Scooby Doo Birthday.

Good morning! It is Thursday!!  No work for me today.. Yay!!! But I have a lot to do. This morning my youngest gets to go to her High School, walk around, get her schedule, etc. She will be a freshman this year! I can't believe it!  Shocking! After that I have two Dr. Appointments.. One with the Doctor and the other with the Physiotherapist - She is my favorite person in that office! I love her! After that I'm not sure what we will be doing. I'm just happy to not go into work for the next couple of days! LOL

On to my next project. This was a birthday card for my oldest daughter's boyfriend. She always gives me a theme and this year it was Scooby Doo. Next year she is asking for an Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday Card. That sounds like fun to me!!  Here is what I came up with for his Scooby Doo creation:







For this one I used two different images and they were colored with Copic Markers. I love these cards! I created the sentiment for the front. I used some neutral colored dew drops and then a button to hold the fold down. When you open that you have the first image of them in their van. Then when you open it further you have the gang. And I added the Happy Birthday to the inside. I used all scrap paper to create this card. I'm really trying to use some scraps up! I have way too many LOL!!

Copic Markers Used:

• Van: YG03, YG05, YG07; BG11, BG13, BG15
• Van Flower: YR12, YR16
• Thelma Shirt: YR12, YR16, YR18
• Scooby: E34, E35, E37
• Thelma's Hair: E29, E27, E25
• Shaggy's Hair: E31, E35
• Fred's Hair: Y21, Y26, Y28
• Scooby's Collar and Fred's Shirt and Pants: B93, B95
• Fred's Scarf, Thelma's Skirt and Shoes: R24, R35
• Daphne's Skirt and Shirt: V12, V15, V17
• Daphne's Scarf: YG05, YG09
• Shaggy's Shirt: C5, C7, C9
• Fred's Shoes and Shaggy's Pants: E35, /E37, E39
• Tires: W4, W6, W8

Challenges:

• Challenge #149: Birthday Wishes (5) @ A Gem Of A Challenge.
• July: Patterned Paper (8) @ Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge.
• July Challenge #22: Anything Goes (9) @ Not Just Cards Challenge.
• Challenge #89: As Cute As A Button (2/3) @ The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog.
• Challenge #15: Spots and Stripes (1) @ The Male Room.
• Challenge #44: Anything Goes (9) @ Creative Craft Cottage.
• July/August Challenge #77: More Than One Fold (1) @ Creatalicious Challenges.
• Challenge #200: Anything Goes (3) @ Use Your Stuff.
• Challenge #96: A Flower In Your Image (2/3) @ Chocolate, Coffee & Cards Challenge.
• The Letter B (birthday) (4) @ Splendiferous Creations.
• Challenge #116: Anything Goes (6) @ Sister Act Card Challenge.
• Challenge #272: Anything Goes (3/3) @ Craft Your Passion Challenges.
• Challenge #81: Something Beginning With T (Thelma, Tires) (2/3) @ Cardz 4 Guys.
• Week #272: Create A Masculine Birthday Card (1) @ City Crafter Challenge Blog.
• Week #30: Animals @ Digi Choosday.
• August Anything Goes (2/3) @ Crafting By Designs.
• Challenge #44: Anything Goes (2) @ Inspiration Destination.
• Challenge #194: Anything Goes (2/5) @ Word Art Wednesday.
• Challenge #29: Anything Goes (2) @ Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Wednesday Challenge.
• Anything Goes (1) @ Simon Says Stamp! Challenge Blog.
• WIW July Anything Goes (1) @ The House That Stamps Built {Repeat Impressions}.
• Challenge #257: Anything Goes (1) @ 4 Crafty Chicks.
• Favourite Fur and Feathers and Why (1/3) @ As You Like It Challenge.
• That was a hard one... Fur or Feathers? I love both! But I would have to go with Fur I think. I LOVE cats and dogs, horses, rabbits... Okay.. you name it! Love my furry animals :)  Love my pets! Love cuddling with them and giving them love. And I can't imagine ever being without one. They make life just that much better.
• Anything Goes (1/1) @ The Outlawz Twisted Thursday.

Whiff of Joy

Good morning everyone!!!  Today is my oldest daughter's birthday and she is the big 2-1 today!! Wow!!! I can't believe it! She is up at school, so I won't get to see her, but I hope to get up there soon or her down here. Happy Birthday Taylor!!

So, today I am posting my first post for Whiff of Joy for March. I have created two cards using this image:













The image I used is Football Ben which you can find in the Whiff of Joy shop. I colored this image with my Prismacolor Pencils. And I went with an Aussie color scheme .. I was thinking about my husband playing soccer hehehe And he was all cute blonde when he was younger. I didn't do any layering with him, but I had two images so I decided to make two cards. The only difference on these two are the sentiments. They are both Thank You cards, but the second one is Thank You Coach. All of the papers are from my scrap box... took me forever to find that net paper.. I knew I had some in there though! I remembered using it a long time ago LOL. I distressed the smaller square under the image. The soccer ball is a My Favorite Thing die cut and I colored some of it with my black pencil. I added the black buttons and the black ric rac. I thought the yellow and green gems would look nice as well, so I threw those on as an after though. I decorated the inside with the same papers and used up that net paper. I had some fun coloring these images... I'm trying to work out the layering a bit more.

Challenges:

• Challenge #151: For A Boy or A Man @ DL dot Art
• Challenge #65: One For The Boys @ Sparkles Monthly Challenges
• DSC #129: Anything Goes @ Digitally Sweet Challenges
• March: Anything Goes (Happy Blogaversary!!) @ Country View Crafts Challenge
• March: Anything Goes @ Crafts Galore Encore Challenge Blog
• March: Patterned Papers @ Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge
• Challenge #39: Anything Goes @ Scribbles & Scrap Blog and Challenge
• March: One For The Guys @ Stamping Sensations
• March Challenge #65: Yellow and Green @ The Emerald Faeries Challenge Blog
• March: Anything Goes @ Your Scrapbook Place
• Challenge #14: Anything Goes @ Not Just Cards Challenge Blog
• March: Add A Sentiment @ Whoopsidaisy Challenge
• Anything Goes @ Clear It Out Challenge Blog
• Spring Colours @ Crafty Sentiments Designs Challenge Blog
• Challenge #82: Green @ Creative Card Crew
• Challenge #141: Anything Goes @ Loves Rubberstamps Challenge Blog
• Anything Goes @ Papertake Weekly Challenges
• Let's See Some Green @ Scrap Creations
• March: Anything Goes @ Crafting By Designs
• Challenge #63: Anything Goes Spring Greens @ Creative Moments
• Challenge #23: Anything Goes @ Inspiration Destination
• Challenge #173: Anything Goes @ Word Art Wednesday
• Challenge #236: Green @ 4 Crafty Chicks
• Challenge #164: Button It! @ D R S Designs Rubber Stamps
• Challenge #217: Anything Goes @ Hanna And Friends Challenge Blog
• DTBST #271: To Die For @ Sassy Studio Designs
• Challenge #27: Anything Goes @ Art By Miran Challenge Blog
• Challenge #14: Bingo (Image, More Than 2 Layers, Die Cuts) @ Craft For The Craic
• Challenge #70: Anything Goes @ Creative Fingers Challenge Blog
• Challenge #129: Bring On The Green @ QKR Stampede
• Challenge #37: Anything Goes @ Scrapping4Fun Challenges
• Challenge #96: Anything Goes @ Sister Act Card Challenge
• Anything Goes @ Catch The Bug Challenge Blog
• Green @ Sweet Stampin' Challenge
• Challenge #114: Anything Goes w/Twist of Aquamarine @ 613 Avenue Create
• 3-2-1: 3 Embellishments, 2 Designer Papers, 1 Image @ Come and Get It Challenges
• Challenge #127: Decorate Inside and Outside @ Glitter n Sparkle Challenge Blog
• PIO #59: Green @ Pile It On!
• Challenge #254: Pearls or Gems @ Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog
• Challenge #252: Anything Goes @ Craft Your Passion Challenges
• B is for ... Ball, Boy, Buttons, Black @ Simon Says Stamp & Show
• Challenge #131: Anything Goes @ Eureka Stamps
• Challenge #10: Must Have Green In Project @ Get Creative Challenges
• March: Spring Colours @ Bunny Zoes Crafts

Crafting When We Can Personalize It!

I hope you all are having a wonderful Sunday. Today we have a new Challenge over at Crafting When We Can. The theme for this week is to Personalize your card by adding a name. I decided to make a card for my oldest daughter since she will be finishing up her first year of college in another week and coming home for the summer. I hope she will like it!

I used Katniss Girl On Fire from Sassy Studio Designs. I colored her with Copic. I added blooms and gems and a swirl of gems. The dies are from Spellbinders. This was a fun image to color up and I think she turned out pretty nice.

Copic:
Dress - B00, B12, B14, B16, YR02, YR04, YR07
Skin - E00, E01, E11, R20
Lips - R43, R83
Hair - E50, E53, E43, E57

Challenges:

• Challenge #11: Sketch @ A Die For A Sketch
• Happy Friday Blue and Orange @ Sketches for All Weekly Challenge Group.
• Challenge #53: Dies @ Card And Scrap.
• Challenge: So Sentimental @ Craft Room Challenge.
• Challenge #5: For A Lady @ Fairies Challenge Blog
• April Challenge: Use A Digital Image @ Sparkle N Sprinkle.
• Challenge #10: Anything Goes @ V's Sweet Ideas Blog.
• April Challenge: Favourite Colour Combo (Orange and Blue) @ Bunny Zoe's Crafts.
• Make It Girly (gems (have had forever) and flowers (about a year) @ Oldie But A Goodie Challenge.
• Anything Goes @ Crafter's Digital Art Center Anything Goes Challenge Room
• Challenge #108: Layer It Up @ Art Impressions Blog.
• Challenge #44: Photo Inspiration (used colors: orange/blue) @ For Your Inspirations.
• Use A Sentiment @ Paper Crafting Journey.
• Let's Get Cooking #7 April Tic Tac Toe (2 or more alphas, Flowers, Use Markers) @ Sketches For All Weekly Challenges Group.
• Inspired By: Anything Goes @ Creative Inspiration Paints.
• Challenge #159: Diamond Are A Girls Best Friend @ Craft Your Passion Challenges.
• Challenge #60: Use Lots of Flowers @ Forever Friends Co Challenge Blog.
• MIM #137 @ Make It Monday.
• Use Any Color Medium (Copic) @ Simon Says Stamp & Show.
• Challenge #50: Favourite Colour Combo (Orange/Blue) @ Deep Ocean Challenge Blog
• TTCRD April 23-April 29: Anything Goes @ Through The Craftroom Door.
• Anything Goes Challenge @ Crafting By Design.
• Challenge #77: Anything Goes @ Word Art Wednesday.
• Challenge #124: Anything Goes @ Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog.
• Simon Says ... Anything Goes @ Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog.
• It's A Free For All @ The Sisterhood of Crafters.
• Challenge #4: Anything Goes @ Sister Act Card Challenge.
• Die Cuts and/or Punches @ Stampin' For The Weekend.
• Anything But Birthday @ Sweet Stampin'.
• April 27-May 3: Anything Goes @ The Outlawz Paper A La Mode.
• Day #7: Rounding The Corner @ 365 Cards.
• Challenge #19: Anything Goes @ Challenges 4 Everybody.
• Anything Goes @ Eclectic Ellapu.

I'm really proud of her making it through her first year of college and being out on her own. I hope she knows that.

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday! We will be heading off to church soon. It has been a lazy weekend so far and I hope it stays that way LOL I needed some down time, quiet time. I had a really stressful week last week and I have no idea what the heck was wrong with me LOL Tired? Hormonal? LOL Who knows! Just one of those weeks and I'm really glad it is over! hehehe  On to a new week and may it be much better! *hugs* to all of you!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Good morning everyone! Today is Thanksgiving Day in the US and the kids and I will be headed down to my sisters house in Atlanta. I'm bringing the ham, I made a broccoli casserole and I'm bringing the desserts that Bailey made. Taylor helped her a little, but it was mainly Bailey. My sister has invited a couple of her friends to Thanksgiving and they are running a half marathon this morning. Lora has asked that we come down early so they can go cheer them on in their run. I'll be staying at my sisters... she doesn't know that yet LOL!! But I have a bit of work to get done and it will be the perfect time to do it!!!

I worked from home yesterday and I worked on some cards for my DT's due this week. I have one finished and one almost finished. I'm packing up all my markers/pencils and I'll be coloring today too! I should be able to get a bit of coloring done being down there all day.

Here are the items that Bailey made to bring down...

These are the acorns with mini Nutter Butters, Hershey Kisses, a mini chocolate chips and chocolate frosting as the glue. They are really cute!!!

These are her Pilgrim hats... this is with a Striped Chocolate Cookie, a marshmallow dipped in chocolate and yellow frosting for the buckle. LOL Cute!

Last, but certainly not least... Turkeys!! Made from Double Stuff Oreos, mini peanut butter cups, Rolo's, candy corn and again chocolate frosting used as the glue. Yellow frosting was used for the legs and eyes, red for the ... hmm.. what is that?? gobbler!! LOL and she used little sprinkles for the center of the eye. Cute huh?? She did a great job with everything!!

I will be getting Michael up soon.. getting everything packed up and heading on our way. I hope you all have a great day!!!

Sunday Morning and a new Challenge at OSAAT!

Happy, Glorious Sunday morning everyone! We will be heading off to church soon, but first I will tell you about the all new challenge being hosted at One Stitch At A Time this week! It is a fun Bingo Challenge!!

For this challenge I used "New Fairy" by Ike. This is Challenge #132: Bingo. I used Sentiment, Digi, Button, across diagonally. To make the background I used my mists and template. The buttons are from my stash :) Cute little buttons.

I colored everything with Copic.. and I didn't save my list so I have no idea LOL The wings are done with a transparency sheet. I printed it out, cut it and then colored with Copic. I've started writing down my supplies LOL so I don't have this problem of not being able to remember.

Challenges:

• Challenge #33: Things with Wings @ Love To Create
• Challenge 18: Make Your Own Background @ Loves Rubberstamps
• Challenge #139: Things with Wings @ Fab 'n Funky
• Challenge #37: Things with Wings @ Charisma Cardz
• Challenge #151: Buttons @ Crafty Catz Weekly

It has been an interesting few days. Thursday I had a doctor appointment. They took blood to do a full profile and she thinks I may have acid reflux. I was dumbfounded LOL I have never had it..why would it be affecting me now! Well... we will see :)  After the doctor appointment I headed into work and was able to get a bunch done.

On Friday I had to take my van into the mechanic. It was smelling like burnt rubber and smoking. They got me in there and took a look. It was an oil leak and they had to replace the gasket. I never like that bill! It is always expensive, but at least it was fixed. The two hour repair turned into a five hour repair though. I had to borrow my mother's car so that I could run home and get on a conference call. In the morning I worked outside the City Hall. I was able to log into the City's wireless and log into work. The connection was slow and not stable, but I was able to get some work done. I also took my mother to lunch. Her birthday was yesterday, but since I wasn't going to be around I took her to lunch on Friday instead. It was a good lunch. Overall, it was a good day, work got finished, conference call was attended, lunch was good, I was able to mail the documents that needed to be mailed to Kevin. I don't think there was anything else, but it felt like a really busy day of running around.Oh! I know what else... I took the bike that was going to bring to Taylor over to the bicycle shop. They did a safety check on it and make some adjustments. It is in good working order now and she shouldn't have a problem. I also got a rack put on it and two grocery type bags that hang off the sides of the rack and a chain to lock it up. It is really great and I hope she gets some use out of it.

Saturday morning I woke the kids up and told them to get busy picking up the house. I did the dishes that the kids never did the night before! and they picked up around the apartment. They didn't have a lot of time, because I wanted to get out the door. We were heading to Dahlonega to bring the bicycle to Taylor. Michael and Bailey had not been to Dahlonega yet either to see where she was going to school. It was a good trip and we did a lot of cadet watching LOL North Georgia University is a military school. A lot of the students that attend there are cadets. We watched them march by for quite some time. There was always a group of them going by. They marched and chanted to the Dining Hall. T-Bone went with us so he didn't have to stay in the crate all day. He was so good! It was a good day, but I was exhausted from all the driving.

And now we are on Sunday! Time for a great morning at church and then home to work on some cards. I love being ahead on all of the DT obligations. It really makes me feel good. I hope you all have a beautiful rest of your weekend and week to come!

Thankful
09/20/2012

1. I am so thankful that I like my doctor, Dr. Odell. I think she is wonderful. She listens to what you say and goes from there. She listens! That is such a big thing for me. I have not always liked my doctors :)
2. I am thankful for being able to deal well with the needle pricks. They can never hit a vein on me and they have to poke and prod.. it is awful!!! She finally got it in my hand... I hate needles! Next time I need to tell them to go straight for the hand.. don't touch anything else!
3. I am thankful for being able to get in to work on Thursday and get some things done. No one really bothered me.
4. I am thankful for the excitement that Michael has for drama. There is a special High School that focuses on the Arts. He really wants to try to go there. He will have to hard at it, but he is excied about something and that is WONDERFUL!
5. I am thankful for Kevin and how his with me. He tells me what I know is right, but I may not be doing so well. For example... Encouraging Michael on this new en devour. He tells me to encourage him.. not discourage.. be truthful, but hopeful. And! He gets excited for Michael.. which in turn gets Michael more excited. I love him so much for never holding something back... I'm so glad he talks to me like that. He is such a great man.

09/21/2012

1. I am thankful for the mechanic who always fixes whta ails the vehicles. I may not always like the bill, but it always gets fixed.
2. I am thankful for the Kennesaw Wireless which allowed me to sit outside at a picnic table on this beautiful day and log into work. I was able to continue work while I waited on repairs.
3. I am thankful that I was able to take my mother to lunch for her birthday. Her birthday isn't until tomorrow, but it was good!
4. I am thankful for my mother allowing me to use her car so I could run home and do my scheduled conference call for work.
5. I am thankful for all of the help and support I get from work and the vendors we work with. It makes everything so much easier.
6. I am thankful for being able to sit down and watch a movie with Michael tonight. We watched "The Help".

09/22/2012

1. I am thankful for the kids getting up and cleaning up the house before we left.
2. I am thankful for the safe drive to Dahlonega and back home today.
3. I am thankful for the bicycle shop across the street that adjusted the bike and made sure it was safe. I gave the bike to Taylor today equipped with a rack and two bags. Now she has some transportation on her own. A lot of students use bikes too.
4. I am thankful for the time we were able to spend at the college campus today and with Taylor. This was the first time Michael and Bailey had been up there.
5. I am thankful that T-Bone was such a good boy today. He was great on the ride up and back home. He was great walking around the square. He was just super today!

Today I'm Thankful For...

Today I thought of starting a notebook. I thought of starting a notebook that each day I would write at least five things I'm thankful for. My goal is to really put some thought into it and how my day went and write these down. I need to focus on the positive, which I do really well most of the time. I do some times fail at this though and this will be a good way to keep it at the forefront. I will keep the journal next to my bed and fill it out each night.

Today I am thankful for finding the most amazingly talented and inspiring people on blogs. Have you seen Madalina at Quilltique Paradise?? If you haven't... you should!! She amazes me with the art she creates using just paper. She posted her very first project today.. Just go take a look.. she is really amazing. I enjoyed looking at some of her amazing art today :) She is inspiring!

I am thankful to all of the wonderful people out there that listen and help to put things in perspective for you. Friends you have never met in person, but always stop by to encourage and support you. They stop by your blog to just let you know you have created something beautiful or to lift you up when you are down in the dumps. You all are amazing!! And I appreciate every one of you.

I am thankful for all the wonderful people out there that aren't ashamed to shout it out to the world that they love Jesus Christ and aren't ashamed to say it! I wish it happened more and I appreciate all of you that shout it out to the world.. or create something in his honor. It is so beautiful!!

I am thankful for my adorable, cuddly, loveable cat Whiteout. I love that he wants to be close and lay on your chest. I love that he comes up and rubs his face across yours. I love that he is an affectionate cat and he makes me smile.. even when he talks back after getting in trouble for being on the counter LOL!

I am thankful for Bailey being so excited about playing the Viola. So excited that she has already broken a string!! LOL But the important thing is that she excited to learn, excited to play and I love seeing her that excited about something in the arts! I told her that if she keeps it up she will playing up there with the rest of the church group that plays :)  They have all kinds of instruments up there! I would love to see her up there playing one day.

I am thankful for the time I get to spend with Kevin on Skype. It has been so hard being so far apart for so long. And even though we aren't there yet, I know that we are getting closer. I know that there are people at church praying for us to be reunited.. I know we are in your thoughts and prayers as well and I am thankful to all of you for that. I hope he comes home soon, but right now I'm glad I get to see him and talk to him each day.

Here is all three of my kids.. Taylor, Michael and Bailey.. many many years ago at a school 50's themed dance. The journaling is in the envelope. The squared embossed and little jewels around them. The paper was old Club Scrap paper. Can't believe how small my kids are.. Bailey is so LITTLE!!! And Michael.. Dancing?? LOL What the heck! There is no way he would do that now LOL

Hope you all have a great rest of your day / night! Happy crafting!!

What the Heck Just Happened?

Today was a pretty good day. I got off to work early and got some things done today. I had to leave early to take Michael back to the orthodontist to pick up his retainers. He has to wear his retainers all the time for the next three months. Then after that, he will only have to wear them at night hopefully. Bailey and I were joking around with him for a little bit since it is hard for him to talk. It was cute though and he was being a good sport with the picking. That is unusual for him.

I took the kids to the Back To School Bash that the church was having. I don't think either of them wanted to go, but we went any way. I am trying to get them more involved in church and trying to get them to meet some new people. We went in and within 10 minutes Bailey found someone that she knew and she was off. Michael never left my side. The middle school pastor came up to talk to him and he wouldn't smile or talk or anything. He stayed on his phone for a lot of the time.. I finally made him put it up. All he was doing was pacing back and forth in front of me on his phone and it was driving me crazy. We stayed for about an hour and a half. Bailey had a really fun time and wasn't ready to leave. I told her would definitely do more of this, but I needed to get home and get some sleep for work in the morning. Michael was just glad to get out of there I think. This is my strange boy... it is 90 degrees outside and he is wearing a jacket!! So he has pockets for his phone he says. I just don't know what else to do to try to break him out of that shell of his and get him to be more open for people.

Well.. on the way home I knew I needed to call my mother. I had not spoken to her since Saturday...

 A little history on us... we were pretty close for a lot of my life. Then I got married to David and my mother never really liked him. She was very apparent about it even though she doesn't think she was. She would roll her eyes, make comments about it, etc. It was a really hard thing for me to deal with for the 13 years I was married to the man and it really put a strain on my mother and my relationship. Not only that, but she would yell at my kids or discipline them for things that I didn't feel were wrong. I don't know.. it was an odd time and it really put a strain on our relationship. We were really strained for quite a few years. We weren't doing things together like we had. We weren't visiting like we always did. Nothing was the same. Towards the end of my marriage or maybe even once it was over, I can't remember, I wrote her a letter that was several pages and just put everything that I was feeling out there. We talked about it and over time we got better. I don't think we ever got back to the way we were, but we were definitely better. She is a bit needy. She needs you to call her all the time and she would really like it if we came over more often. A couple of things about that... She doesn't call you... she expects you to call her. And my mother is a smoker and I really don't like being in her house and I don't like my kids being in her house and with smoke in our faces. Now...

I was on the way home from church and I called my mother. We were having a nice conversation... how are you feeling? Did my sister go over there for her on Sunday? She had a broken wrist from her trip to France and she had an appointment on Monday. I failed to call her on Monday to find out how everything went, even though on Saturday I asked her to call me after her appointment. That is where everything turned on me. I was broadsided and I had no idea what the heck just happened!!!??? She started saying how disappointed she was in my sister and I because neither one of called her on Monday to find out how her appointment went. She was disappointed that I didn't go over there more. I was selfish.. It didn't matter how tired she was... she would have been here for me in a heart beat. And it went on and on.. by the time I got home I was in tears ... and the kids were probably wondering what the heck just happened too!

I don't normally stand my ground with my mother or stand up for myself, but I tried. I was there for her.. not every night like she probably wanted, but when she called and needed us we were there. She wanted me to come over all the time I guess. I tried to explain that it wasn't about me being tired.. it was about me having responsibilities. I am a single mother .. Kevin is in Australia for the time being and its just me. It's me to get them up in the morning. They don't get home until 5 pm each night.. 4:50 pm they are walking in the door from the bus. I get them dinner... they work on homework and make sure that gets done... showers, packing backpacks.. and its time for bed. She says .. yes.. its all about me. I said.. No .. it isn't all about me, but it is all about my kids!

Ughhh ... she made me feel terrible. She makes me question myself. I've tried so hard to have her be a part of things. I invited her to drive up to Dahlonega with me on Saturday to see Taylor. I've asked her to go to church with me every week. Once her wrist was broken that was her excuse not to go to church, so she hasn't been going with us since. I've really tried... And now.. I have to really try not to let it affect our relationship. I have to pray hard about it.. because it makes me want to back way off. I know I can't do that. I also know that she was drinking tonight.. I could tell by her slurring words. Such a shocker to end my night. And then... I tried to call my sister, but she didn't pick up. So, after I told my mother that I had to go, she called my sister to light into her. LOL Wow.. What a night.

Thanks for listening.. I'm off to bed now. Kevin is at the movies.. enjoying The Expendables 2 I believe. I hope he is enjoying the movie.

Here is my sister, my mother and I .. years ago, 2004, at Fogo De Chao.. a really awesome restaurant. Man.. I was young LOL Here is to a better day tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful evening.

Braces Off

Yesterday was work like usual, but I left work around noon to get Michael to the Orthodontist to get his braces off!! Almost three years he has had those on and I couldn't be more excited that they are off. I think Kevin is more excited than anyone LOL Michael feels good about getting them off, but his gums are really bad so he is going to have to really concentrate on brushing and flossing with no braces so we can get his gums healthy again.

He goes back to the Orthodontist in a week to get his retainer. Then his regular dentist wants to see him two weeks after the braces come off so he can assess the gums and see if they are going down or if we need to do anything. Even with his gums all swollen, he looks so good :)  Really glad all that metal is gone!

I mailed off the photo album and a bunch of papers to Kevin yesterday. He is going to need that when he goes for his interview at the consulate. I'm trying to get everything together and to him so we don't have to worry about anything when the time comes. It takes two weeks for the mail to arrive there!!

My other bit of news that I've been sitting on for a bit is that I was asked to join the MelJen Design Team!! And I couldn't be more excited to be a part of that group. And I'm excited to get to know the other ladies and get started with those fantastic images!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate being asked to be a part of the team.

Now, I am on three MAGNIFICENT teams and I am thoroughly enjoying my time with each of them. I look forward to the months ahead of creating and learning so much from my team members!!

Taylor... I think I've talked to Taylor more in since I dropped her off at college last Friday, since she moved out of the house in May. The difference I would say is that she is truly on her own now. She was complaining about all of the freshman mandatory meetings and the curfew. LOL I have to laugh.. The main reason she moved out was because of her midnight curfew. Now, her curfew is 10:00 pm in the dorms. You just have to love how things come back around. She is tired of the mandatory meetings, fire drills.. she says to me last night... "Why can't they just leave me alone and let me do what I want to do!".  They have had meetings on Resume building, history of the school and Dahlonega, the fire drill LOL and of course the hall meetings. What she needs to do is embrace it... this will only happen once in her life and she needs to enjoy it and meet new people. I'm hoping that she will! And of course she has needs.. she needs her contacts.. which just came in the mail yesterday. She also needs Microsoft Office.. I have 2007 that she can use since I have taken it off of this computer and replaced it with 2012.  So that is that.

I did not go to Michael and Bailey's open house last night at school. It was a long day with the braces and everything. I will be contacting all of their teachers though. And that was my day... A good day. It has been a good week really!

I went and saw our VP/CIO to speak with him about some changes and just let him know I didn't want to get lost in the mix. Anyway.. I've been trying to get a promotion/raise for a year now. They are hiring my co-part at a higher pay rate/different title. So I told him it bothered me. I have been the one person that has stuck around and weathered through all of the changes and never lost a beat. I always go about and beyond and the Directors/VPs know that they can count on me whenever they need me.  So, I spoke with him on Thursday... took Taylor to school on Friday and when I came in on Monday I had a call from Human Resources. I just figured she needed me for something.. that is usually why they call me LOL It's good to know that even people in other departments know they can call me for things though.. Means they know they can count on me. To my surprise though it was not because she needed me, but to congratulate me and let me know that I had gotten that promotion and a bit of a raise. He took care of me right away.. I wish I had gone to him a year ago LOL  Hey.. at least its done now. So between that and the braces and getting the package mailed off to Kevin.. It has been a really good week. Now if we would just hear from Immigration it would be perfect :)

Monday Morning Blues

I can't believe it is Monday morning already. It feels like I was just taking Taylor to school!

Today begins a new challenge at Tammy's Scrapin Corner

This week's challenge is Challenge #24: Anything Goes. For this challenge I used a Stitchy Bears Digi Stamp:  "Little Friends". I love this image... I'm a huge animal lover.. Tigers are my favorite animal.. always has been :)  I would just read about them for no reason at all. And I still love them as much now as I ever did as a kid. I just think they are the most beautiful, majestic creatures. I digress.. LOL Onto the card!

I used scrap papers for this.. my Prismacolor Pencils with some Gamsol for some extra blending. I did some embossing lines on the side and top of that middle white piece. .. well.. thats it.. Pretty simple card.. I wanted the main focus to be on the animals.

Challenges:

• Anything Goes @ Jacksons Digital Expressions
• PWC219: Square Cards @ Paper Pretties
• #178: Furry Friends @ Dutch Dare Card Challenges
• Challenge #146: Animals @ Crafty Catz Challenge
• Challenge 121: Friendship @ Mark's Finest Papers & Stamps
• Challenge #76: Christmas In Summer @ Challenge Up Your Life
• PIO #34: Cuddly Critters @ Pile It On!
• Challenge 53: Animals or Teddies @ A Gem of A Challenge

On Sunday morning the kids and I headed to church in the morning. It is always a good sermon there. I really enjoy going to the church. Now if I can just make the move to get a little more involved. I'm tried a couple of times with no success. I will try again soon.

After church we had to either go get my mother's vacuum or buy a vacuum since mine died. On the way to my mother's I made the decision to just go ahead and spend the money. We really need a vacuum in this home.. it is the three of us plus the dog and two cats. We went to have some lunch to waste some time and then on to Sears for a vacuum. After Sears we had to run into Walmart for a little bit of shopping and then home. Kevin was up early to watch the motorcycle race. After the race he went to lay down for a little bit longer. The kids and I did some clean up and used the new vacuum. The kids were really great today.. we had an exceptional day with then not arguing with me about chores or anything. We got a lot done and the place looks so much better.  I also worked on a card.. I got the images colored LOL That's it! So, the plan is to get the card together this morning and finish it after work if I still need to work on it.

Taylor came by last night.. her friend and her came down for something.. a GPS from her father. Her father wouldn't allow her to take it though, so Taylor called me asking if she could borrow mine. It is my little hand held GPS that we used for Geocaching. I told her she could come and pick it up along with the stapler that she forgot. They had to be back up to the school by 10 pm. It was about 7:45 pm or so when they left. It takes a little less than two hours to get back up there. She has her first class in the morning. I hope she buckles down and does what she needs to do to be successful.

I hope you all have a great day! I'm off to work.. another day.. another week beginning.

Taylor Off To College... OSAAT Challenge #127

Good morning everyone! Today begins a new challenge at One Stitch At A Time! The theme for Challenge #127 is Back To School. I used Image 'Yo' by Barbara Jensen.

I used several different papers and lettering. I colored the image with my Prismacolor Pencils. The papers are Numbers and Letters by Echo Park, Composition Book by Pinecone Press Papers, I don't know what the grid paper is.. but I love it. The card is made of Kraft. The ruler was on one of the papers and I punched the two holes in it. The "Back" was from some stickers from Michaels Reflections line. The '2' is a Thicker and the School was a random item from my stash. I also used Gamsol on my coloring to help blend. I popped the letters and numbers paper and I also popped the image and then I pieced the hand and popped it out a bit more. I love this image.. I think she is adorable. Thanks for taking a look! I can't wait to see what you can come up with now!

Challenges:

• August Sketch Challenge @ The Craft's Meow
• Challenge #66: Back To School @ Daisy Doodles
• Back To School @ Penny's Paper Crafty
• Challenge #230: Back To School @ Cute Card Thursday
• Inspire Me Fridays 72: Anything Goes @ Joyful Stamper
• Back To School @ Splendiferous Creations
• Challenge #37: All About School @ Use It Tuesday
• Challenge 13: Back To School @ Platypus Creek Digitals
• Challenge #20: Back To School @ Simply Create Too
• Challenge #92: Back To School @ My Sheri Crafts
• Challenge #109: Back To School @ Raise The Bar
• Challenge #28 @ Tuesday Alchemy

Friday morning I took my oldest to college. We went to Walmart to pick up a few last minute things for her and then headed on our way to Dahlonega, Georgia. It was a good ride up. Takes us about an hour and a half to two hours I guess. The school is North Georgia College and State University. They are changing their name to North Georgia University soon I believe. So, she moved into the dorms on Friday. She starts classes either Monday or Tuesday. Her roommate seems really nice. She is from North Georgia and she has some ribbons from showing sheep and cow. She is also good at English, her mother is a high school english teacher, she is a nursing major. Taylor should be able to help her some of the medical stuff and hopefully Taylor can get some help from her on the english/writing side of things. Should be a good trade off. I met her parents. They were very country and really nice. They are all snug and tight in that dorm room! I really hope that she will enjoy her time at school and really focus on doing what she needs to do.

Her friend is up there with her as well as her boyfriend. I'm not really keen on her friend.. never have been. This girl is obsessed with Edgar Allen Poe, she is a very dark person. Taylor and I went to lunch and she said that she couldn't wait to meet this girls roommate. She said if she is a good, god fearing girl (not in so many words) that her friend will go way out of her way to scare her, even bringing out her demonology book. I looked at Taylor and said.. And you wonder why I have never liked your friend. Anyway... God has already intervened in her life and she doesn't realize it. She is in a separate dorm from her friend and her boyfriend. She will be able to get to know new people. She doesn't have the same classes as her friend or boyfriend either. So their schedules will be different and they will not have a lot of time to hang out. God is wonderful. I will keep her in my prayers. I hope that she will do well.

This is Taylor in her dorm trying to unpack and get her stuff where it needs to go.

This is right outside of her dorm; looking at her building.

This is looking right down the middle. They are really crammed in there.

This is Taylor's side of the room.. her bed and then underneath is her desk and the two three drawer dressers stacked on top of each other. They each have a wardrobe too and her roomate brought a futon which is under her bed on the other side. And the little fridge near the door.

Schools Back In...

Yes.. school started back on Monday... Work is killing me LOL and I haven't had much scrapping time. I get home and I'm exhausted.

Both kids are in middle school this year.. they get on the bus at 8:45 am and they don't get home until about 4:50 pm. I stayed home on Monday to see that they were off to school okay and didn't miss the bus. Everything seemed to go well. When they came in the door that evening you would have thought they hadn't eaten for days!! They were both at the refrigerator before the backpack was even off their backs LOL!! I'm really hoping I can keep Michael on track this year. I think Bailey will do alright. Here is hoping for a good year and passing grades!

At work they can't seem to keep anyone in the position opposite of mine. I'm beginning to get a complex!! I don't think I'm really hard to work with.. I keep to myself.. I'm a bit quiet.. not a huge social lite LOL I promise I shower and I don't stink!! I don't know what is going on!! So, it is just me and right now I'm supporting seven people!! And it is way too much LOL I'm working 12.5 hour days and when I get home I'm exhausted. Now.. It would help if I went to bed a bit earlier.. I need the kids to follow my directions and go to bed when I tell them to. Oh.. and do the chores that I ask them to do .. when I ask them to do it!!

Friday I have taken the day off to take Taylor to North Georgia State College and University!! She will be starting her freshman year of college. I pray for her every day that she will be safe and successful. I really hope she will meet some new.. good friends. I hope that she will focus on what she needs to and keep her priorities straight. We will see how it goes. I'm a little disappointed in the way she is... I think it is her age though. She is 18.. moved out this past May because she didn't want to follow the rules. Well... she really expects a lot. And when I give her something she needs or wants, I don't really get a thank you. She doesn't show much gratitude. I don't get it. I really hope it is her age and that she will look back one day and appreciate what we have done for her.

My crafting has been neglected the past couple of days.. but I have been working on items for my DT commitments.. which can't be posted yet LOL It feels good to be ahead though. I'm not ahead in one of them and I need to get to work. I have one image ready to go and I'm going to work on it in the morning! LOL I know I can I know I can I know I can!

Wow.. Look at baby Michael... Grade 1!!! I can't believe it! LOL Poor boy.. he hated school then too.

And here they are Monday... Bailey.. 6th grader.. Could she be more tomboy? LOL  Ughhhhh...

And that little Michael up there!!!  Well.. this is Michael now.. My 8th grader! And hating me taking pictures LOL!

And he gets his braces off soon! I thought it was this week LOL but I can't remember what day! I really need to call tomorrow!

Unproductive Today!

It has just been one of those days where I had all intentions of getting all kinds of things done and I don't feel like I got anything done!  I guess we all have days like that.. well most of us LOL!

This morning I got up and spent my morning with Kevin. We have been watching the Olympics together each morning. As best we can LOL He was watching the Marathon this morning and I was trying to watch tennis. I just don't get tennis.. I don't get the scoring or anything.. it is all confusing. So, Kevin was trying to explain it to me the best he could without being here watching it with me. I think I do understand it a little better. Anyway.. he was telling me what was happening in the marathon and I was asking him questions about the tennis match LOL

Then, it was time to get ready for church. I woke the kids.. who had a hard time rolling out of bed this morning. They are taking advantage of the fact that I can't stay awake late. They are staying up way too late! I'm going to have to turn the wireless off so they can't get online and set my alarm so that I can wake up and make sure they are going to bed. They did finally get moving and dressed and off to church we went. It was a good sermon.. all about being one as a community. He has a way about him.. he explains what he is talking about, he is explains the history and then he takes the lesson and explains it in a way that makes it current.. something of today and it all just falls into place. I really enjoy listing and learning from him. There was a lady behind us and as we were leaving she says that she can tell I really love my kids and that its nice that I am always hugging them or holding their hand LOL I'm such a touchy feely person... but hey.. that's me!

We came home and I had good intentions to make a card today. I went through the blogger posts.. I cleared off my desk a bit and didn't get anything done. The phone rang about noon and it was my mother. We headed over to her place and she had me ride with her to the gas station. She was afraid that she wouldn't be able to pump the gas with her broken wrist. Poor thing.. She figured out it wasn't that hard with her left hand to pump gas. Then it was back to her place to mow the grass. This was Michael's first time ever mowing grass.. I was so excited! He needs the practice LOL He did great.. although my mother is impatient and was telling him to move it LOL I forgot to bring the camera, so I had to take photos with my phone. Bailey and I cut up cucumbers, onions, tomatoes and celery for her salad she wanted to make and then Bailey did the few dishes she had there. My mother again showed her impatience by pushing Bailey along .. as she wasn't fast enough doing those dishes!! My mother said she could have done them faster with her one hand LOL Gotta love her ;)

Home again!! I'm going to work on a card now!!  Nope.. wrong.. more looking at blogs... reading emails.. cleaning up the desk a bit more LOL I'm not sure what my issue was.. tired I think! I finally decided on some scrap papers and stamp... I have a lot of the card done and I'll finish it up in the morning. I did get some dishes done.. Ummm.. I think I put a few things away in the kitchen.. but WOW! Overall, I was really lazy and unproductive today LOL I think I should have taken a nap!

Have you seen the previews for the new show that will be starting soon... Revolution? It really interests me.. I think I will have to watch it and see how it is. It is something different... peaks my interest for sure. Anything that is peaking your interest?

Alright.. I'm off for the night.. I really need to get to bed and get some rest! Darn Olympics!! They will keep me up again LOL It's all their fault ;)

==============
For several years my kids played soccer. They really seemed to enjoy it.. especially the girls. Michael only liked it when I was the coach. Oh... he could drive you mad that kid LOL He would pout when someone got the ball from him or he didn't do something correctly. He would just stop. He is an extra sensitive kid.. even today LOL

This was one of Taylor's teams... she had a lot of fun!

Why Am I The Way I Am

A couple of things happened today that make me take a look at myself. First, I had a neighbor that lived downstairs.. two levels. They moved out a couple of weekends ago and she had two garages that she rented. She managed to get one of them emptied, but the other one she couldn't get done. So, she asked me if I would mind putting the garage in my name and she would keep it for a couple of months and then get it emptied. Now, they really don't know me all that well, but apparently enough to know that I have a hard time saying no. So, she handed over $95 and I told her I would do it. Why can I not say no? I really hate that quality in me. It really opens that people taking advantage of you situation. I can say no if I have to, but I don't do it nearly enough. I get in trouble for that a lot at work LOL Taking on too much. Anyway.. back to the story... Today I went down to the office and told her that I needed to switch that garage into my name. And the manager says to me.. you know you don't have to do that. I know I know.. but I have a hard time saying no. So I ask... When can I cancel it? She proceeds to tell me that I have to keep it until my lease runs out. That is February of next year!! I looked at her and said.. Oh yes.. Ummm.. I can't do that. I head home and I tried to call the lady. Her phone went straight to voice mail. I called her son and told him the situation and told him to have his mother call me. She hasn't called me yet.

Also this morning my oldest daughter calls me crying. She says tuition is due and she still owes a lot of money. I'm trying to be strong and hold my ground with her, but when she calls all crying and not sure what to do I feel bad. But I really need to stay strong... she did choose to move out and become an adult. She is the one that decided she didn't want to follow the rules at home. I still feel bad when she is all weepy... So, I told her to go to my bank and see what they could do. It is a credit union... but they don't do student loans. So, I called Sallie Mae and had the three of us on the phone. She gave all of her information, but failed to get approved. So, I gave in and put my name on it. I'm not sure if it is approved yet. She had to get a copy of her drivers license and social security card over to them. On the one hand, I want to help her! She is my daughter and she needs help. On the other hand, she chose to move out and be an adult so she needs to figure things out like an adult would... right?

Well.. I really need to talk to Kevin about all of this. I just hate to add any extra stress on him. I know he is stressed about all of this immigration stuff and some papers that we need and can't seem to get what they want. It's all frustrating stuff, but we will figure it out. I'm a glass half full kind of girl LOL Most of the time.. I try to look at the good.. Kevin is more of a glass half empty kind of a guy... And I love him for it.

Enough of that.. I'm off to bed... tomorrow morning we do the volunteer with the church. We are on the backpack station! So we will be hooking up some kids with some backpacks for school! I will be getting the kids up at around 5 am. It will be a really early start for them! Goodnight!

My sister with the kids years ago! Taylor looks like she is about 12 yrs old or so. She is 18 now. My sister has long hair here... Her hair is short now :)

Bailey's Birthday

It has been a heck of a night. I left work and headed to my sisters yesterday. Bailey was waiting for me when I pulled up. I got into my swim suit and jumped in he pool with her for a while. After a nice swim we went inside to grab something to eat and I went to talk to Kevin for a bit. I was so tired... we said our good byes and I was going to head up the stairs for a shower and climb in bed to read. Reading wouldn't have lasted very long. I would have fallen asleep pretty quickly.

Then the phones rings and it is my sister's ring tone. I pick up the phone and she says... "Guess where we are?". And I'm thinking... Ummmm... Paris? Because you aren't coming home until Tuesday LOL! Wrong! They were in Washington DC. They were suppose to be home last night! Their plane got diverted because of storms and low fuel and they turned around and landed in DC. I stayed up picking up around the house and waiting on her to call me back. At around 9 pm she called and let me know that they were suppose to take off at midnight. I believe it is about a 2 hour flight to Atlanta from there. I immediately went to bed... have to get a little bit of sleep for work today!

I kept waking up expecting a text from my sister, but nothing until 4:30 am. I had just crawled out of bed and was putting my BiPap (thats another story) away. The text said that they had grabbed a cab and were headed to her place. So I went downstairs and woke Bailey and Michael.. told them to load the van with the rest of our stuff and to get their shoes on. After about 15 minutes or so they showed up and we were all packed.

This morning has been a busy morning.. I feel absolutely worn out LOL We got my mother all loaded up in the van and I took her home. Then the kids and I headed home... I had them unload the van while I got ready for work. After that I headed in and here I am! I have to train someone new today.. so I will be headed to a different building in a little while.

Today my youngest, Bailey, turns 11 years old! I can't believe it!  I have gotten her nothing LOL  It's what I always do though... we do a small celebration on the day and then we have a bigger fun day on the weekend. It helps because I won't be working and my sister and mom can enjoy the day with her as well. I have no idea what to get her.. Kevin and I have tried to talk about it, but really haven't had any time over the last couple of days. Hopefully we will have some time to talk tonight. I'm thinking to give her a $50 gift/VISA card... she is at that age where she is super picky about everything. That way she can spend it on whatever she wants. So that is that! I'm ready to go home and crawl in bed LOL

Here is a layout for today:

Taylor turning 12 .. now she is 18!! Wow!! Club Scrap papers, Doodling with my Zig Millenium and flowers from Prima. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day/evening!

Home At Last...

Well.. at least for a day! We came home around 2 pm from my sister's house. I wanted to be here tonight so we could get up and be right here for church in the morning. So, we packed up and headed home. I stopped off at the store and picked up dinner. It's really good to be home! Even if it is only for a night. Taylor came over for a meal and to just hang out for a bit. It is always good to see her.

Tomorrow we will go to church in the morning, come back by and pick up T-Bone and head back to my sisters. Two more nights there! Since tomorrow is Sunday, we will spend our last day of the weekend swimming hopefully! If the storms will hold off! Mom and Sis come home from France on Tuesday.. they didn't leave me ANY information on flights, time they are going to be here.. Nothing! Nothing at all! I'm not exactly sure what I'm suppose to do with no information LOL!

I took pictures early this morning of my cards, but I didn't have the wire to upload them! That was the first thing I did when I got home... So here is one of my cards:

I used various scraps of patterned paper for the sun rays. I used a circle punch for the middle and covered it with Ice Stickles Crystal. The Stamps are Tiki Time from Market Street Stamps. I also used The Art Glittering System - Persimmon, Cavalado, Miss Muffet, Flax, Nirvana, Egyptian Gold. Copics - E50, B0000, B05, R21, R24, Y17, G09, YR15, RY16, TY68, YG23. And I used Diamond Glaze to cover the empty parts of the glass with no color and the Take It with a grain of Salt Circle.

Challenges:

• Challenge #153: Sentimentally Yours @ Corrosive Challenges
• Bingo! @ Crafty Boots (ribbon, stripes, yellow)
• Dust It Off... Challenge @ Incy Wincy Designs  (I dusted off the Art Glittering System Glitters.. Oh how I used these so often.. now its easier to pick up the stickles!, but nothing beats these amazing glitters really.. and I have so many colors!)
• Challenge 12 ~ Anything Goes @ LEJ Designs
• Challenge #46 ~ What's Your Weather @ Digi Stamps 4 Joy (Sunny and Hot!)
• Challenge #3: Shine @ Papelitos (Glitter and Stickles)
• PTT #77 Color Challenge @ Party Time Tuesday's 
• Challenge #44: Anything Goes! @ Divas by Design 
• Challenge 117: Anything Goes @ Digi Doodle Shop
• Challenge #142: Monochromatic @ Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge
• Challenge #135 ~ Where'd You Get Your Suntan? @ Opus Gluei
• RRR Challenge #52 - Sizzlin' Summer Colors & Ribbon Theme @ Really Reasonable Ribbon
• July 5th Card Challenge @ Get Creative Challenge Blog
• Challenge #4: Bright Colors @ Oozak
• Day 2: Imagine This - The Sunrise @ 365 Cards

And we are still waiting on immigration.. still praying and keeping toes and fingers crossed that they call soon. Keep us in your prayers... We are so ready for Kevin to come home!!