My Scrapbook World

Variety is the Spice of Life

2011-04-21T08:31:00.000-04:00

It's amazing to me how so many different individuals came together for God's purpose in Kenya. Our mission team consisted of medical/dental personell and service personnel. It consisted of men and women. It consisted of 20 something, 30 something, 40 something. It consisted of Anderson campus, Florence campus and Charleston campus.

Yet, to serve, we served as one. Our leader, David Nimmons, referenced 1 Corinthians 12-30:

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[d]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And so within the body of Christ, we had our hands and feet and eyes and ears, yet we all came together. Diversity became commonality, a shared purpose. It was fascinating to see and be a part of.

Jane was a member of our teaching team, yet she spent a morning moving rocks and helping with the water tank project up by the school building. That's where she was needed. Andy, the campus pastor at Charleston, spent time at the dental clinic disinfecting instruments, yet he was part of the construction team. We moved where the body needed us.

What conclusion can I draw from this? That we all have a purpose in God's kingdom. That purpose may change as the body's needs change. That doesn't make us any more or less valuable because the body needs all of its parts.

No Rules, Just Right: Kenya

2011-04-18T10:53:00.000-04:00

One thing I noticed while I was in Kenya was when the kids were coloring, both the big kids and the little kids: they used alot of color. They were not confined by the lines on the coloring page we gave them. They stayed within the lines, but used many colors within a specific area on the coloring page. It was fascinating. American children would color an arm flesh colored, or a skirt one solid color, but Kenyan children will use the colors they have and create a multi-colored arm or skirt.
This color came out in their cultural dress as well as their daily wear. It was joyful to see the beaded bands around the womens' necks that they had made with so many different colors of beads. Row upon row of color. Their garments were colorful. No rules. Base clothes with tied on yards of fabric all in colors.
The dancing was joyful and the colors with the dancing were even more joyful.
It was amazing to me out of a life so uncolorful how so much brightness could come out. I was fascinated. The landscape where we were was dirt, dotted bushes, few trees...alot of brown, but not the people! Their smiling faces were accentuated with color.
I love color. Color makes me happy, too. Maybe we should all add more color in our lives!

What CAn I Tell You About Africa?

2011-04-13T10:23:00.000-04:00

What can I begin to say about my experience in Africa except that the Holy Spirit revealed himself in so many ways. I was enveloped, surrounded, on fire! He was so evident in everything that happened. I find it hard to express in words his wonders. I experienced the fruit of the spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The most evident I can share was when I was starting with motion sickness really badly on our bumpy, jostling bus ride our last day out to work. I said, "Holy Spirit please take this motion sickness from me," and it was gone. LIKE THAT! And I get motion sickness just thinking about a wild ride! So I also had the start of a whopper of a migraine. I could feel it coming. I was so amazed I said, "Can you take my migraine, too." It was taken.

It's just so hard to write about the greatness, the omnipotence, the sheer envelopment during my time in Africa. It's amazing what you can hear and experience with God when all life's distractions are missing.

I have more to share, but that is the start of my writings about this great, life altering experience from which I will never be the same as I was! How could I be?

Oysterz - Boone Hall Plantation Oyster Festival 2011

2011-02-21T11:51:00.001-05:00

Recently, Becky, Jesse, Caitee and I went to the Boone Hall Plantation Oyster Festival put on by the Charleston Restaurant Association. Oyster buckets were $10!!! OMG, they were so good! We sat in the sun, ate seafood, drank some beer and listened to music. All in all, a great time was had by all!!!

Digital Expression

2011-02-16T07:49:00.000-05:00

I finally had a chance to do some digital scrapping. Lately, I've been so into my Kenya trip, that all I did was fundraise and make things for my Etsy shop and orders. Make things for scrapbook classes I was teaching. I didn't have much time for self-expression! Plus, I've been printing out all the blog entries about my fundraising to go in my Kenya album. That has been paper scrapping for the time being, which I have found frustrating somewhat as I can't do all the things that I can do digitally.

I've missed my digital world! And photographing things for my Etsy shop, got me excited about photographing what's out in the world and so these photos are from that inspiration.

I'm caught between a rock and a hard place right now...sort of...I love glue and inks and the tactile feel of scrapbooking, but I adore the results of my digital scrapbooking and the challenges of getting done what I want. I should do hybrid, but at the moment, my color printer is out of ink...a paltry excuse, but the only one I have. Plus the printer has not been hooked up correctly as in it got knocked off the network. That is fixed (by me!!!). Now I just need to put it back in it's spot in the cabinet.

I digress. I did find a huge box of embellishments the other night. Quite a nice surprise! Left over from my move from the bonus room to my new scraproom/office. It might help if I unpack the rest of my stuff! All things in due time.

Such are my scrapping ramblings for today...

We did it and thank you!

2011-01-26T09:28:00.000-05:00

Simply said, "We did it!"
$3,500 raised for Kenya. But those words don't show all the love and support that went with it. I'm amazed. I'm grateful. I'm blessed. I'm loved. I'm inspired. I'm going to Kenya because every single person that helped me took the time to say,"I believe in what you are doing," and wrote a check. Large or small, they all contributed to my journey.

A journey that God had ordained before I started. Last week, our pastor, Perry Noble, said that if you are meant to go to Kenya, God will provie the funds. God provided. The Holy Spirit worked in many and the list of supporters is long and lovely!

And so I am going to Kenya with a list of people in my pocket who made this dream come true. I have always wanted to be in the mission field. Kenya was the mission that spoke to me. I don't believe in going small, and I believe in going where it is a challenge...out of my comfort zone. Because as Christians, comfort equals complacency, and I never want to be complacent in my relationship and life with Christ.

I am no one special. There is nothing unique about me to set me apart from every one I know. But, I do know I was chosen to go on this mission, that I must go on this mission, and that work will be done through me and in me on this mission.

It's rather exciting. I'm giddy. I'm elated. I'm serving God on this planet! Through Him, I am serving others! My brothers and sisters in the far off land of Kenya.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think my desire to serve on a mission would take me to Kenya. Honestly, I started this fundraising with a bit of trepidation. My human weakness. Can I really raise all this money? Does God really want me to go? He keeps telling me He does.

And so it is with a full heart, that I thank each and every person who is supporting me financially and with prayer. Your gift has made it possible for me to fulfill a dream!

Nairobi or Bust Facts

2011-01-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

I am going to the Segera region of Kenya, which is north of Nairobi. This is the area where I will be serving on the medical/dental mission! Since, 2009 NewSpring has sent 241 people over 9 trips to serve with the 410Bridge on medical and construction missions . Do you know that they built a water system at Black Tank and it services over 4,000 people? Two kitchens were built in schools by those serving from New Spring. It might not seem like alot, but it sure does to me because imagine not having running water? Or going to school and there is no kitchen at your school. Imagine no medical care because you are in a remote area and too poor to get it. It just seems like a good thing for me to do to go to the Segera region and serve. I have to go. I was called by the Holy Spirit to do so. And He is providing in an amazing way!

As of today I have 10 more days to finish raising my funds. This morning I said I had $598 to go and a dear AOII and friend, Beth Walsh, took me right to $500. Yes, that happened! And then I sold one of my crosses this morning! I'm at $490! Amazing to me. But then Pastor Perry said if you are meant to go, the funds will be provided. And so they are.
Mind you, I have been fervently working towards this goal of $3,500, which I originally thought in my human way to be insurmountable. How silly I was. The first donation paid my initial deposit and took me $100 into my goal. It has been a whirlwind of donations since that time. Steady. I can't take a single bit of credit. I know where they came from. Not from me or my asking, but the spirit moving within people to accomplish this goal.
Do you feel used? Ah, used by the Spirit. What an honor. And I thank each and every one of you!

It has a name!

2011-01-14T07:02:00.000-05:00

Oh my friends, I am going to Segera, Kenya! I found out today because I got an email from our trip leader that I need to go to the 410 Bridge site and fill out all the necessary official information! Official information! Kenya! Pinch me! That's what I'll be doing today!
I looked up Segera. It's almost smack on the equator. I find that detail exciting and glad I have a sporty hat to wear to protect my skin. How cool to be almost on the imaginary line that runs around the center of our earth.
Ah and getting here has brought many sweet stories and acts my way. Last night one of my very dear friends sent me a donation. It might as well have been a million dollars because that is how it made me feel. He just moved, took a pay cut, had to get a second job and still put a Lil sumpn' in my coffer. Sweet, sweet, sweet.
I love every donation. Each one has a story with it. Each one is amazing. Each one is a piece of my journey to Segera!

Moving forward towards Kenya

2011-01-11T06:36:00.000-05:00

I started raising funds and my gracious friends supported my dream. I'm so close! I'm going anyway! My passport is here. My initial paperwork from the church for the trip is here, and my first information packet. Shots are next! It's real people. I am going to Kenya!

I am going to Kenya!

Thank you Glenn and Need More Help to get to Kenya..$800+ to go!

2011-01-07T09:28:00.000-05:00

Who knew back in the good old halls of Gunston Junior High that all these years later, a young man I went to school with would help me put a LIKE button for FB on my blog? Thank you Glenn for taking time out of your busy schedule to help me do that...walk me through it...provide me the HTML code...That was sweet, and nice, and above the call of duty!

It's people like Glenn and YOU who are helping me get to Kenya! Everyone, I am so close, but not there yet and I have to have all my money by Jan. 29th! I can't help asking. I've got to go and I've gotten so far with everyone's help. I just ask that if you haven't had a chance to donate yet, please think about it. It's tax deductible and you can do it through paypal...lbossinger@sc.rr.com! It's that easy! Just over $800 to go!

Schelle S.

2011-01-04T09:30:00.000-05:00

Prolly shouldn't post peeps' last names on my blog, but then I often wonder who really reads it anyway! HA! It's like a journal for me. Well, for my Kenya trip it is. I just bought some paper last night from my lss to start printing out my journaling so I have it for my Kenya scrapbook.
Even before I have left, God has done some amazing things. I have grown closer to people and now I have a wish to celebrate my friend and AOII sis, Schelle, through my Kenya trip. Celebrate her dedication, her spirit, her zest, her determination...and through my trip, which I offer up as a prayer for her, I hope that there is a divine intervention in her battle against cancer.

I've made us matching bracelets. Dorky, prolly but a representation of my dedication to her. Mine has her name on it. I am sending her one to wear. Then when I come back, we can switch out. She can have the one I took to Kenya. It seems silly to some, but to me, it is where I am being led. And this whole journey to Kenya is about where God is leading me.

GRATITUDE and DEDICATION

2011-01-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

Ali Edwards is one of my favorite scrapbookers. She has a down to earth style I really enjoy. She captures everyday life in a creative, yet do-able way. One of the things she suggests is choosing is a word for the year. Sometimes this comes easy to me. Sometimes it does not. This year the word gratitude came shouting from my heart! How could it not be my word. My list of people helping me get to Kenya grows longer every day. There are people I don't even know who have helped me through etsy and just seeing my crosses around town. THANK YOU is a small set of words, but it carries a big sentiment from me.

I have decided I must dedicate my mission trip to a dear sorority sister battling cancer, Schelle Simcox. I am in awe of her attitude, her bravery, her determination, her fight. So I am going to make a bracelet out of memory wire with her name on it and wear her to Kenya! Yes, wear her. You are coming with me Schelle. The HOLY SPIRIT has put this on my mind constantly. I don't know what it means for either of us, girlfriend, but I know I must do it. You are in my heart and mind and so I will carry you, dear girl, to Kenya with me!

A Living Miracle and A True Friend Knows Your Heart

2010-12-23T09:34:00.000-05:00

I often wonder how God does it all. I mean, He knows us down the every hair on our head. Every star in heaven has a name. He has a plan for each of us, down to the minutest detail. And so He has set me on a path to Kenya. He has opened the doors for me, and people have reached out in such an amazing way.

Yesterday, while I was working, a man said that he thought the cross on my neck was "cool". I started explaining about my mission trip and that I was making crosses for it. Next thing you know, he had bought the cross of my neck to support me. A complete stranger!

My dear friend, Patsy Lee, is a Christian mentor to me. I often go to her with problems, and she gives me advice from a Christian perspective. She is very wise, and I have yet to have her be wrong! We like to exchange gifts every year. Just a lil sumpn', and this year her gift to me was a donation to my mission trip with a beautiful card. I nearly cried. A true friend knows your heart. She knows my deepest desire is to serve in the mission field in Kenya, and so her gift to me was to help me along on that journey. I was so deeply touched. But she knew this trip was my heart because she is my true friend.

Yesterday, I went over to my dear friend, Beverly Surma's house. We were baptised together at NewSpring. We started in small group together, and now I'm the small group leader. She is a riot! We went and saw Adam Lambert together and rode in her red hot convertible...nearly froze to death on the way home, but that's what you do with good friends! We exchanged a lil sumpn' for each other. And she knows my heart. Back in September, she got me the most gorgeous cross at the Darlington Sweet Potato Festival. This was before she knew I was making them like a fiend, and before she knew I was selected for Kenya. I had put in for it! But a true friend knows your heart.

I have had some issues with an untrue friend here recently. It makes me appreciate that true ones that much more. You don't have to donate to my mission trip. You can pray. I need prayer. Nancy Beach and Anne Caturano Semmler have offered prayer. And Kristin Furfaro. This is huge. Prayer will allow me to receive the most from this journey.

Anyway,
A lying tongue hates those it hurts,

and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28

If you lie and are deceptive towards someone who is your supposed friend, it is obvious you do not really like them. And if you try to flatter them with false flattery, again, it is obvious you do not like them. Sad, but true.

I don't want to dwell on the negative. Just so happy about the positive and uplifting journey I am on as I raise money for Kenya. Each of you has made this journey possible. Each of you will be in my pocket on a piece of paper and prayed for every day as I am in Kenya.

One of my favorite quotes is, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

I gave that to my mom when she was put on the transplant list. It applies to Kenya, but I'd like to add, begins with a single friend...and grows closer, one at a time!

We made goal number one!

2010-12-13T09:11:00.000-05:00

I say God made it. Each of you has been a special blessing. A part of my mission. I will not be in Kenya without each person who has made this a possibility. How do you say thank you to the people who make your dream come true! Two small words, but they carry so much from me!
I'm amazed at how people have responded. So overwhelmed! Small post today. Simple gratitude. I am blessed by each one of you. You are making it possible.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and Donate through Paypal

2010-12-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Artist: Beth Walsh, AOII

Okay, Beth Walsh AOII sent me her donation in this decorated envelope that I just had to share! With a cute 8x1/2" page inside that will definitely be scrapbooked in my Kenya book, along with all my blog posts. How sweet! The mailman, I HOPE, appreciated the time it took to doodle this up! I sure did.

Yesterday, I taught my scrapbook class at Scrapbook Concepts. There were six lovely ladies in there who I thoroughly enjoyed my time with. It lasted about two hours, and we made two flag books. One basic and one fancier with a 4x6 photo.

4x6 Photo Flag Book

Next, I will be teaching a waterfall class...no, peaking yet! That is Sunday, December 12th. Gotta whip out my samples this weekend in between work!

Steven spoke at NewSpring recently.

Steven Furtick recently spoke at NewSpring. He is a friend of our pastors, from Goose Creek, SC, and currently the pastor of a church in Charlotte, NC. The gist of his message was that WE do not ask God for BIG enough things. He is greater than our dreams. After all, if God could make the sun stand still for 24 hours, what can't he do in our lives? This really stuck with me. (And for a shameless plug for him, click on the book photo, it takes you directly to Amazon.com where you can order his book.)

It is part of the reason I stepped out entirely in FAITH to raise $,3500 to go on a mission trip, as we all know, to Kenya. And I asked God to initially help me raise $52.00 a day for my first deadline looming Dec. 19th. He gave me more each day because my request was small, and He is greater than what I can ask for. I later had to up the ante to $68.00 a day as things had slowed just a bit. I got tired. I slowed down. Not God. Terri Hale Kessler responded and "bought" a day. But God in His greatness said, "I can do more, child." And her mother, Virginia Hale, is sending a donation on top of Terri's. I underestimate what God can do all the time.I"m human. And He is showing me, that He is God.

In the midst of my, "slow" period, Bev Schaeffer, stepped in and said she would get me to Kenya. I've posted about that on an earlier blog. A sun stand still moment for me. A reminder...

Yesterday was quite an amazing day. Beth's adorable letter with her donation came in (featured above in the first photo). It is special to see people rallying around me and supporting me. It is inspiring! Then Karin Raus Vercamer (AOII), realized that paypal was the way to go. Frankly, it was instant gratification for donations, and as she said, the quickest way to do a feel good thing. Lo and behold, that opened a flood gate...literally! I watched Glenn Kipps (TKE), who I have known since 7th grade and showed up at George Mason and said, "I know you," use paypal to help me to Kenya. Cathy Arcieri Morales (Catie to some now), jumped on paypal and sent a payment for four crosses. Then Nancy Woloshin jumped on...my dearest crafting girlfriend and someone I have loved since I met 21 years ago after Lou and I first got married! Anne Duff Chappell is not far behind. I think she is still trying to figure it out...with now help from me because Karin was the one who got it all started and left me going, "duh".

But that's not enough, Cathy sent me an email that I opened on my phone. I love technology with a photo of her donation. So sweet because otherwise I have to call the church Kenya office to see what people have sent in directly to them. Not a big deal for me to call, but I love a girl so organized!

But that's not enough, I taught my class at the lss (local scrapbook store), and that earned me $30 towards my trip. But that's not enough! The sweet ladies in there gave $120 in extra donations! Yes, $120 extra.

What I'm trying to tell you is that God can make the sun stand still. You just have to ask.

And you can donate directly to me through paypal, which I will forward to NewSpring Church at: lbossinger@sc.rr.com. Thanks, Karin! DUH!

One final, irony of the day. I am going on a medical/dental mission. Don't know how I got on that one! But that is where I'm at.

I need your help and gratitude: Terri Hale Kessler

2010-11-30T10:47:00.000-05:00

Today I sent out sixty requests for donations on FB to my TKE friends and scrapbookers I have met through the years at various places and events!
I watch every day as the Spirit moves in the world and amazes me with the generosity of the people I know. I can't do it alone. My motto is, "Getting to Kenya one cross at a time, one donation at a time."
No cross order or no donation is more important than another as quite simply without each one, I cannot get to fulfill my dream to serve in Kenya!
I've told you about some of my amazing sorority sisters. The thing is, over the years, through the joy of FB, we have reconnected, gotten to know each other better, and have even better relationships now! One special girl is Terri Hale Kessler, who I met in 7th grade at Gunston Junior High. Yeah, she scratched out Alice Lee's name on a Valentine card and said, "Oh, I spelled your name wrong."
I can picture it to this day...in the gym locker room. Funny the things we remember. But a simple error took two girls on a ridiculous, and I mean ridiculous journey of friendship, lasting through a move by me to California! Where she called me, as our parents allotted us so many minutes on the phone because back then you had to pay by the minute, to tell me she just cut her finger off by slamming it in the door. She took her mitten off, and the rest of the top of her finger was in the mitten. Gross! HA! But all part of friendship through the years. I moved back to Virginia, and went to George Mason where Terri and I had to pledge the same sorority. She was telling me all about rush and we went in thinking to pledge one cuz of a friend of hers, and wound up in a completely different and fabulous AOII!
Anyway, Terri and I lost touch with each other. Facebook came around and many of us girls reconnected. Everyone who got on here said, "Where is Terri Hale?"
Talk about popular! Everyone wanted to find her. We searched everywhere, and then one day she pops up online! She's Terri Hale Kessler now, but she will always be that funny redheaded girl I met in 7th grade!
Okay, off on a tangent I went. So I posted how I need $68 a day to get to my first goal of $1, 760 by December 19th based on what I have received so far. I only count cash on hand cuz if it's not in my hand, it's not in the church's mission trip fund for me! And lo and behold, lil' Miss Terri Marie Hale Kessler says she will buy me a day!
I nearly cried. I might still. I was humbled. You see, I asked. The Spirit worked. God fulfilled. One day closer! One day, through a beautiful woman I knew at 13 (EGAD scary isn't it!).
Thank you, Terri!

The Sage Writings of Friends and Raising $1,325 by Dec. 19th

2010-11-29T10:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have a very verbose friend who has exceptional writing skills. Far beyond my capacity to express myself. You read about her in my previous blog post...Beverly Tucker Schaeffer. She wrote the most beautiful FB request to her friends to help support me in my fundraising efforts to Kenya. It told her I was going to post it here because it was so beautifully written. Can I find it? No. FB won't let me go back that far. And why didn't I post it when she wrote it? Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda...I'm finally off today. GACK! I wanted to share it. And it's not on her FB page for me to get. Double GACK! Oh well, I shall request she IM me it and post it later!

I have another helper, too. Her name is Beth Walsh, another Gamma Alpha AOII. Gotta love those girls! I posted about needing to raise another $1,325 by December 19th and she writes, " Well, that's only about 14 friends puchasing about 10 necklaces and/or keychains that they turn around and use as small gifts or stocking stuffers at Christmas with (a note of who made it and why is what I plan to put on the boxes for mine). And a straight out donation towrads the trip is OK, right? And probably tax deductible."

Then she wrote, "C'mon Greeks -- we don't want Leigh out in front of the supermarket ringing a bell hocking her necklaces. Let's get her to Kenya before she starts thinkjing of which intersections in Florence have the longest traffic lights."

How I wish I lived near these two! And thank God for FB. They are a delight!

Anyway, you can purchase my necklaces and/or keychains to give as gifts. To keep for yourself. To share with friends. My keychains hang on backpacks! Kids love backpack tags! That is one way to support me.
Another way is to simply make out a check to NewSpring Church and mail it to me at home or you can mail it directly to the church with a post it note on it - Leigh Bossinger March 2011. Please don't put anything in the memo section. The IRS has a fit.

The church address is:
NewSpring Church

Attn: Kenya Trip
PO Box 1407
Anderson, SC 29622

No, I do not want to stand infront of Walmart with a bell hocking my wares. Tres embarrassing, but if it would get me to Kenya, I would do it. I do have my necklaces/keychains at two local businesses who have offered to sell them for me: PurseNalize It and Desert Sun Tanning. Please patronize them, and while you are there, pick up several of my crosses for a good cause!!! All proceeds from the sale of my crosses go towards my mission trip! In addition, to selling them myself, putting them in two local businesses, I am teaching at the local scrapbook store: Scrapbook Concepts. $5.00 from each person who takes the classes I am teaching is going towards my mission trip! And yes, I am sending donation letters out. US MAIL has delivered some, and I"m about to start using FB to contact some people whose addresses I don't have. And yes, I am praying ardently...

And no, I do not want to stand at Florence's busiest interesection with the longest lights...clearly five points...which is actually six, but who is counting...if you live here, you know exactly where I'm talking about. It's a mess!

So as they say, leave no stone unturned. And if I have, please let me know what it is so I can fix it. It is my drive, my desire, my heart to get to Kenya to serve!!! Please help me! I can't do it alone!

Beverly Tucker Schaeffer and Stepping Out In Faith

2010-11-23T09:57:00.000-05:00

Back in the fall of 1982, I pledged AOII at George Mason University with my best friend from high school, Terri Hale Kessler. We were initiated into this sorority founded in 1897 by four ladies...who had no idea Facebook would ever exist. Facebook has allowed many of us from Gamma Alpha Chapter to reconnect. The president when I was a pledge, our pledge trainer (poor woman...we were a rebellious class due to our size and strong mindedness), my fellow pledges, sisters from before me, and sisters who followed me, including my little sister, Theresa Lynch Wheeler.

One who followed me was a young lady named Beverly Tucker Schaeffer. (Have to use all those married names and maiden names in case people forget your married name!) I had my crew. She had her crew. We shared the bond of sisterhood.

Now come to 2010, and let me tell you about a conversation we had on Facebook. You see, I have as I have mentioned in previous posts, stepped out in FAITH. I must raise all the money in order to go to Kenya because I don't have it due to some life circumstances.

My FB post: "AOII-Gamme Alpha Chapter... You girls are friggin' awesome! Were, are and continue to be! Thanks to each of you helping me get to Kenya!!!"
(My post was made in response to figuring out I need to bring in $52 a day between now and Dec. 19th to make my goal of $1, 760 by that date. And I just had gotten an order from Terri Hale Kessler for five of my crosses that I have been making like a fiend. $50, plus an order from one of my daughter's friends, making a total of $60 because God is always bigger than my dreams.)
Bev: "How closst to goal are you? I mean, I know you're already going, but how goes it???"
Me: "Oh no! I'm not already going for sure March 2011. If I can't make my $1, 750 by Dec. 19th, they keep the money raised and push me to a later date! That's my first deadline.The Balance is due Jan. 29th! Right now I have raised a whopping $240 on top of my deposit! I have a ways to go! Now, that is cash in hand. I think I have another $150 in firm orders for crosses. A few more peeps have promised to order...I'm putting along and also will earn $$ for my scrapbook classes...And I've sent out about 40 letters asking for donations... :)
Bev: So, put that in layman's terms for this English major. How much more do you need? Just gimme a number. I'll make it happen.
(My heart was aching from joy; tears were filling my eyes from shear amazement. Frankly, I was embarrassed to tell her how big my goal was.)
Me: $2,960 total... :) if you make it happen, I'm sneaking u in my luggage! It was $3,500 to go plus $150 deposit.
Bev: Lemme see what I can drum up, sweetie. I got on the horn & got two of my coworkers to their goals for their Komen for the Cure walk. God needs you to go, the people there need you to go. Your heart is already there.
Me: You are making me cry! and my heart is already there. Not truer words spoken! The bonds of sisterhood surely are special! <3

1. I could not believe what I was reading! My stepping out in FAITH was being made whole. My friend, Bev, was answering my prayers. Divine intervention at hand. Glorious and beautiful Holy Spirit filled conversation.
2. How could Bev put into words this: "God needs you to go, the people there need you to go. Your heart is already there."? I felt led by God to go on this mission trip. This mission trip reached out and grabbed me, and said this is the one. The people need me, she said, yet I know, I will learn more from them than anything I can humanly do for them. And, "my heart is already there."
Yes, Bev, my heart is already there. You made the sun stand still for me last night.

I know this mission is meant for me because I kept wavering. Afraid. Afraid to step out in FAITH. It's scary. Stand on a precipice and say, "Lord, I have nothing. You must do it all. I am here willing to serve. Help me." And over the ledge I went because my little sister, Theresa Lynch Wheeler sent me a check to cover my deposit and a piece of my trip. And I continue, not to fall, but to rise because if you step out in FAITH, God will lift you up. And Beverly Tucker Schaeffer is a living example of the Spirit working through people and of goodness and a true heart.

I can't say thank you. It's is small word for such large gestures. But, I will carry all ofyour names to Kenya in my pocket. And every day, I will say a prayer of THANKSGIVING for God's greatneness in allowing me to serve and each of you for getting me there!

Purse N Alize It (Silver Impressions)!

2010-11-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

I used to work at Silver Impressions, now PursNalize it (located next to the Piggly Wiggly on 2nd Loop Road). Yesterday, I went up there and ran in to Jerri, one of the owners. I told her about my mission trip and my crosses, AND THEY AGREED TO CARRY THEM FOR ME! And to make sure even when they have sales that I always get $10 for each one they sell. I'm so excited! That is such a huge blessing and divine intervention! I thought they might do it, but I dared not assume or get my hopes up to far...I must remember the sermon about the day the sun stood still! Quite amazing how God is opening the doors for me to go to Kenya, one cross at a time!
I hope you will go by there and get one of my crosses and while you are in there, browse their amazing personalized gift selection. They have everything! They monogram and engrave!
While at Linn's store, Scrapbook Concepts, I ran into a lady telling me about her Etsy store and how her product has taken off. I have seen some people I know on FB talk about things in their ETSY shops...I got her phone number in case I need help. Next stop Etsy!
Met Laura Broach's mother-in-law today. Lovely woman! She bought a purple cross. While Laura was here with Barbara, she mentioned zipper pulls and back pack tags! Kids love to hang things off their backpacks!
You see, when the door is wide open, you know you are doing the right thing.
Two more goals tomorrow I can't mention...
Now I have to get William Major going...the trend setter that he is! Gotta make his so he can wear it around and show everyone.

Thanks to Desert Sun, The Plaza and Scrapbook Concepts

2010-11-19T08:58:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Tammy Chapman at The Plaza...my hairdresser and owner of the salon. She is letting me put my crosses in there to see if they sell! So please go by there and get one...or get your hair cut there! That would be good, too! She is awesome!
I'm going to be teaching some classes at Scrapbook Concepts in December. So I hope that everyone will come because all the proceeds I make will go towards my trip!
Susan Overstreet is going to put my crosses in her Desert Suns. So go get a tan or a spray tan and buy a cross and tell her I sent you!
I"m doing everything I can to raise this money and the rest is up to God. I can push my trip out to another time if I can't come up with the funds. I feel motivated and encouraged to keep moving forward.
I'm sure people are starting to get sick of this...but I gotta keep it on the front burner! Donations are accepted! Checks made payable to NewSpring Church. You can mail them to me, and I will forward them to the church! Then I can add you to my list of fabulous supporters!

Donations and only 32 days left to raise $1,690

2010-11-17T09:47:00.000-05:00

Progress is slow in the area of raising money. I know it is going to be hard, but the Lord keeps telling me to step out in FAITH, and so I am. This is completely an act of FAITH. I do not have the money to do this myself.

Now, a bright note in the aspect of fundraising, my cross necklaces and keychains are hits! As soon as the money really starts coming in for them, I will be on fire! Towards my goal of $1,750 I currently have $60. I have paid my deposit already. That means I have $1,690.

I worry that people are going to get sick of hearing about this, but if I don't keep it in the forfront, it won't happen.

If I sell 170 cross pendants and keychains, I got it!!!! Then on for the remainder due in January! If 100 people gave $10 each, I would have $1,000 towards my goal. If 50 people gave $20 each...and so on. I try to break it down like that. Small steps into the big picture. Thirty two days left to reach my goal....

Photos of my horseshoe nail crosses and keychains I am selling

2010-11-16T15:32:00.000-05:00

Horseshoe Nail cross necklaces and keychains

2010-11-15T21:37:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed. I am making crosses wrapped in wire, any color, to raise money for my mission trip. They can be necklaces or key chains and all proceeds go to my trip. This idea came from this cute girl I know at work. The Lord has lead the way and opened the doors. I got my first donation for one today from my friend, Laura. My high school bud, Dorsey, is ordering some. Two of my sorority sisters have placed orders! And three of my small group friends have placed orders, too. I desperately need to raise $1750 by December 19th! I would have to sell 175 crosses or get donations.
I will post a picture of my crosses tomorrow and the current colors of wire I have, but I can get more colors! I feel this idea is blessed!
I am also trying to combine with another person I know who is gig to study at Hillsong in Australia. We can split our proceeds by combining our efforts because he knows different people than me. This will also satisfy my desire to help him achieve his goal.

Kenya Post 2

2010-11-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

Not too much exciting to say. I really need to do more like get my passport and figure out all these shots. The only thing that freaked me out a little was how the information of the risk of malaria was so alarmingly long. Treatment before trip, treatment during trip, and treatment after you get home. I don't want malaria, and I'm not worried about it, but if I had that kind of personality, the web information would have scared the tar out of me.
I hope that my friends and family will be excited for me to have this experience. Everyone who has gone has said it is life-changing. They went expecting to help and make an impact but came home being helped and being impacted. God will do amazing things, I'm sure.
Please pray for me that I am able to raise the funds for this trip. Even if I can't get it all together for March, I can still use he money I raise for another trip.
Some people ask me why I don't serve in my own community. Why I would go half way around the world to serve when people need help right in our own backyard. Isn't that a bit presumptuous? I do serve actively in my church. And as an extension of that, I would like to reach out in the world. America is a blessed country, and we as Americans enjoy a high standard if living. I feel that as Americans we should be involved in the world. What is a great nation if we only serve ourselves?

Mission to Kenya Update 1

2010-11-09T13:10:00.005-05:00

I am sending out some letters to family and close friends today. Only 10 so far. Not alot, but I was truly blessed with the very first donation (and you know who you are!)

It is hard to ask people for money. It is hard to ask people for money for a mission trip. I am truly stepping out in FAITH on this one, as if I don't raise the cost of the trip: $3,500 through donations, I simply cannot go.

I would love to thank everyone personally on my blog and make a list of donors! I will set that up as I get some in and also a little "meter" to track my progress. December 19th isn't that far off so I really need to get in gear.

Everytime I think of not going, the Lord puts something in my life that says you need to go. I think that a mission trip is a calling. It is not for everyone as we all have different gifts and talents that can be used in various ways and places. Why me? I do not know, but the Spirit has spoken loudly to me, and so, I will follow.

I hope you read and enjoy what I write...and photos eventually. Post a comment. Ask questions if you want.

I do worry a bit that people I ask for donations from will wonder how legitimate is this serving in Africa. I will set u direct links, too, on my sidebars for that. Not today. The 410 Bridge and New Spring are directly linked if you have questions or are curious now about my trip which is again March 17-26, 2011.

Mission to Kenya March 2011

2010-10-14T09:04:00.002-04:00

Do you believe that dreams can come true? I do. I'm going on a mission trip to Kenya in March 2011. Bridge 410 and New Spring church where I am a member partner up and send about 30 people four times a year to serve God through mission work in Kenya.

I have to do alot of fundraising to go as it is very expensive, and I'm hoping to get alot of support through friends and family. All donations are tax deductible.
If anyone is so moved during my journey as I share it here, please send a donation to the following address made out to New Spring Church:
NewSpring Church
Attn: Kenya Trip
PO Box 1407
Anderson, SC 29622
Do not write my name on the check (Leigh Bossinger), but put a memo on it or include a note with it and reference me. I can't do this alone my friends! I need to raise $1,700 by December 19th.
I will say that my heart believes this is possible as no one can outgive God, and the first donation I received was very special and paved the way for me to go. You know who you are.

Big Savings and Great Evangelization!

2010-08-10T00:01:00.005-04:00

What does big savings and great evangelization mean? Two different things actually.

Savings
I bought a new laser printer to have in my home office, which has paid for itself almost 2x over in savings at the grocery store simply by printing extra coupons and using them! Stores accept printables. CVS and Bi-Lo are fantastic about no limits. Harris Teeter gets a little cranky and has a four max printable, with only two on the same product. Whatever! I just got to CVS and Bi-Lo, and if I need to go to HT, I know I can only use their printable coupon limit. Great deal on a Schick Hydro with extra bucks at CVS and a manufacturers mail in rebate for FREE. This paid for itself! I might be weird, but I love when I end up with something free! And it's just for taking a little extra time to print my rebate form and mail it off.

Evangelization
Pastor Perry is visiting Florence tomorrow night to talk about Evangelization. I'm excited he is coming to Florence, and I'm excited to hear him speak on Evangelization. Don't ask my why I am capitalizaing evangelization. No reason at all!
And this is not the IN YOUR FACE SCARE YOU OFF EVANGELIZATION type of talk. Anyway, it should be good, and I can hardly wait! I'll talk about that on Wednesday or another day. Depends when I get to blog next.

I told you I needed more room than FB had to offer. While nice, FB is limited. And for the talker, who has alot she needs to say, this is just the medium for me!

No pictures today. Didn't take any!

Another Day...not another dollar?

2010-08-09T08:42:00.005-04:00

Big excitement...I tried Craigslist for the first time last week after my friend, Nancy E., recommended it. It was a successful venture. I'm going to root around for more things to see if I can't sell something else. I also had a successful week on e-bay. Not that I do it that often. I go in spurts, but I had some things I needed to sell, and so I listed them. We're trying to Dave Ramsey ourselves, and if you don't know who he is, I recommend looking him up. I'm too lazy this morning to URL! lol!

In that vein, I'm trying some new financial software that I seem to be having a good success with...which SUCCESS must be the word of the day! Mainly for budgeting, and that means expense tracking!

And as luck would have it, when doing some research on how to use this new budgeting tool, I found a great article on two headed snakes. What?!!! Not two headed snakes really. It was an article that basically said, pick your two biggest expenses that you think eat your budget...i.e. not your mortgage. Let's call them your budget eaters. Where you go off track...NOT THE LATTE. For me, right now, it is eating out. Not that we do it alot, but you get tired, and then next thing you know, you are getting a sandwhich somewhere. Try a goal of trimming this over the next month. By attacking your two weekest areas...and not eliminating them, but trying to reduce them. You free up the money you were spending there, to go to other areas. It may be a potential savings that if you keep on trying to find your two headed snakes, will help you keep your spending on track.

I think it is kind of like dieting. If you just go cold turkey and cut everything out, your mind is not happy! And you set yourself up for failure. But if you pick a habit, such as not getting fries with that meal, it's a change that when added to another change, becomes a lifestyle change and leads to weight loss on its own.

This is my last scrapbook page, which was sometime in June. I just have no mojo like I said. It doesn't have anything to do with a lack of materials, it's my brain won't cooperate. Maybe it's because life is busy right now. I miss my outlet, but it will come. I just need to give it time.

One thing really fun about my iPhone is the Hipstamatic film app. I bought it, which I don't usually buy apps. It has been worth every penny. This is my favorite combination (you Hipsters know what that means). B&W is my favorite film type. It can be so expressive in its contrast.

Anyway, that may be all I have to say for this day, aside from my glee in my coupon shopping yesterday at Bi-Lo! Save, save, save! Not my usual over 50%, but I bought alot of fresh fruit on sale so I still saved! Just could'nt get double coupons on top of the savings.

Posting from my iphone

2010-08-08T21:35:00.003-04:00

How about it? I'm back to blogging. I've found I have more to say than Facebook can handle. Lol! I need more room to express myself than the limited characters. Not that anything exciting is going on. I have been in a creative dry spell. I'm hoping this will pass. I've tried everything to get the ole mojo back. Nada! Eventually it will come. I guess for now my excitement will come from fixing up my office. Woohoo! Got a new printer for an awesome deal, and now can print my coupons right from my office, clip, and file them. Coupon central! Look out world! More posts tomorrow. I'm going to take my creativity back!

Mend, Layout of the Week at SBG

2010-01-16T15:54:00.003-05:00

This layout was the Layout of The Week at Scrapbookgraphics this week and also featured on their blog, Scrap Matters. I was so excited. I couldn't believe it!
Last week, or week 2's, word was Accept. I didn't know what I was going to do at first and then thought of the Serenity Prayer...This page just came together...

Mend was the word for week 3. Not that I always follow the words or the prompts on the Art Journal Caravan, but I'm doing it so far, I guess! I really wasn't sure where that word was going to take me, and I had a hard time putting this page together. It was a "journey" for sure to get this the way I wanted and the journaling was difficult to get out. But I am really trying to be REAL with this art journal and having something at the end of the year that is about me...and life...

I still have not done my FEARLESS page. I'm waiting for some colors to inspire me!

FEARLESS

2010-01-04T17:20:00.003-05:00

ONe of the journal prompts for the AJC this week is your word for the year, which is something I have done for the last two years as prompted by Ali Edwards. And as an aside, if you don't follow her blog, you should.

I will be scrapping my word: FEARLESS. HA! I have some ideas rumbling around in my head...I might piddle with a lo tonight...I'm also waiting for Tangie to release the next piece of the AJC and see what is in there! LOL! Of course, being on her CT, we got the two first pieces early, which spoiled me and now it is hard to wait for the next part!

No lo to share today, but sometime this week I am sure I will have something for the AJC.

Some notes about Fearlessness...
“Only with absolute fearlessness can we slay the dragons of mediocrity that invade our gardens.” George Lois
“Fearlessness is the gateway to success. One should therefore shun all kinds of fear. ” Riq Veda
“One can rectify the mistakes made in the past with the help of fearlessness and patience. ” Riq Veda
“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” Pope John Paul XXIII
Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me. Arrianna Huffington
Every time you win, it diminishes the fear a little bit. You never really cancel the fear of losing; you keep challenging it. ~ Arthur Ashe

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it. Unknown

"Living fearlessly is not the same thing as never being afraid. It's good to be afraid occasionally. Fear is a great teacher. What's not good is living in fear, allowing fear to define who you are. Living fearlessly means standing up to fear, taking its measure, refusing to let it shape and define your life."
-- Michael Ignatieff (1947-), author and critic

"Concentrate on where you want to go, not on what you fear."
-- Anthony Robbins, speaker and author

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore."
-- Vincent Van Gogh

Art Journal Caravan Expedition 2010

2010-01-01T10:49:00.004-05:00

So Tangie Baxter is taking us on a fabulous journey this year in creating an art journal. I have decided to do 8x8 pages because I can print them out if I do them digitally. If I do hybrid or just paper, I can make them any size I want and fix my page protector to fit what I've created.

First off I made a cover for it last night, which will really end up being a title page as I plan to use a three ring binder style 8x8 album.

I hope you like my cover/title page.

I have also created three pages to go with it. I see someone has suggested that we create ATC's to go with each page, and then at the end of the year we would have 52 cards...just like a deck. Which I could do this as well, a piece part of each page I create and include some baseball card pockets in my art journal to keep this all together. It is also a fab idea if I feel that my creation is ATC size for what I'm feeling. Here are the created pages...and sometimes I will share my journaling and sometimes not.

I hope that some of you will tag along with me as I take this journey throughout the year and also join in. Check out the link: Art Journal Caravan

New Blog Header

2009-11-26T18:31:00.001-05:00

I made a new blog header! YAY! Finally! Mostly using stuff from Tangie Baxter and 3 frames from Christina Renee Designs. I hope everyone likes it!

General Chat

2009-11-24T12:02:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love camellias? I do. I have five bushes in my yard, and that is still not enough. This photo was from earlier in 2009 when we got a rare snowfall. I grabbed my camera and ran out to photograph my yard and spotted my camellias all delightfully covered with snow!

Just a little silly atc I made. Both kits are from Tangie Baxter at Scrapbookgraphics. I'm too lazy to post credits right now.

No, I am not General Chat. I am chatting, generally! LOL! I am downloading a new kit from Christina Renee Designs. She is moving from her own spot in the world over to OScraps. I'm going to play with her delightful designs later today as a reward for hard work...moving my scrap crap to Matt's room and moving Matt over the garage. Yesterday was massive cleaning for that grand adventure. Today may involve some actual moving! HOOORAY! oh and then more cleaning as I put it all away, but it really is pared down from what I used to have so I feel it will be manageable!

Thanksgiving involves me working for Black Friday, which I don't really mind. I expected it as I'm working retail. I think it will be an adventure. Will post about that. Turkey is thawing. Paula and I can't be together as I have to work and Jake and an appendectomy. Boo!

Newest layout!

2009-11-16T22:01:00.000-05:00

I'm still around. On Facebook. Need to blog more. Miss it!

Project 365 Layouts

2009-10-05T20:07:00.005-04:00

I'm somewhat remiss on keeping up with my Project 365 photos, but I do have some photos for every month. I have been somewhat hampered by the idiot who stole my camera leaving my with my iPhone. That is better than nothing, but the picture quality is so low! GEEZ I'm spoiled!

Here are some project 365 layouts I did recently. I am through April, which is kind of neat I have to admit.

I've had some lo's pubbed, too. I guess I need to post about that as well. Later, though. Let's focus on the Project 365. After all, it doesn't do any good to take all those pictures and not do the layouts to record them. Please excuse my laziness about crediting each and every designer to each and every lo. I merely ask that you visit those credited in my labels as those are the ultimately talented ladies whose products I used!

How to Save Big on Meat and a few other tidbits...

2009-08-28T08:25:00.003-04:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I have a friend that has two full size freezers full of meat. Her husband told me he was thinking of getting a third freezer. (I use the term meat to describe all things such as chicken, burger, steaks, etc...and yes I know chicken is not meat...ok!)

I am not as good at Tally as snooping out the deals, however, I do quite well. You have to cruise the meat area whenever you hit the grocery store and look for the marked down meat. Stores have various policies as to when they mark their meat down. Where I live, Harris Teeter marks before others. Anyway, it is marked down before or on the expiration date. Well, so what. I'm going to take it home and put it in the freezer. It will be fine!

I have found seasoned meat for fajitas, italian sausage, pork chops, ribs, hamburger, chicken, steaks...the list goes on. I try to look for things that are marked down to $5.00 or less in a package that I would consider one meal minimum. Often times, I can get things for as low as $2.00. It just depends. Sometimes I have a coupon, if it is a name brand item, too. Anyway, the point is, I'm able to buy at a great savings and stock my freezer.

Yes, it is good to buy your meat on sale, too. You will save doing this as well. I always buy ground chuck when it is on special. I like to get pork butt, too, because who doesn't like some good home-made bbq!!!

The whole point is to keep your eyes open. You never know what you will find. And that goes throughout the grocery store...discontinued items that have been marked down...and then if you have a coupon... you get the point!

One magazine I have subscribed to is "All You". It is only available from Walmart. I don't read it. I clip all the coupons out of it. There are a ton, and it more than pays for itself. I even got a fabulous deal on my subscription rate. It took some searching and waiting, but now it's really worth it! You will see this magazine referenced alot on the sites that I told you to check out. It's just another coupon tool in your arsenal.

Speaking of coupons, do not forget catalinas/blinkie/tearpads and such. I had to wait for something at Piggly Wiggly yesterday. While I was waiting, I took a cruise around the store for coupons that are in the aisle. I'm not greedy. I take two per visit. Some people do take the whole thing, but I prefer to be nice and leave some for others as well. However, if people have left a stack of them out, I take all of those. I found three different things of coupons that I was able to add to my stash.

And that, my friends, is a week in my coupon world. I have not made it to the store yet this week. So much going on. But you know for sure when I go that I am going to save a ton. I always save over half on my bill. Some weeks are better than others, but it all boils down to money I can use on other things.

I hope you have found this helpful. I may have left some things out, but it is all available for you on the internet. Cruise. Expand your knowledge. I'm sure you will be a pro in no time.

Personally, my son is very excited. He says we have alot of food...and he likes that. He has a hollow leg!

Have a List and Be Wise to the Store's Policy

2009-08-27T07:29:00.003-04:00

Here are some tips for getting to the grocery store with your coupons that you need!

This fabulous tips is a real time saver: cut and paste the grocery specials from your favorite site into a word document. Simple, eh!

That is exactly what I do. Personally, I trot over to Southern Savers and copy her list for Bi-Lo or Harris Teeter, where I usually shop. Then I go through and delete all the items I know that I do not buy or am not going to buy. I also remove all the notes about pricing and such and fix the spacing and margins to try and get it all on one page! While the site is still open, I can go through the list of items I want and print out my internet coupons. After the internet coupons, I match my coupons from my stash. Next to the item on the list, if I have a coupon for it, I mark a "c". That way, when I get to the store I have two ways to make sure I got what I came for...my list...and the coupons in my hand. If I think I am done, and there is a coupon in my hand, I know I missed it. Also, as I go through my list, I mark off what I have in my cart.

Now, my whole goal is to get what I can as cheaply as I can. If the items on sale do not fill my grocery needs for the week, I can get the rest at Aldi or Walmart, the two cheapest stores in my town. Aldi always has the lowest price milk, unless there is a special at the store.

Let's talk about Walmart for a moment. Why are we not shopping at Walmart for everything? (I'm talking about a Supercenter or say a Target Supercenter...) Because, although Walmart claims to have the lowest prices, they do not put their items on SALE AND more importantly, they do not double or triple coupons.

My Bi-Lo doubles coupons up to sixty cents every week. That means if I have a sale item and a sixty cent coupon, I will save an extra $1.20 off the sale price! Harris Teeter doubles up to ninety nine cents, but they don't have the best prices always. Now, for triples...I hit them and for super doubles like I explained in yesterdays post.

Your strategy is to find the store in your area that is giving you more for your coupons. These extra savings are going in your pocket!!!

Also, sometimes Bi-Lo will give you additional savings off of items on top of the sale and coupons- a total off your grocery bill if you buy a certain dollar amount of a product. This dollar amount is pre-coupon price people! It's easy to hit and results in a nice little treat!

For example last week I bought some Suave products. I had the sale price...I had my coupons...and at the end, I got another coupon for $2.00 off...Yes, I'll take it.

Anyway, all this stuff is always spelled out on the sites I visit. Remember, the hardest work I am doing is matching. Someone else is out at the stores finding all the deals and posting all this information for me to take advantage of!

Also, you need to be a smart shopper. Know your stores coupon policies and don't violate them. Cashiers often do not know the policy as well as you do. If you need to, keep a little copy of it in your purse. Obnoxious? Not really. Knowledge is power. Anway, I could have lost $17.88 in coupons last week if I was not able to explain some things to the cashier. She had to get help, but the head cashier took my coupons. I know they would because I haunt all these websites and know their policy better than they do. I'm never rude, but I am firm that they will take my coupons and they need to figure out a solution to their problem.

Some cashiers are difficult and feel it is their job to not let you use coupons. People, stores are reimbursed for all these coupons. You are not stealing. The coupon police cashier needs to be avoided. Or you better be well informed. I had to read the coupon policy back to a cashier once that was posted at the store. She tried to tell me I couldn't use four internet coupons. I had two for the same product and two for two different ones. She told me I could only use two internet coupons and pointed to the stores sign. The sign said I could not use more than two internet coupons for the SAME product and a maximum of four for my order. I knew that already, and that was why I had what I had. But it was ok,she took my coupons, begrudgingly...hey, it's their store policy. I followed it!

Know the store policy on BOGO's, too. CVS and Bilo let you use two coupons...one for the Buy-One and one for the FREE one! Harris Teeter does not. Also, you don't have to do the BOGO. Do the math...is it cheaper to just get one and use one coupon? Because both Bi-lo and HT will ring up the one item as 1/2 price. Half price and a double coupon...see what I'm getting at!!!

And, at CVS and Bi-Lo if you buy a store listed BOGO item and you have a BOGO coupon, your items are FREE! Last week I had a BOGO for some Sobe Life Water and it was BOGO at the store...heheheheh! I love it!

There are some weeks that I am not able to do all my preparation before I leave for the store. I just wanted to throw this out there. I have to hit the store on the run and match my coupons to the sales while I am there. I usually have an idea of what is on sale from my sites. It's all a matter of time. Yes, I'd rather have more time to prepare, but if I don't, I'm still going to get my savings!

I do believe that is all I have to share for today. Hope you have a great day and have been enjoying the Week In My Coupon World!!!!

WHY We Save Our Coupons and Grocery Day!

2009-08-26T07:36:00.003-04:00

I have had two people mention to me about expired coupons recently, which led me to realize that I forgot to mention the most important reason we are saving all these coupons and keeping them together so we can find them: grocery stores rotate their sales. You want to get about a six week supply of things when you shop because that is how long it will take for these items to be at their lowest price again.

What? What did I say. Okay, your goal is to purchase your groceries and sundries when they are ON SALE. This is their lowest price. You match your coupons to the sales. Since it takes six weeks for the particular items to rotate back on sale, you ideally would have six coupons and stock up if you used that item every week.

This necessitates keeping your coupons together. The only time you care if your coupon is expiring is if you have 8 coupons and only want to buy six of the item. Then you would use the ones expiring first. However, I simply would buy 8, which gives me the choice of having extra on hand and donating my surplus.

I'm not saying that how people are handling their coupons is wrong. One person told me that they file their coupons by expiration date. The other said they store the ones expiring for that month in a separate file. FAB! IF you are shopping weekly, buying things and not following the sales. If you are doing the coupons this way, you are not taking advantage of the lowest price and maximizing your savings every week. It isn't wrong, it is simply a different approach.

The matching your shopping to the sales approach allows you to fill your pantry/shelves/cupboards/what-have-you with a ton of grocery items at the lowest price.

Let me give a specific example from this week:
dixie ultra plates / napkins are on sale and you save $2.65/2. There are .55/1 blinkies in Foodlion right now. 2.65-2.20(.55x 2 doubled)=.45 for 2 packs of plates.

You save $4.85 on two packs of plates by stocking up at this price. If you bought them because you shop using just the coupons you have, matched up to your weekly grocery list, you would only save $1.10 off the original price on two in a non-sale week. You miss out on $3.75 in additional savings if they are not on sale. Now say you have three of these blinkies, which for you is a six week supply, you will save $14.55 and pay $1.35 for six packs of plates.

I think you can see very quickly the value of matching your shopping and coupons to the sales. This is a process. It takes a while to get your stash of coupons going and to get your pantry full.

All this is illustrated using the ideal scenario of the extreme couponer who has several of each weeks coupons or buys extras at the various sites that offer those. I once heard of a lady that bought thirty two bottles of bbq sauce at one time. Yes, you read that right. I have no idea what she did with the thirty two bottles, but she had thirty two coupons, and it was a sale item!!!

How this works in my world is that if the item is on sale, I buy it with the coupons I have. So if I have six, GREAT, I buy six. If I only have four, I buy four.

Many of the coupon/money saving sites will tell you that even without a coupon, this is the time to stock up because you are still getting the items you need at the lowest price. Remember that if you need three packages of lunch meat that week and only have two coupons for the sale brand. You can still buy that third package, and you are still saving. It's just not as much fun because you are not getting the DEAL you got on the other two!

Mind you, the sites I've told you are my favorites: Hot Coupon World, Southern Savers, and Chattanooga Cheapskate will also tell you if something is on sale and it is not that great of a price meaning that it will be on sale later at a better price!

I hope in my long winded narrative that I have explained the reason for keeping all your coupons together regardless of the expiration date. Your goal is to stock up on the particular item at the lowest sale price with your coupons. Keeping them all in one place means that you have them all together to use at the right time.

If the coupon expires, so what. You'll get more. The idea is not to shop by coupon. The idea is to maximize your savings and match your coupons to the lowest sales price.

Does that mean if I need butter this week and it is not on sale, I don't buy it. NO! If I need it, I have to get it, but it would be better if when butter had been on sale, I had stocked up...right!!!

I'm hoping my favorite stores have laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dog food on sale here soon. I need to fill up again!

This week in my area, Harris Teeter is doubling coupons with a face value up to $1.98meaning: coupon value = double value

0.75 = 1.50
1.00 = 2.00
1.50 = 3.00
1.98 = 3.96

So for example: Velveeta 1 lb. $2.99. Use $1 coupon from the 8/9RP = $.99 your final price!

Unfortunately, I have alot to do today and will not be grocery shopping. Probably Friday will be my day. It depends right now.

Breathe deep, my followers. It gets easier as you do it and do what works for you. I tell you all the ins and outs and then you fit it to your lifestyle. Remember that the sites that are my favorites are NOT the only sites out there to help you and you can and will find ones that you like better. These work for me. However, you need to read the extreme way to do things to maximize your savings so you get all the ins and outs.

And just to address this issue: I do buy fresh produce and feed my family whole grain pasta and whole grain bread.

I think tomorrow I will share my meat savings plan with you...Oh yes, I have a friend who has 2 full size freezers FULL and is considering getting a third because they are even better (have more time) than me at this. But my husband is always amazed at the meat deals I bring home!!! And aside from killing your own pig like my brother, this is the best way I know to get meat at a great savings.

Tuesday in my coupon world...

2009-08-25T07:45:00.003-04:00

Okay, I am going to be clipping my coupons today. I happen to be off, and I have an appointment this afternoon so I have some free time while squeezing in laundry.

My coupon system is two cancelled check holders like you get at walmart. I have one for CVS type things and one for grocery items. I keep them in a bag that I can grab on the run. I also throw all my uncut coupons in there. I mean why have a pile of messy coupons all over the place when I can keep it neatly in this bag? My four CVS envelopes are in there (refer to yesterday's post), and sometimes I keep scissors in there.

Scissors, yes. Scissors. Why? Because you can clip and sort your coupons anywhere. The busy mom is always on the go and needs a system that works. I have clipped in the doctor's office. Why not! You can clip in car line. Clip while watching tv at night. Clip while having a brief morning snack break. Clip. Clip. Clip. It's not that it takes that long either. It's just another THING TO DO on our LIST OF THINGS TO DO, but if you need to break it down into small tasks, it can be done or you can just sit and clip if that fits in your schedule.

While I am sorting my coupons, I try to take out any that I noticed have expired. This is also another task you can do on the go while on the run and waiting somewhere. I had to hit the laundromat to wash something that wouldn't fit in my washer, and I got rid of all the expired coupons. You do not want to be giving cashiers expired coupons or get all excited about a deal, only to realize your coupon is expired. This purging also makes room for all the new coupons you are getting from magazines, internet, and the newspaper.

The rant, "I don't have time," is wasted on me because you can make time. It's just about time management. Are your kids old enough to use scissors, get them clipping. Make a game of it. I'm just saying that where there is a will, there is a way!

Once everything is clipped and sorted into your storage method, you are ready for BIG WEDNESDAY...that's when all the shopping ads come out. OH YES! The new grocery ads for the week. You can get previews at the sites I listed yesterday, and prepare a day ahead. This is essential for Harris Teeter triple coupons because if you don't get in there early, alot of the killer deals will be gone!!!

Personally, I have to shop on my day off or a day I don't work in the morning. I may not be able to go on Wednesday, but I usually make it by Friday at the latest. Not that it matters. I may go twice if I can't squeeze it all in or I have forty coupons and it is Harris Teeter triples. They limit you to 20 coupons per day to be tripled. Not per card either. Per person. But I digress...

I will go into great grocery detail later this week. Perhaps tomorrow...we'll see what thought tomorrow brings! LOL!

There are many ways to sort your coupons. All of these sites that I reference describe various ways to sort. You have to do what works for you. I tried a 3 ring binder with baseball card holders, but it was too cumbersome for me and annoying. Some people use recipe card boxes with dividers. You have to decide how best to store and sort. Because if the system you are using doesn't work, you will not use it.

Also, if CVS or the Walgreen or Rite-aid thing is too much for you, don't do it. You can get good deals on alot of personal care items at the grocery stores with your coupons. It's not about torturing yourself, it's about saving money without adding additional stress. More stress is not going to help. But a few extra dollars is going to be a motivator in a system that works for you.

Today's post may not be that exciting, but coupon storage and maintenance is essential to the whole process. I urge you to take the time to read the various storage methods offered and give one a try.

A week in my coupon world...

2009-08-24T08:14:00.005-04:00

Some people have asked me how I get my savings each week. I mean last week I got a buggy full, and I mean full, of groceries from Bi-Lo for $55, and I saved $95 off my total in coupons.

So I will take you through a week with me, and then hopefully you can go from there and adapt a system that works for you.

1. I always get the Sunday paper unless there are no manufacturer's coupons that week. My husband brings me the coupons from the one delivered to his work. So each week, I have two sets of coupons to clip. Important on BOGOs because Bi-Lo and CVS let you use two coupons with a BOGO...meaning you save even more!!! You could also buy two newspapers. The savings in coupons will more than pay for your papers. So don't be stingy here.

Now, I will say that there are some serious, hard-core couponers that will get their neighbors coupons from their recycling bins. They will buy extra coupons off of e-bay. Then when a good deal comes out, they have like 10 or 12 coupons and can stock up and save a a bundle. My dh would DIE if I was caught sneaking through people's recycling bins in my neighborhood. And I don't have time to hunt around e-bay for that.

The point I am trying to make, is you have to take everything I tell you, and pick the pieces that work for your with your allotted time. That's what I have done.

2. Okay, I have my coupons, and I look through and give an initial scan. I also pull the CVS ad from the paper to check for anything interesting. Normally, I try to hit the CVS ad the night before or Friday night to prepare for the upcoming week. I try to keep what I have seen in my brain, but I'm telling you, by the time you are done your CVS run and your grocery run, your brain is going to feel like you just took a final exam. No lie! But your wallet will be fat, and your pantry will be full.

I have shelves in my laundry room full of canned goods and cleaning products. My bathroom closet is stocked with personal care items. I have more in my house now for less than I ever did when I was NOT an avid couponer. And I'm paying pennies on the dollar for alot of it. I'm buying things I don't need if the price is awesome because I can donate it. DONATE...a thought for another day. Another topic in itself!!!

3. First stop with CVS ad and coupons is Southern Savers. I click on the tab for CVS, and Jenny, the host of the site lists all the upcoming deals for the current CVS ad. I can use this ad to match my coupons from my stash, my ECB's (extra care bucks), and CVS coupons. If I try to explain all this your head will explode.

I'm not exagerating. I'm telling you to take your time. Tread lightly the first two or three trips until you get into the swing of things and understand. READ, READ, READ. Copy the deals exactly if you must. Don't worry if you don't have the ECBs listed, just do the deal to get your ECB's.

It is essential that you do have the CVS Extra Care card, so if you don't, get one when you go in BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT! And yes, you can use more than one card. I have four going at once. That means on a deal that says limit 1, I use four different cards, pay four different times! So if the item is FREE after ECBs, I have 4 FREE items. GET IT!

4. Another site I visit is HOT COUPON WORLD. You can learn alot initially from this site as it probably explains everything the best. You have to take your time to READ IT. READ. RESEARCH. Nothing in life is FREE and doing this is like a little extra job, but if you do it, you will reap the rewards and be amazed. And yes, both my sites listed do other stores, but I'm starting you on my trip and I start with CVS.

Frankly, I normally hit CVS after church on Sunday's because alot of the deals will be out of stock until they restock if I don't. I also have 4 CVS in town so I can hit them all if I want and need a certain thing and one doesn't have it. No I am not wasting gas as it's not the big here and I can drive in an efficient circle that is about a five mile radius.

5. Another site that I have found very useful is Chattanooga Cheapskate. I just discovered her recently and she is awesome! She also does CVS.

6. The reason I cruise all these sites is to find deals and which coupons are out there that I should have in my stash. All of them match up the Sunday coupons. I do not store my coupons by ad date, so for me this is a reference that I should have that coupon. Some hard core couponers store their coupons uncut and pull them out and cut to match the ad. They have a zillion copies, remember.... These sites assist with coupon matching. Very important. Very important. Very imporant. Apparently this is very important. So remember it!

7. The other reason I cruise these sites is they also list the printables. Oh yes, my people, you can print internet coupons! Now different stores have different rules about these but for CVS, have at it! Let her rip, print them all, use them all! It is just the same as a manufacturer's coupon. So you can add these to your pile for the week and save even more than you would have saved if you hadn't known about these fabulous sites.

8. And these sites will give you tips about hidden deals...which go fast so if you see one, you better move quickly. When I say a hidden deal, something that may be on clearance, or a super fab deal with a coupon you have that is a "money maker" or ends up being free. You'll see as you cruise the sites and get comfortable with the lingo.

9. And yes, there is a lingo associated with all this mess. ECB, coupon, catalina, MM and such. You will see. I had to learn and so will you, but you will pick it up fast. And for heaven's sake ask. People will help you on these sites. They don't mind newbies!

10. After I have visited my sites and stacked my coupons...I sort my coupons into my four envelopes so I know which card I am using with which deal, and which ECBs go with which card. Now when I get to the store, some of this I do in my head. Some people print out their deals. You have to be flexible and be able to think on the fly though if they are out of something you wanted and your "deal" doesn't quite materialize. This is where the brain part comes in...and it may take you a bit in the store to get it all sorted. I have it sorted by card in my basket

Now when I get to the checkout, I do act courteously. Hard for some of you to believe, I am sure, but I DO! I always move out of the way if someone is in line behind me. Why? Because I may have 10 transactions to do. And those people do not want to wait for me to tear off my ECB and load up my next deal and get my coupons. Plus if I've had to think on the fly, I may need a moment to regroup and make sure I am matching the right card to the right coupons to the right ECB's to the right product. You see... I also ALWAYS check my printout at the end to make sure I get the ECB's I'm due. Otherwise, you have to hold the line up further by making them force print them. And yes I do that.

This can be alot of fun and a great game. You will try to beat your best "score" each week. Some weeks are better than others, but the main thing is instead of paying $5.50 for a stinkin' bottle of shampoo or more, you are getting a brand you want for as little as FREE or $1.50 or $2.00. Do the math. The savings add up fast!

And that my dear coupon proteges is my take on the CVS in my world. Yes, there are others who do it better, faster, and probably save alot more than me. But, I'm saving more than I ever have, and that is the desired end result, right?

Please give it a try. Even if you only do one deal. You will be amazed. I will either share with you my last week's bounty from CVS or this weeks later on.

I think that is enough for today. Pace yourself. This is not a quick fix. You have to learn. You have to read. Explore the sites. Figure it out. Make it your system. That is the most important. If you don't adapt it to your lifestyle, it will never work for you!

Savings of 92% at CVS today

2009-07-05T13:18:00.003-04:00

You may not know, but Lou and I are on the Dave Ramsey plan. If you don't know who he is, it's defintely worth a google. We took his class at our church. Our plan is to be debt free and live that way for the rest of our lives.

It's almost like taking on another job to be a couponer, but let me tell you, it is worth it. I have more in my pantry and in toiletries than we can ever use. Such abundance will allow me to donate our excess to worthy charities or missions and it was either free or pennies on the dollar! I'm not exagerating.

Two of my favorite sites are www.hotcouponworld.com and www.southernsavers.com. I learn alot from ladies who are much more shrewd than me and save a ton allowing us to pay down our debt and allow me to continue to work part-time, at least until my daughter graduates.

I hope to get some scrapping in later. I got some great photos at the fireworks last night at our friend's house. They are posted on my facebook page.

I'm about to hit my two favorite websites with my grocery list and coupons. I usually save at least over 1/2 my bill with coupons. Now mind you, these items are already on sale so I'm saving even more on top of that.

Some recent layouts

2009-06-24T08:14:00.004-04:00

Shame on me for not blogging since February 11th! OMG! Blogging is my favorite. I can say whatever I want and people have to listen...well, read it!

I went through a long dry spell of scrapping. The creativity was sapped. It was really weird. I think it was related to getting my son to graduation! OH YES! And he did, so WOOHOOOOOO! Stress both good and bad!

I miss checking out my blogging friends and stuff. I've been facebooking. Not the same as blogging. I really need to do both.

I do have pics to share for project 365 as well. Later I guess!

Project 365 February

2009-02-11T08:59:00.004-05:00

So far I have managed to get a picture everyday. Some of them are not so great, but it's all the in the process. Here is a preview of some of my fav's for the month: Snow sky on our 2nd snow day of the year. Hard to believe we got 2 snow days as it hasn't snowed in seven years before that!
My Carolina Moon photo! Carolina is famous for it's moon! I had to take this photo last night. It was so beautiful.

I'm kind of burned out on scrapping now. I guess my marathon scrap weekend stole all my creative juices. Boohoo!

Work has been working me to death lately. But that is not a complaint as I am not bored. Just tired when I come home. But I'll take that any day over boredom.

Our weather has been fantastic recently. Low 70's and no humidity. Perfect for this time of year. I know it is just a teaser, but I love having the fresh air with the windows open and the doors open!

January Photos

2009-02-03T00:52:00.003-05:00

Here are some of my January photos for Project 365. Now I just need to do their scrapbook page. Some are taken with my camera and some are simply taken with my iPhone. My goal for February is to take one photo every day. I think I can handle that for 28 days. Let's hope so!
By the way, a little excitment in my running career. I've hit 3 miles outside! WOOHOO! Running outside is completely different from the treadmill. I'm very excited!

The lo I made today

2009-02-01T13:06:00.002-05:00

Again, too lazy to post digi credits, but pop on over to CottageArts if you like these goodies! LOL!
I have taken my picture for project 365 today, but it's on my camera.

Update

2009-01-31T22:59:00.004-05:00

Where have I been? Over on FB! Not ignoring blogger, just hooking up with friends I have not heard from in ages. That is alot of fun.
Right now I am at a yearly crop scrapping my brains out.
I am posting a few of my lo's here today. I am not posting credits. They are all from designers I scrap for so please just click on their clickable links if you see something you like. It is sheer laziness. OK!
And, my friend, Missy, has me convinced to do Project 365 - taking a photo a day for a year. We'll see how successful that is. So far I do have two! HAHAHA! Actually three, but I'm going to try and do better.

Angels on the Moon and Balance

2009-01-05T12:32:00.002-05:00

Ali Edwards got me thinking last year about a word for the year, which I did for 2008. My word for 2009 is: BALANCE. That is my goal, my new year's resolution, my mantra. GOD, family, health, work.

For some reason the song "Angels on the Moon" speaks to me about this. I'm not sure why. It's by Thriving Ivory and was a featured FREE video at iTunes. I'm so glad it was because I am in love with this song.

Thriving Ivory

Angels On The Moon

Do you dream, that the world will know your name
So tell me your name
Do you care, about all the little things or anything at all?
I wanna feel, all the chemicals inside said I wanna feel
I wanna sunburn, just to know that I'm alive
Just To know I'm alive

I wanna live, just to see the day when we all get along
I wanna scream, scream my song out loud for everyone to hear
Do you believe, in the day that you were born tell me do you believe
And Do you know, that everydays the first for the rest of your life

And oh Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know
If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go
Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming, of angels on the moon
Where everyone you know, never leaves too soon

And you know the pain, that brought you here today so what can you do
And you know the tears, for loosing those you love when yesterdays gone
So please remember, not to waste another day not to worry your mind
And please frogive me, for taking so much time to get back on my feet

And oh yeah Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know
If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go
Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming, of angels on the moon
Where everyone you know, never leaves too soon

And I'll fight it out cause I know I can
I won't sleep tight cause I know your here no no
I won't surrender

This is to one last day in the shadows
And to know a brother's love
This is to New York City angels
And the rivers of our blood
This is to all of us, is to all of us

Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know
If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go
Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming, of angels on the moon
Where everyone you know, never leaves too soon

Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know
If I can't see the sun, maybe I should go
Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming, of angels on the moon
Where everyone you know, never leaves too soon

And don't tell me if I'm dying no
Don't tell me if I'm dying
And Don't tell me cause I'm dying

Rhona Ferrar Givewaway

2008-12-31T11:22:00.001-05:00

Just posting a link: Click here to be eligible to get 209 of her kits free! Check it out! AWESOME!

ASDR Blog

2008-12-11T09:18:00.002-05:00

Carolyn and I are doing the ASDR race together, which starts January 4th. Exciting! We have a new blog, which I have a link on the sidebar there for you to check out. I will also have a hotlinked blinkie when I can sit and fiddle a bit! Not this morning!
Tangie's Treasures ASDR Blog if you want to check it out, although there is nothing there! LOL!

Pubbed in Scrapbook News & Review Dec. 6th

2008-12-01T10:04:00.002-05:00

Okay, I'm updating my blog. My laptop has been ill, and I don't scrapbook on my kids computer. I'm working two jobs right now. Only for a month so I really don't have time for anything at all!

A lo I did for Christina Renee's block party was picked up by Scrapbook News and Review for their issue coming out December 6th. I'm very excited! I made it for a challenge over at Tangie Baxter's loft. And I'm in Artisan Notebook in December, too, so I think it is a great month.

ASDR Here I Come

2008-11-14T22:22:00.002-05:00

OK. So I was over at Tangie Baxter's CT forum checking on what was going on and Carolyn was looking for a partner for the Amazing Digi Scrap Race. I figured, "What the hey!" So starting Jan. 4th, she and I will be racing together. I think that will be big fun and give me some good scrapping challenges!

Well, for those of you who have visited, you know I signed up at ChaCha to earn some extra money. It is a legit thing, but they are having alot of problems on their site, apparently getting the text questions out to what they refer to as Guides, which are us. Anyway, it has caused a big slow down in the amount of money people can make. Sometimes questions are 10 minutes apart. Some folks sat for three hours and got none. Now, if you know me, that is not gonna happen. I have ants in my pants all the time. I liked it when I first joined...I think the first two days when it was working. It has been broken since.

Then they have alot of rules about which sites you can and cannot go to for answers, which I apparently violated a bunch of rules to the point I nearly got myself kicked out of ChaCha. And you must use complete sentences that are grammatically correct with no spelling errors. You get 160 characters to reply. And if they don't like your reply, they hit you with a QC complaint. All that for ten cents a question, unless you make top guide, but to do that you have to comply with all their rules. If you know me, you know I am not too good with rules. Rules are for everyone else. In my life, if you can't get around the rule, you didn't approach it correctly. HOLY SHIT! This is supposed to be some mad money not a chokeholding, smothering additional stress factor! LOL!

Anyway, I'm not killing myself until they get their site fixed. And apparently the MOzilla Firefox that you must work out of instead of IE SUCKS! It caused my computer to lock and not operate. Now, as a scrapping addict, we cannot have that. Locked computer means I don't have access to my designs. I don't have access to my photos. I can't scrap. That will not do.

I scrapped today and yesterday. I can't share either lo because (and lo is a no-no on ChaCha cuz you must use real words and cuz is out, too)one lo is going in a grab bag in December and the other can't be shared until tomorrow, which when you read this will be tomorrow. So then I could share it, only it is not tomorrow now so I can't.

I have alot more to ramble on about, but then I'm not sure I really can because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings in case they read my blog, which I don't think they do. But I'm not sure.

I'm a bit aggravated. So let's just say I need to run apparently. Which I only ran one day this week because it was cold. Boo hoo!

She is not Diane! OMG!

2008-11-11T21:22:00.003-05:00

I made this card using product from Christina Renee. My friend thought I bought it. NOPE! It is only one sided and fits in a legal envelope. Easy and quick!

So I have met many peeps through my digi and paper scrapping world. One of them is a cool chick named, Dawne, who is Ladybug Graphix. I have been calling the poor woman Diane. Absolutely no reason or sense there whatever. Lucky for me she has a great sense of humor! HAHAHAHAHA! Sorry Dawne! I can't promise I won't slip up! I hope you will check out her blog and store.

I have been slack in scrapping mainly because my brain is dead from Christina's block party. I do have some assignments I need to get busy on!

Today I was so tired for working last night that I took a whole two hour nap. Oh, it was glorious!

I have also been trying to earn extra money over at Cha Cha. But it seems I have joined at a time when they are having a huge amount of technical difficulties. I'm trying to stick it out. Mainly because I need to earn some cash for some new running shoes before I become a human cripple and also because I'd like a pedicure. I'm a simple girl! LOL!

Update on Myself and Artisan Notebook Pub!

2008-11-09T20:27:00.005-05:00

Y'all I have been scrapping because Christina Renee had her amazing block party. I discovered two new designers, and through the block party, got to play with their amazing stuff: CinziaL Designs and Clever Crow Designs. If you haven't ever seen their stuff, you do need to check it out. There was tons of talent invited to play. I am going to post some of my recent lo's, but I am going to be naughty and not give credits, but you can look me up on DST and the credits are there. Sometimes I am just lazy...as in now!

I am excited to say that I will have a lo in December's issue of Artisan Notebook. This has been a dream of mine and I am so happy to have it fulfilled through CottageArts.net. You will see. I will post! WAHOOOOOOOO!

And I am now a Cha Cha Guide. I get to do the dorky thing I do anyway, sit at my computer. And now I get paid to answer questions that people text in. I will talk more about this later, but right now I am busy earning money.

And HI To Diane at Ladybug Graphix who left me a note to say I needed to update!

Christina Renee and Tangie Baxter and Me

2008-10-21T08:44:00.003-04:00

digi credits: HERE

I made this lo for the challenge this week going on at the Loft over at Tangie Baxter Designs. I got really creative with my photos. Plus Christina Renee is having her block party and I had to use this kit Dare 2 Be U Bundle by Cinzia Designs. It even has some quick pages in it for those days you just feel like slapping something together! LOL! The alpha in this kit totally rocks. I adore it! It's so different. And I'm not even on her CT so all this talk is REAL from the HEART! Which I only talk about what I really like anyway cuz I don't believe in being fake. But anyhoo, I hope you will check it out!

My son made me so mad yesterday, I thought I was going to lose my ever-lovin' mind! He has to pay for 1/4 of his insurance every week that he gets paid. He has shorted us, and we catch it and make him pay up or no driving. He has shorted us, gotten caught, paid up, and withdrawn it from the bank. We make him pay up or no driving. This week he paid up money he owed for shorting and then some with no tricks. I was so proud. We thought he learned his lesson. NOPE> He withdrew every last cent. Now his whole paycheck this week has to go to cover 2 weeks of insurance. I guess the car will be parked because we've quit giving him any money at all for gas. We've cut off his lunch money. He gets no allowance. I have no idea what is on his brain when he does this crap. He knows he will get caught and lose the car. He doesn't want to lose the car, but he still does it. Then he's upset he doesn't have the car. Swears he won't do it again and does it again.

Catsquerade Layout

2008-10-13T08:42:00.002-04:00

Digi credits: HERE

Aaaaahhhh....I'm off. What? I can't believe it. I put in 26 hours over the weekend at work. Yes, you read that correctly. I was so tired last night I was comatose! I feel a big fat nap coming on so I can recuperate. LOL!

So I have not scrapped since last week. That is the truth. I just didn't have the time or the energy this weekend.

No Time To Blog

2008-10-10T09:08:00.002-04:00

Digi credits: HERE

HAHAHA someone said I needed to update my blog. Where have I been? Working different shifts than I normally do! And reading, which when I read, I can't do anything else. Helping with a cheerleading fundraiser. Downloading like a maniac from CRD because the designers at her block party are sharing their goodies with the CT! YAYA! Fighting 4shared, which is not cooperating with me lately. Nervously shopping for an interview outfit for next week...oh what to wear??? So there you have it!

Celebration at TAngie Baxter Designs Oct. 1-4th

2008-10-01T19:18:00.003-04:00

I made this treat box for Halloween out of the collab kit that Tangie and Clever Crow Studios created. Check it out here: A Merry Autumn Night

This delightful lo was made using the free kit that Sherriejd and Tangie Baxter collaborated on called Treetop Serenade. A piece of that kit is available each day Oct. 1-4 HERE

Finally, this is a lo I made using Terri Walsh's Timeless kit available at Digitals.

I went to the library today to check out some books. DD had to copy some pages from some reference book for a report for one of her classes. Now, mind you, as with many libraries, ours is in the worst part of town with the most impoverished folks around it. The sign on the copier instructs you to place the item you want copied "vertically". The copier itself has a keypad that looks like the Space Shuttle cockpit. I consider myself to be of above-average intelligence on most days but this copier even baffled me and wrangled me out of fifty cents before we had to get the librarian to come over.

She pointed to her arrow with the duly marked "vertical" inscribed up on it. Mind you, you are copying a rectangle with 4 sides. I realize vertical is up and down, but up and down in relation to what? Landscape paper? Portrait paper? I had two pages print out portrait and two print out landscape. I did the same things for each one. Again, I'm educated. I understand vertical. But WTF are they talking about?

Well, you must turn your book sideways (landscape), instead of your natural inclination to position the book in the portrait position, which is the normal 8 1/2 x 11 mode. DUH-HUH! Which leads me to think that perhaps you need to position your book horizontally.

But hey, I have an even better idea. How about two arrows - one at the top right edge and one at the bottom left edge. Then you can have a nifty little sign that says, "Position your book between the arrows." We can all understand between the arrows. Don't even use the word position. Say PUT YOUR BOOK BETWEEN THE ARROWS. Honestly, it shouldn't be a mind bending puzzle to make a copy! Glad I had a wallet full of change! LOL!

Christina Renee Designs Sell-Off

2008-09-30T08:49:00.003-04:00

Christina Renee has her entire store on sale because as of Oct. 1st, all the old stuff will be GONE! Gone! Gone! So if you love her stuff and have something on your mind that you didn't get yet...you better get it. I know I did. 9 delicious yummies I just had to have before they departed! So visit Christina and get your goodies before it is too late. Oh yeah, and all her stuff is 50% off right now. She's never done that before. It's not the Christina is going anywhere. She's not. Just having a big celebration starting Oct.1 with lots of new stuff!

Let's see...ds was not home after school, and I was miffed because he is on driving restriction. I naturally assumed the worst - that he was using the car and off with friends. Much to my utter surprise and delight, when he got home from work after 11p, he informed me that he had been at work the whole time. He went by work to see what time they wanted him to come in, and he ended up staying because they needed him. How can a mother be mad at such a diligent, hard-working son?

I cannot believe Congress didn't pass this bail-out package. Kramer from "Mad Money" on CNN and Suze Ormon explained this thing in very good detail that even the most moronic of individuals should have been able to understand. But then Nancy Pilosi got up and pissed off a bunch of people with some ill timed comments and so it didn't pass. Partisan politics. Sometimes you gotta keep your mouth shut.

Think of it this way. The farmer goes to buy seeds. He buys his seeds on credit and pays off his debt when the crop comes in. The credit market is lacking funds to loan because of the bad debt so he can't get a loan. He doesn't have money to plant his crops. He doesn't grow his crops. Many of his fellow farmers are in the same boat. They don't grow their crops...get it?

I worked in the S&L industry when the S&L crisis was going on. There was a 3 month period we had no funds to lend. We read the paper, twiddled our thumbs, evaluated current loans. No funds to lend means no commercial loans for businesses, no personal loans for consumers. No mortgage loans for would be homebuyers. Think about the trickle down effect of that in a national economy.

This is serious business. It is ugly business. But if you take the politics out of it, it is simply a matter of survival or we will have the greatest depression far surpassing that of the '30's. The Grapes of Wrath comes to mind. Dust bowls and poverty. The mess we are in will take several years to recover from. Years. Not weeks. Not months. Not one year. It is grave. I'm not being overreactive. I understand. I read. I educated myself. I do have a degree in finance anyway so I get it. I get it really well.

And on that note of levity, I will be off to pull weeds unless it rains. In that case, I will clean, clean, clean.

FREEBIE 11x17 Calendar

2008-09-27T00:01:00.002-04:00

Hop over to Rasberry Road to get my calendar freebie using the Savoir Faire Collection designed by Susan Darter. Don't forget to leave a comment!

Tangie Baxter Birthday Celebration and the Teenage Mind

2008-09-25T08:37:00.004-04:00

Just had to share that bit of news. I mentioned it yesterday, but Tangie put together her ad! I did a QP for it, which I believe will be part of the giveaways. I can't post it yet, or even the original that lead to the QP...but soon!

And the same thing is happening over at Christina Renee Designs with all kinds of guest artists, freebies, contests and such...for the whole month of October! I've seen some of the freebies, some of the collab kits, and girls, it's gonna knock your socks off!

Ah, the teenage life. Enjoy your babies, ladies, because the teen years are going to drive you nuts. My ds skipped school yesterday for the first time in his life. Mind you, the school has an automated system that calls the home phone if your child is absent from school. So he was snagged. Confessed. Why did he do it? No reason. Loss of cell phone, XBox, and car for one week. I hope that nips it in the bud. He's worked so hard to get to his senior year. I'd hate to see him screw it up and have to repeat! The teenage mind is a marvel. Do we ever really know what is going on in there? I feel a lo coming on...

Calendars Galore!

2008-09-24T08:07:00.006-04:00

I'm cruising calendars for Christmas gifts. They are big bang gifts, as in people love them, and they are not hard to do at all! Check out this one by Beth Rimmer at Digitals. It fits right on the Ethan chipboard album by Cosmo Cricket, also available there. Easy and convenient!

CottageArts.net has a delicious selection of calendars in all sizes from CD cases to 11x17 that you can print out and put in an acrylic frame! I'm working on one of those right now and plan to make this terrific CD calendar that I'm showing you here!

And, Tangie Baxter Designs is having a one year BASH with lots of FREEBIES, new releases, and sales starting Oct.1-3. So mark your calendars and pop over. I've been a lucky dog and gotten to see all the stuff that is coming. You know how talented Tangie and her crew are so save your $$ and c'mon over and join in the fun!

Big news on my laptop home page this morning: Clay Aiken is gay. Are they kidding me? Like no one knew? Yeah, he just came out, but pu-leeez, it's not headliner news.

Beth Rimmer and Tangie and Stuff

2008-09-22T12:08:00.003-04:00

digi credits HERE

digi credits HERE

I finally got to scrap with some of Beth Rimmer's stuff again! I love her designs. You can click on her blinkie and go right to Digitals to check it out!

I hope that you enjoy my new blog header. I'm giving you a preview. I will post it Oct. 1st. There is a blinking part that says, "Happy Halloween". I made this using some new stamps that Tangie Baxter has at her fab site. Click on that blinkie if you want to check it out!

I keep thinking of things to blog about and then when I get here, I've forgotten! I did have fun this morning chatting with a girl I met several years ago at a scrapping site. We did a bunch of swaps together and hit it off. I even got to visit her on a trip to my brother's once! Anyway, we have alot in common and are currently suffering together as our girls are in the throws of friendship drama.

Spent a whole day with dh this weekend as the kiddies were off at work or with friends. We went to a college game and everything. It was alot of fun. We drank a few beers and ate our little sandwhiches and watched the game. I watched all the fans in the stands, the cheerleaders from both sides and the goings on around me. DH was soooo into the game. I tried. I really did for his sake. I enjoy going. I just enjoy different aspects than he does and am easily distracted by goings on around me! Especially the fish wife behind me who kept yelling with her shrew voice after every play. I have no idea what she looked like, but she was so common and loud. It was really "trashy" as dd would say!

Follow ME!

2008-09-18T17:18:00.003-04:00

Do you like to read my blog? Even on occasion? If you are a blogger, you can add me to your list of followed blogs. Select DASHBOARD after you log in. Towards the bottom you will see an tab that says "Blogs I'm Following". Select "ADD" and type in my address. It's that simple! Then you can follow me on my scrapbooking adventure!

If you check on my sidebar, and scrolldown, you can see I follow Rasberry Road CT blog, although I follow others, that is the one I added so far. It gives you choices about what you want to display. I chose to have it display snippets so I can get a glimpse and pop on over if I want to check it out!

POsted at Rasberry Road today

2008-09-18T08:42:00.001-04:00

If you are looking for me, I posted HERE today!

Terri Walsh at Digitals and ATC Fun

2008-09-13T19:19:00.004-04:00

digi credits: Birthday by Terri Walsh at Digitals

digi credits: Timeless by Terri Walsh at Digitals

Check out Tangie Baxter's ATC stuff by clicking on her blinky!

I made some lo's this weekend. I scrapped my brains out! And I'm still in the mojo! I'm binge scrapping!

Remoulade Sauce (courtesy of Emeril Legasse)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
3 tablespoons Creole whole-grain mustard
3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons chopped parsley leves
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and process for 30 seconds. Use immediately or store. Will keep for several days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Talk about tangy and delicious. OMG I made this to go over some salmon and as a side to dip shrimp in for dinner. It was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend it. It's easy, but it has a big bang impact. Definitely something you'd want to serve to impress your guests...and it's so easy.

I had to help my dd with a paper on some aspect of Beowulf. Surely she realizes that I have been out of high school more than (ahem) twenty years (egad!). Thank goodness for the internet because I was able to help her organize her thoughts and find examples to complete her paper.

Cottage Arts News and Rasberry Road

2008-09-11T22:14:00.003-04:00

credits: HERE, and if you want to leave me some love, you can!!!

This lo is made using the Sunflower Susie Collection by Rasberry Road. Click on my blinke if you want to check it out. And if you like it, a QP based on it will be released on 9/18 at her site! I know, cuz I did it!

OMG! They just said that if you live in a 1 or 2 story house in Galveston, you need to leave or you will die. So my dh put this in perspective for me at our beach house, which is up on stilts, that the water would be up to his neck on the 1st floor at the expected levels. The sea is such a powerful force, that at that depth and ferocity, it would level what was in its path. How scary! I hope everyone listens and evacuates.

DD is still sick. The strep has really wiped her out. I feel so bad for her. I have used all my motherly knowledge to keep her comfortable.

Ds has worked every day this week except Sunday and Tuesday. I'm so stinkin' proud of him I could bust! He hasn't complained one time, well except for trying to keep his check, but his fight was short and he showed up with his insurance $$ for me today. What a good boy!

Cottage Arts has released 2 calendars for 2009 with more to come. HERE to check it out. This is the blurb from the site.

"You can see it comes with alot of goodies for you to personalize the CD calendar: Our very popular CD Case Calendar is back once again...this one having an everyday theme in creams, browns, greens, and blush. The everyday theme comes with 16 monthly calendar overlays (Sept 08-Dec 09), 7 patterned paper ScrapOver Templates, 1 texture overlay (play with layer blend modes for more possibilities), and 4 frame clusters. You can use the plain calendar overlays as they are and simply drag a photo behind them, add the vellum flourish overlay over the photo (beneath the calendar), or use one of 7 different ScrapOver templates with a photo mat opening. We've included 4 of the frame clusters if you would like to use them with other backgrounds or simply on white. Print 2-up on your home printer. Take a CD case and pull it back for a fun easel desk frame (slim line with black back work real well)."

And finally, our news told us there was a shortage of gas and that in some parts of the country, due to Ike, gas had already reached over $5.00. Locally one of our gas stations was limiting customers to 10 gallons each. Now you know with them saying that, it caused a mass panic (in our small town). Walmart was backed up all in its parking lot with people lined up to get gas at each of its pumps. The station at the end of our neighborhood had an accident due to cars lined up in the road waiting to pull off to get gas. Mind, you we decided to fill up since the national news said that the floating oil rigs and such might get damage causing a shortage like after Katrina. OMG! Now, I'm trying to restrict my teenage drivers to ONLY drive where they must and NO hauling anyone anywhere.

A New Rasberry Road LO

2008-09-10T22:27:00.002-04:00

I made my lo using the Boys To Men Collection available from Rasberry Road Designs. And then I made a QP based on my lo. To get the QP, if you are interested, CLICK HERE and you can download it!

Oh, I got so many comments about the nasty little cheerleader. Y'all have no idea what a crushing decision it was to leave, but with my hands tied behind my back, it's impossible to effectively coach. So thanks for your support. But some decisions are perhaps the Holy Spirit hitting us over the head for not seeing earlier messages. As bummed as I was, when I hit the lss to sign up make a deposit on an all day crop, she asked me to teach a digi scrapping class! WAHOO! Now that's right up my ally. So I'm jazzed!

I've got a kiddo down with strep. 1000mg of Amoxicillon 2x per day. You know she's puny!

I have a weird allergy that I get on my hand from touching something I am allergic to which erupts into a strange kind of hives that blister and hurt and itch. Today I had two eruptions on my hand. I'm about to go crazy itching! ACK! I'll ask the dermatologist when I see her next.

Ds got his first paycheck from his new job which he so richly informed us that he needed to keep to use towards the car. AHEM! You will put 1/2 of your check in to pay for your insurance son! Driving isn't free. The rest you may have towards gas or whatever. GEEEEZ! What are they thinking?

Saw a cute movie today called "Smart People". Dennis Quaid was in it and that girl from Juno (which I disliked that movie!). It has some very funny lines in it and is a cute movie about a quirky family. I rather enjoyed it and had more than a few laughs. That to me is entertainment!

I guess I am chatty today. Oh well! Thanks for stopping by!

Rasberry Road QP and some ramblings...

2008-09-08T20:53:00.002-04:00

The QP for this page is available here: Rasberry Road. Designed by me. Kit by Susan Darter. It is called Boys To Men.

I'm having kind of a bumpy run right now. At the moment, I have a migraine, which I did take some stuff for, and I do have numb, but I can feel it rumbling around.

I want to know what lessons we teach our children when we allow them to be disrespectful to an adult in a position of authority. Instead of letting them take their punishment, we bale them out. Thereby negating any lesson that should have been learned because our perfect child never would have done that.

I'm talking about a nasty little cheerleader I know with a very bad attitude. she disrespected me infront of all her jv and the varsity squad. The head coach gave her 10 demerits, which 11 is enough to be kicked off. Her mother had a stinkin' fit, and the principal said that since I am not a full time teacher, I can't give punishments. I'm the asst. coach. Well, I was. I didn't give the punishment. The head coach did. I've retired. I'm kinda sad about it as I love coaching cheerleading, but I can't coach without any discipline.

Page Maps Debut & More

2008-09-02T20:59:00.003-04:00

Check me out in the September newsletter of Page Maps by Becky Fleck. I'm so excited. I've used her sketches for a long time and to finally be a part of it is just wonderful!

Credits HERE

Credits HERE

I spent the day at my dear friend's house doing what we love best: scrapbooking! Wahoo! I made two lo's and had lots of girl time. Now that's a great day!

School Tearz

2008-08-28T17:27:00.005-04:00

Credits

Can you imagine? My dh told me to take it easy today, relax, and scrap. HAHAHAHAHAH! OK! I will! So I made this lo! Went back to bed this morning. Drank a diet coke. Ate some popcorn. Watched Oprah. Yeah, that's a great day! LOL!

Not much else to chat about!

Final Brag Book FREEBIE Pages

2008-08-25T00:01:00.005-04:00

I was writing a bit of bitchin' about some things that have kind of chapped my hide lately. Then I decided, who really wants to read about that? NOT ME! hahahahahaha

So instead of doing that, I am posting the link to Rasberry Road for you to pop over and get the last 5 pages of my 4x6 Fish Tales (Tailwater) Brag Book Freebie. I hope that you like it, and if you finish yours, it would just tickle me to see what you put together!!! I'm sure Susan, the designer of the Tailwaters kit, would love to see your handiwork, too.

This is my final installment. You should end up with a total of 10 pages all together...the first four, the bonus, another four plus one bonus!

CLICK HERE to download!

What did I love about the Olympic games? Aside from Michael Phelps who just was an unstoppable athlete? Jimmy Page!

me: "Matt! C'mere! Jimmy Page! Led Zeppelin!"
ds: "So."
Did you hear me deflating? Completely lost on my son.

I'm sorry Leona Lewis, but you should just not have sung. It's just trite next to Jimmy. 'Kay! I know they made ya do it, but who really cared about you? HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Freebie 4 Today

2008-08-23T08:57:00.002-04:00

I had a run-in with vertigo yesterday. I wanted to finish my brag book, but honestly, you can't do anything when you have vertigo, except take something for it and go to bed.
So all I've got today is a lil' bonus page freebie, and I will get the rest Monday as promised!!! So please come back if you are looking for more!

I will post the 4 final pages and an additional bonus page.

CLICK HERE to go and get your download link!

FREEBIE from Rasberry Road and HILARIOUS band story

2008-08-22T00:01:00.006-04:00

Can you tell that I'm going to see Mama Mia? I wonder where my title came from! LOL!
Credits HERE

These are the first four pages I have put together of a 4x6 brag book using the Tailwaters kit by Susan Darter available at Rasberry Road. There will be four more tomorrow.

Click here to download and if you download, please leave a comment! Thanks!

Then I was cruising DST yesterday and came upon this hilarious real life e-mail a woman over there got from the band director at school. I asked her if I could share it because the whole thing just tickled me silly:

Today I was checking my email. I'm a week behind but whatever, it's mostly junk anyway. So I'm checking when I see one from my son's school. Ok, I'm thinking what has he done now, i mean he's only been in school a few days. And he was out sick yesterday and today.

So I open it up to find this.

On Tue, 8/19/08,wrote:

From:
Subject: 7th Grade Band
To:
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 7:27 PM
I have ______ listed on my Band Roster. I would like to talk with him so that I know what he plays. Please stop in the band room on Wednesday if possible. Thanks Al
Immediately I got the giggles

Below is my response.

Re: 7th Grade Band

Thursday, August 21, 2008 3:41 PM

From:

To:

Mr. ____

I'm sorry _____ did not be stop by the band room yesterday as he was out ill. Here is a list of instruments _____ does play.

Piano- Never formally trained, but he can play chopsticks exceptionally well.

Drums and Guitar- He totally Rocks at Guitar Hero and Rock Band on both instruments. Oh, and he can play a mean Air Guitar as well.

He is also extremely talented as a singer. As his mother I will admit that I'm a tad biased so you can take all of this praise for what it's worth.

Sincerely,

_______

P.S. just for Kicks and Giggles I did ask him if he wanted to join band and he stated that he was not interested. With so much talent to offer I'm sure his presence will be sorely missed.

How come when I get a note home from school it is never funny?

Printing at My Pic Tales: A Review

2008-08-21T07:13:00.004-04:00

Okay, my prints came! I'm not going to discuss the uploading at this time as I believe they fixed or are fixing the bugs they had with that.
I ordered 1 8x8 print and 11 12x12.

In order to print, they ask for bleed. Now there are tons of threads at DST about this and even actions for sale if you save your files as a layered PSD. I don't. Frankly, that isn't necessary. I increased the canvas size on each lo to 8.25x8.25 and 12.25x12.25 respectively. I use PSE 5.0 if that matters. Anyway, this made a border around my lo's.

The purpose of this is that in mass printing, they do mass cutting, which means they put it in a stack and chop. I am not sure what type of tool they use for cutting because I used to work in a factory that had what we called a cutter. Now, it would go through stacks of paper the thickness of file folders effortlessly. Anyway, the bleed is so that as the blade goes through the stack and papers shift, you are not getting anything cut off that you consider important on your lo's.

The one 8x8 came back with no bleed are left on it at all. Smart, clean edges as it was a single page cut.

The 12x12 came back with a few having a small area along the bottom. It happens to be a light gray, but you don't even notice it. I am very picky and it didn't bother me at all, but if you were bothered by it, you only have the one edge to trim so it's not like it is all 4.

I am very pleased with the paper quality. It is a nice thickness.

The colors on all my lo's are true. You know how when you used to get film processed, if the person didn't know what they were doing, you might get a greenish cast or a pinkish cast, and they'd have to re-do all you photos? Well, this is not the case.

The printing is sharp. Very high quality as far as I can tell. My 12x12's look fantastic. I can't even begin to tell you how nice they look. And my 8x8 is gorgeous, too. On a bigger canvas, you would definitely notice shoddy work.

So, in closing, I have to say that this place is IT! Their prices are perfect for my SAHM earn-printing-money-through-paypal-sales budget. I highly reccomend them as I am very pleased with my end result. I am pleased enough that I will be placing another order today!

If you have any other specific questions that I might be able to answer, let me know...Oh yeah, shipping was very reasonable and the pages came in protective plastic in a heavy duty cardboard box. There were several options for shipping and I'd say it took my entire order about a week from order placement to my door.

FREEBIE
Click here for a beautiful QP by Cheryl at Rasberry Road.

And right now there are only two entries for the Bucket List Challenge to win a $10GC to Tangie Baxter's Store. Challenge ends today at night so you still have time! Click here for details

I'm Aggravated and Lo's and Rasberry Road Grand Opening

2008-08-20T09:31:00.003-04:00

Let's chat first about Rasberry Road. Susan Darter has slated her Grand Opening of her new fully functional site for October 1st. There will be tons of games and prizes so it should be a good time. The new site will include a gallery and forum and blog and all that good stuff, along with her fabulous shop which she has been using Blogger to host.

This lo was made using Wee Lil Wise Guys available at Tangie Baxter Designs. Click on my active blinkie on the side to check out her store. I do still have ds's back to school page to do. At least I'm putting along on my lo's.

I ordered some lo's from My Pic Tales. Still waiting for those to come. I don't know what their turnaround time is. When I get them, I will give a full review.

And lastly, we have decided to sell one of our beach houses. BOOOHOOOO! It's mainly an economic thing in this slowed down economy. Which this economy is eating us alive. It's kind of depressing, and I handle all our bills so I'm feeling all of the pressure. Looming on the horizon is sending two to college a year apart, although all of their tuition is already paid. A fourth car since one will be gone. You know, all the usual home maintenance stuff with a 20 year old house ...plumbing, new dishwasher. I'm coming unglued...back to school. ACK! I know we are all going through it. I'm just venting! Oh yes, and ds is always starving because we are starving him because "we have no food in this house."

Michael Phelps, Thanksgiving Layout

2008-08-18T20:52:00.004-04:00

I saw this pic on photobucket. I figured I'd share it. Ummm...Michael...that speedo is really teeny! and yes, I watched every single race he was in because I knew it was history in the making. I really loved when they interviewed him with Mark Spitz. He was very gracious, and it was fun to see Mark Spitz so many years later.

I remember in 4th grade, my girlfriend had a life sized poster of Mark Spitz in her bedroom with his 7 medals around his neck. We thought it was so racy! And HOT! I guess by today's standards, it was pretty tame! LOL!

Credits: Christina Renee Designs, Sherriejd at Tangie Baxter Designs, Rasberry Road.

I made this lo today. It might be a little busy, but I just really love all the kitchen stuff that Sherriejd whipped out at Tangie BAxter Designs. It is not out yet, but soon to be released. Isn't my dh a ham? He can't help himself!

Random comments:
My ds's friend noticed that none of the female atheletes have boobs. He doesn't like it. Now...do they really not have boobs or do their ensembles just mash everything so it looks like they don't have any?
Can you wear a one piece and play beach volleyball or do you have to wear a bikini?
How are the Olympic beach volleyball girls keeping their bikini bottoms from riding up with all that moving?
Are Chinese cats waiting for the volleyball to be over to poop in the big cat box?
Knowing they took dog off the menu before the Olympics in China, would you still be comfortable that no dog was on your plate?

Contest at TBD

2008-08-16T15:16:00.002-04:00

I'm hosting the current week challenge at the Tangie Baxter CT Loft. I've posted all the details HERE with a link to the loft, too. Check it out because you can win a $10.00 GC to Tangie's store where you could buy her latest kit: Hip Junkie and still have $$ left over to get more cool stuff!

Some random comments from me:
How come toilet paper used to come in 12 packs and now you only get 8? Have you noticed that? I did today at the store.
Why can't kids use the same towel more than once? When I was growing up, my mom made us use the same towel for a week.

Cottage Arts, Digitals and Chat

2008-08-14T06:57:00.002-04:00

Credits here

Each of these lo's has a 2nd page that I need to do to go with them. I have some silly shots of my family cooking to go with the Thanksgiving one. They are hams! And I have some more dancing pics from camp and the journaling to go with that activity and page!

Credits here Look at this yummy tree that is brand spankin' new and available at CottageArts along with another beautiful kit they released today. Trees really are all the rage these days. I love the beauty of this one.

Well, aside from cheer camp I haven't done too much with cheerleading since we got back. Mainly because they are just learning the cheers and band dances, which all the returners already know. It's just the newbies that have to learn them really. But tonight we are off to an event at our local civic center put on by the school foundation here. The girls are performing a lil sumpin. So I will have pics of that. And I'm in my official capacity as Asst. Coach. I'm sure it will be fun!

I'm about to go and feed my son, who assures me he is starving to death. Do teen boys ever get full? And then it's a nice run around the neighborhood. So I hope that dd has not run the battery dead on my ipod so I have some good tunes to keep me occupied. And I'm getting my hair colored today. HOORAY! No gray! LOL!

Cheerleading Camp and Recipe Page

2008-08-12T10:22:00.003-04:00

This lo was created using the Mystical Skies kit available at Rasberry Road. Just click on my blinkie over on the side to get a peak at more of Susan Darter's clever kits. She has such great variety.

This page was created using Homemade Goodness and Farmer's Market kits by Rasberry Road. The recipe card and the QP without the recipe are part of a participation prize for this month's challenge. I hope you will check it out. Personally, I can't wait to get all the QP's just to whip out a quick recipe book for a Christmas gift!

I worked on a lo last night for Becky Fleck's Page Maps coming out in September. I finally got it done. I just couldn't get it right. You know how that goes sometimes, but the great thing about digi is you can just delete what you don't like. Anyway, I can't post it because it is going to be pubbed. So as soon as it is, I will post and link so you can see it.

I ran my 1.25 miles on the street today. Big accomplishment as last time I ran only 1 mile because when I rounded the corner and looked up and saw that hill, I completely unpsyched myself. Today I was focused, determined and completely in the zone. So I am very happy! YAY! It was also alot cooler today than it has been for a while.

I will say this: I need some new running shoes. I wore an old pair and my shins and knees told me about it. That's usually how I can tell when my shoes are gone. Plus my hips will hurt later. No biggee. Just a reminder of how important it is to run in the right shoes because the stress it puts on your joints can lead to other things down the road. You gotta take care of yourself and have the right equipment! But my running shoes are $100. And yes, that is alot of money. However, I have tried cheaper pairs and the same thing happens...sore shins, sore knees, sore hips. Once you find a pair that does the trick for you, you really have to stay with them.

I ran so many errands yesterday. I had to take a nap! But I think that might be my new bp medicine as well. I've been jacked up for a while...zippy and so not feeling that way, makes me sleepy. Gotta get used to it.

I hope you will check out the Authentic Artistry blog. They have some freebie templates posted today. HERE.

I guess I'm feeling chatty today! LOL! My kids are cramming in all the fun they can before school starts. They are cracking me up. And dh is so addicted to the Olympics. Now he has all of us, and the kid's friends, glued to the t.v. routing on the athletes.

Rasberry Road, Scrapbook News & Review, Christina Renee Designs

2008-08-10T17:22:00.003-04:00

Credits: HERE

And too boot, this lo is featured at CRD's store with the Dirty Notes Papers: HERE. And I have another one in her shop feature, too: Game On.

In addition, my e-mail came today with the latest issue of Scrapbook News and Review which has one of my lo's in it! I'm so jazzed. So all in all, today was a good scrapping day!

Susan Darter of Rasberry Road is about to open a shop instead of her blog shop, which will feature a forum, gallery, blog and all the usual stuff. I'll be posting about the grand opening when we get all the stuff organized. Lots o' prizes and games and giveaways 'n stuff! Wahooooooo! So check back...it should be fairly soon.

Neck pain...teenagers...killing me...slow painful death...oh GAWD! Said with much love, but ds and his friend woke me up 2x last night...at 1am and 4am...at which point I became possessed and forced them to go to bed. (#_)#($*)(@#)( XBox 360 Live is like a drug to them. Cutting that way back. And dd has been argueing with her bff all week...mainly over bff's ex who is a complete and total loser, drop out, verbally abusive, controlling, stalker...who has snuck back and trying to get with bff and dd won't support her. Duh! GEEEEZ! Why do girls like abusive boys? I have no idea.

Hmmm. think I shall scrapbook!

Rasberry Road Recipe Page and Challenge

2008-08-07T21:51:00.002-04:00

Credits: HERE
Here is a page I made for the challenge participation prize over at Rasberry Road. It's an 8 picture challenge and the prize is a kit from Susan Darter. Who doesn't want to win a free kit? Anyway, the participation prize is recipes and QP's for your own recipes. Now that sounds like a Christmas gift in the making if you ask me!

Home Pom UCA Cheer Camp & Photos

2008-08-07T09:14:00.004-04:00

The first night there was a competition where the girls had to create a routine that had no tumbling or stunts to pump up the crowd. The only real competition was a competition squad from Kentucky who were 3 time National Champions with one cheer competition (Open Cheer I think)organization and with UCA they were 3rd at Nationals at Disney for 2008. That squad was 2x the size of our's too. I'm saying all this because we got 2nd place, and to them that is losing. You should have seen their faces. But considering what they were up against, I feel like it was a first place! Especially since we are not a competitions squad!

The first day at camp, the JV and Varsity combined won the TOP Banana award, which is something you want because you exhibit the most spirit all day!

Our squad, which includes an awesome guy this year, took home the 2nd place for Home Pom, which they completely choreographed on their own and selected their own music and made their own CD. They took home a Superior award for overall camp performance and the coup de grace was the LEADERSHIP award, for which only one award is given. That is voted on by the other squads at camp. They were so excited about that!!!!!!!
Here is a few photos of my dd and her squad from camp as well! That's what I've been doing from 7a to 11 or 12 at night for the past 4 days. I came home and went to bed at 5:30 last night! LOL!

There's Hope In the Teen World!

2008-07-31T12:05:00.002-04:00

Not too much to chat about today. No scrap lo's. How sad! Mojo is not here for some reason. I'm excited about some kits that I've got available to me. I'm just not in the stinkin' mood! And that never happens...well, hardly ever!

My kiddies are 16 months apart and have always been very close until probably high school. It's been a rough go as far as that because I'm so used to them being close, and it was killing me to see them fighting. Until yesterday because one of ds's friends said something to him that dd didn't like. She told him not to talk to her brother like that. The friend said, "But you talk to him like that." And she said, "Yeah. I'm his sister. You're not allowed to." She told him he could just leave if he didn't feel like apologizing to her brother. Now the friend is a good kid, and he apologized. A little while later, ds texts his sister, "I love you sister."

So it's true. The foundation is there. There may be some rough patches, but I am confident they will come out on the other side as friends and siblings and still close.

I upped my running today to 1.25 miles from 1.0. I think I could have actually gone further, but one thing at a time. I'm just very pleased with myself. And I feel so much better than when I was just walking. I sooooooo need that run!

Rasberry Road and Recipes and a Challenge

2008-07-30T09:05:00.006-04:00

Don't you just love the jar in this set of elements? Susan always does something unique. Her papers are just beautiful. This also has a freebie alpha available at the blog. So check it all out here: Rasberry Jam at Rasberrry Road Designs by Susan Darter.

Only today and tomorrow left to participate in the "Layered Frame Challenge" I am hosting at the Rasberry Road Forum: Click HERE for details! You can win a kit from Rasberry Road Designs!

And finally a little teaser for next month's challenge is this recipe card from the Homemade Goodness collection at RR. They will be given away with a bunch of others along with QP's for a recipe book made with the Farmers Market Collection just for participating in August's challenge!

As far as comments on my daily life, it's hot. It's summer. So what else is new! LOL! I ran a whole mile yesterday OUTSIDE, which is a big deal for me as I have always run inside on a treadmill. I had to give up my gym membership, and since I ruptured my achille's tendon several years back, have been afraid to run outside. But I conquered that fear and am now out on the road! So hopefully I can get up to my normal 3 miles! Keep your fingers crossed.

Here we are scrimping and saving like all of America with gas so expensive. And I get a bill for having our wrought iron gates fixed. DH said, "I found a guy to fix our gates for $160.oo." Yeah, bill comes, and true to dh's form, it is $725. Yes, you read that right. I said to him, "Now? With all that is going on we get this bill? If I had known it was going to be this much, I would have passed on this project." *#$_)(*@#_)(*$(_@)(#$*_)(*_@#)($*_)(*#$)(*$_$*#(_)(*#_@)$ Sometimes I hate handling the family finances, cuz I sacrifice so much and then ($*_#(*$@#)M*%_#)(* like this happens. I mean, where am I going to cough that out of??? HELLO!!!

PUBBED and Clearly Something with a BIG GRIN

2008-07-29T16:18:00.003-04:00

This lo was created using Wendy Pages Clearly Something kit available at Digitals. I am so tired so I'm too lazy to direct link and use html code, so just click on the Digital blinkie if you are interested!

And take a look at my little dog, Runt. He is the one with the most hilarious human looking grin on his doggy face. My family saw this pic, and we were just rolling. Y'all, that little dog has dimples. Fo' real! He smiles!

And my big news of the day is that Scrapbook News & Review has picked up one of my lo's to be featured in their next mag issue which comes out in August. And they are the kind of digi mag that you have to subscribe to. Not that I mind ones you don't have to subscribe to. I'm happy to be pubbed whatever it is! LOL!

Some of July's Layouts & Page Maps for September

2008-07-26T19:36:00.002-04:00

I made a slideshow since it has been a while since I blogged. I don't think I'm much of a summer blogger. There's just so much more I'd rather be doing outside. I don't like winter so I blog more in winter cuz I'm inside where it is warm! LOL!

Becky Fleck has sent me a sketch for the September issue of Page Maps. I am so excited to be asked to contribute to her new digital section. That just completely was awesome!

I went to Hard Rock Park yesterday with 5 teenagers. I think they managed to have a good time. I do believe the highlights of their day included (1) my cussing on a ride because I had lost my ever lovin' mind from fright and (2) my screaming, "Close your eyes if you can't make it through!" several times during a vertigo experience brought on by a drug induced spinning tunnel in the Moody Blues Nights in White Satin ride. Apparently I'm quite funny when I don't realize what I am doing brought on my extreme sensory experiences! LOL!

I rode some dag gum swings. Let me tell you about that. That scared the bejesus out of me. I do not like the feeling of falling. Never have. One reason I don't like airplanes cuz turbulence feels like free falling. So I hop on these swings and off it goes, scaring the wee-wee out of me because I am suspended in mid-air on a twirly-swirly ride where I am experiencing that falling sensation and the only thing I have to hang on to is the two chains currently in a death grip. If I even move one inch, the swing starts to turn, which sends another shock of fear through me, causing a more death defying grip. I realize I can't scream, "Stop this ride! Get me off of here! NOW!" I mean all the others enjoying the ride, don't want to endure my panic attack. So I have to endure, meanwhile my vertigo is aggravated and a wave of nausea is welling up. So on top of falling, I might vomit on anyone below me on this wildly spinning ride. That was it for me for the day. I then went to the Beach Blanket Bingo show. My speed! LOL!

Fun New Lo with Cottage Arts and Senior Portraits

2008-06-29T11:15:00.002-04:00

CottageArts Play & Grow Collection by Julie Meade

UNEDITED

Okay, I have always wanted to do one of these kind of cartoon lo's, for lack of a better description. When I saw this kit by Julie Meade over at Cottage ARts, I had to have it. It just so happens that I found these photos of my dd from about 4 years ago that were just perfect to be scrapped with it.

I can't remember if I shared this pic of ds that I took. I need to edit it, but I just love it. I believe it will be his Christmas card pic! And the one he can give his friends when they are passing out senior photos! I just love it when he cooperates with me.

His senior proofs came, but the tuxedo yearbook pics didn't come out. Photographer flubbed up so he has to redo those, but the casual looks were great. Now dh and I have to pick which one to order. TOUGH choice! LOL! I'm only going to get an 11x17 as otherwise it is way too expensive!

2008-06-26T18:13:00.002-04:00

Digi credits: HERE

That lo is for the July 4th Challenge at the TBD Loft which is a Christmas in July challenge. I will say one thing, it was hard to get some pics for this cuz I really took some stinky photos this year. I'm talking cluttered backgrounds, shadows BLAH! I know not every photograph has to be museum quality, but for heaven's sake, these photos stink-stank-stunk as the Grinch would say!

Let's see, today was HOT! I sweated. That's what I did today! LOL! I had to finish mowing the lawn. Just as I got about 1/4 done, the irrigation guy came to chat with me about our impending sprinkler system in the front yard. I was dripping sweat. I mean, literally, sweat was pouring down my face. It was so gross. At least I didn't stink! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

I planted the rest of my begonias. I just wasn't sure where I wanted them. I finally just put them in the rest of my pots. So I'm done. No more planting...big fat lie! I still have another camellia to plant and some hostas...this weekend...

I did enjoy some time in the pool today, which was wonderful and welcome considering the heat and the sweat. Mind you, I'm not complaining because summer is my favorite season! Even HAWT summer's are my fav!

I have got to do something with my family so I can get some pics of us this summer. DD is the only one traveling, but she lives the life of the Rich and Famous cuz of all her friends. Hilton Head, ATL ya know. but anyhoo, the rest of us gotta do something. A lil day trip somewhere. I really want to go white water rafting. Frankly, I'm the only one excited about it, but too bad. I may just have to drag them all along anyway.

So Much I Had To Make A Slide Show

2008-06-25T20:49:00.002-04:00

I have been a busy bee lately, although I do swear that my mojo is dead. I think I taxed my scrapping creativity so much with Christina Renee and Tangie Baxter, that I killed it! LOL!

Anyway, I hope that you will visit Tangie's ATC Emporium because they have so many new ATC kits, you won't believe it. She partnered with Sherrie Drummond to create all these goodies, and they made a ton of stuff!

Hope on over to Tangie's CT blog HERE for this weeks Big Picture Challenge which ends on Thursday 6/26...yeah...today! But you can knock something out real quick and win a $10 GC to her site and buy some cool ATC stuff or something else.

And while you are at it, hop on over to the Authentic Artistry blog where Christina REnee has some awesome freebies posted and two challenges.

I had a migraine today, and so I am very sleepy now. I was worried about it, but I took my lil sumpin and I feel so much better. Sleepy, but at least the headache is gone. I was supposed to go to work, but I was too afraid to be stuck over there with a major migraine cuz it's hard to drive when you are dying of pain! And I don't feel to friendly when I don't feel good!

My teens are out and about as usual. Yes, I know exactly where they are cuz I am a strict mom all up in their business. DS was supposed to go to this go-cart track today, but his friend's dad got mad cuz they were playing XBox 360 online and his friend stayed up all night long. So that was the end of that.

I did have to lay an egg the other night when they hooked up the online XBox because I kept getting woken up by ds's friend saying, "hello? Hello?"

It turns out ds's headset was malfunctioning. I got smart and kidnapped it, and left a ransom note. They are however, teen boys, and got smarter...they got their other friend's headset, and it only delayed them a few. So I threatened them with taking the whole system if they did it again. Cuz I am the smartest!

And on that note of mom power, I shall say, "Ciao!"

Senior Portraits

2008-06-19T23:22:00.005-04:00

digi credits: HERE

I took some photos of my son before his senior portraits. He is a comedian, and couldn't help but act goofy. He kept cracking up and then say, "Okay, I'll be serious now."

What can a mother do, but photograph those silly moments, too? So I made a lo of the silly. Then I can make one of the serious. What a kid!

I am surviving teenland so far today. Ds has managed to go fishing for two days in a row. His friend got bit by some fish, but I wasn't there and he is fine! I swear my ds could fish all day and love it. When we are at the beach, he is fishing, fishing, fishing! Right now there are four of them in the pool at 11:30pm. I did have to tell them to quiet down once, but they seem to be managing not to offend the neighbors.

Last night they had big fun as there was a turtle in our pool. They decided to swim with it. I tried to take a picture of it, but I was too busy screaming to concentrate and so it didn't turn out that great! It came out of the water and his friend had picked it up! bwahahahahahahah

I did manage to relagate the number sleeping over to one tonight. I just need a break! LOL! KWIM!

I'm not sure my mojo is quite right. I feel kind of out of scrapping sorts as if I can put the stuff on the page, but it isn't clicking. I think a need a break for a few days!

Okay, I am hosting the challenge at Tangie Baxter Designs Loft starting June 20th. HERE. You can win a great GC to Tangie's store with lots of awesome new stuff and the debut of her ATC Emporium just around the corner!!!

Some things can make you feel pretty darn good. How about being a preview lo at Christina Renee? I nearly had a cow. If you look HERE, I am the third lo down. The orange one! I gotta tell you, that just totally made my day, week, month!

Oh yeah... and check this out: Can you find me??? OMG! Isn't it great!

I think that is it for today. I'm sleepy. Although with all these teen boys, I gotta stay up until they go home! bleh!

My Camera and A LO and TEENS

2008-06-18T08:44:00.003-04:00

Everything is CRD!

So I made this lo yesterday. I also made 3 ATC cards for Tangie Baxter Design's upcoming ATC Emporium release on June 25th. Can't post those.

Maybe that is what sapped my creative energy? I made the ATC's first. Then I tried two lo's and had to get rid of them. This was my third attempt. I went with some Christmas photos, hoping that if I got out of the current photos that it might spark a lil sumpin. I don't know if I will scrap today or not as I have to go to work later. But that might be a good thing. Get some mojo going!

I decided to use the manual settings on my camera to photograph my ds for before his Senior pics at school. I figured I would go with 800 ISO because I like the look it gives for portraits and then use an f/stop around 4.0. Well, my camera, being a Kodak Z740 only goes up to 400 ISO so I used 200 because I did like shooting with that when I was in the film world and using my SLR. Daggum gas prices keeping me from getting my digital Rebel. I shot one I really love. I just miss having total control with my Z740, although it has a 10x zoom and does take good pics.
unedited

More teen stories...dd's friend, C came in the house and took his shirt off. He was hot, only to reveal about 5 hickies on his chest. I said to him,"OMG what happened to you."
C, who at 17 thinks he might be smarter than me, replies, "Oh, messing around with them." (meaning his brother and my ds)
I looked at him and said, "They look like hickies to me."
Snagged. Exactly what they were. He confessed.
Remember the girl I had to shuttle out of the room full of boys? Well, he just so happened to hook up with her when he took her home. Which then led to a whole conversation with dd and her friend and them about how he could do better and blah blah blah.
Let's see...horny boy. Willing girl. Do better? I'm sure he was very happy.
But the icing on the cake was when C said to me, "How do I get rid of these? Isn't there something you can do? They hurt." bwahahahahahhahahah "Shoulda thought about that when you were getting them."

Then, earlier in the day, C and his brother, D, got their senior pics. I had to take them. Well, I said I would because they have no a/c in their car and they were upset about being sweaty. Once again I had to tie the ties. Meanwhile these two, who are fraternal twins, are fighting about: their dad calling and who will answer the phone, who got the shirt with the bigger collar, who always gets the shaft, no belt, who's G, who's not. Finally, I looked at them and said, "I'm glad I only have two children. If I had added two more to the mix and had to go through this x2 every day, I'd be in the funny farm."

They looked at me and said in all seriousness, "Oh, that would be bad."

Do they really have any idea?

Then ds calls me from work and complains I have no snacks. His friends are complaining about the crummy snacks we have. I cannot keep up with these locusts. They swarm in, consume everything in sight, and swarm out. "So buy some I said."

I'd had enough. I was teened out. OMG! I needed a break. I was mean. I wouldn't let anyone stay over. And now, my house is quiet. I'm at peace. Recuperated. AHHHHHHH!

Dogalicious

2008-06-16T20:04:00.004-04:00

I hope you like my lo. Everything is from Christina Renee. I'm too lazy to link tonight. I've had a trying day in the parental realm.

So I've decide talent never sleeps. That's what I think after seeing Christina Renee creating non-stop for DST and Tangie going crazy getting ready for her ATC spot in her shop. Personally, I could do with a nap. I'm tired! LOL!

How many kids can you have at your house at one time? Let's see, ds showed up with six friends to swim in the pool, and shortly thereafter, dd showed up with two friends in tow. That makes ten teenagers at my house. Perhaps one would worry that I would turn into the crazy cat lady with all this going on, but I read a post the other day, which made me hugely relieved.

You see, that lady was the CRAZY CAT LADY. She showed up at a neighborhood bbq with her cat on a leopard print leash. She told people that she bought him a live mouse every week for him to chase in the house. Most weeks he caught it.

So, I am not a CRAZY CAT LADY, yet.

One friend of ds's had to borrow a bathing suit. He kept saying that the legs were too tight, and he could hardly move. Frankly, that was the least of his problems. Over 1/2 his ass was hanging out. You see, my son is very lean and this boy was corn fed! LOL!

Ds's crew involved one girl who is one of the boys. I guess it's a good thing because she announced that her boob fell out of her bathing suit. I asked her if she would like a t-shirt thinking she might have some modestly and was assured that, "No, I'm fine." OOOOOOOkaaaaaay! Personally, I prefer to keep my boobs in my suit, and if one made a mistaken appearance, I wouldn't announce it. And I would've taken the t-shirt.

When ds and friends finished swimming, they went upstairs for a video game session and shut his door with girl in room. OOOOOOH NOOOOOO THEY DIDN"T!

DD says to me, "Are you going to get that girl?"
I said, "No, they won't do anything to her."
After all, she would probably kick their butts. She's a toughie. But this doesn't satisfy dd. She wants to know why ds can have a girl in his room and she can't have a guy in his room. "It's because I don't have a penis."

Fabulous. my dd said penis to me. It's a modern generation. She wasn't embarrassed, so I guess I have done my job as a parent who wants to keep the lines of communication open.

"No, it's because you don't have a reputation and she does, but I'll go take care of it."

So off I go. "Matt, no girls in your room."
His friend says, "Are you kidding me?"
I said, "Do I look like I'm kidding?"
"No. But he's seventeen."
"Is he married? No girls in his room unless he's married."
"You're serious."
"Yes, I'm serious."
"I didn't know you were like that."
"I'm a Christian. Yes, I'm like that."

What a day. I need a sedative.

Two more lo's and Foodie Chat

2008-06-15T21:34:00.003-04:00

digi credits HERE

digi credits HERE

Okay, a shameless plug for Tangie Baxter who is soon to launch her ATC Emporium within her shop, which will also be perfect for the amazing INCHIES shaking up the paper scrapping world. My first lo features an INCHIE on the star... they are 1" x 1" squares that folks decorate! Anyhow, check with Tangie's site on June 25th! That's the debut day!

While I'm shamelessly plugging, check out Christina Renee Designs who is featured at DST this month AND is giving away a freebie every single day. Part of her Ready, Set, Chase! designs are released each day. On Saturday, if you clicked on my blinkie at DST, you got the Fantasie Ornates, Windows. Boy was that fun for me to be able to do that!!! Anyway, hop on over and find the magic CT member to get the latest piece!

Dd came home from Hilton Head today. I'm glad. I missed her. We celebrated Father's Day after she got home and ds got off work. I made a Beef Wellington, Risotto and cherry cobbler for dessert. Appetizers were potatoe skins with blue cheese. Whew! Am I full. Anyway, can you tell I've been watching Hell's Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay.

I would like to know WTF is English mustard? That's what you are supposed to rub all over the beef tenderloin before you cook it in the shell. They don't sell it where I live that is for sure! Not a shocker, but never heard of it! BTW, beef wellington is delish. I used portabello mushrooms for the mushroom part. Yummo!

I have managed to master risotto. And it is really, really good. You just can't be in a hurry to make it.

And cherry cobbler. A whole stick of butter. Need I say more.

I do love cooking when I have time and watching Hell's Kitchen got me curious about risotto and beef wellington. Now both are added to my culinary skills.

So all that being said, I do believe dh had a nice father's day. He got two trees for our landscaping adventure: a pansy tree and a dogwood tree. Plus we got him a pair of Columbia shorts. I also took him for my "short" route of walking since he is wanting to lose some weight. I told him I would take him the long route another day. I think he thought the short one was the long one!

A Cat's Fantasy & Medical Chat

2008-06-13T19:59:00.006-04:00

digi credits: HERE

I made this lo imagining what my cat might dream about. I shot this pic when she was looking out of my screened porch at birds???? bugs??? something else??? So I thought I would have some fun with it.

digi credits: HERE

This is a little page for a book I am going to make for my son documenting his senior year.

My dh went to the dr. on Friday. Hard to believe (see prior post) but he was having pains in his kidney area that had awaken him during the night. The dr. determined it was not a kidney stone and sent him for X-rays.

The x-ray check in lady told my dh that he had been there three times lately, and he had to pay first. WTF? We have insurance with a major insurance company, and he is employed by a Fortune 100 company. The hospital hasn't even had time to file the insurance from the day before so of course we would have a balance...blood work, colonoscopy and now the x-ray. She tried to extort $700 out of him, but he told her no. She remaneuvered and he told her no again. Finally he gave her $100. Now, the last time I checked, we have active insurance so they aren't supposed to "deny" us service. Which is what he basically told her, "Take the $100 or I'll take my money and go somewhere else."

This type of treatment has really chapped my hide! Especially since the doctor asked for an immediate "wet" reading. Did he get it? NO. Did he get his report today? NO! So on Monday, I am going to call up there and raise hell. I'm glad it wasn't an emergency. I am really turned off by this hospital. We can't use the other one in town, which gave better service as his insurance changed and we are forced to go to this FOR PROFIT place instead of the other, which was NOT FOR PROFIT.

Not only that, when he was recovering from being anesthetized, he was in a room where the gurney fit. There was a sink about a foot away and a chair (for me) next to the sink. The nurse, who was a healthy woman, could not fit her butt in between me and the gurney. What type of facility is this? At the other hospital, you got a full room. This one is squeezing you in like a Japanese hotel and compromising the care you get by making a large nurse have no room. I suggest they either build a bigger room or hire smaller nurses that will fit in their sardine can. It was really a turn-off.

Oh, I almost wrecked my blog. I was in the HTML trying to figure out my ad-sense...not that I've ever made any money from it, but they sent me an e-mail to update it to google. Anyway, I was looking for this code they asked for and changed something, only to discover I'd lost all my customization. I wasn't able to get it back. However, it seems to have recovered by itself and then I decided to change to this black background to see if I like it or not.

Thoughts Du Jour

2008-06-13T08:22:00.002-04:00

In 24 hours, my family has had 4 wisdom teeth pulled, a skin cancer surgically removed, and a colonoscopy. 3 of us down and out. The extra one is away at the beach enjoying herself. What a ride! LOL!

Update on the redo of our garden: I had 3 boys out in my yard laying putting down newspaper as a weedblock and laying pinestraw to keep the weeds out. They have done two beds out of 4 that need to be done. I'm paying them $1.00 a bale, which is great for me, and since it isn't over 100 degrees anymore, I think it is ok with them. They can jump in the pool when they get hot and there is lots of food and drink.

My ceiling has had a leak in our family room for about two months. It was finally determined to be related to the "terlet" upstairs. Which is a huge relief as we thought it was the flashing on the roofline. Finally someone is here to fix that mess...the leak and then next week, they will come and repair the ceiling in our family room...for the third time...The other three were do to storms which caused leaks.

And finally, my son's friend just turned 18. He is thinking of joining the Army. I don't know if they will take him as he was never able to make it past 9th grade in school, and this year finally gave up and dropped out. This is not a friendship that I encourage as this young man was headed nowhere, but I feel distressed about him joining the Army at this point in our country's history. I'm pro-military, but anti-Iraq, and I'm afraid they will send him to Iraq.

I plan to scrap today, as I am the one that had the skin cancer removed. I have a two inch gash on my neck. I shouldn't call it a gash. It was done by a plastic surgeon so I doubt I will have a scar that will look like anything more than a line on my neck that is supposed to be there. But I had no idea that they were going to make an incision that large, but they said it should all be gone, which is the main thing! Anyway, I don't want to get it in the sun so mainly I have to be indoors until the pool gets some shade.

That means cleaning up from the boys that have been here for the past two days. LOL!

And the highlight of my coming week is my son is scheduled for his senior pictures. Now I could shoot his myself, but it is part of the journey, isn't it? And I want to take it all in and enjoy him making it this far. If you have a child with ADHD, you know exactly what I mean. It's been alot of work and love to get him to this point, and I'm so proud, I'm going to do every corny little, traditional thing that comes along and wallow in every delightful moment! I'm just busting with pride at my evolving man!!!

Christina Renee and When Do You Work

2008-06-08T23:43:00.002-04:00

digi credits:HERE

That is my latest creation using Christina Renee's designs, including her latest Freebie at DST: The Scenery-The Royal Garden. I hope y'all have been downloading those cuz the heart, fish, hearts with arrows, star and UP are all from her freebie this month, too, at DST!

I told my son to be sure he had off Tuesday this week as he was getting his wisdom teeth out. Okay says he.

Tonights conversation went like this:
Me: Matt, when are you working this week?
Matt: Tuesday & Friday
Me: Matt, you can't work Tuesday. You are having your wisdom teeth out.
Matt: I know.
Me: I told you to tell Ryan you needed Tuesday off.
Matt: I did. We're having a tournament.
Me: Well, you can't work.
Matt: I know.

Why did I bother to tell him to be sure he had off? Anyway, he has to trade with someone now or WORSE, embarrassing Mommy will have to intervene!

UNCOOL: This girl at work asked me to work last Sunday for here which was my Sunday off. I did. She promised to work for me this Sunday, today. Did I hear from her? NO! Did I call her twice and text her. Youbetcha. Did she ignore my calls. Youbetcha. Did I have to go to work today. Youbetcha. Was I pissed? Youbetcha. Will I ever do anything for her again? NOPE! (Did you think I was gonna say YOUBETCHA?)

It was 101 degrees in the shade on our porch today. IN JUNE! Early June at that. That is HOT no matter how you slice it. Whew!

I've got to get out early and water tomorrow so everything we've planted lives. It was too hot by the time I woke up this morning for it to do any good. So I'll have to water extra tomorrow. Hate to see that water bill, but I gotta protect my landscape investment!

Any movement at all outside tomorrow will require a dip in the pool. That's what I do. Work a lil, dip a lil, work a lil, dip a lil! LOL!

2008-06-05T19:21:00.004-04:00

digi credits: HERE
So this is my attempt at (1) one of those fantasy lo's that so many people do and (2) a big picture lo for my challenge at Tangie's Loft June 20th, that I am hosting (and keep mentioning). I had alot of fun doing it, and I must say, I rather like the way it turned out.

digi credits: Tangie Baxter Beach ATC freebie @ DST (check out her Queen of the Day thread) & Mehndi Caravan, CRD Ultimate Art & StoryBoards 2.

The city where I live has turned down my claim against them saying that "they had no prior knowledge". I wonder how they explain my husband's phone call to them and my two phone calls to the City Manager? Bastards. I knew they were gonna do that. Deny the first time. I read RAINMAKER by John Grisham. I know all about denial as a standard procedure because most people will go away. So tomorrow I call the Mayor and forward my picts and story to a newscaster in the Junior League with me. Maybe that will get their attention? Too bad my friend moved whose husband was the head of our paper here. I'd be all over that, too!

Who wants to talk about that crap anyway? Not me. I have enjoyed day 3 of my 4 days off by scrapping, blog train(ing), praise game(ing), and swimming in my pool which is now a temperate 90 degrees! OH YEAH!

I also spent part of the day watering as it was nearly 100 deg here today. All those new plants and shrubs to to my plumbing fiasco need to be watered to live! Next to get in-ground sprinkler system so that everything we planted doesn't die. I feel like I'm in a money pit right now!

Tomorrow is errand day as we are out of groceries. Ds had his two friends over today. They were eating everything in sight, of course, being teenage boys. Each had a Totino's pepperoni pizza. One had some chips. The other had some nuts. They finished a thing of lemonade I had made. Gotta stock up. This was just their pre-dinner snack!

Dd has not been seen all day. She has possession of the car, and that means, was long gone!

Which brings me to my final comment of the day. I had to take pictures of myself enjoying my pool as ds was not home for most of the day and neither was dd. I guess the tide is changing, and I will be scrapping more things than just the kiddie patrol, eh!!!

And rest assured, there are not full length photos of me in my bathing suit. Why would I do that! LOLOLOLOL!

Blog Challenge And What's Up Doc?

2008-06-04T22:02:00.002-04:00

First off, I haven't posted this lo anywhere yet, but credit is due to Tangie Baxter & CRD whose kits I used to make this lo!

I'm hosting the blog challenge over at the Creative Team Loft on June 20th. I decided to make a big picture challenge as I was inspired by some lo's using big pics over at DST. When I say big I mean a minimum of 4"x12" and a maximum of 10"x12". So if this is something that interests you, c'mon over June 20th and play for a GC to Tangie's store. I'll be posting a direct link then so don't think you have to remember it, unless you don't visit my blog...then you do!

Okay, on to my current saga. Albeit a small one, it is really chapping my hide! I had a growth on my neck so I went to our family physician who thought it was a skin cancer. He said I should see a surgeon immediately and scheduled me an appointment for a few days later. But since I see a dermatologist every six months (red hair and freckles), I just went to see her...er only her wasn't available so I had to see her partner. He was a piece of cardboard as far as personality.

And much to my distress, he didn't take the thing down to skin level like my regular dermatologist would. He just scraped a teeny piece off and left the rest of this thing that was the size of an eraser causing me to feel like one of the witches from MacBeth. I felt it was my own beacon, lighting my way on the darkest of nights. To me it is huge and glaring. I wanted it OFF! I guess at Georgetown Medical School they don't teach you to take it all off.

So the biopsy is supposed to take 2 weeks. My appt. was May 12th. On the thirtieth, I called the office, and they just had my lab report in their stack. Their stack of what? Wait and ignore until they call? Eraser is still on my neck. It is still unsightly. Someone needs to get rid of it. Fine, they can see me. It is a sqemous cell (sp). Lovely. Take it off.

The earliest appointment is July 8th. WTF? I'm not going around with an eraser skin cancer on my neck until July 8th. Would you? Honestly, it's time to have this lighthouse removed. Moly russel's wart...remember that from Uncle Buck. I have moly russel's wart. Get it off!

So I'm more clever than these inept scheduling people who arent' alarmed that I have a skin cancer the size of Uncle Buck on my neck. No siree, I'll get the best of them and have this thing removed, by George!

So I call the local plastic surgeon. Added bonus of tiny stitches leaving minimal scar, which in the world of vanity is a big BONUS! Plastic surgeon sees me today. MOTHEROFGAWD he doesn't take the elephant in the room off my neck either because insurance says I have to be precertified. They couldn't do that before? They couldn't do it now? I have a freakin' family moving in on my neck. GET THIS ()*#@()*$ OFF!

So now, I am relegated to coming back on Tuesday to have this fabulously Aaron Neville-ish moly russel's wart Macbeth witch thing removed. IS IT REALLY NECESSARY TO WAIT THIS LONG? I'm glad it is not a melanoma. I might have had to wait to Christmas to get it off. By then it would have been so big, I could have stuck a bow on it and left it under the tree.

As an aside, for the first time in 19 years of marriage, my husband went to bed before me...

Christina Renee PlayTime

2008-06-03T19:21:00.004-04:00

Digi credits: HERE

digi credits: HERE

Digi credits:

Okay, so I feel like I've managed to rock out 3 lo's that just tickle me pink. Sometimes the creativity is right on! KWIM! What I hate are those brain fart lo's. Do you have those? When your brain just apparently stops working, and you put something together and think,"Oh my, that's not that great."

I hope that you enjoy the last lo up on my post as it is for a blog challenge at Tangie Baxter's Loft. Click on my Tangie blinkie and you will be able to get to the challenge. The challenge was about your inspiration in creating a lo. What a great idea! Anyway, so that's what I made.

I spent my first day off pruning, cleaning up "left overs" from the mass planting, and trying to be in the shade and not get sunburned...all the while taking a dip in the pool whenever I got hot! Now that is a perfect day! The pool is a perfect 86 degrees. You can just walk in and not feel cold. I love it when it is like that! I love it when it is 90 degrees and we can night swim. You could night swim now, too, but I prefer the pool to be warmer.

I can only top this day by a nap under a tree by the side of the pool. Perhaps tomorrow!