Saturday, December 30, 2006

Gifts....excess...more musings



This is a gift I made for Richard to hang in the rec room amongst his Evil Knevil pics and motor cross pics. Framed it out and it turned out great. I think this and the calendars I made for the kids were the bit hits under the tree this year!

I always find that the simplist things are the most treasured. Excess isn't necessary unless one is trying to make a statement or there is some huge hole inside of oneself that is looking to be filled. I need to continue to work on being less materialistic and more content with what is.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Acceptance-----my musings


Acceptance is the answer to all my problems. When I am upset....it is only because I find some situation or person in my life, unacceptable to ME. Slowly I am learning that I must accept things as they are. Instead of concentrating on what I think needs to be changed....I need to concentrate on what needs to be changed in ME and my own attitude.
Unless I can accept Life on Life's terms....I cannot and will not find true happiness and peace.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Christmas letdown


It's terrible to feel this way...Christmas is such a let down! It is so busy and so filled with stress...it seems to be here and then it is gone! I so wanted to do the picture a day....as we can all see, that did not get done! As usual, I put WAY to much on my plate! Plus it did not help to have a lot of added stress to the usual holiday mix.
Tuesday....our van was stolen! We had company coming from San Diego, so this seriously reduced our transportation of guests, not to mention the stress of being robbed. Everyone was supposed to stay with Carla who has 4 bedrooms and a larger house, but no beds or bedding...they were in the stolen van.
Wednesday...We got a call from the police and they had our van about 4 blocks from the house. It was all in one piece but seriously trashed and filled with drug paraphanelia and stolen items.
Thursday: Art put a club on the van because he was afraid the robbers still had a key. Went to Carla and Jason for a very nice Christmas dinner.
Friday: Got up to go to Honey baked ham to pick up the ham and the van was gone again!!!!! This time I am angry and scared!
I went to Honey Baked Ham...the police were directing traffic into the parking lot and the cars were backed up clear down the highway to Krispy Kreme....people were in line around the building! Only in America do we stand in line for a Christmas ham! In other less fortunate countries people stand in line for a cup of rice and a loaf of bread! That put it all into perspective for me!
We went to Richard and Mary's for Supper and gifts with Jordyn, Matt and Steph. So much fun to watch the kids open gifts and play! Caleb was so wound up!!
When we got home the police called and the van had been recovered again...this time it had been involved in a hit and run, pursued, and caught. Full of drugs and stolen goods again! At least someone was arrested.
Saturday: I got up early and went to Honey Baked ham to be there when it opened....arrived half hour early....still a line, but not bad. It was a festive atmosphere and the ham elves were passing out samples!!
Mike brought Mom to stay for the rest of the weekend. and Caleb came to play for a bit. We baked cookies and listened to Christmas music! After Caleb went home, we all took a much needed nap!
Christmas Eve...We managed to have a Christmas get-together here at the house. It went fine, but I have decided that I am having serious delusions when I think I can put on a big dinner and have lots of people over....the house is not suited to it...too small! I think I should forget about doing that again!!!! Mom, Kay, and I went to Christmas Eve services with Mary, Richard and Caleb.
Christmas Day....Our company flew back to San Diego at 10:30 a.m. I went back to my bed and slept. After spending the last 2 nights on an air mattress (that deflated during the night) on the cold basement concrete and coughing all night, that bed felt like heaven! We went over to Richard, Mary, and Calebs for Christmas dinner....so nice, and yes, that ham was well worth the wait in line! It was so fun to see Caleb be so happy with a rubber sword and his dash gun...cost $7...fun and smiles...priceless!!! I am sure he slept with it last night!
and now back to the real world....back to WORK!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Oh man!


We woke up to find that our van had been stolen out of the driveway during the night!
As Rosannadanna said...if it ain't one thing it's another....or something like that!

My picture for today should be the empty space in the driveway! but it is not.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Almost there!!!!


One more day and I am on vacation! Woo Hoo! I am so ready! I am so on edge and crabby....poor Art!
I am not doing so great on my picture a day challenge....but I did manage to get one this evening. The tree is up and decorated...the house is decorated and the gifts are purchased...not wrapped.
I think Max is waiting patiently for Christmas...wonder what Santa will bring her?

Monday, December 04, 2006

The perks of being a gramma



Caleb really made my day! He was at Quick Trip with his mommy, and wanted to buy some Cheetos. Mary tried to buy the baked Cheetos. He proceeded to pick up the crunchy Cheetos....you know the good kind! (why bother eating them if they are baked?) She tried to convince him that he needed to get the baked ones, they are healthy for you. Caleb told her...."No, I want the kind Gramma buys me!"
Mary...."But these baked ones are better for you."
Caleb....."I want my Gramma!"
Needless to say, she saw the light and Caleb got the yummy, messy Cheetos that Gramma gives him! Hee! Hee! I love being a Gramma!!!

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Day 2

Be still,
be patient_______
that is the greatest strength we know.










Max heard the music that was playing this morning....it had birds chirping in the background. She jumped up on the bench, patiently waiting for the birds to appear. Usually I cannot get a good picture of her because she has to be right in the midst of things and won't sit still long enough! This picture shows how truly absorbed in the moment she was.

Friday, December 01, 2006

December photo challenge


Over at ScrapForums.com,the December challenge is to take a photo every day. Thought I would give it a try...kind like a photo journal of my daily life in December. I also thought it would be a good way to learn to use my new camera! I got a Sony Cybershot, and it has a lot of bells and whistles on it that I need to learn!
Max loves to insinuate herself into whatever I might be doing. If I am on the computer she gets right up on the desk or printer or scanner...tonight it was the scanner. This picture represents a very typical scene in my life right now...I love my cat, she is my comfort zone! (but Art is my #one comfort zone!!!)

Friday, November 17, 2006

Take a chill pill

Give me the grace to change my perception of the things going on around me now.

My mantra....according to my friend, yogi Gina.....

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Can't Sleep!

Man! I hate it when I cannot get to sleep! I guess I drank too much tea!!!! Sometimes I just cannot wind down!!!!
Or it could be that it was just a busy evening. I started out with the intent to go to my yoga class, but just as I was getting ready, Mary called. She had hit a deer on her way home. Both her and Caleb were fine, just shook up and the car was not drivable. And Richard was not home, so I drove over to where she and Caleb were sitting along side the highway. Caleb was wound tight! "We hit a deer, Gramma"
Later found out that when she hit the deer, or the deer hit her, she knocked its rack off! I am so thankful that the side of the car took the brunt of the hit, and that thing did not come through her windshield. Have to look at the blessings!
And now for a "Twilight Zone" moment....this evening when I was walking to my car, I had this fleeting thought that I would hit a deer on my way home. My radar was off a bit, I guess.
I was asked to be a Guest designer at Scrapforums. com for the month of December and January. How exciting! I will get to work with some digi-designers that I are awesome! Got my first coupon and went shopping! Misty Mareda has some gorgeous designs to work with!
A couple of new layouts....Heather came up with a really neat Christmas kit....Merry and Bright.


Friday, November 10, 2006

Friday Musings

WOO HOO....3 days off!!!

And of course, I have more plans than time....normal for me! I guess I should make a list, prioritize it, and go from there!

I started out the week with a bad cold, and now it is nearly gone! Trying to figure that one out! Mary has had hers for 3 weeks now and taking antibiotics! I'm trying to think why I got over it so quick...I really thought it might hang on since I had it when I got my flu shot.
1. my yoga practice
2. that nasty tasting herbal tea I drank
3. less stress...or more tolerance of the things going on around me

Who knows!
Art and I are off to breakfast....love going out to eat breakfast...great way to start the day off! Its' cold and gloomy today, but a great day to snuggle in!!!!

My little Halloween babies.....

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

A good kid.....

I am so proud of my son......he has always been such a thoughtful boy, even as a child and teenager. Once a month, he sets up a "date" with his Grammy and takes her out to dinner and a movie. She loves going out to eat, and loves going to the movies. Maybe it's just me, but I think it a very special young person that makes time for his grandmother. I know I have a very hard time making enough time for everyone!
Since Harold died, she has really had a hard time. Within three years, she lost three loved ones, her son, her baby brother and her husband. She is not in the best of health. It was her choice to sell her home and all of her belongings and move away from her friends and church to live with her son. Now it seems that she is just sitting in a recliner with her dog on her lap, watching movies and eating candy all day.....waiting to die. It is very depressing....and I am sure she is suffering from depression and that is why she doesn't care how high her blood sugar gets.
All of this makes me not want to get old! I am determined to take care of my health, both mental and physical!
Today is Dr. Mobley's birthday....I think it is 64! He is an amazing man. He has been through chemo for a year, continued to work everyday, and is doing wonderful. I think a lot of this can be attributed to a positive attitude and taking good care of himself. I only wish that everyone who has cancer could come out of it this well!
I think I need to start a gratitude journal and find 5 things to be grateful for every day......it's a little hard to be depressed when you are being thankful!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Time and creativity

"You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it."
~ Charles Buxton

Sometimes I feel like I don't get anything done! I cannot think of the last time I actually sat at my sewing machine and worked on a quilt! But I think the real problem is that I can't sit and focus very well....is it menopause?
One of the reasons I like to scrapbook is that it is instant gratification! But I miss the sense of peace that would come to me when at my sewing maching or curled up in front of the TV stitching. Sewing has always been my "tranquilizer"...now it is my frustration!!!! So how do I overcome it?

On Wednesday evening, I try to go to my yoga class. I really do enjoy it, not only for the benefits it has on my body....love that twisting and stretching...but also the benefits it has to my mind. I am trying to "get in touch with myself"....asking is this all there is? (I think it's called mid-life crisis) You know the drill:
pity parties, beating myself up, fatigue....and there are so many things I want to do and I defeat myself by thinking I don't have the time. Or when I do have time, I do not use it wisely because of the fatigue or depression. Therefore, I am trying very hard to become more mindful and control my thoughts and actions.

I am very excited about a yoga workshop I am attending next Saturday....we will be learning about forgiveness! I so need it....I have tried for so long...in church, through prayer....I guess I am not going at it the right way. Two people I need to forgive are myself and my dad. I can "say" it, but I don't mean it. Hope to gain some insight! I have forgiven my mom...that is a positive.

Karah with Blue Flambingo has asked me to be part of her creative team. She has a brand new website and beautiful digi-scrapping kits to work with.

And last but not least....I got some very GOOD news this week. Two weeks ago, Dennis was admitted to the hospital with a collapsed lung and pneumonia. On the x-ray, they saw what appeared to be a tumor. My kids and I were devastated, we did not want my sis and family to go through the nightmare that we had 6 years ago.
The good news is....no tumor, no cancer, it's a stone! Possibly a peppercorn that he had aspirated and it calcified. When they did the second biopsy, the Dr was able to destroy the stone and with antibiotics, Dennis is on the mend! Praise God!!!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Magic Little Dragon


Last Halloween, Caleb had the most adorable costume ever....he was a dragon! It was so fun to see him waddle around in it! Today I was talking to him on the phone and asking about his costume for Halloween this year and he is going to be a frog. When he was done talking to me, he said "I'm done." And that was the end of the conversation!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds....yummy!!!

I so love to eat the roasted almonds one can usually find at all the fall events...and they are so expensive! So I decided to make my own and they are delicious!

1 egg white
1 tsp cold water
4 cups whole almonds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspon salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lightly grease a 10 X 15 jelly roll pan.
Lightly beat the egg white ; add water, and beat until frothy but not stiff. Add the nuts, and stir until well coated. Mix the sugar, salt, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over the nuts. Toss to coat, and spread evenly on the prepared pan.
Bake for one hour in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally, until golden. Allow to cool, then store in air-tight container.

I went to Sams Club and bought the big bag of almonds (9 cups) since I have been on an almond kick for snacking.

Two more days until my scrap book retreat!!!!!

All week, I have been waiting for the new show "The Nine" to come on, so I better go check it out......

And a new layout of Jordyn.....I think this is the most gorgeous photo ever!



I used Kimberly Giarusso and Val Fowler's new kit Freestyle Art...love this kit!

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Autumn


It's fall! My favorite time of year. The past few days I am noticing just a touch of color in the tops of the trees....I love those rich reds, oranges and yellows! It is a great time of year to play in my flower beds and get them ready to sleep away the winter. I bought some tulips to plant tomorrow, then I can settle back and wait for spring. I love to go to the fall festivals...the pumpkin patches and the apple orchards. Yummy caramel apples, kettle corn, fresh apple cider,
bright colored mums, falling leaves....what's not to like? Except maybe allergies?
Until we get a good freeze, I will continue to have red swollen eyes and migraine headaches brought on by the lovely ragweed that is now in bloom! The allergy shots I am taking should kick in about a year from now.
Next weekend is my annual scrapbook retreat in Kearney, with my friends from St. Joe. Can't wait! We always have lots of good food and plenty of fun! The countdown begins now.....

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Beauty

I have found some awesome beauty products....and I am a "consultant"....
If you want to check them out and get some for yourself, go to my "Beauty" website and you can order them right there and have them shipped directly to you!
My personal favorites are the spa products and the skin care products....I keep the spa in my shower and I get to have a few minutes of spa time every day!!!!
Check it out!!!! http://www.beautipage.com/SharonDenney/
I am sitting here waiting for Caleb to come over and it came to me that I need to share this.

Renaissance Festival





Yesterday, we spent a wonderful day at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Always one of my favorite ways to spend a beautiful fall day! The weather could not have been better! While we were, we found Art's grandchildren, Miles and Elizabeth. Hespent the rest of the day with us. We went on a Pirates Treasure hunt, which was great fun....found all of the clues and solved the riddle and Miles was able to claim his prize at the end of the day. It was fun to watch him discover the answers and think out the clues...a very bright 7 year old! He also had a great time "Slaying the Dragon" and jumping on the bunji trampoline. We also ran into Jordyn, who was her mom and family. She had a darling Princess hat and face painting....Gramma needs to get busy making her a princess dress!!! Art never likes to sit in the front row at shows...I do! Poor Art....sitting on the front row with me got him in trouble! He soon became part of the show, "Mental Pause"! It was a hoot!!!

Friday, September 22, 2006

Swing set

We were given a very nice swing set this week. Art and Richard set it up Wednesday evening...with a little help from Caleb. Of course, if you ask him, he says that he built a swing set. He also told his mommy that Gramma has a "park" in her backyard!

Friday, September 15, 2006

Woo Hoo! It's Friday Again!

Said to say....I live for when I am not at work. Gotta figure out how to improve on that one!

I see some of the strangest things when I sit on the patio at Starbucks and "people-watch". The other day I saw a lady jogging. There was a trail of smoke behind her. I thought to myself....whoa....she's smokin! Literally, she was really smoking! As she jogged, up would come that hand, with a lit cigarette....taking a drag off of it and never missed a step as she continued down the street. I am still trying to figure out the positive health atributes to that one!!!!

Art surprised me yesterday when he suggested that we go to the Air Show on Saturday and take Caleb with us! He usually won't go where there are big crowds and traffic to fight...much less drag a toddler along. But I am excited...we will all have a bunch of fun! I'm sure Caleb will think the air show is awesome!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Just one

Art and I are always at odds about helping others....his arguement is that he cannot help everyone....there is more need out there than ability to help.
My arguement is that is you can only help one person and make a difference, then do it. If everyone did, then maybe there would not be so much need!
I found this story today and had to post it here:

While walking along a beach,
a man saw someone in the distance leaning down,
picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.


As he came closer, he saw thousands of starfish
the tide had thrown onto the beach.
Unable to return to the ocean during low tide,
the star fish were dying.
He observed a young man picking up the starfish
one by one and throwing them back into the water.


After watching the seemingly futile effort,
the observer said, "There must be
thousands of starfish on this beach.
It would be impossible for you to get all of them.
There are simply too many.
You can't possibly save enough to make a difference."


The young man smiled as he continued to pick up
another starfish and toss it back into the ocean he said,

"It made a difference to that one."

Friday, September 08, 2006

TGIF!

Ok...it's Friday and here is what I SHOULD be doing:
Vacuum
Mop
Clean the bathroom
Load the dishwasher
Run to bank
Run the weed eater

But no....here is what I have done so far this morning!
Played on the computer.....

Thursday, August 24, 2006

He's litter trained!

Not only is Caleb potty-trained, now....he is also litter trained! Mary called to tell me what "my grandson" had done.
This morning when she went into his room, he said "What did Caleb do?" and she said
"What did you do?" "Well, I went to the bathroom." That is when she noticed that the bathroom door was shut and he could not get to his potty chair. She asked him where did you go? He pointed to one of his toy boxes that he had emptied out and found that he had used it for his potty chair.
I am still laughing on that one...pretty ingenious little guy!

Monday, August 21, 2006

35 years....


It seems like a lifetime ago, and in some ways it is. Jack and I would have celebrated 35 years of marriage today. We had 29....and for that I am thankful. Sure, we both thought we would easily see 50....never once did we doubt it. We never once thought about death being a mitigating factor.
Nothing is permanant...that I have learned.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Contentment....


I found this picture of Mary and Caleb taken when he was a newborn....the picture says so much.....I know that feeling of peace and contentment that only holding our sweet little ones can bring. And now he is 2! It is all ready going fast...but he still loves to cuddle with Gramma!

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Just a couple of new layouts.....

Not much going on...except it is so stinkin HOT!



One of my favorite pics of Caleb!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Retirement...

If I could retire today, I would in a heartbeat!
One of my patients was telling me he was contemplating retiring in 3 or 4 months. I asked him wht he planned to do and he said he didn't know.
That's hard for me to swallow...I would not be bored...I know that for sure!
I know that money and health play such a big part, but there are a lot of things I could do on a limited income.
-Mentor students in the public school system
-continue to read--the public library if a great place to "travel"
-get back to quilting
-take classes at the university...many schools have special programs for senior if they are not pursuing a degree
-attend activities with my children & grandchildren
-scrapbook, of course
-gardening
-travel if my income permits
-sit on my dock and read or fish
-maybe work part time at something that interests me and challenges me

Hmmmmm....I'm sure there is more

Monday, July 31, 2006

Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana
Blessing.
She was still groggy from surgery.
Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the
latest news.
That afternoon of March 10, 1991 , complications had forced Diana, only
24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver couple's
new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing.
At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already
knew she was perilously premature.

Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs.

"I don't think she's going to make it," he said, as kindly as he could.
"There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and
even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a
very cruel one"

Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described
the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived.
She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be
blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from
cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on.

"No! No!" was all Diana could say.

She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long dreamed of
the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four.
Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away
But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana.
Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw', the
lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they
couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the
strength of their love.

All they could do, as Dana struggled alone beneath the ultraviolet
light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to
their precious little girl.

There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger.

But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here
and an ounce of strength there.

At last, when Dana turned two months old, her parents were able to hold
her in their arms for the very first time.

And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly
warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal
life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother
had predicted.

Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with
glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life.
She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment.
Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending
is far from the end of her story.

One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving Texas , Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a
local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing.
As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and several
other adults sitting nearby when she suddenly fell silent. Hugging her arms
across her chest, little Dana asked, "Do you smell that?"
Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana
replied, "Yes, it smells like rain."
Dana closed her eyes and again asked, "Do you smell that?"
Once again, her mother replied, "Yes, I think we're about to get wet.
It smells like rain."
Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin
shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced,
"No, it smells like Him.
It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest."

Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the
other children. Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and
all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their
hearts, all along.

During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life,
when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding
Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.

Always Do Your Best


What kind of legacy am I leaving my children and grandchildren? As I read the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, I hope that I can live these agreements and pass them on. Maybe their lives would be easier and not have to learn the hard way....and fill their time and thoughts with self-anger, guilt, worry, pity, frustration.....
Though the years I have learned how important it is to stay in the present moment. I must keep my attention on TODAY! This is the beginning of a new understanding, a new dream. We get so busy worrying about tomorrow, that so often we forget to live in the moment...after all, once it is gone...it is GONE forever!

Friday, July 28, 2006

Oh my gosh!

Look at what was in my email this morning!

Congratulations! Your entry in the Photoshop Elements Techniques Scrappy Awards has been selected as a Category Winner by our awards selection committee. The complete list of category winners is below:Category: Winning EntryBaby: “Our Sunshine” - Jodi FryeFamily: “Pappa” - Stacy CarlsonGraduation: “Wear Sombreros: - Jennifer CaputoHoliday: “That’s a Wrap” - Courtney FergesonLove/Romance: “13 Years” - Tricia KennedyMilitary/Patriotic: “Grandfather” - Pauline WashburnPet: “Miss Mona” - Elizabeth RoyaltySports: “Hey Batter Batter” - Candi GershonTravel: “Maui Divers” - Anne BuryWedding: “Two Hearts, Two Lives” - Sharon DenneyA “Best of Show” entry was also selected, that winner will be contacted separately.As a Category Winner, you will each receive a prize package worth more than $800! Your entries were selected from among 758 total entries in the contest. They will be featured in the next issue of Photoshop Elements Techniques newsletter, and on the PET web site, http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/ .

And this is my winning entry!

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Layout of the Day


Woo Hoo!
Monday was a great day! I had a neat email telling me that my layout had been selected as the Layout of the Day at The Digi Chick!

Friday, July 14, 2006

DNTS contest

Peppermint Creative is having a contest....Digital's Next Top Scrapper. It runs for 5 weeks, and we are all ready at week 4! It has been fun and the prompts have been great....they force me to scrap outside my box!

Week 1: THEME: Stay PositiveScrap the one thing you like most about yourself - a physical characteristic, a personality trait, a skill, a talent, etc. Make sure to type up any journaling that might be hard to read! DESIGN CHALLENGE: RepetitionRepetition is one of the 6 basic principles of design, achieved by repeating elements, photos, type or a particular design style. No repetition can cause a lack of visual unity while too much repetition can be boring. Try to find a balance and use it in your layout.


Fabulous 50!

THEME: Say What? Scrap your (or your spouses/friends/childrens etc.) signature expression. What do you/they say that it so you/them? Talk about your/their most often uttered expression. DESIGN CHALLENGE: Creative TypeDemonstrate creative ways to use your letters. Typography is the art of designing words. Done right, it can be moving and powerful. Different fonts, sizes and styles can affect the message you are trying to convey. Experiment with this art-form and see what you can create.


The Things You Say

THEME: Did You Know? Scrap 10 little known facts about you (or your spouse/child). What are the silly, quirky, fun and fabulous things that are uniquely you? What are your obsessive complusive habits? What are your pet peeves? What do you like/dislike? You get the drift.DESIGN CHALLENGE: Shapes Choose ONE shape, any shape (circle, square, triangle, maybe a dodecahedron if you are feeling ambitious LOL) and use that shape at least 3 times within your layouts. How you do that is completely up to you. You can cut your papers or photos, use text on a path, use elements - whatever you want, be creative! Be sure to use ONE shape 3 times as opposed to 3 different shapes.

Ok...I really messed up on this one....too big of a hurry! I only put down 3 things....not 10! Gotta redo this one! but too late to fix for the contest.

On a roll....

I have been scrapping like crazy! too hot to do anything else!!!! Today is supposed to have a heat index of 105....think I'll stay in and clean house and scrap somemore!



This is one of my all time favorite pictures of Jordyn. Priceless!



Bang!
The fourth was so much fun! On the night before we went to the Royals game with Richard, Mary and Caleb.....for a 2-year old he really did well. Watched the game and look at the look on his face! After the game there was a huge fireworks show. My mom came and stayed for the week and got to go with us.

The Not so Brave....

Jordyn watched fireworks in Jefferson City, and Stephany sent this picture to me....is this the best thing ever? Her face says it all!

Monday, July 10, 2006

Survivor



This gal is a true survivor....I LOVE her attitude! Her gallery is full of heartfelt journaling...it's wonderful that she is leaving such a beautiful leagacy behind!

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/album_display.asp?album_id=48898

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Come with me to a third grade classroom
There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives The boy believes his heart is going to stop, he puts his head down and prays this prayer, "Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat."
He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!"
Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk The sympathy is wonderful. But as life woul d have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie. She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. "You've done enough, you klutz!"
Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Susie whispers back, "I wet my pants once too."
May God help us see the opportunities t hat are always around us to do good.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Busy! Busy!




It has been a busy 2 weeks! I'm in the mood to just vegetate today! Then work tomorrow and head to the lake tomorrow evening.
So lets see...what has been going on? I am officially on the Creative Team for Heather Roselli at The Digi Chick. Yeah! She is a great designer and has all ready sent two wonderful kits to play with....now to find a little spare time!





Saturday was spent in St. Joseph, Mo getting Jordyn ready for the wedding of her Aunt Jennifer. There was a lot of stress worrying about whether she would put the dress on and go down the isle. After all she is only 2 years old and has a mind of her own! But everything went great....she looked adorable! She ran down the isle....dumped the basket and ran back up the isle to her daddy. When Jennifer came down the isle...she yelled...."There's my Papa....Hi Papa!" At the reception Jordyn and Caleb danced and got down....so darn cute!


Last night we started the 4th of July holiday off early by going to the Royals game with Richard, Mary, Mom and Caleb. This was Caleb's first real baseball game! And first Fireworks show. The game went on an hour longer than it should have and the Royals threw it away after being ahead by 2 runs. They really need a pitcher with some stamina! The fireworks were well worth the wait! Awesome!

Friday, June 30, 2006

Final day of contest!


Well......Heather Roselli's CT contest officially ended at noon. There are 9 talented ladies anxiously waiting to see who will be on her team! We were prompted to make a 2 page layout using a darling kit "Boys Love Critters" I used my all time favorite pics of Caleb from last summer. These were taken after a rain storm in Richard and Mary's backyard.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Round Three!

I made it to the third round of Heather Roselli's CT contest! Happy Dance! Can't wait to get started on the next layout for the compitition! She is going to let us work with her new kit...."Boys Love Critters" It is so darn cute!
Matt and Jordyn came to Kansas City today. After work, I went over to Mary's and played with Jordyn for a bit. We played Mr Potato Head....Jordyn loves making the little characters. She is so darn sweet! I wish she lived in KC so she could come visit Gramma a lot! It's the best thing ever to hear her call me Gramma and give me hugs and kisses!

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Toot!


I made it through the first cut! Heather Roselli is having a CT contest and I made it in....and this is my entry for the next round. Even if I don't make it all the way through...it is lots of fun!

Monday, June 12, 2006

Homerun for Uncle Matt

On Saturday, Caleb came over to play in the backyard. He brought his t-Ball set and we played "baseball". He would line up his ball on the t and say "hit a home run for Uncle Matt" or sometimes he would say "for Grandpa Jack". Jack would have loved playing with this little guy...it's times like these that I miss him so much and realize that Caleb and Jordyn are never going to know him. He would have been such a loving, playful, attentive grandpa. I will never understand why God took him away from us...I guess that is a question that will never be answered. It's been 6 years...but it is still hard to stay up sometimes. Ok the tears are starting so off to another subject!


I spent Sunday afternoon "paper-scrapping" for a change...not digi! I made 4 layouts...just need to journal...that is the hard part for me. Art is in Canada on his fishing trip, so I am on my own this week. I'm sure it will go fast...I can keep myself busy and Caleb is spending next weekend with me for 3 days! I'm sure we will wear each other out!

Made a couple of new layouts for the new Creative team I am on at 2Bscrapped...they are having a heck of a time. I am sure they are just as frustrated as me....



She is so darn cute...wish she could come over and play, too!

The 4400 started again last night! I love that show! I took a quiz to see which 4400 I would come back as...big-hearted healer.
And tonight is The Closer....I love how Brenda fumbles through her daily life, but still manages to make the bad guy confess. Love to watch her whoop up on them!

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Camp Gramma


Camp Gramma

My new favorite writer....Jodi Picoult....continues to win me over. I have just started reading "The Tenth Circle" and it promises to be wonderful! She researches her material so well, providing me with a lot of food for thought. So far I am disturbed by what is going on with our teenage girls....thank heavens Mary is 30! and Jordyn is 2....
I had never heard of going to parties and playing games such as Conga or Rainbow. And the paperclips hanging on girls belts...ever wonder what that means? Well it isn't how many friends I have! More like conquests...one nighters...and the girls are doing this at 14! My concern is what are all of these "games" doing to our young girls self-worth and what kind of men will these boys grow up to be? I sure would not want one for a mate...

While at the lake, I finished reading "Cell" by Stephen King. He used to be my all time favorite author....and when I started this book I thought the storyline had a lot of potential. The world as we know it comes to an end because of cell phones....what a great idea! But I was so disapointed in the end....it was as if he was tired of writing the book and just quit! Not worth reading!!!!

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Cheers....


We had a "veggie" weekend....sat on the dock...drank beer and marguritas...fished...ate...slept...just watched the boats go by. It seemed that everyone needed a few days of not doing anything..so that is what my family and I did!

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Mommy's baby


Caleb just cracks me up with some of the things he comes up with....his vocabulary and ability to put words together amaze me. He isn't even two yet!
When he gets tired or wants out of his carseat...he will put his arms out to his mommy and say "Mommy needs a hug from her baby!"
And how can she resist?
We all need hugs....need to remember that!

Birthday Girl!


On May 13, Jordyn has reached the ripe old age of 2!!!! It really seems like she just got here! We had a fun time at her birthday party....I think she looks a bit overwhelmed by it all here....
She loves Dora...so of course the party had a Dora theme and many gifts were Dora as well. At age 2, she was not the least bit interested in opening gifts.

24

I am still sick at how 24 ended last night.....who is the guy that is running the president? I really hoped that would be a question that got answered! But yeah....at least the pres got his come uppance! But what really made me ill was the fact that my hero is now with the Chinese....how on earth will he get out of that one? I should have more faith...after all Jack Bauer seems to always make a comeback!
Isn't it sad to get so involved in TV?
And tonight is American Idol! I will be happy with whoever wins...they are both unique and fun and talented!

Friday, May 19, 2006

Woo Hoo!

Wow...this has been a week....first off....in one day I was asked to be on 4 different creative teams! I was so surprised...I figured maybe....MAYBE....one would ask me...surprise...all four did! It was very hard to decide who to go with as I love them all!
Anyway....I will be designing for the very talented Khristy of DigiSchmidtDesigns....Lara Payton who sells her lovely kits at Digital Freebies....and on June 1 a new website is opening called 2Bscrapped! Wish I could figure out how to link to all of the blogs on my website....still can't get that one figured out!

Also....interviewed for a different job...I got the job if I want it...but I don't know if I will take it. I want to cut back to 4 days a week....plus I have never had a raise the 4 years I have been at my current job. I love all my co-workers...the dentist is a great guy...and I love the location...Kansas City Country Club Plaza....The office I interviewed at is quite similiar...I would have a yearly cost of living raise and a 4 day work week. But no vacation pay or holiday pay...so that kinda cancels out the raises????

Gotta get to bed....tomorrow is Sesame Street Live with Jordyn!

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

My view of the world.....

Last year, Art gave me this darling birdhouse for Mothers day and we put it on an old porch column in my flower bed. I am loving how nice it is all looking! I can look out the kitchen window and see this beautiful fence row with the iris in bloom and the cat mint...plus a grapevine is twining itself along the fence now. It is a work in progess, but I love it! Posted by Picasa

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Running into the sun but I'm running behind

Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-on-one
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Running on-running on empty
Running on-running blind
Running on-running into the sun
But I'm running behind
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive
In sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my own
I don't know when that road turned into the road I'm on
Running on-running on empty
Running on-running blind
Running on-running into the sun
But I'm running behind
Everyone I know, everywhere I go
People need some reason to believe......Jackson Browne

Ok....53 sucks big time! Turning 40 did not bother me...I guess I thought I still had half my life ahead of me....50 bothers me big time and now 53.....so what got me in the funk?

I so desperately need a career change! I am bored! I am not challenged! I need to do something that interests me and I have been doing some soul searching. I think the only way to make a career change is to go back to school. I'm seriously thinking about a 2 year degree in graphic design. Ok...that has me excited! I'm looking at the courses...seeing how to work them into my life and still work full time.

Then I go to Starbucks at lunch for a cup of hot tea and I sit and think....and I think "ARE YOU NUTS? WHY DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DO THIS?"

Every day, I go home dead tired(not because I work hard)....I'm just brain-dead from lack of stimulation and burn-out! So how am I going to have the energy to go to school and do the projects? Right now I feel like I am running on empty...I can't get it all done! Housework...yardwork...laundry...familytime...Art-time....I guess I want too much and I want it all! Maybe the schooling will energize me and give me a purpose....or have I waited too long?

I could easily be 56 before I get finished...and would anyone hire me because of my age? If the free-lance market could use me, I guess I could do that....so much to think about! Gotta keep talking myself into this and looking into. I think I will sign up for at least one class to take over the summer and see how it goes.

We are off to the lake for a fun weekend of scrapping and fellowship! My scrappin' girlfriends and I are taking off tomorrow afternoon! Happy Dance!


Thursday, April 20, 2006

Bad blogger!

I am so bad about posting to my blogs...I think of things I want to post...then the day gets away from me and I am brain-dead! Sometimes I think I get absolutely nothing accomplished other than going to work...fixing supper..and going to bed. Seems like a vicious cycle...then the weekend comes and I try to cram more into it than I can possibly accomplish...and get frustrated and give up! Maybe if I write down what I actually do in a day, then go back and read it, I might not be so frustrated with myself.
My job does not challenge me! I am so burned out on dentistry! I have done this for 28 years! I don't know how to do anything else!
OK...no more whining!
I have decided to simplify my life a bit...2 weeks ago I decided to sell my lake house. Much to Art's dismay! But it is a 2 1/2 hour drive each way, gas is only going UP and UP...it is a lot to take care of 2 households! It seems I am always being pulled on weekends and wind up feeling fractured. Think I will take the profit and buy a house here in KC that is big enough for friends and family to come and stay. My plan is to have it paid for or nearly paid for by the time I retire...or at least have payments that are easy on the budget.
The realator says that lake front property is in huge demand, so we will see if my timing is right! One day after it was on the market, there was a bid, but it was $15000 below my asking price...so no to that one. Tomorrow there is someone going to look at it..so we shall see.
We are off to the lake after work tomorrow.....it looks like it will be a beautiful weekend! Hope the fish are biting!!!! I love to sit on the dock and watch the world go by! I know I will miss sitting on the deck and I will miss the incredible view! But I all ready feel like a load has been lifted and if it is meant to sell it will!

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Caleb ratted me out!

There are M&M's in the cup and of course the bag of Cheetos! Caleb went home and said that Gramma gave him cheetos and M's to eat! We need to have a talk! Can't be telling our secrets, Caleb!
We had so much fun this weekend! We gave him a wooden tool set and he had a great time "fixing" everything! It is so fun to watch him play!
Late Sunday evening, I started in with the vomitting and diaherra again...seems like it has become my friend lateley. Going to the GI man today...hope he can figure out what is going on!
Living in a bathroom is no fun! Posted by Picasa

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Quilt Retreat!

Woohoo! Can't wait...it's almost Saturday and then I'm off to 3 relaxing days at "The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn".....my annual quilting retreat! I love the down time...no demands on my time or cooking....just ME time. Guess I am a bit selfish....poor Art is lost when I go off on my own....he needs a hobby or SOMETHING to do! I don't feel it is my job to keep him entertained....it's a hard job sometimes....
Stephany and I had a good time last weekend...on Friday, we went to Archivers and did the Make and Takes, then went to Mary's yoga class....it was good. On Saturday, we went to an all day crop at Scrapbookers Dream...we had a great day! Matt took care of Jordyn so that Steph could have some ME time....once again, Art was left to his own devices, so on the coldes day of the year....he drives down to the lake! Now that is being BORED...or it is avoiding my kids! Probably both!

This is the Barn...check it out!
http://www.thebarnbb.com/
Can't wait!!!!!

Monday, February 13, 2006

Camp Gramma

Camp Gramma

I'm so excited! I have been accepted to be part of Kimberly Giarrusso's Design team! Using her darling designs, I will be posting layouts to The DigiChick (www.thedigichick.com) and to DigiScrap Divas (www.digiscrapdivas.com) Can't wait to get started!
I know I am a creative person...it's so nice that others think so as well!

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Making Valentine Cards

This is what being a Gramma is all about!!!

Caleb and I made Valentines (shh! they are for mommie and daddy) while Mommie went to yoga class.
He has decided that glue is sticky...but does not quite get the concept that is will make things stick together. He cannot operate the punches...but was determined to try! I wish Jordyn was here to help us! Posted by Picasa