Tending My Garden

Our Geocaching Family Adventure

2009-04-12T14:01:00.007-04:00

So there's a friend of mine from college that recently spoke of geocaching on his Facebook status. When someone commented on it - not knowing what the allure was, or even, really, what geocaching was, Tom gave a link to Geocaching, a Groundspeak Project, a new family activity was born.

This sunny Easter Sunday morning, the Cannuck and I decided that we were going in search of our first geocache. After the boys found their bunny baskets, we had a delish breakfast of chesse-eggs, bacon, toast and milk, then dressed for our adventure. Wisely, the Cannuck chose an easy one for our first find. After a nice stroll through our neighborhood and into the park, passing beautiful blooming dogwoods along the way...

...we found it!! I think that TomTom will have to stay in the car, and perhaps the Cannuck will get a new hand-held GPS that's a little more geocache-finding friendly. Honestly, TomTom was a pain, but worked well enough. Here's The Cannuck showing his find...

...I set the auto-timer on the Canon Powershot S5IS and documented our first family geocache find!

Why find one, when you can find two, right?! The Cannuck jotted down a second site that was on the other side of the lake - over 3 bridges, up a fairly steep hill, and off the trail, down through the woods (isn't he thoughtful?!!) So, once again, we were off! This second was not nearly as easy to find. But find it we did, and it was much larger, so had more trinkets inside...

For the second photo, I opted to stay behind the camera, where I'm most comfortable. Here are the boys, where boys like to be best, in the woods on a treasure hunt! I can't tell you how many times Lil' D said, "We're pirates, matey! Arrrh!" Cracked. Me. Up.

That's how we spent the late morning/early afternoon. Big J's now whiling away time on Toontown, the Cannuck has crashed on the couch while watching The Masters, and I'm about to lay down with Lil' D for a nap. A brilliant day, indeed.

Peace & Blessing, y'all!

Sometimes it is GOOD to be in the dark!

2009-02-24T13:22:00.000-05:00

Earth Hour 2009 by WWF - Sign up for Earth Hour!

Catching up on ADSR4 Layouts

2009-02-17T08:00:00.005-05:00

Challenge #2 - Cabin Fever ... this one we had to work on together. I provided the idea for the layout, the pictures, title and journaling. Manda did the actual layout with her digiscrap supplies. It was an "intersection".

Challenge #3 - Wild Thing

Challenge #4 - Altered Hugs

Challenge #5 - On the Wings of Love

Challenge #6 - Sick ... Roadblock! Because it was Manda's youngest's 1st birthday, and she had out of town guests, I happily volunteered to do this one.

Challenge #7 - Shanghai Saturday Night

Challenge #8 - 3rd Grade-Dream Big

Challenge #9 - Family Tree

Challenge #10 - These are a Few of Her Favorite Things ... Manda had to complete this challenge, of me, because I completed the previous roadblock, challenge #6.

Challenge #11 - Burning Question ... this is my new favorite layout. Ever.

Challenge #12 - Preservationists ... this was another "intersection". Manda had the idea to use our baby pictures. I created the actual layout and, through emails back and forth, she completed the journaling (which had to cover at least half the page.)

We're now at work on Challenge #13 - a double layout. I'll post that when we're done.

Butterflies are Free

2009-02-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

Hi Mom,

I'm about 2 1/2 hours late this year - your 3rd Angelversary - but it's because, as much as I would like for it to, life doesn't stop just because today I grieve anew.

It's a Monday (I just wrote MOMday!) so I couldn't go off and find a secluded spot, as I have the past 2 years, to count down to 8:40am, trapped in a recurring loop of memories of your last minutes, reliving the emotions as I felt them - and saw them mirrored in the eyes of David and Doug. No, today I had to be a Mom first. I got Joshua up & ready for school, fed him breakfast, and walked him to the bus stop. Then it was back to the house where Dylan was already peering out of his windows, watching the school bus take big brother off to school, as he waited for Mommy to help him dress for his day.

Next I had to be a Wife, going into our bedroom where I nudged Stephen out of his slumber, so he could get ready for work. Dylan held my hand as we went downstairs for his breakfast and to watch Super Why!, before I packed hi lunch & bookbag, drove to the carpool line, and dropped him off at preschool.

I took you with us. Well, your urn of ashes - the remains of your broken, battered, cancer-ridden physical body. I've come to believe, in the past year, that you - your true essence, your soul, has graduated. I'm sure you're still watching over all of us, because we still need you - dad too. I can smell you both (your perfume, and his cigars,) from time to time. Twice this past year, I've even woken from a dream, positive that I still felt your arms around me, in a hug that I miss so very much.

We've run some errands, you and I. Now I can finally be Your Daughter, sitting in the parking lot of UUCG, where I was once part of the congregation. Where Heather, the former Pastor, counseled Stephen and I, before marrying us at Silver Hill Manor, over 10 years ago now. So, life goes on. Yes, it does. But there's still a big hole in my heart where your shining self used to be.

Not a day goes by when I don't think of you, Mom. But, time - and counseling - seem to be working, as I am not crushed - nearly paralyzed - with grief anymore, as I'd been the past 2 years. Now, I'm just deeply sad, because I still miss you, and want nothing more than to pick up the phone and hear your voice. But that's OK. I'm allowed to still be sad, especially today.

Life around me doesn't stop, however, so I can take the time to melt into a puddle anymore. So I am going to release your butterfly balloon, cry a few tears, and then get on with my day. Because you would have wanted me to. I have a lot to live for, and look forward to, in my life. Stephen, Joshua & Dylan, David, Dough, Tracy, Courtney & Tristen need me to be whole & present.

There is so much I want to do this year. With your ever-present love & guiding spirit, I look forward to discovering the woman I am becoming. I love you, Mom.

Butterflies are free, and so are you!

Always,
~Alyson

Time Passages

2009-01-31T20:00:00.003-05:00

Today is my Dad's 5th Angel-versary. How have 5 years passed already? What is so different now, than then? Plenty, actually, but I don't want to get into that yet. Right now I'm struggling with "walking" pneumonia, so I've been off the computer for nearly an entire week. I've been keeping up with my Project365 photos, but haven't posted them yet. I'm great at taking pictures... just suck at the follow-through. BUT, I'm sick, my family has been sick for weeks, so I'm cutting myself some major slack.

I love you dad. Through everything, that is what lasts. I love you. Peace.

Time for a little blog-cleaning...

2009-01-13T11:27:00.003-05:00

I'm just about to head over to my Project 365 blog and update it with almost a week's worth of photos, so click on over and check it out in a bit, please.

Now I am compelled to give a shout-out to an amazing blogging woman - Lacy, of Razor Family Farms (you can find her amazing blog here)because I was just a runner-up winner of an Amazon.com gift card! Lacy, my girl, you rock like KISS ... that's her tag line, that I'm borrowing, because it fits! Seriously, folks, you need to catch up on Lacy, Josh, the farm, and their new fam. I wish I had her courage, not to mention her sewing skills, and convictions for leading a simpler life. You are admired from afar. Well, not "far", as y'all are 'just down the road a piece.' Maybe in the spring we'll road trip down for the kids to play, check out the chickens, and treasure hunt in the woods for interesting rocks, twigs, and leaves.

On the Amazing Digiscrap Race front, my partner, Manda, and I have completed the first 2 challenges. I've about finished with #3, and will begin working on #4 this evening, when the boys are tucked in bed. It's an "altered art" one, which is always a stretch for me. I admire them so much, and want to cultivate that style more. The altered art layout I did last year, Many Other Altered Fish In The Sea, was so much fun that I entered it into a contest late last year. And I won (shaddup, Lynn!) a Wacom Bamboo Tablet.

OK, off to tidy up a bit. Later taters!

It's that time again...

2009-01-06T12:49:00.003-05:00

I've re-upped for the Amazing DigiScrap Race, Season 4 (ADSR4). My new partner is Manda and we've already gotten started on our first of 12 challenges. After living in GA for about 30 of my nearly 43 years (February 5th, y'all. Mark it on your calendars!), I must admit to being "raised" in the south. Therefore, our team name is G.R.I.T.S. - Y'all! (Girls Raised In The South). Manda's even been nice enough to set us up our very own ADSR4 blog here. And now, without further ado, here's my first layout of the season.

Journaling: Kindness and compassion towards others has always been my strong suit. Practicing compassion on myself, however, is easier said than done. I'm much better at self-loathing - tearing myself apart, if you will. My word of focus and action for 2009 is COMPASSION. I will love, accept, and have compassion for the woman that I am today, while I dream and imagine with compassion the woman that I will yet become. This is my promise to myself.

Credits:
~ Impressions of Imagination, Studiogirls Collab, Scrapbook Graphics (some elements altered and/or recolored)
~ beaded staple from Winter Sparkle, by Flergs (Studio Flergs)

Fonts: Avant Garde Bk BT, Never Writes Back

Program: DIP10; shadows courtesy of Alien Skin Eye Candy

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T11:49:00.002-05:00

Well, 1 day down, only 364 more to go! I've decided to jump on a VERY large bandwagon and work on my own Project 365. The idea being you take a picture every day, maybe journal a bit about it, and either post it somewhere, or maybe scrap with it (digi or paper). At the end of 2009, you'll have a record of the everday things that make up your family life. I've even set up a Project 365 blog, in case you are interested in following that one. I'll dress it up soon, I promise, I just have a LOOOOOONG list of other digiscrapping things I have to get done.

This was snapped, just after midnight, by our good friends, The Cooks. Our family and theirs spent New Year's Eve together, playing Texas Hold 'Em (adults) and Wii Music & Guitar Hero World Tour (kiddos). A fun time was had by all, including toasts with sparkling cider at midnight. All 4 boys (Noah - 9, Cooper - 4, Joshua - 8, and Dylan - 3,) made it to the magic hour, but you could tell they were sleepy ... especially the little guys.

Peace & Blessings, Happiness & Prosperity, to everyone in 2009. This IS going to be a good year.

I heart SNC

2008-12-23T10:17:00.002-05:00

Turn up the volume on your speakers, sit back, and listen. Maybe while the lights are twinkling on your tree and you have a cup o' nog that you're sipping. Peace.

Kid & Tiger Ticklers

2008-12-07T17:34:00.002-05:00

I miss Calvin & Hobbes. Needed a fix, and thought you might too. It's cold here in GA, but, much to Big J's dismay, not snowy. We'll leave that for Grandma & Grandpa's house, where we visited a year ago. Dunno though... last time it was so cold (with snow flurries on December 1st,) was 1993 ... the year of The Big Blizzard. I was living in DC at the time, and we had 10 inches of snow up there... 10 inches down here too, apparently. In Big J's dreams! Now, it's time to share:

One of my digi designer faves, Lisa Whitney, just did a blog post about this. Rather than illegally stealing her bandwidth, I'll just point you to her blog for your C&H Snowman Fix. Personally, I've always loved the Snow Sharks. What's your fave?

Enjoy!

Counting My Blessings

2008-11-27T02:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family here in the States or living abroad, and happy Thursday to the rest of the world! Even if you’re not celebrating Thanksgiving today, I’d like you to take just a moment to be thankful for the blessings in your life. You certainly don’t need a special date on the calendar for that!

Especially now, when the world seems topsy-turvy, and your personal life events may not be exactly as you would like, pause for a few seconds and reflect on the good, rather than dwelling on the worries. They don’t have to be big blessings. Even the smallest things, like savoring the smell of a wood-burning fire on the crisp autumn breeze, the sights and sounds of sleeping children and animals, being able to marvel at the stars in the sky, are enough to feel grateful for experiencing.

While I have your attention, I'd like to share a layout I completed the other day. It features my Lil D after his preschool's Thanksgiving feast. The 3 year old classes dressed up as Native Americans. I nearly cried from all of his cuteness ... from his feathered and beaded construction paper hat, to the pasta-strung-on-yarn necklace. The thing that got me the most, however, was the name "bestowed" on him by his tribal elders {that would be Ms. Jamie and Ms. Tracey - his teachers ;-) }... he was called "Free Spirit". A most fitting moniker!

For any digi-scrappers that might stop by, I am offering the Thanksgiving word art stamp as a freebie. It's gray-scale, so you can put your own individual artistry on it. Please respect my personal-use only caveat, and don't share it in groups,on 4shared, MediaFire, or the like. Just send them here, or to Ellie's Angels CT Blog to download it.

Download here

Peace and Blessings to you and yours today, and through the holiday season. Be kind to each other!

Facebook Fanatic

2008-11-12T21:16:00.003-05:00

What does it say about my personality that I'm so easily sucked into these time-consuming (wasting?) web sites? First it was MySpace. Truthfully, I was trying to appear "cool" - and I *did* find a long-lost highs chool buddy through there. Having bands and artists I admire "add me" as a friend was an ego boost as well.

The Canuck pshawed MySpace in favor of FaceBook. Reluctantly, after a time, I made a Facebook page too. Now I have a Fairy Garden, that I check several times a day, growing flowers and herbs to save precious acres of rainforest. Then there's a Tiny Adventures Dungeons and Dragons app that has REALLY drawn me in.

I was always an observer in high school, but finally got the nerve in college to ask some friends to show me how to game. Admittedly, some of them were a little TOO into it, KWIM? But now I am obsessed with deciding between a half-elf cleric female or eladrin paladin female. Maybe I should try being a male character? Which level adventure should I choose? What potions should I bring along. See? Insanity!

My latest, as seen in my sidebar, over there on the right, is Hatchlings. I've collected more than 200 eggs, and I'm shooting for at least 500, so I can get a limited edition soccer egg. Ridiculous, but here I am, checking my friend's nests to gather more eggs.

Surely this will fade in time. I won't feel the need to out Scramble my friends, or feel crushed when The Canuck wipes the Scrabble board with me.

Guess what? I scrapped! Yesterday I actually completed TWO digi layouts, and I'm working on another now (in between checking on my D&D character, fairy garden, and hatchling nests, or course!) Oh, and don't get me started with status updates!

How are things in your neck of the woods?

Are you afraid?

2008-11-10T22:43:00.003-05:00

I know where I want to be the day after Thanksgiving (hint: it's NOT fighting crowds for "Black Friday" sales). Figured I'd give it a week to die down (ha ha,) and then try and get into the theater for an early show. Maybe my 16 year old niece will go with me?

All 4 U

2008-11-10T07:10:00.004-05:00

I have a new cyber buddy. Her name is Lacy and she has a fanTABulous blog that you must go read. Now. Go on, go! Oh, you need a link? OK,here it is!

Lacy's also my main (ok, almost ONLY) commenter on my blog. She recently even featured my link among the links of her hundreds of fans.

I'm honored. I'm humbled. I **really** need to update this, meaningfully, more often.

For you, Lacy, I'm going to make more of an effort. To show good faith, I'm even going to post a few of my more recent layouts. As a matter of fact, that's ANOTHER thing I need to get back into the swing of doing - layouts. I owe my CT bosses more than a few. I've just been tending either a sick child or a sick me for what seems like weeks, and I don't have the energy, nor imagination to create.

A few weeks ago I told my therapist (what? You're surprised?!) that I'd make a layout titled, "Practice Compassion", because that's what she wants me to do... be compassionate with myself. I'm having a hard time, though, envisioning me practicing compassion on myself. Pretty sad, eh? SEE! There I go again! Ugh.

Alright. J's on the bus, motoring towards school. I'm going to let D sleep until 8am, then get him up and ready to go back to school (he was out Wednesday and Friday last week - with a Wednesday trip to the pediatrician, because of an upper respiratory virus.) Then it's off to J's school for the first parent-teacher conference of this school year. Mrs. F actually asked if we could schedule it on my regular volunteering day because she has no concerns about J, just needs to go over the reading levels and have me initial a few things. I'm supposed to stay a couple of hours after to help the kids with their multiplication tables, but I'm still not well from my weekend-onset illness, so I think I'll leave early and go to the chiro before I have to pick D up at 1:30.

Wow, look at this! I actually wrote something. Go me! Time to slap up a few pictures and call it a post. Have a nice day, wherever you are. And stay warm! It was 33F this morning. Brrrrrrrrr!

Credits can be found in my DST gallery.

VOTE!

2008-11-04T11:57:00.002-05:00

Exercise your right. Vote. If you are a citizen of the United States of America, you have the privilege to help elect the next president. Let your voice be heard.

Tomorrow will dawn a bit brighter, with hope on the horizon. Believe.

No Tricks, Just Treats!

2008-10-30T16:52:00.002-04:00

Halloween is tomorrow, and the boys are VERY excited. The candy factor is in play, for sure, but we're trick-or-treating with our best friends (my BFF Lynn, and her boys, which are my boy's best friends, and our husbands are pals too!) One of the families in their subdivision has erected a haunted castle that takes up their entire driveway and half of their front yard. THAT is causing more excitement than the candy and friends, I think. I'll take my camera along, but not sure how good the night shots will be.

On Saturday, the digi-scraping world is celebrating International Digital Scrapbooking Day. IDSD is a *huge* thing in our little cyber-community. Every scrap shop under the sun is having sales and contests and freebies galore! I'm on 4 CTs (creative teams) that sell at 3 different stores, so here are some ads to pique your interest:
Monica, of Studio mgl at Scrapbook Graphics has this going on...

Ellie's having a "going out of business sale" at ScrapMatters. On November 1st she'll be joining **shhh...it's secret for another 24 hours**, so go here and grab some of her designs. I don't know if all of them will make the move over to her new store.

I'm not sure if Sunshine Studio Scraps is doing anything in particular for IDSD because it's Sunshine Wonder Week. Check the forum for the happenings.

And last, but certainly not least, is my pal (and first CT boss,) Stacey Kluczny. Her store is located Scrapbook Elements. They are having a HUGE free-with-purchase kit, called Welcome Home.

There ya are! Plenty to keep you scrap-happy on Saturday. I'll be back at some point to post Halloween pics.

Be Safe!!

Cool Beans!

2008-10-24T15:55:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I have so much to say, I just don't know how to say it? And, frankly, I don't have time right now. But I do have time to share this. As I've said before, I've already voted. But perhaps you haven't. Perhaps you are still "undecided". Here are a few old friends to make you think for a moment:

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Stand Up!!

2008-10-10T18:21:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite digiscrap designers, who happens to be an American living abroad, had this video on her blog today. I'm not really a fan of rap music, but dang if this doesn't speak to me! I'm be-bopping out, with my earbud in, and Big J is saying, "Mom? What are you doing??!" So I unplug, and let he and Little D listen, and they start marching to the beat.

I need to send this to people. Everyone needs to hear this and stand up!

Self-promotion is not always a bad thing!

2008-10-09T16:49:00.003-04:00

Hi out there. Just wanted to let you know about some things happening in my digiscrap universe. Today was my day to post on Ellie's Angels CT Blog. If you're up for a challenge, click through and give it a whirl! Here's the layout I did to go along with it. The picture was taken during last weekend's trip to Franklin, NC with the fam and inlaws.

Campfire Memories credits here

One of my other CT bosses, Monica, has a new grab bag full o' fun goodies in her store at Scrapbook Graphics

I've seen what's inside, and it's SO worth the $3.00!

OK, that's all I have for now. I'll let you get back to your regular life now. Thanks for stopping by!

Declare Yourself!

2008-10-01T18:15:00.004-04:00

I voted. Did I tell you that I voted? Well, I did, last week. See, here in GA, we have early voting. You don't even need a reason, except that you want to be counted. You want your voice heard. You want to stand up to the establishment and let them know, that you cherish your rights and you want a say in the future of this country. In our future. In our children's.

If you can vote early, do so. If you can't, make sure you vote on November 4th. There has never been a more important election. Since you're trolling on the internet already, go ahead and take 4 minutes, 53 seconds and watch this video. Then put it on YOUR blog. Email it to your friends. Put it up on your MySpace and FaceBook pages. Get the word out. Declare yourself.

Stretching and Growing

2008-10-01T12:22:00.003-04:00

Don't laugh! This is my FIRST EVER paper pack. It was for the September colour challenge at DSO (http://digital-scrapbooking.org)and it took me ALL MONTH to get up the courage to post it last night - about 15 minutes before midnight!

So, if you're a scrapper, and you think you can use these somewhere, sometime, feel free to download them! HUGE special thanks to Redju Scraps and Ilona Havenaar for their CU products, which I used to create the papers.

DL link is here. I tried to take the PW off 4shared, but it didn't work, so the PW is fallcolor (one word, no caps). Enjoy!!

Reminder for me

2008-09-26T07:14:00.002-04:00

When Blogger lets me edit my layout again, remember to add this code to the sidebar for a daily Norman Rockwell painting:

Time to get J to the bus. Grandparents are visiting from Manitoba for the next 2 weeks. They brought J and D some new Lego. Life is good this morning. :)

One of the best things about Autumn...

2008-09-23T19:30:00.003-04:00

Corn mazes!! And u-pick pumpkins, and hay rides, and the smell of wood smoke in the crisp evening air. Ah, Autumn. I do love you.

If you're ever in this neck o' the woods, I highly recommend a drive out to Washington Farms, in Watkinsville, just east of Athens. The smaller Washington Farms is a u-pick strawberry patch about 6 miles from the house. But the main farm, a good 45 minute drive away, is THE place to go during the fall. It used to be just a u-pick pumpkin patch with a tractor-drawn hayride to entertain the kids. Now, it's SO much more. Big J is super-excited about the corn maze - especially since we tried the one in Lancaster County, PA this summer. Grandma and Grandpa are flying in from Winnipeg on Thursday night. Weather - and Lil' D's attitude - permitting, we're going to take a drive out to WF on Saturday, after Boomer's soccer game and pictures.

Want to join us?

I'm a day late, but Blessings during the Autumnal Equinox!

Dancing With The Universe

2008-09-20T17:27:00.002-04:00

Wow. The entire planet, dancing together, to one song. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this video today. Watch it. Change your life, it might. ;)

Now go and read this: Dancing With The Universe

Peace.

Vote for ME!!

2008-09-15T22:00:00.002-04:00

What is wrong with me?

2008-09-15T01:30:00.002-04:00

It's 1:30 in the morning. I should be in bed - asleep - because I have to get up in 4 hours to start another looooooong week of getting kids up, dressed, fed, to school, occasional housecleaning, laundry, cooking, and other things in life. All the while, gas prices are going through the roof. Will I have enough gas to do the things I NEED to do this week (nevermind the things I WANT to do.) Food is so much more expensive too. The Canuck just got paid and already I'm wishing it was 15 days from now and he could get paid again.

His parents are coming in 10 days. The house is not ready. Every time I think of doing something to ready the house, a wave of fatigue washes over me, or a crisis happens, or a child needs me, or it's 1:30am and it's too late/early to do anything that will make noise.

Where did this passive-aggressive streak come from? How can I get rid of it? Why am I so miserable in my life? It's not like anything is MAJORLY wrong - thank the Universe. I'm such a mess.

Saturday Sing-Song

2008-09-13T22:25:00.002-04:00

Go, Georgia Bulldogs! Go, Georgia Bulldogs! Despite a lot of penalties, and a nail-biting final 2 minutes, the Dawgs prevailed over South Carolina and Steve Spurrier. Unfortunately, without Beanie Wells, Ohio State is currently being tromped by USC. But my dawgs won!

I also want to point you to an articulate post by Erica Jong ... it's a "Dear John" letter. I'd love to know what you think.

Haven't felt like scrapping much the past couple of days, but I have a lot of commitments I need to get pouncing on, so I'm going to give it a shot tonight. Wish me well.

Hope you have a peaceful Sunday.

Chat n' Scrap

2008-09-11T18:33:00.002-04:00

Be there or you'll miss out!

Remember

2008-09-11T18:24:00.003-04:00

It's my turn to post on my CT (that's "Creative Team", for you non-digiscrappers,) and here is today's post:

September 11, 2001 changed our lives forever, and on this 7th anniversary, I'd like to mark its significance in some small way. For today's challenge, I'd like you to create a layout about an event or memory that made a huge impact in your life. It does not have to be a tragedy - in fact, I think it would be uplifting to make joyous pages on this day. But I would like you to use the colors of your country's flag in your page. For those of us in the United States, obviously, that would be red, white and blue. But for our friends in, say, Portugal, I want to see reds, greens and yellows in your layouts.

Ellie has generously given her Angels permission to create the occasional freebie from her kits for use on this CT blog. So, I've created my very first WordArts to help inspire you!

Download

Challenge:
~ create a layout depicting a significant event or memory in your life
~ use 1 of the 5 freebie WordArts
~ use the colors of your country's flag in the papers, elements, or alphas on your page
~ submit your LO’s in the comments thread here along with a contact email! We love to show off your awesome creations and next Thursday, YOU may be the winner selected to receive a coupon for Ellie’s shop!

Here's some inspiration:

from Me!

Peace and Blessings... now get to scrapping!

bleh

2008-09-09T16:42:00.006-04:00

I'm sick.

I hate being sick.

I have kids to take care of. I can't be sick.

I'm sick.

Here are some more recent layouts, since I have nothing productive, or constructive, to say. I'm actually in all 3 ... 42, 23, and 22 years old.

whoops!

2008-09-07T22:45:00.003-04:00

Looks like I forgot to post yesterday. Ah well.

Things I've learned today:
~ how to zip a file in XP
~ how to take a screen shot in XP (so now I can save wordle clouds!!)
~ I've had to raise my voice, ok - YELL, at Joshua way too much this weekend. My throat hurts. Or maybe I'm just getting sick.
~ Lil' D smells really good after a bath.
~ A family walk after dinner makes the boys go to bed easier.
~ I *can* design word art!

Here's a recent layout, because this post feels Aly-Lite.

Credits for "My Road Less Traveled"

Stand Up

2008-09-05T20:09:00.007-04:00

Stand Up 2 Cancer

It touches us all.

I miss you Mom. Every day. Elaine Terna Weller, 1939-2006, died fighting CML - Chronic Meyeloid Leukemia metastasized into Leukemic Menengitis.

My Mom (11 days before she died,) with my Second Mom - Dottie - who died one year ago, fighting breast cancer, which metastasized as brain cancer.

My Aunt Marcia - who died March 2001 from lung cancer, and my Dad - who died January 31, 2004. Dad had congestive heart failure, emphysema, lupus, and would have non-cancerous polyps removed from his colon every couple of year. Their father, my paternal grandfather, had multiple skin cancers removed and colon polyps. Their mother, my maternal grandmother, had vaginal cancer.

My Mother's youngest brother died in 1959, when he was only 4 years old, of brain cancer.

SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C
SU2C

Cancer sucks.

Potty-training and Politics

2008-09-04T13:30:00.003-04:00

This is why The Huffington Report has become one of my favorite feed reads:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/rnc-video-diary-bringing_b_123711.html

If I could figure out a way to imbed the video, I would.

What are your thoughts?

And, while we're at it - any tips on potty-training a 3 year old that isn't the slightest bit interested, but NEEDS to be to continue going to preschool? Is there a "fool-proof" weekend method I'm unfamiliar with? Please? Anyone? Bueller?

A Big Day for Little D

2008-09-03T12:49:00.006-04:00

Well, it's nearly 1pm, and I'm just getting in my "morning post" - but that makes 2 blogging days in a row. Probably a record for me. Anyway, the reason for the delay is because I am frazzled beyond belief. My little guy is gone at preschool.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, he was in a 1 - and then 2 - day a week Mom's Morning Out Program last year, but that was HEAVILY suggested by his speech therapist, pediatrician, and MY therapist to help both of us. And it did. But he's been home with me since May 13 ... nearly 4 months.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't more than a little excited this morning. Truth be told, Lil D was too. He's used to us leaving the house at 8:20 to go around the corner to the elementary school where he has his speech therapy on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That means he doesn't get to watch all of Super Why - his FAVE, after the beloved Wonder Pets (insert angelic music here). So, when Super Why was halfway through this morning, he said, "school Mommy? Dylan go school today? Come on, Mommy!" Very cute.

He even posed nicely for his Official First Day of School Photo (yes, it MUST all be capitalized. This is a BIG moment!) and we got to school almost on time. He was even encouraging ME going up the stairs, "hurry up, Mommy!" Then we got to the classroom. It's a wonderful classroom - the Jungle Room. Very colorful and engaging. D went straight to the magnets on the mini-fridge and began arranging them, while I dropped off the 3 bags of school supplies (for PRESCHOOL!) and hung up his bookbag. One of his teachers (there are 2,) showed him where to put his snack and lunch bag, then I whipped out the camera for In-Class Official First Day of School Photos (capitalized AND bold!) Almost too soon it was time to say good-bye. I was the last parent out of the classroom. He was beaming smiles at me as I gave him a big hug and kiss, and gave him a Kissing Hand (read the book, if you don't know what I mean.) But as I headed for the door, there was the, "Mommy?" and deer-caught-in-headlights look. I scooted out the door and into the stairwell as his teacher cut him off before he hit the door and was trying to get him back to color pictures. I didn't hear any crying, so I'm going to tell myself there WAS no crying. Of course, his classroom door is right by the stairs, so I had the opportunity to make a quick exit, instead of walking the gauntlet of doors with crying children behind them.

This is a good thing. He's going to make friends, learn new things, his speech will continue to improve, and watching the other little boys go to the bathroom unassisted will help things along in that area too. Actually, I was FINE until I hit the soccermobile and read the note on the little brown bag his teacher thrust in my hand as I was walking out the door. It had a little poem on it, and "gifts" inside. I cried, dammit. Only for a bit, but I have this empty space in my morning where D used to be.

It's about 15 minutes until I leave to pick him up. In retrospect, time flew by and I got a lot accomplished. But I sure did miss my little guy. I'll post pictures when he naps - mere moments after getting in the door, no doubt.

Consider My Arm Twisted

2008-09-02T20:19:00.004-04:00

*big sigh*

No excuses. There are plenty, but I won't enumerate them here - at least not now. Eventually, I'll post fill in entries summarizing the months I've missed, and sharing some of my favorite layouts.

Two major changes you should know about: I've accepted Creative Team (CT) positions for Ellie Lash and Sunshine Studio Scraps. You'll see links to both on my sidebar. For those unfamiliar with digital scrapbooking, that means I get amazing products, created by some of my favorite designers FOR FREE. All I have to do is create layouts using their designs, and post them in my online galleries.

Well, Ellie has just upped the bar for me. You see, she's going to premiere a new line of "Blog Wear" soon ... because no blog should go naked. Take a look around... I'm testdriving one of her first designs, based on her Kissed Off kit. AND THAT MEANS I HAVE TO START BLOGGING AGAIN!

Joshua started school August 11th, and Dylan starts preschool (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) tomorrow. My "goal" is to blog - even just a sentence or 2 - first thing in the morning. Don't hold your breath, but wish me luck.

Until tomorrow...

Hearts and Flowers

2008-02-14T15:43:00.000-05:00

Today is Valentine's day. Yesterday (in an effort to save $5 in shipping,) I sent The Cannuck this:

Being a collector of beer bottles, and fancying himself somewhat of an afficionado, I thought it was an appropriate gift. Hey, he's a guy, so I don't usually get him flowers for any occasion, but when I saw these, I knew it was perfect.

In retaliation, I mean in return, after dinner last night, I took Lil' D home, and he took Big J home - making a side stop (or two?). They presented me with this:

I'm not sure if it was intentional, but the yellow roses were significant to me, as they were my mother's favorites. In 2 days, it will be her 2nd Angel-versary. *heavy sigh* So, that was nice.

Fast forward to today. Mornings around here are usually a busy time for me, as I have to get Big J up, dressed, fed and off to the school bus by 7:20am. This morning, Lil' D was awake by 7:40 - no "me" time for *me* this morning (usually he sleeps until about 8am.) The Cannuck is (allegedly) a grown up, so unless he specifically requests an early wakeup call from me, I figure he can get himself up and ready for work. He knows how to set an alarm clock, but rarely does (there's not even one on his side table - and hasn't been for about 6 years.) While I was getting Lil' D changed and dressed for the day, The Cannuck roused himself from slumber and got into the shower. While I was getting the little guy his breakfast, trying to clean up a bit, and checking email, I decided to put The Cannuck's Valentine's Day cards on the front door, so I wouldn't forget to give them to him before work.

He came in the living room, kissed me goodbye, gave Lil' D high-fives and hugs, then left for work. The cards were on the hall table. Unopened. People, these cards were stuck between the deadbolt and the door handle . The was NO WAY he could get out the door and not see the cards. He had to REMOVE the cards in order to get out of the house. He left them, unopened, on the table. And no phone calls today.

Big J has early release this week (yesterday and today) for parent/teacher conferences. He came home in a fine mood that quickly turned ugly. He told me I was torturing him (he has to read 35 minutes/night as part of his homework,) and he said the dreaded, "I *HATE* YOU MOM!". No less than three times. On Valentine's Day. Nine days after my birthday and 2 days before the anniversary of my mother's death. My oldest son hates me and my husband didn't even open, much less acknowledge, his cards.

At least Lil' D woke up smiling and giggling this morning. I have to take the sunshine where I can find it, I suppose.

Tomorrow will be better. Won't it?

DA- na-na-na-na-na today it's my birthday!

2008-02-05T23:12:00.001-05:00

...happy birthday to me!

Yes, 42 years ago, the world was changed forever. One of my (many) favorite authors is Douglas Adams. If you've ever read his Hitchhiker's Guide series, you know that The Ultimate Answer To Life, The Universe, And Everything ... is 42. Does this mean I know it all? Certainly doesn't feel like it. In fact, it still feels like my mind is similar in function to a large-bore colander. Hope none of the good bits slip through. So, here's a quote by D.A. (Douglas Adams, not my late father, who was also referred to as D.A. - for David Anthony,)

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be."

Douglas Adams

This time last year, I decreed that no one should remember my birthday. Certainly not in any lavish way, as they had the year before. That was my 40th. The last attended by my mother. Then she died 11 days later. And I've not been "right" since.

Yeah, I know...bitch, bitch, bitch... whine, whine, whine. Get over it already. Well, it isn't that easy. At least not for me. I've already started "the countdown" in my head. I can still recall - with all too much clarity - exactly what happened day by day in 2006. I was hoping that time would have dulled much of that this year, but I guess not. Good thing I have a counseling appointment on Friday. I've got some shit I need to talk out.

Last year, on Mom's angel-versary, I released a helium-filled butterfly balloon. Onto its string I tied a 2-page letter I'd hand-written about my fears and feelings. Made me feel better then. Perhaps I'll repeat the ritual this year.

Speaking of this year - and to try and connect my stream of consciousness writing/thinking - this year I made no such mandate to "forget about me". So today I've been fielding phone calls and cards. My best bud from high school took me out for lunch. I've made it though in one (mental) piece. Maybe my angel is up there today. I hope she sticks around... it's going to be a rough 11 days. I guarantee it.

And now I leave you with a couple of thoughts from another author-type fave - Robert Heinlein, as spoken by one of his most well known characters (IMHO), Lazarus Long, in Time Enough for Love...

"Little girls, like butterflies, need no excuse."

and

"Always yield to temptation. It may never pass your way again."

Peace.

Remembering Dad

2008-01-31T23:23:00.000-05:00

I've been trying all frickin' day to get this post done. But, I'm going to include pictures, and I had to get them ready, and I've lost my voice (again), and Dylan is sick with a fever (again), and there aren't enough hours in the day ... AGAIN. All you grammar freaks, back off. I know this is not my best prose. Heck, Big J can probably write better. But I'm tired, I don't feel well, and I **have** to get this posted in the next 36 minutes. At least get the first draft posted ... I reserve the right to change it later.

Today is my Dad's 4th Angel-versary. In life, my father was far from an angel. My first vivid family memory as a young child, was of my parents sitting me in front of the TV, July 21, 1969, right before the first moon walk. My second most vivid family memory occured a few years later. I remember my younger brothers (they were probably 3 and 5, so I was about 7,) and they were running around the dining room table, crying, their bare bottoms red with welts and blood drops from the latest "spanking" my father had given them - with his triple-holed leather belt. When I was 9, I became my mother's confessor. I learned about the myriad problems in my parent's marriage. My child's imagination manifested this in a very violent nightmare, which never actually happened, but which caused me to fear him for many months. From the age of 13, until my youngest brother's accident 8 years later, I actively hated him. Strong emotion, and not a word I toss about lightly, but he was a bastard. He'd have been the first to admit it, in later years.

By the time I'd reached 30, and my parents FINALLY divorced, he and I reconciled. In fact, I had both he AND my mother walk me down the aisle during my 1998 wedding. He was also there for the birth of his first grandson, Big J, in 2000. Some of the best pictures you'll see in this post were from 2000. But you should never feel pity for your parent. In the end, there was no more anger for him in my heart; there was pity and sadness over what he'd let himself, and his life, become. There were rare moments in my life when I was proud of him. I'm glad I have those memories. But with Dad, the bad far outweighed the good, and I regret that, though much of it was not of my doing.

I wish he'd looked at me, and talked to me, the way he did with Big J in this picture. I call it, "So This Is Love".

His sister, Marcia, was 9 years older than him. She died in 2001, after battling lung cancer. Both he and his sister smoked -a LOT- from an early age. Even after her lung cancer diagnosis, she kept smoking until she could no longer hold the cigarette herself. In fact, I remember my dad telling me he started smoking at the age of 13, emulating his big sis. When he died in 2004, he left a cigarette burning in the ashtray. Thankfully, he'd removed his oxygen, which he was supposed to be on 24/7, and left it in his bedroom. Yeah, even after his sister died of lung cancer, he kept on puffin'. He lied to me too - several times - telling me he'd quit for such-and-such length of time. Shortly before he died, he confessed as much to me. More, actually, but I'm not gonna write about it now.

Marcia turned 70 in 2000, and my cousins threw her a huge party. She and my dad laughed a lot that day. It was good to see them having so much fun. We all had fun.

I remember when he had his first (second?) heart attack in 1997. I was living back in GA by then - from D.C. - and I bargained with god, "if you let him live, I'll tell him the Canuck and I are going to get married, and that will give him a reason to live." Later, after he got his pacemaker, received diagnoses of congestive heart failure, emphysema, diabetes, lupus, intestinal polyps, and had filed for bankruptcy, I said, "god, if you let him live, I'll tell him I'm pregnant, and that will give him a reason to live." When he called me January 30, 2004, and told me he'd started "losing time" - falling asleep (losing consciousness, actually,) and not remembering it. I said, "are you taking care of yourself, Dad? Do you want me to come over? Maybe we should call the VA and get you in to see someone. I love you, Dad." He died early the next morning. I'll always cherish Thanksgiving 2003. It was the last time both Mom and Dad shared a holiday with us, all at the same table. Here's Doug, Dad, Me, and David.

I love you Dad. I miss you, but I'm not a crying mess this year. I've thought about you all day, and I'm glad I am finally able to get this blog post up, but it doesn't hurt as much. It is my fervent wish - to anyone that's listening - that, one day, I'll feel more serene about Mom's death. Don't see that happening, though. And that's a post for another day (next month.)

Thanks for visiting. I won't be quite so self-involved next post.

Treading Water

2008-01-25T16:35:00.002-05:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks. Mom's Angel-versary is coming up in 21 days, 16 hours and 6 minutes (but who's counting, right?) and it feels like I'm treading water, trying to stay positive IRL for the kiddos, but inwardly grieving like it was only yesterday.

Through another blogger's site (she just lost her 4 1/2 year old son to cancer) I found this site: Light A Candle It's brought me a small measure of peace - if only for a few minutes - but there is still so much sadness inside me.

I've applied for another CT (creative team - for you non digiscrappers that may be reading this,) for a designer I adore. She has held a contest where she gave you a mini-kit and you had to scrap a page about something that delights you. Here is my layout. I'd love to hear what you think.

"The butterfly counts not months but moments and has time enough." ~ Rabindranath Tagore

My mom's favorite animal was the butterfly - a symbol to her of a being's perseverance to change and the freedom to allow ones dreams to take flight. Every time I see one, I think of its struggle to survive its transformation from a caterpillar. I wonder at all it sees in its short life, the places to which it travels, and then ... perhaps ... it settles on my butterfly bush for a drink of nectar. Butterflies fill me with delight.

Butterflies remind me of my mother's angel wings. They make me feel that she is still close, watching over us, and reminding there is time enough and to enjoy the small moments in life.

Credits:
~ BG papers (curled edge extracted from BG3 and fused with BG1), edge overlay, cluster frame, flower (recolored), ribbon and frame from Flergs' Strawberry Delight mini kit
~ string wrap (recolored) from Rough and Tumble, by Flergs
~ butterflies from Chocolate Berry, by Flergs
~ journal tag from Ellie Lash in the Whimsical Wonderland Collab Kit
~ based on a template by Britt-ish Designs

Until next time,
Peace.

I hate being sick...

2008-01-11T09:29:00.000-05:00

...but what I hate more is when one of my lil' guys is sick. D is currently fighting a bronchial infection that took a nasty turn last night. For the past 2 days - even at the peds yesterday - other than his 102+ fever, nasty cough, and generally punky look, you wouldn't know he was sick. Most energetic sick kid ever. Last night, however, he threw up (quietly, apparently, since I didn't hear it through the monitor by my head,) several times. You know, that bright yellow stomach acid that comes up when your tummy is otherwise empty? Yeah. Yucky. Washing machine is going even as I type.

Poor lil' D. His coughing is so much worse today, although little to no fever. Looks like I'm going to have to fill that inhaler prescription the doctor gave me yesterday. Neither of my boys has ever had breathing issues before (where's a piece of wood I can knock on?) so I'm a bit intimidated by it. However, anything to make my pumpkin feel better. Well, I'll go after I change both of us, since he threw up the water he had this morning. Maybe I'll add some pedialyte pops to the list? How nasty do they taste? Does anyone know?

How am I writing this while D's so sick, you're asking? Well, all the above transpired about 30 minutes ago. We're both warm, dry, and he's watching Sesame Street, cuddled in a blanket, on the couch right beside my laptop. No worries. I'm not neglecting him just to blog!

BTW, the Canuck came back last night from his buisness trip to Chicago. I'm glad he's back, and CB has an awesome advertising campaign for the first quarter of 2008, but WHY did he have to go into the office this morning after I canceled my dentist appointment after D threw up again? (He was going to work from home today, so I could go to the dentist - an appointment I've had to change twice before because of illnesses to myself or my family.) But, since I canceled it, that apparently gave him the "green light" to scoot off

20 minutes later
He threw up again. Chunks of apple (he snuck a slice of mine, apparently.) Ped's office called in the middle. I think the throwing up is due to his coughing and the mucus he's swallowed ... you weren't eating, were you? .... so she suggested I fill that prescription (duh!) and give him ice chips and popsicles. Wait, I thought I was supposed to stay AWAY from sugar while he was sick???

Ugh. OK, gonna post this before anything else happens. I'll try and show you the layouts I've done this past week after he goes down for a nap. Cross your fingers!

Peace.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-04T15:41:00.000-05:00

....4 days late.

Where was I for the month of December? Well, scrapping my fingers to the bone - and visiting the inlaws for 12 days. It was snowy and cold and the boys had a blast! Which was the main point of going ... of my point, anyway.

The Canuck, of course, enjoyed catching up with friends and family. Although he wasn't so amused when Big J was throwing snowballs at him:

We truly did have a lovely time in The Great White North, and enjoyed a real white Christmas (for the first time since we last visited up there for the Noel 4 years ago!) The weather was even mild, for wintry Manitoba standards, which is more than I can say for the blustery conditions to which we returned on New Years Day. Brrrrr!!

So, how are you and yours? Have you been well? Did you do anything special - WITH anyone special - during the holiday season? Around here the boys are back in school, and Big J gets his 2nd report card next Friday. We're hoping for all A's again, but as long as he tried his best, we'll be proud. Winter basketball starts next week with practice (games will begin in about 3 weeks.)

Lil' D is enjoying his PMO class so much that we've decided to enroll him 2 days a week beginning Monday. Yikes! His speech therapy continues to go well. He even impressed Grandma and Grandpa with his "all done" and "I want out" declarations at the dinner table. Now, if he'd just stop throwing blocks in the house, I'd be happy!

I don't exactly make "resolutions" because, in my 41 years, I've never kept one for a full year, but my intentions are to blog at least 3 times a week and be a better person December 31, 2008 than I was on January 1, 2008. Arbitrary, to be sure, but I'll keep you posted (har, har.)

Peace and Love to you all. It's going to be an interesting election year. Maybe I'll actually get started on that novel this year? Remember to let that inner child out to play every now and again.

No Humbug Here

2007-11-27T23:03:00.000-05:00

It's still November and I actually have caught the Christmas spirit. I think it's all the blogs I read with their auto-music. Well, I haven't figured out that trick (yet!) but I can imbed YouTube videos in my posts!! So here, for your viewing enjoyment, are a few of mine. And, if you're stuck for a present for that hard-to-shop-for-person, try giving back in their name. Visit Heifer International and change a life.

Be kind.
Peace.

Gobble, Gobble!

2007-11-22T03:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. Happy Thursday to those who don't.

Hug a friend today.

Peace!

Every Breath You Take

2007-11-18T23:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm a bad blogger. We all know this. However, had to pop in to gush about the concert The Canuck and I went to last night. This goes into my Top 5 of all time ... and I've been going to concerts since Def Leppard/Billy Squire in 1982-83. I've been to MANY concerts in MANY venues. Wow. The Police. STING!

Woo-Freakin'-Hoo! At -2.08 in the above clip, you can actually hear me scream "STEWART!" after Sting introduces Stewart Copeland. And I was on the other side of the arena!! SERIOUSLY! That's me!!

What can I say? I wish I could find a recording of the whole show. They played for 90 minutes and then did 2 multi-song encores. The opening band, Fictional Plane, I believe features Stiing's oldest son. Oh, and I have to mush on Stewart. I have a major crush on Stewart. Sting too, but that's almost expected. But, can I just say how sexy the guy looks in tight (TIGHT) black pants and a sleeveless white shirt? ::swoon::

Other than that, things have been motoring along. I've been doing a lot of layouts for my CT's (Scraphead and Linda Walton at 3Scrapateers). Check out my 3Scrapateers.com gallery or my Scraphead.com gallery to see what I've been up to.

Thanksgiving is 4 days away. Gonna have the bros, SIL, niece and nephew over for eats. Trying not to stress over it, but I *did* do more than normal housecleaning today. Will be the rest of the week too. But for now, it's off to bed, as I have to get up in a few hours to get Big J ready for school (they're only going 2 days).

Peace!

2007-10-19T15:09:00.000-04:00

I've emailed this to many of my friends in my address book, but in case you've missed it or were overlooked, or I just don't have your email address, here's the funniest thing I've heard in a long time. And so true, too!

(read along as she sings ... oh, and go to the bathroom first so you don't pee your pants!)
The Mom Song – by Anita Renfroe
–-to the tune of “The William Tell Overture”-

Get up now
Get up now
Get up out of bed
Wash your face
Brush your teeth
Comb your sleepy head
Here's your clothes
And your shoes
Hear the words I said
Get up now
Get up and make your bed
Are you hot?
Are you cold?
Are you wearing that?
Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?
Grab your coat and your gloves and your scarf and hat
Don't forget you got to feed the cat
Eat your breakfast
The experts tell us it's the most important meal of all
Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall
Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at three today?
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon
So you must play
Don't shovel
Chew slowly
But hurry
The bus is here
Be careful
Come back here
Did you wash behind your ears?
Play outside
Don't play rough
Would you just play fair?
Be polite
Make a friend
Don't forget to share
Work it out
Wait your turn
Never take a dare
Get along
Don't make me come down there
Clean your room
Fold your clothes
Put your stuff away
Make your bed
Do it now
Do we have all day?
Were you born in a barn?
Would you like some hay
Can you even hear a word I say?
Answer the phone
Get Off the phone
Don't sit so close
Turn it down
No texting at the table
No more computer time tonight
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up
Where you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?
Saying thank you, please, excuse me
Makes you welcome everywhere you roam
You'll appreciate my wisdom
Someday when you're older and you're grown
Can't wait 'til you have a couple little children of your own
You'll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly
But right now
I thank you NOT to roll your eyes at me
Close your mouth when you chew
Would appreciate
Take a bite
Maybe two
Of the stuff you hate
Use your fork
Do not you burp
Or I'll set you straight
Eat the food I put upon your plate
Get an A, Get the door
Don't get smart with me
Get a Grip
Get in here I'll count to 3
Get a job
Get a life
Get a PhD
Get a dose of...
I don't care who started it
You're grounded until your 36
Get your story straight
And tell the truth for once for heaven's sake
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff
Would you jump too?
If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before that
You're too old to act this way
It must be your father's DNA
Look at me when I am talking
Stand up straight when you walk
A place for everything
And everything must be in place
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about
Oh!
Brush your teeth
Wash your face
Get your PJs on
Get in bed
Get a hug
Say a prayer with Mom
Don't forget
I love you
**KISS**
And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never ends
You don't need the reason why
Because
Because
Because
Because
I said so
I said so
I said so
I said so
I'm the Mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
The mom
Ta-da

Words by Anita Renfroe Copyright 2007 Bluebonnet Hills Music/BMI

(Special THANKS to squidoo.com for the lyrics)

Now go hug your kids, or your pets, or your favorite stuffed animal. Have a great weekend.

9 years ago today...

2007-10-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

I was getting ready to walk down the aisle - barefoot with a dolphin toe ring! - to marry the man that I love. Happy Anniversary honey!

time, time, time ... see what's become of me?

2007-09-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Has it really been over a month since my last journal entry? Ugh. You have my apologies, but it's not like anyone really reads this, right?! I've been uber-busy with life.

Big J is loving 2nd grade and just had his 5 week progress report come in with all A's! Way to go, sweetie! This will come as a shock to you all, but I've enrolled Lil' D in a 1-day/week Mom's Morning Out program at a local Methodist Church (the program came highly recommended through my MOMS Club connections and it's WAY cheaper than Primrose, where Joshua attended pre-school/pre-K!) He's gone 3 Fridays in a row and each time he cries less. It's only 3 hours, but I need that time, as I've finally started therapy again. It's tough scheduling, because I only have the ONE day a week, for a very specific amount of time, but I'm working it out. After the double whammy of PPD and my Mother's sudden death, I've needed this, but have been unable to take (make?) the time until now. I still get an anxiety attack when I drop the little guy off, but each time is easier - for both of us. Wish us all luck!

Digi-scrapping has blossomed as - and I don't think I've told you this - I've become a Creative Team (CT) member of the most marvelous digi-scrap site: Scraphead.com. This honor was actually bestowed upon me at the beginning of July, but I keep forgetting to write about it. Leah and Carol are the most wonderful ladies, and I have access to many incredible designers through the Scraphead Digital Shop. So come on over and take a peek, if you're so inclined. I even hosted my first digi-challenge recently and it was well attended. We're still a small site, but that just means everyone is super-friendly and encouraging! And, since I mentioned my passion, let me show you some of my latest layouts:

All credits can be found in my Scraphead gallery here: http://scraphead.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=all&ppuser=14

Just a Quickie

2007-08-23T07:52:00.000-04:00

Before I get D out of bed for the day (J's off on the school bus and The Cannuck is off to work,) I thought I'd pop up my latest beach layouts. The first one has garnered a lot of wonderful comments on SBB - feel free to add your own thoughts!

And, so J doesn't feel left out, here's one of him trying out the snorkeling gear.

OK, time to make the doughnuts...er, get the baby, I mean! Have a great Thursday!! Oh, and so I don't make anyone mad, you can find credits for these layouts here: http://scraphead.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=all&ppuser=14

Cheers!

School has Started and I've been Scrapping!

2007-08-16T12:46:00.000-04:00

School started this past Monday, August 13th. I don't know who was more glad - me or Big J. I've started scrapping our vacation photos, trying to amass 20 worthy pages for a Shutterfly photo book. Here's what I have so far. For credits, see my scrap gallery here: http://scraphead.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=all&ppuser=14

Ok.... on with the show!!

Time for Lil D's nap. I'll try and be a better blogger, but don't hold your breath.

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date...

2007-07-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

We're just about to dash out the door, but I haven't updated here since mid-June! Here's a layout I completed recently using the brilliant KimB's Fishy Tales template http://kimbsdesigns.blogspot.com/.

Here are the rest of the credits:

Credits: The circles and waves were filled with Shelleyrae's Saltwater Papers (Scrapbookbytes.com), background paper is OceanBlues2 from Amy Cheeseman's Ocean Blues kit and Karen Fisher's Waterdrop Overlay, safety pins by Leslie Reed, tag hook and round tag from Punky's Pixels' Fishing with Bobbie kit, Lizziegrace's Catch a Wave alpha and Fat font recolored and treated with Alien Skin Eye Candy's glass effect, date font is Beachy Type.

And here's the layout:

Now we're outta here. More later when we return and Lil D goes down for his nap.

Slackerz-R-Us

2007-06-18T08:51:00.000-04:00

Has it been ANOTHER week since I last posted? Good grief. I'm constantly composing an entry in my head, it's just that, lately, I've actually been going to bed at a decent hour or - *gasp* - EARLY, and haven't been burning the late-night oil digiscrapping or blogging. Insomnia... where are you when I need you?!

Now that I actually have a few people SUBSCRIBING to my blog, I guess I need to be more vigilant in my musings. So, this is me trying. :)

Last week was busy, busy, busy. It was Big J's soccer camp week, coupled with VBS in the evenings. I had to fill up the minivan TWICE in one week. Talk about a budget breaker. UGH. But, J had a blast, and Lil D got to see a lot of the world from his car seat. Being more aware of his surroundings, he'd actually vocalize his delight or displeasure based on the routes I took... i.e. - he knew if we turned one way, it was to visit his friend or go to the park, but the other way was for the grocery store or to drop big brother at camp (then the howling ensued!) It's so wonderful watching my kiddos grow and learn.

Speaking of growing, did I mention that Lil D has been scheduled for his speech eval? Since he's 2 and only has about a 20 word vocabulary - as opposed to the normal 150-200 words - he's delayed, AGAIN. They still feel he's socially delayed, too, although I think that's a load of crap. He is a social butterfly in an environment in which he feels comfortable. Around strangers, or in unfamiliar surroundings, he's shy and reserved. I think THAT is normal. More therapy is on the horizon. We're continuing OT and, after the evaluation on July 2nd, will start ST at least once a week.

So, THIS week is swimming lessons - for BOTH boys - in the evening. This marks J's 3rd year of lessons. Not swimming year-round, he builds up his fears and apprehensions that, as a former dolphin, are totally foreign to me. So, he'll be jumping in feet-first (literally!) tonight at 6pm. Lil D and me will be taking a Moms-n-Tots class together. We took him to our friend's pool a bit last year, but since we're going to the beach in 33 days (but who's counting?!) I want him a bit more water savvy. I'm still hoping to convince Big J to join me in swimming with the dolphins while we're in Florida. We'll see.

OK, here are a couple of more layouts I completed recently. They're of our canine furbabies, Nikki and Rufus. Credits can be found in my 3Scrapateers gallery: http://www.3scrapateers.com/gallerypp/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/8809

I'm a G-I-R-L

2007-06-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

OK, yesterday I did something I haven't done in 2 years, and bought something I have bought in over SEVEN years. Yes, I went bra shopping. No, really, you don't understand. For the first time in 2 years I have NON-NURSING bras! AND, for the first time since Big J was born over 7 years ago, I'm wearing UNDERWIRE bras! Yep, the girls are sittin' high and pretty!

Seriously, Lil D weaned himself the day after his second birthday. Shaddup. I'm a firm believer in extended nursing. Big J self-weaned at 27 months. And, truth be told, since Lil D is going to be my last ... being over 40 and all ... I was in no hurry to have him wean. However, there was that herniated disc thing, where I relied on The Cannuck to be a full-time parent while I was writhing in pain in our bedroom. Let's just say that Daddy didn't have the attention to schedule that Mommy has. Lil D - who was used to napping from 12-3 daily, often didn't make it upstairs until after 2pm. Thrice daily nursing fell to twice, and then once a day before he went to sleep at night. Then, finally, the day after he turned 2, he nursed a final time in the morning and I spent the next 4 days with aching breasts and a broken heart.

Yeah, I know they have to grow up. And I always said that when it's no longer enjoyable for one or both of us, it would be time, it's just that I didn't have advance warning. With Big J, we worked on weaning from 24-27 months....he SLOWLY tapered off, and I knew that his last time was his last time (a week after his first haircut.) With Lil D, however, he went from 3-2-1 within 2 weeks and I was not expecting, nor mentally prepared for it. Nursing is an extremely emotional bond between mother and child. I felt abandoned. I figured I still had at least 3 months left - and was willing to go longer. But, as he has since birth, Lil D had his own ideas and his own schedule.

*sigh*

Here's a layout of a more lovely time:

So, yesterday I was a girl. I bought new over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, got a pedicure, brow wax, and went to the library to check out some summer reads. All in all, I spent 3 hours sans husband and kids. Is it wrong that I enjoyed it so?

Have a great week. More later.

*huggles*

Going Global?

2007-06-07T11:12:00.001-04:00

Uh-oh. I've gone and done it now. I've told my friend, Robyn, about my blog. She's going to link me on her blog (www.bitchypoo.com - the BEST blog on the net!) and I'm afraid that people are going to actually find me. That means I really, REALLY need to start updating this more often. I really do have a lot to say, just have to take the time to let it drain out of my brain.

Right now, though, Lil D is clambering up the stairs and I must give chase. So, here are a couple of recent layouts - credits are in my online gallery at 3Scrapateers.

More later, maybe!

New Layout

2007-05-29T21:25:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been awhile - but having a herniated disc puts one out of computer commission for quite some time. Twice a day chiropractic adjustments has put Humpty Dumpty back together again, and I just scratched the itch I've had for digiscrapping.

The above layout is of Lil D at the park a few days ago. Carrie Stephen's Candied Hues Backpack papers were the perfect compliment to her In the Groove elements. I also used Carla Phillips' Template 8, DaniB's digital graffiti curly corner, AMC's license plate and Bastel Scrap Mamas' word art.

AND, I finally learned how to fill a template using the magic wand in my DIP 10 program to retain the detail of the paper tear!! Yipee!!!

Which Famous Celebrity Do YOU Look Like?

2007-05-08T19:00:00.000-04:00

http://www.myheritage.com

Comments appreciated. I'm not sure I totally agree with what they matched, but I must say, I'm flattered. Of course, I also got matched with Jason Padeki.

Here's another photo...

http://www.myheritage.com

I think this third one is interesting...

http://www.myheritage.com

Discuss!

Some of my digital creations

2007-04-24T10:54:00.000-04:00

Digi-scrapping has become my creative outlet this past year. It's help me deal with the loss of my mother, and that was no small feat. I'm going to start posting some of my layouts. If you see something you like and want to know more about it, I'll be glad to give you the credits, if I still have the list. Most of these are probably in one of my online galleries...3Scrapateers, RAK, Scrapbook Bytes, Clikchic Designs, Gottapixel, or A Cherry On Top.
Enjoy! And any comments are welcome. :)

What a girl wants, what a girl needs...

2007-04-23T09:35:00.000-04:00

My good friend, Brad, and I have resolved to update our blogs, meaningfully, once a week. Here's my entry for today (and I reserve the right to edit and add later!)

On one of the digital scrapbooking blogs I visit, she had a list of NEEDS (thanks, Kellie!). You go to Google, or Yahoo, or wherever you search, and type in "*your name* needs" and then make your Top 10. Going to Google this morning, here's what Alyson Needs:

1. - Alyson needs to drop the sister act -- the Olson twins already have that market covered. {Um...OK... does it matter that I only have brothers?!}

2. - Alyson needs to be left alone and people should just let her do her job in peace.

3. - Alyson needs to determine who is getting this and who is not.

4. - Alyson needs to put down the book for five minutes and update.

5. - Alyson needs a vacation. {Oh yeah! ... Beach on July 21... come on July 21!!}

6. - Alyson needs a little extra help.

7. - Alyson needs to make smarter choices.

8. - Alyson needs her child to succeed.

9. - Alyson needs help staying upright. {Not since college, but if you really think so...}

10. - Alyson needs to write a book.

Many of these seem to pertain to what people think Alyson Hannigan needs. But I'll take 'em too! What do you need???

I've had a blog visitor!!

2007-03-23T23:48:00.000-04:00

OMG! I have had a totally random blog visitor (hi Lisa!!). Does this mean I have to start keeping up with this thing? I had the best intentions when I started this 14 months ago, really I did, then life got in the way. Let's see if I can catch you up a bit...

I was creating a post about the 2nd anniversary of my dad's death (January 31, 2006.) It was really deep and philosophical ... soul-cleansing. Then I got a call from my mom saying that she'd passed out at work, was calling me from the hospital, and had to have a blood transfusion. Two days later, she had to have another. February 4, 2006, my husband and 40 of my friends surprised me for my 40th birthday ... and my mom, bless her heart, was my biggest surprise (Mikey was a close second.) My friend, Lynn, took a short video of the moment and you can hear me say as I hug her, "are you OK to be here?" The next day - my actual birthday - the whole family went out to dinner. Mom ate next to nothing, was coughing, and looked horrible. Two days later I was checking her into the hospital. Her leukemia had returned, and she had bronchitis. I can't go into all the details, because I just can't write about it yet, but she got her wings on February 16, 2006. The past year I feel like I've been barley treading water. Digiscrapping literally saved my sanity.

Since my last/first posts, my oldest son (Big J) has turned 6, and now 7. He's in 1st grade and has been enrolled in the gifted program. My youngest son (Lil D) is 22 months old, as of this post. He finally started walking at 18 months and we're working on language. My husband is 40 1/2 and recently got a promotion at work - way to go, hon!

I've been battling with depression, anxiety, insomnia and bouts of agoraphobia. I keep saying I'll go to the doctor when I have time, but never seem to have (or find?) that time. I'll start posting some of my digiscrapping layouts. They'll be older posts, so if you want the credits, just ask and I'll dig 'em up.

Right now I'm watching Blue Collar Comedy Tour on Comedy Central, DH is asleep on the couch, and I'm thinking that maybe I need to call it a night. Thanks for reading. Thanks for visiting. Come back again soon!

What's growing in my garden?

2006-01-27T09:17:00.000-05:00

Big J and Little D - the best flowers in my garden.

Yesterday, with a LOT of help from my best friend, Lynn, here's my first digi-scrapbook page! (OK, *she* actually composed it using MS Digital Image Suite 10, and *I* made suggestions.)

I have SO MUCH to catch up on - not only with Little D's 8 months of pics, but Big J's nearly 6 years worth! You know those stories you hear about boxes of uncataloged photos and notes and calendars? That's what I have in my closet.

These guys are my everything. It's so cliche, but I never really knew love until these two came along. The love of a child is all-encompassing - bigger than my love for the Canuck, and I thought THAT was overwhelming at times. If you had told me 6, 7, 8 years ago that I would be a SAHM of two boys, I'd have told you that you were crazy. Now, I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't imagine my life without them and my dreams have reshaped because of them. As the seasons change, so does my garden!

Welcome to Tending My Garden

2006-01-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Hello gentle cyber-readers and welcome to by blogspot. Don't know how this will shake down in the future, but for now I'll be talking a lot about my two boys - ages "almost 6" and "about 8 months", my hubby - the Canuck, and "life, the universe, and everything" as it suits my fancy. Comments are welcome, the mean can go frag themselves.

Sit back, relax, grab a beer or meditate - the strange journey into my mind is about to begin!

Tending My Garden

Our Geocaching Family Adventure

Sometimes it is GOOD to be in the dark!

Catching up on ADSR4 Layouts

Butterflies are Free

Time Passages

Time for a little blog-cleaning...

It's that time again...

Happy New Year!

I *heart* SNC

Kid & Tiger Ticklers

Counting My Blessings

Facebook Fanatic

Are you afraid?

All 4 U

VOTE!

No Tricks, Just Treats!

Cool Beans!

Stand Up!!

Self-promotion is not always a bad thing!

Declare Yourself!

Stretching and Growing

Reminder for me

One of the best things about Autumn...

Dancing With The Universe

Vote for ME!!

What is wrong with me?

Saturday Sing-Song

Chat n' Scrap

Remember

*bleh*

whoops!

Stand Up

Potty-training and Politics

A Big Day for Little D

Consider My Arm Twisted

Hearts and Flowers

DA- na-na-na-na-na today it's my birthday!

Remembering Dad

Treading Water

I hate being sick...

Happy New Year!!!

No Humbug Here

Gobble, Gobble!

Every Breath You Take

9 years ago today...

time, time, time ... see what's become of me?

Just a Quickie

School has Started and I've been Scrapping!

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date...

Slackerz-R-Us

I'm a G-I-R-L

Going Global?

New Layout

Which Famous Celebrity Do YOU Look Like?

Some of my digital creations

What a girl wants, what a girl needs...

I've had a blog visitor!!

What's growing in my garden?

Welcome to Tending My Garden

I heart SNC

bleh