeply that I had to read it again less than 2 days later! The first time I didn't read the preview of book 2. This time I made the mistake of reading it. I called another friend. She's not home. I need book 2. Like right now. I sure hope these books get here soon.......

I have been very quiet lately

2008-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

and I struggle with that. There is so much political and moral strife in the world and I have very, very conservative beliefs. I happen to work in an environment that leans to the liberal end of the spectrum so I spend a lot of time being quiet and not voicing my opinions. I truly do not want to offend anyone, feeling that the only way I can truly influence my environment is to make sure I don't offend the people I work with. Anyway, I sit there silently disagreeing with many viewpoints and then I come home and wonder if I should have said something. Shouldn't I be a voice for the conservative thought? Shouldn't, as a witness of Christ, speak up on moral matters? I don't know. I truly don't know if I should share my extremely conservative viewpoints in the midst of a group of people who are more articulate and more educated than I . I know what I believe, I know what is true, yet I don't know how to adequately express myself, especially on heated topics - my emotions get in the way of clear thought.

But I have to pass along this information I read a few minutes ago. As I am sure the world knows, there was a proposition in California, Prop 8, which has stirred a hornets nest. Those for the measure wanted to defend marriage as being between a man and a woman. Those against are very vocal. For whatever earthly reason they have targeted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as the ones to "take down" in response to the proposition passing. They neglect that only about 2% of the votes that passed this measure actually came from the members of the church. If they were to vandalize any other religious property wouldn't it be a hate crime? Why then are they allowed to attack our church without repercussions?

*****************************************
National Update

Friday, November 07, 2008
Visit familyleader.net for more articles, news & issues.
From: Maurine Proctor
Washington, D.C.

Prop 8 Protesters Target the LDS Los Angeles Temple

The LDS Temple in Los Angeles was under siege yesterday by 2,000 protesters angry over the Church's role in passing Proposition 8, forcing the temporary closure of the temple. According to reports, a gay activist called the temple saying they would be protesting outside the temple permanently until there is gay marriage.
Signs were hung from the fence around the temple and protesters screamed in anger, snarled afternoon rush-hour traffic and said, "This isn't going to stop us...If we do this we have a chance." "We're going to fight it until the world changes," protesters claimed.

"Shame on you," chanted the protesters. Outside the temple, grafitti was scrawled on the walls and signs hung, "Go back to Utah," and "Go to hell Mormons." Their signs said, "No on H8."

Protesters promised to go after the Church's tax-exempt status and harass Mormons who had donated to the cause, listed on a website Mormonsfor8.com. The promise was to make the Mormons pay for their role in the passage of Prop 8.

One LDS member in the area said, "I don't quite understand our police response (even though I'm one of the police). If this was happening at a Jewish synagogue or a Catholic church, we would be arresting people for hate crimes. As it is at the moment, protestors are sitting on the walls of the temple and the police are on the grounds inside. Church members in our area were called last night to come down to the stake center and spend the night protecting the building from vandalism -- it's like 150 years ago."

To see a news report on these events click here.

This was the politics of intimidation and harassment, targeting the LDS church, though many other churches had helped in the effort-and a sample of how the homosexual agenda has spread across the nation. It was like San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsome, said when he illegally started marrying couples in the city before that America was going to have this whether you like it or not.

It will not be about people being able to vote their conscience, or calmly assess the issues and consequences, but about threats and vilification.

Other churches who participated in the effort have not been similarly targeted.

The LDS Church is, of course, in no danger of losing its tax-exempt status. The only donation made to the campaign according to records was $2,078.97, an expense which covered the travel of church leaders who went to California to meet with the coalition. The Church insists that by law it has the right to speak out on moral issues.

Threats from Blogs Target Christians
istockphoto-knape

A Worldnetdaily.com article noted that homosexual blogs have been boiling with threats toward Christians. Burn their [blank] churches to the ground, and then tax the charred timbers," wrote "World O Jeff" on a blog. On another website "Tread" wrote, "I hope the No on 8 people have a long list and long knives." On another website, a contributor wrote, "Can someone in CA please go burn down the Mormon temples there, PLEASE. I mean seriously. DO IT."
On another website "scottinsf" wrote, "Trust me. I've got a big list of names of mormons and catholics that were big supporters of Prop 8. ... As far as mormons and catholics ... I warn them to watch their backs."

Another blog entry: "If you're planning a heterosexual wedding in California ... be prepared for picketers. Designate someone to watch the parking lot ... You're going to have lots of unexpected expenses. Add $500 to your budget for security. ... Be prepared for the flowers not lasting to the reception or the tuxedos showing up two sizes too small or the music at the reception being a way too loud or the cake tasting a little funny," stated another threat. "Be afraid. Be very afraid. We are everywhere."

Thus it continues on and on and Matt Barber, director of cultural affairs for Liberty Counsel called the statements "hate crimes" for their intent to create violence against someone based on their beliefs and called on the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and "other leaders within the homosexual lobby" to call for an end to such threats.

Thus, the true colors of some of those who push this agenda are in clear display. It is a kind of domestic terrorism designed to silence and quell anyone who oppose this agenda as it marches through our nation.

On the same day, this happened, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a statement calling for mutual civility. "No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated or harassed." It is a call to turn the other cheek.

Lawsuits against Prop 8

At least three lawsuits have been or are in the process of being filed protesting the passage of Proposition 8.
Andy Pugno, attorney for the Protect Marriage coalition said, "The lawsuit filed today by the ACLU and Equality California seeking to invalidate the decision of California voters to enshrine traditional marriage in California's constitution is frivolous and regrettable. These same groups filed an identical case with the California Supreme Court months ago, which was summarily dismissed. We will vigorously defend the People's decision to enact Proposition 8 . . .

"It should also be noted that the ACLU recently made this same "constitutional revision" claim in a nearly identical matter in Oregon and it was unanimously rejected."

Family Leader's attorneys agree with this estimation.

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

Arizona had a similar measure which also passed. This is a very heated issue with emotions running high on both sides. The fact that it passed in both states tells me that there is real concern, valid concern, that those who hold a more conservative, religious view are in danger of losing their right to belief. The courts have begun to make moves that could very well lead to government entities telling the various religious organizations that in order to perform marriages they must perform them equally to any who desire it. This is grossly wrong. We should have the right - we do have the right - to believe that marriage between any but man and woman to be wrong. We should not be forced to change our belief in God's definition of marriage to appease any legal entity or community. No one is asking the community to give up their legal rights. Even though I disagree with the very idea of homosexuality the government can grant tax breaks, insurance etc to those partnerships. But don't force my Church or any other Church to grant the title of marriage. Marriage has long been the jurisdiction of the religious organizations in the communities throughout history. That is where marriage should stay. The government can make civil unions if they want but don't call them marriage. Marriage is defined by God and should be left to the jurisdiction of the religious organizations.

Anyway, I don't think I am expressing myself as well as I would like which is why I rarely speak up. People have wondered who and what I voted for as well. I have been silent on my politics but I don't know that I should be. All I can say is that there was one deal breaker for me in this election - both the local and national elections. Anyone who supported one particular issue did not and will not ever get my vote. But maybe I'll save that for another day.

(wow... two blog posts for me in one day. not sure what this means ;p )

I Survived

2008-11-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

a weekend trip to Disneyland with a bus full of high schoolers! It was a blast. I even rode roller coasters - Space Mountain 3 times and Tower of Terror 2 times....California Screamin' 1 time... are you proud of me???? I am a big wimp but it was rather fun! Here are a few pics... The were taping the ABC Christmas special so we got to see the Jonas Brothers perform and we saw Ryan Seacrest. Very cool :)

Of course walking around an amusement park for 16 hours with only about 3 hours of sleep is not something that works well for me. I spent all day Sunday in bed and I'm still so sore and in pain. But it was worth it. So very worth it. Of course staying in bed all day Sunday meant I got to read Twilight from cover to cover. WOW. So guess what I am doing the rest of the week? The book was soooooooooooooooooooooo amazing!

Ok.. off to catch up....

You gotta read this...

2008-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

its hilarious

http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/online-divorcee-jailed-after-killing-virtual-hubby/1259111

My mom

2008-10-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

My Mom is a double breast cancer survivor. She had it on two separate incidents ten years apart and she beat it both times. She is an amazing woman who works tirelessly to make her children's lives better, her grandchildren's lives better and the lives of all around her better. She is constantly giving and doing and wearing herself out in service to others. My mother is my hero, she inspires me.

I have a cold

2008-10-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

and I hate being sick. I would have called in sick today but I knew it was already going to be a busy crazy day at school so I'm here. My head is throbbing but I'm here. My kids aren't going to get the mean Miss Amber today. Today I don't care ;) so I'm sure they will be happy...... but I won't be too nice - don't worry. I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation haha :D

Now I didn't do the math myself

2008-10-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

but I got this in my inbox this morning and have to say I wholeheartedly agree! Give the money to the people who need it most - after all it was our money to begin with!

Subject: Fw: The Birk Economic Recovery Plan



I’m against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.

Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000
to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.

To make the math simple, let’s assume there
are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.

Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting
every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might
be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..

So divide 200 million adults 18+  into $85 billon
that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a
We Deserve It Dividend.

Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
So let’s assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.

But it means that every adult 18+ has
$297,500.00 in their pocket.
A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00
in your family?
Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college – it’ll be there
Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car – create jobs
Invest in the market – capital drives growth
Pay for your parent’s medical insurance
 – health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+
including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman
Brothers and every other company that is cutting back.
 And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do
it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00
( “vote buy” ) economic incentive that is being proposed by
one of our candidates for President.

If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail
 out every adult U S
Citizen 18+!

As for AIG – liquidate it.
Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being
 American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut
it up and clean it up.

Here’s my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn’t.

Sure it’s a crazy idea that can “never work.”

But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to
use the $85 Billion
We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses
 at AIG or in Washington DC .


And remember, The Birk plan only really costs
 $59.5 Billion because $25.5
Billion is returned
instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.
Kindest personal regards,
Birk
T. J. Birkenmeier, A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic                                                                                     
          
PS:  Feel free to pass this along to your pals
as it’s either good for a laugh
or a tear or a very sobering thought on how to best
use $85 Billion!!

Calling all my scrapbook friends

2008-10-08T20:40:00.001-07:00

This weekend is a super fun cyber crop over at Coordinates Collections! Join us Friday thru Sunday for super fun challenges, games and lots of chatting. These are a great bunch of gals to crop with so I really hope you'll join us!!

Share your Story

2008-10-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

My friend is creating a masterpiece and needs help. Share your story with her...

UNITY ROCKS!

2008-10-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am a huge scrappin' fanatic and I also love to stamp and make cards. I discovered this company over at Splitcoast Stampers and I can not recommend them enough! They are the most awesome people, generous and oh so fun. I got my first order today and I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of the stamps and the fun designs.

Tomorrow is their weekly online party and let me tell you - it is a blast. FANTASTIC deals every Thursday and lots of blog inspiration as well as fun fun fun at the Splitcoast forum. Head over to Unity Stamps at Splitcoast and make sure you also go to their STORE and get your own Unity Stamp Co. stamps.

And now for their deal of the week:

Every first time order over $15 placed during Hip Hop Thursday receives the So & So Loves stamp for free! In addition, all orders over $30 receive a free single stamp of their choice.

This company is soooo generous - check them out, order some stamps, I know you will love them!

A nice Sunday

2008-10-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Its been a good day. I watched my friend's two little girls for her so she could sleep (she's got pneumonia). We watched LDS general conference and played outside. We took naps (I love naps!) and dh is now grilling food for dinner while the kids run around outside. The front of the house is shady now so its nice and cool. These girls are so adorable! Its been a good day.

Thank you Heavenly Father

2008-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

We had an offer on our house - the highest one yet but the bank wasn't going to take it. Its a long story, its been a long weekend, but with a LOT of faith and prayer mountains were moved and they finally accepted the offer 2 hours before it was going to be blown to pieces. Our house has sold. Finally. We may actually be able to catch up a little bit now... keeping our fingers crossed.

A wonderful couple hoping to adopt

2008-09-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

This couple would make such wonderful parents. If you know of anyone who would like to find a loving and strong family for their baby please pass this information on.

The road that I grew up on

2008-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

There is a great new kit club - Kenner Road - and the owner challenged on her blog to write about the road you grew up on. (Even though this was written for the contest entry I am so happy to have this inspiration!) I have very fond, happy memories of the road I grew up on. I grew up in Middle River, Maryland a small suburb of Baltimore. The roads in our little neighborhood, Ballard Gardens, started with the letters A-B-C-D-E. I grew up on Becklow Ave in the house that my father grew up in. It was a quaint little row home (also known in other parts of the country as a townhome). It had two stories and a basement. There were a lot of kids in our neighborhood and behind the houses there was an alley that separated the back sides of the homes. We did most of our playing in the alley. It was clean and the yards well kept. We had pretty much complete run of the neighborhood. It was a safer time. Several years ago my whole family took a trip to Baltimore and my dad and some of us kids went back to the old neighborhood. Its not so safe and neat anymore. That was rather sad. I'm glad I have such happy memories of Ballard Gardens.

Queen of Paradise

2008-09-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

I was honored to make it to the final round of Croppin' Paradise's Queen of Paradise contest. I've entered this in the past and didn't make it so this was quite a delight for me. I'm so pleased with the final layout (and matching altered item) that it doesn't even matter if I win (though I would love to!). If you head over to the gallery you can check out the altered item and matching cards. I really enjoyed making these entries!

Monday Musings

2008-09-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

**Check out what's left at Mandarin Pixie Stamps - they are going out of business and have everything left marked way way down. Get your MP stamps before they're gone!

**It was a rough weekend. I was feeling sick for most of it (still am). Haven't slept well, have a pulled muscle or something in my back, somehow broke a blood vessel in the corner of my eye and have had a headache most of the weekend as well. A "tussle" with the neighbors didn't help and I am so burned out and ready to just run away. Too bad I'm too broke to run.

**I sure hope this week is better.

Why are some people such idiots?

2008-09-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

For the first time in a long time I have words running through my head that I don't dare say aloud for fear of not being able to stop using foul language once I start. My kid did something really stupid tonight and another adult over reacted while a 2nd adult basically told me if it was his kid he'd whip his butt with a belt and on and on. He was over the top and we ended up leaving a function my kids look forward to all week because of it. I never question this man's parenting though I strongly disagree with it yet he has no qualms telling me I need to beat my child over something that was stupid and disrespectful. To note though my son did this as soon as he realized it was a bad choice he immediately apologized sincerely only to have the other adult basically say too bad (which was petty on his part though I understand the emotional reaction.) I hope that friendships aren't ruined over this but that means the other adults have to be willing to step up and be forgiving and respectful adults. I'm not holding my breathe.

Monday Musings

2008-08-25T18:17:00.001-07:00

I went scrapping Friday night with ladies from church and my friend from work. It was fun and I got 5 challenge layouts done. This is my favorite of the night using all Basic Grey except for some generic buttons.

I found a new favorite scrappy spot to hang out - its a new kit site called Citrus Tree Studio. I love it there! Go check it out....

Today I picked up ds from school and started down the road. It had been raining all day so I rolled the windows down to take advantage of the cooler temps when I heard this whopping sound as I drove. We got to the light and ds poked his head out the window. Sure enough - flat tire. Of course I was in a skirt today but luckily it was a long one. So we pulled over to the side of the road and get started on changing it. A couple of people did pull over to see if I needed help but by then I was almost done. My back hurts now but it got changed. A friend has some tires that are the size we need so Jim will call him in the morning to see if we can buy one from him. I get paid on Thursday. You know, just today I was telling a student to never let your car know when you're getting money because then it will break down. I swear I didn't mention anything about being paid within "earshot" of my car but I think the car might have a spy.

On the plus side my network is working and my laptop connected so I'm sitting in my bed watching the Closer and surfing the net. Oh yeah, and I'm on Facebook now.

I won!!

2008-08-20T08:06:00.001-07:00

My layout won round 4 of the Queen of Paradise contest at Croppin' Paradise! I love this layout so I'm very happy that it won :) The next challenge though will take some thought!

My husband got laid off.

2008-08-14T19:57:00.001-07:00

He has been teaching eighth grade at a small charter school and today was told he was being laid off because enrollment is down and they can't afford to pay everyone. They basically laid off half their teachers and are combining classes. This was a k-8 charter that just started back to school this past Monday - one week of school and they lay half the people off. Supposedly he is at the top of the list for rehire if someone else decides to leave.

He is devastated and sobbing over this because he had worked sooooo hard getting a middle school rotation schedule set up between 3 grades - he has basically been the instructional team leader for the middle school. The person they retained was at the elementary level and they are moving him up to take over 7/8. This is a big mistake.

Stephen just started 7th grade there but we are pulling him out because we can't afford the gas and the hassle of driving him up there if dad isn't going to be going up there anymore. They will go enroll him in a smaller district school tomorrow where his best friend will be starting late on Monday also so they can start together. (best friend's dad just regained custody and "possession" of his son after mom took him this summer)

Anyhoo --- can you please pray for my husband? He is so upset. We are already several hundred dollars in the red this month and now we'll never catch up. They are only paying him two more checks - the one due on Monday and the one due at the end of the month. They are going to write him a letter of reference but he isn't certified yet so it is going to be a huge difficulty finding someone to take him on after the schools have already started. He is exploring financial aid options to finish his certification which will most likely include student loans but we HAVE to finish this certification so he can get hired on at a district that has benefits.

I'm so heart sick for my sweetheart. My dad is still searching for a job too. Sigh.

A Hunger

2008-08-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

and not for food. I have a 15 year old, a 13 year old and a 6 year old. I am in such a different phase of life now and I like where I'm at. I'm working at a job that I really enjoy, I'm taking classes so I can become a teacher - a job I'll enjoy even more. My 6year old had an assignment that is due tomorrow about growing up. He needed a picture for each year of his life from birth through six and had to write a little sentence about what he liked to do at that age. Looking through pictures of him stirred some feelings up that I didn't realize were there. I am baby hungry. Not starving mind you, but I would love to have another one. I think I'm crazy. We're past baby stage! We are so far into the school and independent stage it would be starting all over - again. #3 was a very blessed and welcomed surprise but two and three are 7 years apart. If I get preggers now three and four will also be 7+ years apart. But I want one. I want to snuggle and nurse and hold another little baby. Too bad this infertility thing has made that difficult. We actually wanted more babies but they never came. I suppose I could try some intervention via modern medicine but I don't feel that is what I should do. Its hard to explain. Anyway, I miss my babies and would love another. Yet I am very content with this stage of my life. I enjoy my family and my job. But who knows... anything could happen!

Scrappy goodness

2008-08-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

So this month I am hosting the challenges over at Coordinates Collections. I am excited to come up with different challenges each week and hope you will join me!

I also got word this morning that one of my altered items will be published in an ezine this month. As soon as its all official I'll be sure to let you know! This is my third time being "published" online. I think I really need to start submitting more to the print publications. I used to submit once in awhile but I really should focus more attention each month on submissions. While I scrapbook just for my own personal pleasure it is gratifying to have other people see your work and think its good.

On the homefront things are good if not hectic. Settling into this new job and kiddos back to school has made things quite crazy. Hopefully it will all settle down soon. Yesterday I spent the morning with my mom canning 54 pints of green beans and it was really fun to hang out with her visiting and the sense of satisfaction from seeing the rows of freshly canned, organic yummy food is so divine.

Death of a Child

2008-07-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Even when its not your own the death of a child is a difficult thing to handle. Over the weekend one of our students shot and killed his stepsister, another one of our students. Having to face the mortality of my own child I can imagine the grief and pain her family is going through on one level. Yet I can't imagine the grief caused by knowing it was your own child that did something so horrendous. My heart goes out to that family. The pain, grief, confusion, anger and sadness they must feel is surely overwhelming. Several fellow students have had a difficult time dealing with the news and the counselors have been steadily busy today. Prayers for the family of these children - may God grant them peace as they struggle to come to grips with such a tragedy.

Come Crop with Me!

2008-07-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hey you - yes I'm talking to you! Come crop with me this weekend at Coordinates Collections where cropping is all about the C's! Lots of fun challenges and chatting. Tell them awendybird sent you *wink*

Changes

2008-07-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well I started my new job this week and yesterday was my first day working with the kiddos. It went really well. Since I am assisting students in this technology based school I get a laptop to use during the school year. Today I am feeling quite good since I somehow figured out how to get my router properly set up on my desktop computer and can now enjoy the internet while at home on my laptop in another room. This is a big accomplishment since several months ago I couldn't get the thing to work. In reality I think the easy connect software that I downloaded today did most of it though I did need to figure out how to make sure the right cables were connected to the right spots since I don't have the typical connection with my modem.

Anyhoo - its been a crazy week and I am wiped out but its been a good week. Lots of changes to get used to. My baby started first grade and I miss him! I don't see him nearly as much. But we're all adjusting. My oldest started 10th grade and is trying to graduate early so she has a pretty tough schedule. My oldest son doesn't go back to school until August.

Whew... I'd better go get caught up on some other things. Sorry for the disorganized post... just rambles.

Please help my friend's daughter!

2008-07-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

She is trying to win scholarship money. This is such a dear family. Just a year ago their father suffered a stroke and they are determined to stay strong and follow their dreams. Their daughter is an amazing young woman who is dreaming big - she wants to design fashionable but modest clothing. She has been fortunate to have the singing duo Aly and AJ wear her clothes at one of their concerts! Please go to the Brickfish site and vote for her Missa FACE! She needs to be in the top 10 and stay there in order to win scholarship money. Oh and you can vote once every 30 mins or 3 hours depending on whatever twist of fate is running your browser (sometimes I can vote every 30 some times every 3...) and if you have both firefox and explorer you can vote in both browsers.

Thanks!

CLICK HERE TO GO VOTE

2008-07-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Good morning! Just wanted to share some scrappy goodness from the last two weeks. This is a clock I made the other day using Bo Bunny paper and Maya Road bird and clear journal spot. I took apart a clock I made for my boys years ago and used the clockworks. I then took a small cork board that was framed that I picked up at Wally world a few years ago. I wasn't using it anymore so I peeled off the cork, put a hole for the clockworks in the wood and then altered the backside so the clockworks would fit inside the framed section and lay flat on the wall. I like it :) It hangs above my scrap desk so I can finally see the time without twisting around to look at the clock across the room.

This is a layout I did for the color challenge at Sisterhood of Scrap. This is my hubby's broken toe of a few months ago. I love the little Maya Road bird.

These last two layouts used items from the June Flip Flops kit at Coordinates Collections. The bottom layout idea is taken from the ScrapJack blog. I needed to use all these "bonus" pictures from school. I just couldn't throw them out so this was perfect!

The summer has been flying by! Two of my kiddos only have one more week off school and the third kiddo goes back in August. I start work on the 14th. Where did the time go? I didn't accomplish nearly as much as I hoped to do this summer. Oh well! It has been good though. The kids did their scout camp and girls camp and had a great time. I enjoyed the relative quiet on those weeks ;)

Other than that no big news from our neck of the woods. Its been a quiet, peaceful, non-eventful summer!

Doing my part

2008-06-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

I switched to Firefox about a year ago now and I haven't looked back! I like using it so much better than IE. Its download day today - it starts at 10 am pdt. So give it a try, you may just like it more!

2008-06-13T21:03:00.001-07:00

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Blog Journaling Challenge

2008-06-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

I suppose I should take my own challenge *wink*

Growing up I didn't have just one favorite treat but I have very fond memories of my Pappy (my dad's dad) taking me to the corner High's to get his cigarettes and a treat. This was back in the day you could give a kid a few bucks and send them into the store to buy the cigs for you. I always hated buying those cancer sticks which did eventually take my Pappy away from me through the horrible disease emphesyma. But you didn't tell my Pappy no! Although I would take his matches and get them wet when I would find them around his house. I don't know if he ever knew it was me. I'd flush the cigs if I found them out and didn't think I'd get caught. Pappy would let me get some of the nickle and dime and even penny candy with the change. I remember feeling so grown up and important to go into the store by myself and pick out what I wanted. I think I'll blame my still present sweet tooth on my dear sweet old Pappy.

Check it out

2008-06-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a Sister!

Canvas Art

2008-06-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

I don't always do altered art but when I was at the local scrapbook store yesterday I felt drawn to a small 6x8 canvas. I got it home and just set it on my desk but this afternoon it called to me. I sat down with my favorite Autumn Leaves quote book and found a short but sweet quote that I really liked. The result? A canvas that I really like! I used Heidi Swapp letter mask and acrylic stamps, generic jewels and a typeset stamp set that I bought at Michaels so long ago I don't remember who makes it. The paint is Making Memories.

Hidey Ho Neighbor

2008-05-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

Long time no see huh? Its been a busy month with my kiddos finishing up school and such. My baby graduated from kindergarten. He was quite excited and I was just a little sad.

My older son graduated from sixth grade - I actually did tear up at this one because he is leaving a team of really great teachers. They loved him and cared for him over the last two difficult years and I owe a big debt of thanks to them.

My daughter finished her freshman year in high school and was heard to comment "Its all going by so fast!" Get used to it sweetheart! It won't be long before you are watching your own daughter finish her first year in high school. GASP. Okay I'm not even going there....

On the job front I have been offered a position as an inclusion parapro at the high school. I would be helping students with IEPs with their assignments, taking notes and making sure they are getting what they need academically. It wasn't the exact position I was going for but I'll give it a shot. I'll start in mid July.

On the scrappy front I've been busy this week! I finally had a chance to relax a bit and let the mojo flow again. I've completed about 6 or 7 layouts this week plus a card! Here is one of my most recent favorites.

Our New to us Vehicle

2008-05-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

Its a 2002 Buick Rendevous with the third seat option so it seats 7. The third seat folds down which gives us tons of cargo room. I wish we didn't have a car payment but since we do I am quite pleased with the ride. I better be. We'll be driving this forever!

Mandarin Pixie is closing

2008-05-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

It is with sadness that Jennifer is closing the Mandarin Pixie Stamps business. All stamps are on clearance sale right now so grab them before they are gone!

I'm not liking 2008 at all

2008-04-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Feb. started off with dh's car accident and subsequent totalling of our only running vehicle. The punk that hit him from behind claims that dh "bounced" off the front car and bounced backward with enough force to crush our back end. Quite a spectacular feat considering that the bumper of the 1st car in the line sustained minor paint blemishes. Not quite sure how you hit someone with enough force to slam you backward into the car behind you without doing serious front end damage to your own car as well as damage to the car in front but of course the punk's insurance company had to believe him. So we took the measly check from our own company and bought a used van. A 93 Dodge Grand Caravan. It had been well-maintained and had recently had its tranny replaced so we thought it was a pretty good vehicle. Hmmpf.

In March we had it die on us and had to tow it to the repair shop. $636 painful dollars later we had a brand new fuel pump on that baby and we were mobile once again. It was getting warm out and we were feeling grateful to have a vehicle that fit our family comfortably and provided nice icey cool air from the vents.

Of course that was too good to last. Saturday when I was running an errand the engine started knocking loudly and obnoxiously. When my dad dropped my son off that night he took a listen and said Uh Oh. Well I don't know exactly what he said since I was in my room stressing out. But the short story is that the knocking was due to a loose rod banging back and forth in the shaft. Oooookay. So to avoid throwing the rod we stopped driving it and I called the repair shop today to get a ballpark figure. After all we have zero mulah and need to try to figure out how much we need and where we could possibly get it.

Sigh. Both the repair shop and my mechanic friend told us the same thing. New engine - either rebuilt or salvaged but either way we are looking at about $2500 in repairs. Now we paid $2500 for the van in Feb. $636 for repairs in March so we have spent $3136 in two months to try to keep one running vehicle. Now this? Who did I tick off and how can I fix it? Surely the fates must be tired of torturing us and want to release us from this hideous trap they have sprung on us this year.

So if the next time you see me I have no hair you will know I have finally been driven mad and have pulled it all out. Beyond that I just don't know what to do. No money, no running vehicle, I am slowly being pushed over the edge. Right now we are borrowing my dad's truck which only has 4 working seatbelts and the back seat barely has leg room for a 6 yo. My teens are squished and if all 5 of us have to go somewhere we have to make two trips. I start my day at 530 am taking dh to work early so I can get home in time to get the kids up and off to school in time because we can't all make the trip together.

Life sucks. Can the world end yet? I really am tired of it.