Lain's 30 minute challenge

I made this layout for Lain's 30 minute challenge . The challenge was the following:


Now, for next week, create a layout in 30 minutes or less using:
-Something that's been in your stash for a L-O-N-G time (special award to the oldest stash item used on a layout)
-A wallet-sized photo (you can use more, but at least one photo of this size)
-Your happy color!

I wrote the journaling on the back. These two girls were two of my first Head Start kids. I worked for the Head Start in my county from 1994 to 2000. The first center I was the director was only one room in an elementary school in a rural area. I was the director/teacher. These two girls were two of my favorites. I had them in my center for two years then got to watch them grow up as they entered the elementary school. Then I was moved to a different location. They use to make them laugh when they would call me their "white momma."

I found this picture in a picture frame while I was working in the basement Monday. It brought back some great memories.

For the challenge:

1. The ribbon I have had since 2002. Everything else has been purchased since then.

2. It is a wallet sized photo. I have decided to make a couple of 6x6 albums that I have using wallet sized photos. I have a bunch of those around here. And I would like to display them in a better way.

3. Happy Color--while yellow is not normally one of my happy colors..it was a beautiful sunny day and the yellow in the paper seemed to highlight the day!!!!!!! So, it was my happy color for the day on Monday.

busy weekend

It has been a busy weekend.

Friday I started to take pictures for a project I saw on http://www.shimelle.com/ website. It is to document a year in your life on the 25th day of the month. But I didn't get all the pictures I wanted and decided to start it next month to document my 38th year of my life since my birthday is May 25th. I am still doing the 12 pictures on the 12th of the month. But I think I want to make the 25th more about me and the 12 on 12th about family and friends.

Saturday was the Leisure Arts (http://www.leisurearts.com/) warehouse semi annual sale. I didn't make it this year because after going through my scrapbooking stash on Thursday, I knew I didn't need a thing. It would be all wants...and I have to limit my spending since I am unemployed. But I did meet my friends that went to the sale for lunch at Olive Garden.

Saturday afternoon, my neighbor, Kami, and I spent a couple of hours cutting up the limbs and making piles to move to her backyard for her to use to burn out a stump that she is trying to get rid of.




Last night we went to my sister's house for a fish fry. Unfortunately, Bill had to work so he wasn't able to go. Addie had fun playing with her cousin and another little boy. We stayed until after 10:00. Addie didn't have a nap so she was very tired. She slept until almost 10:00 today.

We went to Church for an Awana program. The children recited their club mottos and sang songs. I only got one picture and it isn't for very good. Addie is the one looking away. Sarabeth, my niece is the blond on the end.


This evening Kami and I hauled the limbs to her backyard. Wow, I have lots more space in the backyard with the limb piles gone. We still some more to haul but it got dark.

Here is a silly picture of Winston: It is bunny-dog!!!!

Lil Helper

Addie loves helping with the dishes. Mostly she loves to play in the water. She likes to use the sprayer but she isn't big enough to reach it from her stool. Soooooooooo


Addie has to jump up and balance herself on her tummy. And she will stay up there to play, I mean wash the dishes.

But it is funny watching her feet dangle.

Winston is checking out what is going on.

"I do my letters"

Addie loves to play on the computer. She loves to do her letters. I pull up a word document and she pounds away at the keys. She recognizes most of her letters. I will call out a letter and she will find it then key it multiple times. If I am on the computer, I will hear "Momma, I wanna do my letters or I do my letters."

Look what I got in the mail

I received this beautiful hand made card from my Mom today. I am so glad my mom and I are close and we share a wonderful hobby together. My mom is a talented and creative lady. I love her so much. Thanks for the card, Momma!!!



Thank you for all your votes on the Kroger's design a bag. I do so appreciate it!

biker girl

Watch out Kylie..there's a new girl on a motorcycle.

contest

Shameless plug: I designed a recycle bag on Kroger's website and asking for votes for my design. Please go here to vote for my design..all votes are appreciated or vote for your favorite.
http://www.designagreenbag.com/vote-for-designs/bag.aspx?BagId=6672

thanks!!!

Triple the Sketch -sketch 2 layout

I did this layout based on sketch 2 from Triple the Sketch.

30 Minute challenge

This is for Lain's 30 minute challenge for last Thursday.
We had to do the following:
-a size you don't usually scrap in (if you do 12x12, try 8.5x11 or 6x12, my new fun favorite!)
-a journaling block of some sort
-your own handwriting!

I tried doing a 6 x 12 layout.

The journaling reads: Daughters may outgrow your lap but they will never outgrow your hearts.

Places to check out!!!

Lesli and Chris have created a website called Page Plans. There are wonderful sketches. Please check it out.

Here are a couple of other awesome sites to visit for RAK, blog candy, and blog booty:

Michelle -- Michelle has some great ATCs on her blog you need to check out.

Misty -- Misty has some pretty cards and great layouts on her blog.

Deborah -- Deborah has adorable cards on her blog.

Wendy -- Wendy has too cute cards on her blog.

Lim -- Lim has great cards on her blog.

Please mention that I sent you too!!!

Happy Anniversary to me!!!

Today is Bill and mine's 8th anniversary! It is hard to believe we have been married that long but then again it seems like it has been forever. We are suppose to go out to eat tonight.

I have been deep cleaning/decluttering the dining room today. It was on my list to do yesterday but I went to the doctor with Mom. She had a couple of dizzy spells over the weekend. The doctor said she has vertigo. She got a steriod shot and a prescription to take. I tried to take a picture of her at the dr's office but she wouldn't let me. I also tried to get a picture of her getting a shot..but again it was a no go. The nurse said the next picture would have been of me getting knocked out by Mom. I am glad she is okay.

Here are a couple of layouts I did at the crop on Saturday night. They are based on the designs from Lesli and Chris at Lesli's blog: http://dragonflytime.typepad.com/dragonfly_time/2008/04/clarification.html

A little late, but here are my 12 on 12 photos for April

The day started off painting toenails. I painted Addie's toenails then she wanted to paint mine. But she also painted my toes too!!!



We were using the nail polish from this little make up kit I bought her.



We had to put on lip gloss and eye shadow too. Here she is about to put lip gloss on my lips.


Addie took this picture of Bill and me. She is getting better at her picture taking skills!



I told Bill I would cut his hair. He got the clippers out. Addie needed something so I left the room. He made a comment that he would try to cut his hair himself. This is how he looked when I returned a few minutes later. I did finish the job.

I had Addie try on bathing suits because she was going swimming later. But she had no idea about the swimming because I knew she would bug us about it. I just told her I needed to see what bathing suit fit her. She was calling them "baby suits." I had a couple on her dresser that I pulled out. She kept saying there is my "baby suit" and I teased her that I didn't see any baby clothes on the dresser!

Here is Addie trying to play keep away from the camera. But I got her!

Addie ready to go with her cousins, Gram and Pop to go swimming at Pop's fitness club. There is an indoor pool and on the weekends kids are allowed to come swimming at certain times. I heard she was the center of attention at the pool. She had a blast. She swam and jumped all over the pool. Addie spent the night with Gram and Pop too! Gram said she left Addie watching tv in the living room when she went to take her shower before bed. When she was done and went to check on Addie, she found all the lights and tv off. Addie was fast asleep in the bed with Pop. Poor lil one was tired. She had a big day and no nap!!!

My friend, Joy, hosted a scrapbooking crop at her house. Mom was suppose to go but she wasn't feeling well. I drove over to Tina's house and rode to Joy's with her. We got there about 4 oclock and didn't leave until shortly before midnight. I completed 4 pages that I will share later with you and started working on my ATC's for Amy swap.

Joy, Jean and Vicki at the scrapping tables.

Joy searching through her chipboard.

Tina working on her layout!

My scrapping junk all packed and ready to go home......I was tired but had tons of fun.

Busy Friday!

Thank goodness the storms were not bad yesterday. The tornado sirens did go off a couple of times yesterday but it was to the south of us. And the tornado did not touch down.

I took this picture of my poor beaten tulip in my yard. A few years ago I planted a bunch of bulbs and only two of the tulips return each year.

Yesterday, I made my list of things to do and crossed off each item that I completed. Also I am using a timer to keep me focused at the task at hand.

Today was a busy day. I had my first every mamagram or as my friend, Christie, says "my boobs smashed." My doctor suggested that I get my baseline mamagram at my last annual visit. I was very nervous because of all the horror stories I have heard from others. But it wasn't that bad. I took this picture in the changing room as a reminder.

I visited the LSS stores. One of the LSS will honor Michael and Hobby Lobby's coupons. So, I used it to buy Bazzill In Stitch'z edgy border templates at 40% off. I didn't get anything at the other LSS. I bought my momma a couple of $1.00 stamp sets at Michaels and got me a couple of them too. Momma and I are going to a crop tomorrow night at Joy's house.

Just wait you are going to be jealous what I got today........................I went by Momma's house to drop of some clothes for her to price for a carport sale and some scrapbook goodies and in return I got this...Here is Addie modeling my new purse........

Then Addie took this picture of me with my new purse..check out Momma's blog for the other purses she made. http://designsbynanny.blogspot.com/

OHHHHH Mom, Addie is trying to take my purse. She said she wanted you to make her one too.

After I left my parent's house, I went to my Gramma's. She was having a good day. We talked for about an hour and had a great visit.

Addie and I went to McDonald's for dinner tonight. She played in the play area for over 30 minutes then she told me she ready to go home.

One last picture of Addie and me. She loves us taking pictures like this. I think I may make a book of our pictures like this. LOL Have a wonderful weekend!!!!

My shadow and me...and dentist visit

Since I have been home I have had a constant companion. Winston follows me where ever I go. I think he is confused now since I have been home so much. He gets a little ticked off at me because I move around so much throughout the home..but he is much happier that he doesn't have to spend all that time in his kennel when we both away at work. He is my cutie. He is behind now on the recliner snoring away. I think he may sleep apnea..do they make little c-pap machine for doggies???


Addie had a dentist appt to have her teeth checked and cleaned today. This was second dentist appt. She did AWESOME! She let the dentist check all her teeth, got them clean and flossed. She cracked me up when the dentist's assistant was rinsing out her mouth with the water pick and the suction device. She would close her mouth quickly and almost got water up her nose.



After we got home for the dentist, Addie was coloring with a dry-erase marker in one of her wipe away books. She decided to color her face. I got onto her about it..she hadn't had a nap at preschool. She curled up in the recliner and feel asleep.




Her little nap didn't last long. I asked Winston if he needed to go outside. As we walking to the back door she immediately followed and played for a bit.

Addie is also my little helper. She likes to rinse the dishes off with the water. I know it is mostly because she can play in the water that she does this. But I still encouraged her to help.

We were at a stop light when I looked over and saw these pretty tulips. I had to snap a picture.

The forecast for Thursday is more rain. It rained here all last night. The basement has water in it again. I tried to suck some of the water out earlier but it was a hopeless case. We are going to have to wait until the rain is gone. Luckily it didn't rain all day. But there is a high chance of severe weather today with possible tornadoes. Hopefully it won't be so bad. The threat for severe weather covers from Houston TX to Chicago IL. When I was poking around weather.com earlier, they said this is a day to make sure you watch and know what the weather is doing. Hope everyone in these areas stay safe!!!

Anybody got plans on how to build an ark?

Yes, I am still alive. I don't know why I haven't posted in a week. Shame on me!

It has been an interesting week. First, I have to say where does all the time go? I thought there would be plenty of time to do all the things on my list but the days just fly by. Okay, last week I was a little lazy. I will admit it.

Recapping the highlights:
Wednesday 4/2--Went to the unemployment office and got signed up. My body was sore from doing the housework the day before. I didn't get much accomplished the rest of the day. Rained throughout the day.

Thursday 4/3--I went grocery shopping. I went through all my coupons. I spent way too much time at the grocery store. I came home and had to put up the massive amounts of groceries. On a plus note, I did save over a $100.00 between coupons and store savings. I started watching American Gangster. Then I went to the library and browsed around before picking up Addie. Bill worked from home that day..so I wasn't very motivated.

Thursday night--Severe weather in the state. We made two trips to the basement because tornado sirens were going off. We were spared. Parts of the county I live in were not so lucky. The tornado barely missed my in laws house. One of the girls I worked with lived in a trailer park that was hit bad. It looks like a war zone! The poor trees were uprooted. And it rained and rained and rained. I think we got about 5 inches of rain.

Friday --Bill was off work. I admit I was just lazy. It was a light night due to all the storms and trying to make sure everyone was okay. I watched some more coverage of the storms. They had to close part of the interstate down for flooding. Mom said it took my sister over 2hours to get to work. Then I finished watching American Gangster. It was a very good movie. I also watched Gone Baby Gone. It was okay. It is not a movie I would watch again.

Saturday -- Bill worked on getting water out of the basement and we went through some stuff that was wet and needed to be pitched. Addie and I went to Home Depot to get some soil and some flowers. (still need to pot the flowers.) Saturday night we went to Bill's parents for dinner for my FIL's birthday.

Sunday --- We worked outside in the yard. Bill cut the grass in the front yard. Then we have decided to disassembled the overgrown weed/flower bed in front since we don't give it the attention it needs. I would much rather put my flowers in pots every year. Less work. I don't have much of a green thumb and neither does Bill. So we started moving rocks. We still have lots more rocks to move. I saw a #2%$ snake. It is a garden snake but still a snake. He slithered back down in the weeds. I did not point it out to Addie because she would have tried to play with it.

Monday--A beautiful day. I worked on laundry most of the day. I picked up the house and swept all the floors. I changed the sheets on Addie's bed. I picked up trash along the fence line. We live on a corner lot. A pretty busy corner lot so we get people's litter. I swept the rest of the grass off the driveway. I watched a movie that afternoon. It was called We Own the Night. It was pretty good. I tried a new recipe that I found in the coupons. It was pretty good. It was called simply Salsa Chicken and rice.
http://www.successrice.com/en-us/recipes/145/SimplySalsaChickenandRice.aspx

Tuesday--Forecast: Rain. It started off as a pretty day but the forecast for the next couple of days was rain, rain and more rain. I decided it was time to haul some crap to the dump. I called my father in law to see if I could borrow a truck. He said I could. So I gathered up all the trash to get it ready to haul. Then I had to go get the truck. It has been 3 years since I have driven a standard. And this was my old truck that we sold to my father in law. But it is like riding a bike..you don't forget. Bill asked me if I knew how to get to the dump. I had to ask him if they moved it recently. Of course I know where the dump is. It has been awhile since I have been there but I have been several times. It is always an experience going to the dump..excuse me, the land fill. I loaded up that little truck and even had to put a box in the front seat with me to get it to all of it fit. It started raining a little after I left the dump. I ended up talking to my father in law for about an hour after I returned the truck. This afternoon I finally started tackling my paper piles. I needed to gather up all the paperwork to do our taxes. Nothing like waiting to the last minute to file taxes. I have my paperwork sorted by types and need to go through it more and get it either filed or shredded. Although I did my fair share of shredding today. I know I keep more papers than I need to but I need to go through my files and pull out the old stuff and shred. It has rained off and on all day. This evening it stormed.

The weather forecast predicts storms and severe weather over the next two days. It is raining right now. I am sick of rain. Friday it is suppose to clear off and be pretty for the next 4 days. Hopefully we will be able to dry out some more.

I need to get ready for a crop I am going to on Saturday. I plan to work on the ATC's for Amy swap so I can get those mailed out next week.

Sorry for the long post and I promise not to go a week without posting again.

1st day at my new career

Monday was the last day of my employment. It was a bittersweet day. We were told in Jan 2007 that we would be laid off due to the parent company wanted to consodilate all of the subsidiaries servicing areas into one. We were told the projected date for this to take place was end of 3rd quarter 2007 (sept). By end of July we were told it would be 12/31/07. In November I was giving an end date of 1/31/08. I was one of 5 in my department that would stay beyond 12/31/07. Lucky me!!! Then mid-Jan I was asked to stay until 2/29/08. And once again, on 1/31/08 I was asked to stay until 3/31/08. Since I knew the job market is not great I stayed.

On Monday I was just wanted to day to be over with. Luckily we got to leave at 2:00. It was very hard to say goodbye to my dear friend, Christie. She hasn't been giving her end date yet. She has been with the company for 16-17 years. We said our goodbyes then I shouldn't have looked back because I saw her teary-eyed. I held my tears in and said my goodbyes. Then my friend, Joy and another co-worker walked out of the department. As soon as the door shut and we were waiting for the evelator..we all three burst into tears at the same time. It was comical. We started laughing in the evelator on are final ride to the 1st floor to turn in our badges, parking passes and our time for that day. Then that was it...well, the 3 of us meet up for a drink right afterwards. LOL

Tuesday--the 1st day at my new career..full time CEO of my household. OMG..it is a physical job too! Okay, so I have neglected the house the last month and I have some major declutter and deep cleaning ahead of me. I spent a good portion of the day picking up, straightening and cleaning. I wanted to get things a little bit in order before I pick a room for the day to concentrate on the deep cleaning and decluttering. I made Addie put her toys up that I collected throughout the house before she could play with her cousin, SB, after I picked her up from school. It was unreal all the toys over the house. I was ready to go to bed at 8:45.

I need to go to the unemployment office and get signed up. I should have done it on Tuesday but it just makes it all final. But I plan to do that after I drop Addie at preschool. Hopefully I can start back scrapbooking some this week too.