It's been awhile...

Well... it has been awhile since my last post here. I found facebook. Yep... wasting alot of time over there, but having fun doing it and keeping in touch with friends there too. :)
I came by to put on some Christmas music, figuring I would play it while I browse for cookie recipes. I am workinon Cookie in a jar gifts... So far... this one looks promising for some co-worker gifts :)
Hugs to all... Happy Holidays and a VERY Merry CHRISTMAS!!


Dreamsicle Cookies 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 2. Empty contents into a large mixing bowl.
Add 1/2 cup softened butter,
1 egg slightly beaten and teaspoon vanilla extract.
Mix until completely blended. 3. Roll heaping tablespoonfuls into balls.
Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. 4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
for 12 to 14 minutes or until tops are very lightly browned.
Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet then remove cookies
to wire racks to cool completely. Makes 2-1/2 dozen

check this out...

http://www.scrapbook.com/color/

color match your layout to your photo!!!

What a pain...

I have bounced my checking account just twice in my life. I am 34, you would think I could handle my checkbook. LOL
Well... I was in the process of swapping back accounts, weeding down the account with Chase. Waiting for things to clear, so I can close it all together. WHY do the checks I write for school fees have to take so DARN long to clear.
So... on the 18th, I sent my mortgage payment. Well... I guess I was up too late that night, cause I sent it from the chase account, not the new bank. UGH!! Didn't figure it out until all the mini debits that dh and I do started to clear over the next three days.

So now the fees are about $374. Oh yeah... there goes the $300 we had saved for our new TV savings. Chase was kind enough to return two fees (one event they called it, every 12 months). Well... they also coincedently break up the fees by the day and their policy is to reverse the first day. (Of course the next two days were the higher $$ fees).

I am going into the branch today to see if they will split the difference and charge me part of the fees. Wish me luck. Long ago, WaMu would have been more than willing to understand. Chase, ok... i hope its even with the trip. But... we shall see.

Bottom line, I am tired of feeling like I work so much that I can't keep home things straight. I used to be so controlled, everything was done. Now, I feel like I am in a daze half of the time and asleep the rest. UGH!

And I got Meghan's Cold, along with Jarod this morning too. Woohoo! Great day!

Family birthday season is upon our household...

October 5th starts the season of family birthdays in our household. Meghan turns 9 in october. My birthday is in November. Sean's is in December. Jarod turns 12 on Jan. 19. Jordan turns 15 on Feb 2nd. Throw in the holidays, and it is a very busy few months for us. Oh, and don't forget to toss in the multiple family members that share our birthday months too. LOL
So... Meghan and I went to Michaels today for the "Free Family Event". She made three crafts from the American Girl themed event. It got her and I thinking about what we would be doing for her birthday. Luckily we also browsed the store for a bit for inspiration. I was making my way through the Wilton cake isle, as I remembered to take her by the clearance "Princess" items. 70% off!!! Not a bad way to gather the plates, napkins, goodie bags, and what not for her party. $10.63 was all I spent for an entire bag of items!!! WOOHOO!

We already decided that last years slumber-party was not to be relived this year. I love celebrating with the kids, and I do tend to go all out for birthdays. But, with-in reason and with cost in mind. This year I hope to allow the boys to celebrate a little more than they got to last year. They always end up a bit jipped, since they celebrate right after Christmas.

So... what did we decide?
Our ideas so far include...
*a pinata made from a decorative paper ball in the princess line of things.
*a goodie bag with bubble gum coins, paper tablets, blow horns, etc.
*a plan to figure out some sort of game that includes mini fall scarecrows (bought on clearance last year), fall colored beach buckets (clearance last year again).
*maybe a foam pumpkin turned bowling ball. LOL

We are thinking princess cupcakes; and maybe the girls decorating those during the party.
Humm... what else?
Fun times!!! (I can't believe she is going to be NINE!)

Have you thanked someone today?

Have you thanked someone today? Has someone helped you in some way? Thank them for it. Wouldn't it make your day, just to get a compliment or thank you? I know it makes mine, when someone thinks of me.
It also makes my day to thank someone. I often think about saying something, and then don't.

I think about making cards at Christmas. I think about making cards just for fun, but then I think I don't really have reason to send one. Well... yes I do! Simply to say thank you, hi, how are you, I am thinking of you...

Have you thought about this? LOL

Raccoon eyes...

Jarod is #24... (I got a pic to load). Too lazy to retype my post... so it might get confusing. Enjoy the pics and my babbling!!

Jarod and me... Labor day weekend... oregon coast. Get this... it was HOT, NOT WINDY, and the kids went in the water too. This is SO not the normal weather for LD weekend at the coast. Especially if we are camping with my parents. It ALWAYS rains. Oh, yeah... it did rain the next day. LOL

First day of school, Monday... Meghan (8-3rd grade), Jordan (14-Freshman), Jarod (11-6th grade)

Meghan cheering today.

This is the hay bale display I made for Fall Tour (VP visit) at Michaels. There are little "Lemax" children, riding on the hay ride.

And the pumpkin display, attached to it. I used pumpkins for wheels, to get the full "fall" effect.

And again... Meghan cheering. (My pics uploaded oddly, and Jarod's photos won't load) UGH!!

So...

yet again... raccoon eyes are upon my face. I was wearing sunglasses during the kids cheerleading, baseball, and football today. I didn't think about the sun, its rays, and their effects on my skin. LOL

I know, I know, I will be at great risk for skin cancer... Yep... I've heard the lectures. They just don't stick in my head, especially when I am running around at 7am, getting kids ready to leave the house for the day.

I did enjoy my day off (thanks to a 14 hour work day on Thursday / Friday am)... meaning I had no hours left to work today, without being in over-time. This meant I got to watch Meghan cheer, Jordan practice baseball, and Jarod play his first football game (others have been skrimishes sp?)

I came home and helped Jordan with his first highschool project. He teased me over and over, asking if I was going to photograph and scrapbook it. LOL Funny kid!!

I am yet again ready to SPIT at Chase bank... they SUCK!! And the financial burden of three kids in sports again is upon us. Fun-times!! Yet, somehow I just keep hoping that I can trust it will all be ok. :)

Jordan and I were googling for a saying for his project... when we found this longer version of one I have always liked.

"Live each day as if it is your last... learn each day as if you will live forever!"

School started for the kids...

Well... the kids are in school. It's 8:38am and the house is silent. It's that weird silence, somewhat really awesome and a whole lot eery creepy. LOL
The kids got the teacher I had hoped for. I didn't even ask for them, I had forgotten. I love it when your kids teacher enjoys your oldest so much that they ask to get the siblings. :)
Jarod's teacher has been "retiring" for about three years now, and he just keeps showing up. YEAH! for Jarod. His best friend is also in his class.
Meghan's friends have either moved school or are mostly in other classes. We will see tonight what her thoughts on that are. New friends can be good too, right! :)

Anyhoo... off to work I go. Enjoy your day, and hey... if you have a moment, get some LAUNDRY done while you enjoy your silence today.
Hugs to ya'll!

We are home and packing for school now!

Hi ya'll... We are back a day early from our beach camping trip. A little rain (OK alot overnight for tent campers), has other in our group headed home. We decided to come home and enjoy a full day off at home, instead of packing into the trailer and waiting for the trip home.
We enjoyed the time spent there. We went to the Newport, Or Bay-front. We took the dogs and kids to see the sea-lions there. They got to watch people crab fishing, some others preparing for the fishing boat trips, and what not. We also took them to the Hatfield Marine Science Center. (BTW, only a requested donation enterance there, vs. paying $10 a person for the full Aquarium)

We went to Devil's Punchbowl at the perfect low tide timing, and took the kids into the bowl there. If you don't know, this place fills with ocean waves and water within a short time of low-tide. It's sandy, windy, and AMAZING to stand in there. We even found a two star-fish on the rocks as we came out of there.

I will up-load lots of pics in the next day or two. I have laundry to wash and school supplies to get in order. :)

Hugs to all!

oh yeah, are you shopping for back-to-school lunch goodies? Here's a great site for coupon printing. Winco is now accepting printable couponable coupons (Only catch is that they have to scan, no typing or issues) I simple print coupons on the things I will buy at the price they are, and then get the bonus of the coupons too. Most work without issue from this site. I think I have only had one not work on their scanners. :)
Coupons
Good luck, and savings to you!

Camping trip tomorrow...

We are headed out camping on the Oregon Coast tomorrow. My sister is staying at our house. She's going to really enjoy 24/7 time to herself. LOL
We are planning on a trip through both the Oregon coast aquarium and Ripley's wax museum. The weather report has some wet issues (rain), but we in a trailer... so we really don't mind the wetness. I hope it is dry enough to get a few beach walks into the un-scheduled schedule. I hope to make it to Depot bay for some beach coming, agate collecting, etc.
My kids are growing so fast, and now that I am working, I am looking forward to some good 'ol dog walks / kid & parent walks around the campground too.
Hugs to all... and hope you get out to celebrate the ending of the summer days this weekend. :)

A freshman...

Jordan is officially a freshman. He has his high school ID card, as of 9am this morning. The initial school fees are paid. Woohoo! Now my worry simply turns to wanting him to have a good experience in high school. I didn't have the worst, but I surely didn't have the best of times during mine. I did meet Sean, so they weren't all bad. LOL
I think my biggest thought might be that I wonder when he will get more mature. I try to ignore the behavior, but he always seem to be the annoying kid. The one that tries to make smart cracks, funny remarks, but ends up sounding like a dork sometimes. He doesn't hear it and he doesn't see the reaction from other people. He doesn't get the mini eye-roll, the ignored comments, etc.
I mention to him (when not in the situation), about this. I try to explain. I simply don't think he has mentally matured to the point that he gets what I am saying. Maybe it simply is the one personality that drives me insane. It makes my skin crawl when I see a kid act like that. And THAT kid, is my kid. UGH!

My other two kids are the same personality. They are the center of attention, often. Meghan is VERY shy, but once comfortable in the group or with the person... it's good. She makes friends pretty easily. Jarod does also.

So, what to do when my kid is doing these things. I know he is who he is. But, shouldn't I try to mold him a little. LOL

Help!! Any advice... so my kid doesn't end up in a toilet, upside down?? LMAO

Thankful thoughts...

I was just thinking about how the seasons are changing. We are entering the fall season, which flows into "the holidays". The holidays are the warm and fuzzy seasons, when we begin to think about family, friends, giving, being thankful, etc. Yeah, it's also the time that everyone begins to stress about money, gifts, the heat bill, etc. But... what if we didn't think about THAT stuff right now?

What if we could find a way to struggle through, without feeling like we are struggling? Wouldn't THAT be amazing?

So... what are you thankful for now? Can you list the enjoyable parts of your life, instead of the stresses and things currently probally rambling in your thoughts?

Today is photo sharing day... I hope you enjoy!!

Jarod is enjoying his football practicing. He is there every night, Monday thru Friday... 6pm - 8pm. That's ALOT of practice, but I guess football is alot of work. I am enjoying going to watch him learn the fundamentals of the game. (Oh yeah, Jarod is in the light blue shorts)

Miss Meghan... was a bit bored at practice the other night. She got a bit bouncy and went to sit in her chair. Her chair decided to give her a flip. LOL

I caught a few smiles in my pics, before she got embarrassed and grumpy.

And a few layouts to share... (I've been busy!!) Click on the photos and they enlarge, btw. I have been into fairly simple layouts. Playing with techniques, titles, and paper rather than alot of stickers or embellishments. Scrapbooking is WAY cheaper when you don't feel the need to add STUFF to your layouts. :)

I do like the STUFF, I just don't use it often. I still need a room for my Stuff though. I am tired of cleaning my 'space'.

I love this paper! It's from

I am also working on using up older paper, borders, etc. This is a layout made from an old pad of paper and a clearance sheet of paper that I simply HAD to have. I feel accomplished, having used it.

I don't often take photos of myself. I am normally behind the camera. Sean grabs the camera every-so-often. This was a teachers gift / beading project, that I enjoy thinking about making. I really enjoys the giving of this gift, and now I can enjoy the memory when I browse my layout.

This is yet another slab paper usage. I liked that the letters came with the paper. The paper fit the layout. I always like being able to see what I want the layout to be, and feeling like I got there when I slide it into its protective sleeve. :)

These pics were from a family hike. Just a fun time with my kids. I couldn't decide on what the layout was to look like. I just knew I wanted COLOR. It's one of those... Slide it in the sleeve, it isn't a perfect layout, but its DONE. You have all the memories there, that is after-all what matters. LOL

A little squishy. The photos didn't lay out well. Yet there wasn't a wish in my head for another layout, nor the want to delete a photo... so you get what you get.

And finally... (still with me here??) I LOVE the color in this layout. Snow layouts are always hard for me. I want snowflakes, fun, and color. Ok... It's really simple, a bit fun, and colorful. Best of all... It's a completed layout.

Some day though... I will have to rearrange my album pages. I scrap what I feel like, at the time. I scrap ideas that come to mind. I am rarely in order, and often disorganized. That is who I am. I spend alot of time at work being organized and on time. Scrapbooking is my creative release that allows me to be who I am at the time I am sitting at my table. What is better than that?

What are you thinking?

How are you coping with the economy lately? Are you feeling completely strapped. I thought we were doing pretty good, until recently. We just seem to literally make ends meat. We spent $90 at the grocery stores this week. We brought home barely anything. The meat prices were simply horrid. No wait, the prices overall were horrid.
We did shop on Friday afternoon, which I think was a mistake. I have noticed the prices go up by Thursday, and don't lower until Monday. I know that has to do with customer flow, and paycheck timing too. Yet, I wonder how much supply and demand is coming into effect too. As we still need to purchase food, it costs more, we still buy it. The chips and junk food are on sale... but the bare minimum items are going up in pricing. Meat is high, cereal is high, yet chips are a good deal in the sale isle.
Except, that when the needed items are high, you don't have anything left to buy chips. LOL

Oddly milk seems to be staying around $2 or less. How is that?? Humm...

So, what are you making?

This week we will be having BBQ chicken, BBQ pork riblets, Crab salad (pasta), French Toast & Eggs, ???

Sean and I are making a little extra at meals, to take for leftover lunches at work. I am freaked out to think about how soon I will have to figure out 3 school lunches again. Those are expensive and so hard to make not the same-ol every day. Time to start googling ideas for those again. My kids really dislike PB & J and Meat sandwiches.

I am thinking of making...

**my own sort of lunchables though. Sliced pepperoni or meat, cheese slices, and ritz crackers (or the like).

**shredded cheese, a rubbermaid of pizza sauce, and ritz crackers... maybe a few pepperoni too.

**??? (any ideas?)

Oh, I did get the kids lunch bags that have bottles in them... I plan to send water or juice, and not buy capri-suns this year. We will see if leaks happen. Anyone have a trick to prevent leaks?? Maybe plasticwrap before the lids go on? Would that make it way to hard to open? UGH!!

Ok, I am babblin'

We baked...

This was the funniest thing to happen in our house, in quite awhile. Jarod was feeding the cats, when the cat got a little pushy. She bumped him, with the usual side-head butt. This made him loose hold of the food bin... and... (Luckily we found it funny, not upsetting!)

I am just now getting pics off my camera from the past few weeks. Sean and I took the kids to Metzler Park. The boys were a bit bored because they thought the water was too shallow in the spot we picked to sit at. Meghan enjoyed cooling off though. She and I walked quite a ways through the creek, just enjoying a little time together.

And back to the present...

I helped Jordan (aka...Betty Crocker in our house LOL) bake a cake tonight. He enjoys baking and cooking. I enjoy sharing what I know. I am thankful that he wants to know the info too.

This is a lemon sponge cake, minus the lemon rind. We did use mexican vanilla though, hoping the flavor is strong enough. Oh, and I learned a lesson in the process... make sure your family doesn't put the bag of italian seasoning in the container with the bag of baking powder. Everything in the container smells like italian seasoning. Luckily I had one bag un-flavored.

What a week!!

So Chase is a horrible company (bank). Long story short, they made an error on my account, sent my APR to 29.99%... and even though not MY error... they won't fix it. Won't drop my APR, etc. So I now need to find a Loan or transfer that card to a new account. UGH!!
I am over banking with Chase. I didn't ask them to buy out Washington Mutual. I didn't OK them changing the fees, rules, etc. on my accounts. But who cares... not them. Not the government either I guess. :(

Anyhoo... so yesterday my BIL was laid off. He's in the eletrcial apprenticeship, and that has surely become a risky career in this economy. Sadly he woke today to find his car stolen too. UGH!!

On a better note... I found out that I won a contest at work, and will get a $200 bonus. WOOHOO!! That will go quite a ways, to pay for school supplies and clothing, and not much more but still WOOHOO!! LOL

I am making coffee right now... at 9:52pm... getting ready to sit at my scrap table for a bit. I work the late shift tomorrow, so I thought I would veg and craft for a good late night tonight. I need some ME time. :)

How you dealing with life lately?? What are you doing to hang in there, pay the bills, or simply survive the insanity we call living in todays world? Leave me a comment... I would love to hear from those that browse by.

Why haven't I thought of this?? I love the idea. Especially when I send my kids lunch daily, during school. I simply REFUSE to believe that school lunches need to cost $2+ per kid. Oh my!! Hell NO!!!
So... I already bought lunch bags for the kids new school year, but I am making these too.
There are always a few days when the kids say "Oh no, I forgot my lunch bag at school!" A huge no-no with me, but still happens. Here is the site I found the idea on, and the idea itself... I will share pics of my bags soon. I think I might add do-dads to the outside. Embellishments are in the plenty around this house.

Oh and I am talking about the bag itself, not the felt food. LOL
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/03/09/felt-brown-bag-lunch-tutorial/

I also think I will get a little larger felt square, as the bags might be a bit too small with regular felt squares. Felt is sold by the yard at the fabric store too. You can also buy clear tablecloth vinyl and make a lining for the bags. A little better to clean up the things the kids leave behind. :)

Vine (sp) service...

I keep getting updates from Vine. Victims notification service for our local jail systems. While I want to know when people I know go in and out of prison, it also seems to be upsetting to get so many updates.
I know in advance that they will be released... that I will get another call when they are. I get calls every two hours, on my voicemail, until I hear the call and press 2 to confirm. UGH!

I am just not dealing with this all well.

On another note... I want to produce art today. I keep thinking about having the kids be creative, giving them a canvas and paint... and letting them create. However I am currently waiting on a reply from a Craigslist ad, so I can hopefully get new chairs to redo for my dining room. :)

Somehow I am determined to accomplish something and end the day feeling productive. LOL

Hugs to all...

Fuzzy Flock...

Fuzzy flock, which is also known as "Fun Flock" is now available at Michaels. Woohoo!! I have been wanting to try this stuff for a long time. Seeing it at the store, reminded me that I had gotten a small sample size bit of it, at the CK expo almost two years ago.
Fellow scrappers will understand how this lapse in time can happen, even when a scrapper is excited about a product. LOL
So... I have been reading online about ways to attach.

*Glue Pad (similiar to a stamp pad but glue not ink on it)
*liquid glue (dry time is longer, but I have on hand.)
*embossing powder (but have to flock really quickly in the melted powder)
*Tape Runner (might be unevenly covered, do to layers of tape.)

Now... off to test it all. (Gotta love that the HEAT outside is finally decreasing and I have today off work). Oh yeah... I have to go to the dentist today. UGH!! LOL (I hate that feeling of space between my teeth after a cleaning)

Las Vegas was such a fun trip. We got there at about 12:30am. Took a cab from the airport. We then spent 3 days with nothing planned, except for the Zumanity The sensual side of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas show on Friday evening.
Sponge Bob is in the Excalibur hotel, which was the first hotel we went to... after checking into New York, New York. We were up until about 3 am the first night (morning) before we decided to take a break.



We took this pic the morning that we left. Our hotel was in the background, as we toured across the street.







We ate at this "New York" style pizza shop, a few times during our stay. We ate on the strip the whole time, since we choose to walk and not rent a car. It is pricey to eat on the strip, but we enjoyed the places we choose to eat at. Sean was excited to eat at ESPN Zone for one meal. We also had a burger at the shop around the corner from the pizza shop. YUMMY!!
We did do one breakfast buffet at "chin-chin" in our hotel. $25 but it kept us full for most of the day too. We drank a TON of water, after we found the "walgreens" that was two blocks down from our hotel.


The "flipper and flappers" as we nick-named them, were our biggest worry on the strip. We had been warned about how pushy they were. Well... they were a nuisance, but became a game for us too. They flip their fingers on advertising cards, that are handed out for adult activities and nightclub invites. We laughed at the number of people who collected the cards, and then jokingly started handing them out too. It was not a big deal, and turned into a great funny story.
Oh, this pic is Sean, in front of the "pepsi" sign on the side of our hotel. Across the street we would soon find "Coke" world. I am a coke collector, and coca-cola drinker. Sean loves Pepsi. It is a fun war in our house. Most places in Vegas sell coke, or if you find pepsi... it is $3 + for a small cup. He was in withdrawls. LOL
Between the lack of soda, drinking water, and the 3 + walking tours on the strip and through the hotels... we both felt healthier on our return flight. :)

Here I was taking a pic instead the mall of Cesears Palace. Sean just happened to turn into the corner of my shot, and I loved the pic. This sky turns colors as the scenery from daylight to evening changes. You can completely loos all track of time and day in almost any hotel in Vegas.

We spent most of our time shopping and people watching. We drank a margarita during most of our first day touring... with the bartender putting 3 shots + in it, after seeing our out-of-town ID. How sweet of him. It was the best drink I have had. We grabbed a beer hear and there too. We gambled about $40 total. Winning and loosing... up and down... on the slots and blackjack machines here and there. We got players cards at a couple hotels, but overall didn't go wild with the that scene.

I enjoyed the time that I got to spend with Sean. We joked, laughed, and simply spent time together. What a great vacation.

Oh, yeah... texting with the kids was a fun part too. We took pics here and there (like when I got free Shots at Coyote Ugly, and sean shared with the kids!) LOL I don't think we had left the first airport before Jarod texted "I miss you already". Ahhh!!!

I came home to find not too big of any huge issues. A burnt pot from hot dog water left to boil away on the stove (ugh!). Our pool was green, from lack of chemicals and additional hot weather. Oh and the kids watered the backyard plants, but forgot the front (tomatoes) lol. They survived though, black spots and all.

The weather in Vegas was 114 and dry. It felt so good!! Lightening started as we were waiting for our flight out in the airport. We never felt the muggy bit from that though. However our flight home was delayed for mecanical issues, but we made it back in time for Sean to work 4 hours later. He is still sleeping that off I think.

It was a memorable trip, and will soon be a scrapbooking event. Whether we return, who knows... worth it once yes, another time maybe. :)

Hugs ya'll

Oh Yeah Baby, It's time for Vegas Baby!!!

I got off work at 10pm. I have to be packed and ready for our flight tonight, so that I can work tomorrow... then cruise home, grab the bags (and Sean)... and head to the airport by 5pm ish. The kid-sitter / pet-sitter is scheduled, the pool is re-filled, and I won't sleep tonight. This is worse than Disneyland for me.

My life goals list has always been pretty simple.

1. marry and have kids - check
2. Go to Disneyland - check
3. Buy a camping trailer - check
4. live on a farm
5. Go to vegas (checkin' off!!!)
6. Take a train ride (not just the max)
7. Take an airplane ride - check
8. Live to meet my grandkids
9. Go to Hawaii
10. Travel the US in retirement
11. Skydive (no bungie jumpin for me though, funny huh?)

Wow... not bad... 4 out of 10 so far... and 5 in less than 26 hours. :)

What's your list look like? Do you have a top 10??

Can I say... SHOWER time! LOL

I just finished (well almost) cleaning out the pool. We let it go green over the last two weeks, since the weather wasn't in the 90's, and chlorine and pool chemicals cost alot. I also cleaned the oven today (ok, that simply meant turn the dial and lock it, then turn on the exhaust fan). I washed my car today too.
I have had the kids doing more household chores this past few weeks. Sean and I explained to them that we are away at work, WORKING. They are home, Existing. So... they can chip in a bit more, until school is back in session. Luckily they haven't been too much of an fuss with the idea. :)
Laundry though, is my current NIGHTMARE. UGH!! I need to hire that out. LOL

Well... that's my boring life right now.

My bil and his family (military) left again on Thursday. It was really good to see them, spend time with their kids, etc. I am headed to my moms tonight, for a candlelight party. My sister is hosting. I am really working on de-cluttering my house, so I hope to only buy a few candles. I really have enough candle holders and sconces. LOL

Anyhoo... Hugs to all.

This is MY country!

Let me make this perfectly clear! THIS IS MY COUNTRY!

And, because I make this statement

DOES NOT mean I'm against immigration!!

You are welcome here in my country...

Welcome to come through like everyone else has.

Get a sponsor!

Get a place to lay your head!

Get a job. Live by our rules.

Pay your taxes.

And learn our language like all other immigrants have in the past!!!

Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks... and the aftermath in the sky above. How neat!

Pat is home!

Pat is my brother-in-law. Most of you know that he was in Germany for the last 2 1/2 yrs, while he also did another tour in Iraq. He came home on Wednesday, with two of his kids. His oldest daughter and his wife stayed up in Washington, while she visits with her family too.
They will soon leave to go to Georgia, where they will be stationed while Pat becomes a drill instructor. Things are tough for a military family, and we hope that this change in danger level will bring some resolution and peace to his personnal life and to our worries since he has been in Iraq, etc.
I am excited to know that he has new medals, flags, etc. that I will be helping him get framed soon. I often frame military items for customers that come into the store... but doing these will be an extra pride sort of feeling. :)
I will have pics to share soon, and more stories to tell... for now though, I better get to sleep since I work tomorrow. UGH!!
Praying that we are SO slow that I can go home a little early tomorrow afternoon.

Hope everyone enjoys a happy & SAFE 4th!

Pic 1 is a rose from my yard. Pic 2 is a sunset I caught as we came across the I-205 bridge from Vancouver to Portland, on Saturday evening. Then Pic 3 is a bee on a flower, taken in Cannon Beach this weekend. :)

Then a quickly taken, but nicely focused photo of Meghan and the ocean behind her. Finally, Here is the funny pic from our beach trip. I had noticed and commented on a house that had plants growing from the gutters. Later, in Seaside... Sean says "hey, I wonder if those are the owners of that house we saw?!" I turned to notice... a car with moss growing from its bumper. LOL

photography is so gratifying!

Do you ever get the photography bug? I love it when I do. I love looking through the lens of my camera and trying to capture what I see. I especially love when I capture something I didn't see, but was able to see when I look back at my photos. I find a true feeling of happiness!

I just uploaded the photos from my SLR. I had about 250 photos on SD cards. I was amazed at what I had on there. I am planning trips, just by myself, for photography. I enjoy the time I spend while taking the photos so much. It is SO relaxing.

I am hoping to find a way to sell some of my photos, at some time in the future. I recently found out that my sister shares the photography bug too. She has the same wishes to make a business from it, as our kids grow and we find ourselves with more free time. Now, I just need to figure out how people get into selling photos. :)

Wow... another celeb!

Yet another celeb had passed away. Billy Mays was found by his wife this morning. :(

I read that they think it was possibly caused by an injury he got, during a hard landing, in an airplane Sat. evening. Oh my!! How freaky! He went to bed not feeling well. So sad... he leaves behind a 3 year old daughter, his wife, and a 20-ish step-son.

So many changes in just a weeks time. I was just talking to Sean about how it is all making me so thankful for every single moment I have. It just makes me sad to think about the kids loosing parents recently.

I am really starting to get nervous about flying to Vegas now too. I know, I know, it is more dangerous to get in a car, but still... flying is so exciting, enticing, etc... and so darn scary. I think leaving me kids here, and going with Sean is bugging me the most. But, it won't stop me. I want to live. I am just going to be leaving notes for my kids, family, etc. Just in case!!

This is day 8...

This is my 8th day straight, at work. I am tired!!! Mostly just mentally drained. I have the next three days off. It feels like all I have done this week, is sleep, eat, head to work. LOL I have huge news that will be announced on July 1st, at my work. I am not supposed to know. It will effect the people I work with, but not me in a negative way. It will mean a few less hours for some, but really just a swap of hours really. Ok... I will say more later. Basically though, for me, it will mean less stress in a way, and little bit more managing at the same time. I am good with these changes. They are deserved. Enough said.

So how are you all? I feel like I have lost contact with so many. Are you guys checking in still??? Comment would ya?? LOL I miss ya.

What are you planning for the summer? For July 4th? Etc.

We are heading to Vegas in July. Hope to camp in July too. We are camping for a week at the coast over Labor day weekend. I hope to get together for a few day trips to the River (Diane & kiddos). Oh then there is the state fair and county fairs... oh yeah!! I love summer!!

I went to the doctors... FINALLY...

I went to the doctors last week. I really thought my thyroid was off, or my blood pressure was an issue. But... come to find out, the doc thinks that my migraines are getting worse. He thinks I have a slight sleep apnea (sp). He also thinks I can fix a lot of my current symptoms but reducing and cutting out my coffee intake. OK, it got bad. I am already feeling SO MUCH better, just a week after reducing my coffee.
I am breaking the really bad habit that I had started. I am a fairly healthy eater, but the caffeine is the issue.
So, at work I am drinking water, tea, and pop. I am allowing myself one cup of coffee per day, and trying to think about whether I want something warm to drink... or if I need the boost that coffee brings. Mostly I want the warm, not carbonated drink, not sweet pop flavor. Cocoa is another good idea.
Starbucks is a total no-no now for me. I was spending too much, and wasting alot. Plus, it isn't good for me. So... will power!!! for me. And healthy for me too.

Our weekend...

Jordan getting his 8th grade diploma on Friday. We got the neatest gift for him, but it hasn't arrived YET! UGH!! I will share later... he might read this, and we are making him wait to be surprised.









This is Jarod (left) and his best friend Josiah. They were running about at field day and I caught this quick pic of the duo.








Here is Meghan (right side) and her girlfriends, on the last day of school - Friday. She remembered two years ago, when I let them take a sharpie and get siggy's in their T-shirt. Of course, she remembered the NIGHT BEFORE the last day... at 8:50pm. Luckily I was at work and happened to work where they sell T's and sharpies. LOL

This is Jordan scoring the winning run in his baseball game! Sean is the umpire behind the plate too. He is looking into getting his umpire certification. I think it will be fun for him. :)





Sean and I set up a family BBQ to celebrate Jordan's 8th grade graduation. We had the usual Burgers and Dogs, salads and watermelon. YUM!










In attendance were several sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews... along with my parents and Sean's parents. The weather held out just long enough to enjoy the event. :)





Ok, I could have made the cake. But when I stopped by Fred Meyer's and saw a green/white cake...(rowe school colors) it was too easy to buy it. YUM!!!

Graduation... last day of school...

Today was Jordan's 8th grade graduation. It was also the last day of school and field day for Jarod and Meghan. Sean and I were both off work, and spent the day between the two schools. Jordan went to Oaks Park for the day, with his classmates, after the graduation ceremony.
We will be having a BBQ to celebrate his graduation, tomorrow night.

I just called to schedule a doctors appointment, to have my thyroid tested. I am OVER the symptoms and just need to get the testing over with. I HATE doctor bills. I dislike medications for the most part, but I hate feel exhausted all the time, even more.

Custom Framing at Michaels will be 60% off, from Sunday thru Saturday. If you live near the clackamas Michaels, I would love to see you there!! :)

Hugs ya'll!

It's VEGAS BABY!!!

Sean and I took the plunge. We decided that we deserve a trip to ourselves. We talked to the kids, and they all agreed too. Isn't that sweet!! Meghan thought we were leaving last night, and was worried about what day we would return. Oh no! I know she is going to be upset while we are gone. The boys will miss us, but not so much UPSET. :)
I know I will miss them horribly... but the next month is not going to go fast enough now!

Anyone been? Got a good tip? We already heard to be in at night, and not on the streets... for the adult activities (beware). Oh my! We also know about "good tennis shoes" and "go in EVERY hotel as your walk the strip atleast one whole day".

$.99 cent hotdog vendors, coupon books from the hotel lobby and maybe in the cabs.

Anything else?? Off to google for tips in Vegas.

What to do???

Read through, and comment (at the end of this, I describe how to enter my
scrapbooking raffle)

Shall we choose to be selfish parents, and use the money this summer... for a vegas trip on the two of us? Or should we do as we usually do, even after buying them a pool, and spend the money on more family style events?

Here is what is happening... Sean and I will celebrate our 15th anniversary on July 16th. We have 4 days and 3 nights to toy with. Here are the options...

1. Camping in our trailer, at the coast where we have already been several times before, but it would be by ourselves. (Maybe get kinds boring, just the two of us!) (Oh, and we both said this)

2. Hotel at the beach instead... a little more $$, but maybe a little something more than camping in our trailer (Even though we love our trailer, it seems like a family thing while we still have kiddos)

3. Trip to Vegas (never been, haven't traveled together, other than a softball tournament and disneyland a few years ago) $700+ (hoping state taxes return, for added spending money) This might mean, not so much $$ for family camping this year, but our schedules are hard to book that together now anyways. We are already paid for 5 days over labor camping, btw.

4. Wild Waves in Seattle, its a waterpark and theme park, rebuilt since we went over 12 years ago. We used to go often, when we dated. We might stay the night, or though about a day trip and then take a day (maybe over night) to the coast.

UGH... I just can't decide. We have my sil set up to babysit and dog-sit. I think I am having a hard time deciding to do something just for us, and feeling bad that the kids "suffer". Though I really do know that my kids are not SUFFERING. LOL

Maybe I should ask Jordan (our 14 yr old). He is getting a bit smarter now that he is making me feel old by going off to high school next year. :)

Anyone else have an opinion? Post a comment and enter for my scrapbooking give-a-way raffle. The winner will tell me their favorite layout color, and I will get a surprise freebie package sent out, just for offering to help me decide. The winner will be chosen... sometimes Tuesday evening!

My head is spinning...

I swear I can feel my mind spinning in my head. Not because I am under current pressure, but just have so many things on my mind.
1 - I didn't vote for our president, and I sure wish others hadn't either.
2 - I enjoyed the swim session I had with my kids today. But DAMN that water was COLD.
3 - I had to have a budget talk with my 11 year old today. WHY??? Because the nearly $35 an hour that my husband and I make, isn't ENOUGH. I had to explain to him that we made choices to buy a trailer, a pool, etc. and that now means we got them those things and will not be taking them out to fast food tonight. Why did I have to explain that to him. Well... because parents need to teach their kids about money. Not just about spending it, but how to save it, or spend it wisely. That we hope that he will have the priviledge to go to be an adult and make the choices with his money. (but, that THAT worries me too.) Will he make it to be an adult? what kind of adult will he be? Am I doing enough to raise him well? Is my best, going to be good enough?
4 - My sil gets out of prison in just under 3 months. I am ANGRY with her still. Enough said... that's could be a book.
5 - Laundry and Meghan's room, the battle continues. LOL
6 - I love my husband and my kids! I just want to decide what Sean and I will do for our anniversary in July.
7 - Time to sip coffee and veg. in front of the TV. Ok, I should be sleeping, but UGH... wasted along time. LOL
8 - People like to read my blog, I think it would be neat to read replies!!
Oh my... see, alot of stuff in there... what's on your mind?

Football sign-ups...

Oh my! Oh my!! I just finished signing Jarod (11 yrs) up for football. Now, let me explain a little. I broke my arm, playing flag football in PE, back in high school. I have loved watching my kids play sports and seen my fair share of injuries. Football has always been my worry for my kids to play.
I am a little nervous, but I think of my two boys, Jarod will be the one to play football well. He has a temper! He has the brains to play smart! I would not want to be the kid on the other side of the trash talkin'.
Jordan is our basketball / baseball kid. Jarod played two years of little league, but simply doesn't enjoy playing it much. He prefers to sit on the sidelines and listen to the coaches. He can explain why things happen, yet doesn't want to make a play himself.
Jordan on the other hand, get enjoyment from basketball and is SO talented in baseball. :)
Meghan played one year of tee-ball, but hasn't wanted to play again. I got to coach her and Jarod, and that was a blast for me.
I find that sports is simply another opportunity for me to enjoy the differences in each of my kids personalities!

Yesterday, I took the kids to Lowe's to make the free kids project.
We then decided to go to the beach for the day. Now, Oregon beaches are just "been there, done that" to us, but we made the trek simply to get outta the house. We hit a little seasonal weekend traffic, but made our way to Lincoln City within about 2 hours. We ended up REALLY enjoying ourselves.
Some around us, probally thought my kids had never seen sand, the way they acted. Jarod wanted to roll in the warm sand. It was a cloud covered horizon, but blue skies above us that. We climbed the rocks and checked out the various rock dwelling clam like shells and the sea urchins too. The seagulls cracked us up, surfing the waves and what not.

Jarod and Meghan made sand angels, and then Jarod took sliding practice in the sand. I was so worried about sand burns, but decided to just let him have FUN. Luckily no sand burns have been heard about. He did forget about the sand in his pockets... and now has sand in his cel phone. Whoops!! (BTW, I am waiting for Sean to get home with my new phone!!)

I think this is the pic that I tried to get the surfing seagull in the background.

Jordan timed the waves to get out to this rock. He was then surprised by the sneaker waves that threatened to splash him. (Yes, we undersatand the danger, and kept that in mind.)

I even took a few pics of the kids, posing as they show their personality (When noone is watching LOL)

So now it is Sunday afternoon, and we are heading to my sisters house to BBQ. I made my potato salad. YUMMY!! I have chicken marinating too. Last week we found "Turkey Cheese Dogs", and since we are on the turkey vs. beef kick, we tried them. They are pretty good. I prefer a tougher skin on my hotdog, but other than that... these are good. :)

Happy Memorial Day Ya'll!!