we will remember

Image is from Jamie at scooter love
who has a very moving story of Columbine high school Shooting

My story is one of remembering the day as well. Since you already may remember S and I got married 3 days ago - 7 years ago. Well we were on our way home that day from Lake Tahoe where we had spent an idealic 3 honeymoon days. Playing in the spring sunshine and enjoying life.

When we left NV it was still early in the A.M. and we arrived at DIA about 11:30 in the morning, when we de-planed there were crowds of people millng around every T.V. set in the lounge and waiting areas... we went to get on a tram ( underground - rail ) and people were just wispering, so we asked a guy who got on with us, what had happened- he didn't know all the details, but he thought a jefferson county school was shut down and all others were on lock down? that was very exciting news for us, all our kids are in jeffco schools. Then someone else piped up that there was a shooting, but no one had many details. So we got our bags and went to the car, then listened to the news stations all the way to our home. All the kids were still in schools, and none of mine were directly impacted. But it was such a tragedy. I worked with ladies who had children in the school, everywhere the impact was felt. So when we celebrate every year, we also say remebrances for those who died and were impacted by this event.

Thanks for the reminder and lovely photo Jamie- We Are Columbine-

post 351

March 28th 2005 was my first blog post, I have officially bloged for over a year now. and nearly one post for everyday. I am impressed with my own statistics. :)

borrowed list from another blog

Cake image from our reception!
Das Meyer Bakery

1. My roommate once: Lost her bra at a frat party

2. Never in my life: will I be filthy rich unless I win the lottery

3. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me smile: is probably J.

4. High School was: a long time ago, and I struggle to remember what it was like for the boys’ sake.

5. When I'm nervous: I get an upset tummy

6. The last time I cried: Monday morning- from Ss. Lovely card

7. If I were to get married right now my bridesmaids/groomsmen would be: old!

9. My hair: is more salt than pepper

10. When I was 5: I loved my little red headed neighbor boy named Andy

11. Last Christmas: we had a great time even though Santa is now a nicety

12. When I turn my head left, I see: my shelves with lots of scrapbook books and magazines and albums, I love it.

13. I should be: better to my parents

14. When I look down I see: my new shirt I bought over the weekend.

15. The craziest recent event was: S running out of gas in his car on 88^th and Lamar- and my neighbor giving us his 5 gallon gas can to go save him.

16. If I were a character on Friends I'd be: Rachel

17. By this time next year: I hope I have all my ducks in a row and the bathroom is finished??

18. Current Relationship Status: Married to my guy S.

19. I had a hard time understanding: The terrorist acts

20. One time at a family gathering: we played Boole all summer at a country castle ( like bottche ball)

21. You know I "like" you if: I send you cards or mail

22. If I won an award, the first person(people) I'd thank is/are: My loving Hubby and my family

23. Take my advice: wait to get married until later in life and experience a few lovers before making a permanent commitment

24. My ideal breakfast is: eggs Benedict

25. If you visit a place I grew up: you would see what a different world it was, culture and language – many things.

26. Where do you plan to visit anytime soon: I would like to go to San Diego to visit with my aunty

27. If you spend the night at my house: you might have to put up with the pull out bed from the couch, 2 kitties and lots of kids.

28. I'd stop my wedding if: there was a death in the family

29. The world could do without: Bigots ( we watched Crash last night interesting film)

30. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than date: Kevin Federline

31. Most recent thing you've bought yourself: A new dress for Easter and a new t-shirt

32. Most recent thing someone else bought for you: S bought me flowers not long ago

33. My favorite blonde is: my blond nose girl ( an inside joke about Hh)

34. My favorite brunette is: me J

36. The last time I was drunk was: Don’t even know when maybe a labor day picnic last year.

37. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds are: pigs

38. I shouldn't have been: so hasty to leave home and get married the first time.

39. Once, at a bar: I danced the two step and was very underage, drank wild turkey and was very underage.

40. Last night I: watched Crash with S and Hh.

41. There's this girl I know who: Really is fun and knows how to have a good time. She likes lots of the same things I do too.

42: I don't know: Jack ( ha ha ) though I know two Jacquelines

43. A better name for me would be: Queue_t my love thought that one up and I love it.

44. If I ever go back to school I'll: study to become a PA or work in an emergency room.

45. How many days until my birthday?: I don’t know just yet, I just had it not long ago.

What a Day - 7 years ago today

S and I got married in the Church we still attend! we had friends and family and fun. Today we toped it off in year number 7- we went to Central city and gambled a bit, we didn't really win anything big, but we had a lovley time being together and doing fun stuff, we ate a wonderful lunch- supper and now are back at home for the duration of the evening.

yesterday the alter guild gave me the flower arangement with calla lillies and star mums all in white with babies breath, stunning and smelling good - I am enjoying them too.

The kids are fending for themselves this evening and S and I are catching up on Z's missed from and extra long weekend. all in all outstanding few days. I even got all the taxes done and mailed off the forms this morning. a little back from state and fed, but not too much. I feel all right today- have been pretty stressed, this time of year it is typical for me.

the one thing that has gotten me down is a little cold thing- allergies taht all of us are suffering. the willows and the trees in general are in full blown bloom. So coming down from altitude today my ears won't pop back open cause all my tubes are cloged, I am suffering but it makes me feel sluggish.

Dinner number two all done

Happy Easter

Last years eggs photo

Ham, semi-boneless??? pottatoes and cheese au-gratin , green bean casserole. and a blue berry pie that I forgot is in the oven! we will have it later any way.

Church done, Ron gone and tomorrow S and I are playing hookey from work and kids to have a day for us.

Dinner number one done

Well the salmon was delish... and everyone except for Dn loved it, but he really has shown a prefference for no fish in the last couple of years, he was pretty nice about it continuing to tell me through dinner Tam-mom this is delishious LOL but not eatting a bite of the fish. I am not sure if it is a textural thing for him - with autistic children that can be a big issue.

Well everyone else loved it! and I made a new pottato - homestyle in a cast iron skillet and I made lovely asperagas steamed with a great hollendaise sauce. for desret later we had cookies.

then we all went downstairs and weatched a movie " just friends" very funny and D and girlfriend were lovey dovey all over the couch. all was well and everyone had a nice time, we got to know girlfriend a bit better, that was the goal anyway.

This morning quiche in the oven and off and running on the Tax return...... yeah, maybe a trip to the mall for much needed new pair of sneakers, because I have waled 45 miles in the last 4 weeks, yeah. pat me on the back.

WHAT?!?!

Bunny Pop

It takes a whole lot more than three licks to get to your center. You cheeky bunny!

What Easter Candy Are You?

Family Dinners

link to article in full

ecerpt "

The Value of Family Dining
Yet for those who decide to make a shared repast a priority, family dinners can provide a valuable time for teaching. They can give everyone a chance to unwind, relax and talk together.

Think back to what you remember as a child if you ever ate dinners together as a family. I remember letting our dog eat the food I didn't like under the table. Kevin Mikkelson remembers, "I learned to eat fast so I could get seconds first!"

We seem to remember events or things we did, but forget the greater picture of what really occurred at the dinner table. When we ate together, our parents taught us many things. We learned to eat with utensils and with proper manners. We learned about nurturing, giving and receiving – to accept the food that was earned, prepared and brought to the table; to share that food and to share the work of preparation and cleaning up.

The family Dinner- D has his girl friend over for Dinner tonight. Interestingly they don't talk about her likes and dislikes around food? Why because I don't knkow what they talk about at all when they are on the phone for an hour and all giggly but don't really have any meaningful conversations.

So we will have salmon for dinner tonight. I bought so rasta rub a few weeks ago at whole foods market -

this stuff is so spicy but soo good. and I will grill the samon with it! serve some pasta and a vegie and some thing for desert - My father in law will arrive from topeka today too, and spend a few days with us so that makes me happy too.

we really try to have many family dinners, it is more that we do than we don't and it is a great place to get to know each other and be happy together, find out what is happening in everyones life and catch up.

We will have another Family Dinner on Easter Sunday as well with a ham and pottaos and a salad. Blue berry pie for desert. A great weekend to have a great time together and then, S and I have monday off together to celebrate or 7th Wedding anniversary - we are planning on doing something fun don't know what just yet.....

stay tuned for more

found this by way of gizmodo

very cool idea, a poloroid instant album

gizmodo says "We hate how expensive Polaroid film is but we're suckers for their look and feel. If we ever get hitched we might just splurge out on Adesso Album's Polaroid Guest Book Kit: $139.95 for a fabric-covered book that holds 30 photos in archival paper and still closes flat, a Polaroid ONE 600 Ultra Camera and two packs of Polaroid 600 film (40 exposures). Additional albums are $59.95 each or you can get custom leather-bound ones starting from $350, depending on how many pages you want in them."

I love poloroids

I need to be here :)

You Belong in Paris

You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris. You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.

What European City Do You Belong In?

I am

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

this was from Cathy's blog

top 5 must have's tagged from Amber

Top 5 must-haves (ever changing of course)

in my fridge
1. eggs
2. Veggies
3. Chai tea ( oregon ) brand
4. Unsweetened Ice Tea
5. cheese

in my closet
1. shoes
2. coats
3. p.j.s
4. a spot just for my stuff
5. hats

in my purse
1. wallet
2. Gum
3. Pens
4. cell phone
5. Check book

in my car
1. My music on CD's
2. Books on tape - CD's
3. a few dollars cash
4. Gum
5. something to read while waiting ( SCRAP MAGS)

on my TiVo (assuming we had TiVo which we don't, but I can dream!)
1. the saprano's
2. big love
3. all my children
4. Trading spaces
5. Design on a dime

A- is for Autism-Ali and kAtie, April is autism awareness month!

A post I made at katie the scrapbook lady tonight in her comments-

Thank you Katie

I too have a wonderful step son who has autism, he is a joy in my life and I have learned a tremendous amount about him and myself over the years, he is now 14 but I have known him for nearly 10 yrs now!

I read and gleen from your blogs and writings. I look for things here everyday to help me explain to others sometimes why my lovely boy will not respond to them directly, why his eyes don't make the regular contact they expect from a boy " his age"; I love your articles and have found tremendous comfort in your words.

Tomorrow I will be again called upon to help another child, who has come into my life and those of my Children as well, who has autism as well, he is different than our son, but he needs his "village " he is in our boy scout troop. He is a sweet boy with a great smile and funny, silly laugh. He will be transitioning to high school - Two of my boys go to the same school- .His mother has setup a future planning meeting. She has invited me, my sons- both experienced with her son and our son, and autism, to participate with school educators, her family and friends of her son, we all hope to help him get the most in his future! a very exciting time for us all.

So again thank you Katie, you have given me words and concepts and understanding to help this boy and his family. As well as helped me communicate about my step son and his uniqueness.



the journaling on this little lay out says " When Someone has Autism, he can not understand what people say or do , so sometimes he acts deaf. many things are confusing to him. Autism is not like a cold you can't catch it from someone else.

little life

Life is fortified by many Friendships. To love, and be loved, is the greatest happiness of existance. --Sydney Smith

I went my local Archiver's store
on Saturday night and cropped, haven' t been in the mood to do creative things lately and some times dragging myself out to get out of my box is good. So I made a little album with all the 12 day of christmas gifts my wonderful friendly neighbors gave to me... and then I gave them the album, after I went to Kinko's and color copied it. I will post it here in the next few days I hope.

so I finished a little 8 X8 album 12 pages !! yippie. now to finish my tax return and then maybe I will be in the mood again to get on with my creative outlet.

I am reading a book called "Moving On" by Sarah Ban Breathnach
I read simple abundance almost 10 years ago now- it helped me to move on from a job I didn't like, it gave me the blessings to be able to stay home with my daughter for almost two years. This book is about finding your home of belonging- a great concept that I feel the need to embace wholey! I want to love my home more, once a friend told me your house dosn't say anything about you at all- when I lived with my ex- an interesting comentary on where I didn't exist in his space.

I have started a new gratitude journal, this will be number 4 - a great way to say blessings everyday for all I have, not-- the have nots.

list a-z about me

A - Accent: total western- with a hint of french?
B - Breakfast: love it, anykind of breakfast food is good.
C - Chore you hate: dusting- my kid chore
D - Dad's name: Alan
E - Essential everyday item: email, moisturizer
F - Flavor ice cream: Chocolate peanut butter
G - Gold or silver?: silver
H - Hometown: Colorado Springs
I - Insomnia: Sometimes- stress and worries
J - Job title: office manager- QUEEN ;-)
K - Kids: love ours all of them
L - Living arrangements: the best hubby, and 4 great kids, 3 dogs and 2 cats- yikes
M - Mom's birthplace: France
N - Number of significant others: 1 ex 1 mr. right
O - Overnight hospital stays: a few now
P - Phobia: Spiders
Q - Queer?: not me
R - Religious affiliation: Episcopalian
S - Siblings: 2 brothers-David and Greg (Gg)
T - Time you wake up: 5:30am
U - unnatural haircolors you've worn: mostlyt in the red family love them redheads.
V - vegetable you refuse to eat: brussels sprouts, don't like potato salad
W - worst habit: eat to much
X - x-rays you've had: too many to count
Y - yummy: shrimp, asparagus, filet minion
Z - zodiac sign: Aquarius

City Chicks and Divas this books for you!

Angie Petersen talking and showing a new book

the resource :
prw press release org


Excerpt from press release : "With its edgy and artistic points of reference, it fills the gap to reach those urban hipsters, downtown secretaries, big city divas, and small-town nonconformists. Along with a basics section and scrapping tips, is the piece de resistance: a gallery of real-life scrapbook pages from people of all stripes, from the single mom to the skate kid to the Coney Island mermaid to the aspiring rock star. From an ode to a beloved cat to the commemoration of one's tattoos to the celebration of panties in all their glory, each page is as unique as the person who created it."

going in search of this one. looks like something to spark some creativity.

hey hey hey - it's 10,00 steps .org

Tamara,

To date you have taken 55,765 steps. This is about equal to: 27.9 miles (44.9 km)

1st Day steps tracked: 3/20/2006

Step Summary:

Goals	Actual
My Daily Step Goal= 5000	Daily Step Average= 3717
Overall 7 Day Step Goal= 35,000	7 Day Step Average = 26,019

this is my progress walking- hard to believe in under a month I could have walked that far ( almost 28 miles! ) it's been great -

I love my motivational e-mails, and meeting a new friend to walk with.

give some one a break today?

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

colossians 3:13 niv


I need to take this to heart with J. I am struggling with the half truths and the terrible teenage behavior. Why does he present a false front to the world and treat us all at home like poopoo?? then expect to be forgiven? Cause we love him and we are his safe harbor, but he treats us so badly it is hard to contiunue to be nice and forgiving.

I have not given in on the bike yet either.

He got some computer privillages back last night - to write a letter. we'll see how that goes.

I am way overcomitted to too many things, working two jobs and my full time Mother position, along with needing to finish taxes, a favor for a friend - and scout stuff- I am about exausted!

March Round up Thanks Katie the scrapbook lady

March events & information:

What books and/or magazines did I read this month? I read some of Raising Cain and the 5 people you Meet in Heaven
I read my papercrafts, everyday with rachel ray, memory makers mag, and creating keepsakes mag, I bought the April copy of scrapbook answers and have looked at most of it.

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month? I am into the Saprano's and that is my main focus, and I was interested in the new HBO show Big Love. That is most of the t.v. I watched...
though I did manage to watch my guilty pleasure - Trading spaces a Couple of times love that Frank

What special days did I celebrate and how? I sent my Dad a birthday card at the end of the month. That is the only celebration day we had in March.


What illnesses or health concerns did I have in March? Didn't have too many- Did take one day off work for what may have been a bit of a stoumach bug, but in the end it may have just been exaustion

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family? This is where my time went this month. We had a big weekend feeding scouts and students at a shooting sports weekend. Then turned around and drove 660 miles to TX to see my baby brother, who is ill then drove home, and went back to work for a couple of days before having a bought of the flu. Not sure if this qualifies for fun but hey you got to take fun where we can.

The kids had a blast, seeing and visiting with their uncle and fun at an arcade.


What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try in March? Had a what a burger, not sure I ever had one before. Not sure they were any better or worse than any other burger joint.

I am always wanting new recipes, though I don't think I really got out of the box this month.

What special or unusual purchases did I make? I bought a little blessing chick- she is very cute, I put her up on my blog web site.

I bought Katie's march memories madness though wasn't able to devote much time to scrapping this month.

I bought a pedometer through Kaiser and 10,00 steps.org and it is pretty neat to track my progress with my walking pal.

We bought a foot message/bath pedicure thing from home medics tonight, I really like it and see taking advantage of it often.... at least till I get my bath tub installed - someday.

What were this month’s disappointments? That I didn't scrap as much as I would like.
that I didn't send of my journals for the online journal thing I am participating in.
that I didn't yet get my taxes done.


What were my accomplishments this month? That I started walking and am committed to moving everyday that I can. I am hopeful my health overall will improve and my walking will reduce a little weight.

I did a digital layout at Croppers cottage for a challenge.

I took some photos of my brother and my children together for future scrapping.

I did five bullitins for church, and the news letter mailing list.

I worked my tail off at work and got everything caught up to do a conversion to new software.

I posted nearly everyday I was home on my blog at least once, I posted comments for others on their blogs.

Well here is something we might try

the New hair color Diet

from the FAQ's

Q. I have gray hair but I noticed there is no special diet or

Energi Bar™ for this color? What should I do?

A. Just follow the diet for the colour your hair was before

you went gray

Q. What if I can't remember my original hair color?

A. Just flick backwards through a family photo album until

you see a picture of your self with your original hair colour.

Ok O.k. this is not the real deal-

APRIL FOOLS

diy lighting options

cool article posted here
about making your own lighting systems for around $75 dollars.

wow quote

"I try to believe that God doesn't give you more than one piece of the story at once. You know- the story of your life. Otherwise your heart would crack wider than you could handle. He only cracks it enough so you can still walk, like someone with a cast. But you've got a crack running up your side, big enough for a sapling to grow out of. Only no one sees it. Everybody thinks you're one whole piece, and so they treat you maybe not as gentle as they would if they could see that crack." -Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

copied this from this blog by way of Jamie's blog YA-Ya

this is an amazing quote to me. I love the fact this is how I feel, I loved this movie by the way too, the scrapbook in it was incredable, and they even showed in the dvd extra's that a couple of the producers mom's friends made the scrapbook and everyone loved it. This is a definate movie to rent to see as a girlfriend-chick movie. Would be fn to show at a scrap retreat : )

digi layout challenge

this was posted at croppers cottage where I have been a member since 2002 and the picture was so cute I had to do the challenge.

here's a meme copied from Dawn

Are you more...

01) A harsher critic of others or a harsher critic of yourself? of myself Definately
02) One who thinks stealing is the bigger sin or one who thinks lying is the bigger sin? I think lying is by far a bigger sin
03) Fond of crayons for colouring or fond of paint for colouring? I like both, prefer paints
04) Someone who thinks they have all the tools they could need or someone who thinks you barely have the minimum number of tools to get by? my tool shed is always in need of help!?
05) McDonald's or Burger King? McDonald's--it's the fries that win
06) Obsessive compulsive or whatever happens, happens? Obsessive planner
07) One who enjoys the company of small children (playing with blocks) or one who enjoys the company of senior citizens (playing bridge)? Seniors win in my book
08) Someone who will vacuum-seal food before putting it in the freezer or someone who will just put it in the freezer? No need to vacuum ..just put in there--
09) More proud of your belches or more proud of your flatulence? neither make me happy or proud
10) Possessed of a soothing voice or possessed or an order-barking voice? soothing--I hope i don't bark too often LOL

a little blessing chick

" I know you are going to want your own little chick so be sure to visit http://www.blessthischick.com/"

I got this from Katie- her little chick is so cute , she got it from Lindsay Teague- who had a cute artsy fartsy fairy

She is so cute, this is a british web site , but the pay pal was about 7.00$ us - and so fast, I paid today and had her by the time I got home today.

more photos

this photo is from my Brother's window to his back yard, they have a cute little moat and filled it up for us, the sun was out and it was a marvalous day- we spent a great day together.

the kids enjoyed playing bolle in the back yard, something we all haven't done in ages- we reminesed, I took my scrapbook ( book of me) and some photos and a family tree I had and we looked at those and remembered stories about times shared and vacations taken. All in all a good time.

These two are dark- but they are from Mr. Gatti's a pizza and fun spot, kind of like a chuckie cheese- but better food and more fun stuff like the bummper cars, the kids had a blast.


more from mr. Gatti's J playing air hockey and Hh playing skee ball. She got tons of tickets and choose a 8 ball fourtune teller for her prize. they enjoyed the evening.

a few photos from our trip

J and Hh at the reststop inside colorado on the way home from Big Spring! Wed- it was a long day and they were doing pretty well here.

We listened to the cronicles on Narnia by C.S. Lewis on the way home. The first 4 books so far of 7 books. They are a dramatization and are very well done. On the way there we listened to Deception Point by Dan Brown the author of the Da Vinchy Code.

When we left Denver on Monday morning, we had snow and traffic, when we got south to C.S. we had snow and traffic and construction. When we got to Pueblo we had snow and wet roads, when we got to Raton, we stopped and had a little bit of sunshine, we watched the weather channel and then we went on.

the worst leg of the trip was though the " saftey corridor" What the hell is that??? I didn't feel safe at all. We went 30 miles per hour for about 100 miles with such poor visiblity we had flashers on and bearly could see the people in front of us.this was what it really was like. though I didn't take a photo of it.

with the heart

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.
What is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery " from the book the Little Prince"

I loved this book, I read it several times, in english and at least once in French while in college.

home again home again ziggady zig!

We have had a heck of a week- since I last posted, I went to a Scout weekend and cooked for 40 folks, then Left on Monday and went to TX- it was a terrible drive, took 15 hours - through all kinds of horrible weather, from snow and slush to white out blizzard, to rain and sunny weather.

we are home

calling my folks and my bro to tell them I am here.

will post more stuff in the next day or too, thanks friends for keeping tabs on me.

Cain on the move!

Well the LCSW wants j and I to communicate better !! fear drives my desire for him and I react to that fear, he reacts with attitude to my ravings, the only thing that makes any difference to him is the bike-
I agreed not to sell it- but he has not gotten it back yet either. He needs to show me why he wants it and sell me on letting him have it back - that is what his councelor told him.
So I agreed to go to a parenting adolecents class and he to a being a teen class at the same time. We will see how this all plays out.

On another note- I am going to go to see my younger brother in TX - I will take J and Hh with me and try to make a little good before we don't have him in our lives anymore. I would like to put together a little scrap book for him, but I am not sure I will have time before I go. I have a few photos of us growing up and some info on family. I would like to beable to share so stories, I would love it if my older brother could be there too- with his son. then it would be like a family reunion.

Autism in the news about CDC

here is the national web site- interesting things in the news about mecury and vacines.

Katie has a great web blog and site too at this link

When you have a child with autism you always are worried and looking for all the knowledge you can get.

Raising Cain- it is what it is

here is a link to the book on Amazon

J is up to some old tricks but now worse? than ever if that is possible. he has been getting lots of bike time and I am trying to learn to trust him, though I don't he isn't hanging with good guys and I don't know what to do to keep him safe.. and emotionally to help him.

Well friday we come across a beer bottle- stashed in the bathroom at my house, and the kind J-ex drinks ( J- says he did take it from dad's house later) - What is a mom to do?? well this is not a first offence and so the bike is outta here- I tell him saturday am that I am taking the bike to pawn and will put the money back in his bank account. Oh he has a fit, that is the only thing he " owns" he says to me, you can't take it I say I can, and I will, he phones a friend, and then packs his pack and leaves out the back door- shouting " I hate this effen house and I don't want to live in your effen house." ( he has called his dad to tell him too!) I tell them both that you know when you get a DUI they impound your car! it is Illegal for him to drink at 14!
I am then told how unreasonalble I am, I know in my heart this is not the first or last time this will occur.

The book above has shed a bit of light on the Drinking behaviors as a masculine activity - that allows for emotions to be excused with the "well I was drunk excuse"- though it has some scary statistics on the mind numbing behaviors and let down of bariors that prevent clear thought.

I am taking him back for a session today with a LCSW we have seen for about a year now off and on, it is tough, just when I think we are at a good point he goes right back to bad untrustworthy behavior, it makes me want to scream and shout. I don't understand the cry for what? Attention He's got it. ! control, boundries? I am struggling, to let go but I don't want him to mess up his life and pay for it at such an early age.

This is definatly been a tough go for me and J.

my pirate name and discription

My pirate name is:

Captain Mary Rackham

Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

word cloud

go to snapshirts

to generate your own word cloud, it is kind of cool to see what topics I really blog about.

how to take better protraits

Link to LIfehacker and further links in article ....

talks about using camera settings and forcing flas for lights in the eyes of those in the head shots.

You're Blessed

You're Blessed when you care.
At the moment of being " care-full", you find yourselves cared for.
You're Blessed when you get your inside world- your mind and heart- put right.
Then you can see God in the outside world.
Mattew 5:5-6 msg

things to do with leftovers scrap stuff??

cool link to HPDA- doityourself planner
this is a photo set on flicker

or this link at lifehacker too

just think of the possiblities to make this with Scrapping left overs- hmmn??

side veiw in the street-

 

Here it is - Dig those racing stripes

 

new ownership

97 'Tang - black with blue stripes- v8- gt 4lt engine- all the specs- pictures to follow later of the Man and the car- suffice it to say he is grining from ear to ear, and of course agreeed that the next car would be mine- yeah someday I can drive a cool queue_t mobile.

proud to say 'tang dang!

YUP more details to follow soon-

The park and walking

these are from the Arvada Web Site.

this is the kind of path Me and my exercise buddy are walking - it goes around a lake by my house and she has met us there in the morning and we have been walking for about 25 minutes at a crack, Hh wants to go too and she has been a good sport about it - this morning she took her MP3 player and was so happy just to be out on a gorgous morning and we spotted 7 huge robins this morning too, there is a bunch of great nesting boxes and they were so fat and happy, I always think spring when I see the robins out.

I have been blogging for a year now!

That is so hard for me to believe- It has been a tough year too-

J has given me fits and starts
J-ex has also given me fits and starts and hasn't stepped up to the plate
SS-Dl - has grown and changed mostly to the good, matured and gotten his stuff mostly together, though I am concerned about the kissy face w/ the current GF.
SS-Dn- has also been maturing- it is hard sometimes to see the changes in him , because of the autism. I can hardly bring myself to think about his being in High school next year. With out Dl at home with him his communication skills have dropped off a bit and that can be so tough to maintain with him.
All the boys are shaving and maturing physically - this has been a couple of hard years to get going toward manhood.

Hh- is full of things that are good, she has her days though when I want her to be independant and she is clingy - She doesn't want to be left alone at all- the mornings are the toughest time she balks at having to go to school on her own in anyway. yesterday she complained bitterly to being left by J- so he didn't leave her either.

I have done one exciting thing for myself this week- I got my self an Excercise Partner, from this web site for just that thing
I needed to get out there and move, S- has had so many health problems, and we were walking for a while, but he hurts so bad he is not willing to do it as hard and with the freqency I need.
This Lady is a great fit and we have much in common, Hh has been going with us too..

great gift ideas for your girls!!

I sent this article to myself at christmas time and wanted to pass it on here- still great anytime ideas for birthdays, or just anytime you need a girlfriend gift.

They're the first ones there when your heart is broken, the last ones there when you throw a party, and the only ones who, like you, endorse eating the entire roll of cookie dough.

Gift Guide

Dont give your girls the brush-off; give them makeup brushes from Marshall Fields.

Let Carrie be your relationship guide with "Sex and the City" DVDs.

"Classic Cocktails" has 150 ideas on what to put in those glasses.

Hot chocolate from Williams-Sonoma helps keep warm chatter flowing.

Photos/Kevin Eisenhut Give the gift of "Peace" and a heartfelt holiday "Wish" with selections from Yankee Candles.

Weekly Guides

For your girls Check out our list of 30 gifts under $30 The art of gift giving in a new romantic relationship

They are your girlfriends. Your girls. And you can't imagine how you would have made it through life thus far without them.

So this holiday season, you want to reward the ladies with something special.

"It's an emotional connection we have with our girlfriends," says Jennifer Putney, owner of the J Bird Boutique, 415 E. Menomonee St., in the Third Ward. "It's a nice way of saying thank you for their friendship and support."

Putney, who considers buying gifts for seven or eight of her girlfriends as important as buying gifts for her family "because they are family," searches for months for the perfect presents. Clutch handbags and jewelry pieces are some of her favorite gift ideas.

Ethnic-inspired, big jewel, crystal and semi-precious stone necklaces and bracelets have been popular gift purchases at the boutique in recent months, she said.

To help you navigate some of the other girlie gifts available, we've picked out some of our favorite finds from stores around and just outside the Milwaukee area.

Your girlfriends will be so proud of you for making great shopping decisions on your own.

Candles: Let's face it. When we have extra cash in our pocketbooks - or available balances on our credit cards - it goes straight to shoes and clothing. Fancy candles become the items we don't often splurge on for ourselves. Splurge for her with these dreamy jars from Yankee Candle at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa. The "Wish" candle carries the scent of vanilla and balsam. "Peace" is country linen scent. $19.99 each.

"Sex and the City" DVDs: The series that made girlfriend relationships famous has just been released as a six-season boxed set on DVD. The hot pink velvet-covered case holds a book with quotes and memories of the show's best moments. If the $186.98 Amazon.com price tag is too steep for your budget, consider getting your friends to chip in for group ownership. Individual seasons are available and generally cost about $29.99 each.

Here's to us!Girl talk is always more fun when it's accessorized with beverages. The party martini glasses were a steal at Crate & Barrel, which has a store at Mayfair, at $4.95 a piece. Wine glasses are available for the same price. Add a martini shaker for $14.95 or a book on "150 Classic Cocktails" for $9.95.

Hot cocoa also goes well with winter gossip. Williams-Sonoma, which has stores at Mayfair and Bayshore Mall in Glendale, sells regular and peppermint hot chocolate made of chocolate shavings, $14.75 for a container. Add handcrafted marshmallows in either chocolate or vanilla, $14.75 a box.

Massage break: You've heard her complain non-stop about stress at work, so how about sending a masseuse right to the office? Jurg J. Oggenfuss, owner of Massageworks1ders, will bring his massage chair and services to her break room. An on-site chair massage is $1 a minute, with an 80 minute minimum. She can split the gift into 10-minute increments with other stressed out co-workers. For more information, contact Massageworks1ders: (414) 614-5832.

All Men are Liars! Got your attention? And you'll get hers by giving her a new book by Jeffrey L. Rodengen - yes, it's by a man. In "All Men are Liars: An Incomplete Guide to Relationship Trauma" (Write Stuff Enterprises Inc.; $24.95), Rodengen attempts to prove that men tell the most lies, whether they be about sex, relationships, business, sports or personal accomplishments. The perfect gift for your girlfriends in Men-Are-Dogs mode.

Funky tees: Pop rocker Gwen Stefani released her high-priced L.A.M.B. clothing line in the spring of 2004. Stefani recently released her less- costly Harajuku Lovers line, which is available at a few local boutiques. We found a T-shirt with long thermal sleeves for $52 at Moxy, 2219 N Farwell Ave. Moxy expects to get four more styles of screen tees, which start at $46 each, by mid-month.

Buckle up for fashion: This season's hottest accessory is easy to buy for friends because the styles are mostly one-size-fits-all. All of these knock-off designer belts, which look great on jeans or over tunics, came from Wet Seal at Mayfair Mall. The Moroccan-inspired belt (the one with big circles) was $12.50; braided bronze metallic, $10.50; and silver shimmering fabric design, $10.50.

Pretty practical: Maybe you can't buy her makeup, but you can buy her a gorgeous set of makeup brushes. These handy brush kits gift sets are offered at Marshall Field's MAC makeup counter during the holiday season. Three different colors: hot pink, aqua and olive green are available. Brush styles vary, so be sure to get the kinds she'll use. $46.

Sephora for a friend: On second thought, maybe you can buy her makeup. Sephora, the makeup wonderland that opened at Mayfair Mall this summer, sells gift cards for any amount above $10. They come in a dainty icy blue mirror compact. Or, for $5 put the gift card in a gift set with Philosophy Sugar Cookie body wash. Or for $8, add it to a set of Sephora brand body butter.

Sweeten the gift: If your girlfriend likes cooking or baking, she'll love her own gift set of freshly ground spices and sugars from The Spice House, 1031 N. Old World 3rd St., and 1244 N. Glenview Ave. in Wauwatosa. Pre-made box sets include a Flavored Sugars collection for $23.95; Bakers Extracts for $24.95; and Asian flavorings; $17.95 You may also create your own gift set with four, six, or eight spice blends, averaging about $16.95 for the smallest set. Internet shoppers can hop to www.thespicehouse.com.

Handbags, her way: This gift certificate idea is a fun holiday present and the start of a future girlfriend outing. 1154 Lill Studio, at 904 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, is a boutique where you can custom-design your own handbag, choosing from 20 available styles and hundreds of fabrics. The handbags range from $25 to $150 and take about three weeks to be completed. If you can't make it back to Chicago to pick up your creation, they'll mail it to you for an extra $8. Call (773) 477-5455 or visit www.1154lill.com for more information.

The gift of relaxation: No list of girl-oriented gifts would be complete without a spa suggestion. So how about a gift certificate from Spa Finder, a global spa resource on the Internet? This gift is especially convenient for out-of-state girlfriends. Buy a gift certificate starting at $50, and your friend can choose to use it at thousands of participating spas around the globe. www.spafinder.com/index.jsp

From the Dec. 5, 2005 editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Have an opinion on this story? Write a letter to the editor or start an online foru

A movie Quiz-tionaire

Red Molly had something Different , play along if you like

MOVIE QUOTE QUIZ-TIONNAIRE

Fill in the blanks in these movie quotes with words/phrases that describe you. And please note that all references to "you/your" really mean "I/me," at least in the question-answering sense... um... that made no sense, but I think you should be able to figure it out on your own.

1. “I was born a --- --- ---.” (The Jerk)

2.“Your middle name is ---, as in ---, your birth date's ---, you're 5'---, you weigh --- pounds and your social security number is [just kidding!].” (Breakfast Club)

3.“Your mother was a --- and your father smelt of ---.” (Holy Grail)

4.“It's a Zen thing, like how many --- fit in a ---.” (Waiting for Guffman)

5. “I have a bad feeling about ---.” (Star Wars)

6. “This is not a tragedy. A tragedy is ---, or ---.” (Dirty Dancing)

7. “ My job consists of basically ---, and, at least once a day, --- so I can ---while I fantasize about ---. ” (American Beauty)

8. “I see --- people.” (Sixth Sense)

9. “Vote for ---!” (Napoleon Dynamite)

10. “What do you mean nothing good? We've seen everything good. We've seen ---! We went to ---, we saw priceless ---! We ate ---!” (Ferris Bueller)

11. “Life is ---. Anyone who says differently is selling something.”(Princess Bride)

12.“'Blessed are the ---.'” (Life of Brian)

13. " Show me the -----." ( Jerry McGuire) Added


Here are my Answers-

1. “I was born a Jewish American Princess, in Germany.” (The Jerk)

2.“Your middle name is Ann---, as in Ann of Green Gables ---, your birth date's Groundhogs day every year---, you're 5'3 and 1/2 if your really try---, you weigh too much in terms of real--- pounds and your social security number is [just kidding!].” (Breakfast Club)

3.“Your mother was a Fiesty French woman--- and your father smelt of Lox and Bagels---.” (Holy Grail)

4.“It's a Zen thing, like how many Fish--- fit in a tin can---.” (Waiting for Guffman)

5. “I have a bad feeling about my answers here LOL ---.” (Star Wars)

6. “This is not a tragedy. A tragedy is being ill ---, or having no blessings ---.” (Dirty Dancing)

7. “ My job consists of basically Answering the phone, keeping track of my Boss and helping grumpy customers---, and, at least once a day, I get a little break--- so I can eat my lunch---while I fantasize about all the other things I need to be doing in my spare time ---. ” (American Beauty)

8. “I see Printer--- people.” (Sixth Sense)

9. “Vote for Me---!” (Napoleon Dynamite)

10. “What do you mean nothing good? We've seen everything good. We've seen The mountains in the purple morning light---! We went to New Orleans before Katrina---, we saw priceless Cars in Las Vegas---! We ate Wonderfully at Emirils more than once---!” (Ferris Bueller)

11. “Life is a Bitch sometimes ---. Anyone who says differently is selling something.”(Princess Bride)

12.“'Blessed are the People who win the lottery and can choose a new path ---.'” (Life of Brian)

13. " Show me the Money ( love the original) -----." ( Jerry McGuire) Added

She got me on a roll

Cathy's blog and she tells it like it is-

my response -

Queue_t said...

yeah - you touched my nerve too!, i feel I am the same way- for 8 years mine has given me the check- for a while it was on time, and about a year ago he decided to go through a bankrupcy - well needless to say the checks really stopped coming on time and in the right amount, he is in contemp of his court order and but he doesn't care, he forever gives me his sob story- yet has money and time to do what ever he wants.

I need to go see if I can get a garnishment or for my payment to go through the court, maybe that would help. but I just hate having to be the bad guy- YKWIM??

gosh I feel for you , I know the pain, mine is 3000.00 from last year and still not making complete payments this year either.... it sucks.... he called me to tell me the other day gee he got the kids back on health care ( he has to provide this by court order too) but we have been covering them now for almost 4 years- so I am not changing now. unreal- unreasonable-unbelievable- lie lie lie -

wow you really got me on a roll

ear ring ring

at Shiny Shiny

there are these metalic ear buds for those ring ring bling bling