Saturday, September 20, 2008

A little beach of advise,

I have been working on this mini album for what seems like for flippin EVERRRRRRRR.
I started on it back innn june? Maybe? Anyway I kept getting sick and then other projects took the forefront and it got pushed to the side. BUT, It was important to me to get this little book finished. It has little tidbits of advice in it I have learned along the way of my thirty "cough" something "cough" Years of life.



The album is from Prima. It was one of the add ons from Scrapbook Obsessions.
I took colorbox chalk inks and a paint brush (not the foam kind the brushy kind) and swept it across the front. I used several different colors. I also used some of Tim holtz distress inks. THEN I took a dark brown and swept the pad lightly across to get the raised embosseed words darkened. That way you could read them easier.

I used some ribbon that is like netting behind the photo and spelled out Beach in bead letters. I THINK that is a prima flower (honestly I have no idea where that flower came from if you recognize it gimme a yell) and the wooden number 5 came from Scrappin Friendsy. I took teeeeny tiny bling and dotted all the little i's with it on the book and center of the Ki memories lace paper flower that is on the back ground. Isnt that the cutest little star fish? I got that in one of those little bags at hobby lobby that has all the little buttony stuffs in it.(can't rem what they are called)

I hung the dog tag that I got from a friend long time ago (thank you Roberta) and the sunshine was a pull knob on this old little box that had a drawer. It was ugly on that thing but I kept it. Voila makes the perfect accent for this little album.

I will show you the first page and then tomoorow come back and I will show you some more of it.



on the left the intro page says:" This little book is filled with words of wisdom, just because I love you. Mommy"

The Journaling on second page reads: "When the going gets tough, DIG DEEPER, sometiems its not what we want to do, BUt we find our treasure in the digging instead of in the treasure chest" (meaning sometimes its the experience of doing something that makes it more meaningful, more so than the expected outcome. Say you want ice cream. Ice cream is good. But when you had to make that ice cream from scratch with your family and you had like a family reunion sitting around taking turns cranking that old timey ice cream maker.... If you have ever made ice cream that way, you KNOW the novelty of it all wears off realllly quick. ya theice cream taste good, but the memories you made while making that ice cream, visiting with family, taking turns crankin the ice cream maker will stay with you forever, and you will probably never ever forget how good that ice cream was,)make sense?

I used GCD studios patterned paper (from the Scrapbook obsessions kit)
(prima flowers, creative imaginations epoxy stickers, just the edge cardstock, colorbox inks, some more of those little buttony things from hobby lobby, Bo Bunny cardstock dotted paper, 7 gypsies epoxy stickers, and a zig writer)

I also wanted to address some questions I got about my wall of stamp shelves in my scrap room. MY sweet, Handsome, awesome, talented, handy man of a father in law made those bad boys for me. John literally took all my stamps out and measured the smallest one to the largest. That way they knew they would fit.
I NEED one more the size of Half where the wood comes down the middle of this one and my wall will be complete. BUT, My father in law is getting older and I think he cursed this, me and the wood more times than he cared to mention. He is a perfectionist. so he used the best lumbar the best everything. THESE PUPPYS ARE SOOOO HEAVY we had to use special stuff to keep em up on the wall. BUT that is just the kinda man my father in law is. HE WANTS THE BEST. I was thinkin' scrap lumbar, cheap, didnt care if it matched. I can paint it kinda thing, You can IMAGINE my SHOCK and SURPRISE when in he walks Christmas with this!!!! I cried! I was floooored! So these were my Christmas/ Birthday present from my in laws and I tell you. I value them with my life. He said THERE WILL BE NO MORE MADE LIKE THIS. He refuses. I have been offered all kinda money for them but Im sorry they mean more to me because he took the time to make these special. I told him he could make some money if he woudl make a few of these but, He said no thanks. SO... IM sorry.
BUt If you know someone that crafty with wood stuff. I will be nice enough to give you the measurements off of mine. Or just measure your stamps and make it custom to your needs. I have told him time and again he needs to make these that I have people that will pay him. He is just not as able to do it as he once was. It is a shame because he is sooo talented with this kinda stuff.

ALSO I want to wish my AUNT IRENE a very Happy Birthday today. Bella painted you a picture and it will be in the mail on Monday. (I will give you a hint what it is when she decides to tell me! ha!)

I hope you have a good day and tomorrow I will put up some more of this book. It has lots of pages so I didnt want to bore you to sleep with all of it at one time.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

It is raining....

I will start off with the good news, they say whenever you have bad news.. you should start with good news. Although most everyone out there already knows the bad news.


I finished my layout for Design Experiment last night. I started a layout for Aleida's memorial and wanted to put it up on here but.. I just, am having a hard time. I will try it again today.
Here is my Design Experiment page. We had to open the dictionary and point to a word and scrap it. UGHHHH well. I am embarrassed to say I don't own a dictionary (I am sure there are shockwaves going across the world right now roflmao) SO I USED Dictionary.com and used the word of the day for day before yesterday... It was fitting for these photos of Bella. She was SOOOOOOO over me taking pictures of her. So the word of the day was Vociferous- vo·cif·er·ous /voʊˈsɪfərəs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[voh-sif-er-uhs]
1. crying out noisily; clamorous.
2. characterized by or uttered with vociferation: a vociferous manner of expression.

The journaling reads: You made it MORE THAN EVIDENT you were DONE with me taking you picture for the day.



It is raining today. Kinda seems fitting for the mood. THe mood so many in the scrapbooking/blogging world are in. Also Martin's brother's Funeral is today. They suspect, He was helping a homeless guy, which was something he did all the time. He is one of those that will go up to them and buy them a cup of coffee and witness to them. He would take them to clean em up and help them find a job. He did so much for the community. HE was a christian and an all around good guy. They suspect it was someone he was helping that killed him. SO please keep Martin and his family in your prayers today as they go through his memorial service. BIg Hugs to you Martin.

Today is also the memorial service for our sweet friend Aleida Franklin. The obituary made it real. I mean I believed them and all. I knew she had died... but when you read the words, and see the obituary, wow it isn't a dream. She is really ... I wish I could hug my friend Jessi right now. I know she is going to the memorial service. SHe was a personal IRL (in real life as in flesh and bone I see you all the time I scrap physically with you) Friend of hers. I feel so strongly and sad on this and I only talked to her on the internet and through blog land... I cant imagine what others are going through BETTER YET HER Family.

It is amazing how close we get on this boat anchor called a computer. But ya know, this computer has kept me sane (ok I know you question my insanity but stay with me here) on many days. I don't get out. I am pretty much home bound. Im not complaining. I just want you to grasp what I am saying. I DO NOT LEAVE MY HOUSE, except to go to the dr. SO yeah the friendships I have made on this thing ARE VERY REAL TO ME.

I talk to some of these people on this computer more than I talk to my family. THey are here no matter when I turn this thing on. Aleida was like that. When I got DX with MS. She sent me the sweeetest email tellin me pretty much she woudl KICK MY BUTT (ok yall know she dindt say butt) if I gave up and didn't give this a big fight. SHe said "THAT IS NOT the Nancy Jones I know, to just say screw it and give up, you have to beat the &^%$ out of this MS NancyJones!!!"
She had me laughin so hard. Because then she said.. "ya know.. maybe you givin in would be a good thing.. LEAVE ME ALL YOUR SCRAP SH*T. I could just change out the photo, I would even leave all the mushy S&%T you wrote on it just put MY Bellas picture" I laughed so hard. That was totally like her.

Ok Im rambling. I just didn't want her to end. she was so much to so many. I will close this with her obituary. BUT I WANT TO REMIND YOU. GRETA IS WORKING ON HER BOOK. IT IS BEING PRINTED AS WE SPEAK. IT IS ALLLLLLL OF HER BLOG POSTS and alot of her funny message board entrys, as well as posts where people put their memories of her. THis will be given to her husband and children. ANY MONEY THAT IS LEFT OVER WILL BE GIVEN TO THIS FAMILY. SO please. No amount is too small. A dollar even will help them. Gretas pay pal is SIGNAL47@aol.com You can read more about it HERE

You can read Aleida's Obituary and if you would like to leave condolences HERE, CLick on Lewisville and then Aleida Franklin.

That is all for today... thats it. Thats on my mind. Thats on everyone's mind.
HUGS to her family and friends, Martin we love you and are praying for you and your family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

NJ

OLW challenge and puppy prayers

WOAH DUDE where did the day go. I know I was ASLEEEP! YA I know I hate waking up this late I feel so scattered and can't get into my daily groove. Im so rushed trying to get stuff done before bug gets home from school. I had night before those HORRRIBLE all over muscle spasms. That just JERK your entire body from sleep. SO needless to say I had a rough night (as did John and Bella bless their hearts)
Last night was shot night so I took my muscle relaxer when I took my shot praying my body would just chill out. It worked (obviously) John said he wouldn't wake me up because I was so still and (yes breathing) but knew how bad I needed rest from just having pneumonia and the blame chicken pox/pneumonia. WE DO NOT WANT THAT AGAIN!!! (big skull cross bones stayyyy awayyy from here you hear me dont come back!!)

OK so on to the fun stuff: I DID the challenge for ONE LITTLE WORD challenge blog. SOOO MUCH FUN. I had these adorable pictures of Bella bug and Mister Guido.
And just thought ok I must scrap these. Guido just lovesss his Bella HE THINKS she is HIS and well in a way.. I guess she is. He protects her and just stalks her sometiems haha. I have photos of him stalking her is too funny. I WISH he could be an inside doggy so bad. BUT, John and Bella are soooo allergic to his furry hair (I am a little but not the degree Bella is poor thing) Her skin breaks out so bad and she itches. We kept hoping as she got older she woudl out grow it but no. SO when she goes out and plays with him she has to immediatly come in and wash up so she doesnt break out in a big ol hive. so therefore... No Guido in house. We brought him in during the hurricane an and we are still finding his hair everywhere. HE WAS WELL BEHAVED don't get me wrong he did beautifully. Its just the hair. :( Poor fella.

OK so Here is my page




The Journaling says: "You can see it in his eyes, Guido TRULY loves HIS Bella. He will sit at the door so patiently waiting for HIS GIRL to come outside and play.
2008"
Since Today Im talkin about animals. Not sure how yall feel about praying for animals. I do. They are one of Gods creatures and we get so attached to our animals just like people.
Im really worried about my "nephew dog" Taz, tazzy, THE SPAZZ as we call him. HE is the funniest dog. Ok an example. One christmas my brother and Karen and his kids were at Karen's moms opening presents. YOU KNOW the normal hustle and bustle of Christmas going on everyone into their gifts. TAZ IS STanding ON THE BACK OF THE CHAIR looking down like "is it mine".. "hurry open it I wanna eat it!"
He is just always spazzy, hyper full of energy happy dog. well he isnt quite like that. He hasnt been for quite a while now :( it is heart breaking. HE has been having seizures and its just not good. SO IF you pray. Pray for Tazzy. I wish it would just go away, BUT, I hate for him to suffer. SO just pray he doesn't. poor guy.
Here is his pic:
(this is out of a doggy mini album I made my sister in law last Christmas or christmas before I can't remmember.) but look how he smilin' he is so funny
ALSO I WANNA GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO POTTER!(Hey Potter) That is my pal LESLIE'S Doggy. He has been a SICK SICK puppy. You can follow Potter and his healing on her blog (just click her name)

OK Thats all I know for today. IM still tryin to catch up my day. Im gonna go work on a page for THE DESIGN EXPERIMENT blog. LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE FUN!!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

errr ughmm... NEW TOY??




OK THIS GIVES The phrase my boy toy.... a whole new meaning.

John had to work later today, Martin his co worker and friend that has the Florida territory, had a death in his family. So, John is covering for him. (Please keep Martin and his family in your prayers please.)
I still am not real secure driving yet. My legs give out on me at the drop of a hat and I never know when or where. My dear friend Tara Picked Bella up from school (that is Brayden the little monkey in the toybox in above photo's, AKA Bella's "boy" His mama) She brought her by the house and let her change into play clothes, then back to her house to play for a bit. Bella LOVES going to their house. She says they have the coolest toys (what she means is NO PRINCESS stuff and definitly nothing PINK) When she brought her back by, they played here for a bit and let us visit.
It was good to have her over. I don't get out literally, I go to the dr. and that is a challenge. She helped us out a great deal I hope she knows how thankful we are. She also made my day brighter.

I tell you another thing that made my day. TIM HOLTZ. GOd Bless him He saved me alot of tears! I was working on a layout for the ONE LITTLE WORD challenge blog. I reach for my handy dandy Ranger Paint dabbers and the paint had seperated. It all kinda clobbed up at the top. So I did a quick inventory. I have A LOT of different bottles of this paint. EVERY ONE OF THEM but a couple were the same way and some of them had never been opened. MY HEART SANK. That is alot of money in paint. RUINED.
I know I had not scrapped alot or used my paint in a while but, NEVER IMAGINED this would happen. I couldn't even imagine how I would tell John I would have to replace all this paint, It woudln't happen right now, not with these dr bills and medication bills adding up.
PRAYING, I went to their website, trying to find anything that said I could add water or do some special dance move that would make this paint spring back to life. I did get a phone number off their site though and called but got an answering machine. There is a time difference and you know that tragedy as a rule never strikes until 5 minutes after closing time!
I thought for a minute and asked my cousin Jan, Would it be inappropriate to email Tim Holtz and ask him if there was any way of salvaging this catastrophe. SHe said "shoot naw girl if it will save the paint email him!!" I had posted on a couple boards asking if anyone knew of anything and everyone was kinda with me at a loss.
I was scared to just start experimenting till I heard back from Ranger.

So, I emailed Tim Holtz and it was NO TIME FLAT before I got a reply. HE SAVED MY PAINT and my supper (I was so nausas thinking of throwing out all that paint) SO ANyway I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE WITH YOU WHAT HE SAID TO DO. SO IN THE EVENT (God Forbid) THIS SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU. Maybe it will save you some worry :) (I got his permission before posting his email reply on my blog)

"hi nancy-



sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the dabbers. I completely understand your frustration, so here are a few ideas:



-first, always shake your dabber before you use. paint in general will always separate (even when you buy it from the hardware store to paint your house).

-if the paints are too thick, simply add some water to them and either shake them or stir them with a popsicle stick (you will not harm the paints by adding a little water to them)

-if the top of the dabber is dry, simply wet that as well to rewet the paint to flow through the top, you don’t need to remove or rinse it, just wet it

-also store your dabbers upside down. since paint is thicker than ink, they are much easier to get going if stored upside down.



hopefully this info helps. there are so many variables to these paints (temperature, storage, etc.) but if these tips don’t’ help, just let me know and I will forward your information directly to ranger for replacement. thanks…



-tim



tim holtz

www.timholtz.com

www.timholtz.typepad.com
"

I also want to show you how I store my paint.

My father in law made these stamp shelves for me, I use one of the shelves in it for my paint. He actually recommends storing it upside down instead of on it side like I have done. So.. Not sure how I am going to redo this.
I Have to have it where I can see it or it will forget what I have.


So I tried what he said, AND IT WORKED. THANK YOU AGAIN TO TIM HOLTZ for helping me through my little crisis. I also have to commend him. He was very quick on responding and as you can see was very accomidating and made sure my problem was taken care of.
I was so very happy because I REALLY NEEDED to use my paint!!


I am almost finished with my layout for the "OLW" challenge, I will post it when it I get finished. I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday and all your paint never dries out =)

NJ

Monday, September 15, 2008

Been creatin' away

Been tryin' to keep my mind busy and off sad things. So I have been scrappin like crazy.

Here are a few things I have done in the last several days:


This is a Christmas box to be used as a frame/mini album.
I took a little wooden box that Came from I think Hobby lobby. (prolly did Im sure)
and painted it then used Reminisce Christmas papers To alter it. I toook pieces of the die cut paper and cut the edges off to create the frame around the journaling tag sticker. I also for the front Took the stickers and stuck them to chipboard then cut them out. It is a really simple project that took about 3 hours to create. Now all I have to do is when Bella bug gets her Photo taken with Santa this year, Add the photos to the mini album. Get her to parr down her wish list so It will FIT ON THERE... And a cute little decoration we have.



This wooden frame was purchased from Hobby Lobby. I used the Reminisce Jungle papers on this one. I took the stickers and applied them to chipboard then cut them out. Added an initial after painting and voila a cute as can be Baby gift.



This last page I made for a blog challenge I found over at SiS TV.
THE STORY MATTERS challenge blog

The challenge is CURRENT EVENTS... what about the world affects you??

I chose to scrap about the Hurricane since we are way down here where they all like to stall and blow around water and hot air... hmm notice the bad ones this year have been male names? Co Ink E Dink? Im thinkin NAH!!Ok back to the page.
THis is an elsuck o photo because I had to take it in my kitchen and its night time and I have that flourescent light in there... so ya it sucks. BUT, I will retake the photo tomorrow so You can see that it looks much better. Ok so on with it:

BACK OFF GUSTAV!


I used Cosmo Cricket Patterned paper on this. The colors were just too perfect. John took these darling photos for me. (I was sick with Chicken Pox so I let him do the duty for me) I wanted to Do a page about the first hurricane of the season to make landfall Then I found this challenge and well how perfect was that?
So anyway I cut out all the circles in the patterned paper and scattered them around kinda like a ughmm well a Hurricane.
I used pop dots to pop the second photo forward to give it a more dramatic look and it to stand out in the foreground. I used the little line circles that were in the patterned paper to show direction that the sockets were turning. I thought well how cute would it be to have these as pointers to the article in the newspaper. I think it turned out cute.




The Journaling is as follows:
BACK OFF GUSTAV Hurricane Gustav- The storm that just would not LEAVE! It kept going and going for over a week dumping rain and wind in its soggy path. It was followed by 3 more systems that 2 would end up becoming major hurricanes. Man I hate hurricane season.
September, 2008

Tomorrow I am going to work on the ONE LITTLE WORD Challenge. The Word for this week is LOVE. I think I can handle that ;)

PenPals Challenge #4

Challenge #4, Document your Hopes. Whether it is for you or for someone else.
That is the topic for the next Challenge at PEN PALS.

Sounds easy enough. I was really happy that this was the topic of the challenge.
I have been doing a lot of soul searching and thinking since Aleida's death, thinking I need to be sure I have pages with thoughts for the future for Bella. I think it will be interesting to look back at them in 10 to 20 years and see what we were wishing compared to how things turn out.



I chose to do mine on My hope for Bella.
I used the World Traveler paper by Heidi Swapp. (isn't it gorgeous?) I love the deep earth tones. I made the little mini book out of cardboard with Making Memories hinges holding it in place.



The journaling is as follows:
There are so many things that I hope for your future. You are such a smart, caring and beautiful girl. You have a beautiful heart so full of love. I hope you always stay true to yourself. Pursue your passions and live your life to the fullest. I hope you apply your self and get the most from your education. We will always sacrifice to make sure you have the best education we can get you.
I hope you find a man someday as wonderful as your father to be your husband. NEVER settle for any one that does not cherish you and treat you like your father treats me. Make sure he is also your best friend. Forever is a long time when you are unhappy. I hope for you struggles that will make you strong. Unselfishness and happiness but most of all I hope that you know just how loved you are, and that I am so very proud to have you as my daughter.
Love,
Mommy
xoxox
2008




There is still time if you would like to participate in this times challenge.We have alot of fun over there so come on and join in.

I also would like to wish my mom a very happy birthday today. She doesn't read my blog because well, she has enough trouble turning on the tv and getting her cable on the right channel. We won't venture on with computers. But, I know my family reads my blog and this will remind them that today is her birthday and when they call to tell her happy birthday, Be sure and mention you saw it on my blog :)



I love this picture is that not the cutest thing ever!!


I would also like to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers for Aleida's family. They are going through a horrible time right now as well as her friends. It has been a major shock. She was such a funny and loved person. It seems so unfair for her to be taken away the way she was.
Greta is continuing the donations for making her blog into hardbound books for her husband and children. All the money that is left over will be given to them to do as they see fit. For more information click HERE. No amount is too small to donate. This is going to be a beautiful gift that they can add to the numerous scrapbooks that she left behind for them. I sure am going to miss that lady. I know there are a flood of others that will as well.

I just received the SCRAPBOOKING.COM newsletter in my inbox. I have an article in there.
Click HERE to have a peek at it and be sure to sign up to receive the newsletter every month. It is FULL of awesome ideas!


I need to go get busy. I have a lot of scrappin to catch up on.
Hope you have a wonderful day.

MUAH
Xoxox

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Heaven has a new Angel...



This photo was taken off a recent post on Aleida's blog. WE SURE ARE GONNA MISS YOU LADY!!
The world has a little less humor and brightness today. I will miss her puns on how I can just go on and send her what ever project Im workin' on since her baby girl's name is Bella also. I will mis her in the blog world as well as the scrappin world. SHe was such a funny lady.

My friend Greta has gotten some info and is getting her blog turned into a hard bound book to give to the family. She is accepting pay pal donations. PLEASE if you would like to donate anything feel free to it does not matter how much every dollar will go to her family. She hopes to have some left over to just give them the money.

you can read the information and how to do so HERE



I have thought about this all evening and can't get it out of my head. This is such a horrible tragedy. For those that don't know. She was killed Friday in Dallas in a car accident. SHe was hit by a car driven by a 22 year old that ran a red light.
The scrapbooking world is in tears. No one can believe it is true.

It has made us all hold our kids a little tighter.
I am so glad her family will have those beautiful scrapbook pages she made. They will have those memories of her to look at forever. THAT is why I scrapbook.
It is making it even more important and real tonight.

I hope if you don't scrapbook or anything of the sort, That you will at least take more photos after today. Capture memories for your family to continue on with. I know scrapbooking isnt for everyone but, anyone can take a picture.

Hug your family a little tighter and tell em you love em an extra time today.

We will miss you Aleda and I wish I had known you even better than I did.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Finally!

I think we are about to kick this. HUGE PROGRESS. I feel so much more human. Want to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. Im still not 100% but IM getting there quickly. Thank you again so much.

We are watching this Hurricane IKE now. My goodness he sure is causing a big mess and throwing alot of water around.
I fear for those people in Galveston Texas. One of the news reports said that the coastal areas had so much flooding expected that IMMENENT DEATH would be if they didn't evacuate.
Hmmmmm. I THINK THAT WOULD BE MY CUE TO LEAVE! It is hard for me to believe people still continue to stay when they announce 50 foot waves headed your way. Maybe they have surfboards and a really clear conscience. I dunno.
I pray for everyone in harms way though. I hope it doesnt do alot of damage. I know what all it is causing here and we are several states away so I can only imagine.

I hope to get to scrap some this weekend IM SOOOOOOOO behind on stuff.
This has really kicked my tail. Im glad it is about over with. My house is so in dissarray. I can't find NUTHIN haha. Poor John and Bella they have been doin best they can while I have been out for the count for so long.

Speaking of which I better go on and get something out of dinner... I WANT REAL FOOD!!!!
Have a great day I hope to ceom back later with scrappy stuff to share!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

stilll tickin...

Yes Im still alive, No Im not well yet. Still got chicken pox on my face and neck and a few scattered here and there that are sores now (thank god they have progressed to sores from the blisters) Yes I am still running fever Yes I still feel like crapp. YES I Plan on going back to dr.
I think I covered all the questions. If you have ever had pneumonia you understand how hard it is to talk on the phone but also how hard it is to sit up for any long period of time. Makes everything hurt. SO I was just getting all the questions I am being asked out of the way.
YES I am doing the breathing treatments i got up to every 6 hours before having to go back to every 2 hours.
Im going to go back to bed now. BUT thank you so much for the prayers and well wishes Just isnt anything new to tell. I do think I am a little better... Just dunno what its gonna take to get rid of this crapp.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Almost alive....

I have no idea what day it is at this point. I tell ya, Chicken pox/shingles have to be the work of the devil. We say Chicken pox because they are all over not just in a straight line on one nerve. THEY ON ALL MY NERVES!! Hard to really be able to describe if they hurt or itch or burn. Miserable is the easiest description. THEN because they were down in my throat (and my throat kept closing... what a nightmare) I ended up with this pneumonia.
I am finally starting to feel almost alive. I know I am still not out of the woods but I can at least see the edge of the forrest.

I am so behind on things. I have a stack of projects needing to be done. Bella has things needing to be done. John has things needing to be done.. and all I wanna do is crawl back to my bed and throw the covers over my eyes. (they burn like staring into a blazing fire)
Ok enough complaining. Not alot I can do about this so I just have to buck on up and move forward... sigh.
The last few weeks have been full of all kinds of emotion from things going on in our family, to anniversarys of sad days, and hurricane watching. (yes there is another one out there spiraling towards us but hopefully is going to by pass us)

I did get a lovely email today showing the project I made "The man you never knew" for the Scrapbooking.com newsletter. That is such a fun publication and has amazing ideas in it. If you would like to look you can see it HERE
Be sure and sign up for the free newsletter so it will automatically appear in your in box.

Well not alot to say. I still feel like crapp. Was hoping mind over matter but it aint workin' So I guess I will find my way back to bed.
Hope you have a great day. SOrry for such a downer post.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Yall aint gonna believe this crapp...

This is REALLL long. so if you dont read it all I dont care. It is mainly for my family and close freiends. I am really hoarse and hard to talk on phone long. and I want my friends that have MS and Lupus that READ MY BLOG to TAKE NOTE of what happened to me. THIS COULD very EASILY happen to you!!!!
so BE CAREFUL ESPECIALLY if you are taking one of these medications we have to take that effects your immune system.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT you do not wait.


THIS is just..IT IS BEYOND crazy.
THE GOOD NEWS... I AM OK.
I am at home. THe hurricane is going away. that is good news too.

The bad news
there are 3 more tropical storms out there.
the other bad news.
I have the chicken pox/shingles
AGAIN
YES
I said again.
I KNOW I KNOW you are saying " I thought you could only get them one time"
well yeah.. MOST PEOPLEEEEEE only get them one time.


I AINT MOST PEOPLE.
I Have M.S. (Multiple Sclerosis) and Lupus and..... I wont give the whole list because it is just pointless. regardless I have alot of crapp wrong with me. Physically (sometimes we wonder about mentailly and shut up cuz I know you are going " YOU FORGOT MENTALLY TOO!!"
see I dont have to say it.. you already know that.

BUT SINCE I am on an interferon and it messes with your immune system I can get everyting.
well to tell you how viruses work on people that take interferon (which is chemotherapy just in smaller doses than what cancer peopel get) my immune system is screwed up. SO If a kid at Bellas school has chicken pox.. even though Bella doesnt have them she can carry them. same thing with other viruses too. We just have to be careful. no eating after each other, no eating ice cream and kissing mommy on the lips, (yeah i know gross but that is what i think happened) or kissing me on mouth period she has to only kiss me on my cheek. wash hands alot. I mean what can ya do?
I cant ship her to another country!!

THat is why I Dont go nowhere. I stay at home from church, from wal mart the grocery store etc. cuz my dr always says that is where you catch stuff cuz people will come there with stuff and not know they have it yet or come anyway even though they are sick.

SO ANYWAY. At 10 something I told my cousin Jan I was almost positive I had a shingle on my ear behind it that i felt weird. but I didnt want to say out loud it was a shingle and jinks myself and that be what it was. I showed it to john and said ok so maybe its just a zit he said looks like a zit to me so we kinda went in denial.He looked kinda like oh great. so I kinda dropped it thinking ok mabe its a zit I dont want him mad. The medicine is expensive and well we have spent sooooo much money lately with the hurricane and my medication is god awful expeinseive i had to ahve the mri and well you guys know how expensive it is you all take the same crapp I take. PLUS we were having bad weather and who wants to get out in that...
maybe it was a zit it will go away.

few minutes later one came up on my lip real good (i had a little one there but thought i had hurt my lip brushing my teeth.
nope SO i told john IM sorry. Dont be mad at me. I know it is gonna cost alot of money and we aitn got it but.. i think ireally need to go to the dr. This is feeling tingly and i think i am getting more of them.
so i called dr he said come in at 2. This was about 10 30 or somthing (It was after Joy and Sheri got into the political fight, and after the "new kids on the blocks" tryin to dance like the temptations but they instead looked like some just really ugh.. middle aged men tryin to dance like the temptations making us laugh our butts off) so it ws after that. whatever time that was..
well iwent and laid down. i noticed my throat felt weird and i couldnt breathe
good so I got up to go get my inhaler out of my purse and I fell. hurt my lip more and started beating on teh bedframe with the remote control.
my legs from knee down went ice cold and knumb

john FINALLLLLLLLLY came back there and got me on the bed i ponted my throat eh said need your nebuliser i siad ya he thought i was having an asthma attack. no
my throat was closing
i did the inhaler just kept on pumpin it over and over had to be 20 times total so he ran got hte nebuliser an i rem prednisone. they always give epi,(you know on ER they always say "push so and so mg of epi" but he said there as on in the cabinet and one also at her school, anytime someone is unconscious,, just I wasnt unconscious but i was headed that direction. Bella had and epi but i thought it was with her at school. so anyway he goes and gets prednisone and i swallow it it goes halfway down so I told him heat u p my water and i drank it and dissolved it (dont try that just for fun cuz it is nasty as all get out)so anyway we did ALL that stuff.

so anyway he got me to the dr ( it was an experience cuz we used my computer chair and my legs were draggin and i kept slidin down. its kinda funny now. you have to laugh so you dont cry cuz it is pretty humiliating.

They gave me a big shot steroids and a breathing treatment and i got to feelin better and could talk
throat wasnt raspy
also noticed I could feel my legs a little better and wiggle my toes
but i still cant walk exactly like before now I drag my right leg and my foot turns in and on the side.
like i walk on the outside where my pinky toe and side of my foot are all the way t touching hte floor on the side instead of flat on the sole of my foot. SO we are praying as the shingles/chicken pox (he said it was chicken pox some argue it is shingles that you cant get them again but they aint me... and ughmm he said when you run fever and they are all over it is chicken pox not shingles. shinges is just on one side in one spot on that nerve in a line (and i have had those too) and you dont run 101. something fever almost 102 after taking 2 aleeve either. (I am on that every morning when I take my shot the night before yall know the drill with that and phenegren so i dont have the shot side effects so bad)so when i was feelin crappy jus tthought it was cause i took my shot the night before. WRONG. DO NOT WAIT if you ahve a bump and feel weird CALL THEM dont ASSUME IT IS the shot!!! (like I did)



my eye is swollen, I have them in my throat on my lips and my thigh my back and my stomach my inside arms are a couple on my eyebrow and on my shoulder.
They keep popping up so who knows where all they are.

I am doing breathing treatments every 2 hours and taking big doses of prednisone and taking the antiviral med that you take for shingles/chicken pox.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IF YOU TAKE INTERFERON. IF YOU HAVE a zit that feels funny dont try to ignore it even if you think your husband will get mad cuz all your other meds cost so much and you knwo that the medicine for it is expensive so you didnt want to think it really was shingles....
DON't go there do not do that!!!

INSTEAD GO to the dr even if you suspect because when you take that it messes with your immune system and can kill you!!! IT can happen that fast.
SO LISTEN TO ME cuz it just almost happened to me

(not to mention I heard christian music and this pink hair lady singing amazing grace on the tv and it was gettin louder and i was layin on the remote but by god I thought the angels were signign and I was about to check out!!)

PS. I didnt allow comments on this post for a reason. NOT that I DONT care if you leave condolences and yes I appreciate your prayers more than anything. BUT this post was more to INFORM people to do not do what I DID. Because I wouldnt want any of you to suffer with soemthing that happened to me. PERIOD.
So it isnt to offend, or get any attention yes i appreciate your sympath, but mainly I wanted you to learn something and that is NOT TO WAIT GO TO THE DR Even if you are scared they will thing soemthng negative. YOU still need medical help it is your life in their hands.

Monday, September 01, 2008

We are still doing good!

Edited to add:
It is 2:32 pm It is still pretty windy and on and off rain. Our power is going on and off on and off. We are fortunate it keeps coming back on. I talked to my cousin Angela from Morgan City. They evacuated to a friend of her's house in Dallas. THey are ok and are safe. Was sooooooo good to hear her voice. I was worried about her but confident the lord would take care of her. I want to tell the friend of hers that took them in THANK YOU so very much for taking care of our family. If you ever need something and in Mobile... Angela will tell ya how to reach us.

Bella's school is closed tomorrow according to the tv unless they call us and tell us to bring the kids. I guess since it is in ZONE 1 they have to go in and access the situation make sure there is no damage at the school, flooding etc since it is in grand bay (closer to the gulf) our COUNTY is still under a tornado warning but not right where we are. (read previous post about Mobile county vs Mobile the town.)
Our power has stayed on straight now for a while so thats cool. I might try to scrap some later. If Im not hurtin as bad. Feel ALOT better but still achey from the weather. It sucks gettin old! (grin)

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It is 11:30 am The worst part of it is way over and we are still fine. Still have power. IT is windy windy. There are still tornado warnings but not that are an immediate threat to us. I am hurtin pretty bad so had to take some pain medication. JOints and stuff are swollen and achey but, will make it.

I have tried to call mama and reassure her that we are ok but I keep getting her answering machine though, ( can't talk to her on that cell phone she hurts my ears)but we are trying to keep it low key around here about the storm now that it is so windy to keep Bella oblivious to it. It is not raining real bad now just some showers off and on. NOT like we had earlier with the monsoon downfalls and the high winds. IT got a little scary earlier when it was raining really hard and windy and the alarm on the tv went off (and woke us up ok ME UP) with the tornado warnings, THANK YOU LORD she slept through it. (John looked at it a couple times and then went back to sleep)
Bella is now playing Fashion show. She is dressing up as someone, a character, with one of her costumes (or she makes up her own costume) and we have to guess who she is and what movie or tv show or whatever. (kinda her version of charades)
HEY WHATEVER WORKS!! SHE is happy and not wiggin out so we are happy. I have been in the bed so she has a long walk way lol all the way down the hall and to the other end of the hall and shows daddy. so cute!

Turned it over on the weather channel and CNN and we can't watch that long or will get you all upset and worried about the weather and upset her also.
So just letting you know we are all ok. (I promise mama.) They freak out on tv to get people to watch.. kinda like the train wreck everyone has to look at? We watch with worry and concern but end up all upset worse) We are all praying for everyone in an area that is getting this storm and pray they have power and everything they need to get through! IT didn't feel any worse here than when we went through katrina but didnt last as long as Katrina. The difference is we lost power in the first 30 min of the storm with Katrina so we had no clue what was going on.
I AM GLAD and very THANKFUL WE HAVE POWER THOUGH cuz that air conditioner is just a ginnin'!! IT SURE was HOT when Katrina came through for soooo long with no a/c!! so we are very fortunate and THANKFUL. Our prayer was answered. We are all ok and Power still on. Everything is fine mama I promise!!

I will update again this evening.
Gonna lay back down for a bit try to rest.

Hurricane Gustav, Havin' a Hissy Fit!

It is 7 30 am and so far so good. It has gotten really windy and hard rain fall on and off but we are ok. I am learning alot of the names of the little bitty communities around. I learned there is MORE THAN ONE COTTAGE HILL (like the one by us) when I woke John up goin "GET UP WE GOTTA GET IN THE HALL" and he barked at me that it was way "south east of us" and they are showing projected path going "north of us". (oh, Well thats a relief! glad he pointed that out. Saved a pair of underware for me!)
We Still have power and cable and the internet. Obviously, an boy John is happy cause I would be in there buggin him right now instead of updating my blog hehe)

They are saying it will be out of here by lunch time. ABOUT another couple hours of this stuff. OH and by the way, You know how back home, how we have tornadoes always goin' through Sandhill.
Well what do you know? There is a community called Sandhill here too! Its north of us though but, I am having a very educational Geography lesson this morning. (I would have preferred to just maybe toured these places when the Azaeleas are blooming but hey, I am sure I will remember it this way too!)

Stay safe. You all are in our prayers as well as everyone in or effected by Gustav's path of his hissy fit he is pitchin right now. Ready for Mother nature to call him off us already!

Will update again after while.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Update

It is 11 pm and as of right now we still have power and its not that bad....yet.
They say the worst will hit between 3 am and 9 am in the morning. THE GOOD NEWS they also say it will be improving significantly by noon. Bad news... its sup to be stormy the rest of the day but not like it will be from 3 to 9.
I want to clarify something, we live in Mobile. BUT, the COUNTY is also called Mobile.
ITS A BIIIGGGG county that goes all the way doowwnnn to the water. WE are more up at the top. WE are NOT in ZONE 1 where there was mandatory Evacuation. What yall are seeing on tv those mandatory evacuations,I know yall are watching the Weather Channel and they will scare you to death. I just check in on it from time to time UNLESS it is getting bad. On our LOCAL CHANNELS HERE is what we are going by. That is the stuff you guys don't see. SO I KNOW as far away as some of you are. IT LOOKS alot worse than it is right now.
That is not to say it wont get bad. SO WE DO APPRECIATE THE PRAYERS. PLEASE KEEP EVERYONE in the path in your prayers for safety.
I hope to go to bed soon and pray I can sleep through it. (PLEASE LORD) Maybe Bella wont come super man Dive us at 2 am and wake me up. :)
love and hugs
PS: JOHN FOUND MY HAND HELD BATTERY TV!! Made me smile real big. It was on top of the refrigerator. (it was wayyy to the back and well.. yall know I am short hehe)

Hurry up and Wait...


So far we are still in watch mode. Neighbors car alarm went off and scared the beejeebers out of me. so thought I would come check the weather. It is still iffy.. the way these things kick back right. Praying it will lose its strength and fizzle (One can hope and dream huh?) I spoke with my cousin Angela, They weren't sure where they were going yet. I told her to be sure and keep in touch so we knew where she was at. Still can't find my hand held battery operated tv, I KNOW its here. I had all our storm stuff together in a box (platic tote) Then I got sick. Few days ago I open the box.. there are 4 c batteries and half a flashlight and some fruitloops loose in the bottom of it... hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm wonder who could have been in THAT BOX?
Anyway after the search we found enough that every one will have one and we have the big one. We have a battery operated lantern also (better to scrap by if it would even be a possibility again, one can hope!)Today will be a busy day of preparation. Depending on the rain that is sup to be here before hand I dunno if Bella is gonna get to go play on the water slide with Brayden again tomorrow or not. Will have to just wait and see. It worked out good because she was creating more mess faster than I could get things cleaned up. VERY FRUSTRATING.
I tried to get her to do it as a game and help me but ughm NO.
SOOOO I finally asked her if we had to evacuate what were her 3 most very special things she had to take with her, one was her big teddy bear, her Hannah Montana guitar (god forbid we have to bring that I think it needs to stay!)The last one she said she would have to think about because she couldnt decide she kept changing it every 5 minutes. so that kinda kept her occupied so I could get some things figured out. Get my photos backed up and things..
So John has an air card and if it is possible I will try to give updates. IM PRAYING this is nothing like katrina and we keep power. We have sooo many evacuees I know they are all worried and terrified. That would be just one more inconvenience for them. Well for everyone.
I hope if you are in the path that you will make good decisions and stay safe.
ps. I copied the photo off the site HERE: but I wanted you to see what we were looking at real time and for a future scrapbook page in Bellas album http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at2+shtml/025240.shtml?5day#contents

So what Three things (not counting clothes and food or pets or family or essentials we know you have to have ya meds and stuff hehe fun stuff extra stuff?
What would you bring?

**EDITED TO LET family and friends that cares to know That my Aunt and cousin are evacuating to Dallas, Texas. (phew I was so worried about them driving in this mess!)

Friday, August 29, 2008

GO AWAY GUSTAV!!

IT is no secret. THERE IS A HURRICANE A COMIN!! OH my word everyone is freakin out already. I on the other hand am unbelievably calm. Maybe it is because IT ISNT IN THE GULF YET! so we don't really know what it is gonna do. SO far their best guess is it is going to make landfall in west Louisiana. Praying hard for those lousiana folks. THey need a break. BUT DONT SEND IT HERE PLEASE!

IF you would like to follow along with us. Here is a really cool hurricane tracker that updates itself constantly.

We are being cautious. John did fill all of our gas cans, make sure our plywood would still work,cranked the generator, we got a window unit a/c, got more batteries and replaced a couple flashlights. He got a new propane tank for the grill (yall know we do some good eatin' during a hurricane!) John and Bella paid our monthly dues at Wal mart. You know if there is going to be a storm YOU HAVE to go get water and food that is like some kinda law isn't it? We are getting all my meds filled (they are delivering a new month of these lovely injections today) Is kinda handy that they come in these neat little small coolers with re freezable ice thingys.

So I think we are ready to batten down the hatches and hunker down. We will keep a steady eye on it.

Everyone be sure you have your supplies you need ready even if this one doesn't hit.. Hurricane season is not over until November.
Everyone STAY SAFE!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

I miss you daddy!


Hard to believe that another year has gone without daddy here. I miss him more and more every day. 13 years ago today he was taken away from us in a horrible way. Although, I will make sure his name lives on forever, and that he will never be forgotten. I love you Daddy and I miss you!!
Mississippi Fallen Officers.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

ANYTHING CAN BE A TEMPLATE!!


I used this months Kit from Scrapbook Obsessions, to make this project. Here is a tutorial to show you what I did. It wasnt that hard and made a cute little book.
You can see the kit HERE.


HOW TO MAKE A MINI ALBUM FROM SCRATCH.
Using leftovers from this months kit from Scrapbook Obsessions.

I used this package of Making Memories Noteworthy Brads as my template.

These are the Brads Im talking about.


On the backside of a piece of patterned paper. ( I used Harvest Moon by Pink Paislee in this months kit) Trace around The templates outside edge. CUT OUT.

Using a bone folder or scoring tool. Score at the folds just like the brad packaging.


Punch a hole (large enough for a brad) half inch in from each side.



Using the stamp roller and the ink in this months kit as well as the Banana bliss from the add ons. I inked the white side of the album
to give it some character

Cut out the number of pages that you want to go in your album from scrap pieces left from your kit.
Measuring 4 and 1/2 by 3 and 1/2, SCORE 1 inch in on each page.

Punch holes in each one and put a large brad to hold them in place.




Cut the ribbon (in this months kit) In half and place along the edge by the brads.



Decorate your cover with 2 smaller scraps cut in rectangles then adhere a flower with the center taken out and replaced with a jewel. Add a glittery sparkly B and tiny Making memories letter stickers to spell your self.




Crop your photos to size of the pages. Embelish as wished.
I used rub ons that I rubbed on scrap paper and cut out along with flowers and epoxys to decorate my pages.





The last page I adhered to the back of the album so It wouldn't FLOP open and tear easily.

You can find other projects and tutorials at Scrapbook Obsessions to go along with this months kit. The Design Team has worked hard to put lots of fun pages and projects up for inspiration.

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Its been raining and raining here today. The Tropical storm Fay is blowing through veryyyy slooowwwllly. It is ok though.. we need the rain.
Bella has her BFF Eva Caroline over to play today. I finished up my remaining project for Scrapbook Obsessions, and now gonna attempt to clean up my mess I made haha. I am tryin to think of something good to fix for dinner tonight. Nothing has appealed to me lately. So HOT who cares about eating. Blahhh.


I also wanted to let you know that THE PEN PALS CHALLENGE is up. They are gonna wait another week for everyone to get their pages or your definition of the challenge sent in. SO go ahead and join in. IS a wonderful way to polish your Journaling skills!
They are also looking for Guest challenge hosts so be sure and play along for your chance to host one of the challenges there.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Monday, August 18, 2008

can you name that tune?

For a while now I have let friends and family over the phone hear my child singing at the top of her lungs while in the tub at night. Yes the neighbors cant wait till 7 30 each evening. We call it the news. Because that is when we find out everything that happened at school. who got in trouble. who did good. All the little songs they sang, rhymes they learned. She rehashes the whole day in the tub. I guess its her way of reliving her day and letting it all kinda soak in with the bubbles. IT is massive entertainment. Every one says OH YOU NEEED to record this. Well, she is 5 and she is always in the tub when she does that so I didnt want to so much.. DO THAT. (especially and put it on my blog!!) I do draw the line. THEN today. I did this with my camera. It was crackin me up so bad. I wont bore yall with the ENTIRE thing. Here is a snippet though. She and Eva Caroline her Best friend were swingin' and singin'
I guess.. if they were singing the same song maybe??? or remotely knew all the words to one of the ones they were singin?(to turn off the music playing on my blog scroll down and on the right there is a music list and a box with the song titles, on the tool bar is a button that has two lines. click on that and it will make it stop so you can hear this link) anyway.. just take a gander
ok so now.. you get it. NAME THAT TUNE

While out there... we saw this (be warned before you scroll down. IF you are a spider freak and they scare you... then just scroll on past the next three photos. Im warning you its a big ol like family of em like the Sopranos. There all over. I swear they looked at me and one even say "Hayous dewin" when I took these photos.
so just be warned.
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HERRRE It is so scroll quick by then look at the other stuff after it.
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NO those are NOT the same spider its different ones at various places in the yard. THAT ONE looks like its growing a shell. UGHHGHGHGhhh yikesssss

and what realllllllllly got me.. IS BELLA AND EVA CAROLINE WERE ALL GOIN OHHHH COOOL LOOK AT THE SPIDER. IM ACROSS THE YARD... Using the ZOOM LENS going ewww no get away. They are all up staring at them and stuff. givin me heebie jeebies.




Ok so on a different note I did this layout for Scrapbook Obsessions. Im sure Chantele and J.R. appreciate me pimpin their site after the spiders... sorry bout that but I just had to show yall those things. I am still amazeed.
so anywho here is the other page I made with their faboolous kit for this month.
That would be John's dad. He is so funny.




Bella brought us this home from school today. Im grinnin at the lets on us. and Guido grinnin with 2 feet aint it cute?!!
Well that is all I got tonight. IM whooped. Just those few minutes outside videotaping that I didn't think I was going to be able to get back inside. My legs didn't want to move. MS is such a wacked out disease. It hates heat too. Yeah.. weird.
It is shot night so I got to get my game face on and ready. (and saving grace is coming on in a bit)
Have a good one!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

An update

Bella survived her first week of school with giggles and smiles. She came home every day so excited that she was the line leader for the week. She has alot of little girls in her class this year. So, she has alot of new little friends to play with. she comes home every day telling us about a different little girl she was playing with. Last year there were nothing but little boys and just a couple girls in her class. I have to say I am happy to see more little girls.


This months Kit at Scrapbook Obsessions is amazing to say the least.
I have had a great time creating with it. I guess I need to let you all know, I don't even think I have said anything about it. J.R. and Chantel asked me to be a fill in on their team for the next several months. One of their regular design team members (that is so friggin awesome I can't imagine taking her place) everyone knows and loves some Colette! Has to take a break for the next few months.(this is temporary she is coming back I tell ya!! SHE IS!)I am very excited and happy that they thought of me to fill in for her while she is away. I am feeling a lot better and getting used to these shots so I think it will be good for me to get back to scrapping and try to get some normalcy in my life again. Lord knows the last 8 months have been anything but normal more like the middle of a train wreck where the cars are all zig zagged off the tracks explains it a little better. I think this is going to help alot. SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH to my giyulls at Scrapbook Obsessions.

So back to this months kit. It is the awesome Pink Paislee Vintage Moon Collection and what a treat it is to the eyes. IT has alot of versatility. You can make your pages as simple or as complex with this kit. I have 3 examples so far:


This is a quick and easy page, that focuses more on th photos to tell the story.
I used the Die cut striped paper from the kit.
I cut the card stock to 8 and 1/2 x 10 rounding the corners.
I inked all the edges of the die cut and the cut card stock with color box fluid ink chalks in Dark brown
I used the brown and blue polka dot ribbon but turned it on the opposite side.
I took the center out of the flower and put the number 3 as its center.
I used the title AUTUMN on the top right.
In the bottom left corner I wrote "Nicholas - Boyd Pumpkin Patch, Brandon, Mississippi" with a Black extra fine tip Sharpie.
then put the year with Chipboard on the bottom right.





The colors are so vibrant. THE thickers have foil on them so they are shiny! ( you know me, I love shiny!)

When I saw the owl on this paper I KNEW I had to cut it out. HE would be so cool in 3D. SO I carefully cut it out. I added foam pop dots to it so it would lift off the page. I really wanted to focus on the guilt in this page also, So I pop dotted the center photo as well.

* I used the Threading water punch to add an edge to the top of the layer of patterned paper.
* I added flowers to accentuate the color of the pinky red lipstick used across her face in the photo.
* I used bling for the owls eyes.
* I used the ribbon for another layer of bring blue across the top holding my journaling in place.
* I added some phrases across the bottom of denial of guilt to help us question "who dun it"
* I used a number 4 in the bottom corner to remind me she was 4 years old in the photo.
* I inked all the edges.

Bling, the flowers, foam pop dots, and threading water punch, not included in kit.

The journaling reads: Sometimes I wonder if all 4 year olds are as mischievous as you. I cannot turn my head
for a second or you are into something. It has been that way since you were able to crawl. I had to laugh
under my breath especially when I saw the shoes, as you walked; little puffs of powder came out the back
like smoke behind you. It almost made me forget the fact you ruined your uniform and my make up a
nightmarish afterthought. I am so glad I got these photos to torment you with as you get older.


Wasnt me***** Make up? What Make up? ******* Did you SEE ME do it? ****** I WANNA TALK TO MY NANA!!


For step by step instructions on how to make this page, go here: http://www.scrapbookobsessions.com/forums/...c=12783&hl=

THE Journaling says:
I Pray you never forget the snuggles, the kisses and hugs. How good nana smells.
How beautiful she is inside and out. Her generous giving nature, but most of all
how much she adores you!

I used the September kit Pink paislee Harvest moon collection.
Black cardstock
Pink Paislee Vintage moon: Harvest moon, moon pie, moon Glade
American Craft Thickers
Prima Flowers
lace paper
Banana Bliss powder puff (add on in kit)
Blue Hawaiian powder puff (came in kit)
KI lace cardstock

* not in the kit
7 gypsies photo turns
hobby lobby pearl and jewel stickers
making memories journaling book
Basic grey buttons
Bazzill Just the edge strips
colorbox fluid chalk inks

For more information on these layouts,other inspiring creations by the Scrapbook Obsessions Design Team and the kit be sure and check out SCRAPBOOK OBSESSIONS.


The injections are going pretty good. They said I would get used to it I guess they knew what they meant. Still having a bit of headache and tired but NOTHING like it was. I did ask the dr about Tysabri the IV that you can take once a month and he just looked at me with a blank stare. I wonder about this dr. sometimes. I know he is very intelligent I can't imagine having to retain and remember all the information he has. I often wonder if he has me confused with some other patients. Im so glad John goes with me I always forget a lot of what I wanted to tell him in the midst of all of it.
We told him about some different symptoms and he just gave us blank stares like it could or could not be the MS. It is just weird. We already KNEW it could or Couldn't be it, when we went went in the first place. I get a lot more answers from the support group I go to online than I do from my dr. Sad huh. I guess that it's kinda good, These people live it every day so they KNOW what is what. They have helped me understand a lot of weird things that have happened. HE IS taking me off the carbatrol though so maybe that will help with some of the nauseau and things going on. HEY ONE LESS MED TO TAKE MAKES ME HAPPY!! One less med to pay for makes John very happy.

It is doing a whole lot of raining here today. I hope you are having a good day where ever you are.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

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!

Monday, August 11, 2008

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!)