PENPALS CHALLENGE

My buddy Colette is a part of a wonderful blog called Penpals. It is to help you strengthen your journaling skills and to get those fabulous journaled pages in your scrapbooks. They issue these challenges and you pick a topic and jump on it. This first challenge was to journal an age that was special. Wow I had so many ages that were special to me that it was hard to choose one but by far... This one stood out ;)
Thank you Colette for showing me this blog and makin me jumpstart and get back on track with my scrappin' and Journaling!!



Journaling is as follows:


For over Five years John and I had stars in our eyes, We played with other peoples kids. We had baby sat other peoples kids. BUT, We wanted our own babies. We just weren't real sure if we could have a baby of our own. The dr had told me it wasn't a "GOOD IDEA" with all my medical issues and kidney issues but it might could be done. Well that is all I needed to know. MIGHT was still something huh?
What would we have to do. I don't care. I want a child. I would have to go off medication for no less than 6 months. ok. well we did. and, right at the mark. When we really started trying, BAM, it took. I have never been so happy, yet so scared, in my life. I have had miscarriages before and I didn't want that heart break ever again. I want a baby. just one. that's all. The dr confirmed we definitely were pregnant. Finally my dreams of being a mommy were going to come true. Through many trips to the hospital and stays at the hospital through false labor, pre term labor and blood pressure issues... Resembling more of a whale than anything, The dr finally decided on April 21 to induce labor. It would be better than letting me go into labor on my own. Lupus is a tricky disease and can cause a lot of problems on labor and delivery. During labor my blood pressure got dangerously high, your heart rate, got dangerously low. I have never been so scared I didn't want to lose you. They wouldn't let anyone in the room trying to keep me calm as possible, but it was so scary. Finally the dr said he had to take you. so Caesarian they took you out.
IT was a long time, which felt like forever before I got to hold you. When I did I didn't want to let you go. So yeah you may be a little bit, OK you are totally spoiled rotten, but its ok..YOUR MY spoiled rotten. You are my one child that GOD gave me. My dream that I wanted to come true. Even if it was a lot later than I expected it.. But ya know. I think it was better that I had you later. God knows what he is doing after all. Some dreams you have to wait on for good reason. I'm glad I did. You were worth waiting till 33.



I had a dr. appt yesterday. We are tapering off my Carbatrol (thank you lord) to see if that is why I am such a zombie and all I wanna do is sleep.. or if it is actually the shots. I think the carbatrol has alot to do with it. also the weight gain. We wil see. IT also makes me so dizzy and nauseaus. SO I AM HAPPY TO BE RID OF IT. Will take me a week or so to get off it but I will be celebrating when it is gone.
I have to go for another MRI and more blood work. They will call about that. That was about it.

Bella is doing good in school SHe is so happy this week. SHE IS THE LINE LEADER. That is a big deal when your in kindergarten!! haha. She looks so cute in her uniforms although they are a little big for her now but hey... Last year at the end of the year they looked more like shirts instead of jumpers by the end of the year.
We get a nightly review of what goes on in class when she is in the bathtub. We have been serenaded by extra loud versions of PRAAAAIIISEE YEEE DA LORD HAALLLEELUUYYAAHH! and learned the pledge to da cwistian fwag. (had to help her on that one.. she made me nervous) SHe has been holdin class in the Bathtub. It is sooo funny. I have to call my pals and let them hear because it is hysterical. I need to record this in some way but dont want to film her in the tub. But it is sooo dadgum funny. I want to remember this forever. All these little songs she sings. Oh it is so cute and just makes my heart so happy. All the sacrifices made to be sure she goes to this school. It is soooo worth it. I want her grandparents to hear her she is so cute. I call them on the phone to let them hear her serenading. She cant know we are listening though or she stops... so I have to be sneaky.

I have been watching the olympics OMG MICHEAL PHELPS can you beleive that guy!! HE IS A POWERHOUSE in the water!!! I get so excited I have to be careful when Bella and John were in Bed last night I was yellin go go go go! THen THe ladies gymnastics. Man I felt so bad for them. THey had an off night. China just was amazing. Those little girls (that look 12 by the way) were amaaaazing. OUr girls did great but just had an off night I felt so sorry for them. I know many tears were shed. BUT HEY SILVER IS STILL GREAT!!
Ok that is all we are doing so I will let ya go for now. I had alot to cover lol

BY THE WAY THE LAST DAY TO ENTER THE PENPALS JOURNALING CHALLENGE IS TOMORROW SO GET YOUR PAGES TO THEM QUICK QUICK!!!! you will be happy you did. BE sure and stop by and read all the girls journaling. IT IS AMAZINGGGGGG. I have learned so much about my friends. VERY TOUCHING HEARTFELT JOURNALING!! I CANT wait to see yours too!!!
Hope you have a great Wednesday!

First day of school... rain? aaaaaah

TODAY was the first day of school... Last year. I was paparazzi mom and followed her around with the camera. THIS YEAR... I didn't get to. It was raining too. Not to easy to get in and out with the rain so I said We would just have to pretend another day and get some pics. sad I know
SO INSTEAD... it did let up a little (the rain) and I got some of her when she got home. ok I got 2. not great shots but.. its something.
It started sprinkling and she took off into the house... sugar melts ya know. ::insert eyeroll:: I think it was because I worked so hard on that hair band yesterday and she was scared it would fall apart if truth be known haha.

I took a photo of what she did at school today. SHe was so proud she colored all in the lines (we worked hard on this all summer) IF BLOGGER WILL LET ME SHOW YOU THE PHOTOS!!!

Thank you for all your emails and well wishes. We made it through the first step up shot ok. Headache and dreadfull tired but that was it!! YAY!! so now we just got them every Monday Wednesday and Friday for the ressssst of my lifffffe. BUT... IF IT WORKS... Just glad I am getting used to it and not hangin out in the little girls room all day now. Although last night we fought kidney stones but that is an entire different post. Im just so tired I cant even fuss anymore it is to the point of ridiculous. I did work on a layout for a challenge over at my Friend Colettes PEN PALS blog. I will try to get that up tomorrow if the sun would peek out just a tad I mean just enough to let me take a photo that looks decent. I can post it.
Ok mini me is into something I hear her saying OH COOL WHATS DIS. that is never good while she is in my scrap room. Hope yall stay dry.
(THIS MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LETTER I. AS IN "I" GOTTA GO!)

A good Start...

I had a really good day yesterday first in a while and I did another layout. First time I have scrapped in quite a while now. THe journaling looks awful on this I know but my hands are really shaky still from this med. I plan to rewrite it when they arent so bad. The Journaling reads: " Sometimes it is a good thing to have strong arms push you in the direction in which you should be going. We will always try to help you with love and support and a push every now and then to keep you in the right direction. We love you. xoxoxox Mommy"
I was gonna do it on the computer but my giyulls fussed at me and said no. rofl. so.. I will just try again on a day Im not shaky.
Last night was the last 22. I know yall have heard that plenty of times. I am very nervous moving up to this high dose I have heard horror stories. But Im gonna remain confident that it wont be bad.
We have Bellas BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT at her school tomorrow evening. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! She is going into Kindergarten. Hard to believe my little rat is 5.
Time goes by so fast. Anyway. Hope you all have a good day. Im gonna go rest.

WHEHEW! FINALLY!

I think I am finally somewhat getting used to this crappp. WOULDNT YOU KNOW IT... I have to move up to the 44 mcg Friday rofl. Im just sleepy and exhausted tired but dont feel like IM gonna hurl every time I move. SO WHEHEHWWW for improvement! ALLS I CAN SAY IS I PRAY THIS STUFF IS WORKING!!

Bella is sooooooo excited She starts school next week. She is "practicing" all the stuff they used to do. We have been trying to get her to go to bed at a decent time so she can get back on her schedule. SHE IS SOOOOOOOOO not a morning person.

I actually scrapped yesterday. I used the AUGUST KIT from Scrapbook Obsessions. There are several diecut papers in there. soooooooo cute. THICKERS (love those chipboard thickers) the ribbon and the Bobunny organic papers. Very cute kit.

Here is what I did with it.
I wanted to hilight the Die cut paper so yes I intended it to look that way... (dont ask)I am about to have scrapped all my photos of miss priss at the beach with her cute little self. They had soooo much fun. John got some really cute and funny pictures. He did so good. Hate I couldnt go. Thats ok. She and Eva had some fun Daddy daughter time. Playin in the sand looking for shells and fighting the waves right at shore.
I got the coolest RAK in the mail from one of my Obsessions friends THank you Miss Donna for the Threading water punch. THOSE ARE SOOO COOL. I haven't been out shopping in foreverrrrrrrr and I tried to explain to John what it was... rofl. Oh well. THANK YOU SO MUCH that is so sweet. You made me smile big yesterday!!! CAN'T wait to use it on a page. I practiced with it on some just regular paper yesterday till I could get the hang of it. THey need to make that thing in 12 x 12 lolol! It was fun though! THANK YOU AGAIN!

Well Im gonna go play with Bella bug while IM not so nauseaus. Hope yall have a great day!

I may not be able to scrap but.....

Not alot happnin' around here.. been raining a lot. Still taking these blame shots.
I mean I am taking my injections and trying to not bat an eye. Bella has been keeping us busy. She is so bored with it raining and ohhhh man I just want to rest and lay down where it is dark!!

Not a lot to talk about because I haven't been scrapping. I have been writing. I did some articles for scrapbook.com you can see one of them here
It is amazing how much Bella has grown in the last year! SHe looks like a baby there.

Scrapbook Obsessions new kit comes out today and OMG IT is full of yummy new pink paisley!! you can see it HERE

That is all I know for now. Tonight is shot night so we aren't doing much and I know I will be in the bed tomorrow but hopefully Sunday It will feel better. Im starting to adjust to it. NEXT FRIDAY I move up to the big dose so IM interested to see how that is gonna do.
THanks for all your prayers. hugs
xoxoxox

step up

Well we made it through the step up to the next dose ok. It wasn't as bad as we figured which is a good thing. Im just surprised at the overwhelming tired. all i wanna do is sleep. the nurse from www.mslifelines.com which are the makers and supporters of this poison I mean med I have to inject 3 x weekly into various places of my anatomy, called and gave me some helpful information. I had been using ice before the shot (what they told me to do...) but obviously that wasn't workin for me because i get these baseball size knots and bruised places that look like I got beat. SO she told me try heat after and do deep massage for 2 to 3 minutes to disperse the med. OK.
so it doesn't look but like a golf ball size welp now but hey. I will take that over the other one.
AL so she told me to take the anti nausea med and the aleeve before I take the shot so it is in my system ok. tried that and I didn't throw up near as much. It was beginning to look like the set from exorcist for a while here.
Im just glad that is over. We have 5 more at the 22 mcg then move up to 44 mcg. and then we are on that one for the long haul. so just getting through this rough part is the key.

I have alot to get me through and lots to keep fighting for. we had Hannah Montana night here Saturday night as she had her 3d show on Disney. I watched that for about 10 min before nausea set in but Bella loved it. I did take some photos. She was in full outfit wig to guitar to enjoy the show.

She had Vacation bible school before that. her program was on the 20th
the photos didnt turn out so good I was exhausted by the time we got there.
This is her friend Mandalyn they looked so cute.

here she is on stage doing her thang. They had a hawaii theme this year which was just her thing since Nana had just gotten back from Hawaii. she had on her MOOMOO and her flowers in her hair like a true little native girl.





Just some various shots from the Program. Here are some from The Pie in the face. Her teacher Mrs Gloria got the pie in the face. THe kids had to bring money (change) to church and put it in the jar of either Mrs Gloria or the Pastor (His name escapes me right now) well the boys went out collecting I think for him they got all their piggy banks together cuz Mrs Gloria lost and was to get the pie in the face.






Mrs Gloria prepared she had a shower cap on and glasses and a tarp wrapped around her all ready for the pie to hit. THe preacher hit himself with it instead then hit her hahahahahaha so THEY BOTH got the pie in the face. THE KIDS LOVED ITTT! I think the adults did too. It was great fun. SHe was a good sport about it too.
sorry my photos didn't turn out so good. but you get the general idea. THEY HAD FUN AT BIBLE SCHOOL.

I think that is about everything going on right now. Bella is getting ready to go back to school. John is working and Im in bed mostly.
I did have some publications come out with scrapbooking. ONE THAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING A WHILE ON. I will take photos when IM up to it and show you soon.
hope everyone is doing well.

Im still alive .... sorta

This is a very short post to tell yall I am still alive... The injections are going... well they are going. The actual shot isnt to bad its the after effects. I am just dragging trying to do this post. Amazing I felt better BEFORE I started this. I KNOW they are for long term stuff to keep my brain from looking as much like swiss cheese. Sometimes I wonder if It is worth it to just take the time you have and have fun with it instead of making your time longer and feel like crapp the entire time.. who knows. NOT LIKE IM GONNA DIE so dont even get your drawers knotted.
Just how long I can do some of the dubious tasks for myself instead of requiring help.
Bella has an ear infection and A red red throat. some leftovers from strep. I have to stay away from her which is hard when your baby is sick. she wants mama but then again she would ask for the pope if it would get her out of taking this nasty medicine. I dont blame her I tasted it and I agree with her its just gross.

Too bad health care cant be fun and make things taste good and be all sunshine and bunnies. Truth is .. its not. I havent scrapbooked since well.. I dont remember I started that mini album with the photos of Bellas trip to the beach and it is still sitting there waiting on me not to be so nauseaus and come embellish and journal it. I figure in about 4 to 6 weeks (according to the dr) I will be used to this poison I mean medicine I have to shoot into my body 3 times a week and not be hurling my guts out. yeah sorry thanks for the visual huh? Just be happy john didnt take a picture for the scrapbook..

Rebiject?

SO I started my Rebif therapy. This is a photo of the auto injector that makes giving the shots easier. AND IT DOES REALLY. It has taught me alot, mainly how looks can be deceiving. Cuz this thing looks kinda cool but OMG the stuff that is inside it.... not so cool!
I want to meet the man who wrote the side effect journal for this medication and kick him hard in the nuts and say OH! IT WILL PASS.
TAKE A TYLENOL!
My body has never shook so hard, even at a rock concert has it not shook this hard. The chills were overwhelming and tired like you have never experienced tired in your life. The flu is not a good way to describe it. THe headache the chills the fatigue. I PRAY this does pass. I did get in touch with a good friend that has been on this rebif therapy for 3 years now and she says it gets better. (THANK YOU GOD) cuz I cannot do this for the rest of my life. THe body is an amazing thing it will adjust and adapt to most anything. THIS WAS JUST THE SMALL DOSE! the 8.8 dose. I cant imagine the 44.0 dose. She told me to get Naproxen that it is stronger or either just take more of the aleeve, that one, aint gonna cut it. TO take the med at bed time so you sleep through most of the bad stuff. HOW DO YOU SLEEP? YOUR BODY IS SHAKING SO DANG HARD NO ONE CAN SLEEP!!@!
IT will get better it will. I keep saying that over and over it will get better.
I didnt expect the nausea and the overwhelming tired. I literally have slept since I took the first injection on Friday. I was ok at first and thougth this aint too bad If this is as bad as it gets I can handle this no probbbbllleeemmm, then, omg the aleeve wore off or the meds kicked in or the little rebijector thing came and kicked me in the stomach I guess. cuz the shaking started. The Fever, The nausea, the omg what have I done feeling.
BUT good news is all the bad stuff, IT is starting to wear off now and I feel a little better still just tired. THE GOOD NEWS IS.... I get to take another shot tonight and do it all over again.. hurrah!

Bella is going to Vacation Bible School this week.. which is kinda good so I can sleep in and she isnt here until later in the afternoon. Poor baby. I feel like a horrible mom some days especially like now when I wanna go and be at VBS and help them do stuff but there is just no way I can physically stand up for more than 2 minutes better yet be around 60 screamin kids...
Maybe by the time school starts it will be better and I can help do stuff then.

GOD HAVE MERCY!

FABULOUS!!!

I got happy mail today!!




I got the book in the mail today! So if you seee it in a store soon by you, buy it, then look on page 81! That is my nephew Adam! HEY ADAM! I know he thought this page was never gonna be in print. surprise. Thank you so much to Wendy McKeehan and Kitty Foster for using my page.

I got some cute cute photos the other day of some Wee Wii players. Check out Eva Caroline under Bellas tootalege :





They were playing Wii Bowling which Bella is TOTALLY DOMINATING us all in.
She and daddy have been playing Wii sports EVERY NIGHT. I always know when I hear Bella's wheheww I WONNNN I WONNNNNnnnn I BEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAT YOU I WONNNNNN I DID ITTT I BEAT YOUUU NA NA NA NA naaanaaaaaaaaaaaaa NA! in her cute little sing songy voice.
I need to teach her how to be a happy winner I guess. SHe just needs to be a little more open when she wins and a little more happy about it (insert that ROLLING EYES smiley here)
I will be right back she just informed me "SHE WASN'T DOIN NUFFIN SHE WASN'T POSED TO BE!" WITH HER ALL INNOCENT FACE.... I better go check this one out.

She said she wasn't in my closet tryin' on my shoes. "She was just borrowin them for a little while then she will puts em all backed." Im thinking she will be doing that NOW!



My mom just called me with some sad news. My Aunt Norene is in the hospital. She is 90(?) ish years old I can't remember her exact age but she is in the hospital, she has some blockage and shingles. They are doing surgery on her today. SO please keep her in your prayers.

Happy Fourth Of July!

I hope everyone HAD A VERY HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY. This year was really again, different for me. I guess I say ME. Because IM USED to the big 4th Of July family reunions at My aunt and Uncles house. John didn't grow up with this so he doesn't "get it" It is not as important to him and kinda a headache to do a big family thing for him. With my health these days.. I kinda have to agree.
Bella has been sick with Strep and then last minute came home. so We didnt have anyone here for the 4th but just us. It was nice and quiet, ahhh relaxing,
but I couldnt help but think of the years gone by, how fun it was having the entire big family reunion. (it wasn't at our house though thank you Jesus!) My nerves aren't great with those things anymore either.
I can remember growing up everyone would gather at my grandma's house. Her house wasn't a mansion to say the least. It started as a very small little house and as more kids came more rooms were added with whatever materials they could find. Over the years that left some spots where one could admire the stars from bed, or if something was under the house under ya feet. It was comfortable though. It was full of love and always had a crew of folks there. AND ALWAYS SOME GOOD EATIN!
THey would put a big pot of something... on the front porch.. ussually fried catfish or something. The menfolk would sit out there and lie and tell tales I mean they would tell stories about the good old days. WHo had what and was doing this that or whatever. Im sure there were a few beers in that cooler behind the chair but DONT LET MY GRANDMAMA see it!

After Granmama died it moved up to Uncle Tom's house. Everyone would meet and we would go behind their house under the pecan trees. There was a whole slew of us.
Some years in excess of 60. We always wondered how we all fit in that house of Grandmamas but we always did.
Slowly family members either moved away, some passed on. Some married and had other things they did on that day and the numbers dwindled.
John and I moved away 4 years ago and havn't been to one since, MAINLY, because of my health and because ussually he has to work the next day (this is first time in those 4 years it has fallen on a weekend). This year was no different. I just am not up to riding that far in this heat. Birmingham almost killed me riding that far. I was in bed for several days afterwards. Also gas prices... ughmm yeah. Medical bills right now have to take a preference. The family SAYS they understand. Yall know me and my sentiments that they are gonna HAVE TO understand.
Mama and Kasi and her husband were going to come here, but, Bella had strep and didnt come home till the last minute, so we kept changing plans till we just decided to just hang loose this year.
I miss those family reunions from WAY BACK IN THE DAY. BACK when Uncle Earl and Daddy were alive.When Aunt Auglalia (just call her aunt Pauline we couldnt ever pronounce it right either) would come to Mississippi from florida with her kids. OH I loved it when they all were there. LET ME TELL YA those three didnt pull no punches. THey didnt let any family drama take place cuz they would tell ya RIGHT QUICK TO SHUT THE HELL UP YOUR ACTING STUPID. Man I miss them so much. LIfe has not been the same since they passed on. AND...It just isn't as effective when I say it. Although I say it about with the same distinction they did.. I should have paid a little more attention I guess.
I miss those big cookins' and eatins' we did back then.
How the kids would "go play" and they better not see you back till they called ya. Everyone talks about global warming well let me tell ya, July 4th In rural Rankin County Mississippi IT GOT HOT!!! PLENTY HOT! Didn't matter, we were kids we didn't care.
We would play "king of the pond" and "who could catch Peanut" (the horse, he was meannn he didnt like to be caught that much) we played "chase" and whatever else we could think of to occupy us till it was time to eat. When it got dusk we caught Lightenin bugs in jars and dared each other to walk back to the old barn to see who was the most brave... or stupid for that matter. THERE WAS BATS IN THAT BARN I SWEAR IT TO THIS DAY.
Now.. all that is gone. Those days are over. I hate I cannot give that to my kid. The days are so different now and it is harder to get people together. When you do it is more hurried and rushed. The kids are all up in the house in the a/c playing video games (hey can you blame em its hot out there!!! I would be too)
SO different today.
BUT, The whole family reunion thing is nice... but we all should be grateful we had those days. Thank those forefathers that kicked butt for our freedom, We could be speakin some other language that was alot of vowels and complaining about having to get up and work in the textile factory getting beat instead of having our own business or being able to do AS WE PLEASE In this great ol US of A! SO now we have the right to miss our familys or complain about the one we have. ALL because those dudes fought for those freedoms we have now.
GOD BLESS THE GOOD OL US OF A!

Hope you and yours have a wonderful 4th.

grrrrrr MEDIA"CON"

YEAH yeah yeah I know this post is late in the day getting out. just CONTACT MEDIA"CON" about that, that would be our cable and internet provider. CHRIS in customer service is one of my new found friends. LORD KNOWS I was on the phone with every customer service rep up there tryin to figure out what exactly the reason we had no internet or television at exactly 6:05 when the sun was shinin' and there were blue skies.
All I could get as an answer was "outages happen" hmm wonder what they would think if that was the reason you didn't pay the bill? well I had an outage in my check book as in its outage of money... sorry we will get to you as soon as a technician can put some money in the account... yeah right. THAT WOULD GO OVER. Not ONLY I was upset but several neighbors that were having the same issues and getting the same answers from the loverly customer no service reps. grrrrrr. FINALLY I demanded SOMEONE who was a supervisor of I didnt care what department.. did they have a vehicle that they could go get someone to fix it? so CHRIS came to the phone. I asked his name because I figured we would be friends because I was gonna keep calling him because I didn't have anything else to do, I couldn't work because.... MY INTERNET WASN'T WORKING!!!! He thought that was pretty funny but soon learned I was serious. Bless his heart I have to tip his hat for the patience he had. He told me of some of the calls he was getting from some VERY IRATE individuals (a stockbroker that worked online, and several online business') I advised him that hmmm that might clue em in that THEY HAVE A PROBLEM! ALthough he was in SOMEWHEREVILLE USA and couldnt really do nuttin. HE DID TRY REALLY HARD.... BUT, We are sooo fiddna go to DSL!!! .. RANT OVER....

SO ANYWAY.. I scrapped while we had no cable or internet.. heck not much ya can do. Sit here and stare at each other. John played video games. I scrapped lol. was a funfilled night at the Jones residence. This is the kit I showed you from Scrapbook Obsessions. HOW ADORABLE IS IT!?!! GCD studios papers omgosh if you have not used these... they feel like ..like wall paper sorta. I dunno they are not papery feeling if that makes sense. I LOVE LOVE THEM! THey are now on top of my list of favs. WAS REALLY FUN to play with this kit this month I have more stuff to make with it so check back and see the yumminess they have!

Bella I BELIEVE is getting FINALLY a little homesick. SHE CALLED TODAY on her own will and I told her I missed her and she said "I miss yous too mommy" FIRST TIME she has said that since she has been gone! I hate she is missing us. She can't come home though till the Strep is gone.. I cant start this med yet if I catch Strep :( The dr said I DONT have to live in a bubble and be as cautious as I WAS when I was on the other meds that I have been on, but, if someone is sick.. DONT go near them on purpose. so, we just have let her stay there with all the strep germs they already have.
I hope she gets well soon I really miss my kidlet!!!
Thank you all soooo very much also for your sweet comments and emails yesterday. I got all of them today so I may not have replied yet but I will. I have a ton of email to do. I am in a better mood (about that) today and back to my we are gonna get through this and it aint nothin but a shot attitude today. I am just gonna demand not to be sick rofl (as if that has worked so far ya know) from these meds.
So Im not worrying about it one more moment until it gets here. I have too much to do :) THANK YOU ALL AGAIN. YALL ROCK!!!

EDIT FOR PREVIOUS POST:

Well.. my dr appt at 2 pm kinda burst my bubble.
MY DR. doesnt want me on Copaxone doesnt think it is the right one or strong enough or whatever.IF it were his wife or daughter nope that is not the one they would take, sooo I have to go with Rebif (the one I was running from because of the side effects) SO I AM NOT a happy camper right now. I guess I can pray im one of the 1 in 200 that dont have side effects and maybe I can get to go to Birmingham otherwise. I wont feel like going or scrapping or doing anything for the next 3 to 4 months till I get used to it. This med I have to wait 10 days for the nurse to contact me to get me started on it and my meds to reach the pharmacy so that is gonna push me back some more with my goal. IM NOT gonna give up entirely. IT is still possible. Just gonna be a WHOLE lot harder to do. GEE THANKS DOC. BURST MY BUBBLE ALL TO HELL AND BACK.

HAPPY JULY 1st?

HAPPY JULY 1st! ITs a new month and IM all for this month being so much better than the last several.
Bella was supposed to come home today. (you notice that third word there? SUPOSED?)NO, my sister in law as bad as she would like to has not take my child completely away from me to raise as her little girl since she has all boys. BUT, THey all have STREP! Yeah. I felt so horrible yesterday. My baby 3 hours away sick and at the dr and here I was way down here. BUT, WHO WAS I KIDDING, She made out MUCH BETTER than if she was with us. AUNT LIZ, told her that shots equal toys, (this is good to remember for later on in this post bwahahaha) and she said she said "OH cool! I want a baby doll" and chilled out immediatly. (IF THAT WOULD ONLY WORK WHEN SHE WAS HERE!) So when I talked to her later and asked her if she was ok, She was telling me OH "IM FINE mommy, IM just a little sick, it was JUST a little shot, but... I SCWEEMDED.... LOUD!" BUT all is ok "cause AUNT LIZ took me to WAL MART, and Her got me a BABY BOY DOLL and its name is BABY BOY" (not to be confused with her 15 other baby dolls named ...(get ready).. BABY GIRL.)SHe had to go after that because she saw something... shiney or glittery in the distance or something. (yes she is my kid) so she couldnt be bothered with the parents on the phone. Liz sent me later THESE photos.



Before you go wiggin out NO SHE IS NOT IN A CAGE. That is the net from the trampoline. That is the only way that the kids can have a trampoline is with this net thing and THE ONLY REASON Bella is allowed to get on it period. (so chill gramma I know ya got ya keys goin to GET THAT BABY! she is fine TRUST ME)
SHE LOOK SICK? nope? Seriously the only reason they knew she had it was they tested all the kids because Zach had Strep, Bella SWORE her throat didnt hurt. STILL says it doesnt hurt. Liz said these photos were taken last night and she had to tell her look your supposed to be sick come chill for a bit. So My mind is a little more at ease. She isnt laying around all whiney cryin for mama.

IN OTHER NEWS... I Actually feel more like a human and not something that you would want to bury in the sand. So much has happened over the last several months so many things that are gonna change our life forever. HOPEFULLY NOW we can do something about it and move forward. TODAY is one of the new days of my life the realization that my life will contain shots in it. NO not shot glasses, although that might be a happy alternative. Its not really a big deal according to everyone I talk to. It is relatively more of just a aggravation, but one that would make life worse possibly if you don't do them. Even though there really is no cure for MS they do have medications to help prolong the time you stay out of the wheel chair. You still have flare ups and feel crappy at times. What Im getting at is there at least NOW THAT WE KNOW and HAVE A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS, can DO SOMETHING. WE have learned that THe heat is what really gets to me. (extremes, either really hot or really cold, dramatic weather changes or dramatic changes period) so Im going to be on a daily shot more than likely.
I find out all the rest of the story today when I go to the dr.
COPAXONE is the medication I chose. AND for those of my family and friends that are goin why did you pick that one. I got a choice between 3 medications. REBIF, Beta Seron and Copaxone. Well Copaxone is a daily shot but, barely any side effects if any. REBIF and Beta Seron,you take every other day BUT, the first 12 hours or so.. you feel like you have the flu. THAT GOES AWAY (they say) after a few MONTHS. BUT, I REALLY do not have time for shot induced flu right now.
I have a child that is 5 years old that is gonna be a 5 year old whether or not I feel crappy or not. So I said I will sacrifice and take a daily shot, less side effects and not feel so crappy, (cause if you know me I am an equal opportunity medication taker.. if there is a side effect to be had, I WILL HAVE IT. I will have side effects that are in the very very very fine print at the bootom that 1 in 2000 people that took a medication will take. I think it is from my rural upbringing of wanting to get your moneys worth haha.
SO anyway That is what is going on,
Today July 1st.
I have a short term goal I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLLLLLLY more than ANYTHING besides being able to live a normal life (straight to Gods ear that one) but I want so bad to go to Birmingham to see Cheryl in August. I KNOW what your thinking. THat isn't that far away. It is a short term goal and gives me something to push for. When I flared horribly bad before, I had my wedding to push for. I literally cancelled my wedding because I couldnt walk. I refused to not be able to walk down the isle to my own wedding and I DID IT. I set a goal worked my tail off and I did it. Then after that The next flare, I made the goal to be able to go off medication so I could get pregnant. Well Yall know I did that because well.. BELLA!! lol

SO, I got to thinking, What is something in the near future I REALLY REALLY REALLY want. Something big I mean How do you top GETTING MARRIED or having a kid. I KNOWWW this is not a major life changing thing like getting married or having a baby but it is something I WANT. Financially, it might be tough for us to do. These shots are good gosh expensive and Bella will be starting back to school around then BUT, I really want to do this and that is to meet in person my long time friend Cheryl. I have known her for... wow, 3 almost 4 years no maybe its longer than that I was in Mississippi when I met her and was on my first design team. ANyway, you get the idea of how long I have ONLINE known her through instant message emails and talked to her on the phone. BUT, I mean that just isn't the same as seeing someone face to face, interacting and talking and laughing and better yet SCRAPPING WITH.
This would be something almost like a dream come true. Cheryl doesn't get to cross that mason dixon tooo often and this would be a perfect opportunity since she is gonna be in Birmingham teaching a class.
So, I AM HOPING and PRAYING I can work really really really hard, Get to some point of remission so I can go. Talk Jan into going with me (that wont be hard bwahahaha) Im gonna try very hard. FOCUS on this. DO WHAT MY DR SAYS (Including taking these blame shots and eating like plants and stuff) THIS is gonna be my focal point for the next month and a half. I KNOW. THAT is a short time. John grimmaced at me when I mentioned it HE is not thinking that is enough time. I told him I went from where I was 3 months ago to walking down an isle in a wedding dress in less than 3 months that I COULD SURELY DO THIS. I KNOW I KNOW not the same motivation (sorry Cheryl bwahahha) But I had to try to think of a date and something to look forward to that I REALLY wanted. Does it make sense?
I know my friends that DONT scrapbook are probably going YOU ARE KIDDING RIGHT. You are gonna set your goal on something like that. OK well you dont get it, ITS NOT THE SCRAPBOOKING, ITS THE GETTING TO MEET A FRIEND and BE ALL TOGETHER HAVING A GOOD TIME. Its feeling human and almost normal, ITS MORE that than the scrappping.. well YEAH THE SCRAPBOOKING WILL ROCK TOO CUZ CHeryl is like freakin AMAZZZIINNNGGGG. OH AND I HAVN'T FORGOTTEN THAT SHOTS EQUAL TOYS, so IM THINKING.. this would totally equal a wholeeee bunch a shots bwahahaha (since they will be daily forever...) SO ANYWAYYYY. That is what MY JULY 1st is consisting of. STARTING FRESH. MAKING GOALS. AND AN ACTION PLAN. SO, what are you doing today hahahaha!

TAG IM IT.

My sweet friend Leslie Tagged me. SO Here are my answers.


1) 10 years ago......

I was 28 and marrying the love of my life.

2) 5 things on today's "to do" list....

1.Stay cool so no yucky "hugs" happen (why do they call them hugs they feel nothing like a hug)
2.Finish an article
3.Attempt to clean this scrap room.
4.Help John with supper
5.read number 1 again.


3) Snacks I enjoy....

Junkfood of any kind. I know bad bad bad but I do like it. I eat dry cereal alot, and grapes, and animal crackers.

4) Things I would do if i was a millionaire:

-Give back to the church most definitly.
-Give money to Bella's school so that kids that their parents are having a rough time can still go and have uniforms etc.
-Buy Johns parents a house and car and whatever they wanted. My mom the same thing.
-Take both of our familys on dream vacations, shopping givimg them whatever they wanted or needed.
-Tell John to quit his Job and let him Play golf every day.
-Take John and Bella on a dream Vacation
-Donate to MS and Lupus research
-Pay for Bella to go to the best schools/ college ever
-GO to Europe or one of those places that have more progressed treatments for both.
-Go on one helluva shopping trip
-Probly have a biiiigggg scrapbook room that all my friends could come scrap with me in.


5) Places I have lived:

Mobile Alabama
Brandon, Mississippi


NOW I have to tag 5 people: hehe. Why is everyone ducking for cover? ok ok ok I TAG, Jan, colette, Aubree,Michelle (since they just got blogs I have to tag them hehe Break them in right) and Greta.

Nothing much going on around here today. Just sorting and trying to re get my scraproom organized so I can find stuff. Tryin to stay cool in this heat. Hope you are having a wonderful day today.
Im missin' my Bella bug. SHe will be home on Tuesday. Can't wait to hear all the fun things she did at Aunt Liz's.

Reality will catch up with you...

or so said my horror scope today. I kinda laughed cuz Reality has been here for a while. Reality is I feel like I have been hit by a bus. Reality is my legs don't work like my brain or my heart is telling them to go and they are saying "Nahhhh.. I wanna hang out here for a bit, You reallllly don't expect me to hold you up and move across that floor. Im gonna just chill here for a bit." Reality has been here for a while. I don't really believe in those horroscope things. I always thought they were comical and just entertaining to read and I still believe that. They are so generic and you can fit them to your life in some aspect always. which is very true. you can. Cuz boy has reality set in. I could sooo apply that to my life.

We made the trip to Birmingham really well. It was hard don't get me wrong. sore is not the word for what I am today. We found the hotel with pretty much ease. Thank you lord for Mapquest.

The hotel was gorgeous. IT was The historic Redmont hotel that had the winding stair case, marbel floors, grand piano, consierge type of hotel. Not the "we will leave the light on fer ya" kind of place at all. The room was small but in a spacious kind of way. It ws laid out nicely. Close to the Hospital. The consierge's name was Don. HE ROCKED. He was very personable and friendly. HE even jetted us to the resteraunt, Jim and Nicks, when the one kinda close by was not really what I wanted to eat. We went to. It was a kinda hole in the wall barbeque place that if your in Jackson and you remember the old Iron Horse Grill. It was kinda like that (my family will know what Im talking about) kinda wood beam showing factory raw looking place with wood floors. They had these muffin roll things they serve as an appetiser that OMG I almost filled up on before my food even arrived. The consierge came back and got us and shuttled us back to the hotel (how is that for service!) was a very nice place.

The hospital was very impressive it was like a mall. IT was so huge. We were at UAB, Kirkland Center. It had a library and esculators and was just unbelivable. was massive on the inside as well as out. My Dr was from Pakistan I believe, you could tell he was VERY smart and knew his stuff (and not from Alabama). He was very personable asked me a kabillion questions and poked and prodded, bended and flexed me in every way possible. Made me attempt to walk on tip toes and heels. I did the drunk driver test and failed miserably. I guess all that says is I always look like a drunk whether I have been drinkin or not.
He brought me back to a little room that they look at all the tests and stuff in, was kinda cool and showed me my brain on the computer (was awesome, YES I HAVE A BRAIN!!! I SAW IT!! SO THERE BIG BROTHER! I SAW IT! NEENER NEENER!) WE have proof whhewhew I have a brain. It was kinda freaky too though seeing all the lesions, But the important thing is we saw the lesions. LOTS of them. BUT the main one that they are concerned over and that was causing my issues.. was on my brain stem going down to my spinal cord. It was as big as the part where the fluid is wide, and as big round. He said that is the one that is causing my most trouble and the one they need to watch out for. He explained the number of lesions although not good, isn't as concerning as location. The ones in the frontal lobes are causing all my cognitive issues, the one on my spinal stem is the one causing my physical walking and movement issues. He recommended I get another mri Since it had been a few months to see if it had gotten any bigger. He said that is the one that is causing my legs to be wonky and my arms to feel freaky and all the issues im having is from that one right there. The other ones yea were bothersome and all but not causing the havoc that one on the spinal stem was causing. Also causing the hugs that Im having that hurt so bad I can't even tell you what it feels compared to besides child birth.

His recommendation.. go on either Rebif or the Copaxone. The difference? Glad you asked, I said same thing. Rebif you take every other day, has lots of side effects (feel like you have the flu which well I pretty much feel like right now anyway..) Copaxone, you take every day but less likely to have side effects. Which one will I choose? Again Glad you asked. I am thinking of going with Copaxone with the less side effects. WHY? because this is me we are talking about and if there is a side effect to be had.... NANCY JONES WILL HAVE IT! I will be the text book case they want to take a photo of. That my friends has happened with lots of medications. (can we all remember lyrica for a second?? 1 in 90 cases to have the reaction I DID.. thank you) I think I will go with more often less side effects kinda dose. I have a 5 year old I have to keep up with, I dont have time to lay in the bed. I have memorys to make and pages to scrap. No time to feel like crap. so I say go with whatever will keep me walking but not side effecting.. so to speak. Now another lady I respect highly told me to be careful, After she took it for 2 weeks she broke out in hives from it. so JUST BECAUSE the first couple weeks are event free, it could still happen keep benadryl with me at all times. SO, I will heed her advice. We will go back to my regular dr here in Mobile and give him the report from Dr. Bashir. He will set me up with a home health nurse to teach me how to auto inject the shots. should be easy huh? deep breath.
Its a sacrifice. Sacrifice this to keep doing what I want to do. which is walking and playing with Bella bug being a wife to John and scrapping. SO thanks to the dr's for figuring out this difficult puzzle (finally) and helping us embark hopefully on a longer remission time. I got so spoiled, even got to work for a while and was a normal person. I can pin point exactly where it went downhill and I went out of remission before my life went to squat. Lots of people didnt understand and or see what was happening. Heck I didnt see it either. I should have recognized more what it was. But, I can say I miss that so much.I miss being around people and having fun. You would have never known I had anything wrong then except when I had to go on that study crapp. which was a nightmare. Stayed sick. OH well hind sight is 20/20It Is what it is..
I hate worse right now these hugs where my rib cage feels like it is hugging and squeezing my stomach to the point I upchuch. we take wal mart bags every where we go to be sure I dont spew all over the car or something. That was an important part of our trip because even with the air conditioner going full blast... I still got hot. OK Im tired of talkin about all that crapp LETS talk about the fun stuff.

I got to go to the two scrap book stores there. At, Scrapbook Mania, I saw a big poster of my friend Cheryl Mezetti I was crakin' up cuz she is NOT that type of person and probably would be red as a beet if she saw her face that big on the front of a store. I should have taken a photo of it. I was so crackin up. I know they thought I was nutso cuz I was laughin walkin in the store. NOTHING about their store, It was awesome, just laughing that I KNOW Cheryl would have died to see that. That was scrapbook mania. India the owner there was so sweet. Her store was adorable and had alot of the product I had never seen in person. She had it set up very cute! Cheryl is coming in August to do a class there and I SOOOO wanna go. IM tryin to convince JOhn I NEED to do this. (even thought the trip is so long and hard but It would be worth it) CHeryl is a good friend and she doesnt make it down here taht often. That will probly be the closest she will come. NOT TO MENTION she is OMG talented and I could learn soooooo much from her. Anyway got to do some convincing on that. but first I HAVE TO FEEL BETTER and get where I can go! I got some adorable papers I had not seen in person that I had wanted there. yes when you see them in person it just makes you swwooon.

On the way home, we stopped by Scrapbook etc. It was in an outdoor strip type mall like we have here at spanish fort. as matter of fact looked just like it. Modeled the same way. IT was a very Cutesy upscale store. JAM PACKED with product. I got to meet my blogging bud ADRIENE there. She is so adorably cute and so are her kids. They are so well behaved not running around mama this and mama that like most kids. THey sat quietly while we visited a bit. SO well behaved. Did I mention how cute she is? I felt like a beached whaled beside her (love these meds) She took a picture I will share after she emails it to me.
This store had a ton of stuff in it. You could hardly move they had so much awesome stuff. BOth of the stores had that HUGE accucut machine you can run 12 x 12 papers through and cut out your own stuff. I was so impressed and thinks I needs one of those rofl (way tooo expensive I tell ya)
Alot of the products had been picked over as well(both stores) but that is expected just like mania, since CHA is coming up. It has been so long since I had gotten out and been to a scrapbook store. I was like a kid in a candy store.
They did have a couple things that were different that I didnt have. So John let me get a few things from there too. SOme of those awesome prima flowers I love the painterly petals. THEY are sooo cute. anyway.. It was fun.
We stopped at the little learning store next to them and got Bella a puppy webkins. SHe will lvoe that. she told us to bring her something from Beringhams (rofl) so that is what we got her from (Beringhams)she has been wanting a puppy so there ya go

We drove home and I was so exhausted I went straight to bed. IM still just give out today feel like I have been hit by a semi. Muscles hurt I didnt know I had. but we are home. IN MY BED! so that is good. OK there ya go. THat was our trip and all the info.
I think IM going to lay back down a bit Im still just exhausted, and sore. I hope everyone has a very good day and thank you for your continued prayers.

Ready or not... here we come.

Well that month went by ... REALLY FAST. I thought it would creep by and I think it zoomed. Birmingham here we come!
We verified our appt with Dr Bashire at the M.S. clinic. Got all my stuff notarized. Got the rest of my medical records to take with me (mri on disk etc) to pick up in the morning on the way out... Ready to change my life forever.
This will be the ticket. This is what we have been waiting for. Prognosis and second opinion for suggested treatment therapy. Sounds kinda ughmm scary. (fancy word for here give yourself these shots) But in a way Im looking forward to it. Knowing there is SOMETHING FINALLY they can do. Something that will keep me walking and make me feel better and hopefully stop all these freaky infections.
Its kinda a blessing in disguise. Nothing was working with the lupus and that was really scary well duhhh it was because that isn't what was attacking. kinda like putting out a forest fire with waterguns. Just wasn't cutting it. It has been a very long and scary 4 months for us and the answers weren't neccessarily what we wanted to hear.. but, we are happy to get answers.
Thank you all so very much for all the prayers and the well wishes you do not know how much your support has meant for me and my family.
I will let ya know when we get back what they have me doing. I know the dr here told me it would be one of these shots. Not sure which one but.. we will see.

I scrapped yesterday! 1 is with the cosmo cricket papers they sent me and the other is with this months kit from scrapbook obsessions.
You can find the cosmo cricket papers at TREASURES TO SCRAP. She has a wonderful collection of them there and awesome prices as well. This is the fleuriste line.

Bella says this every time someone leaves the house. It is her way of saying be careful. In an effort to not swear in front of her (or swear period) when someone would do something really crazy like slam on breaks for no reason, pull out in front of you, go 2 mph in a 55 mph zone or anything of the sort we would go "AWEE DUDE!" OR "DUDE COME ON WHAT ARE YOU DOIN?" So one day when John was leaving for work she looks up at him points her finger and says "DADDY! WATCH OUT FOR DUDES" omg we laughed so hard. SO this layout had to be done. What could be more perfect than telling her that when she was on her bike (riding in the driveway of course)
The chipboard letters are an assortment of left overs I had from basic grey, COSMO CRICKET, paper studios, provo craft, and some stars from maya road.

THe next layout is this months KIT from SCRAPBOOK OBSESSIONS. GCD STUDIOS is the paper line that was used this month.

THe swirls on it reminded me of the waves Bella was riding in the photos. (my photos of these layouts didnt do so good it is terribly cloudy like it is going to rain) I used the JUST THE EDGE bazzill pieces that were in the kit with pop dots to make it look like waves. I used basic grey chipboard capital R and the Maya road chipboard in the kit for the title and added some bling I had on hand. I just love these photos. YOU can see just how much fun she is having. This kit was tooo perfect for them.
The Journaling says "One of the wonderful things about living in Lower Alabama has got to be the beautiful beaches. Bella loves to play in the rolling surf and ride the waves coming back in to shore. She loves to splish splash asn see how far they carry her up the sand. (Daddy is always close by to make sure it doesn't wisk her back out as well...) Gulf Shores, Alabama 2008"
I had to add that last part in there so my mom wouldn't call me spazzing out because Bella was playing in the waves... you know how mom's are.

Sorry the photos of the layouts weren't so great it has been raining here every day. It was cloudy now but right after I took the photos the sun came out.. I pulled out my camera.. well it got cloudy again.. so .. Anyway.. I will try again to get better photos of them. LATER! (before I call the weather man a dude!)

Hope everyone has a good Monday and I will see ya when we get back from Birmingham!!

NEW KIT AT SCRAPBOOK OBSESSIONS

Be sure and check out this months kit at Scrapbook Obsessions. It is full of patriotic yumminess. I am loving all the maya road chipboard stars and the alpha letters. SOOOOOOOO adorable! The ribbon is just so cool it is clear like plasticy almost but very pliable like ribbon and has the swirlys on it. SOOOO COOOL! I had never seen that before. You can rest assured that I will have some pages made with this VERY SOON. I just got it and ahvent Been able to play yet. I also LEARNED SOME VERY VALUABLE info from my Scrapbook Obsessions pals. DID YOU KNOW THIS? When rub ons are really good rub ons.. they smell like popcorn? I didnt know that. (But then I haven't been sniffin my rub ons much...) So I take this oath.. from now on I will sniff my rub ons to be sure they are of popcorn scent. THAT WAY I KNOW they are awesome before I spend my cents. (see what I did there didnt you? scent and cent... never mind.. I need to go take my meds.) Hope you all have a GREAT DAY and HAPPY SCRAPPIN'!!

OH the things you can find on the internet....

So I was havin' a three way last night.. PHONE CALL (get your mind out of the gutter GEEEZ there are children present!!!) and we learned some very valuable information. IN this day and age where money is tight and people are having staycations instead of vacations. Gas is costing you a kabillion dollars. We talked to this lady online that told us about a hobby of hers. ITs called CORNHOLE. At first I thought DO I REALLLLY wanna know what this is about? THen she continued. I was completely intrigued wanting to know what this was all about. The next couple hours were spent doubled over in laughter with tears running down my face. Being that I am well... leaning more toward the redneck side of life than say the more elegant (I know your surprised by this tidbit of knowledge) YOU KNOW I JUMPED ALLLLL OVER THIS ONE. THose of you that know my warped sense of humor.. yeah I know what you are thinkin'
Well it seems this is a sport, they have leagues, teams, tournaments, and an association for cornholing. THEY EVEN HAVE A MOVIE IN PRODUCTION PHASE RIGHT NOW! (yeah that blew my mind)


They have bumper stickers and t shirts, caps and well of course BEER HUGGIES! (I am keepin this link on the back burner for Bella when she is about 15 and rolls her eyes and won't mind, what? YOU KNOW ITS GONNA HAPPEN! SHE IS MY KID! I am sooo gettin this bumper sticker and t shirt and driving up to her school and layin down on the horn going "HEY HONEY HURRY UP! WE ARE LATE FOR A CORNHOLE TOURNEY!" Can you imagine.. yes This purchase must be made)
So anyway. Cornhole is the sport where like horse shoes or washers that, you have a board with a hole in it that is propped up on 2 sticks (the board has to be regulation size with the hole regulation size.. they get super technical here!!) and you stand so many feet away and take a little bag that resembles a bean bag yet it is filled with CORN and you throw it through the hole in the board. sounds simple. WELL, IT has obviously taken over by storm. There are professional cornholers out there. I did a search on this and SOOOOOOOO many websites came up I coudln't believe my eyes. My friend I was on the phone with looked on E bay. YOU CAN GET THESE BOARD SPECIALIZED with your own favorite sport team (<~~~ That one is for my cousin I found it special just for her! hehe) or your favorite driver of nascar or other specialty sport. You can get your favorite bevarage logo plastered on your cornhole board even! These go for up and over A HUNDRED DOLLARS! YES I said it people. UP AND OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS (and YALL MADE FUN OF MY SCRAPBOOKING! not so bad now is it!) They have a king and a queen of cornhole.
NOW I KNOW I shouldn't poke fun, I am part of the scrapbooking world and people do not understand my love for it.They don't understand my need for pretty papers and embellishments so I can plaster my kids face on it and try to make a memory for her later in life she is probly gonna let collect dust. (this aint just for her ya know it helps me deal with all this crapp I got to deal with also) It is something I love to do and pass my time as well as I do an ok job with. I get lucky and get published occasionally..yeah sometimes they give me money and free product to do so! so I guess that would equal out to being the said cornhole champion maybe? or winning some king of the cornhole or queen even?
Oh Oh what if maybe, you could sell space on your cornholer board for sponsorship, wear the company that grew the corn or painted the boards logo on your official cornholer shirt. HEY we scrapbookers get on design teams so we can afford our obsession with it so IM SURE since this equipment is not cheap these people have to do something to support this habit!
I say this is a lifechanging sport because ughmm IT says so in the TESTIMONIALS on this page. I KID YOU NOT PEOPLE. OK I have my flame retardent britches on cuz I am sure someone is gonna jump on me and say HEY DONT KNOCK IT TILL YOU TRIED IT. I am sure there is someone out there reading today that is a closet corn holer, Or maybe you are THE cornhole champion of your county. Come on out and tell us about this much loved sport.
Hmmm not laughing? YOU STILL don't get the humor in this? Ok, well maybe its because I live in Mobile Alabama and tend to have alot of redneck people around me that I can just see the total fascination with this. (yet Alabama is not one of the states that they have a sector for on themessage board forums as a cornhole playin state!) Maybe if you could think of them having it as an olympic sport with say... Jeff foxworthy and the blue collar comedy crew for a team.... just climb in my imagination for a few minutes with me here. Yeah crowded in there aint it?
You could see why the tears were rolling down my face in laughter. I can just see the good ol boys lining up now to get their tickets for the cornholing tourney. You can see the girls all daydreaming about being the cornhole queen.
THIS my friends is entertainment that I thought would be cheap, but no! for the price of 124.99 You can own your VERY OWN painted regulation cornhole board and set of WATERPROOF bags to toss. (so that sudden thunderstorm or say tornado or hurricane doesn't interrupt your play time... or the occasional spilled drink? Hey we are talkin redneck sport here)
OK OK OK I will lay off pokin at the redneck humor for today.. but my point in all of this is to say. IF YOU LOOOK, THERE is something for everyone. THERE is a hobby that everyone can enjoy out there somewhere. Ya just have to find what works for you.
Its about to start raining. Im gonna go set me out some corn seed... When ya have a plan ya better jump on it! Im fiddna grow me some corn! I think we need to put Bama on the map with some cornholin!! WHEHHEWW!

and THE WINNER issss....

Bella picked numbers in my random rak drawing Im gonna give 3 raks away to three lucky people. Are ya ready to hear who they are?
Now if it isn't you... DON'T FRET Im far from done. Keep checking back because Im still going through some stuff sorting and organizing. I love to share. Also making room for stuff.
Ok so here we go:

THE WINNERS in no particular order are:
Lori P.

Dawne C.

Iluv2scrapbook!


Email me your address to NancywithaJones@gmail.com so I can get your goodies out to you this week!
Congrats ladies!!

The Man You Never Knew...

I had this wooden box that looks like a book for a while now. Wasn't too sure what to do with it. I got inspired after Bella asked me questions about her grandpa (my daddy) and why was he in heaven, what was he like, did he love babies? Would he have liked her?" Oh how my heart just sunk. I try to talk about my dad all the time around her. OH how he would have loved her. I see so much of him in her. He would have been crazy about her. I can see it now.
This is another reason I scrapbook. I think about people that have come and gone, all the ones that she never got to meet. The ones that were close to my heart. I want her to somehow feel a connection to them. Especially my father. I was a definite Daddy's girl. I know most girls are. Bella is definitly a daddy's girl. I want her to realise that he was alive that he was here on earth. He played with her cousins and ate at grandma's table. Sat in the chair that is in the living room.
THIS is why I wanted to make this book.
SO she could somehow form a connection, somehow KNOW her grandpa. I know he is loving her from up there today. I know he kissed her a million times before she came here and I AM SURE he told her how to drive me crazy too. That is just how he was haha.
Maybe after you look at this... You can kinda know him too.


Forever in my heart.
September 1937 - August 1995

He had a Wonderful sense of HUMOR.

He believed all Grandbabies should be appropriatly spoiled ROTTEN.
HE WAS VERY GOOD AT IT TOO!

Thing I love about my dad...Hardworking, kind, honest, loyal, trustworthy, fun, loving, protective, dependable.




Meal time was family time. We always ate at the dinner table. We always had a meal too. Not a sandwhich or pizza. Vegetables, meat, bread the whole deal.

The last page is of my dads line of duty award that hangs in Miami Florida in the Policemans Hall of Fame.
HE will never BE FORGOTTEN!

I want his memory and his legacy to live on. I want my child to know what a wonderful man he was. That he died a hero. I hope this album will help her understand a little more who he was and why we all loved him so much.

Happy Fathers day Daddy. I miss you so much!

Cosmooo COOOSMO CRICKETTT!

I used several Cosmo Cricket Designs to make mini albums and various pages. These papers can be found at TREASURES TO SCRAP paper store. She has an awesome supply of Cosmo Cricket black board along with all the papers you see here on my blog, and don't forget the paper store prices are always 35% lower than other stores! SO check out all the other great deals while your there :) I had a great time working with all these cosmo lines. Such beautiful designs and colors! I hope you enjoy looking at them.


I love these Fleuriste papers. SO vintagey looking yet could go with modern photos as well.


What says summer like wiggling your toes in the nice cool water? Well I think this page just screams summer.
I used the Blackboard letters with paint over them then crystal effects for that nice shiney bubble look. ARENT THOSE FUN!!

The dreamy look on Bellas face needed these beautiful papers to accent it.

I have 9 layered flowers on this page. LOTS of stickles glitter.. Blingy butterflys and buttons. So daydreamy.



A dear friend sent me an OVERWHELMING RAK. I was so excited and happy! NOW, I need a place to put it and there are several papers that there are very many duplicates. I didn't want to be selfish and keep it all to myself SO, I thought I would share the fun stuff. SO, WHO IS READY FOR A RAK? Just leave a reply on this post and I will have Bella draw Sunday the lucky winners. GOOD LUCK!

Lets get scrappin' now...

Have you ever gotten some papers that you just KNEWWW they were perfect for some photos that you have? Well that is how I felt about these papers from REMINISCE DESIGNS. The tropical feel of them were perfect for these cutie patootie pics of Bella bug. Her nana had gone home to Hawaii to visit her family and brought back all kinda fun goodies for Bella and well all of us. I had been looking for some good tropical papers that werent cheesy that would accent these photos. THESE WERE PERFECT. They have some Hawaii papers IM droooling over too. WOULD BE PERFECT for the rest of the pics that Nana made and the hula girl photos of Bella. SOOO stinkin cute!

I also scrapped this photo I have had for a while, actually since Thanksgiving. Bella was having so much fun showing me how fast she could go down the slide. She kept saying "LOOK MOMMY isn't it amazing?" She was so happy with how fast she could go. She had us all cracking up. What perfect title for this page than You are so AMAZING? (she really is! she amazes me every day) So anyway.. here she is with all her.... ugh... Amazement? Amazingness? err anyway... I used amazing Basic Grey Archaic Patterned paper (which you can find at TREASURES TO SCRAP and that awesomely amazing LACE paper that has AMAZING written into it. How perfect aye? pretty.. AMAZING If I do say so myself. OK OK OK I will drop the amazing bit. I like to try to use some papers for not what you would think. You know.. like those are kinda boy papers and I have used them several times for Girl pages. ALso I used this Valentine line by Reminisce Designs, for a bicycle page of Bella bug on her Big girl bike, You know, Instead of the usual LOOOOVEEE page. She was giving her Babies a ride on her bike, she takes each one and gives it a turn. Totally crackin' us up. LOVE this age. Never know what is gonna come out of that cute little mouth.

She is all whiney today. I had her slathered down in sunscreen yesterday when she and the crew went to the beach. She still got blistered a little bit on her legs and shoulders. More on her face than anything. Makes me wonder if she washed her face when she brushed her teeth and got the sunscreen off. Remind me next time to triple slather her down. OH and ask John is he is gonna burn on his feet and legs and if he needs sunscreen there too... BWAHAHA yes the nagging wife was right this time. YOU DO NEED SUNSCREEN THERE. (AMAZING isnt it.. hahaha I crack me up!!) OK OK IM out of here to go play babies with Bella and wait for Mr. Sir to get home with Veggies from the Farmers Market. Hope you have a wonderful Monday.