Everyday Ramblings

JYC 18

2011-12-19T09:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas Dinner

we discussed Christmas dinner on Sunday

We are having:

Ham

macaroni and cheese- my son

Country greens-my Nephew & I

Eight layer casserole- my daughter

We are not usually home Christmas day. We visit a lot that day.

Eight-Layer Casserole

ingredients

3 cups dried medium noodles (6 ounces)

1 pound ground beef

2 8 ounce can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

8 ounce carton dairy sour cream

8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup chopped onion (1 small)

10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and well drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

directions

Grease a 2-quart casserole or a 2-quart square baking dish; set aside. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook beef until brown. Drain off fat. Stir tomato sauce, basil, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into skillet. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

In a medium mixing bowl beat together the sour cream and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in milk and onion. In prepared casserole or baking dish, layer half of the noodles (about 2 cups), half of the meat mixture (about 1 1/2 cups), half of the cream cheese mixture (about 1 cup), and all of the spinach. Top with the remaining meat mixture and noodles. Cover and chill remaining cream cheese mixture until needed.

Cover casserole or baking dish with lightly greased foil. Bake in 350 degree F oven about 45 minutes or until heated through. Uncover; spread with remaining cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, about 10 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings

It's my babies Birthday tomorrow!!! And he will be 15...

JYC Day 17

2011-12-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Perfect Gift

The perfect gift is always one of the following:

A gift made with love and thought. Like a knitted hat & scarf or a quilt made with your favorite color. The cute little gifts you kids make for you at school.
A gift you asked for. It meant you really listened to them, which means you heard them, you payed attention to them. That gift you asked for but thought there was no way you would get it.

I did't go to church today. I don't go every sunday but most sundays I do. It was raining really bothering my RA. I stayed in and rested. later in the afternoon I prepared for my son's Birthday tomorrow JC will be fifteen...WOW time flies. He requested lasagna and of course Peach cobbler nope no birthday cake for him. So I started preparing the lasagna and told him he had to help me so he could learn to make it for himself and my son says" mom you could have bought a frozen lasagna" My reply "who wants frozen lasagna for there birthday?" I use to always make it fresh, until I met my ole man he claims he can't cook so to help when I was working late he prepare frozen lasagna. By the way everything he cooks taste great I think I got duked. Tried another cookie recipe needs some work. But I had this butternut squash from the boutifulbaskets.org(food co-op) that I need to use so I made butternut squash soup, it was good so here the recipe.

Butternut Squash soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 medium butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Melt the butter in a large pot, and cook the onion, celery, carrot, potatoes, and squash 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Pour in enough of the chicken stock to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer 40 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Transfer the soup to a blender, and blend until smooth. Return to pot, and mix in any remaining stock to attain desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

**** I Baked my squash first @ 350 degrees for 1 hour then peeled, seeded and cubed. Really brought out the flavor.****

JYC Day 16

2011-12-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

Gratitude

My family has so much to be grateful for, it just warms my heart and my eyes fill up with tears of joy for the many blessing we have received this year, Health, Fiances and spiritual growth. That cover everything...

JYC Catch up 10-15

2011-12-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

day 10

Wrapping paper

First off if you know me you know I love paper, So I could stop there...

Pretty wrapping paper is not precious to me, its the one time I love use it unlike me & scrapbook paper. To wrap a present correctly you must have the right supplies:

good sharp scissors

scotch tape-splurge

ribbion

bows

Ingredients:

1 (18 1/4 ounce) box devil's food cake mix (Betty Crocker Super Moist suggested)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
confectioner's sugar, for rolling

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Stir (by hand) dry cake mix, oil and eggs in a large bowl until dough forms.
Dust hands with confectioners' sugar and shape dough into 1" balls.
Roll balls in confectioners' sugar and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until center is JUST SET.
Remove from pans after a minute or so and cool on wire racks.

Day 13

Christmas music

My favorite song:

Day 14

Gifts

It's christmas morning around 8am everyones up all the gifts are piled up for each recipient. each person sits in front of the tree and opens their presents. I take a bunch of picture and a few videos. everyone gets a pair of PJ's, lately I have added Itunes cards.

Today was a great friend day I spoke with all my good friends for hour we caught up laughed, cried you know girlfriend stuff.

I'm having fun sharing my Christmas planner/journal sheets. This is great for gift exchanges. Maybe next year I'll make them fancier. But for now simple works.

Get gift Questionaire here

Day 15

Vistors

We usually don't have visitors that come for Christmas and we have never traveled for Christmas.

But this year was different my ole man's sister came for a week. We really enjoyed her stay. We will miss you Ruby...

JYC Catch up 5-9

2011-12-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

day 5

Count down

We start counting down christmas right after Thanksgiving. I have a app on my iphone, and cute little block counter I made.

day 6

Tales of two Christmases

I remember the Christmas I took my kids to Disney Land... it was a surprise. We arrived at our hotel at night. They were tired and payed no attention to all the disneyland signs. The next morning we caught the shuttle bus from the hotel. When we entered the gate...I just remember my son saying" oh my god we are in disney california"

day 7

Todo list

Very short this year, orders from my doctor and my wallet. My doctor said my immune system where down to get rid of all the stress possible in addition to most of my extra money being used in my business, No worries. Not buying or making alot of presents this year. only shopping for the ole man and my kids. everyone else gets fudge crinkles.

day 8

Sights of the seasons

My favorite store is Target. I love to roam down the Christmas section, they are always so colorful. My ole man takes me to investigate all the houses decorated with lights we drink hot coco and rate the decorations. We have high standards...LOL

day 9

Traditions

we don't have a lot of traditions, but the one have are dear to me

Putting up Christmas decoration the weekend of the Thanksgiving holiday

Drinking hot coco and driving around looking at christmas lights on houses

My ole man buys me a Christmas Bear each year

Going to my best friends house in our PJs on Christmas morning

JYC Days 3 & 4

2011-12-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

JYC - Christmas Cards

This prompt is a hard one for me today. I usually make my cards or find a set that I just can't put down while shopping in the store. This year I have done neither, I saw a few card I thought I would enjoy making but I knew it would be really time consuming and I really want to focus on the important things this year. I saw a set early, way before Halloween but my money was funny so I told myself later. Now I'm a little sad, but not to worry this Christmas... simple is my goal. So my money is funny(on a budget, very little extra) I took a deep breath and thought "what to do" recycle! All the card you have left over whether I made or bought them I will send out. Ok the irony to this is I started a business this year and ordered those cards two months ago.

JYC - Christmas Dreams

A dream Christmas would be.... The week before the day of Christmas everything would be done, all presents bought, made and wrapped. All decorations put ups. Two days before Christmas I would prepare cookies, cakes and pies. For my ole man (boyfriend) I'd make his Potato Salad and Dressing he thinks its better when the seasoning set. The day before I would cook everything except the ham. We have not spent Christmas at home for years. This is the only thing I would change... Lucky Me.

I am fortunate to have two best friends one from childhood and another here in Las Vegas. My Vegas friends throws a Christmas Breakfast Party every year. One word to describe it is SPECTACULAR!!! We wake up pretty early exchange gifts at our house, put on new PJ's...you have to wear PJ's to the breakfast party. When we arrive at my friends house, all of her family, friends and our coworkers are there. We run in the same circles so I know almost everyone there. She has a buffet style breakfast with all the fixins. Yes I said fixins, any thing you may want for breakfast will be served. You will leave her house with the itis pronounced I-tis (eating so much you just want to lay down and take a nap). After we eat everyone gets to open a present and I do mean everyone, I think she buys extras just in case. We hang out until about two or three o 'clock then we head to one of my family's house last year we all met at my Dad's house which worked out great... I hope we can do that again this year, not sure about my older sister, she has a cabin in Duck Creek Utah which see loves so may not see her this year. We eat dinner because my Dad has to feed everyone who comes to his house. Keep in mind we still have the itis. Now its about five or six or seven and we are home for a the rest of the night. Talking about all the events of the day. This is my perfect Christmas I love the full day and would only change the beginning of the Christmas week

Just some of the presents under one of her two trees we call her... Ms. Claus.

get it here

get it here

JYC Day Two

2011-12-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

Oh the weather outside is... cold! ...for Vegas.

The winds have died down, even though we are use to high winds in the valley, it turned cold suddenly. Dust was blowing like crazy killing anyone with allergies, clouds covering the mountain peaks of our valley. I really felt bad for the people living in California, they are not use to high wind gusts or should I say wind storms. 40-50 mph wind are not unusual for Las Vegas. California had gust upward of 100 mph...WOW. I watch the weather channel most of the day Thursday. Tonight we have a freeze warning in effect....brrrrrr.

All said, I didn't let bad weather keep my Christmas spirits down. I just grabbed my Naughty or Nice Santa hat and seized the day. I giggled to myself as people stared, probably thinking it's kinda early for that santa hat, but I held my head up high.

I like when I visit other blogs and they have free stuff so I thought I try my hand at it. I use these worksheets every year for JYC and December Daily journaling. They are very simple & I enjoy playing around making them up. I found one problem...I should be ahead of the class, so I will try my best to have them up before they are needed. Happy journaling...

get it here

First Day of December

2011-12-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the first day of Journal Your Christmas & December Daily I'm so excited. Here is my album cover.

Below is the what I used to make my album:

** note some of the items may not be available, I finally used my stash**

I like to journal everyday even if I don't do a layout right away. So at lest I have everything written that I want to remember for later. I use these journal worksheets each Christmas and I thought I would share. This is my first attempt at giving away a download so here goes.

GET IT HERE

Holiday Season Memory Keeping

2011-11-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year....

I have attempted each year to complete my holiday albums with no success to date, I have journaled every year since 2008 except last year (due to being sick), but I have never completed an album- pictures, journaling & layout. This year I announced on the JYC forum my intentions of completing my album by January 15, 2012, so I can be held accountable. I'll keep you informed of my progress. I am using last years completed album so I have a head start.

I love participating in these two classes, and hope my kids will enjoy looking through the albums years down the road.

JYC with Shimelle

Gives you journal prompts to follow.

December Daily with Ali Edwards

Free style journaling everyday events of December

What I'm Thankful For...

2011-11-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

I had a great Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, I cooked at my own pace, not as much as I usually cook which made for an easy day. Dinner was on the table by three o'clock a first for our house.

We put up our tree Friday and Saturday we started our outdoor decorations.

I could not let this month go by without sharing what I am grateful for in my life

I am thankful for:

being alive...waking up each day
having a relationship with GOD!
that I am learning what is truly important...
my daughter
my son
my ole man
family
great friends
Edonna... friends for 25+ years
Quel
Carole
Monica & her great job that allow us the get comps into vegas show...
I have more female friends then ever before in my life...and I'm ok with that.
my business
all the stuff I own
that I knew its just stuff and its not important
I can get off the floor without help
I can get out of my chair on my own...any chair for that matter
I can walk up & down stairs again
I don't hurt all the time... any more
my hair & nails are growing again
my skin has cleared up
I'm still a work in progress
I took two vacations this year.
The fun I had in the Bahamas for my birthday
I went Parasailing and loved it.
going to New York City
seeing a broadway play... Lion King
my Ole Man spoils me...I love him so and he loves me
I communicate better
I've learned to say NO
my truck is paid for and runs well
that this christmas I won't have a lot of money & I'm looking forward to the experience so my kids will know both worlds...
my swim class at the YMCA
my two camera's that bring me much joy
my apple tronics...yea I'm a MAC HEAD
My black suede boots they are so comfy
that I can say that being injured on the job has made my life so much better
my son is hilarious" mom I used to think your closet was the gate to Narnia cause you had so much stuff in there".
my daughter the down to earth kid
my nephew Ash... he keep hope alive
most of all having a peaceful state of mind....
that this is just a few things I can recall to be thankful for

What are you thankful for...

QUICK UPDATE

2011-11-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

I miss my blog even if I don' t post everyday...

I'm still in good health Yea...

I start my Business and it's actually doing well, I have gotten a few contracts and working hard to continue that flow

My Sons Birthday is next month he will be 15 wow...

I've started thinking about my Thanksgiving menu, not like there is a lot to think about in my family, we are pretty southern traditional in my house.

My Ole Man..."I want Turkey & cornbread dressing", his vegetable of choice potato salad.

My baby Girl... Who turned 17 this past friday wants couscous.

My Son.... his usual Mac & cheese, peach cobbler.

Myself...I always pick and new recipe that appeals to me, this year its a dessert pumkin layer dessert found here I always substitute sweet potatoes instead of pumpkin.

Our Christmas tree would have been up this weekend but I got lazy and actually didn't work, took three days off... yelp cause I'm the boss! So it well be up this coming weekend have not decided my colors yet. I have this cool blue/turquoise & silver, Or my red, green & gold. Hmmmm so many choices.

My goal this year is to complete my holiday journals. I either finish the journaling or the album but never both, this year I'll use my album I finished last year and just journal.

Yes that means Shimelle's Journal your Christmas is starting soon and my girl Ali Edwards December Daily Album.

Back to the highlight of my weekend. My Baby Girl is 17 time flys...

My Facebook post...

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY TO MY BABY-GIRL...
She has come a long way, 4 months early, 2lbs, 1oz & 14 inches at birth, spent 6 months in sunrise nic unit, sick in the hospital monthly until the age of 4. Now a beautiful young lady that is an AP honor roll student who is an talented artist & bakes the best tasting prettiest looking cupcakes in the world. I'm soooo proud of her. She is my trooper! Love you Chantel...mom

The Crafty Side of ME..

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

So what have I been up to creatively, or should I say trying to keep up with...

Learn something new with Shimelle has start up.

And of course I'm behind but in doing..

Well I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the classes offered on BigPictureClasses.

After yesterday post... WOW two post in a row :)

I signed up for the Album of Awesome workshop it Starts today. I'm looking forward to taking the Good Life workshop by Amy Tan and they have started offering other types of classes besides scrapbooking, this fall Big Picture Classes will offer a knitting-felt workshop called Fabulouss Felting, thinking about this we'll see how it works out.

SOMETHING AWESOME...

2011-09-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hello blog,

I have missed you but there were a few things I needed to do:

[x] Get control of my health
[x] Get my spirit/soul in a better place
[x] Find a career that makes me want to get up and go to it
[x] Finding something AWESOME everyday

Things I'm still working on:

[] Smiling naturally (family says there is always a frown on my face... I use to smile all the time)
[] daily Journaling
[] balancing family, work, play

Thinking of something AWESOME has become a daily thing in my life and I actually look forward to it. So I wanted to share this on my blog

1000 awesome things blog

TED.COM -AWESOME CREATOR, Neil Pasricla

Missing in action...Again

2011-02-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well its been two months since I posted and I don't feel guilty at all. Glad to say I was living life...I enjoyed Christmas to the fullest, no worries, the lest amount of stress I have experienced in a long time.In January I decided what really made me excited enough to wanna get out of bed...and it's not Cisco. So I'm in the process of making that happen, more about that later. I've been more creative lately. Having to much fun at my craft parties...thanks to my friends. My Health is pretty good right now, minimal pain, Yay! I can almost go in any clothing store and shop, again Yay! 20-30 more pounds and a little toning, I should be a size 10-12, I'm a 14-16-18 now, I had gotten up to a size 26. I am getting ready for the red, white and pink holiday on Monday. I plan to give way some goodies I've seen on some of the cutest blogs, they have great ideas. I'm acting like June Clever today... got up early made breakfast for the family, started a load of laundry, pull my stove out and cleaned that area everyone tries to forget about.I must have been out of my mind...to late it" done. Last but not lest, I posted on my blog by 11:00 AM. WOW Hope your day is as good as mine...

My first blog hop!

2010-11-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

I've started a new Photography class, this will me my last class for 2010. I always love December Daily with Ali Ewards and Journal Your Christmas With Shimelle .

Finding the holiday joy fits in perfect for saving my holiday memories this year

Starting to look like Christmas...

2010-11-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

OUR FAMILY HAD A GREAT THANKSGIVING...

We ate dinner on time, played jenga, Uno and watched movies...

No Black Friday for me I vegged out most of the day...

we did start holiday decorating... the Tree is up. Yea!

WARNING... I love to lounge in my PJs

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T03:33:00.000-08:00

Just call me Rachel Ray

2010-11-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

I started with some Bananas Nut Muffins.... a girls gotta snack.

It may seem like a lot but for my house its easy this year..

I'll post the Recipes on my recipe page

I designed my menu with Echo Park - Abundance Papers & Elements found here

~HAPPY COOKING~

Wishing a Stress-Free Thanksgiving to All

2010-11-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

As I get ready for thanksgiving I always SAY this year will be stress-free, and somehow it never is… but this year it will be just that stress -free. I planned my menu weeks ago, low key everyone in the family picked one dish. I will be asking for help this year…I usually just want company, while I do all the work. The ole man is doing the grocery shopping, my daughter will be my asst. chief, and my son will as always provide the holiday cheer along with entertainment.

I say this to urge you to cut down on your stress this weekend and give thanks for your many blessing…and most of all enjoy your family.

P.S. don’t get stampeded Black Friday shopping !

Getting ready for 2011

2010-11-16T14:50:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to make some changes to my blog, and I have started. Im starting a new one for my crafts - Paper....Scissors...Fabric...and keeping this for personal stuff. I have wanted to start a blog for crafting but I was afraid, well I'm not anymore... the worst thing that could happen is that no one will read it...I can live with that. I"ll probably shut down shutter ramblings cause... well... I never post on it...
I thought about paying to have my blogs done but since I'm trying to change my spending habits, I'll save that money for Christmas...
so....anyway pardon my dust...

Sew Sister Sew

2010-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I started sewing again last year. If your interested in sewing here are some cool books...

I'm really into sewing purses, so you know what your getting for Christmas...It may have something in it too....

I made these using fat quarter bundles from Joannes for $9.99 less 40% off...4 fat quarters made 4 little wallets and I traded scraps from a friend to get a different design.

The pattern call for a snap but, I used velcro, I didn't want to hand sew them or use the expensive ones they cost as much as the material, and I was told the large snaps could ruin your credit cards, but for the grown ups I'll use the small magnetic snaps..it's nicer.

I'm making a bunch of these in different sizes... Just increase size on your printer...a quick and easy gift....
I love this bag, I want one for myself but I promised myself to make gifts FIRST... I'm really trying hard to keep my word.

My first Purse... for a friend she picked out her fabric...

Just wanted to share

2010-11-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

I received this cute story in my email today...great end to a productive day...thanks Audie

The Pickle Jar

The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on
the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom.

When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty

his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.
As a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar.

They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.

I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire
the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's
treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.

Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production.
Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were
placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.

Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would
look at me hopefully. 'Those coins are going to keep you
out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than
me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back.'

Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled
coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier,
he would grin proudly. 'These are for my son's college
fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me.'

We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping
for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad
always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream
parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the
few coins nestled in his palm. 'When we get home,
we'll start filling the jar again.' He always let me drop
the first coins into the empty jar. As they rattled around
with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.
'You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and
quarters,' he said. 'But you'll get there; I'll see to that.'

No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued
to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer
when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to
serve dried beans several times a week, not a single
dime was taken from the jar.

To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me,
pouring catsup over my beans to make them more
palatable, he became more determined than ever to
make a way out for me 'When you finish college, Son,'
he told me, his eyes glistening, 'You'll never have to
eat beans again - unless you want to.'

The years passed, and I finished college and took a
job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents,
I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that
the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose
and had been removed.

A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside
the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad
was a man of few words: he never lectured me on the
values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The
pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more
eloquently than the most flowery of words could have
done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the
significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my
life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than
anything else, how much my dad had loved me.

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born,
we spent the holiday with my parents. After dinner, Mom
and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns
cuddling their first grandchild. Jessica began to whimper
softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. 'She probably
needs to be changed,' she said, carrying the baby into my
parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back
into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes.

She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand
and leading me into the room. 'Look,' she said softly, her
eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser.
To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed,
stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with
coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my
pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of
emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I
looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped
quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was
feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could
speak.

This truly touched my heart. Sometimes we are so busy
adding up our troubles that we forget to count our
blessings. Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for
better or for worse.

God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another
in some way. Look for GOOD in others.

The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or
touched - they must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller

- Happy moments, praise God.
- Difficult moments, seek God.
- Quiet moments, worship God.
- Painful moments, trust God.
- Every moment, thank God.

BOO TO YOU

2010-10-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

HOPE YOU HAVE A SCARY DAY, DON'T EAT TO MUCH CANDY AND ABOVE ALL BE SAFE...

Halloween Cards

2010-10-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

Here are few cards I made up for Halloween and my carft party.
I used the digital kit EP DIGITALS-Apothecary Halloween papers & elements from here

I used this digital kit from ELLE'S STUDIO-Halloween journaling tags here
The card I loved most I'll Post on Halloween.

Halloween Treats

2010-10-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a few days away and I cooked up some goodies from the Woman's Day Halloween Magazine. I served them at my October/Halloween Craft Party. They turned out pretty good and the kids just like sugar!

My menu for the party :
Creamy chicken & pasta soup (my recipe)
severed toes in bandages
Haystack-Creatures-Recipe
Jack-o-lantern sandwich bites
Skeleton Cupcakes
Witch's wicked punch

Cowgirl cookies (recipe below)

HAYSTACK CREATURES: fun to make but, I would have used semi-sweet chocolate.

SKELETON CUPCAKES: My daughter made these and it was really hard to find yogurt covered pretzels and cutting his little arms were painful , as you can see we gave up!

Severed Toes in Bandages: Love them my favorite, one recommendation boil the little smokies first to get rid of excess grease.

COWGIRL COOKIES aka Cowboy Cookies

I've made these cookies as gifts in a jar for the holidays for last two years. This recipe is from the Pioneer woman.

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup & leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooking oats
3/4 cup m&ms
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 – 1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup butter (melted slightly in the microwave)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Use the back of a large spoon to work it all together. You may even need to use your hands to get everything incorporated. Then roll the cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, place on a Parchment covered baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. makes about 26-28 cookies .

If you like to see other cool recipes for Halloween at Woman's Day check here

Another cool Shimelle Class starts today

2010-10-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'M IN!

Catch up - Learn Something New

2010-10-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

Better late then never...

I recorded what I learn in my journal I just didn't blog...I just wanted to finish my posts so here goes...

#12- I need to keep on top of my health and where I keep my medicine. I keep misplacing them...If I keep them in the same place I would not have this problem.

#13- How not to take over when helping my daughter with her craft projects.

#14 - when do you stop being used...when can you say you know you are being used...

#15 - I really want a puppy but I know I wouldn't give it the care it deserves...don't you hate being a grown up sometimes?

#16 - No matter what... you are never appreciated the way YOU...think you should be!

#17 - I always fell better after swimming... I really shouldn't miss swim class.

18 - Procastination is killing me and it's gonna cost me in the end!
#19 – Stop staying up so late… I always pay for it the next day.

#20 – Money can’t beat friends…. I had a ball watching kickball…I don’t like kids… but I lovelittle Miss Kenzie.

#21 – Sometimes NICE is not the way to be…do what’s best for you first.

#22 – Things I really Love…all of my family…all of my friends….Crafting… some… I just don’t LIKE!

#23 – I love being my age 40…wouldn’t trade it to be young again.

#24 – I need to get in better physical shape…I should try…bike riding…the gym and some weights…something new.

#25 - Sometimes giving a person your last is a good thing… especially if they have nothing.

#26 – Just going thru the motions @ school I really need to recommit myself to my studies.

#27 – Had a great time @ IBEW picnic…sometimes I miss working…I really miss my co-workers.

#28 – I’m very angry today but I got myself in to this situation, knowing not to trust a snake… they bite.

#29 – Attended class @ Church …How to hear GOD’s voice…I heard him…really cool…didn’t like everything he said …but are really gonna argue with GOD?

#30 – I found peace lately… GOD said I don’t have to deal with drama… just because we are family.

These are the things I learned new about myself in the month of September…what did you learn?

I love my Big Sister HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2010-09-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

I love my Big Sister HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's my sisters Birthday today and it though it has become a sad day for all Americans (9-11) we choose to stay positive on this day for her. So NO TV today... NO CNN today.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? Make Birthdays as happy as can be... they only come once a year.

Relationships

2010-09-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

Coasting...
I have been coasting in my personal relationships I’m not giving more than I’m taking.

A relationship does not protect itself; it requires active work and humility. A way of life does not protect itself; it requires discipline and attention

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? STEER, DON'T COAST.

Dreams

2010-09-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

I think when we grow older we give up on dreaming, we set goals that we feel are attainable so we won’t be disappointed. Well I have dreams that I have set up as goals so I can achieve them.
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? Don’t stop dreaming!

I am blessed

2010-09-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

bless•ed adj.
1 held in reverence
2 of or enjoying HAPPINESS; specifically : enjoying the bliss of heaven —used as a title for a beatified person
3 bringing PLEASURE, contentment, or good fortune
I feel it… I see it… I know it.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? I am blessed

I love paper

2010-09-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

I didn’t learn this today. I love paper. All my life I’ve had a love affair with paper. As a kid I was always the teacher and made up forms and liked grading them, as a teenager I was into everything but paper, but as an adult I love photos, scrapbooking, card making and creating documents. I Like buying paper, I like looking at paper… anything paper… there It’s out!
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? It’s ok to love paper.

Homework in my house

2010-09-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

School has started, supplies are in backpacks, the daily routine started, and homework is sure to follow... after going to my kids school open house and meeting their teachers, I realized that my kids do their homework but I don't check to see if its neat, complete, if they really understood what they were doing... this will change today...they will do their homework at our kitchen table where I will be watching closely. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? Be constant in training your kids for life.

Friendship

2010-09-05T08:34:00.000-07:00

It’s not about quality it's quantity. I invited 15 people to my craft party, only 3 rsvped, 2 actually came. I had as much fun with the 2, proably more fun then if my house where full of people.
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? You really only have a few friends.

Purge my stuff

2010-09-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

I realize how blessed I am, everytime I purge my stuff. My life has changed and I'm finally at a place in my life that I need less stuff. After my health failed stuff could not help me, it actually got in my way. You have to store stuff. Stuff is not free it cost you money. Stuff is usually a want more than need. Stuff needs to be cleaned. If people see your stuff they sometimes want to steal it. Long ramble short... LESS IS MORE ! Purge some of your stuff...maybe it will help someone who really needs it.

WHAT HAVE I LEARN TODAY? Throw or give some things away.

weight loss

2010-09-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

I used to weigh 287 pounds at my heaviest. I now weigh 210. I lost weight because I was sick, between reactions to medicine and food allergies there were a lot of things I could not eat. I had tried to loose weight all of my life. I started in my late teens, I've never been under 180lbs as an adult. Funny how things happen... I lost weight not really trying... ironic. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? Things happen at Gods speed ....not yours.

I love my hair short.

2010-09-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

I've always had a decent length of hair for a Afro-American, at times it has been long, very thick and jet black. I loved my hair. The movie Good Hair that Chris rock made publicized Afro-American women and there hair struggles. It started much controversy and hopefully open up the eyes of everyone. But even before the movie I always thought that me having long hair made me more attractive, and only have worn my hair short a few times in my life, usually after it had been damaged some how.

Now after all my struggles this past year I decided to cut my hair. I put it off for months scared not to have hair, but it was falling out, I had bald spots, it was thinning and I have so much grey now. Then I had to ask myself... am I only as good as my hair? I've spent to much money to talk about...on my hair. So I let it go... I love my hair short, its easy to deal with since my fingers don't always cooperate. Because I've lost weight it fits my face better. I used less product and you need a great hair dresser as an Afro-American with short hair its all in the cut! Found her! I'm in hair heaven. I know this may sound kinda silly, but its my truth and I'm stickin with it. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? Hair doesn't make you beautiful that comes from within.

Is beauty skin deep?

2010-09-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start with beauty this week...

I've gone thru so many physical changes this year...

weight loss, hair loss, skin rashes, lost of joint flexibility due to RA. Its sometimes hard to keep the right perception of true beauty.

This one of my favorite pictures of me, in this picture I felt beautiful.

The Webster's dictionary defines beauty as:

1: the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit : loveliness

2: a beautiful person or thing; especially : a beautiful woman

3: a particularly graceful, ornamental, or excellent quality

4: a brilliant, extreme, or egregious example or instance

How do you define beauty? Do you think you are beautiful? How you perceive other peoples beauty? These are question I had to ask my self this past year. Being sick I received a lot of stares,comments and questions about my appearance. some nice some not. So the next time you see some one how may not look what you feel is beautiful on the outside maybe you will try to see beauty from within.
WHAT HAVE I LEARNED TODAY? Beauty is and must always be deeper then skin. I am beautiful!

Below are pictures of my many phases of me being sick. I would not have even thought to post these pictures a year ago... but now I know they are just photos, triumphs over my illness.

National Sewing Month

2010-09-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Today starts...

So I have mentioned before I have Rheumatoid Arthritis... which makes it hard for me to sew sometimes but I found these @ Joannes and they are great! They cost $16.99 and worth every penny. They give your fingers support and keep your joints warm, which helped me finish my pillows for my sofa...yeah!

These are my pillows... they have zippers that I learn to sew in my sewing class. Can you tell I'm thrilled?
My sofa is not the most fashionable but it is comfortable, which allows me to get off the couch. I have what we call the "expensive chair" and they both came from Lazyboy furniture , the only store that had sofas high enough for me to sit comfortable.

SEW SOMETHING...this month.

What have you learned today?

2010-08-31T00:11:00.000-07:00

Starts tomorrow... I feel I always learn something new but not everyday...so this may be a challenge. I also believe this is my year to grow as a person, get my sense of peace back. Since my accident I have been in alot of pain, very stressed, depressed, did I mention stressed. My life is changing for the better although a few months ago I would have argued that point. I've learn to slow down, everything is not gonna be perfect, not even close but... God has always taken great care of me and why would he stop now. I definitely take better care of myself, I pay more attention to my friends and family, I'm slowly finishing projects that I have started. I have completed goals I set for myself years ago, so its time for me to set new ones. This one has been hard to do...

I plan to document this class digitally and put it in a photo book, lets see how well I keep up. My motto this year was "finish what you start"...well I think that was last years motto. LOL, see what I mean!! It's taken me all this time to finish what I've started. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED TODAY?

Back to school...Yeah

2010-08-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

I love my kids but... they where getting bored at home, now they will be busy again with school activities. They are great kids...wishing them the best first day of school.

Doing to much... maybe?

2010-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hanging out at my favorite online scrapbooking website bigpicturescrapbooking.com
Working on my art skills with Claudine!

Waiting to get started with Donna making some fab fabric creations

I love Shimelle her classes are really afordable and she encourages you to use what you have.

until now I always had to buy...But thanks to the economy I will use what I have.

I have already started on my journal your Christmas album with Shimelle/ December daily album with Ali Edwards this holiday season is going to be STRESS FREE. I know its early to start thinking about Christmas but I always want to do to much and than I'm upset I didn't finish everything I started.

Last but not lest I'm starting a craft club with a few of my friends. We all like to make stuff but there is not really a place that offers a variety of crafts at one place... cards, scrapbooking, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, gardening, home decor, gift giving, party planning ideas and cooking... that's a lot, but every month we will make a couple of things that we see online or in books that look interesting.

I guess being super busy with multiple projects is the gemini in me! I just want to finish what I start. I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Happy Birthday Week!

2010-08-19T18:47:00.001-07:00

This week has been filled with birthdays... My best friend in Vegas, Raquel her birthday was Wednesday we had dinner at Red Robin.

My mans birthday is today and I'm wish him nothing but love. He is my rock and my friend.
He rarely lets me post pictures of him...

My friend Shannons' son was also Born this morning... welcome baby Ryder .

digi scraps made with baby boy album@ SMJ designs

All About My Little Girl

2010-08-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

She was born a premie, 2lbs 1oz. She made it against all odds. She is very talented... she is a leftie. She's an artist as you can see... She has also started to bake, lucky for me I can't eat sugar or I'd be gaining weight. She is so creative. She can be stubburn. She is a loner. She is a self starter when she wants to. She has a temper. She is a night owl. She is a helper around the house. She is very smart. She is a honer roll student. She loves to read manga on the computer. She is a big sister. She is a beautiful young lady. She is my only daughter... I love her...

I've been SEW-RIGHT this Month!!!

2010-07-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Wow I started Taking sewing classes and it has really inspired me to finish my items not just to start something. Thanks..Donna my instructor. She started us with pot holders then, an apron after that we can sew what ever we want, I'm working on sofa pillows for my new sofa. I also started a baby quilt and matching bibs for a friend and FINISHED IT YEAH!! All in one week.

My first pot holders sewn

I still want to put a pocket for her art supplies but Joann Fabric is out bias tape ERRRR!

This is a Moda bake shop recipe found here
and the truck template here

The baby bib pattern I found here

I just like the pretty wrapping paper for my friends baby shower.

This is a curtain panel from bed, bath, and beyond. I will make two sofa pills and a valance for my kitchen window

Something New

2010-07-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

I had not created anything in so long I thought I had forgot how. Sad to say this is my first digi scrap page this year. Digi kit- Family, Browniescraps.com
Happy Friday!

Summer Fun

2010-07-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

Summer has such high expectations... kids thinks they are free do whatever..not! Parents think that summer holds great chances to bond with there kids... only if your kids are not teenagers... they may not want to spend time with you. So what's a mom to do? Find something to hold their attention.

So far we have.....
gone to the library every week
played with Lego's
watched Willy Wonka the play
saw the Jabbawockeez @ the MGM

Mountain Ranch State Park its about 10 -15 degrees cooler its in the Red Rock area. The sitting was good not a bad seat. You could see and hear play, it was great!
Me and my daughter Chantel

Jabbaworkeez's- a dance crew from the Randy Jackson's show the best dance crew. They really kept you interested. I thought I'd get bored. Great show, worth every penny.

My KUL son Jarron with his JABBAWOCKEEZ shirt.

I have Pictures of us playing Lego's but if I posted them I may be disowned... sorry!

Hope you are making memories with your family too....

Happy Independence Day America

2010-07-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH PRIDE AND JOY.

What Happen to Trina

2010-07-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

Well it's been 7 months since I last blogged anything. I had surgery on my knee healed from that. My right wrist started to hurt. Thought I had injured it, went to my doctor he did x-rays no injury, said it could be Rheumatoid Arthritis ( RA), I laughed. Test came back positive my RA. In November I was in so much pain I didn't want to get out of bed. I hurt like hell now I couldn't eat what I loved. I could not work.. My doctor put me on Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), was the first med I was on it made me sick, gave hair and skin rash, I lost muscle tone. It didn't help much for pain. So after 3 months, I'm now Methotrexate it makes me not as attentive as normal the day after I take it. I do feel almost pain free. I found out I have food allergies, no sugar, and yeast. There are few other things that I can't eat on a regular basis so just have a taste every once in awhile. Once I figured that out I started exercising. I take arthritis swim classes 2 times a week. They really help! Well I've lost 55 pounds I weigh 226 down from 281.

My family have been my rock thru all of this, Couldn't have done it without them. Thank you… Thank you… Thank you! My kids are doing great enjoying summer break. We have done some fun stuff I'll post pictures later.

So basically I have been fighting my way back to OK. The Workers Comp. people decided I was not able to work as an electrician any more. I don't know if I'll settle for that one. I am being retrained in the IT field as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) then start Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). I'm A+ and Network+ certified. So I can repair my own computers… that's a good thing. Going back to school has been hard since my medicines affect my concentration. And being unemployed is hard but I know I'm blessed to be getting a chance at a new career.

On the creative side I have started back doing things I love… scrapbooking, making cards, quilting, blogging, Gardening, home decorating and sewing. I plan to finish my quilts I started right before I became sick. My garden well… It was a little better than last year but I still need to improve my skills. I'll show you later what I mean. I made some invitations for my little sister's Independences day/ house warming party. I joined a cool sewing instruction class to improve my sewing skills.

So I had been trying, meaning to, getting around to posting on my blog and I have done it. Yeah Me!

Lazy Sunday

2009-12-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Well its 3:oopm I have not done a dog gone thing but surf the net. I did find some really cool Etsy shops if you are into fabrics.

Riley Blake- Just Dreamy

Owls and More from the Timless Treasures collection

Riley Blake -All Star

Michael Miller's Lava collection

and My favorite Heather Baliey's Nicey Jane collection all 40.

FABRICBYTHEYARD

Piper's Girls

Fabricworm also has a web store as well as a brick and mortar which I plan to visit the next time I'm California. As you can tell this was my favorite. The owner even has a cute video too.

The Blog lead me here to The long thread which has more cool Christmas stuff...100 Holiday Crafts

Well its time to start dinner hoped you enjoyed your weekend and started on your Christmas Crafts.

COOL FIND: HOLIDAYS CRAFTS

2009-12-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

A DIY HOLIDAY

Best buy for the holidays...
Have you started on your Christmas crafts? If not this class is for you, most of the ideas are under $5.00. They are easy and you can do them with your kids. There are a bunch of useful downloads, cute holiday decorations and great stocking stuffers. The class cost $20.00 and runs until December 31.

LOVE THIS CLASS!

Just thought I would share. Happy Saturday!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2009-12-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

YEAH

I can officially say Happy Holidays. Well our tree is up thanks to my family. I could not have done it without them. The inside of my home is very festive. My old man says he will start on the outside today. I would normally help him but after my knee surgery the ladder is not an option for a while.

We take pride that our Christmas holiday light display is one of the best on the block. I believe lights should look as if you had a plan or design for them. They should be hung neat and should not look like you just threw them up. If on a timer they should come on at the same time not 5 or 10 minutes apart. And most of all, the family should have fun putting the lights up.

My sister that challenged me to a crafty Christmas chuckled when she saw my last post about her. I'm still working to completing my homemade gifts. I hope you have started sis-ter! The clock is ticking...

My dad will be here in 15 days it’s always a pleasure to see that OLD MAN...he gets funnier with age. I guess I should explain the old man thing... it’s really a term of endearment. I call my dad OLD MAN, he calls me Old Girl. I don't really know how it started. He is no spring chick and I'll be forty next year. When I call him and say "hey OLD MAN" he knows it’s me.

I sometimes call my boyfriend.... my old man. I fell I'm to O L D to use the term boyfriend... and I guess I like to see the reaction when other people hear me say it. Their reactions are really funny. Once a man heard me call my boyfriend old man and asked my boyfriend "you’re going to let her call you old?" he just laughed and said "that’s me". He's a bit older then I am, I like my men seasoned.

I wanted to post pics of my sisters new babes but she said she wanted them to look pretty for their first post. They were spayed and can't take a bath for ten days...stinky. I'll tell you this they are cute and I helped pick their names Bianca, TEA, and Chloe'. Her boyfriend says they act like us, the three sisters and they should be named after us, I didn't care but we figured my little sister may not be too happy. They are Pomeranians she saved from a pet shelter, all from the same home. Never in a millions years did I think my sister would have three dogs at one time. It must be the Christmas spirit.

Enough ramblings...It’s the first day of December... so it’s time to Journal Your Christmas or December Daily or BOTH.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

STILL THANKFUL

2009-11-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

I didn't post on Thanksgiving day but the family had a laid back day. I spoke with alot of friends and family. We ate dinner about 7Pm my daughter inform me that was early this year. we all stated what we were gratefull for this past year and we watched a movie together.

Friday was another kick back day worked on my Christmas presents. here a little look.

Today I hope to start up Christmas decorations and visit my sister later she is getting new babes. I"ll post later.

Grateful

2009-11-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

It’s November a month of giving and being grateful for what we are blessed to have. So many people are losing jobs, homes and are hungry this year. I thought I would remind myself how lucky and blessed I am.

So here my list of what I’m grateful for:
1. That I wake up.
2. That God love Me
3. Chantel
4. Jarron
5. Sweets
6. The rest of my family
7. I spend more time with my family
8. Learning to live simpler
9. Edonna
10. Raquel
11. All my other friends
12. IBEW
13. JATC
14. MonaVie
15. I’m going Diamond in 2010
16. My home
17. My health
18. Scrapbooking
19. My December daily/Journal my Christmas album is finished
20. Quilting –something new
21. My blog is holiday cute
22. Thanksgiving is coming
23. We will have a great Thanksgiving dinner
24. I won’t be shopping on black Friday
25. Thanksgiving weekend we put up Christmas decorations
26. My Christmas gifts are close to being finished
27. I’m cutting back my holiday spending this year
28. My dad will be here for the holidays
29. Quel’s PJ Christmas breakfast is coming up
30. That I’m looking forward to the new year

What are you grateful 4?

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY CHANTEL!

2009-11-11T10:14:00.001-08:00

To my growing Princess I hope your coming days are always filled with joy and peace.

May all your dreams come true. I hope you know you can achieve anything your set mind to do.

My daughter went to work with me one Saturday to see want I do at the Nevada JATC.

She got to hang out and join some journeyman upgrade classes. She enjoyed welding the most. Now she wants a welder.LOL

This is my daughter extraordinary!

LOVE YOU MOM.

COMING SOON THE HOLIDAY CRAZE!

2009-11-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

I always wanted to have my blog festive for the holidays. So this year I'm all in. After my injury I'm learning to see things much different. Little things mean so much more to me now. Not to mention I have more free time.

So speaking of the holidays... I thought I would kick it off with a few cool finds...

For holiday planning...

Simplify 101 has a great workshop...

GET ORGANIZED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I'm signed up for this workshop and have downloaded the first lesson which has a great to-do lists which are made up as a planner to be used for many years to come. After the holiday there will be organizing tip for storage. We all need help with that.

Big picture scrapbooking.com just finished cut the crazy out of Christmas but... you can still buy the planner at adornitscrapbook.com

This planner was fun to make and I will use it again. I also give it as my first Christmas gift of the year to my friend Quel she is crazy for christmas like me so I knew she needed it.

If you are wanting to journal and or scrapbook your Christmas holidays try...

Journal your Christmas at Shimelle.com

I took this class last year. You are given a prompt to journal, holiday photo ideas and scrapbook layout ideas everyday December1st through January6th.

or

December Daliy 2009 atAli Edwards blog.

With Ali you prepare your scrapbook in advance and each day you journal the happening of the day and add pictures & etc... (anything you want to remember) .

Suggestion you really want to start this early so you won't get behind with the construction of it and have to play catch up. THAT IS NO FUN! I did that last year very stressful.

This year I started when she started now I'm finished all I have to do is journal and finishing touches. I kept it super simple.

I do December Daily and Journal your Christmas together.

If your money is funny or you just like FREE try...

Holidays in Hand with Jessica Spague

I have not taken this class but if it is anything like her Stories at Hand class it's something not to be missed.

I hope this gives you ideas of how to keep your holidays simple, stressfree, journaled and creative.

Where's Trina...I'm back

2009-09-23T23:30:00.000-07:00

Wow can’t believe my last post was in May.

Here is my the top ten list….

10. A lot has happened I had knee surgery.
9. I am Now LABLED Handicapped. I should get a sticker
8. I’ve been laid off my job. Like most people. But still loving every day
7. I will be going back to school.
6. I cut my hair. SHORT!
5. I walk every day. And enjoy it.
4. I was in Orlando Florida. Had a ball.
3. Still TRING to Garden. I’m no quitter
2. I’m a Distributor of the top selling Acai berry juice in the Word! And making MONEY.
1. I AM SO BLESSED and doing just fine… for all the haters!

Catching up on scrapbooking

2009-05-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm very happy with myself this weekend. I scrapbooked more than I surfed the net. YEAH! Here are a few layouts.

My sister, Bonita- Love her new hair sytle...
KIT:MAY MINI/BROWNIESCRAPS.COM
DESIGNER:MARNI DESIGNS
FONT: OCCIDENTAL

My Best friend Edonna- Miss you E!

Kit: First Kiss of Spring

Designer: Nicole Seitler- SugarplumPaperie.com

Font:Pristina

The little lady...Mackinzie

KIT: HAPPY HIPPO

DESIGNER:Snuggle Berry Pie Designs/browniescraps.com

FONT:PAPYRUS

Amber a homeless woman I met....I Will write her story at a later date.
KIT: Persimmon
Designer: Zoe Pearn/sweetshoppedesigns.com
Font: teen

Each month I design a desktop layout for my laptop.

KIT: MY HAPPY GARDEN

DESIGNER: K. CRONIN-BARROW/sweetshoppedesigns.com
Calander: Mixed Media/peppermint creative.com

I have built and planted a raised bed garden. which you can see in the layout above. Post with pictures coming soon.

Cool Finds April 19th

2009-04-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

My cool site for today is Brownie Scraps its a digital website. Brownie scraps has a forum, gallery, a store and a blog. Unlike other digi sites brownie scraps gallery has no rules about posting layouts with other designers kits and encourage you to post links to designer stores. I have been looking for ONE PLACE for all my layouts. I joined yesterday and posted my introduction today. Everyone has been super nice and they are a very active site with many challenges(over 10). I have never tired to speed scrap but I plan to try it. If your thinking about starting to design kits you may want to try there Six Week Designer Challenge! The site store is small but if you are like me you enjoy variety so that's not a problem. Any way check them out!

Happy Easter to all

2009-04-12T10:40:00.001-07:00

How Ever you celebrate!

I was at my doctor's office and over heard a young couple talking about how Easter came to be. The young man said "I wonder how Easter started". The young lady stated "it's always been Easter silly". I giggled thinking to myself I know what my beliefs are, but what's the detailed story of Easter. There are always two stories of most holidays religious and pagan (commercial). I believe the religious….. I also have children so we celebrate the commercial too. So I thought the cool finds site
today should give you information about Easter and fun things to do.

I also found few other cute sites for kids…

http://www.easterhumor.com/

http://www.freekidcrafts.com/kid_easter_craft_ideas.html

I hope everyone has a great day.

I hope everyone has a great day.

Images above credit: webweaver

Missing in action March

2009-04-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

March was a busy and crazy month. It was hard to do everything so my blog was odd man out. I decided to just give a glimpse of what was going on in March.

I still have a job. Du bi world and MGM made there payments. Safe for a few more weeks.

My workers comp. finally approved Physical Therapy, did that 3x a week for two weeks. My knee feels 60 % better.

Just everyday stuff

Sometimes you just have to love yourself. I saw a man selling flowers on the side of the road so I bought ME some!

My brother-in- laws TV remote. I giggle every time I see it.

Its HUGE!

Home Improvement family style.

We added ceiling boxes for a light and fan in the kids room.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN!
My dad came to Las Vegas and we celebrated his 74Th birthday

BBQ in the Park

The first warm weekend. All you need is good friends, food and fun.

Cool Finds

2009-03-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Surfin the Internet I find cool sites. Not all are useful to my family but still pretty cool. Since I'm surfing anyway I thought I would post them to my blog, in hopes that it may help a few passing by. I'd like to post one site a week on Saturday or Sunday.
So here the first cool find.

Cool Finds

2009-03-07T12:11:00.001-08:00

This is for the Families with young childern, SAHM and or Home Schoolers....

So I'm surfing the net and I come across this site that offers a themed monthly activity guide with recipes, experiments and a recommended reading list for children ages 3-12. My kids are all over 12 years old, but I love idea. So if you are a family with young childern, SAHM or Home school your kids the Book of Days maybe a helpful resource of great activities for your children. I think it could make a great gift also, you could also include one of the books on the reading list.

There blog is pretty cool too.

P.S. I downloaded a copy to review and I think I'll give a gift to someone special and see how she likes it. I'll let you know the out come.

A long couple of weeks

2009-03-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

I fell two weeks ago at work. It's called a contusion- a bruised knee.
sometimes it hurts like hell. Especially when my workers comp. doctor twist and turns it! I'm told it could take 4-6 weeks to heal. LESSON LEARNED don't WAIT. If you get hurt at work report it right away. I reported it but thought I would be OK. I didn't get medical treatment right away. Less than a week later I was in so much pain I was crying like a baby. Now I need physical therapy, but I have to wait to be approved. I have medical insurance if I could have gone to my doctor, I would be in treatment right now.

Which leads to my next statement.... What about those people who have no jobs or worse a job but no medical insurance. I don't get into politics on my blog often but I pray President Obama can get some cooperation from congress to help the masses and no just the wealthy.

My brace I don't know if it helps or not. The white thing-- Icy hot pain patch - that works.

Documented boredom.. thank goodness for project 365. I toke a lot of different pictures while waiting to be seen.

I'm on light duty- LOL there is no light duty in construction!

No paid time off. We make good money because on any given day I could get hurt worse than I was and not home at all. I'm thankful my injury was not severe.

Below are the reasons for my knee injury:

I did the right thing reported holes as soon a I saw them, I reported them numerous times to different safety people and not until after my fall did they cover the holes.

Nascar is Here!

2009-02-26T19:18:00.000-08:00

Today While I was working I heard what sounded like a train, I turn to look and it was a convoy of trucks blowing their horns as they where escorted by metro traveling to the speedway down Las Vegas BLVD. I'm Not a big race fan but it was cool to see and broke up the workday.

Back At Work

2009-02-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

I have return to work at the City Center Project. Before Christmas my daughter became ill and I took time off. I returned last week and nothing has changed. I love that I build things. I hate the port a potties. The only other thing that I would change are the men who believe that women can't do this job. LOL.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2009-02-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

This is what I woke up too.

Hope your day is filled with love!

SNEAK PEEK for Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

This is what I'm Giving to friends and family on Valentine's Day. So I can't show the inside just yet. I can tell you that Almost everything in my mini album is from Thersa Collins CRUSH line.

LOVE THESE QUICK PAGES at sweetshoppedesigns.com ,

Kissable Bundle by Traci Reed .

I'm back at work so I hope I can keep up with my blog and scrapbooking, wish me luck.

p.s. I love Pjs....

100 Things

2009-02-06T00:20:00.000-08:00

This list of 100 Things is floating around on a few of the blogs I read.
The things I've done, I've highlighted in red. Go ahead play along.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Held a praying mantis

9. Climbed a mountain (how big of a mountain??)

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped.

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelos David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48.Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Walked in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published in a book (thank you scrapbooking!)

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone's life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100.Read an entire book in one day

your turn...... Have a Peaceful Sunday!

Majestic Memories Is Closing

2009-02-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

Bill, Leticia and Dodi, I wish all the best for you. Your store will be missed!

The first time I join a scrapbooking swap for bag toppers. I go to turn in my project, I see that my favorite scrapbook store Majestic Memories is closing. This is the second store within a year. Pebbles in my pocket closed last year. Where is a scrap addict to shop! Michaels’ and Joann’s are ok, just not the same. I only know of two other scrapbook stores in the city, and one is too far and the other scrap store the prices are marked up crazy high and just not that friendly!!! I do shop online but sometimes you just need a quick fix or descend cardstock.

Mr. President Obama you should fix our economy as soon as possible. People are losing their jobs and homes, becoming homeless. Most Americans right now don’t care about party lines. If we all do the right thing for America it doesn’t matter. We always take care of other countries, and that’s nice, but this time for once can we start at home? Please.

In closing let me state, that I’m joking around about scrapbook stuff. I’m truly blessed that in these times all I have to worry about is no place to buy junk. My job is OK at this moment, I still own my home and my family is well. I worry for us (the United States) as a whole. It starts with little stuff like small businesses. This has opened my eye wider. I better understand what I need to do for my family to be OK. We all need to stop buying and start saving more, the storm is coming!

Getting off my soapbox…. Above is a picture of the bag topper I made for the swap. I think it’s really cute. LOL. My Month was July and theme butterflies. I used paper from the Flair Designs- Paradise collection, love that paper, small butterfly - Martha Steward punch, large butterfly - QuickKutz die, stamp - Inkaddinkado hand lettered alphabet and jewelry tags.

Below are some of my favorites from the other ladies in the swap.

NO SPENDING IN FEBRUARY

2009-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

I was surfing here the daily digi.com and came across this February is No-Spend Month it stuck a cord, since Friday my older sister called and our conversation went something like this:

my cell phone ringing...

Me: "Hey sister"..looking at the number she called from (work).

my sis:" Whatcha buying?"

me:" are you at the store" looking puzzled because how could she know I'm shopping. I now start looking around. And thinking I see someone who looks like my sis coming in the door of the store in which I was shopping, and may I add my friend Raquel does this to me all the time, we shop at the same places.

my sis: "I'm at work. Did you see the number I called from?"

me: "I did but... " I was way into shopping at this point. Embarrassed I start telling her how my friend Raquel pops up behind me in stores.

my sis: Laughing hysterical...she can't catch her breath.

me: Busted!!! all I can say is... My name Is Trina and I'm a shopaholic.

my sis: Explains when I'm shopping my voice and attention is compromised.

we finish our talk, she thanks me for making her day better. I make my purchase and leave the store.

which leds me to my fate in surfing this morning. I pledge to not spend more than $50 on scrapbook stuff and $100 on entertainment... shopping, movies, eating out, etc...

to make this offical my boyfriend must read it. He keeps me honest. he called me and I asked him to read my blog today. Maybe he will leave a comment.

William Poma

2009-02-01T11:43:00.001-08:00

I can not say I hung out with Bill Poma, I had never met his wife or family until his memorial service yesterday but,

I can say

He is one of the main reasons I have a better life and my family lives comfortable.

Working in construction he was one of the MEN that ALWAYS treated me with respect.

He helped me when its was needed.

He served the IBEW well

He was Loved by Local 357

HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!

My God bless his family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDONNA!!

2009-01-29T21:21:00.001-08:00

WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS OVER 20 YEARS!

I HOPE YOUR DAY IS FILLED WITH JOY.

Friends are relatives you make for yourself. ~Eustache Deschamps

The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had. ~Author Unknown

Project 365

2009-01-16T22:46:00.000-08:00

365 is a cool way to keep track of the year and become a better photographer. Only one rule take a picture everyday! I have not figured out how I want to post them to my blog yet. I'll either put up each picture or do a digital layout for the week. So here's the first. I started project 365 the first week of January.

Digital Scrapbooking

2009-01-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

I started to digital scrapbook afraid I would like it to much and have to much paper. It didn't happen I still love paper. YAY! I Seem to do more when it's digital. Hope you like them. Leave a comment tell me what you think.

1. Family

2. Jarron

3. Beautiful

4. MISS TEEN

I'm Intentionally going keep up with my blog this year!

2009-01-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

This is a little backwards but who cares its my blog. Yesterday I tried to give my blog a face lift. I found some cute blog designers, but I am not ready to pay just yet. I like doing things myself. So I found a background that was OK, kind of whimsical. Problem is not sure if I like it. Love flowers and patterns as my sister would agree but, this may be to busy even for me. I made my header Love it. So maybe I'll go back to the solid green or cute polka dots if I can find the right color! I'll have that fixed in a couple days.

ALRIGHT..... here goes.... these are my....

INTENTIONS FOR 2009

Be present.

Keep it simple.

Do it now.

Seek to understand and accept.

Be passionate.

Do less.

Purge

what does all this mean......

Focus on one thing at a time. No multitasking. Set small time frames to complete each task.

I seem to over complicate simple things. How this happens baffles me it must be a Gemini thing.

I REEEALLLLY procrastinate. Stop thinking, saying and just do it.

People lately have really been getting on my nerves and I fell I'm easy going. I could be wrong. I'll just be quiet and sit still for a while.

This goes back to be present sometimes I'm just here!

Less is more. I try to do to much at once after I finally start. LOL

I have just to much stuff especially scrapbooking supplies. Every month I will purge a room including my garage.

I'll call these my Zen Commandments.

I was here on Ali Eward's blog, intentional is my word for 2009, love her and she was reading this which led me here and here. I'm not into feng shui But anything to help my life for the better I'll try.

Also while trying to give my blog a lift I came across this cool site so I dropped a line with my support as a person in need of dropping a few pounds and as I was telling some of my story realized. What if I just put a little more effort into my own weight loss. I could be FINE by summer time. So thanks Miss Amazeingteacher for the spark.

The crafty stuff I'm doing right now. Trying to finish my daily December album that like a nut I combined with journal your Christmas which was way to much to even think about while working as a foreman and taking care of sick kids. I must have lost my mind! Lucky I had a couple weeks off and I plan to do less. The classes I'm taking right know are A life well crafted by Kollete Hall, Up and running one of three parts, its a self paced digital scrapbooking class By Jessica Sprague and Love myself in 2009 by Ashley Wren. Just like a nut to much.... so no more classes for at lest six months. I think I'll but up a countdown clock tomorrow. Oh I'm doing project 365. I want to post pics to my blog once a week.I actually got up early on New Years Day to order. Only to find out it was to early. LOL. The site was not selling the new kit. I went back to bed and lucky me ordered the kit not knowing all the problems they where having. The site seem a little slow but that was all. Any way Mine is on the way! This project is doable -is this a word? Without all the stuff. I'm a Lover of scrapbook stuff . Did I mention PURGE is on my zen commandments.

In my world as far as photography goes, Santa bought me a cannon power shot, love it. I thanked him personally. I have a Cannon 40D but sometimes its just to much to carry. My old camera a Kodak p850 died in August while I was @NTI in Tennesse. I want to take a photography class at the college or maybe Ritz's camera. My 40D has way more junk on it then my P850.

On the home front all is calm for RIGHT NOW! The kids are back in school yeah! I'll be back at work in a week or so.

Going backwards I want to post all the happenings since August, my last post kinda like a summary to keep the flow of my blog. Well thats, thats, thats all folks!

Happy New Years!

2009-01-04T01:13:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of catching up to do. So see you soon!

Guess where I Am!

2008-08-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

Its NTI time! National Training Institute. Most of the instuctors for the Electrical JATC are here taking over Knoxville Tennessee.

I got here early this year and I'm so glad. No running around trying to do everything in one afternoon. I'll try to post more pictures but my camera broke! More to follow its late and I have to go to bed, classes start tomorrow

BALTIMORE MARYLAND HMMMM?

2008-06-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

WELL I'LL SAY BALTIMORE HARBOR WAS COOL. I LOVE WATER AND WATCHING THE BOATS AND PEOPLE . I ATE CRAB CAKES IN MARYLAND. PHILLIPS SEAFOOD VERY GOOD, YEAH!

THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM SUCKED I PAID $28.00 TO BE LIMITED TO THE TIME I COULD SEE THE MARINE LIFE, ITS WAS SO CROWED THAT YOU DID NOT SEE A THING. THE TANKS WHERE TO LOW OR RIGHT AT EYE LEVEL, SO IF THERE WAS A CROWED OF PEOPLE, YOU'RE JUST OUT OF LUCK.THAT WAS MY WHOLE EXPERIENCE. AS FAR AS VIEWING MARINE LIFE I DIDN'T.

THE DOLPHIN SHOW WAS PRETTY GOOD. THE BEST PART WAS THE 3-D MOVIE BY PLANET EARTH- THE BOMB! I SHOULD HAVE STAY IN THE THEATRE ALL DAY, AT LEST I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN MY MONIES WORTH. THEY NEED TO REMODEL THAT PLACE. I WILL NOT GO BACK THERE!!!!

THE LAST PICTURE IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW I FELT AND HOW I SAW MOST OF THE FISH.

LURAY CAVERNS ,VA

2008-06-25T19:29:00.001-07:00

I'M THE NATURE FREAK, SO THE CAVERNS WERE ON MY LIST. AND DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE ABOUT NEEDING WARM CLOTHES DISPITE THE WEBSITE INFO. IT'S NOT 54 DEGREE IN THE CAVERNS IN THE SUMMER TIME! OTHER THAN THAT I HAD A NICE DAY. ALOT COOLER THAN VEGAS.

The Animal Lover At the ZOO

2008-06-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

My son loves watching animals, so he picked the zoo. I just added a few photo of the fun animals. I have a ton of pictures. lol. We had a great time. The Washington National Zoo is FREE!!!!!!!! Its also larger than you think. We got a little wet later that afternoon, it started to shower. I was not a happy camper!

My Little Astronant

2008-06-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

My Little Astronaut Shes something. We visited the Air And Space Museum. One the two things on her list. Shes a true teenager, we blazed through the exhibits, she knew exactly what she wantes to see.

A Day In D.C.

2008-06-19T22:06:00.001-07:00

3
4
5

6
6

WASHINGTON MONUMENT
LINCOLN MEMORIAL
JC & ME ON STEPS OF LINCOLN MEMORIAL
THE FAMILY & LINCOLN STATUE INSIDE MEMORIAL
JC, CHANTEL & SWEETS WALKING TO THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL PAST REFLECTING POOL
MAMA DUCK AND BABIES -they are very friendly
NATURE MOMENT - the babies didn't look very old

A Day In D.C. Part Two

2008-06-19T21:28:00.001-07:00

1
2
34

Pictures 1,2, & 3.
KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

We here in America we take these words for granted. I don't agree with the War, but I truly appreciate anyone in the military and what they go through.

Picture 4.
The Holocaust Museum
My daughter has been learning about the Holocaust this year at school and she has been moved by the Jewish experience. After visiting the Museum. My hope is that people will be kind to other ethnic groups. We all have to be accepting of different cultures.
Everyone should visit this Museum. I wish we could have taken pictures but it was not allowed.

Welcome to Washington D.C.

2008-06-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Why did we take the red eye fight? It was cheap, and I thought we would get some sleep. NOT! Our flight was on Jet Blue. Plenty of leg room but the plane was very loud. They have XM radio and satellite TV in every headrest. They charge you for a pillow and a blanket $5.00
but they give earplugs and sleeping mask. LOL. I BOUGHT MY OWN! So we left at 11:50 our time and arrived at 4:25 Vegas time (7:25 D.C. time). Sleep deprived luckily the hotel we are staying at let us check in early. We slept for hours. Later we drove to D.C. to sight see.LOL. No where to park so we drive around for a couple of hours and went back to our hotel.

VACATION TIME IS NEAR

2008-06-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

HEADED TO WASHINGTON D.C. SEE YOU WHEN WE GET BACK!

SAD REASON TO GET DAY OFF!

2008-06-03T13:33:00.001-07:00

I'm off today, my Union is picketing unsafe work conditions. On last Saturday the six person died on site due to unsafe working conditions, the twelfth person to die due to work injuries on that job. Funny how City Center tries to keep the number of deaths low by only reporting actual deaths on site! And not total do to work injury. My condolences goes out to the family of Dustin Tarter.

People always think Union Construction workers are paid to much. But the truth is everyday we go to work, we may not return home because its a very dangerous job.

If you would like to read more about City Center picket, go here...
http://www.lvrj.com/news/19483444.html

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2008-05-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

It's My 38th year on this Earth. I'm truly BLESSED, my family and friends asked what I wanted, and honestly I have everything I want and need. Loving family, great friends, a career that challenges me and allow me never to be bored, pays great and gives me the choice to pick and choose when and where I want to work.

As a teenager I dreamed of peace of mind, A good job that allowed me to buy a home, have a nice car, go on vacation once a year, and be able buy things I would wanted. Last but not lest lose a 100 pounds. I've done everything except lose 100 pounds. not bad for 38. Guess I should up with a few more dreams!!

My sister Bonita and I went furniture shopping, I'm looking for a new sectional for my family room. I'd been sick for about a week, so it was nice to leave the house other than for work. It also felt nice to put on real clothes. One of the hazards of being a Electrician, you always look like a construction worker

Fisk Lake Utah

2008-05-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Our Cabin, the Spruce was great. We spent Memorial Day weekend at Fish Lake And despite the weather, loved every minute of it. Snow was the first sight at the lodge. We fished all weekend but didn't catch a thing. Must have been the weather. It rained and snowed and rained. Funny weather must have had something to do with us being about 10,000 feet above sea level!

BACK AT WORK

2008-05-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well after a long break from constuction, and alot missed weekends working conventions, I decided to hit the dirt and dust for awhile.
Conventions are slow during the summer and after buying a house, I see a few things I would like to buy. Not to mention we have a lot of trips planned this summer. So off to build The Veer Towers East and West, City Center in Las Vegas Nevada.
http://www.citycenter.com/

MY 25th Of The Month Album

2008-05-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of myself...I'm almost caught up will all my scrapbooking projects. And I enjoyed scrapbooking and used my stash. This album is really cool because on the 25th of the month you take pictures and scrap about the day. This is done for a year, what's neat about this album is years from now remembering the little things.

Maklikai's Birthday Part 2

2008-05-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Malikai's Birthday party THE BOMB! I've never had so much fun at a five year old party, I talked about the party till I fell asleep. Actually my old man said "please go to sleep", so I did. Malikai had a balloonist and she also face painted. I'm kinda silly so I kept asking her to make me a red BMW with grey interior.LOL. She made so cool stuff with her balloons, the face painting was not shabby either. Her name is Corina and Shes a graduate of a clown University. Betcha didn't know that! Malikai also had a pinata from hell. The little ones couldn't get it open, so we got help from the big kids.

I must be getting older because I don't think I could have had so much fun at this party 10 years ago. Or may be I have realized that the little things truly count and seize each day as it happens!

Thanks Malikai for such a wonderful day!

Malikai's Birthday

2008-04-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Malikai Brunke !

Malikai turns 5 today and he invited me to his party at the park this afternoon.

Mailikai's Aunt is my best friend and she knows how the throw a party. I'll have Pictures tomorrow. Well, Tee Tee Trinkie (that's what he calls me) is off to get presents for the cutest 5 year old I know!

New Challenge from Shimelle

2008-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

The 25 of Every Month Album

The idea of starting early comes both from saving time and for motivating you later on in the project. The idea is to record the 25th day of every month for one year, documenting a tiny snapshot of your everyday life. Some things will remain the same, others will change with the seasons, still others may change entirely in a year’s time.

This is the first time I've done anything with scrapbooking that I had to commit to for a whole year! I will have my album finished and posted Saturday.
So are you in? http://www.shimelle.com/

Food for thought

2008-04-23T17:50:00.001-07:00

How many families eat breakfast together? My family eats breakfast together about once a month on the weekend. You may say"I go to work early" ,"the kids are doing this or that." Its funny how easy it is to let the small, but important things go. I talk more to my kids while cooking or eating. They usually help me cook. Its a good way to help them learn also. They have to read, follow directions and measure. So if you think eating together is over rated you may want to think again.