We interrupt the memories for a moment....

Crunch time has officially begun...busy, busy busy!! Sunday of course was the kids Christmas program...Colton was a total ham...dancing around the whole time and he was hilarious until he pushed the Pastor's daughter down the step...oh well. Brennan really expressed himself this time and Austin did a great job as well. I was a proud momma! Pics forthcoming....hopefully. Then we had a caroling and cookie exchange that evening at church.

Yesterday I had to make more cookies for the teacher gift baskets, then hubby and I had calling hours to go to for a co-worker of mine when I worked at Buehler's. Her husband passed away...he was only 43. SO sad right before the holidays like that. It's things like that that make me want to ask God why?? He leave behind 4 kids, two that belong to him and my co-worker Ruby...their daughter just gave me a huge hug when I went up to her...I haven't seen her since she was a baby. Almost made me cry. How difficult Christmas will be for them this year...please say a little prayer.

Today was serious crunch day...I had to get a salad ready for a funeral dinner for one of the saints from our church, thank hubby for helping with that! Then I had Austin's Christmas party at school, we then have a Christmas play to go to for the twins I watch during the week...their play is tonight. Then I need to clean my office area (YIKES!!) because the newspaper is coming tomorrow to take a picture of me answering Santa letters. I hate having my picture taken. I just hope my boys don't see it since they still surprisingly believe.

So all that is left now is hoping that a few more gifts show up and get them all wrapped. Hoping that your holiday season is going well.

More memories later~

Memories # 13 & 14

So today's entry is on an arts & crafts tangent today...ever since I can remember my gifts as a kid ALWAYS included something in the arts & crafts dept. Whether it was just a simple coloring book and crayons or a table top weaving loom, I always had at least one arts and crafts kit...of course I always had something artsy on my list. I've had actual art sets complete with crayons, paints & chalks, one of those neat crayon aprons (loved that as a kid), a table top weaving loom, those pot holder looms...you know the ones with the loops of stretchy fabric, paint by number sets, crewel and needlepoint sets, a simple drawing pad, sewing sets, mini sewing machines, you name it I probably had it...so today's # 13 memory is dedicated to all those arts and craft gifts that I received over the years (and still receive). It has made me the artist (I use the term very loosely) that I am today.

So it's only fitting then that my # 14 memory goes with the previous one...this was one of my most favorite "artsy" gifts I received as a kid...Fashion Plates....you could make different outfits, make them different patterns, so many different combinations...I so loved this set...I'd sit for hours and play with this set...I still have a few of the plates, but the board that it came with I have no idea where it is...lost in the depths of my parents house I imagine, but nevertheless, still one of my favorite toys.

So today I have a question...what was your favorite toy as a child and why? Do you still have this toy? What memories come to mind when you think of it? Please share!

Memories 10, 11 and 12

So behind...man I've been so busy...so much going on...too much going on.

Anyway the next few memories are movie related and something I've done for the last 6 years.

Memory # 10:

Favorite Children's Christmas Movie:

Can't resist this movie...love the meaning behind it...who can resist Linus speaking about Jesus' birth and the true meaning of Christmas...not to mention Charlie Brown's tree!





Memory # 11

Favorite Grown Up Christmas Movie:

I SSSSOOO LOVE THIS MOVIE...every time I watch it I get teary eyed. Who can resist George Bailey...I tell ya if this world was filled with more "George Bailey's" where would we be, huh?? It's not Christmas until I watch this movie...so folks it's not Christmas yet 'cause I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO WATCH IT YET!! Been far too busy....working on homemade gifts this week.

And last but not least...Memory # 12:

Answering Santa Letters!

I have been answering Santa letters in our area for the last 6 years. I love it! To see those scrawled letters full of wishes and hope, love and compassion...melts my heart...and hand drawn pictures...(fiddlestick...Blogger won't let me upload any more pics tonight....oh well...I'm sure you get the picture). My heart breaks for those letters that ask for their grandparent's to feel better or for daddy to get his job back...sometimes it's things like that which is all they ask for...hard to answer those letters I'll tell ya. I had my first disturbing letter this year...a boy asked for a headless horseman with the bloody ax and guns and stuff of that nature...complete with hand drawn pictures of what he wanted. Strange and weird! Creeped me out.

On a different note real quick...please be in prayer for hubby's job. They are talking about cutting hours way back...to almost half. I know God is in control and though every time one of these "threats" are made he seems to increase in hours, but I just would like some prayer anyway...with the economy in this area right now I'm just kind of worried. I know God will take care of us...He always does in one way or another.

Quick update...Memories # 8 & 9

Making this kinda quick...so much to do. Don't you just hate the hustle and bustle of this season?? I know I do...of course I kind of got off to a late start this year with Christmas, so I haven't made it to easy on myself along with other things that have been put in my path...oh well...

Onto the memories...Memory # 8:

I'm not sure when I started this memory...I think it may have been before the boys were born. But I began decorating my own tree. One year I painted these birdhouses and decided to put them on my Christmas tree. Up near the top I have always put a white dove couple (if you look near the top you can see them) in honor of my hubby and I and our love for each other.

Memory # 9:

Another new memory combined with an old one. As I child I remember that sometimes we would have those Advent Calendars...you know...the ones where you would open the "date" to find a picture of something Christmas related behind it. One Advent Calendar I remember had a piece of chocolate behind each day...my kind of calendar! (HEE-HEE) Well, while purusing on-line last week I found this cool Advent calendar that used a clip board and scrap supplies...needless to say I was there! So I made this one up for my boys...they have enjoyed it...though maybe not quite as exciting as opening the little "doors" or getting a piece of chocolate, in a pinch and with the rush of the season this one had to do, and so far it is working just fine...Just so you know...only 16 more days until Christmas!

Have a great weekend!

Memories # 6 & 7

Before I go into the next batch of memories...I hope these pics of the tree come out a little better...















Onto the memories...# 6 would have to be where we went last year for Christmas...it's something we still talk about almost every day. Our trip to Disney last year was a dream come true...so much fun, so magical...can't wait to do it again...soon!!

Memory # 7 I was reminded of tonight. My oldest had his first choir concert at school tonight....he was so proud and so was his mama. Reminded me of when I was in choir and had my choir concerts. I loved choir...I loved to sing...still do...I started choir in fourth grade just like Austin is now...hope he continues to enjoy it like I did...of course choir in high school IMO has a stigma for boys than girls I think...never enough boys in choir when I was in school and I think it was because it wasn't thought of as "cool". oh well.

It's been a very very long week...and I plan to go to bed early tonight in fact as soon as I get off here...got to go to Z-ville to get haircut and hubby (hopefully), Colton and the twins will be going with us. Should be quite an adventure. Better get some rest.

18 days until Christmas folks.

New Memory 2006, Christmas Memory #5

Created a new Christmas memory tonight...new for 2006. Boys and hubby finally got their tree decorated tonight...I have my tree that has bird houses I painted in the dining room (I'll show pics later)...the boys got to decorate the real tree in the living room...I told them they could decorate it however they wanted...I should have known, left to their own devices....well, lets just say it definitely goes with what phase all my boys are going through at the moment...here it is:
Yes folks...no need to adjust your screen (well, the pics are a little dark...sorry about that) but yes folks...it is a Star Wars tree complete with Darth Vader mask where a angel used to sit...I have to admit it was very ingenuitive and it is cute...so fitting for all my boys, hubby included. The Darth Vader mask is a bit creepy though, but truly what is Star Wars without Darth Vader though? Boys took what few mini light sabers and Star Wars things they had, then hubby broke out the arsenal...his old 1978 set of original Star Wars figures (I swear he must of never played with them cause they still have all their robes and guns!) Anyway...so Luke Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi and the villianous Darth Vader as well as many other characters have taken temporary residence on our family christmas tree. Definitely a new memory indeed. Though not traditional, though not common, it's us...right now...and I kind of like it.

Feliz Navidad ~

Christmas Memories, day 3 & 4

Sorry wasn't able to update yesterday....Sunday's are always so busy.

So anyway...Christmas memories...one is my church...reminds me of not only the obvious...Jesus...but the many Christmas songs and plays we have sung and performed. Lots of memories there...

So then on to memory 4...I thought since I brought up church and singing that I'd share my favorite Christmas Carol...this is a toss up, and I like a lot of the Christmas Carols, but these two are my favs...What Child Is This and O Come All Ye Faithful...Nothing like singing "This, this is Christ the King" and "O Come Let Us Adore Him"...so much meaning, so beautiful.

Sorry to make this short, but it's late, it's been a long day and got things to get caught up on tomorrow. Hope you are having a good week.

Oh, and BTW, the Christmas Story...though it had it's cute moments that I remember...it was kind of annoying...as my hubby put it...it's like nails on a chalkboard...ooh well...nothing beats George Bailey and It's A Wonderful Life anyway.

Christmas Memories, day 2

So on to my new Christmas tradtion of remembering Christmas memories...this one though old, is new for me....I have never seen this movie all the way through, but tonight we will as a family...hubby rented it tonight and I have always wanted to see this movie in its entirety. So tonight for our viewing pleasure we are watching this: It's A Christmas Story...have you seen it?? Is it one of those favs for you?? Let me know what your favorite part is...or just tell me what your favorite movie is for Christmas...I'll share my favorite Christmas movie another day, but for now this one should be fun.

Happy Holidays!

It's Officially December!

Happy December to all! I thought I'd re-visit my blog of last year and remember what I love about Christmas...favorite Christmas memories...things that just say "Christmas" to me.

So for today I will share first what Christmas is all about...JESUS! It's not the shopping, the giving or receiving of presents, the food...it's about Jesus and His message to the world. Jesus IS Christmas...and to be honest I could do without all the hustle and bustle...I just love celebrating Jesus.

Hope you all are having a great Decemeber so far...it was SUPER windy today here...thought the house was going to blow away!
Got most of my Christmas shopping done too...thank you Jesus!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Hope you enjoy your weekend!

I'm Still Here...

I'm still here folks...been pretty busy with the holidays and all...Here are some updates for now...

Still grieving a little over the passing of Tigger....my whole routine just seems out of whack not having to take care of that little pup. I miss him bunches.

I'm finally back up and running on my new PC...it's so much quieter than my old one...almost too quiet. Had to play some music tonight so I could concentrate ;-)

Got our tree on Monday...not decorated yet...as per usual it was a bit too big...had to cut about another foot off the thing...it's so pretty though...and so fragrant...I could smell it even on the second floor of our house! We usually get a long needled white pine, but this year I wanted to go with a soft short needled Canaan Fir tree...I love it...it just makes Christmas for me. It's been 3 years since we have had a real tree...hubby doesn't care much for them cause of the mess, but God love him he knows what makes me happy. Can't wait for the kids and us to decorate it.

Been reading a new book about getting organized and getting rid of the clutter in my life. Though I'm not making any huge drastic changes...the changes I've made thus far have made me quite happy...I am OK with throwing some things away...I've even thrown away some (only some) of the boys artwork...I finally realized that I can't keep everything. I rearranged my dining room and I really like it. Decluttered under my shelf in my dining room which was a huge thing. I feel at peace and I want to do more...not that I feel I'm a slob, but you know those areas in your house that seem to grow clutter on their own...I've been dealing with a lot of that...I'm starting to feel better now though...that's if my brother-in-law stops throwing more stuff he wants me to sell on eBay ;-) Just kidding.

Well that's about it for now...got a lot of "ketchup" work to do since I'd been without my PC for so long. Church calendar should have gone out this past Sunday...oh well...better late than never.

Hope you are having a good week.

A Very, Very Sad Day...

I'm not sure where to start...I knew this day was coming soon, but is one ever prepared for it?
At 6 a.m. this morning our darling companion of 13 1/2 years went home to be with the Lord in doggie heaven. My heart is broken...though I know that he is no longer suffering...it was so sad to watch him go. I'm just so glad that I did have those few moments with him before he left us. He will always hold a special place in my heart. We just told the boys a little bit ago...Colton of course doesn't understand, but Brennan had the hardest time. Tigger will be sorely missed by our family...he was a great friend.

Because of all this I'm having a real hard time focusing on getting Thanksgiving together, you know cleaning house, baking...things I must do, but it's just hard...I was really praying that he could have made it through the holidays, but of course God knows best. I know my cyber-friends and family will be praying for us, so in advance I thank you...It is like losing a family member when you lose a pet...Tigger was my first real pet, so this is hard...I just didn't realize how much it would be.

Well may you have a blessed holiday and God bless you all.

Rest In Peace Tigger, my friend

Weekend Update...

So much to say...where to start...

Well went to Sandusky this weekend to visit with my hubby's Great Aunt Thelma...we had a nice visit. It was a long day, but a nice visit nonetheless. The new DVD player hubby got for our van helped IMMENSELY with the boys...hardly heard a peep out of them. Brennan got sick though...we traveled on a road where at least one of my boys always gets sick on...I was prepared...bags, extra clothes just in case...Brennan wasn't feeling that well when the day began anyway. He was complaining of a sore throat...and when Brennan complains, you know it's bad cause he doesn't complain much. Took him to the DR. today and he has a severe case of strep throat. Missed school today and will miss tomorrow too...thus the lucky duck will be off school from today until next Monday because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Anyway, we got home around 11:30 p.m. (much later than I wanted) and then had to get up early cause the girls would be there at 6:45 a.m. It's been a long day!

On other news...the page I did for the Creating Pages website...well found out today I got third place in the contest...I'm so thrilled...I don't usually win, and I was just happy to be having so much fun with the challenges they had...This made my day.

Went grocery shopping tonight for Turkey day...Luckily it wasn't busy at all. I worked in the grocery business long enough to know not to go the two days before Thanksgiving...it's a total nightmare. Anyway, I'm making turkey dinner for my in-laws. They were planning on going out to the Golden Corral for dinner...I told them no...I would make dinner. Something about going out on Thanksgiving for dinner just doesn't appeal to me at all. Thanksgiving to me means having a home cooked meal...at the home of someone you love...this year it will be at our house. Anyway like I told my hubby I LOVE leftover turkey dinner...nothing like enjoying the feast a second time ;-) I always miss out on leftovers cause I usually don't make the dinner or something else, but leftovers will be had here this year...I hope a little anyway ;-)

Well I am going to go for now...was getting the boys ready for bed tonight and hubby left the house to pick up a van for a lady that he's going to clean her van for...and he left me several frantic messages and now I can't get him on his cell and I don't know what is going on...hopefully he is OK...hope your Monday was a good one.

Just Another Manic Friday

Wow...what a day! Today I woke up late...not a good way to start the day...got up at 8:15...boys have to be at school at 8:50...rush around get boys off to school...luckily they were cooperative. I hate starting a day that way...had no time for devotions, but man DID I PRAY today!! ;-)

Luckily Papa picked up the boys or I would have been hurting. Gathered myself after that and then got ready to go to the school for Brennan's harvest party. I was in charge of crafts. We made these: The picture isn't very good and if I would have not forgotten my camera I would have taken a pic of Bren in this Turkey hat, but I had an armload to carry as it was. The kids loved them and had a great time...however now I know why Brennan doesn't like going to school anymore...ever dealt with a controling teacher?? This is going to be a long year. Anyway...the party was fun and I enjoyed being with the kids so much...they were a blast!

Went to our Christmas parade in town tonight...wasn't really up for going (it was COLD), but boys wanted to since they were lining up right in front of our house!!! After we got out we had, I mean I had, a good time.


Here is my layout I finished for the Creating Pages contest... I'm also incorporating this into the Ali Edward's challenge since her challenge is about our scrapbooking style and how that style has evolved. My style has changed a bunch since my first days of scrapbooking 6-7 years ago.
Here is my very first scrap page: I've changed a lot...no longer just scrapping events, but scrapping life. How life changes...what I/we may be going through at that moment. Capturing moments, not just recording events. Not that recording events isn't important, cause indeed it is. But capturing a slice of life...one day when I or someone else puruses my scrapbooks they'll see "me"...or "my boys" or "my husband" and know how I felt about them and what I may have been going through at that moment in life. Kind of like a journal with pictures in a way. Not only that, but I put more thought in a page other than...OK here are some photos...let's slap them on a page, put a title on it and it's done. I enjoy the process...like Ali says...becoming a Life Artist. Oh, Also, I would hope that my photography has improved. ;-)

Well I'm going to close for now...so many projects...so little time. Thank God for Saturdays!!

Started Christmas shopping...

Well I've started my Christmas shopping last night...all on-line shopping of course. In my opinion and in the position I'm in....can't beat it. Yes you have to pay for shipping, but no crowds...get to shop when I want...no finding a sitter for the kids...no going to 12 different stores to try and find the right thing...nope all done in the comfort of my home...jammies and all ;-) For me it is the way to go. Glad to finally get started.

So much going on as usual...I probably packed about over half of my eBay items tonight to ship out...that is the part I think I like the least....but I'm glad that the stuff is going out of here...no more tripping over it, until brother in law brings me more of his stuff to sell...oh well keeps me busy and give me some extra $$.

Should hopefully have my "somewhat" new computer by the weekend. I'm glad...though son's computer is OK, I'm needing my own back.

I have to say....I am so spoiled by my father in law...he always takes my boys to school every morning...well this past week my in laws have been in New Orleans and I have had to take the boys to school every morning...though I did OK, it is so nice to not have to drag the little guy out in the cold if I don't have to...Thanks dad for all that you do....I need to do something special for him!

So here is my layout so far in the "Creating Pages Runway Project Contest". Tomorrow is the last day of competition...had so much fun with this contest...and I love how this came together thus far.

I'm starting a "Thankful Tree" with the boys this coming week...we started tonight. They make "leaves" out of construction paper and write one thing they are thankful for...we'll hopefully do this from now until Thanksgiving. Thought it was a neat idea to get the boys especially to think about how lucky they really are.

So what are you thankful for??

Have an awesome week!

Well I'm up and running...sort of...for now

Still using my son's computer...but at least I'm online. I think hubby and I have decided to go through his brother again and get more or less a "shell" of a PC with a new motherboard and we're going to piece out this old one...install our old hard drives, RAM we just bought, and use that for the time being until we can research a better alternative, be it PC or MAC...I just don't feel right plunking that kind of $$ down without doing some proper research. So it's going to cost us about $ 150 or so...but better than let's say low end $ 400 for a bare bones PC to $ 2000 for a decked out MAC. I'm happy and OK with that...just can't be without my computer...it's my lifeline to the outside world after all. Being a SAHM...I don't get out much and this PC is not only my work that I do for church, myself and others, but it also is my social life...I know I need to get a life don't I :-)

Church was good today...though I had to lead worship and I felt very distracted for some reason and nothing seemed to go right during our Praise Team practice, God was in control and it all went OK. Donnis preached today and his sermon was good...an interactive one and it was actually interesting and fun.

Well I'm off to check out my eBay auctions...have 28 auctions running right now...insane! Keeps me busy and provides $$ for Christmas after all.

Computer died...

We now bow our heads...I'm pretty sure it's official. My computer finally bit the dust. Tried all morning to boot it up and nothing...just some weird noises. So...until my brother in law looks at it, I' m pretty sure it's DOA. And right at Christmas time too...Yuck!...not really wanting to plunk the $$ down for a new PC, but I can't live without one...right now I'm using my son's computer. So I will be on here sporatically...until a new PC is on my desk...any suggestions as far as a computer greatly appreciated. Stay with PC or go to a Mac? Well until later folks.

Playdate cancelled and Ali Challenge

Brennan's playdate was cancelled...the little girl had a bad cold...so we will reschedule next week.

Here is a post for a challenge I did for Ali Edwards AEzine challenge: Her challenge was to make a layout using stamps. Behind the picture I have a list of things that make me sad.

Also here is a layout I'm working on on the Creating Pages website. They are doing a "Runway Project" that just really has been so much fun for me thus far...each day they put a new challenge up in creating a layout...for instance the first day we had to create our own patterned paper...one day we had to add something black and white, today was to add something that was inspired from our own homes. Today is day 7 of the challenge. This goes on for 6 more days...so if you're a scrapper and up for an interesting challenge, join in! This challenge so feeds my scrapbooking obsession with my Project Runway obsession...what could be better!! Anyway, here is what I have so far...just have to share...


We raked our leaves tonight...family job...we had fun, but man it was hard work. Now I'm going to go relax and watch Cars with the family...Have a great evening!

My sweet Brennie has a "playdate"

OK...it's official...my boys are growing up...way too fast I might ad! My little Brennie...my middle son...my sweet little shy boy...has a playdate on Friday evening...with a girl! How did this happen?!?!? And the girl isn't even in his class. She's in the other second grade class. I guess Brennan passed a note to her after school a couple days ago and it said that he liked her and wanted her to come over to our house to play. She sent him a note back yesterday saying she liked him and she wanted him to come to her house. Anyway, luckily this little girl's mommy is someone hubby and I graduated with and someone my hubby knows quite well. He and this girl's mommy talked on the phone last night and they both got a huge chuckle out of it...so Brenn has a playdate with this girl at her house on Friday. Luckily Austin is going too...this girl has an older brother who is in Austin's grade and they've played together before. Even so, I'm nervous....I'm sad...it cracks me up hearing him say, "Well when I look at her she smiles and when she looks at me I smile." Oh my...can this be starting already??? Can't we just go back tothe days of dinosaurs and Veggie Tales?!?! I'm just not sure I'm ready for this stage...can anyone out there relate??? Pray for me ;-)

Some pages I've done...

Here are a few pages I've done lately...my scrapping comes in spurts anymore and as much as I need to go to bed, the inspiration is flowing and I don't want to wate it by sleeping it away...I'm sure I'll regret that in the morning ;-) So anyway here they are.

God is good...all the time...All the time...God is good.

Thank God today is here!

OK...I don't know about you or how things are in your area...but I am so glad today is finally here!! If I have to watch one more political mudslinging commercial on TV and receive one more political phone call I think I'll SCREAM! Man...the phone calls....yikes I went to the neighbors last night and Austin's Parent/Teacher conference (see last post) and I had 4 political phone calls on our machine....FOUR...I was gone...what...an hour and a half at the most. Though I thuroughly believe in the right to vote and our right to do so, I just don't like politics much...it all seems like a bunch of liars, cheats, manipulators (now granted not all are that bad), but my goodness the negative campaigns that were on our TV this political season....it was downright awful...and honestly I felt like I was stuck picking which was the lesser of two evils in many cases. And I don't like it being jammed down my throat...maybe because I'm at home and I hear all the ads on TV and get all the phone calls, I feel that way but...I'm just glad it's about over and we can return to the status quo of life.

But beyond all that, I did do my patriotic duty and vote...considering it was lunchtime I thought it would be packed, but I walked right in. Colton was the man of the hour charming all the older ladies and getting candy. He cracks me up.

Was going to go to the art gallery here in town that is displaying a local artists black and white photography on "Fatherhood", but hubby wasn't feeling up to it. Maybe Friday. I so love black and white photography....there is just something so timeless and magical about it...it just speaks to me.

Well if you haven't gone out and voted...get out there! Your voice can't be heard if you don't.