it is all in the eyes

 

almost an effer

Little hand and rears in motion !! does this quality for an A** shot too???

 

looking for examples of le-tigre- or blue steel

not quite enough pout here 

gold ring dingy- blang

nokia's gold phone will set you back a bit. hmmn.....

When someone becomes layout worthy

little J big ( ex) J in 2002

from Lisa Nugent at scrapbook ect.

When Someone Becomes Layout-Worthy

She writes
"This may be the silliest topic I've ever blogged, but Melissa insists that if I don't write about it, she'll post in my name. And you don't know Melissa if you don't think she'd do it. So here goes. I've been dating a fabulous guy for six months and we've been together in plenty of photo-opp settings. I have great shots of him and I at a wedding, dining with his friends, and laughing at a comedy show. But this man-of-mine has yet to grace my scrapbook pages. What's the hold-up? Well, scrapbooking is just such a permanent thing. It sounds ridiculous, I know, but if something should shake up our relationship in the coming months, do I want layouts of our time together? The ultimate question is, when does someone become scrapbook-worthy?"

This is interesting to me because I pondered this question when making some scrapbooks over the years, in my book of me, from baby up to my going to college days I did include some photos of past boyfriends, realizing that it was really a part of me.

But I am balking at the thought of going further, along in my book, and haven't for a few years now. This is because I got married the first time at 20 to my now ex-spouse and I don't want to record that story just yet. We were married for 12 1/2 years and I have two beautiful children that I wouldn't have if this didn't happen in my life. It is just so raw and emotional still even after being divorced for nearly 10 years it will be 10 years next month, and re-married for 7 years to the real true love in my life.

I have scrapped my new marriage and our relationship, but really struggle with my ex. I am working on books for the kids, each has an album of their own and I have included pictures of me and ex spouse in both my children's books, as well as my hubby and his ex in his boy's books. I have a professional wedding album from my first marriage and it is in the memory box for my son. I haven't taken it out to look at it in 9 years! So when will I be ready to document that life? I am still not sure. The bittersweetness is still too much today.

I know I need to for the kids, but I am not ready.

QUOTE END QUOTE

" Friends are of utmost importance. We love, trust, get hurt, sometimes get mad, but we love and trust anyhow, because that's the best way to let our friendship grow. "

it's hot hot hot!

but I am not not not :)

You Are More Mild Than Wild

You're confident, and you really aren't concerned with how "hot" you are. Other people's ideas of what's sexy don't concern you. And this is exactly what makes you attractive.

Are You Hot?

sprint -ringy blingy thingy

the SCP-3100 clamshell phone that is available in a rainbow of colors. Feature wise this phone is pretty average--speakerphone, LCD, camera phone, etc. But for colors, Sprint says it will be available in blue, silver, pink and espresso in the U.S.

fun friday hair

My sweet little Hh is on the student council at her school and they have planned fun days for everyone, including on friday funny hair day- so she insisted on the orange color and wanted it to show up really good, well I think it does.  

Katie - what a gal - thanks to Angie heres the scoop.

Angie P at the blog of me- recomends Katie

"As soon as she introduced the series, I plunked down my money and ordered her to hook me up. Her guide did not disappoint. I was blown away by the amount of resources she had compiled: month-long themes, daily holidays, over 100 journaling ideas, quotes, and Internet links. Total brain-candy for a journaling junkie like me. And tell me I don't know a good scrapbook journaling resource when I see one.

And at $5, how can you beat it? I know it took her more than an hour to compile all those resources, and even the kids at McDonald's get more than $5 an hour! And when was the last time you were able to buy a scrapbooking idea book for $5??

But here's the thing -- when she first posts the availability of the next month's ebook, she offers a 50% discount to her blog readers! $2.50? Hello! Today she posted the offer again: May issue on sale 50% off. But only until midnight on April 26th (that's Wednesday), so hurry over there now!"

I second this , Katie's march memories madness was great, and what a nice job she did and such work putting it all together in one place.

I am off to get my copy now.

the little things

Don't let artificial light and city streets keep you from noticing sunsets and sunrises, from experiencing the spring of new life and the harvest of fall. ---m. Basil Pennigton

Photo from Internet flicker set by cadet_x -

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