The Abridged Version

at work....no really!

2009-03-17T11:57:00.002-04:00

You probably know that my husband quit his job at Merrill Lynch in November and opened his own investment firm (Lokken Investment Group). I expected that somewhere along the line he would need me to help out in some way or another at least until things got up and running and he could hire another employee besides his assitant Carrie.

Didn't take him long...I working already. His purchased this huge marketing program/system called Bill Good Marketing and made me his "computer operator". It falls to me to learn the system and how to operate it and get the first few (at least) marketing campaigns up and running. And then I'll be in charge of maintaining the database etc. etc.

Anyway. I'm at the office today. Still leaning the system and currently waiting for a call from software support. Apparently some macro isn't running properly and my test campaign failed. There isn't much else for me to do until I can get back in the practice system and so just that...practice.

And so I blog.

Course now I've run out of things to blog about. So I'll end it here while you're still somewhat awake. Enjoy your day...until next time....

(by the way, no layouts or photos on this computer at the office so nothing pretty to post)

It snowed!

2009-03-02T09:09:00.002-05:00

We never get snow. There's about 4 inches out there I guess and it's still coming down. Blowing like a banshee though so there won't be any playing today.

The kids are home. There was no doubt about that...last time it snowed we got a WHOLE HALF INCH and they closed so I knew when they said 3-8 that as soon as the first few flakes fell they'd call it off. And sure enough, at 10 pm the phone rang and it was the announcement.

We just don't have the equipment in Delaware to deal with this kind of weather.

Makes my life easier anyway. Now Jonathan doesn't have to drop me off at the surgery center (my colonoscopy is today), drive to Georgetown to pick up Claire then come back to get me. She can just stay home with Jess.

Tonight I feast! Amazingly, considering that I haven't eaten in 36 hours and counting, I'm not that hungry. Gives me a little perspective for those afternoons when I'm starving 2 hours after I've had lunch. I'm not cooking though...we've got fabulous left-overs calling my name!

Just a few more 2008 pages to post and then I can scan and share the pages I've made this year so far. I love how this one turned out using some of my favorite papers ever...Dill Blossom by SEI.

Thanks for looking and have a great day. Later!

Lazy Sunday

2009-03-01T11:07:00.003-05:00

We don't have too much on the schedule today so I'm enjoying a relaxing day at home. Claire is supposed to have a riding lesson later but it's a "wintery mix" out there so I'm thinking it will be canceled. We've already done the grocery shopping and I'm caught up with all the peamails concerning my Huge Purge sale on the For Sale or Trade board at TwoPeas. I think I'll try to finish the page I started yesterday and work on some page kits for the crop at Ally Scraps next month.

Anything to distract me from the fact that I'm starving to death. Well, not really. But it sure feels that way. I'm having a colonoscopy tomorrow and on clear liquids today. Fun stuff.

Today's page is a quick and easy one I did with all the cousins from the Lokken side of the family. Love this picture!

Couple more emails just popped into my in box. Better go check it out. Until next time...

I need new albums!

2009-02-28T15:15:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe that I actually scrap enough to fill up entire albums but it seems that's the case. I was just showing Hannah the pages I got done at Dana's a couple weeks ago and when I tried to put them back in their spot they wouldn't fit.

So I thought...I'm just going to do it. Sort them by kid, put them in date order and PUT THEM AWAY!

Easier said than done. Oiy.

I started with Hannah. Her pages were all in a post bound album still so I got out a new American Crafts album and started over. I wasn't going to open those new AC albums because I want to switch to the We R Memory Keepers leather D-rings, but I had no choice. I haven't scrapped as many pics of Hannah (for lots of reasons none of which are because I love her any less) so her pages all fit nicely into the album.

Then I tried to work on Claire and Jessica's pages but didn't get very far. I didn't feel like taking apart the old post bounds to put in older pages (when eventually I'll trade them) and don't have any new albums for the newer pages.

What I need is to buy about 16 brand new WRMK albums and start completely over. But at 30ish dollars a pop that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

I knew I should have gotten them before Jonathan quit his job.

So I put them all back in the 12x12 box, shoved them on the shelf and tried to put it out of my mind. And I suppose that will work until my next crop with Dana when I add another dozen or so pages to the mix.

Here's another of the pages I scrapped in 2008 and never got posted anywhere. This is Jess at one of her many band concerts. It was only 2 years ago but she looks so young to me here!

Back to scrapping for me. Until next time!

TGI Monday!

2009-01-26T17:10:00.002-05:00

Most people really look forward to Fridays as it means the end of the work week and some relaxing time at home. And as much as I love the weekends, ours tend to be so jam packed that it always feels so good when it's Monday and I can get things back to normal and organized.

Today was no different.

I did have a few unusual things on my plate today. It's Quiz Rally time again so there's lots of (not so) fun Pony Club things to do. And Belinda switched me from Tuesday to Monday this week so it was a scramble this morning to get things ready for her.

And I had to send out that email request for donations for the Polar Bear Plunge for Claire!

Mr. John but a team together at The Jefferson School and Claire decided to wants to plunge. It's this Sunday and she's really excited. I'm not sure she realizes just how cold it's going to be! I do think that the water temperature is just a bit higher than the air temp will be so it may not seem that frigid. I am really proud of her desire to help other people though. That's one of the amazing things she's learned at The Jefferson School.

Here's a link to her page at First Giving in case anyone is interested in donating to Special Olympics. We have to get that page updated as her real goal is $250!

It's time to cook dinner now. My family has requested Sloppy Joes and tater tots. How exciting. I'm not really a tot fan myself...unless they're from Sonic. But they eat 'em up!

Until later...

Planning to be Productive

2009-01-22T10:54:00.002-05:00

I tend to start most days thinking "I wont sit on my butt all day. I'll actually earn my keep and get a few things done today." It doesn't always work out that way.

In my defense, I'm not a total slacker. The house is 95% clean, 95% of the time. the laundry is usually pretty well caught up. Bill are paid, there's food in the house and life run pretty smoothly.

But there's always more that could be done. Always. Lots more.

So as soon as i finish this game of Monopoly at Pogo (a bit part of my problem this past month), I'm going to get up and get moving.

And on today's list is:

laundry. i'm on a Monday/Thursday schedule these days
plan dinner
load jonathan's digi frame
put away the christmas paper
edit and order pictures
go to dry cleaners

Not a bad list. But all things that need to be done today. I should probably do a little Wii Fit exercising too.

And so I'm off. But first...another of those unposted layouts I have from last year. This one is a scraplift (but I can't remember of whom). Photos are from our cruise a few years ago.

Thanks for looking and until later....

it's that time of year again!

2009-01-21T10:42:00.002-05:00

time for CHA!

i get so excited seeing all the new product sneaks. always gets my creative juices flowing. not that i ever do much with it. ;)

Queen & Co. has some information about their new release on their blog and i'm liking what i see so far. less packaging and cute new products...can't go wrong on either count. check it out!

and hopefully, this chance to win a prize on their blog, makes me get back to blogging again. i'm not sure why i can't make this a habit...i do enjoy posting!

have a great day! until next time...

It's the Weekend!

2008-11-22T07:44:00.002-05:00

I'm up and at 'em early this morning. Jess is at Tony's this weekend so we're making the trek to Dover Saddlery before we meet up with him to return her saddle. Thank goodness it's under warranty...who knows how much it would cost to repair the stirrup bar!

After our hour there (I'm sure there are lots of other things she "needs"), I'm headed to Let's Dish. Tony is picking Jess up there. Afer I dish, I'm going to stop in at my grandfather's while I'm in town and take him the kids' school pictures.

Long day on the road but all things that need to be done.

Hopefully tonight I'll feel motivated to scrap. If I keep sharing old pages here without making new ones the page party will be over before I know it!

Here's today's layout. I was so happy to find this paper to match Jessica's suit perfectly. It was the one time I specifically looked for paper to match photos. Pictures taken at our beach.

Until next time...

Haircuts and Birthdays

2008-11-20T07:51:00.003-05:00

Actually those are both singular.

Sophie isn't going to school today, not feeling well, so I have to drive both this morning and this afternoon. Puts a bit of a cramp in my style today. That extra hour on the road makes a difference! But the good news is...I get a cut and color today. The color is no big deal, I'm on my regular schedule for that, but the cut will be dramatic. I've been letting my hair grow, and grow and grow, and it's time to whack it off! I'll try to get a decent picture when i get home and show it off.

Today is also Jonathan's birthday. Nothing too celebratory on the schedule but we'll have dinner tonight and I'll make apple dumplings per tradition. I bought him the new Warren Buffet book he wanted and might try to figure out something else today (though I have no clue what). He's got a heavy day at work today, bigwigs down from Wilmington, so he'll need a relaxing evening at home tonight.

I'll leave you with a couple pictures of Claire and Sophie taken at Punkin' Chunkin' this year. They are such good friends! Hope she's feeling better soon.

Until next time...

Lots to do and More Pages

2008-11-18T09:49:00.003-05:00

I've finished the prep for Belina already and have my errand list ready to go. The rest of the week is pretty stacked up so I need to stay organized. Today I have to get pet food, we're out of all 3 kinds, drops some things off at the thrift store, go to the post office, look for some new jeans (though this probably wont happen) and hit the bookstore for a birthday present for Jonathan. Shhh, don't tell. Then I pick up Claire from school early for a doctor's appointment. It's just her regular yearly visit so it should go fairly quickly.

Here are the other 2 girls with their Disney face paint pages:

It's a good thing I had Dana's help with titles on these...one was hard enough!

I'm off to get breakfast. Have a great day! Until next time...

Lazy Day

2008-11-17T16:49:00.003-05:00

I was so inspired and motivated about things in general yesterday and it all went down the drain today. It wasn't a total loss around here though...I got all the laundry washed, dried and folded and watched a movie we've had from Netflix for ages. It was Into the Wild and I *loved* it. I've been putting off watching it because it's 2 1/2 hours long but it was totally worth it. If you haven't seen it you should check it out. I also made a few phone calls that HAD to get made. Found out the Jessica's saddle is under warranty (the stirrup bar broke and it's only 14 months old) and not only are they going to cover repairs but they just might replace the entire saddle. Not a bad deal!

We're about to leave for the barn for Claire's lesson. Wanted to post another of those layouts that have been sitting around for a while. You'll see two more along the same lines as this...each girl got their face painted and thus a page to remember it by. This one is Hannah.

I think those butterflies are so pretty and compliment the art on her face perfectly.

Enjoy the rest of your day. Until later....

Scrapping again!

2008-11-16T15:36:00.003-05:00

I've been in a sort of groove lately and enjoying myself with this hobby again. I finished a page today that I only started yesterday and just might even start another one tonight! I've done a few pages over the past several months but haven't been scanning or posting. I wasn't planning to bother with that again but decided today that I might as well just do it. So I gathered up all the pages I've done this year, scanned and resized. Not going to post them all at once, and might not even post ALL of them, but it's good to have them backed-up anyway in case tragedy ever strikes.

Turns out I've actually done 31 pages this year. And have 5 more that are really close to done but need some finishing touches. Scanned 15 today..what a chore that was!

So here's the first I'll post. I finished this one yesterday. It's bright and busy (Disney pages usually are) but I like it.

Finally used one of those Maya Road sheer journaling spots. I love them but haven't been able to figure out how to use them until this page! Yayy me.

Claire and Macy want to make more stickers (using my Xyron) but I'm out of tape. Sounds like a good enough reason to head to Micheal's! So I'm off.

Until next time...

I'm selling all this scrap stuff!

2008-09-30T14:32:00.006-04:00

CHEAP!

This isn't a post looking for buyers....though you might think so since I haven't blogged in months. It's mostly to get the pics all in one place online so when someone is interested I have a place to send them.

I've been cleaning and purging. I think I'm going to put this all on CraigsList in one lump sum but I'm still trying to get a price together. Any thoughts?

Anyway..here it is in all its glory (descriptions below):

1) misc. chipboard embellies
2) flowers, brads/eyelets, page pebbles, sequins, beads, buttons
3) misc. chatterboex embellies, stickers etc, 13 Walmart mini albums
4) lots of love elsie, other stickers/chipboard/felt etc.
5) miles and miles of ribbon
6) mini albums - maya road, tim coffee, chatterbox, junkitz, bazzill, etc.
7) 4" (no lie) patterned paper. approx 400 sheets
8) 89 assorted alphas. 35% unused, rest used for a word or two
9) grommet setter, date stamp, chalks, heidi swapp and others tapes, mesh, QK rockers
10) misc. chipboard alphas

A Trip to the Library (with questions)

2008-04-23T19:38:00.002-04:00

As part of our cutting down on costs plan we've decided to stop buying books just because. Jonathan still "needs" the occasional business book and sometimes it's easier to buy a book Jess needs for school, but the "let's get Starbucks and hit the bookstore" trips are on hold for a while.

So I decided we would have Family Library Night.

Now I realize that this is going to be no regular occurrence. I'm pretty much the only one into it. Well, Jonathan thinks it's a great idea but I'm not sure how often he'll be around to participate. Claire is game and actually enjoys going. Hannah's at school so she doesn't really count right now. It's Jess that isn't thrilled with the idea. Strange considering she inhales books like I do.

Tonight was our first trip. We went to the Rehoboth library because I thought they'd have a bigger young adult section (which they did). When we got there I thought, it sure is noisy in here for a library. Turns out they have a LEAP meeting there on Wednesday nights and the children's section was filled with DOGS! Neat program though.

So anyway.

Claire stayed in the children's section, Jess went off to look or sulk or whatever and I wander over to the fiction section wondering how to look for books in this library. When I go to Lewes I head straight for the new releases section and start reading spines. I didn't see a section like that in this library.

Then I realized I have an odd way of picking out books. At least, it seems odd to me. I can never remember author names I like. Well, I know a few but I've read so many of their books that I like to venture outside my box. And I never have a specific book I'm looking for. So I just wander the isles and start pulling books. If the cover looks interesting a do a QUICK skim on the inside flap and make a decision. Takes me about 4 seconds. Tonight I picked
The Cinderella Pact and A Conventional Corpse. That second one is 13th in a series and I've not read any of the first 12 so I'm hoping I can catch on quickly.

By this time the kids were done so we checked out. Walked the long way around to the car since it was so nice out and headed home.

My question to you is: How do you pick out books? Do you have a plan or just wing it? Do you even go to the library? Heck, do you even READ?

Until tomorrow...

Some exercise and a couple Cards

2008-04-22T20:01:00.003-04:00

Didn't do my magazine workout today and I'm not going to lie about why not...I was just lazy. I wanted to. But I kept getting distracted and ran out of time.

But the good news is....I walked my butt off at the barn. Hopefully literally! Took Jess over to ride after dinner and did 40 minutes around the fields. And this was no casual walk...I was hoofin' it! Appropriate considering my location huh.

Tomorrow it's back to the weights/elliptical.

The last time I scrapped I used some old SEI. I'd already done a page with it a year or so ago and figured that after doing a second page with it I wasn't going to ever use it again. But I had a lot left so I made a couple quick cards. Have a look:

I had enough paper left to do another and I started it but couldn't make anything happen so i gave up. I think this is the most I've ever done with one line of paper!

Tomorrow, I scrap. An actual layout. Until then...

Can you help me get fit?

2008-04-21T13:46:00.006-04:00

A long time ago I was leafing through a Glamour magazine at the salon and found a really fantastic workout routine. Cheryl gave me the go ahead to tear it out and I've held onto it all this time waiting for the inspiration to hit to start using it. I have done it a few times here and there since then, and it is a really good workout, but never on a regular basis. I guess that surprises no one.

Well the inspiration finally hit. It's been building over the last couple of weeks...I just HAVE to makes some changes. Here's my plan...and how YOU can help!

Today I did this workout routine and some time on the elliptical (only 10 minutes as my legs were like jello!). My plan is to do this Monday through Friday this week along with cutting portions, drinking water and eliminating (at least almost) crappy snacks. I might even throw in one or two of my mile walks.

Then next week I'll move on to the next awesome workout torn from a magazine with time on the elliptical etc etc. I'm thinking the variety will not only keep me from getting bored, but will also be good for my body. They say you need to change it up or you get less out of it.

My problem is that I only have 2 weeks of torn from magazines awesome workouts. I just don't get or buy the kinds of magazines that have that section. I've gone through the few Glamour Girls and Seventeens that Hannah has around and none of them have articles like this. Well, one did...but Hannah already tore it out!

I could start buying these mags but I really am trying to stay on some sort of budget these days and I just don't NEED to spend money like that. I am going to hit the library and make copies if I can find any but I just know there are people out there that have some old magazines lying around and I'm hoping they'd be willing to scan, save and email those pages to me.

So can you help? Here's the one I'm doing this week:

I'd really like to build a nice library of different routines. I'd be happy to post the ones I get here too so everyone can use them.

Thanks so much!

please send copies to klokken (at) gmail . com thanks!

Weekend ReCap

2008-04-20T20:41:00.003-04:00

Bad news first - no exercise and no scrapping. No surprise there.

Whew. That's out of the way.

Jess, Claire and I went to PopPop's house on Saturday morning. Friday was his birthday (87 years!) and I wanted to stop in for a quick visit in honor of it. He looks good but he's getting OLD. Kind of scary. We visited for a few and I did a couple simple to me but big for them tasks around the house. Tony picked up Jess there so he got to say hi too. One hour really goes a long way. I need to remember to bring those hour long visits closer together.

Claire called her friend Carly when we got home and before I knew it she was off with them for what ended up being a sleepover. At 7:00 Jonathan and I realized we had a free night and raced off to the movies. We saw The Ruins at the cheap theater and it was just the ticket.

Today was pretty much the usual for a Sunday at home. Some laundry, the grocery shopping and a little puttering around. I cooked burgers on the grill for the first time in FOREVER and they were tasty! After dinner I took Jess to the barn to ride and Claire tagged along like usual to play with Macy.

I'm finishing the night with a little Yahoo canasta and some checking in at the new AllyScraps message board which FINALLY came back up this weekend.

Tomorrow I exercise! Call me on it if you don't hear about it. Til then...be good!

The AllyScraps board is BACK!

2008-04-20T08:46:00.001-04:00

whew what a relief!

Check it out!

working on learning how to get this over there ---->

2008-04-18T13:32:00.002-04:00

Action Plan - Day 2

2008-04-17T21:16:00.002-04:00

Today was one of those days that kind if just disappeared. At 2:00 I realized I needed to get my (big) butt in gear and do some moving. So I worked outside for a half and hour or so then did my one mile walk around the neighborhood. Go me! I also did a pretty decent job on portion control and snacking today. AND I drank water. There are too many days that I only drink coffee and nothing else. I'm on glass 3 (12 ounces each) and counting. My kidneys wont know what to think!

Two days in a row. :D

Claire funny

2008-04-17T11:16:00.004-04:00

So we get to the barn yesterday for Claire's riding lesson and she jumps out of the truck and immediately run to chickie's pen (that's Macy's pet chicken Velvet). She's been laying eggs lately and Claire wanted to see if there were any in there.

And there was! She went in and got it and took it in the barn to Macy. Then she came running back to the truck where I was gathering up some "stuff" and said:

She laid another egg mommy. If chickie had a husband she'd have lots of babies by now.

Sweet huh!

all thoughts and NO action

2008-04-16T14:29:00.003-04:00

I need to turn all these well thought out plans about my state of physical fitness into something I actually accomplish every day. Well, at least 4 or 5 days a week. Not only do I have some events coming up that I want to look WAY better for but I'm just generally not in good shape at all. And every day I think; I'm going to start doing this and stop doing that and when I'm here I'll walk instead of sitting and I'll cut my portion sizes and on and on and on. I've really got the right idea in mind but that's just it...it's only in my mind.

So how do I get from plans to action? Why do I think today will be the day and it never is? How could I want something so badly and yet never do a single thing about it?

Where's the magic switch??

Since AllyScraps has been down I've been thinking about blogging again. Have to get my random thoughts out somehow right? So I thinking that maybe I'll document my daily actions towards my big plan of getting fit and looking good. If it's in my face in black and white I can't hide. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

I'll call today Day 1. Of course, I get this big idea when I have 10 minutes left before the afternoon shuffe but at least it's out there for all to see. And I did just come inside from an hour of gardening so that has to count for something.

What I want you to do...my 2 random readers...is keep me in check. Get in my face and let me know I've skipped 2 days. Remind me that fruit is just as good as Wheat Thins. Be my cheerleader.

Thanks!

Lost without my AllyScraps fix

2008-04-14T14:34:00.002-04:00

I can't believe our little board got hacked and is gone. What are the odds of AllyScraps being one of the random message boards the "bad guys" decided to ruin? Slim to none you would think. But here I am...without any connection to our cyber family. It's amazing how much I notice the absence.

I know Cathy is working on a new board though so it wont be long until we're back up and running. Until then, in case anyone stops in here, I miss you guys. Keep checking the store front and when you see the link, you know we're back in business!

See you soon!

2007-07-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone!

This weekend is our 2nd annual Beach Weekend. We have a crew coming: Mom and Steve and his granddaughter Rebecca; Hillary, Glen and Casey; and Dad and Vicky. Plus the 5 of us! Tomorrow we'll spend all day on the beach. We're going to Key Box Road and driving on. Leaving the house at 9:30 to avoid beach traffic. Dad is making his beach pool again for the kids - digging a big hole in the sand and lining with plastic. He even makes a slide on one end. They love it. I just hope the weather is decent. Right now they are calling for 82 and party cloudy. That's a bit cool for a beach day.

Then after we'll pick up a bushel of crabs and eat in the yard. Hope they're good this year!

Sunday, Jonathan is leaving for Osh Kosh for the big airplane festival thingie. The rest of us are going to Lewes Beach for a while in the morning then getting cleaned up and heading to the boardwalk and FunLand. I think we'll swing by Moe's on the way....those guys have never been and they like Mexican food almost as much as I do.

It's going to be a great weekend. I love when we can all get together and it doesn't happen often enough. Dang geography! And I have a great opportunity for pictures. I've been slacking this summer.

Today, while they're all driving, I'll be cleaning. Saved it all for the last minute as usual. The house isn't that bad but even without major cleaning to do (luckily Belinda was here Tuesday) there's a ton I need to get done. Laundry and groceries and bed and so on. And Claire has art camp in the middle of the day. When will I learn?

Hope you have a great weekend!

2007-07-17T11:51:00.000-04:00

This page has been on my desk for a week. Everything was done except the journaling. My problem was (is) that I didn't really have a good place to put the journaling. At least, not that I could see. And for once, I actually had a story to tell. Figures.

Then yesterday I got a "design team hopeful" package from 2Daisies and I need to complete the projects by Thursday. So this layout had to vacate the premises. I typed out the journaling and stuck it in the corner. It's not awful I guess. But it's not good. What would you do? Any ideas? I liked the page otherwise. Pretty simple but well designed (I think). I wish I hadn't stuck everything down so I could stick it on a tag behind or something. I dunno.

I'm hoping I can WOW them at 2Daisies with my projects. I got the Friends Word Bloom and some paper. Really fun stuff! I've always wanted to do one of the Word Blooms and now's my chance. I hope I don't freeze! And I hope they do well at CHA. I know Cathy has already ordered at least some of their products for the AllyScraps store.

Claire needs lunch...until tomorrow!

Just back from yet another horse show...

2007-07-14T21:22:00.000-04:00

This one was a LONG one! Left on Thursday and back on Saturday. Pony Club C Evening Rally at Fair Hill in Maryland. It was long and exhausting and not very successful. But that's another story. For now, I just wanted to pop in and say hello and share a photo from the show. (Don't worry, it's just one this time ;) )

Luckily for ALL of us, yes, I'm including both of my readers, we have a month with no horse shows. Wonder if I'll find anything else to talk about.

Til tomorrow!

2007-07-11T09:56:00.001-04:00

We've gotten some super entries for our Design Team call so far but there's still all day today to submit! This really is a super gig. AllyScraps

And now on to my usual ramblings....

7/7/7...was it good for you? It was supposed to be a "lucky" day according to many but it had it's ups and downs for us. Well, for Jess really but as the Mom I felt her pain. She had a show at Fair Hill. Her and LuLu's biggest so far. Jessica's been there, and actually competed at a higher level on a much smaller horse, but LuLu and her had not. I walked the cross country course with her and Chase in the morning and I'm not embarrassed to admit I was really nervous for her. The jumps seemed so big and LuLu is still pretty new and not always coordinated. If she (as in the horse) jumps awkwardly in stadium and doesn't clear she knocks down a rail, in cross county....well, the jumps are SOLID. No give and take in a giant log or stone wall. So if she doesn't quite clear...?? I don't even want to know. But I was feeling the what ifs in my stomach all day.

Then our first bit of bad luck strikes.

Jess needed to get her horse off of the trailer but Chase's horse is behind. So she runs around trying to find him so she can get ready for her ride. No luck. Her plan is to unload Bucky, have me hold him, unload LuLu, we'll switch horses and she'll load Bucky back. Makes sense to me. She just about had Bucky tied back in the trailer when he spooked (or something), banged his leg and came out. Jess still had him, he didn't escape, but he was limping something fierce and wouldn't put his hind leg down. My stomach fell. We broke Chase's new prize horse. Within 10 seconds my mind figures we owe Dawn several thousand dollars and she'll probably kick us out of the barn and refuse to give Jessica lessons again. Irrational, I know. But you've never dealt with the wrath of Dawn.

I sent Jessica to get Michelle who was parked a few trailers away. She took Bucky and ran some cold water on the gash for a while and told Jess everything was ok and to get ready for her ride. HA! Jessica is a complete wreck. I'm thinking this is going to be her worst dressage score of all time. But she starts getting ready and head to the warm up field.

Meanwhile, Michelle is still working with Bucky who finally puts his leg down. I'm still worried that not only is Chase not going to be able to compete that day but that we've ruined his horse for all time. Again, pretty irrational, I know.

To make a terribly long story just a bit shorter, Michelle went to Dawn (who had just completed her dressage test) and broke the news and smoothed things over. Turns out all that worry was for nothing. Bucky had a pretty big gouge in his leg but Chase was still able to ride and Dawn's wrath didn't rain down or Jess or I. She just said next time, don't unload, get Michelle.

No worries there!

So I find Jess in the warm up field and assure her that everything is ok. Dawn's not mad, Bucky's not lame and she can relax and have a good ride. Which she does.

Later, while Jess and Chase are warming up for stadium and cross country, I check her dressage score and find out that she's in 2nd place so far. And only 1 point behind. She had a 33 (fabulous score) on her dressage test! This means if she goes clear in both jumping rounds she's got at least 2nd place for the day. And not that we wish back luck to other riders, but if the person in first has just one rail down or one refusal AND Jess goes clear, it's a BLUE RIBBON for her.

Next up is stadium. It does fast and she goes clear! Then comes cross country and I'm still nervous but excited about her chances. Her and LuLu take off and after the first jump it looks to me (from where I'm standing) that LuLu isn't heading to hte right like she's supposed to be. My fear of her not wanting to leave the pack is back with a vengeance. But they I see the top of Jessica helmet over the hill and they're heading in the right direction.

We hear them announce that "Jessica and Look at Me Now (LuLu's show name) are clear through the bank at 5. After those, we're going to be able to see the rest from where we're standing. And she has a fabulous ride! They do the whole mile long plus course completely clear with no hesitation. She even barreled through the water. It was a thrill to watch!

We had to wait forever for them to post scores. When they finally did, I checked the rider she was trying to beat first. She had lots of jumping faults and I KNEW Jess went clear. That could only mean one thing...a blue ribbon!

And then the bad luck strikes again.

I look up the sheet for Jessica's name, assuming I'm going to see a "1" and the end of her row. Instead, I find two "E"s under stadium and cross country. WHAT??!! She went clear! How on earth did she get eliminated?? And I say exactly this to the lady posting scores.

She looks it up, tell me #94 jumped the wrong jump at 6. No way. I walked that course with her. She knew what she was doing.

Well, apparently not. We checked the video (luckily I guess, we had ordered a video of her cross country ride) and it turns out she jumped the Intro jump. One level down. She said when she was approaching the 2 jumps that were side by side then both looked like the same height. I guess she didn't think to look for the right flag.

And so not only did she not get a blue ribbon, but she didn't get a ribbon at all. But she knows she had a GREAT day. And she still feels like she won.

Still with me? Wow, you're good. Thanks for that. As your reward, some photos. From this show:

See you tomorrow!

Ally Scraps DT call - only a few days left!

2007-07-08T20:02:00.000-04:00

This is posted on the Pub Calls blog and calendar but I don't want anyone to miss it. Cathy is THE BEST scrap boss, the message board is friendly and fun and (for the most part) you get to pick the products you want to work with every month. I've been on the design team there since March of 2006 and it's been a fantastic experience. I was completely honored when Cathy asked me stay through this call. So don't wait another minute...get those applications in. Here's the call:

Ally Scraps, an awesome online scrapbook store, is looking to add 5 new designers to our team. We are looking for designers of varied styles and experience, who have the time and interest to be an active part of our growing site.
We will begin accepting e-mail applications immediately and the design team call will continue until midnight EDT, Wednesday, July 11th. Winners will be notified on or before July 15th by e-mail and the results will be posted on the message board.

If you are interested in applying, please send a single e-mail with the following information to:
allyscraps@gmail.com . You can direct any questions you may have there as well.

* Name, address, phone number and e-mail address.

* 5 recently made layouts, that best represent your usual style. (The layouts do not have to be made specifically for this design team call.)

* A link to your blog or online gallery.

* A very short statement (a sentence or two) telling us what makes you a perfect fit for our team.

* Information about any design teams that you are currently on (Members of other online store design teams are not eligible to apply.) and any other scrapbooking commitments you have.

* We'd love to get to know you, and although it is not required, feel free to say hello on our message board.

Design Team Requirements

* The design team term will be 6 months, August 2007 through January 2008.

* You will be required to do 4 layouts each month and post them to our design team gallery in weekly increments using the supplies we send to you.

* You must be an active member of our message board, posting an average of 4 posts each day.

* You will post a scrappy or nonscrappy challenge about once a month per the design team schedule.

*Help host our occasional online crops and festivities.

Benefits

* You will receive a design team kit worth $30-$35 each month. Many months the items will be things that YOU will be able to choose, with some direction from the design team leader.

*Free shipping on all orders placed and shipped when your design team kit ships. (Must fit in the same box, of course.)

* Recognition with a photo and biography on our site.

* A 20% discount on all regularly priced purchases at our store.

Come check us out, we can't wait to see your work!

AllyScraps

Horse Show Tomorrow

2007-07-06T20:03:00.000-04:00

Which means today was busy. And I'm tired. But it was less stressful this time around because 1) it's not Pony club and 2) I laid down the law with Jessica last time about being responsible for herself and everything involved in preparing for a show. So today I dropped her off at the barn to clean tack and wash LuLu instead of sticking around and helping. It just caused a lot of tension. It finally dawned on me that I have to let her go a bit and realize that just because she doesn't do things exactly as I would doesn't mean I need to point it out to her. Not that I always did, but if I did she was not happy. She called me when she was starting to wash LuLu, as I requested, so I headed over to braid her mane.

What a job that is!

No stress involved mind you. But it was only the 3rd time I've ever done it and it's been a while since the 2nd time. Took me close to 2 hours. (sure hope there aren't any expert mane braiders reading this). Partly because I cut the yarn too short, rookie mistake, which meant 6 braids had to be redone halfway through. And partly because I just haven't done it enough to be quick at it. I even had to go watch Cordie one time to remember the under, under, bump, over, over. And after all that, it doesn't really look that good. It's done. Well, I think one will be out by morning. But she's braided. And by the time I got to her forelock I was doing pretty well.

Now I just need to practice like I said I would so it's not such a struggle next time.

When we got home, I gently reminded Jessica of all the things she needed to have loaded in the truck. She worked on that without an argument. I made chicken salad and chopped watermelon. Brewed a pot of coffee so I could take it for iced coffee and filled water bottles. And we're ready. No tears, no yelling. No more weeks added to her punishment (she's banned from the computer right now due to problems getting ready for the last show). And we still like each other.

Maybe it will bring her good luck tomorrow. Fair Hill is a tough show and LuLu is still really new at this eventing thing. And she's got a crowd of fans coming to watch. She can use all the luck she can get!

Until Sunday...have a great weekend!

a page to share

2007-07-05T14:00:00.001-04:00

I've been trying to stay on a roll with my scrapping since I got back from Dana's house. I'm a firm believer that you have to work the creative muscle to keep it in shape. Sometimes it's just easier to work the "bop around on the computer" muscle.

I'm also trying to build my own Book of 10 (thanks Torm) but it's so hard NOT to post pages. I need that feedback. I've got a few pages done that I haven't posted and this is (well, was) one of them. Or does posting on my blog count? I'm not exactly sure about that.

And since I'm not posting this one anywhere else for now, I'm counting on YOU for feedback. You like?

Got my first ever box from Scrapbook Trends today. Along with receiving my page back in perfect condition, I got my 2 copies of the magazine and some yummy goodies. A couple things I don't already have too if you can believe that! I got some of the gorgeous Narratives, some fun ribbons, a package of Plain Jane's chipboard, a tiny set of Keller's Creations stamps with a small acrylic block and some SEI iron-ons that I'll probably never use. They're cute, but I tried that iron on thing on a page once and it didn't go so well.

I tried to take the kids to the movies today. I was going to drop of Jess and Claire so they could see The Rise of the Silver Surfer. It took forever to even get to the theater the traffic was so bad and then the parking lot was jam packed. When we finally got to the front of the theater, we couldn't beleive all the people in line. I think the reality of living at the beach finally hit home for the first time this year. There must have been 75 people outside waiting to buy tickets. So needless to say we turned right around and came home. We'll have to go back when the sun is shining and all the tourists are on the beach.

Til tomorrow....

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T11:04:00.000-04:00

Doing anything fun today? We're not. :P We had our fun last night. My friend Julie has a big boat (as in 45') and took a bunch of us across the bay to Cape May for the fireworks. We had a great time! We were only about 150 yards from the barge that was setting them off so we had a seriously good view. Ended up being a late night...got back to the dock at 11:15...but everyone slept in today so it's all good. We talked about going to the beach for a couple/few hours but the weather isn't cooperating so that's a no go. Jonathan is going to go stir crazy if we don't find something to do soon though so I'm racking my brain. He mentioned golf but both the kids (Hannah is working today) made yucky faces so I don't think that's happening. If only he scrapped, then he would see what a great opportunity we have here...

Enjoy your day. Be safe!

2007-07-03T08:17:00.000-04:00

We had orientation at the Universtiy of Delaware yesterday. It was an ALL day affair....8-5! Add almost 4 hours of driving to that and you've got an exhausting day. I enjoyed most of it. There were some dry parts...think internet code of conduct...but the speakers were fantastic and we absorbed a lot of information. They gave us the count down number...it's now 52 days until Hannah moves into the dorm! It's going to go so fast.

Pretty regular day around here today. Cleaning lady comes so I have to scramble this morning to find some surfaces for her to clean. Then I'll probably take the kids to the movies while she's here. We've got chicken fried rice on the menu tonight - the kids have been after me FOREVER to make it - then Jessica's riding lesson.

Speaking of Jessica and riding...I've got a couple pics I'd like to share. A few weeks ago she had a show jumpy rally and her and LuLu had a great day. She didn't jump very high as LuLu is still learning but they went clean all 3 rounds with minimal time penalties. Have a look:

That's all for now. Have a great day everyone!

(and don't forget to check out AllyScraps for our design team call!!)

I'm the worst blogger!

2007-07-01T10:18:00.001-04:00

I guess I'm telling you something you already knew huh. But I'm going to try again. One last time. To make this part of my routine. We'll see how it goes.

First of July already. Summer's sure do fly by don't they?? We have a pretty calm week ahead though so we might get to enjoy some summer relaxation. And there's a whole lot of that on the schedule for today too. A bit of scrapping, a bit of reading, a bit of hanging and then steaks on the grill.

Tomorrow is "Delaworld" at the U of D. We're not exactly sure what that entails other than Hannah meets with her counselor and picks out classes. We do know that it starts at 8am (meaning we have to leave the house at 6:15) and that after a brief presentation the students go one way and the parents another. Hard to believe she is off to college in less than 2 months!

If you have a minute, stop by AllyScraps. Not only are we running a DT call but this week we're playing lots of games and having some quick challenges. All for some sweet prizes. Check it out!

Now I'll leave you with a photo. Of our graduate!

The English Girls (and Jessica)

2007-04-05T10:51:00.000-04:00

What an amazing experience this has been! Imy and Elsie quickly became a part of our family and we're going to all be so sad when they leave tomorrow. We got so lucky when these 2 were assigned to us and I'll be forever grateful that Jess and Hannah pestered me one morning with "we want one" (their way of saying they wanted to host an exchange student).

It's been a crazy, busy time while they were here. Our schedules are hectic as it is but add two more children to the mix and you've got CHAOS! But even though my back went out (big time drag) and Jonathan's car broke down (can you imagine worse timing?), things really went smoothly.

They rode the bus to school with Jessica each day then went on to their scheduled activites from there. They've toured Lewes (they are from Lewes, England!), been to Washington DC, shopped in our outlet malls, ridden the ferry to Cape May for a zoo trip, spent a day going to classes with Jessica and today, their last day here, they are in Philadelphia seeing Constitution hall and going to a Phillies game. It's been a whirl-wind tour!

We got to spend all day with them last Saturday and since they both love horses and ride at home, I scheduled a trail ride for them at our barn. Then, of course, we took them to the beach to run in the sand and eat Thrasher's fries. We walked on the boardwalk, played arcade games and had funnel cake. They *LOVE* American junk food!

Jessica taught them how to play on the Wii and they had a blast....laughing hysterically and goofing off. Elsie especially got into the boxing and was horribly offended when the Wii characters tried to hit her. I had to leave the room I was laughing so hard. They've been to the movies with Jessica and all her friends...the group of them took up an entire row at the theater.

I've enjoyed their visit so much that I have hopes of one or both of them coming back for a few weeks in the summer. I can just see them becoming a part of the gang at the barn with Jessica: working as assistant counselors at camp and riding every day. Then going to the beach with us and hanging out at the waterparks and boardwalk with Jess and her friends. I'd love to take them to Williamsburg and finish our junk food tour (we never did get them the corn dogs they've heard so much about). They've both said they'd come back in a heartbeat and don't want to go home. And we don't want them to!

It's going to be sad tomorrow morning when we drop them off to go home. I hope it wont be the last we see of them.

QUICK! Come sign up for Bingo!!

2007-03-30T14:45:00.000-04:00

We're playing Bingo at AllyScraps for a gift certificate to the store! All you have to do is sign up on this thread and pay your $2.00 in the store. The winner will get a gift certificate equal to the amount of people that sign up times 2! Sounds like fun huh!

Well come play!

(fine print: you also have to be a member of our message board and have 50 posts so get going!)

Soccer Season Begins!

2007-03-27T09:18:00.000-04:00

There's my soccer superstar Jessica showing off her fancy footwork at yesterday's game. She didn't get a ton of playing time but she did well when she was in. They started all the 8th graders and only made a couple substitutions until the very end of the game. Jess being one of them. She played the last 10 minutes of the "A" game then started, at center forward, the "B" game. She scored a goal too! It was fun to see her participating in a team sport again. I just hope she gets more playing time in the future.

Eric had his baby. Well, Nicole actually did the giving birth part, but either way I have a new nephew! Last I heard he hasn't been given a name but he sounded wonderful when I heard him crying in the background on the phone. I hope my brother sends me a couple pictures soon. It's really bumming me out that they are SO far away and I can't run right over and see them. And hold him. And take in that yummy baby smell.

Hannah hasn't gotten anything from the U of D yet. And it's really starting to stress her out. She had a bit of a meltdown yesterday and pretty much admitted she's beyond waiting patiently and has moved on to the temper tantrum stage. Acutally, it's not "pretty much", those are her exact words. And that's fine so long as I don't have to be in the room when it happens. And so for everyone's sake, let's hope today is a good mail day!

Well, I'm out. The girls from England arrive tomorrow night and I have loads to do. LOADS! I'm excited for them to get here....I think it's going to be great fun!

Til next time!

Prom Dress Shopping!

2007-03-24T09:24:00.000-04:00

It's time for our 2nd Annual Prom Dress Shopping Weekend at Tysons in Fairfax, VA. Last year Hannah and I (and a friend of hers) made the trek to the other side of DC for a shopping weekend. After having such a difficult time finding a Homecoming dress for her, I thought it would be fun, and easier, to shop at Tysons. I mean really, if you can't find the dress of your dreams in one of the 600 stores out there there is no such dress. And I was right, both girls found dresses they LOVED easily. So we decided then and there we would do it again next year.

And now it's next year. We couldn't get the schedules together for a friend to come with us but that's ok. It might even be easier to go just the 2 of us. So we're off this afternoon, as soon as she gets of work, to shop until we drop! Wish us luck.

Jessica is playing soccer for her school this year. She's been working hard at practice and has gotten noticed by her coaches. Looks like she's going to share the center forward position with another girl. Not at the same time mind you, but switching off. I guess until either one of them proves themselves. Her first game is Monday after school. Can't wait!

In other news, still no letter from the U of D. And still no baby though it's just due today.

Waiting

2007-03-20T10:51:00.000-04:00

Hannah is waiting for her letter from the University of Delaware. Waiting and waiting and trying not to stress about it. Lots of her friends have already gotten theirs but they just started trickling in last week. I predicted today would be the day so we'll see when the mail comes. There isn't much doubt that she'll be accepted, she's already gotten into Goucher which is harder, it's just not *KNOWING*. Let's hope today is a good mail day.

My brother's baby is due this week. I think the official day is Friday. It's so hard because him and Nicole are 3000 miles away. I've never even met her. He's only in California for a few weeks and then he has to go back to Indonesia so this baby better not be too late. I am so excited for them. I wish I could be there to hang out with them and talk babies and childbirth. He sent me an email with a bunch of questions so I'm going to call him later. But it's not the same. Either way I'm excited to meet my new niece or nephew. At least in pictures until Nicole comes east this summer.

And right now I'm waiting for my hair cut. Nothing like a cut and color to make the day a little brighter. Wont be long now.

Ta Ta!

I'm PUBLISHED! & Jess had a birthday

2007-03-15T10:07:00.000-04:00

It's not the first time but it's been so long since that first page was seen in print that it's like starting over again. I just started sending some pages in again after a year off, thanks to Dana and her submitting challenges at AllyScraps, and had one picked up right away by Scrapbook Trends. Wheeeee!! Then barely a week later Making Memories asked for one for the 601 book. I'm sure both were crazy flukes but it's renewed my spirit for submitting. Too fun!

We're gearing up for our crazy-every-weekend-is-planned-to-the-hilt spring around here. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for all the organization and energy needed to get through the start of horse show season, extra dance rehearsals, birthdays, proms, picture day (on Mother's Day can you believe it?!?) and everything else that comes along. I've got my clocks sychronized and the calendars handy.

We recently added another teenager to the house. Jessica turned 13 this month! We had a big family dinner at Hibachi in Dover. I love when we are all together. I just wish my sister could have made it from NC. But that's a haul so we understand. Here's a couple pictures from the dinner:

That's Jessica with her new digital camera, the cake she wanted with a photo collage of herself! and Jess with my Mom and my Grandfather.

And here's a shot of Jess just before the "fancy" dance at her school:

She's growing up SO fast!!

Is there anybody out there?

2007-03-10T08:29:00.001-05:00

Just nod if you can hear me.

No this is NOT a Pink Floyd song. OK, maybe it is a little.

I'm just looking for signs of life. Here on this blog. So give me a little nod. Let me know you're here. (that means leave a comment ;) )

And maybe, just maybe, I'll make blogging part of my regular routine.

Exciting huh!

Cute little story

2006-09-29T20:05:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while this summer Claire would mention that she wanted to try to learn to ride her bike without training wheels. Unfortunately, she usually said this while we were in the car or at the grocery store or unavailable in some other way. Never while we were at home, with nothing to do. So it just didn't happen.

A couple of weeks ago, September 16th to be exact, we were at the barn for Jessica's riding lesson and Claire was with me (of course). Macy wasn't around so Claire had to entertain herself. I was sitting down at the ring watching the lesson that was just starting. I looked up (the arena sits down a hill from the barn) to see what Claire was doing and saw her riding Macy's bike across the grass. I knew Macy didn't have training wheels. And I knew there was NO ONE up there helping her. And I also knew we had never tried it. Not once.

SHE JUST TAUGHT HERSELF!

I looked over at Michelle, Jessica's instructor, and said "I think Claire just taught herself how to ride a bike.". We both looked up and Claire was setting the bike down and running down the hill. She said she wanted to show me something and she was SO proud. I went up the hill with her and watched her get on the bike and just take off. Just like that!

She rode all around the barn that night. And when we got home, Jonathan took the training wheels off of her bike and off she went. JUST LIKE THAT!

Have a great weekend!

We (almost) have a horse!

2006-09-27T09:39:00.000-04:00

Isn't she beautiful!?! Jess rode her Saturday and we both knew right away that she was THE ONE. Dawn looked at the video last night and said we should go for it. Now I just have to coordinate the vet check and transportation (not that that part is easy) and we're home free. It's so exciting! And for the horse people out there - she's a 16 hand 6 yo Thoroughbred. Bred for racing, her Sire won the Preakness, but due to some difficult owner circumstances only had one start. The lady we're buying her from has had her since she was 4 and has been training her ever since. She's got the sweetest disposition and goes RIGHT in a frame as soon as you start. I just can't wait to get her home.

Whew. Once that's all settled life can get back to normal around here. I've been pretty wrapped up in the process and it will be nice to get back to SCRAPPING for one thing! And not a moment too soon either...I've got a box on the way from AllyScraps that I just know is filled with yummy new stuff. Can't wait!

And now I must get to the laundry. The one true constant! ;)

Have a good one!

Back to Blogging

2006-09-19T08:58:00.000-04:00

With no excuse other than I had a busy summer and didn't feel like it. Nothing like a little honesty. And since the blogging is mostly for me, it shouldn't matter that I didn't feel like it. But apparently the mood has struck again and here I am. And since there's no way possible to "catch up", I'm just going to start with today.

Horses, horses, horses. This shopping for one for Jess is keeping me busy. I made a ton of calls yesterday about new ads I've found and today I'm calling back to schedule appointments. We're combining a camping trip this weekend with seeing horses. I found 3 I think might be good in the same area and booked a campsite close by. I think Jess is getting a bit burned out with the whole process but there isn't much I can do about it. I know a part of her is just hoping that Boo (that's Dawn's horse dealer) will find one for her and she wont have to work so hard at it. But he doesn't usually bring the higher level horses so the chances are pretty slim. And so we just keep plugging away. I'm getting better at it though so hopefully we wont be wasting time seeing horses that just aren't right.

Today I'm scrapping. Assuming I remember how. I've got some really pretty Crate Paper to work with from The Scrapbook Stand so hopefully the mojo will flow. I've even given myself permission to let the laundry sit and the dog hair accumulate. Imagine that!

Be good!

Adhesive Source

2006-07-21T13:42:00.000-04:00

I just can't keep up with all the requests for peamail so I'm doing it this way. Should have thought of it sooner.

And how sad is it that this is the only post to my blog in over a month??!!

Anyway, here's the link:

Get your adhesive here!

Be back next month ;)

My poor neglected blog

2006-06-15T20:27:00.000-04:00

The end of the school year has been non stop craziness. And it's not over yet. Jess has a horse show tomorrow. I'll be driving up to Newark on Saturday. Sunday we're busy all day with Father's Day things. Maybe by Monday I'll have some time to spend here. Until then....

be good!

Good Sunday Morning!

2006-06-11T07:59:00.000-04:00

Had a great day yesterday.

Went to a family style birthday party for one of Claire's friends in Rehoboth. The grandparents live on the boardwalk and had the party at their house. We hung out in the yard, complete with moonbounce, snow cone machine and lots of food, then all went to the beach together. It was chilly but the kids all had a blast.

We came home for a while and when Hannah got home from work we headed to the campground at the State Park. The Quinns are down and had a cookout at their site. Being in the campground reminded us how much we love to camp and that we need to set aside some time to get out in our camper. Claire had a blast with the big kids and climbing her tree.

Today looks to be a quieter day. We're going to head out to the grocery store soon. Jonathan has some work to do. I have some scrapping to do. Hannah will come home (hopefully soon) from camping and study for exams. I'm picking up Jess a bit early to take her shopping. She needs clothes desperately. And that's it.

The sun is shining, the house is (fairly) clean. It's a good day.

A Week of June is Gone Already!

2006-06-07T09:49:00.000-04:00

How did that happen?

The dance recital went well last weekend. Very well actually. These girls are so fun to watch dance.

Unfortunately, the horse show didn't go as well. Skittles was not behaving and Jess did her best to control him but he tossed her on the cross country course putting her out of the running for a ribbon. She got back on though and finished the course...after he finished his 10 minute bucking bronco show and allowed himself to be caught. Crazy pony! I think it might be time to get her a horse of her own.

She didn't get hurt and still had a blast. And that's all that matters.

Now we're grinding out the last week of school. Then SUMMERTIME! Wheeeee :D

Here are some photos...I still don't know how to arrange them pretty like within the post. I'll put it on my list of things to do.

Have a good one!

A Bit of Everything

2006-05-31T13:45:00.000-04:00

We're gearing up for the dance recital this weekend. It's the last week of classes, we're making sure we have the costumes ready (I still need to sew a couple things) and I'm cleaning house for Mary's visit (mother in law). Add the fact that Jess has a horse show on Sunday and you've got another busy week for us.

But I guess you've heard that from me before.

School's almost out. Not sure who's more excited; the kids or me. No more packing lunches. No more driving to Georgetown every day. Lots of time at the pool. I do know one thing though....I will be the only one excited about the FIRST day of school in September.

Still need to lose weight. Not going up, but not going down either. Haven't managed to do the treadmill thing more than twice a week. What will it take for me to get off my butt and JUST DO THIS?!?

I'm super excited about the October Scrapbook Getaway that Pat/Peg/Dar (and others I guess) put on (through TwoPeas). With no scrap buddies and no LSS for crops, I never get to do scrappy things with other people. It's going to be a blast!

I'm also excited about getting the first monthly layout contest up and running at AllyScraps. I had it listed on the Pub Calls Blog (thank you PCP) so I'm hoping it draws a bunch of people to the site.

Got a great big headache today. Must be a low pressure system sitting right on top of my house. Wish it would go away.

I'm off...have a good one!

The Unofficial Start of Summer

2006-05-28T10:42:00.000-04:00

That's right it's Memorial Day Weekend! And when you live at the beach, the tourists and traffic make it feel all that much more summery. Fortunately, this year the weather makes it feel like summer too. In fact, we're off to the beach in a few.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Live chat tonight with Lisa from Crate Paper!

2006-05-25T11:08:00.000-04:00

Stop by the message board at The Scrapbook Stand and check it out. It starts at 8:00 pm Central time. Hope to see you there!

A Great Prize and a New Page

2006-05-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

This is the awesome prize you could win just for completing a few challenge pages with us at AllyScraps.

That's an entire SEI album kit!

Check out this thread and see how easy and fun it is for a chance to win!

And this is my latest page completed for AllyScraps.

Some of my favorite new products are on this page...those to die for Lil Davis chipboard letters, the yummy Fancy Pants paper and my new Primas!

You like?

Claire's party was a success!!

2006-05-22T14:12:00.000-04:00

All the kids, and even the parents, had a great time. They loved the moon bounce - I was a little worried they would get tired of it. Seems 6+ is the perfect age for jumping. The food was good and the ice cream sundae bar was wildly popular. I'm so glad she had a memorable party.

This photo was almost impossible to get. No one wanted to sit still, sit close or look at the camera. This is the best one I got and I took about 10 shots. But what's important is the picture...I'm so happy to have a group shot from her party. (and for those that don't know her, Claire is second from the left with the heart on her cheek)

Back to the grind today...Claire has dance and Hannah has her choir concert tonight. Luckily, Jessica's lesson was cancelled otherwise I'd have to clone myself to get it all done.

Looking forward to Memorial weekend. We have NO plans. That's a first in MONTHS!

Happy Monday, have a good one.

Did I mention that I won a prize?

2006-05-19T09:18:00.000-04:00

Because I did!

Karen Russell did a fabulous thing and put together a fundraiser for Women for Women through her blog with prizes donated by famous scrappers and Scrapbook Companies. Long story short, I made a donation and won a page by Rhonna Farrer!!

Can you believe it?!? This rivals the trip to the Olympics for "Coolest Prize I've Ever Won". Seriously. And Rhonna is on top of it. I got my email from her a few days after the drawing, sent her my photos (which I labored over choosing) and she's done the page already. Already.

And have I mentioned how completely gorgeous it is? Holy smoke it's fabulous. I'm still giddy every time I look at it. I can't wait to actually have it in my hands. It's going on the wall. I've thought about framing layouts and hanging them up but never done it. This will be the first.

Do you want to see this marvelous creation? I've posted it in my gallery at The Scrapbook Stand. Check it out! And while you're there...have a look around. It's a great site with super kits and a fun message board.

Thank you Rhonna. I'm totally in love with it!

ps - I tried to make all those links pretty but I just don't have the skills. If anyone cares to enlighten me it would be much appreciated. :D

*edited to fix links! Wheeeeee! Thanks so much for the help!*

ME on the treadmill?

2006-05-17T12:58:00.000-04:00

You've got to be kidding!

But I did it. Finally. I've had this plan in my head for weeks, maybe months, to turn myself into a runner. Don't laugh. It's true.

I'm not the gym type. At least not now. Too fat. Silly I know, you don't have to be fit to go to the gym. But I'm not going, if ever, until I'm not embarrasing in work out clothes. So that leaves exercising at home. And luckily we have a treadmill.

So my plan has been this: start slow. I'm in the worst shape I've ever been in. Really. I think I would enjoy being a runner but when I go outside and try I get about 3 houses before my lungs are burning. So I came up with a plan (or did I read it somewhere) to walk for 2 minutes, run for 30 seconds, repeat. For 10 minutes. Doesn't sound like much but when you've done nothing for as long as I have it's a start.

And today I finally did it. It's only 3 bursts of running but I made the last one a full minute. And I enjoyed it. I'm going to do this for a week or so and when my lungs feel better I'll add 5 minutes. Then another 5. Then make the running parts all a minute. And just keep going and going until maybe I can run a full 10 minutes. The last part is vague I know. I'll work it out (no pun intended) as I go.

So anyway. I'm proud of myself. It was only 10 minutes but it's a start.

More of the same

2006-05-16T09:38:00.000-04:00

So this weekend is Claire's birthday party. Doing the whole moon bounce in the yard party and cooking out. I messed up the invitations and put March instead of May so I'm not really sure anyone is going to show up. I need to make some calls today. I realized my mistake (thanks Julie) on the way to school that morning and wrote the correction on the envelopes (while driving) but it seems most of the kids opened them at school and only took home the card. Ugh. I feel like such an idiot. And it's my own fault for being behind schedule and not having time to mail them. Ah well, next year I'll get it right.

So anyway, that makes for another busy week. Party prep. I am together on the important things though. The moon bounce is booked and the gifts are bought. The rest will fall together easily enough.

Jessica's band concert is tonight. She hasn't mentioned anything about a solo but after the Christmas concert I told her to ask for one when Mr. Bennett was looking for volunteers. We'll see.

Got the weekly challenges started at http://www.allyscraps.com/ . There's going to be a fun prize every 4 weeks for one lucky participant. Check it out...you never know, YOU could be the winner. More about the prize later. Must get busy!

Have a good one.

more photos...

2006-05-14T14:54:00.000-04:00

The Prom Report

2006-05-14T14:13:00.000-04:00

She was GORGEOUS!

Definate model material.

She had a blast and I managed to get some decent pictures. I did learn a few things about my camera and lenses, my skills (or lack of) and photo shoots in general. Luckily, I didn't screw it up so bad that it's a total loss. And I wish I could get more than 2 photos to post at a time....can't seem to get them to load.

I'll try to post more...

Prom Picture Pressure

2006-05-13T12:35:00.000-04:00

It's all I can think about today. I've been to the nail salon, the barn, the florist and through it all, in the back of my mind, are thoughts about taking pictures tonight.

You don't have to be a scrapbooker to want fabulous photos of your daughter's first prom. Just a Mom. But combine the two and you've got a great NEED for the perfect artitistic photographs.

Most of my problem lies in the fact that we have no good spots to take photos in the house or yard. There are no cool columns, no picturesque benches, no shimmering ponds. Inside is white walls or unattractive (for photo backgrounds) furniture. The rest lies in my lack of confidence to use my camera properly.

It's too much pressure.

But I'm going to do the only thing I can...take a BUNCH and hope for the best.

Wish me luck!

I scrapped again!

2006-05-12T17:56:00.000-04:00

I've been sick all week and just now able to actually do some projects. Started and finished a page today for http://www.allyscraps.com . Love these papers from Fancy Pants!

Playing Bunco tonight.

Tomorrow is the Prom, among other keep us busy things.

And then Mother's Day.

Not a bad weekend ahead.

Hope you enjoy yours!

it's Monday again

2006-05-08T10:43:00.000-04:00

another week zipped by. There were a few different things in there....

Let's Dish. http://www.letsdish.com/ If you haven't tried it and there's one near you. GO! After a fun (honest) 2 hour session I left with 12 yummy meals ready to freeze. Now when I'm pressed for time or let's face it, just don't feel like planning dinner, I just defrost and follow the simple instructions. Sound like a commercial? I'd do one for free...this is brilliant. No Let's Dish near you? Do a search using "prepare meal session" and you'll find LOTS of options.

FIL. For those of you not familiar with net speak that's Father-in-Law. Jonathan's Dad and his wife Mae were here for the weekend. Had a good visit despite my allergy induced chest cold.

Little League. Jessica's boyfriend (still can't get over this one) plays and the whole family went to his game. Jess must have really wanted to go to tolerate all of us there with her. ;)

But the BEST NEWS (do you hear the bells and whistles) I had was when I found out I made the design team at The Scrapbook Stand http://www.thescrapbookstand.com/ !!! I was really shocked to see my name on the list. I'm surrounded by some amazing talent and so honored to be included. Their kits are fantastic and I can't wait to get started! Stop by, check it out.

And now I have to play catch up. Claire's birthday party invitations should have gone in the mail Saturday. Probably I should start them. The mother's day gifts I had (and still do) planned to make should be almost done by now and in the mail tomorrow. Probably I should start them. And I haven't scrapped a page in DAYS. Not only am I going through withdrawals but I've gotten some awesome new products from AllyScraps http://www.allyscraps.com/index.asp to play with and I want to get started. And then there's the laundry...but for today...I'm not going there!

Much to do, much to do....I'm off. Have a good one!

I survived!

2006-05-01T10:13:00.000-04:00

It was a crazy, busy weekend but we made it through. Here's the recap:

dropped Jess & Brooke off at Trey's (Jessica's boyfriend!) baseball game Friday night. They had a blast. Trey's team won (he's the catcher) 10-2. Brooke spent the night.
recital ticket sales - waited in line Saturday morning for just over 3 hours. I was 3rd in line...got 30 great seats! I played fair (didn't hog all the best seats) too.
took Brooke and Jess (and Claire) to the barn for their ratings exam. Jess passed - she's now a D3 Pony Clubber. Heard she exceeded the standard on every question!
raced home, showered & loaded everyone up (including 2 of Hannah's friends) for the drive to New Castle. Met Dad & Vicky, Doris and John & Suzanne and their kids at Casablanca for dinner. What a blast! Awesome food (7 courses), fabulous belly dancing and great company. I think Hannah really enjoyed having everyone together for her birthday celebration. Jonathan left from there for a hotel at the airport. He's now in Orlando at a CIMA conference.
up early Sunday and got the grocery shopping done. Whew! Hannah went to work (she is really liking her new job at Azafran) and we cleaned house.
Claire's dance pics were at 1:50. I was late (forgot the dance bag) but it went smoothly.
Jessica's dance pics were at 5:20. We were on time, they were not. Didn't get out until almost 7:00. Picked up Chinese on the way home.
Hannah's pics were at 7:45. I was going to leave Jess with Claire (after she was in bed) so I could go take pics myself but was too creeped out leaving them home alone in the dark.

At that's that! Weekends like that make me appreciate Mondays so much. And since I'm pretty caught up on laundry, the house in clean and dinner is already in the crockpot, I'm going to try to get some scrapping done. I'm behind on my list of projects.

Before I go...a little blog challenge from http://www.allyscraps.com/index.asp :

1. If you go back and change anything in your teen years, what would it be and why?

I was awful to my Mom. Not always, but there was chuck of time (when I was 17th) that I was rude and disprectful. It was the last thing she needed being a single mom. I'm so glad we have such a good relationship now.

2. If you could go to heaven for an hour to see a loved one, who would you pick and why?

My maternal grandmother. She died when I was 8 (cancer). I don't have too many specific memories but I feel wrapped in love just thinking of her.

3. What is one thing you can NOT do without besides your family?

My car. I pretty much live in it.

4. What your dream day consist of?

A clean house, my (non-bickering) kids and husband around me and lots of laughter.

5. How much time do you spend on the computer per day? and you can't say "too much" really try and figure it out.

So we really have to answer this one?? I'm going to go with 5 hours (not all at once) and then I'm going to try to cut down. Really I am.

That's all for now.....have a good one!

Not sure why....

2006-04-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

the insanity of this time of year always surprises me, but it does. Spring and early summer around here are a flurry of activity. It passes in a whirl wind. With birthdays in March, April & May, Easter, Prom and dances, horse season starting, extra dance rehearsals, ticket sales and pictures and the rest of the regular goings on, we never stop. And right about now every year I think to myself....I really should know by now to better prepare myself for this...at least mentally.

But here I sit this morning thinking, Wow, it's Friday. Where has the week gone? And with everything on our schedule this weekend I'll be thinking the same thing on Monday.

It's all good though. We lead full, happy lives. I just need to remember we have to schedule time to eat!

I'm busy (see above) so I'm out. Have a good one!

Third Place Baby!!

2006-04-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

That's right...in Jessica's first show of the year, first recognized show EVER, she got 3rd place. And there were 17 in her class! Not a bad way to start the season. And had she been a USEA member this show would have qualified her for Regional Championships. Next year she'll have to join, especially if she's going to keep doing reconginzed events.

This photo is the only half way decent one I got. It was rainy and I didn't have enough light for the SPEED she was traveling. It's still fun to look at though! That pony will jump anything you point him toward without even thinking about it. And obviously can clear a much bigger jump. Good thing too, since Jess will go Novice by the end of the season.

Today is recovery and reassemble. School starts tomorrow and we get to get things back in order around this house. The truck needs to be unpacked. The house needs to be straightened. The grocery shopping needs to be done. And so on and so on and so on. It's been a busy week and it shows. But we're all tired so we're going to go at it with a relaxed pace. We have all day.

Jonathan and Hannah get home tonight from St. John. We've heard from them about once a day and it seems like they've had a great trip. Sad at times but that's to be expected. I'll just be happy to have everyone home and together again.

I'm off. I'd like to squeeze some time for scrapping in today. Haven't gotten much done in that area lately.

Have a good one!

Life at the Beach

2006-04-19T20:07:00.000-04:00

Gotta take the good with the bad I guess. Claire and I geared up and headed down to Rehoboth to hit the boards for a while. I had visions of arcade games, boardwalk fries and toes in the sand. And then the traffic. Part poorly planned construction, part tourists, part too many people have moved here lately. So it was a quick U-turn and plan B for us.

We played miniature golf instead. There's a place behind the movie theater that we've never tried. There was hardly anyone there and we had so much fun. Just the two of us. And if you're curious; Claire picked a pink ball and mine was orange. We didn't keep score but I'm pretty sure she won ;).

It was still early so we ran home to get some beach stuff (and the camera) and headed to Lewes Beach (via Dairy Queen). What a gorgeous day! Claire played in the sand and collected rocks and I took pictures and soaked up some sun. By the time the bugs started biting we were ready to go.

Tomorrow is busy....picking up Jess at her Dad's for her follow up scoliosis visit. Crossing my fingers on that one. I'm so worried that it will have gotten worse. Then straight to the barn and home by dark. Going to stop in and see my grandfather while we're up there too. Yesterday was his 85th birthday!

Time to put Claire to bed. Until next time...

Yes, I'm still here!

2006-04-17T12:15:00.000-04:00

Reading this blog must have been like that movie Groundhog Day. Same crappy post over and over again. I think part of my problem is that when I miss a day or two I feel like I have to catch up on everything that's been going on. And usually when I miss it's because I've been busy. So catching up seems like a HUGE chore. But no more.

If I fall behind, I'll just post whatever moves me. No more feeling obligated to rehash every little thing that goes on in my life. Hopefully, that will make blogging fun again and not such a JOB!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The kids are on Spring Break this week. Hannah left for St John this morning. Her mom's friends are there and will pick her up at the airport. Jonathan is going down on Wednesday. Hannah and her mom went to St John almost every year so they are carrying on per usual. This year they have some of Chris's ashes to spread. I hope that she doesn't let the sadness spoil St John for her. I know it's one of her favorites places to be.

Claire, Jess and I are just doing our thing this week. Jess is riding a lot to get ready for her show next weekend. She's also going with Beth (her dad's fiance) and Nolan to NYC for the day Wednesday. I'm so glad she's getting to New York. I just know she's going to love the city like we do. They're going to see a show if they can get tickets.

We went to Bush Gardens yesterday. Decided at the last minute to just GO. We didn't get to ride many rides though. Got there kind of late and were a bit disorganized at first trying to get lunch and such. But we've got our season passes now and hopeufully will get to go back often this summer.

Jess is on the phone. Needs a ride home from the barn. See you tomorrow.

I promise!

Having a good day!

2006-03-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

Despite being a bit under the weather still. Why oh why can't I kick this head cold thing??

Not only do I have my new car. And not only did I get a good haircut this morning. (please don't anyone eer let me cut my hair ALL off again.) But I found out last night that I made the design team at http://www.allyscraps.com/ . This is my first design team EVAH and I'm like a kid at Christmas. I just can't believe they picked me. I've been working hard lately on my scrapping. Submitting more, trying to do really GOOD work. Sending in a few design team applications. And it's starting to pay off. I really want to do a good job for this site. I'm excited to get started.

Busy day here...we leave tomorrow for Claire's field trip to the National Zoo then go straight from there to my Mom's in Virginia. I haven't been to a good zoo in so long I actually can't wait. Though I'm not sure if I'm more excited about seeing the animals, being with Claire and sharing her excitement of this awesome field trip or all the fabulous photo opportunities. Not going analyze it too carefully....I'd hate to suffer from self induced Mommy guilt.

Back to busy. Thursday is already a crazy day for me. I'm gone from 2 to 6 driving carpool and doing the gymnastic thing. But today I have to finish the laundry and pack for our trip AND go to the DMV. Seems my driver's license expired at the beginning of November. AAaaack! I never use it so I didn't even notice until we went to buy this car. Had to give him my license to copy before we went on a test drive. He didn't notice (good thing too they might not have let me take the car) but I did. Not much fun going to motor vehicle but at least I just came from getting my hair done and have a slight chance of taking a good dl photo!

I'm looking forward to the weekend at my Mom's. My sister, bil and niece will be there too. We're seeing Dora live on Saturday and otherwise just hanging out. Jonathan is going to fly down Saturday morning if the weather's good but Hannah has Saturday school and a job interview on Sunday so she can't come. Seems odd leaving her home...especially considering my memories of what I did when my Mom left me home alone at that age. Let's not even go THERE!

Must scoot. Laundry and groceries and the crock pot are calling. Til Monday....

Have a good one!

Taaa Daaaaa!

2006-03-22T10:34:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the luck...it worked. I got my dream car. Didn't get exactly the price I was looking for but darned close. It really is a fabulous automobile. It's giving my camera a run for it's money in the "Karlyn's Favorite Possesions" department. And that's saying something.

In other news, there is no other news. I think we're finally all starting to get over this nasty illness and feel human again. I'm catching up on laundry and the never ending job of cleaning up animal hair. Claire is actually able to stay awake all day and the bags under Hannah's eyes have disappeared. Not a moment too soon either with our trip to the National Zoo on Friday and a weekend at my Mom's in Virginia. More on that later....

Have a good one!

Saturday we went furniture shopping...

2006-03-20T08:21:00.000-05:00

...and came home with a car! Now, it's just on loan...to help us decide. But I want it. BAD! It's a Toyota Sequoia of course and I've wanted one for 5 years. We went south to hit a couple furniture stores and Borders (which we forgot is acually a Barnes & Noble and they don't take GC from Borders) and thought we'd stop by the Toyota dealership in Salisbury just to see what they had. As usual there were no used Sequoias on the lot. Jonathan thought we might as well drive to Milford while we were on the subject to see what they had. And unbelievably they had ONE used Sequoia. It's an 04 Limited with 29,000 miles and it's gorgeous. We didn't buy it then because the whole thing just kind of snuck up on us but they offered to lend it to us for the weekend so we brought it home. And I fell in love. Not that I had far to fall. I've driven enough of them and wanted it for so long it was just a matter of making sure it felt right. So this morning we're going back to the dealership with a number in mind and if all goes well, I've got a new (to me) car.

Wish me luck!

Just another day in Delaware

2006-03-15T10:48:00.000-05:00

Blah blah blah. Being sick sucks. And I'm not really all that sick. Just on the edge...sore throat, a bit run down, the start of a cough. But I wish it would go away.

Claire went back to school today. No fever but she's got the cough. Jess still has it so I guess it'll be around for a while. She was really anxious to get back. She missed her friends and they missed her. Lee-elle saw me in the hall as I was leaving and she took off running to class to see Claire. I'm so glad she's got such good friends.

Hannah has been checking in from Florida. They're having a blast! She starting to get this crud too but hopefully, since she's away from the sick ward here, she can keep it at bay. I'd hate for anything to ruin this trip for her.

Jonathan goes out of town tomorrow. It's just one night but no matter how long he's gone it's always lonely around here.

I've got a couple DT submissions to send off today. I'm just going to keep trying and hopefully someone sees my potential and gives me a chance. I think ST has a deadline today that I have a couple more pages for so I need to get that done as well. Working on the 3 product challenge now. At least I've got the energy to scrap. For now...I feel a nap in my future.

Hoping the HOF calls go out today. Those poor PEAS that are just waiting and waiting and trying to stay sane....they need some relief soon!

Have a good one!

Trudging Along

2006-03-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

Still playing nursemaid over here. Jess is back in school though still coughing but now Claire has "it". And I'm on the edge. Hopefully, one more day and we'll be slightly back to normal. (You know you've watched too much Rugrats when everytime you say or type "back to normal" you hear "back to Norman".)

Been waiting along with the rest of the Pub for the HOF calls to start. I can't imagine the torture if you actually sent an entry. It's making me crazy just watching. Gotta be worth it to the winners though...what an amazing feeling that must be.

Hoping to scrap some today. I just feel so yucky I can't seem to get anything done. And it doesn't help that I don't have any picture that are inspiring me right now. Which reminds me that I uploaded 50 or so to TwoPeas and I need to actually ORDER them to end up getting them in the mail.

Hannah called from Miami last night. Train was abuot 3 hours late which made for a 26 hour train ride. WOW! That's a long time. But I guess when you're 16 and with your friends it's not so bad. They took vans to Key West last night and are snorkeling this morning. Hope she remembers sunscreen.

The diet thing is not going so hot. Not that I've made much of an effort. I have cut WAY down on my snacking but have only lost 1.5 pounds in two weeks. I suppose for it to work I actually need to work at it. Why oh why can't there be an "easy" button for weight loss??

Til later!

The Weekend

2006-03-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

It's a gorgeous Saturday and I'm stuck at home. Yes, that's a bit of a whine you detect there. Jess is still sick...enough so that she doesn't want to ride. Yup, that much. So instead of getting some stuff done around the house this morning then spending the afternoon outside at the barn watching her ride, I'll be stuck home all day. Wahhh.

Jonathan just left to go fly. It's the perfect day for it and if Jess had been too sick to ride but not sick enough to go to her Dad's for the weekend, we probably would have gone down to Williamsburg for the day and walked around. But she needs to be home so he's going solo to Lancaster. Apparently they have a great pilot shop there and he can get some new charts. At least he's happy.

Meanwhile, I'm doing laundry and feeling sorry for myself. But I'll get over it. I think I'm going to plant some bulbs today. At least I'll be outside for a while. And maybe the mood will strike and I'll scrap some. Who can tell? We'll go out to dinner tonight then make sure Hannah is ready for her big trip tomorrow. Just another day in Mom paradise.

Wow....I'm really quite bitchy. Gonna have to snap out of it. Wish me luck!

Happy Friday!

2006-03-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

Another week just zipped by...did you blink? Around this house if you blink you miss it. We are busy, busy folks. Our days are full but it's all by choice. We lead full, happy lives.

So anyway. Today is an important day. Friday, March 10th, 2006. I've been looking forward to this day for at least a month. Today is the day that Rita's opens for the season. If there's ever a sign that spring is on it's way, that's it! So tonight, I'll be having a "meal replacement shake" for dinner. No, not Slim Fast. A Rita's Misto. Oh how I love my Rita's!

Jess is home sick. I was hoping her headache, sore throat, sniffles and coughs were allergy related (I know mine are kicking me in the butt) but she woke up this morning and was just plain SICK. She's got a Pony Club mounted meeting tomorrow...hope she can make it. The mounted meetings are the best. And tomorrow's theme is bareback gymnastics. FUN!

Hannah leaves for Florida on Sunday. She's about to jump out of her skin with excitement. I hope this trip turns out to be everything she's expecting. Sometimes when you build up to something like this it's easy to be disappointed. Somehow though, I don't think this will be one of those times. Her and couple friends are doing some shopping for the trip tonight. They are taking the train down and it's about a 24 hour journey so they want to be prepared with snacks and stuff. Good time ahead!

I changed my PEA title this morning. I have a goal (scrapping related) this year to earn a spot on a design team. I've only applied for 2 or 3 so I'm not surprised that I haven't gotten there yet. One of those was long ago too so I don't really count that effort. But I'm starting to REALLY want it. Bad. I recently didn't make one and I'm not surprised...the team they picked is FABULOUS. And luckily, I don't take these disappointments to heart. I've got thick skin and a realistic view of how it all works and where I am on the scrap food chain. But I changed my title as sort of a little prayer to the scrapping gods. It now reads: desperately seeking DESIGN TEAM work. Hope it works!

Speaking of scrapping, hoping to get some scrap time in this weekend. Seems like lately Monday and Tuesday are the only days I can seem to get anything done. Course, I had one of those wicked sinus headaches that turns into an "I can't function or speak coherently" headaches. Was a rough one too...I was pretty wrecked for a couple days. Not my favorite part of Springtime for sure.

Think we'll watch The Exorcism of Emily Rose tonight. Looks fabulous.

Have a super day!

Random Catchin Up Post

2006-03-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

Jess had a birthday. Turned 12. Had a super day with friends, movies, dinner, Cold Stone cake and presents.
Jess got rolled on by (luckily) a small pony during her Monday lesson. She was INCREDIBLY lucky. She stayed pretty much under the saddle which made a bit of a tunnel for her. Only one leg got the brunt of the horse's weight. She finished her lesson but had to skip the next day. She was a bit achey and tired. The more I think about this the more freaked out I get. Some really horrible things could have happened to her. I'm trying to put it behind me.
Hannah was in a Prom dress fashion show at the high school. Wowsers, she looked like Cinderella in some dresses and a movie star on Oscar night in others. Too bad for me that the photos are not so hot. I just don't have the lens for low light action shots. Not that she was dancing or running, but any movement at all and I get blur. I really need a new lens!
Hannah is leaving for Florida for a week on Sunday for the Chemistry trip. I don't think she could be any more excited. Key West, Miami, Orlando with all your best friends and NO parents. Heck, I almost wanna go!
Claire is Claire. Sweet and cute and stuck to me like glue. Though she is getting better. It's been almost a year since Hannah's Mom died and I think her little brain is starting to realize I'm not going anywhere. At least for a while.
I've been scrapping. And liking what I do (for the most part). I've actually submitted a few pages and am working on a couple design team application projects. I really do think I'd make a fantastic DT member. I hope to get to prove that to someone soon.
Trying to lose weight. Lots of it. It's been 8 days and I've only lost 1.5 pounds but honestly I'll take it. Seems like I've gained 10 pounds a year for the last three so any step in the right direction is a good one. Waiting for spring so I can get out and walk. The treadmill and I do NOT get along. Meantime I've cut out most of my snacking, I'm trying to drink lots more water and have reduced my portions. Slow and steady wins the race!

Hope all is well with anyone that happens by here. I don't post often enough for regular readers so if you've been here, please say HI!

Have a good one.

Ha, Ha, Ha

2006-02-18T13:04:00.000-05:00

I blog as well and as often as I exercise.

I really do have good intentions though. On both counts.

Life is busy but it's all good.

Until later....

Weekend Re-Cap

2006-01-29T19:42:00.000-05:00

Not a bad weekend. I've had better, I've certainly had worse.

Helping my grandparents went well. I don't think we got much done but they sure did. Note to self...do things NOW...you get tired quick at 80+ years old!

Jess had her semi-formal Friday night. She looked so pretty and grown up with her new dress and hair done. I didn't do such a great job with the photos but you should get the idea from this one.

She had a blast...danced the night away! These kinds of experiences are just one of the many reasons I switched her from private to public school this year. I'm so glad she's making the best of it.

Drove Jess up to Dover to spend the weekend with her Dad on Saturday. Claire and I hit Target. I've been holding out hope forever that they would start carrying Heidi Swapp products but still no luck. Claire got a super cute Hello Kitty outfit though. She wore it today and was just so hip.

Jonathan finally got home from Florida Saturday night. This trip seemed so long. We watched Wedding Crashers. Fun movie. I actually laughed out loud a couple times.

Today was grocery shopping and laundry then back to my grandfather's to help hang some pictures and such. Returned the tv we bought just two weeks ago to Best Buy. We sure do have electronic troubles around this house. What makes a tv die so quickly? Bad batch I suppose.

Gosh when you write it all out it looks pretty pathetic doesn't it?? I guess that's just real life up there. Maybe next year at this time I'll have an exciting "I'm off to CHA" post here instead! If you're going, have a blast for me too.

That's all for now.

Frantic Friday

2006-01-27T08:21:00.000-05:00

Busy day today!

My 85 year old grandfather (and his wife Gerry) moved this week and I'm going to go up to Middletown to help him unpack. I'm so happy they finally are getting this land sale figured out and got in this house in a retirement community. They do not need to be taking care of a big yard anymore. In this community, they're on their own but don't have to worry about maintenance. So Claire and I are trudging up the highway (an hour and a half) to see how helpful we can be. They've been in a few days already but I'm sure there's still lots to do. I'd be able to get more done if she were in school but of course they had a half day today and it's the one time Julie had plans this afternoon. Ah well, she can miss a half day of Kindergarten and I'm sure my grandparents would love to see her. I just hope I can keep her entertained there while I'm working. Going to load up on DVDs (and Jessica's portable player), work books and Sweet Streets.

Jessica's semi-formal/dressy/fancy (school can't seem to figure out what to call it) dance is tonight so we're racing home after to help her get ready and put her hair up. Oh and take pictures. LOTS of pictures. Gosh they grow up fast.

Finished and submitted my BH sketch yesterday. Then I saw on TwoPeas that some folks were getting confirmations from CK. This put me in a panic because of course I didn't get one. Not that I think I'm really going to get a call but I'd at least like to know they got it. I did some searching at Gmail and they try to resend for a WEEK and if it doesn't go through it bounces back to spam. So I resent through my cable's email. They either got it twice or not at all. Either way, I hope the calls go out soon so I can post the darn thing. My gallery is getting stale.

I've got a fabulous layout floating around in my head. Hope to have some time (and a great photo) to put it together tonight. Also really hoping it turns out as fab as I'm picturing it. Course, that's what I'm always hoping!

I'm off. Have a good one!

Ahhh Belinda!

2006-01-25T09:42:00.000-05:00

It's cleaning lady day. I just love these days. She comes every other Wednesday and it really does bring me much joy. I always leave (her preference) when she's here and when I walk in that door after she's gone I can feel my whole body relax. She shines the place up so much you can almost see the sparkles. Sometimes I think I should just have her come every week but then guilt takes over...I don't actually have a job after all...and I push that thought right out of my head. Besides, I think the magic would wear off a bit.

I'm going to take myself to the movies while she's here today. I've never done that. I usually run my errands and spend the rest of the time trying to figure out what to do until she's done. It's silly really. Driving around. Browsing in stores where I don't really want anything. Drinking too much coffee. So today I'm going to get my errands done and take myself out. Think I'll see Brokeback Mountain. Not sure though, have to check times.

The week is getting busy all of a sudden. Jess dances tonight, Claire has gymnastics tomorrow. Hannah will drop Jess off at the barn tomorrow then take herself to dance (thank goodness she can drive!). My grandfather moved yesterday and I'm going to drive up to Middletown on Friday while the kids are at school and help him unpack. Then I have to race back home to help Jess get ready for her semi-formal dance at school. She looks SO grown up in the dress we bought...I can't wait to see her when we get her hair done and she's ready to go. Sixth grade sure seems older now than when I was 11. Then it's up to Dover Saturday morning to take Jess to her Dad. I guess it's all the usual happenings but with Jonathan gone it just seems busier.

Well, I'm off. I've bored myself (much less my poor readers) and I've got cleaning to do before the cleaning lady arrives. That always makes Jonathan chuckle....but I've got to find the floor for her to be able to clean it, right!

Have a great day!

a Sketch, a Tag and other Stuff

2006-01-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't quite make it with the whole do something 7 times in a row thing but I'm certainly improving. My problem is that most days I just don't have anything all that interesting to talk about. I mean really, who wants to hear my daily to do list or never ending desire to be a person that actually exercises or schedule of kid's activities?

I've got a few hours today and I'm determined to make something of the June sketch. I've had the photos and some paper on my desk for days but nothing is coming to me. I'm just not feeling it. It's a shame too because I need to scrap these photos and they work perfectly for this sketch. I think I've just been scrapping 1-3 photos per page for so long I forgot how to do more...never mind an actual two page layout. So I'm going to look at my past CK issues to get a better feel for the kinds of things they publish and make some serious headway (if not finish) on this layout today.

I got tagged again! This time by http://revlie.blogspot.com . These tags sure can be fun. I didn't really get the first list of 5 names so I didn't do it. And I'm not tagging anyone else because I think I must be the last one to do this one, lol.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was seperated from my (first) husband and running a home day care. Jessica was almost 2.

2. What were you doing one year ago?

Typical stay at home Mom stuff. Driving kids to school and activites, cooking, cleaning and so on. Looking forward to Jonathan and I's upcoming weekend in NYC to see Wicked.

3. Five snacks you enjoy.

I enjoy all snacks. That's my problem. I racked my brain though and didn't come up with any favorites.

4. Five songs, to which you KNOW all the lyrics.

Having grown up with serious Dead Heads and having seen them in concert 32 times, I pretty much know all the words to ALL the Grateful Dead songs. I know a bunch of Little Feat songs by heart, quite a few Rolling Stones tunes and so on and so on. I'm a lyrics person. I know the words to hundreds of songs. At least.

(I've heard that people either hear the music or the words to a song. I definately fall into the words category.)

5. Five things you would do, if you were a millionaire.

Just one million? And is that after taxes?

We're in pretty good financial shape these days so I'd probably spend most of it. Here's my list:

a. pay off credit cards, cars & plane
b. book a HUGE house somewhere tropical for a month (maybe two) and buy plane tickets for all my family
c. buy a house at the lake
d. visit my brother in Indonesia
e. put the rest in the kids' college funds

6. Five bad habits.

a. I don't take care of my own health (overweight, don't exercise, forget cholestorol medicine....)
b. I spend too much time on the computer.
c. I'm a BIG procrastinator.
d.
e.

(isn't that enough?)

7. Five things you like doing

a. taking pictures & scrapbooking
b. reading
c. watching my kids do their thing (ride horses, dance, play....)
d. traveling
e. watching reality tv

8. Five things you would never wear, buy, or get new again.

I don't know about this one....NEVER say NEVER. I can't really think of anything I might never do/wear/buy/get again.

9. Five favorite toys.

a. Digital Rebel XT
b. computer
c. cell phone
d. our camper
e. our plane
f. my scrap stuff

I know that was 6!

Now on to the other stuff!

Jonathan left today for the annual manager's meeting in sunny Florida. He'll be back Saturday night so until then it's just me and the girls. I always know I'm going to miss him but until he actually leaves I don't realize how lonely I'm going to feel.

Belinda comes tomorrow so I have to get the house organized. It's not too bad; I'm getting better about keeping it together on her off weeks.

Whew, this was long. If you're still here hat's off to you! Have a great one!

Tag....You're It!

2006-01-21T19:36:00.000-05:00

I feel famous....someone (http://mamabrain.blogspot.com/) tagged me. Never been tagged before (course I'm new at this blog stuff) so I thought I'd get right on it!

Four jobs you've had in your life:

1. Information operator in Washington D.C. (you know, "411")
2. Government contract biller for an environmental company
3. ER Registration
4. Stay at home Mom (my favorite so far)

Four movies you would watch over and over again:

1. The Big Chill (classic!)
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
3. Steel Magnolias
4. Mary Poppins

Four places you have lived:

1. Newark, Delaware
2. all over Southwest Virginia
3. Alexandria, Virginia
4. Lewes, Delaware

Four tv shows you love to watch:

1. Survivor
2. The Amazing Race
3. The Bachelor
4. pretty much anything MTV (I know, I'm regressing)

Four places I've been to on vacation:

1. St. John, USVI
2. Outer Banks (Avon), North Carolina
3. Greece (Olympics)
4. Cozumel, Mexico

Four websites you visit daily:

1. TwoPeas (my second home)
2. A Million Little Things (just to see what's new)
3. various blogs
4. (nothing else EVERY day)

Four of my favorite foods:

1. Breakfast
2. Lunch
3. Dinner
4. Dessert

(hmmm...wonder if this is why I have weight issues)

OK, seriously....

1. anything Mexican
2. crabs
3. my chili
4. fried squash

Four places I'd rather be right now:

1. at the Post Office shipping off a layout or two for publication
2. St. John
3. Mexico
4. Indonesia visiting my brother!

I'm not tagging anyone...too new to the blog game to start making enemies! ;D

That was fun...thanks for the tag!

Weekend Plans

2006-01-21T08:07:00.000-05:00

Not too much on our plates this weekend. At least, it doesn't seem that way.

Hannah is in New Jersey at The Pulse dance convention. She'll be home late tonight.

Jess is at her Dad's but coming home early tomorrow for a Pony Club mounted meeting and study session. After riding that wild pony Taffy on Thursday, I'm hoping she's back on Penny and has a smooth lesson.

Dad and Claire and I are just going to do our thing otherwise. I'm hoping to scrap today. I've got my photos all ready for the June BH sketch. Claire is in a scrap mood herself as I bought her one of those kits with the album, paper, stickers and such from Michael's. Hopefully, I can get her started and we can work at the same time. Dinner will be out tonight. At least, that's MY plan. Throw in some grocery shopping, laundry and a bunch of football tomorrow and you've got one well rounded, low-key weekend.

(Check it out....two posts in row for me...I'm on a roll. And I promise, once I get the regular posting thing down, I'll work on making it interesting!)

Catching Up

2006-01-20T09:43:00.000-05:00

I had a feeling I wasn't going to be very good and keeping this thing up to date. They say if you do something 7 times in a row it becomes habit. I'm going to test that theory starting NOW!

Life is busy. I don't know how some people do all the things they do. I think they must just not sleep very much. Or maybe they just go full steam all day long until they collapse into bed at night. Neither of those options appeal to me though so I'm just going to keep trucking along the best I can. But I am going to try to limit spending time on things that aren't on the top of my list of priorities to make more time for the things that are. It's tough sometimes; the not so important things are usually easier to do (like PEAing) than oh say....exercising.

I've been scrapping more lately. And I'm happier with the results. I'm not sure if I'm getting better at it, getting more comfortable with my style or some combination of the two but it's working for me. I'm enjoying it. And I've started submitting again. I'd love to have a page or two (or twelve) published this year. I've got my fingers crossed.

I could go on (and on) about the kids and how I'm loving my new camera and figuring out the whole digital process and about a million other things but laundry calls (Hannah FINALLY threw ALL her dirty clothes down the chute last night...why is that so tough) and I must get on with my day.

Happy Friday!

Photo of the Day 1.4

2006-01-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

(Had my first experience with losing an ENTIRE post just before publishing this morning. Isn't that loads of fun.)

Today's picture is of my daughter Hannah. Well, she's really my step-daughter but that's not such a fun term and a daughter is a daughter no matter how you got them so I just skip the step.

Anyway...

Today's photo is significant as it's the first taken with her new nose ring. That's right, yesterday we traipsed off to a place called Mystic Realm and got her nose pierced.

Honestly, I didn't think it was such a good idea when several months ago she asked if she could get it done. I was thinking....when she's tired of it in 5 or 10 years she's going to have this big HOLE in her nose. But she wore me down (it wasn't hard really) so we agreed and gave it to her as a Christmas present.

I wont go into the gory details, but it was a super simple procedure and hurt only enough to make her eyes water a bit. She's had her belly button pierced too and said that was much worse.

And in the end, it looks pretty cute on her!

In other news....

Today I'm going to start exercising again. Not only do I need to lose some weight...well, let me be honest...a bunch of weight, but I'm in horrible shape. It's been so long since I've worked out and I'm starting to notice it. We have a treadmill but walking on it bores me to tears so I dug out my old Tae Bo tapes and I'm going to give it a whirl. If nothing else, I'm sure it will entertain the dogs.

Photo of the Day 1.3

2006-01-03T20:05:00.000-05:00

Today's photo is of the barn Claire got for Christmas from my Dad. He made it. A few years ago he made one for Jessica as a surprise for Christmas. A month or so before Christmas this year Claire told me she wanted Granddad to make her a barn for Christmas like Jessi's. We called and Claire asked him herself. It was so sweet. How could he refuse? He even matched the paint color to her dollhouse.

So today I chose to take a good picture of the barn. The only others I have are from Christmas morning and we all know how good those pictures usually are. This barn makes me proud. Proud of my Dad who can do anything, including designing and building a barn for my daughter and making her Christmas wish come true.

Jumping on the Blogwagon

2006-01-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

Everyone else does it right? So why not!

Actually, I mostly want a place to post my photos of the day from the TwoPeas pub challenge without clogging up my gallery with non-layout items but I hope that this turns into more. A place to share photos with family, a jumping point for layout journaling, a way to solidify my personal goals and desires and remind me to work towards them. You get the picture. We'll see how it goes.

Right now I just need to figure out how the heck this thing works. Wish me luck!