It's Been Awhile!!

Well, I have finally let my blog slip to the backburner. Honestly I thought it would happen a lot sooner because I have never been one to keep a journal and to me that is really what a blog is only online. I feel like I am talking to myself when I write and then I feel silly which is the reason I cant keep a journal. Anyway, for those that still stop in every now and then here is what's new:

• I sent my last kiddo off to Kinder in August. I was sad, he was sad. He tells me that his heart has stopped beating and falls to the floor which just kills me! (I need to remember to scrap it when I get a chance)
• I celebrated my 32nd birthday!
• I went back to school! I am taking a full time class load and let me say that I knew I would be busy but wow-much busier than I thought (part of this is because I am a worrier about things, so I worry about homework until it is done and that stresses me 24/7)
• I am letting go of SU rep status. I hate to do this but I just don't have the time to even gather enough orders to make the minimum (which is pretty big) I still love the products though and hope to keep finding good deals.
• I am still your AVON Lady!! Doing pretty good and love the products. Made top 150 in sales for my district but would like to move up the list so hey get those orders in! :)
• Enjoying the start of a new football season for Marcus. His team is 3-1 so far, Go Vikings!

I am sure there are plenty of things that I left of the list but my brain is numb after finishing a paper this weekend and I am trying to relax a bit before the start of a new week. To all of you that I have talked to lately I want to say HI!! Hope all is well with you! I am still here and love to get emails/comments so drop me a line when you can....

Mini Book

Just finished this cute little mini scrapbook for my niece. I had a great time making it and I hope that she will enjoy it! TFL :) Products used: (all SU products can be purchased here) Stampin Up top note die Stampin Up Butterfly Punch Stampin Up Stamps/Inks Ribbon Rub ons

Using stamps for everyday things

Many people I talk to about stamping/crafting are quick to say things like 'I am not a card maker' or 'I like them but I would never use them, I am a scrapbooker' and so on. Well, that is the great thing about crafting-many of the techniques can be used for different, everyday things. I have a birthday party this weekend and I am just not one of those people that spend big bucks on gift bags. I but the cheapest I can find, pull out a stamp and turn it into one that looks like I spent more on. It only takes a few minutes more and you can do as much or as little as you want. Stamp the bag, a card or tag, and even the tissue paper if you want-it will look beautiful, coordinated, and one of a kind. :) I just used one stamp set SU's 'One of a Kind' and some stazon ink-Happy Birthday little friend!!

Today's Card-Digi image & SU!

Needed a card for a little friend and decided to look around for some new digi images and I found this cute little cowgirl over at http://beccakaydesigns.blogspot.com/ I used SU paper & and the markers. Colors are melon mambo, soft suede, and bermuda bay. There is a little glitter on there to bling it up some but my camera skills are lacking. Used a cuttlebug emboss folder, tied a little bow at the top and she is ready to go! TFL :)

Today's Card-Bella Blossoms

I made this card over the weekend with some goodies from Stampin Up! I was blog hopping, came across this image and had to have the stamp set! I used the main image from Bella Blossoms and heat embossed (cant really see the technique but it has a very beautiful raised, glossy image) The heat tool was one of the first things I bought from SU and continues to be a favorite because it is a super easy technique that has a lot of WOW factor. I then finished by using the scalloped edge punch down the side of the green paper. Simple but lovely just like the Bella Blossoms set. :)

If you would like to know more about heat embossing please leave a comment and I will gladly chat with you about it.

Have a beautiful day!!

Wordbook project (reposted)

I had this up on the other blog so I am bringing it back over here. I was inspired by a very talented lady over on the Cricut message boards-Monique (click her name to check out her blog)

Anyway, she did a book called dreams using the storybook cartridge and I loved it so much I had to try. Mine is not near as wonderful but not bad either, LOL! It was made for a little friends birthday and I used her name 'Emma' instead of dreams. I also used plenty of Stampin up! inks and stamps as well. Oh, I am not good with pics but the colors are much more pink and purple than they appear. TFS!

Cards I have worked on recently (repost)

I am reposting these cards that I worked on because I am back over at blogger and they were up on the other one. TFS!

I am Back

Well after trying out wordpress I am back to blogger. For me it was not as user friendly and I spent to much time trying to do simple add ons-now I am not computer smart at all so I am not saying that wordpress is not good. In my case it was user error so to speak. Anyway, I am in the process of updating my posts again so check back soon to see some of the projects I have been working on. Thanks!!! Happy 4th :)

Did somebody say DANCE?!

Nia finlly had her little dance recital and it was soooo cute!! The girls did a wonderful job and a big thank you to my good friend Jen with Kinderdance and Nia's dance teacher Ms. Katie-it has been a great year!

Nia was excited to wear her tutu and crown, she did not take it off all weekend. The icing on the cake was her dance medal and let me tell you she is very proud of it! Since pictures are worth a thousand words I will post many and let you enjoy for yourself :)

So proud of you babygirl!!!

Ramblings

Seems my posts get fewer and fewer these days. Yes, I am a slacker on this blog. The kids have been keeping me pretty busy and I am a lot busier with the Avon thing than I originally planned to be. School is out in a matter of days and I am one of the few dreading the summer days coming. Yes, I wont have to get up early but the trade off is hardly worth the amount of complaining from the kids that will start about 2 days into summer break. Let's not even start about the heat here. I like South Texas but not until about October when it becomes bearable to be outdoors for more than 5 minutes at a time. Let the kids go play in the water you say? No! See we are already under water restrictions so that wont work. Go to the park you say? Did I mention the closest park uses recycled tires as pavement-black tires=more heat. The parks look like ghost towns until late evening around here. Feel free to help me out and leave suggestions on how to entertain 4 bored kids this summer-I would offer money as a prize for the best idea but did you not notice I said 4 kids! A smile and a thank you will have to do. :) On a different note, I love to read so leave me some suggestions for a good summertime book. (preferably one that does not require much thought will allow me to read and yell at the kids at the same time) Happy summer break!

Almost a whole month!

Wow! I cant believe that it has been almost a month since my last post over here. It has been a busy time and I am running like crazy. Let me try to catch you up in a short list of what has been going on and also what I hear most from the kids. What is going on: Full swing tball season getting ready for Nia's dance recital playdates kinder roundup homework promoting and networking my Avon business What I have been hearing: 'it's hard waiting for my birthday!' said by Anthony 'is the sun peeing?' said by Anthony on a rainy day 'will you buy me more avon?' said by Anthony 'I dont want to go to school!' said by all the kids 'I see the cash cab!' said by Anthony in Walmart parking lot 'Do you know what I want for my birthday?' said by Nia & Anthony

Family In Town

Last week my dad, brother, and niece flew in from Ohio and it was great! I have only seen my brother twice in about a decade so it was especially nice to have him come along. I have not really gathered my thoughts on the trip yet so this is all about the pics :)

Are you ready for some...Tball?!?!

My little girl is getting down in the dirt and playing tball! She has been talking about playing ever since her little friend said that she played. I have been getting the 'is it time to play yet mommy' since before Christmas and her time has finally come. I am not much of a sports fan but I have to admit that after her first game I could not stop grinning. She had a great time and I hope she sticks with sports. I will only post a few of the hundred or so I took of the first game. :)

Fun with the Spurs

Both Nia and RJ won character awards at school this year and the big prize was spurs tickets! They have gone to the game thanks to daddy and had a great time. Posting some pics, thanks for dropping by :)

Craft Project (I know it has been a long time)

I know I know, this blog was supposed to have more craft stuff on it but my brain can only remember so much these days! :) Anyway a while back I did do a diaper cake for a friend and I did remember to take a picture and now I will post it for ya. I had a good time making it but don't know if it is something I will do often. I just used a standard size one pack of diapers because it had about 60 diapers and this is the minimum you will want to use doing this project. Other tools: rubber bands, ribbon, cricut machine, baby bottles. I wont post actual directions because I just followed a video on YouTube and I don't want to take credit but if you do a search there are several wonderful clips from the small one I did to very elaborate creations. Also, I remember many moons ago my friend Michelle did a nice one and you may be able to dig up the pic over on her blog. Thanks for looking!

Please hop on over to my newest blog, I would love your

feedback :)

Way to Go RJ!!

I am so proud of my oldest son and of course I have to share! He was nominated for and won the Priest Holmes Character of Champs Award at his school!!! He was one of five winners this time. 'Former NFL running back and Marshall High School graduate Priest Holmes and his foundation have teamed up with the San Antonio Spurs Foundation to give Northside ISD tickets and parking passes to Spurs home games. Tickets will be awarded to students who exemplify one of the six "Pillars of Character," which are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.' RJ won this award several times in elementary school but this is his first time at the middle school level. His grades are excellent and he continues on his path to achievement by taking an AP class next school year-way to go kiddo! stop by my new blog and let me know what you think!

Yes, I have a new blog

I decided that instead of posting about my AVON and beauty stuff on this one I would just create another to keep it separate. Please check it out-I am running a little contest for some free goodies! new blog Thanks!

"I Don't Love.."

It has been a long week (even longer since I blogged) but not much going on these days that would be blog worthy. Just the same everyday family life which of course I am fine with. Since I dont have much to say I thought I would do a little list inspired by my son. When he doesnt like something he will say "I dont love that" -insert whatever he doesnt love. It is cute and I find myself saying it now. So here we go: I DON'T LOVE.. driving-the drivers are bad and I am an admitted 'nervous' driver cleaning-the main reason would be that there is not real satisfaction, it will be back or worse in a matter of hours around my house! laundry-my dryer has heating issues (yes my dryer tubes are clean) cooking-my kids don't like spice of any kind, veggies, meat that is not chicken/beef getting up- I could sleep my life away shopping- I know for a woman I am in the minority. I really "don't love" grocery shopping though, people shop like they drive and once I pay the purchase is final unlike that impulse buy which I can usually return I "DO LOVE" this little boy that coined the phrase-thanks for the smiles Anthony! Play along if you want. Have a wonderful week!

Knock Knock!

Answer the door -it's Kim your newest Avon Independent Consultant! Yes, that is right I am now selling Avon. I know, I would have laughed a few weeks ago but after thinking and trying and researching different ways to be a stay at home mom and earn a little income Avon is my answer. I thought well who has not heard of Avon? Although I have not purchased anything recently I do actually have some products in my own closet. I have always equated Avon with the Skin So Soft product because my mom would put it on us before we went out to play-it keeps the bugs away she would say (and it did) If you know me you know that I am not a pushy person but hey do me a favor and check me out over on my webstore, I will be so happy you stopped by!

Ramblings and yep I was tagged again!

Well I thought by now I would be feeling all better-not so much. And to add to it all the kids have now had a fever and 3 of the 4 still do. Send help in the form of whatever will kill this nasty bug we picked up!!!

Since I am still down and Michelle over at Just had to do it was kind enough to point out that she knows I have pictures she tagged me and here goes my effort at playing along.

Here are the rules:

1. Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer.

2. Post the 4th picture in that folder.

3. Explain the picture

4. Tag 4 more bloggers.

I am not that organized with my pictures and since I am working on scanning in all my old photos for a scrapbook (yeah who knows when that will get done) here is a pic of me as a kid before I had to share my parents with other siblings. I was probably about 3 or 4. I am not going to tag anyone in particular but if you want to play please do.

Am I a slacker?

No just sick. Just when I was thinking to myself I have not been sick in years boom! (my fault I know) It was bound to happen, everybody I know has either been sick or is catering to sick kids. And although I like the mild winters it has a downside. It doesn't get cold and stay cold enough to kill off the allergies and crap in the air. Our cedar count has been through the roof here and yes we suffer. I am now on daily allergy meds and I may need to put a couple of the kiddos on it as well. What I had was not just allergies, I got the full on chills, achy, feverish, cough, you name it yuck and I am just now starting to feel better. I sure hope it is another 5 years or so before that happens again. The upside: I have finished almost two books. I would have done more but most of the downtime I could not even function well enough to hold the book and focus on what was going on. The downside: I am now way behind on all things housework related. The laundry is farther behind than usual, the floors need attention, I now need to disinfect everything, we need food, and on and on. Looks like a fun weekend of catching up is in my future. Ahhh good times.

To all my well wishers and those that offered help I again thank you. I guess this proves that all my friends don't actually live in the computer...I will keep the sticker up anyway :)

I got an award from a friend!

Special thanks to Michelle over at' Just had to do it' for thinking I am cool enough for this little blog award. In keeping with the rules I will be passing it on to a few blogs I stalk.

Here are the rules for this one:1. Put the logo on your blog or post.2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!3. Link to your nominees within your post.4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.5. Share the love and link this post to the person from whom you received your award. I pass this on in no particular order:

Charlie -so glad to have u as a SS and thanks for all the great scrapping tips!

Jacki- your words and wisdom have meant so much to me, thank you!

Sasha-because this chick 'keeps it real' over on her blog and she has great talent!

Veroncia-classy lady who shows me that you can do it against the odds!

Babydoll-another lady w/ lots of talent and great Etsy stuff!

Alright, I know it says 10 but I have to run so here is half for now. Thanks to anyone

who reads my little blog, I appreciate you stoppin by :)

Catching up with an old friend and giving her a plug!

Between blogging and surfing I maintain a profile on Facebook. ( I even blogged about being on facebook a few posts back) At first I thought it would be like my myspace and I would keep it up for a while and then tire of it. Well, I have to admit that I like it and mainly because I am getting to catch up with those faces from the past (that and the fact that all my friends live in my computer! ha) I have found a friend this week that is from way back and we get to chatting and find out how many kids we now have and so on. After getting through the past 15 odd years in a couple of chats I find out that she sews. I love that! I am partial to any person who is crafty and especially since I would love to learn that skill sometime. Anyway, she specializes in things for baby/kids and has some neat things that are very useful like her 'travel trench', 'nursing shawl', and 'plug lovey'. If you get a chance hop on over and check my friend out at CJ's Sewing Room, we would both be grateful if you did!!

Our 44th President

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."

Quote from Pres. Obama's inaugural speech

Pictures I took from my family room.

Valentine Cards

My friend Michelle sent me a link to some very cute Valentine card examples and thought she might do some for her dd's class. I usually buy mine but since she was doing them and I didn't want to feel like a slacker (plus I have all the supplies) I decided to make some of my own. I wanted to keep it simple since there are over 20 kids in dd's class so I CASED my cards after a design posted on 2peas. They are 3x3 in size (perfect I think for the kinder class) I used SU punches for the flower and bottom of the card. The stamps are mainly dollar spot from Michael's (it says 'how sweet') and then I used a glitter pen to put little dots around the flower and edging. Nia will put her name on the inside and some candy and call it a day. I did have fun making them so thanks Michelle for getting me going on the cards! TFL!

Altered Clock

I saw some altered clocks being made on some of the craft boards and knew I wanted to try one. So I did some looking around and if you visit Ms Dee's blog she has some great instructions on how to get started and lots of other beautiful projects she works on so thank you Ms Dee for helping me make my own clock! It was not very difficult, the hardest part was taking the clock apart carefully enough so nothing broke. I gifted to a friend, I hope she likes it!

New Year's Resolution, a little late

I usually don't care about resolutions because we make them and most by the end of the year have either failed at it (making one feel bad) or totally forget what we said way back in Jan. Well this year I am making one that is something that I can keep and is good for me. I am taking two steps back from being social and I hate that because I really thrive having people around and having many friends but after being disappointed many times this year and seeing that trend following into this year I have to. I wont get into details and this doesn't really apply to my blogger friends (and maybe one other who does not blog) but if you call and I don't answer or if you ask me out and I don't go its nothing personal I am just looking out for me. I am going to be spending more of the little time that I have for myself at home with people who I know love me and have my best interests at heart (and by that I mean my husband and kids) I am no longer keeping track of events that are not directly related to family so I wish everybody else a congrats on the promotion, congrats on school, happy birthday, happy mother's day, and a merry Christmas. (or whatever other occasion that may be cause for celebration) I will see you around.

A thank you to the gentleman at Walmart

So today I make my dreaded trek to walmart to purchase some odds and ends and was minding my business putting the groceries in the trunk when I see a man out of the corner of my eye kind of slow down to a stop across from me. First thing I am thinking is okay I have Anthony inside already and he will be safe. (I have been programmed to think the worst, hey I am a lady with a kid and the news is full of the worst case) Turned out he was just waiting to use my cart and he was very sweet. Made a few comments about how the weather is so good and that now he will have a cart that was already warmed up. The nice part was that at the end he wished me a very blessed new year and I think he really meant it. (I got to leave walmart with a smile and that rarely happens) Now you are wondering why am I blogging about something so minor, well sadly it isn't. I am constantly on the go for some reason or another and the world (or at least in my world) has become a very mean place. Nobody smiles and you can forget a hello or thank you or have a nice day! That is just beyond it for most. What happened to excuse me, thank you, can I help you, or just a hope you have a nice day?! I try really hard to be nice but it usually does not come back to me, I have even had strange looks like why are you talking to me. It is sad and I hope that I am not raising my own children to not address others even in passing in a kind way. To all those reading or who I might see I say: Have a wonderful day and thanks for the wave, smile, or wink you send my way-it sure made my day!

Did I really have an Oprah Aha moment?!

I was watching Oprah today (I am not a huge fan but it was about her falling off the diet wagon so of course I had to watch) and most of the first half was her talking about how she started gaining back, blah blah. I am thinking what most people think of her, oh your so rich you can hire trainers, chefs, even have surgery if you want but then she said something that actually dare I say 'hit home'. She started to talk about how even though she is over weight, having trouble exercising, having heart palpitations, high blood pressure she still was so blessed to be in her body. I thought what?! Then she explained that through all of this her body still has not failed her. She was still able to get through her days and deal with all she deals with in that imperfect body and that is what really touched me. I thought I hated my body but today for the first time I realized no it is not the body, it is the fat on my body and all that it stands for that I hate. I am hoping that just getting this small segment that I will be able to keep loving my body only this time loving it enough to do for it what it has done for me.

Questions for me right now

I saw this on a blogger that I stalk and decided to play along. 10 Things you wish you could say to ten different people 1) Russ no matter what I love you. 2) Stop it and go to bed now. 3) Come back and visit soon. 4) Think about what you are doing. 5) Stop taking advantage of me. 6) Be a better friend. 7) Keep your hands to yourself. 8) You have more kids than I do. 9) Be nice to me. 10) Mom, I miss you EVERYDAY. 9 Things about yourself 1) I was a person before children. 2) I have to work hard at not envying others. 3) I have a very bad memory. 4) My feelings are easily hurt. 5) I love to sleep. 6) I need to finish school. 7) I am a good friend. 8) I have only lived in 3 states 9) I have an addictive personality 8 Ways to win my heart 1) I need to be right almost always so let me think that I am. 2) Make me laugh. 3) Remember the little things. 4) Listen. 5) Bring chocolate. 6) Bring chocolate. 7) Bring chocolate. 8) Bring lots of chocolate 7 Things that cross my mind a lot 1) My mom 2) Making a better life for my family 3) Am I a good wife/mother? 4) Did I do enough laundry for the day? 5) Will my kids be okay? 6) Am I good enough? 7) What is my purpose? 6 Thing I do before I fall asleep 1) Shower/brush teeth 2) watch TV 3) get kids to be 4) talk with hubby 5) reflect/pray 6) Hope that I see another day 5 People I couldn’t live without 1) Hubby 2) RJ 3) Marcus 4) Nia 5) Anthony 4 Things I am wearing right now 1) Tshirt 2) sweats 3) glasses 4) elastic hair band 3 Songs that fit my life perfectly 1) That's the Way it Is 2) Victory 3) Wind Beneath My Wings 2 Things I want to do before I die 1) See my grandkids 2) Enjoy some good times with just my hubby 1 Confession 1) I never feel good enough

Another Christmas Behind Us

For the first time in years we had a house full for the holidays. I love having people over and gathering together, the hubby says I get it from my mom and he is probably right. She loved this time of year or really anytime to have an all out gathering of friends and family and now that she is gone I appreciate why she did. Thanks Jen and Michelle for bringing family-we had a great time. Thanks to my kiddos-it always means so much to me and dad to see your faces and be with you on Christmas day. Thanks to my hubby for putting up with me and being there. But a big thanks to my dad. I don't know if you realize how much it means to me having you around and to be sharing time with the kids. They will talk about you until we see you again. :)

(Anthony said you had to get back so that you could feed Jaz!)

Twas The Night Before Christmas...Mom Style

Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode Only one creature was stirring, she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, while visions of Nintendo 64 & Barbie flipped through their heads. The dad was snoring in front of the TV, with a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee. So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, which made her sigh, “Now what is the matter?” With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, She descended the stairs, & saw the old man. He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug, “Oh great,” muttered the mom, “Now I have to clean the rug.” “Ho Ho Ho!” cried Santa, “I’m glad you’re awake.” “your gift was especially difficult to make.” “Thanks, Santa, but all I that I want is time alone.” “Exactly!” he chuckled, “So, I’ve made you a clone.” “A clone?” she muttered, “What good is that?” “Run along, Santa, I’ve no time for chit chat.” Then out walked the clone - The mother’s twin, Same hair, same eyes, same double chin. “She’ll cook, she’ll dust, she’ll mop every mess. You’ll relax, take it easy, watch The Young & The Restless.” “Fantastic!” the mom cheered. “My dream has come true!” “I’ll shop, I’ll read, I’ll sleep a night through!” From the room above, the youngest did fret. “Mommy?! Come quickly, I’m scared & I’m wet.” The clone replied, “I’m coming, sweetheart.” “Hey,” the mom smiled, “She sure knows her part.” The clone changed the small one & hummed him a tune, as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon. “You’re the best mommy ever. I really love you.” The clone smiled & sighed, “And I love you, too.” The mom frowned & said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal.” That’s my child’s LOVE she is trying to steal.” Smiling wisely Santa said, “To me it is clear, Only one loving mother is needed here.” The mom kissed her child & tucked her in bed. “Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head. I sometimes forget, it won’t be very long, when they’ll be too old for my cradle & song.” The clock on the mantle began to chime. Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.” With the clone by his side, Santa said “Goodnight. Merry Christmas, dear Mom, You will be all right.” This was passed on to me via email and I thought it was a good one to share. Merry Christmas!!

Facebook, are you on?

I know I am slow about all things computer. I have had a facebook profile for awhile but am just now really paying attention to it. I had/have a myspace but I think I like this better so if you have a facebook profile add me as a friend. (find me as Kimberly Richardson) Yep, I am one of those people that need to think I have lots of friends so drop me a line and I can look you up :)

This little boy

* is my youngest * is 4 years old

* loves Curious George

* sleeps with his blankie

* has started to hoard strange things in his room

* loves to smell things

* drives me crazy

* has a wonderful laugh

* no longer wants help putting on his clothes

* is so smart

* hates bath time

* loves cheese and capri suns

* just woke up

Holiday in Blue

Sunday RJ and I were invited by friends to come out and see a performance by the United States Air Force Band of the West. It was called Holiday in Blue, Joy to the World and was beautifully done! The band was led by Captain Cristina Moore Urrutia who has served as Flight Commander and Director of the Singing Sergeants and Assistant Conductor of the Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. Joining the band were dancers from The Alamo City Dance Company and they added a lovely addition. We were treated to such favorites as The Nutcracker Suite, Ukrainian Bell Carol, Waltz of Ruggelah and many more. Let it Snow was played by the Dimensions in Blue Jazz Ensemble. They even did You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch! Through out the show we were able to hear special greetings from our loved ones over seas and they performed a very special poem (set to music for the first time) written by Tim McMillen called A Military Christmas, I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd. I am thankful that I was invited to attend.

I know the holiday season can be a difficult time (especially during this economic downslide) even though it is meant to bring joy. I must remember and hope you do as well that while I might be complaining about tough crowds, bad customer service, and not being able to find that perfect gift for my kids there are many families going without so much more-their loved one. They are over fighting for us to be here in peace. For those going through this I thank you and I will remember you even when the lights come down on this holiday season.

My first craft show

Over the weekend I set up a table at my first craft show. It was a small affair in a little

place called Faithville. Me and a friend (she does wonderful things with beading) got there early to set up-we were to be outside. Well, let me tell you I have never been so bothered by the wind! At first it was a little funny that our tables full of crafts kept getting blown everywhere but after about 45 min. of chasing down our stuff and putting rocks everywhere to hold down tablecloths it was no longer amusing. (my friend even lost some of her things in the grass) We were finally told that we could move inside-great that we were out of the wind but not so great that a) nobody really knew we were in there and b) they put a band inside a small room that was so loud I was surely going to get a migraine. So we set up again and waited for the people to come pouring in. Nope, that didnt happen. I had a handful of sales, enough to cover my booth fee so I was not sorry I did this fair and I learned tips to help me with the next if I decide to do more. Thanks to a good friend I have memories that I can laugh at.

It is serious business

when you are busy making a gingerbread house! Yep, that is what 3 of the kiddos did this weekend. Instead of going with my first instinct to just buy stuff to make gingerbread cookies I bought a premade house. The downside to the premade was that when I opened it up both sides of the house were split in two and easy fix with frosting but not when you have kids ready to get down to business. Besides that I think they had a great time decorating (or should I say eating) the gingerbread house. Good holiday times!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

but not here! I am not from San Antonio, we were stationed here years ago through the military and ever since I have not seen much that resembles snow or a real winter. Now I know some people love this (hubby is one of them) but I grew up in the midwest where you had snow for Christmas and things like snow days, snow men, shovels. None of that in south Texas, in fact I don't think we know what season it is down here most months. The weather man keeps hinting at a 'cold front' but really when I get in the car and we are in the mid 70's, where is cold? Funny thing is I could finish writing this and by the end of the week we will be in the 40's. Again, I know for most that is not cold but for us that is our winter. We did get close one winter and had ice hanging off the house until about midday (I will have to dig out the pics and post) Sorry to my kids because again this year the closest we will get to playing in the snow is watching Frosty the Snowman on Wed. night.

Happy Thanksgiving (early)

Like many of you the next few days will be filled with family and turkey so I am posting my very Happy Thanksgiving to all early! Enjoy your day and here are a few little facts on the big day: The first Thanksgiving was not a feast, but rather a time when Native Americans helped Pilgrims by bringing them food and helping them build off the land Around 280 million turkeys are sold for the Thanksgiving Fifty percent of Americans put the stuffing inside the Turkey Twenty percent of cranberries eaten are eaten on Thanksgiving More than 40 million green bean casseroles are served on Thanksgiving In October of 1777 all 13 colonies celebrated Thanksgiving for the first time; however it was a one-time affair commemorating a victory over the British at Saratoga Thanksgiving was first declared a National Day in 1789 by George Washington Thomas Jefferson mocked the idea of having thanksgiving Sarah Joseph Hale helped the cause for Thanksgiving by championing her ideas through magazines. Forty years later her idea became a reality when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving in 1863 After Abraham Lincoln's proclamation every president protected the national day, but many changed the times. The latest change was by Franklin Roosevelt who moved Thanksgiving to the second to last Thursday in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Citizens disagreed however and the date was changed back two years later. In 1941 Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as the last Thursday in November.

Where is this month going?

I could swear I just took the kids trick o treat and here we are about to be sitting down to a big turkey dinner! Does anybody know what happened to the month of Nov. ? I have been a bad blogger but here are some quick updates (or should I say excuses for not blogging) Marcus made it to the championship this year and we just had our last game over the weekend. (we are out but they got far and I am proud-go Vikings!) The main thing we have been busy with is replacing the entire flooring downstairs. We started out thinking just tile for the kitchen-fine but what a process! A thousand tile samples later and a few misunderstandings with the contractor later we have a beautiful new kitchen floor! (so exciting because it only took about 6 or so years to get it) Well why have a new kitchen floor and not do the family room? Our house layout is very open, you walk in and see everything and being that we have 4 kids and have replaced the carpet once already we finally got smart and decided carpet was not the way to go. It looked old and it really wasn't, impossible to keep clean, and the kids seem to drop anything that will stain on it so out with that stuff and in with some wood. Yep, we didn't think we could afford that (still cant) but knowing our neighbors paid off. The guy across the street does wood floors and happened to have some leftover Bamboo flooring that he needed to get rid of. The price was great and by tomorrow we will have beautiful family room flooring. This has been our first major upgrade to our house (we have lived here almost a decade) and we are so excited to be finally doing some things to better our living space. Of course as soon as you start you quickly realize what else needs work but that will have to wait for a bit, for now I will be enjoying NOT using my vacuum :) Pics you say? Well when the furniture is back in place I will post a few.

Veterans, Thank You!

I want to thank all of you who serve this country, your efforts are not in vain!

I have family who served including my dad and my husband. I remember when Russ was still in and it was shortly after 911, he told me a lady came up to him in a parking lot and wanted to hug him and thank him for his service. Here is my big hug to all of you Marcus had a very nice Veteran's Day choir program at school last week so I will leave you with a few pics in honor of this day.

A few questions

I found these while surfing, thought I would post so that you could ponder. Have a great weekend! Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds ? Why Is eleven spelt starting with ' E ' ? Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes? Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations? If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose? If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan? If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights? Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo? You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes, why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance? Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?

Yes We Can!!

Last night left me speechless. I cannot seem to put into words the feelings and thoughts I have about this historic election. Russ and I have always told our children that they can be anything they want to be and now we have proof. I never thought I would see this day in my lifetime because as far as we have come, we have a long way to go. I know that politics is always a heated debate, which is why I usually do not express my views even to friends but this election year I heard some very hateful things being said about Obama that had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the color of his skin. So yes, change is coming and lets let some of that change be about our attitudes towards those that are different from what we see in the mirror.

God bless this country, our new president and his beautiful family.

Pretty Little Clippies!

I am back to working on bows for my little girl and hoping that others may want to buy some for their princess too! Thought I would share a few of my samples.

Thanks for looking (any feedback is appreciated)

A few Halloween moments

I survived another Halloween. I used to love this holiday back when I was the one skipping from one house to the next, happily anticipating all the candy I was going to eat while watching 'The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown'. Now not so much. I hate that I have to spend money on costumes that will only be worn for a few hours, I hate hearing can we trick o treat yet, I hate dealing with sugar induced kids, I hate buying all that candy because the prices are going way up, and I really hate having all that tempting candy around that I used to be able to eat and not gain an ounce-now if I look at it I gain 5lbs! With that all said I did love seeing my kids enjoy the evening. I did love that my sister was there. I did love that Nia did not want to stop going from door to door. I did love that RJ spent his Halloween with a good friend and had a great time. I did love that I had one tooth fairy, one tool man, one devil and one emperor of evil. :)

Baking

Since it is almost Nov. I am getting ready to step up the baking around here. I love the smell of good things baking in the oven, it is better than any candle I can burn. I decided to post this muffin because boys and girls this will be the ONLY low fat thing I bake this season!!! It is quick, easy, lowfat, and yes my kids actually like it!! All you need is 1 can of pumpkin and a box of cake mix of your choice but make sure the mix says moist. I think the spice cake is the best but I have done chocolate and banana is pretty yummy as well. Mix the two (now the batter is going to be really thick) just until blended, scoop into muffin cups and bake 350 degrees for about 20-26 min. The top should be firm. That is it! A yummy way to start the day and easy to take with you if you are on the go. For those on WW I was told by the friend who gave me the recipe that each one is only 1 or 2 points! So go ahead and have a muffin or two. :)

Just so you don't think I am kidding, here is a pic of Anthony getting ready to eat his muffin (or cupcake as he calls them)

SeaWorld-Halloween Fun!

Since the weather is finally cooling down here (and by that I mean high 80's) we are taking more advantage of our SeaWorld. They are all dressed up for Halloween and I thought I would share some pictures.

Thanks for looking :)

Some craft art- not mine though

I figured since I cant seem to get any of my craft stuff posted (I seem to forget to take a picture before I give it away) I will share what my dd has made. She was chosen to have her artwork displayed at a local Baskin Robins. Of course I was proud but at first I thought okay they are going to put all the class artwork up but no when we went to see it there were only about 10 displayed. This was big for me because I was never good at art and after having my first two sons not really enjoy the whole coloring page/craft thing, I was pleased to see an art gene in at least one of the kids :) So until I remember to post my own craft, please enjoy Nia's work!

Another Proud Mommy Moment

My oldest son had his very first band concert last night!! We were so excited and I must say a little nervous. Why nervous? Well these kids just started playing in late August so I had to wonder how good could they really be? In short I was amazed, they have all learned a lot in a short amount of time. We were treated to tunes like Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Hot Cross Buns. Before each song one of the band members came up and gave a small speech and RJ was one of them. I was grinning ear to ear! I think he has a real talent for public speaking (which he did not get from me). Here are a couple of pics from last performance.

Way to go RJ, I am very proud of you!

Migraines

Just when I thought I was finally feeling better I woke up Sat. morning with one helluva migraine!! Actually I didnt wake up the migraine woke me up and did not let go for most of the day. I hate migraines. I have had them for as long as I can remember and have tried many things to get rid of them, nothing has worked. My current method for treating them is lots of motrin or some OTC 'migraine' med and hot showers. The idea is to open up those little blood vessels and get the blood flowing-I was actually on daily medication at one point that did this. I remember going to biofeedback and learning to control them by meditation and muscle relaxation but quickly realized that is really hard to do in the middle of a full blown attack. They get so bad that I can be found curled up on the floor of my closet-the only room that I can block out all light. It always amazed me that many people do not believe that headaches can get that bad (and worse) I would hear 'oh its just a headache, get over it' and get furious. If I have to go to the hospital to get meds for relief I think it is more than a headache. Mine are also not usually triggered by one specific thing, it could be from what I ate, not getting enough sleep, stress, certain meds, hormones, or nothing at all. I am sure there are many of you that have had at least one migraine so drop me a line and tell me what you take or what you do to help ease the pain.

Trying anything to feel better

So after going to bed before the kids yesterday and taking mucho meds I started searching for other remedies to feel better and that is when I remember a little segment off of Oprah with Dr. Oz. He talked about something called the Neti pot (posted in the pic) that is supposed to help relieve sinus/allergy/nasal issues. When I first saw this being demonstrated I thought no way can I do this I will feel like I am drowning and forgot all about it until today. You have to tilt your head and pour the water into one nostril and it is supposed to go up and come out the other one. I don't have this pot and don't feel like going anywhere to search for it so off I go to the kitchen to warm some water, add a little salt, and pour into a container that has a little spout. With solution in hand I enter the bathroom to see if I can do it-I did! It was messy at first because I don't think I did it right but kept going until I felt the water run out of the opposite nostril. I did have a bit of 'stuff' come out which I read is totally what you want to happen. So I am thinking feels good but not the 'ahhh' moment I wanted. Fast forward a few hours and I am starting to think it worked because I do feel a little less congested and my nose is not stuffy. The funny part is as I was bending down to pick up something water started coming out-I guess I didn't get it all out :) The kids looked a little worried but I just laughed and said I had a runny nose again. I think this method is meant to be used as a preventative and that some people do this everyday just like teeth brushing. I will be trying it often within the next few days to see what I think. If you have any other home remedies feel free to comment-as you can see I am desperate!

Bless Me

No really, bless me because I cant stop sneezing! Something is in the air and it is kicking up my allergy/sinus. I cant breathe yet my nose is running, I want to take my eyes out and scratch them, and there is so much pressure on my face I think an elephant has sat down on it and wont get up. I have tried many meds, showers, hot/cold compress, liquids, nasal spray, soup, sleep, and nothing is really working so I am throwing in the towel and camping out on the couch. I don't plan on moving for the next 8 hours or so and then only to crawl up the stairs and into bed. And even though I feel like crap the only concern the kids will have is what are we having for dinner. As my dad used to say 'air sandwiches' enjoy.

Getting Ready for Fall

Ahh the last few months of the year bring great holidays and my favorite seasons-fall and winter. When I lived in Ohio I did not care for winter with all the cold and snow but since living in San Antonio that has changed. We don't really get the change of season, it is either hot, hotter, don't leave your house boiling or a little cold. For years I have wanted to get the house 'all dolled' up for fall and Christmas but with little kids jumping at the chance to break anything new you bring in I have not even bothered. So this year I thought well I could at least get a fall wreath to hang outside and off I went to Hobby Lobby. Okay have you seen the price for wreaths?! Insane! So as my good friend (Hi Stace!) will tell you I said to myself 'I can make that.' I got my dried wreath shape frame and added a few fall swags and here is what is now hanging on my front door.

Homecoming

We won!! Congrats Marc on the shut out game, so proud of you!!!!!

Love this pic of you :)

What am I doing?

Not crafting that is for sure. I really want to be but I have lost a little joy in it lately-mainly because I dont have a real space to do it in. Since the summer began I have been in a little corner at the dining room table. Not bad but it means constant taking out/cleaning up of supplies, the kids are able to get into it, and it is one of the first things you see when walking into the house. I dont like it but my only other option would be back to the closet at the back of my house. uggg, I gotta figure it out. Anyway, I have been doing more reading which has been my first and fav. hobby since I could open a book. I have gotten away from it because of crafting but I am back in several books for now. :) I thought I would share with you what they are: Empress, A Novel by Shan Sa Such is the voice of Shan Sa's unforgettable heroine in her latest literary masterpiece, Empress. Empress Wu, one of China's most controversial figures, was its first and only female emperor, who emerged in the seventh century during the great Tang Dynasty and ushered in a golden age. Throughout history, her name has been defamed and her story distorted by those taking vengeance on a woman who dared to become emperor. But now, for the first time in thirteen centuries, Empress Wu (or Heavenlight, as we come to know her) flings open the gates of the Forbidden City and tells her own astonishing tale—revealing a fascinating, complex figure who in many ways remains modern to this day. Writing with epic assurance, poetry, and vivid historic detail, Shan Sa plumbs the psychological and philosophical depths of what it means to be a striving mortal in a tumultuous, power-hungry world. Empress is a great literary feat and a revelation for the ages. (as found on Amazon) I am not in love with this book. I agree w/ this review found on Amazon "Long and overly verbose for a psuedo-historical." My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult--I am not done so I wont comment until I finish but my friend Michelle has a little blurb on her blog The Story--this is book to help 'read the bible as one seamless story from beginning to end' I am glad that a friend of mine was so kind as to give this book to me, I been looking for a good book that breaks down the bible but this is even better because it follows more like a novel complete with study guides, references, and book club questions. Anyway, that is what I am into for now-hope all is well with you! Blessings.

Victory!! (twice)

We had a very winning weekend, my son's team won both games! The game on Sat. was a complete shutout-no scoring by the other team and Sunday we only gave up one touchdown with the final at 28-8. Go Vikings!! Marc, I am very proud of you and all the progress you have made since starting out last year!! And now for some pics :)

I need your help..

Okay so in the last post I added my email. After spending over an hour on the phone with tech support my account is gone. Vanished. ByeBye. They cannot retrieve any information so this is where your help comes is needed. Please email me at kdrich10@hotmail.com as I have no ones email. This will now be my main account and yes I have learned my lesson. Thanks!

sidenote

if you have emailed me today it probably came back. ( I am having issues with my account) you can email me at kdrich10@hotmail.com for now. Thanks!

A whole new way of scrapping (for me)

If you know me you know I love to scrap. I love most things scrap related except digital. Why not digital? Because unlike my oldest ds I cannot do much with a computer other than turn it on and check my email, maybe the occasional fact find on google but even that frustrates me (the choices overwhelm me). Well, while I was doing a little surfing I found this site and I think the whole digital scrapping thing might be revealed to me in a form that I can handle. Now I have not done a lot of looking around over there yet but I already have two pages created! They seem to have a range of premade layouts to choose from (I think you can do your own as well) and all the pieces you would normally add-and they all match! No guess work, no figuring out if this ribbon matches that button. I am liking it! Now, dont get me wrong I still love 'paper' scrapping but the one thing I think this site will allow me to do a little easier is think outside my own little scrapping box and try things I never would normally. Doing these pages might even make my paper pages better :) So, check me out!! Blessings!

What's for Lunch?

Today Anthony asked me for a sandwich at lunchtime, sure no problem kiddo. He went on to tell me that he wanted a peanut butter, cheese, and bologna sandwich to wich I say we dont have any bologna. He thinks for a second and then says 'okay just peanut butter and cheese.' Silly mommy that I am I tell him that it probably wont taste good all together, that I will make a peanut butter sandwich and give him a piece of cheese. He takes it and goes on. A few minutes later I look up to see him on the couch eating a peanut butter and cheese sandwich! Yep, he put the cheese on the bread and was very happy eating his creation thank you very much!

I had to laugh at myself for trying to get him not to eat that combo because I remember my oldest when he was around that age making a cheese and sugar sandwich-unlike his brother he did not eat that one. :)

Blessings

Little Boxes

So I made these boxes for some ladies I went to bible study with last session. We are starting back today and I will give it to them, sure hope they like it. Started as just a wooden box from the dollar store and used some pp I had to cover. I also stamped over the paper before sealing with Modpodge. Inside there is a little verse and a post it holder (I used coasters and altered those in the matching paper, thanks Charlie!) This was my first time altering anything besides a clipboard, I had a good time making them. TFL.

Blessings.

Tried another cake

This time it was a 7up cake and I am pleased with the results! I found the recipe here although I think this one is pretty much like others I have seen. I did do as she suggested and added the flour in 1 cup at a time. This cake is more like a pound cake so it is not too sweet and does not require a frosting although I think I have seen it done with a glaze. The only thing I will do differently next time is add more lemon extract because I love lemon in cake and did not think the 2tsp. it called for was enough.

Blessings!

Little Card

Since I have not been posting a lot of crafty things I thought I would add one today. (remember I am trying to do things that make me happy and crafting makes me very happy) I needed a small little 'welcome' card for my prayer group-we have some new girls joining and would you believe I did not have one stamp that simply said welcome!! (I have enough stamps were I thought I had a welcome in there) So there I sat trying to figure out what I could put and flipping through my 1 dollar stamps I found that I have several that say 'just a note', not what I wanted but it will work. I took out my new nesties because I wanted to try making a small card with them. (I forget where I saw this technique but thank you.) Then I embossed with 'swiss dots' cuttlebug folder. I stamped with Inkadinkado butterfly stamp on the card, then used my SU scalloped punch to add the 'just a note' and popped it up. I like how it turned out!

The colors are actually very nuetral (the base is beige) but since I am no photgrapher they dont show up the way I hope, but you get the idea.TFL!

Blessings,

steps to happiness

So in an effort to chase away the depression I am trying to do things that make me happy. One of those things is baking. I dont do nearly enough of it but during the holidays I have been known to keep some yummy homemade treats around. Anyway, I saw a recipe over Adrienne's blog for Red Velvet Cake and thought I would give it a try. Now her cake looks so good (not to mention her photography skills are awsome), mine did not look that good. If you hop on over to her blog you see that this recipe is actually from Paula Dean. I love Ms. D but her food is not friendly on the waist-I decided what the heck lets do the cake right (among other ingredients it calls for buttermilk and butter!) So I am mixing this cake and the batter looks great, take it out of the oven and it has baked up nicely, add the frosting and decide I must try it out....

I am not in love. I am not really sure why, it didn't turn out bad, just not what I thought. Maybe I just don't know what a homemade red velvet cake tastes like (the only other time I have baked it was from a box) Anyway, if you have baked it and have a good recipe feel free to drop it in the comments-I have not given up on this cake, I just don't think I will make it from this recipe again.

Reflections

I thought since I am on this journey to happiness I would continue to post things that inspire me or help me reflect on reasons to be happy. I got this in an email- I really dont like passing on this type of email because I know we all have tons to go through but, the message is worth passing so I will post it here. I hope you get a little something out of it, I did. Hoping for a happy week. IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck(written after she found out she was dying from cancer). ~I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. ~I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. ~I would have talked less and listened more. ~I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. ~I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. ~ I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. ~I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. ~ I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. ~I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. ~I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. ~I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. ~Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. ~When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Are you ready for some Football?

Not sure that I am but I am ready to support my ds Marcus and my dh who is coaching him this year! We were champs last year and we are ready for a repeat. Marcus is playing both defense and offense as left guard and defensive end. We are the mighty Northwest Vikings...GO TEAM GO!!

Happiness-a never ending journey for me

Most people dont know something about me-I struggle with depression. I dont really know how long but it seems like forever, at least as long as I can remember. I have tried many things from just 'getting over it' (advice from those who never suffer and not good I might add) to self help books to therapy/medication. So far nothing has had a lasting effect, yes I have periods when I think I have finally left those dark days behind (and I can be good for weeks or even months) but sooner or later it comes back. I am what I call a functioning depressed person. I love to make others happy (this actually gives me a high like feeling) but cannot find it for myself. So if you are a friend or family and you dont hear from me, I have not forgotten about you I am probably on the downslide for awhile but I will be back. Anyway, on my journey to happiness I have run across this blog will 'the happiness project' help me? I am checking it out and hopefully I will let you know. One thing I found interesting on the blog is this: Nineteen tips for cheering yourself up -- from two hundred years ago 1st. Live as well as you dare. 2nd. Go into the shower-bath with a small quantity of water at a temperature low enough to give you a slight sensation of cold, 75 or 80 degrees. 3rd. Amusing books. 4th. Short views of human life—not further than dinner or tea. 5th. Be as busy as you can. 6th. See as much as you can of those friends who respect and like you. 7th. And of those acquaintances who amuse you. 8th. Make no secret of low spirits to you friends, but talk of them freely—they are always worse for dignified concealment. 9th. Attend to the effects tea and coffee produce upon you. 10th. Compare your lot with that of other people. 11th. Don’t expect too much from human life—a sorry business at the best. 12th. Avoid poetry, dramatic representations (except comedy), music, serious novels, melancholy, sentimental people, and everything likely to excite feeling or emotion, not ending in active benevolence. 13th. Do good, and endeavour to please everybody of every degree. 14th Be as much as you can in the open air without fatigue. 15th. Make the room where you commonly sit gay and pleasant. 16th. Struggle by little and little against idleness. 17th. Don’t be too severe upon yourself, or underrate yourself, but do yourself justice. 18th. Keep good blazing fires. 19th. Be firm and constant in the exercise of rational religion. Seems we have not changed much, there are several on this list I have heard before only in updated english.

I have been tagged again

Ok ms Trisha I will play along only because you are a sweetie and I am loving your yahoo group :) So here I go trying to think of 7 random facts...hmmmmmmmmm 1 I would love to be a singer-the problem I cant really get up in front of crowds! 2 I love to encourage others but tend to doubt what I do 3 Yes, I had a thing for New Kids on the Block--hey they are making a comeback! 4 I actually like my feet, they are pretty! 5 I have been with my hubby for over 13 years! (pretty good since I am only 31) 6 I wanted to be a lawyer and thought it was going to be like the show LA Law. 7 I cant watch horror movies, yes I still think things live under my bed! alright, there you have it. I wont tag anybody but if you want to play put it out there :)

New School Year (about time!)

Today is the first day back for my kiddos! RJ is starting Jr. High, Marcus is going into 4th and Nia is off to Kindergarden!! Whew...we made it. Early risers this morning, all getting their breakfast and putting on new school clothes with smiles (I give this about a week) We had no arguing or pouting. After a few pictures and kisses/hugs (I almost had to steal them from Nia she was so ready to go) they were off with dad-it is his tradition to drop them off the first day and it also gives him a chance to meet the teacher. Back to just me and the little guy, sure is nice and quiet. :) I hope they had a great day and cant wait to hear all about it...of course I am posting a few pics! Blessings.

This was in an email-cute or could this be true?

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED: Men Are Just Happier People--

Your last name stays put.

The garage is all yours.

Chocolate is just another snack.

You can be President.

You can never be pregnant.

You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.

You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

Car mechanics tell you the truth.

The world is your urinal.

You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.

You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.

Same work, more pay.

Wrinkles add character.

Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100.

People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

One mood all the time.

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

You know stuff about tanks.

A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.

You can open all your own jars.

You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.

Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.

Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.

You almost never have strap problems in public.

You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.

Everything on your face stays its original colour.

The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.

You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life.

You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.

You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife.

You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.

No wonder men are happier.

Card-Shoes!

A card I made for a very good friend. Used paper given to me by my not so secret sister-thank you!

The reason it is about shoes -there is some little skit on youtube about 'shoes' if you go watch this silly thing it is not kid friendly so watch at your own risk. :)

Back to School project

My diva-I mean daughter will be going to kinder on Monday so I thought I would help make the day special for the teacher as well. I did a clipboard and a card (the card Nia helped me sign)

Here is a pic of the clipboard. TFL

Blessings,

Kim

Happy Birthday Anthony!

Happy birthday sweetie!! I enjoyed watching you at 3 and can't wait to see what your 4th year has in store for you. I could go on and on about how it seems like just yesterday that you were born and how sad I am that my last baby is becoming a big boy, but I wont-blow out your candles and make a wish!

So of course this year instead of a store cake I think I can bake one. Don't get me wrong I can bake a cake (a pretty good one at that) I just have no idea how to decorate a cake. I have been wanting to take the class at Hobby Lobby for awhile now but something else always comes up. Anyway, my search for cakes led me to this little gem of a blog http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ it is one of the funnies blogs I have seen in a while so check it out! I am hoping to not been seen on this blog...

Friends

This poem I found is for the friends in my life. For me you are family. Thank you.

Friend...from "The Prophet"This extract is taken from "The Prophet", by Kanhlil Gibran,published by William Heinemann Ltd: London in 1984 (first published 1926)

"And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship.And he answered, saying:Your friend is your needs answered.He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.And he is your board and your fireside.For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace. When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay".And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unclaimed.When you part from your friend, you grieve not;For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught. And let your best be for your friend.If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know the flood also.For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?Seek him always with hours to live.For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."

Go Kimmie, it's your Birthday!!

Yes, I am tooting my own birthday horn (what do you expect from a Leo!) 31 years ago today I came into the world and it has been a bumpy ride ever since. I think I will be doing some looking back today and looking forward. I am happy because I have the love of a wonderful man, 4 healthy and beautiful children, great friends that are more like family, my health, and I continue to find His grace everyday. I am blessed and I will enjoy this day and surrond myself with only those that truly love me and want the best for me. Life is sweet in this moment as I watch my little baby boy (who will have his birthday in 8 days) sleeping on my side of the bed. A good start to the day I think... So in honor of my birthday here are a few facts you may or may not know- middle name: Dawn city of birth: Dayton fav. color: Red fav. smell: my babies (not the soap/lotion, just them) fav. food: chocolate! What are you listening to right now? TV is on but just noise what are the last 2 digits in your phone number? 86 What was the last thing you ate? Banana split How is the weather right now? Hot! Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Hubby The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Facial features Favorite type of Food? Mexican Do you drink? not really Do you smoke? NO! Ever get so drunk you dont remember? no What color are your eyes? brown Do you wear contacts? very rarely Single? no Favorite Month? August of course! Ever cried for no reason? yes Last Movie you watched? Liscense to Wed Favorite day of the week? whatever day is the quietest in my house Hugs or Kisses? Hugs Chocolate or Vanilla? chocolate what books are you reading? sadly, none at the moment Piercings? just my ears Any pets? NO Butter, Plain or salted popcorn? depends on the day Dogs or cats? neither Fav. flower? Rose Have you ever fired a gun? no Do you like to travel by plane as opposed to car? yes and no Right handed or left handed? Left How many pillows do you sleep with? one Are you missing someone? my mother-always

I added pics above of the Beautiful flowers my hubby gave me, the chocolate cake he had made that will not be in the house for long and the sweet card my dd drew me. I love that she drew us together and a little cake complete with candles. Thank You!

My two older boys sent me a very funny ecard--thank you for the laugh RJ and Marcus!

Dad grilled a very savory steak for dinner complete with baked potato and sauteed mushrooms. Thank you dad-having you down has made my birthday extra special!

As My World Turns

Confession: feels like the world is upset with me, at least most of my family is so I guess that is my world. I wont go into details, too upsetting right now. When things like this go on it always makes you question yourself and why things happen they way that they do. How can I be a better person? How can I make others understand how I feel? How come it seems nobody understands my pain? I guess I will be doing a lot of reflecting over the next few days-not how I thought I would be spending my birthday weekend. Feel free to join my pity party.

Welcome Babygirl!

I have a very good friend who was blessed last month with her first baby-a sweet and beautiful babygirl!! The only downside for me was that she has moved away and I have not gotten to see her in person. My friend is good though and sends me lots of pictures to enjoy. Anyway, I was excited to make her a very special little scrapbook. I made it as girl as I could and am happy to say that she was thrilled to have it. Congrats Becca, may your days with your little one be forever blessed!

Another Card

This card found its home so I am posting the picture. (the image is not the best but I hope you get the idea) Since I ended up using purple on her I knew who would like it (Hi Jacki)! Check out her blog when you can, she does some wonderful cards. I used a Sara Kay image found through google and just printed from the computer. I really enjoy her style and coloring them is really fun. I did use the goo gone technique to help blend the color and prisma pencils. When I am happy with my coloring I would like to enlarge some images and frame them for my dd's room. TFL!

Just a card

Thought I would post a recent card sent out. I have lots of things to post but don't want to until the people getting them have received them. TFL

Blessings!

Get Outta Here!!

So I log onto the blog today, read some comments and what do I see?? Ms. Madame Butterflyy has actually nominated me for the Brillante Weblog Award She said she actually finds humor in my blog-imagine that! All this time I am thinking how can I improve this little blog of mine, especially when I read tons of blogs that are so much better. I am humbled and a huge thank you to Madame Butterflyy for the nod and stopping in to read my ramblings. So now I am passing it on to the following bloggers: Michelle Jacki Veroncia Trisha Dee Lisa Silke Ledlow Here are the rules of the nomination and award acceptance: 1) The winner can post the logo on her blog 2) Link the person you received your award from. 3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs. 4) Put links of those blogs on yours. 5) Leave a message on the blogs you've nominated have been nominate

Oh Really?!

Confession: my sister's dog is causing problems that I don't think are going to go away. A little history. I have not lived near any of my family since the late 90's, this summer my sister moves to town and is now only 15 min away give or take. So very excited to have her here--the problem? They have a dog. You are thinking how can a dog be a problem? Well, none of my children have grown up around dogs (or any animals) and the youngest are not fond of the dog (putting it mildly). Yes, we tried having the dog over but she does not tolerate the Texas heat so the backyard is out and the dh does not care for the dog to come inside so that is out. Again you are thinking why is this a problem? Well every time my sister comes this way she is leaving the dog and I guess she can only wait so long before she has to go back to feed,walk, whatever the dog. (of course I have seen her go long hours without rushing back to do this so I don't know why some days are different than others) I guess since I am not a dog owner I just assumed you could leave dogs with a bowl of food and water and do what you needed to do. Now I must admit that I am a little biased in that I a not the world's biggest dog lover- especially since I have had kids. I have enough to clean up after with my four little humans running around. I am also not one of those people who think you should put animals on the same level as humans. Now before you get upset I know there are plenty of people out there that love their pets very very much but can you really say that you love them as much as say a human family member? Anyway, yeah I am upset that this dog is going to seem to continue to cause issues between me and the sister. I guess I thought our relationship was more important than rushing home to the dog. Bitter? YES!

Ramble, Ramble

My dad is coming to town and I am very excited about that, have not seen him in a couple of years. What I am not excited about is cleaning. I hate cleaning (I think most do except those bizarre few who actually like it) I am not just talking a quick dust and vacuum-I am talking the deep cleaning stuff. The bathrooms, (toilets just make me sick) steam cleaning the carpets (so we finally bought a steamer thinking we would save money but why is the cleaner for the steamer so expensive!?) I am one of the few that still has carpet in the bathrooms (yes the house was built in 1999 with carpet in the bathrooms!) mopping, baseboards, and on and on. This is the one part of staying home that really gets me and I am the first to admit that I am not good at it and will do anything to cut corners or avoid cleaning altogether. (before you freak out we do not live in a pigpen) My hubby on the other hand is a great cleaner but I always feel bad to have him help because of his busy schedule outside the home. Hey, do you have any tips to make my cleaning better? Oh and I have thought of maid service but I have not hit the lottery just yet so that will have to wait...until then back to the baseboards...

Coloring w. GooGone

Okay so I have been playing around with the very limited prisma pencils that I have and GooGone (instead of gamsol because a good friend was good to point out that the fumes are not very good for you) I am very pleased with this technique and hope to use it in my cardmaking. I am posting a pic of the image I just colored, the image is not the greatest (I should have scanned it but was too lazy to walk upstairs where the scanner is) I hope you can get the 'picture'. TFL!!

Seaworld!

we made a short trip to seaworld (I am late blogging it) and had a good time. Seaworld is very close to where we live and we have passes so there is no pressure to cram everything in one visit. We did get catch the sealion show and all of us loved it! The tank with the dolphins had all of us acting like kids--I even put my hand in the water to try to touch one and I never thought I would do something like that. They are so fast that I didnt really get any good pics but it was so fun to watch them do tricks and swim around.

What kind of fruit am I ?

You Are a Banana

You are mellow, easy going, and a total softie on the inside. People find it really easy to get along with you. You suit most tastes. And while you're very sweet, you're not boring or ordinary. You have an attraction to the exotic, and you could show up anywhere... doing almost anything! You are spirited, energetic, and a total kick to be around. You're also quite funny. Your sense of humor is on the goofy side, and it fits you well.

What Type of Fruit Are You?

I guess that some of this is true...thanks Michelle!

If you want to play along

Who are you (who who) Inspired by 'mommy confessions' blog

Confession: I dont really know who I am-and you probably dont either. I mean I am Russ's wife, I am RJ,Marcus,Nia, and Anthony's mommy but somewhere along the way I lost who Kim (me) is. Dont get me wrong, I love being a wife and mommy but I sometimes wonder who I really am. Is my persona 'mommy'? At my funeral is that all that people will say-oh she was a good 'mom', she had lots of children, she was Russ's wife. This makes me sort of sad. We all carry a label because lets face it people love to have everything wrapped up in a nice neat box-example: We all know 'the nice guy' great guy but not the one who gets the girls, the 'bookworm', they always seem to have their nose in a book, the 'class clown' who is always good for a laugh, and so on. How do I get people to see me other than wife and mom? Should I wear a shirt that says I am Kim, novice crafter, lover of books, chocolate, the color red and wanna be social worker because I think I can change the world? (or at least a small part) I guess my point is if you see me in the store with my old tshirt, shorts, baseball cap (because I didn't have time to do my hair) and 4 kiddos tagging along please know that my 'label' is so much more than that shabby lady with too many kids--Hello my name is Kim...get to know me and then pick a label if you must. FYI -if you did not really get this little 'ramble' please check out this blog http://sometimesdisgruntled.blogspot.com/ Blessings,

Nia's 5th birthday

So last Sat. my babygirl turned 5 and what did she want to do...have a princess party of course!! She insisted that no boys attend (although a few managed to get in) and that all princesses coming must be dressed in their best. I tried very hard with the help of my cricut to transform our family room into a pink room from her castle (did I mention the name of our street is Silver Crown-nice when I was sending the invites) We had a nice turn out, the girls were beautiful. They were treated to face painting (thanks Michelle) jewelry making, lip gloss making, and pin the glass slipper on Cinderella for entertainment. At each station the girls earned a necklace (because a girl can never have to much bling) and for refreshment plenty of fruit kabobs, marshmellows, sandwiches, chips/dip, soda, turkey wraps, and of course a slice of princess castle cake. The guests left with a homemade goodie bag with lots of loot and a handmade headband.

Nia had a great time--we both thank all our friends who made her day so very special.

Now of course come the pics--you know I had a ton!! enjoy

More...ramblings

So as mentioned before I love to blog hop and mainly because I am nosey!! As I have been looking at different blogs I think to myself hmmm, I dont really post much about myself on a personal level. I guess I feel I it will come off sounding...odd? After reading my friend Michelle's blog (oh yes, I check hers very often) I am going to try and write more about me of course this may not last long but here goes. This is what I have been thinking today: I want to get off my anti depressant meds. I have been taking various ones for a while now and just dont want to be dependant on them so I am researching some 'natural' alternatives. I am looking into Sam-e. Does anybody have any thoughts? So far the research doesnt sound bad to me. My mind seems to go a mile a minute, a nice side effect from being a little crazy I think. It almost feels a little like I have ADD. I want to start or start on something and then this leads me to start something else, then something else. I feel very unfocused when it comes to anything from baking a goodie, reading a book, working a scrap page, even planning a grocery list. Yep, I am odd. In my quest to a 'healthier' lifestyle I have switched from regular soda to diet. This was a hard one but I have found that I can tolerate diet dr. pepper. The only problem is that I think I am addicted which the rational side of me knows is no better for the body than the regular stuff. I used to be good a drinking water but lately not so much...(yep I am drinking one as I blog) My son is right here licking applesauce from all 10 fingers and I am thinking hmmm, that would be good if it was a jar of icing! yes, I know thoughts like this dont really help the whole 'healthier' life thing...I get it And just for giggles and because I have been tagged before and did not play along, here are some random facts: My middle name is Dawn--I used to spell it Down I am a Leo My fav. color is Red My fav. food is Chocolate--yes it IS a food group! I just celebrated 12 years of marriage I love to sing, just not where anybody can hear me I was born in Dayton, Oh I hate to drive I am a reality show junkie (well when noggin is not on) I have been driving a minivan since my mid 20's guess that is what happens when you have 4 kids If I think of more I will add on....

My little dancer

I have been waiting to see my babygirl in dance class for awhile now and last Sat. she finally did it! My good friend owns a Kinderdance business and we have tried for a couple of years to get her comfortable enough to join a class. This must be the year because we went in with our dance gear and had a ball. No crying, no need for mommy to stay, no screaming--she went right into the class and rolled along. I am so very proud of her. I think my baby is becoming a big girl...(I say this because if you knew Nia this has been a long process) So check out some photos of her getting her dance on--you go girl!!

New Scrap pages

ThoughtI would share some pics of lo's I have been working on. These are from the fieldtrip to the zoo. The girls were very into finding things on the zoo map. Blessings!

Am I still here??

I think so!! Life has been very busy these days. The kiddos are finally out for the summer and we had two ceremonies. My oldest ds 'graduated' from 5th grade and the ceremony was touching, funny, and sad. I can't believe he will be in middle school in the fall. My dd had a 'graduation' from pre-k and she had a small solo part in the song they sang, of course I almost cried. She has grown so much and will be riding the big bus to school next year. I am very proud of both my sons for maintaining AB honor roll and being such good students, thank you boys!!

I did get a small (well needed break) to the country with my bible study ladies thanks to Pam and her mother in law. We were able to stay in her beautiful country home near Fredericksburg overnight and enjoy good fellowship, good food, and great scrapping! My friends are amazing cooks and treated us to restaurant quality meals, my favorite being the fabulous Creme Brulee French toast that we had for breakfast on Saturday!! Ahhh, it was divine! We enjoyed a nice lunch in Fredericksburg and did some window shopping. What did we find?? A cute scrapbooking store!! Oh we were excited and almost decided to camp out right there in the store. I was very good and only purchased a few papers from the sale bin but oh my the damage I could have done in there. :) Anyway, since pictures are worth a thousand words I will post some of the highlights...Blessings!

My Sister is Here!!

Wow, what a busy week!! When I moved to San Antonio almost 10 years ago I knew in my heart that I would probably never move back to my home city of Dayton, OH. This has always made me a little sad even though I know it is normal to grow up and move away from your family it, broke my heart. I dont have much family anymore, after my mother died in 1996 many more members on her side followed her to the heavens and those that were still living chose for reasons I will never know not to be in our lives. (good riddance!) So I have my dad and my brother and sister (they are twins) and my only niece on that side as extended family. For years I have tried talking my dad into moving with no success, my sister had her own family so we just kept in contact as best we could. Fast forward to 2008 and my sister starts talking about a move to my city--was not sure this would happen so I just decided not to get my hopes up. (she gave me a move time around the month of may) Still I waited trying not to get excited. Well, over the weekend she and her partner Michelle drove all the way from Dayton and landed on my doorstep! I was very happy to have her and Michelle home and so were the kids! We settled them in as best we could and I tried to keep the kids from talking them to death. The little guy is having some adjustment issues with all the excitement going on but he will come around. It was nice to meet Michelle and I think she is a wonderful addition to the family! The week was a whirlwind of checking out the apartment, getting a car (yes they drove one down but it did not have air and in San Antonio this is a must--we have been well into the 90's) buying odds and ends needed, catching a movie, checking out where the job was at, seeing the mall, finding banks, and lots of eating local food. All this and trying to keep a normal routine because the kids are still in school. We have talked about good times and had some belly laughs going down memory lane. We saw them off this morning, they have a quick trip to see Michelle's sister graduate and they should be back sometime on Sunday. Next week will see us moving them into their place, watching my son graduate from elementary school, watching my dd's prek ceremony, and lots of pictures of the last day of school for the year! Lots to do and I am tired but glad to be busy and so glad to have some family support close at hand. (will post pics soon)

Welcome to San Antonio Jennifer and Michelle!!!!

Michelle!---Happy Birthday :)

this post is for you girl! Hope u have a great day....

Had to share this article!!

That’s the way 14 tons of cookies crumble MORRIS, Ill. - Got milk? Police say a trailer loaded with 14 tons of Double Stuff Oreos has overturned, spilling the cookies still in their plastic sleeves into the median and roadway. Illinois State Police Sgt. Brian Mahoney says the truck's driver was traveling from Chicago to Morris on Interstate 80 around 4 a.m. Monday when he fell asleep at the wheel and slammed into the median. "The boxes came out of the trailer and boxes were ripped open," he said. The crash about 50 miles southwest of Chicago remains under investigation. Mahoney says no charges have been filed but both lanes of traffic remain closed while authorities remove the cookies. Okay so since I just admitted to having a serious thing for chocolate where was I when this happened? (I know asleep and I live no where near there) but seriously minus the road rocks this would be a nice fantasy for me---running behind with a big ol' glass of milk dunking cookies as fast as I can!! hehe :)

changing my page

Today I thought I would be smart and change up my blog page a little...well since I am not computer savvy I enlisted the help of my oldest ds who found this awesome page that is just so me!! Yes, I love chocolate! Could eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and think it should be a major food group :) Anyway, in the process of changing I have lost all my links, pictures, etc. so if you don't see your link it is because I did not think to save it anywhere but here and zap it's gone. If you could leave your blog link in the comments I would really appreciate it. Now, don't ya want some chocolate!!! Blessings

More ramblings

I am just winding down from a long week browsing the Internet (okay looking on one of the many gossip sites I like to read) and came across this recipe, now I admit that I do eat some strange combinations of food (and I love to eat, it's my addiction) from time to time but this one really goes beyond what I could come up with so let me share this tasty finding and see what you think. Do you have any recipes that equal to this one?? Cheeto Chicken Casserole I know - we're terrible! CHICKEN CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS 4 to 6 chicken breast, cooked and cut up 1 can cream chicken soup 4 boiled eggs, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1/4 c. mayonnaise 1/4 to 1/2 c. celery, choppedCrushed cheetos for topping DIRECTIONS 1) Mix above ingredients together and put in long casserole dish. 2) Crush enough cheetos to cover top. 3) Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes For me it's the boiled eggs / cheeto combo that really does me in!

Bows,Buttons, and Ribbon--oh my!

For those that check this blog to see scrapping/crafting you probably think I just dont get anything done-this is not the case. I seem to have a bit of ADD when it comes to crafting, I always want to try something new and end up moving on before I have even finished my last projcect-this causes me to have a lot of half done lo's or altered projects. Just to show you that I have been 'crafty' I am posting pics of my latest projects. Yes, I am full swing into all things bows, ribbon, and headband related!! I blame this on my dd :) I want those cute bows and things to match her outfits but I dont have that kind of cash so I thought I could do that. After many searches on google I found an awsome lady who sells instructions on how to make some cute things and plunged right in. I was just happy that I was able to follow the instructions and be pretty happy with the end result. I think I will be happy doing this (at least until that ADD kicks up). I am pleased that some people have expressed and interest in my creations and I hope to sell enough to keep supporting my crafting craze

(and keep my dd cute) Here are a few pics of what I am making right now and hey if you might be interested in a purchase (or just have some advice) leave me a comment--come on you know you want what I am making!! :) Blessings,

Mother's Day

First I have to send a HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my hubby!!! Yes his birthday sometimes falls on mother's day and he does a wonderful job of still managing to spoil me, luv you and hope that you have a great day!! (bring on the drinks and steak dinner!) I want to wish all mothers a very happy day today! I am so very blessed with 4 beautiful and most importantly healthy kids that give me a reason to be happy on this day that can sometimes be bittersweet. My own mother is no longer with us and this day can still be very hard. I miss her so much but I know in my heart that she is celebrating with us and smiling at her grand babies. I love you mommy, always. Blessings

PreK fieldtrip to the...Zoo!!

If you have never been to the zoo with about 15 prek kids you are really missing out!! Wow, it was a day that I will not soon forget (neither will my feet). Nia had been so excited about going and we were counting down the days so why when we finally get there the first things she said is 'I don't like the zoo, I want to go home'. We quickly went downhill thanks to a duck that was following her and a bird who was minding his business in the trees. She screamed like they were attacking her and at first I found this a little amusing-that was before we entered the butterfly exhibit. She was screaming so loud in there that I thought we were going to be thrown out for killing some rare butterfly! (the man taking the tickets took pity on me and refunded our money because we were in there all of 30 seconds) By now I am just at my wits end and I am thinking why do I have the ONLY kid screaming from shear fear at most of the animals at the zoo. uggg!

I will say that we did have some sweet highlights. We came across a baby doe and Nia was so concerned that she wanted me to find the zookeeper so that we could get her mommy for her. :) She also really liked the hippos, elephants, rhinos, and bears. I know someday I will look back and have nothing but smiles for our first field trip, just not today. Enjoy the pics (I still managed to take over 100 or so!)

The weekend

It was a long one! Russ had an assignment that required a trip to the SA museum downtown so he thought this would be a nice chance for all of us to do something as a family (this does not happen often, we tend to go many different ways) well I really wanted to go but just knew that my little guy was not going to be able to handle a place where not only should you be quiet but you cant touch anything. We go. We see. We stay....for about 15 minutes! Yep, I thought Anthony was going to pull down every piece of art on display and he was loud and getting louder. It was not a fun experience at all. I snapped as many pics as I could but I honestly dont know what we were looking at trying to keep up with the kids. I hated to say it but 'I told u so' was all I could think as we ran out as fast as we could before they kicked us out! And as you look at those pictures just remember that little boy smiling is why I cant blog one thing about the museum!

Sunday we went to a bday party for a friend of my dd's. Usually I don't get excited anymore over kid parties because I have been to soooooooooo many but this one was really cute. It was done at their home and the theme was 'garden party' . All the guests got to hunt for bugs (plastic or candy) in the yard, decorate a flower pot and plant a pretty flower. I think they all really enjoyed getting in the paint and dirt--big hit and well done considering how many kiddos were there. The cake was a pretty ladybug and she also had a 'dirt' cake (choc. pudding/crushed oreos) finger sandwiches and of course sour gummy worms hidden in the dirt. Fun times but I was very tired from this one when we got home.

I wont even bore you with the toilet troubles we have been having but I will say that after 6 hours Russ probably knows more about them than he wants to! (thanks honey, your work is appreciated!)

Different coloring techniques

Like many people that craft I want to try many different ways of playing with my products. One of the latest things I have been 'playing' with are pencils/markers. Yes, I was falling into that whole Copic marker craze and yes I do love them but they are very expensive so I found myself buying one at a time at HL with the 40% coupon which is great but the selection is very limited and I now have all that I need from them. Online they are usually full price (we are talking very close to 5 bucks a pen) and then shipping so I have gone back to playing with my pencils. I have one set of Prisma that I found on clearance, I have been using the blending pencil but have wanted to try the OMS (odorless mineral spirits) technique. Again, Gamsol seems to be the choice but I am not going to purchase this online and pay shipping on a technique I may not be able to achieve. our Walmart has OMS so I caved and bought some. Now usually the method is done using 'blending stumps' again something that can become expensive if you use one for every different color. I thought naw I will use a qtip. Well, you have pretty much no control over it with qtips and the OMS was all over the stamped image I was coloring. So there I sat debating how to do this. The thought has hit me to clip off the tip and use the stick like a stump. Success you ask? I think after some practice yes, a novice like me could get away with using the qtip as a stump. Much cheaper this way. When I finish an image I will post what it looks like. Off to play and as a good friend suggests when using chemicals-I need to be in a very ventilated space (like maybe outside!)

Ramblings

the days are flying by and I still forget to blog about the little things! So here is my attempt at what I can remember from the past week or so. I was supposed to take Nia and Anthony to a friend's birthday party at C. Cheese last weekend and we drive all they way down there (for those here in SA it is the one by Ingram Mall) only to have her turn to me and say that she is not getting out of the van, she is scared of the mouse! uggggg, it took 5 min. just to get her through the door long enough to hand her mother our gift. I was sooooooooo upset! why? Because we have been there dozens of times in fact she had her 3rd birthday there! WTH was up with this new display of defiance??! The other biggie was her first trip to the dentist-yep the bad mommy that I am we are behind and she should have been but Nia has been through so much with the ENT and ear tubes twice I just didn't have the heart to subject her to yet another bad dr. experience. This time she was all excited and ready to go-a big move from just 6 months ago not wanting enter the dentist office. She did great, no crying, no shouting. She got in the seat and was all ready-now I don't think she liked the vacuum thing they use to suction the water out or the little pick but other than that I was so thankful it was smooth as silk and she even got a purple toothbrush (her fav. color) We have flossed and brushed enough to last a week in one day :) What else? I won my first auction on ebay!! yeah, I am one of the few that really doesn't get into the whole ebay bidding mainly because I am so impatient and need instant gratification when I buy things. (it really is killing me waiting for my purchase to arrive!) those that scrap will understand my excitement I won a cricut cartridge!!!! a Disney one for 20 bucks!! I was doing a huge happy dance. While I normally wouldn't buy this particular one I couldn't pass up the price and the chance to use it for Nia's birthday party this year. Plus I can go back and redo some pics of the Disney princess on ice show from last year! yep, doesn't take much to get me excited :) I think that is all I got for now, I will be back though...always more drama!! Blessings!

I needed this!

Wow! the last few weeks have been so crazy around here and I have been feeling at the end of my rope especially where the kids are concerned. The constant calling for mommy, the screaming and hitting between them, the taxi service, the maid service, the endless bedtime stories (yes this should be enjoyable but after reading the same story night after night it really isnt) the homework, endless papers from school to fill out, the financial worries of raising 4 kids, and on and on I quickly forget all the 'joys' of parenting. I found this little write up on a MB and thought I would include it in my blog to share and to remind me that I am so very blessed daily with each one of them. To whoever put this out there thank you. I am adding a picture 'outake' from the holidays (another event that stressed me but when I see this pic I smile)! Read and enjoy:

I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice. The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 to be $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.

But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into: * $8,896.66 a year, or * $741.38 a month, or * $171.08 a week. * That's a mere $24.24 a day! * Just over a dollar an hour. Still, you might think the best financial advice is 'if you want to be 'rich', don't have children. Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140?

* Naming rights.First, middle, and last!

* Glimpses of God every day.

* Giggles under the covers every night.

* More love than your heart can hold.

* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.

* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.

* A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.

* A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites

* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day

For $160,140, you never have to grow up.You get to:

* finger-paint

* play hide-and-seek,

* catch lightning bugs You have an excuse to:

* keep reading 'The Adventures of Piglet and Pooh',

* watch cartoons

* go to Disney movies, and * wish upon a star.

You also get to:

* frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets, and collect:

* hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and

* cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140, there is no bigger bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:

* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,

* taking the training wheels off a bike,

* removing a splinter,

* filling a wading pool,

* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and

* coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat to witness history:

* her first step,

* his first word,

* her first bra,

* his first date, and

* their first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal.You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs called grandchildren and great grandchildren in your obituary.You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God.

You have the power to:

* heal a boo-boo,

* scare away the monsters under the bed,

* patch a broken heart,

* police a slumber party,

* ground them forever, and

* love them without limits... so that one day they, like you, will love without counting the cost.That is quite a deal for the price! Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren!

Card

Another birthday card for a special friend. Hope she likes it :)

Again thanks M. for the images, luv them!

A thank you and other thoughts.

I am a little slow but I wanted to post the wonderful nametag my blog sister Jacki sent me, I love it and thank you Jacki!! It will have a special spot on my crafting desk and when I see it I will be saying a prayer for you :) She is super talented so check out her blog, it is under my listings (the cardcastle)

So I am trying to think of what happened this week and I cant for the life of me remember anything worthy of blogging. I know that there have been many moments that I should have written about sooner and now they have been pushed to the back of my brain but I will try to jog the memory...Friday was a half day for the kids so I just kept Nia home. I had an appt. and DH was home so we decided to go out for breakfast- IHOP. I now remember why we never go and it is just down the street. It cost almost 30 bucks for the two kids and two of us to eat!! I didnt even have any drink besides water! I kept thinking of the many things I could have bought using that money and a HL coupon :) Usually I would say it was worth it just for the family time but Anthony had me on edge the whole time. He had gone to bed early the night before and was so full of energy I thought he would climb over our booth into the one behind us! uggggggggg and that made if feel like forever until they finally brought the pancakes. The kids got the smiley chocolate pancake and only really licked some of the cream off the face but they did eat all my bacon and tried some of my eggs. (no eggs ever at home but hey why not eat what looks good on mommys plate)

Needless to say it may be another few years before we take the kids back. I did get a chance to scrap with a friend on Friday night. I took my dd because she is classmates with her dd and thought she would have fun, well I think she spent just as much time under me as with her friend. I didnt get much done-I am realizing when I go somewhere to scrap I just lose my mojo. I think because I am not with all my stuff and feel that I cant complete the pages because I didnt bring that certain something even though when I leave I have packed enough bags to look like I am going on a long vacation. I did work on 3 different lo's but no they are not done. I need to work on a better system for scrapping outside of my space. I will post some lo's but these are not the ones that I started last night. :)

Report cards came in this week and my older boys rocked the grades this period!! Both made AB honor roll, way to go guys I am sooooooooooo proud of you!!

What I have been up to

Well, it has been a very busy week over here. DH has been super super busy with work/school, I took RJ to see the middle school for the first time this week. I think he was a little surprised by the size compared to his school now. Sure did take me back a few years and glad that I am no longer at that stage :) The battery in the van went out so I was left with a very unhappy dd when she realized she could not go to school on Friday. And all week I have been getting things ready for the community garage sale---I now remember why I dont like doing them at all. I gathered as much 'stuff' as I could to put out but I also spent a huge amount of time teaching myself how to make those cute curly hairbows. I thought sure I could sell those, lets just say if I never see ribbon again it is fine with me! I think they came out cute though and hope that I can sell what I have left. I was able to pay for the battery from the profits of the sale--good feeling!

Blessings :)

Card I made last week

A big thanks to Michelle for giving me some images to make some awsome cards for little girls! I am loving these fairies from stamping bella and will hopefully get some of my own very soon :) This card was for a very special little princess friend of mine who turned 4 over the weekend. She is soooooooo girly that I knew she would love the fairy. I used a H. Swapp flower and the pp was from an old paper stack (I have vowed to use that as much as possible-two stacks have hardly been touched) and I used my Prisma Pencils (very new to using them so Miss Jacki if you are reading this I will be needing more tips from you!) to color with a touch of stickles on the wings (I am still trying to figure out just how much to use) TFL!!

and we may have....a girly girl after all!

I am so so excited!! After 3 boys and my daughter not really caring for anything girly we may have turned the corner! Just in the past week or so she has started carrying a purse everywhere, picking out dresses and sandals to wear and wanting to put on makeup. I am 'tickled pink' so to speak. Last night I we went up to the mall and I showed her the world of Libby Lu (a very girly store full of fun lotions, makeup, dresses...) So I let her enjoy taking it all in and you could not wipe the smile from my lips, especially when she told me that it was the best store that she has ever been in. So she picks out a makeup case complete with makeup that says 'pretty in pink, twinkle' We have been head to toe makeup/nail polish since. :) The best thing ever and just before she went to bed she looked at me and said that I was the best mom in the world. (I know this wont last but it melted my heart anyway) So enjoy a shot of me and my girly girl!!

Blessings, and Happy Easter

Cute Alert :)

Have to post this pic of my DD (Nia) We had a great time at the park. I would have had
a ton more of pics but my oldest DS took my memory card out and didnt put it back (I dont have much internal memory) ugggggg.

I'm Sick

Yep, middle of the week while DH is out of town I start feeling sick. No temp but achy and my throat is on fire....still!! I want to just sit and whine all day. Spring break is starting for the kids and I need my energy so if you are reading this just keep a good thought for me. Off to gargle warm water and salt.... Blessings!

Because I do actually scrap/craft!

I love all things scrapping and have started to feel the same about cardmaking/crafting but just like putting that stamp on the envie and sending it off I am not good at taking pics of what I have done. I have let so many projects leave the door without getting the camera and not on purpose. Not only for sharing on the blog but I like to keep a record of what type of project(s) I am creating. Sooooooooo I am hitting you with some LOs that have been waiting for their picture taken. Also worked on some more of those fab pens this morning. Some of the girls I gave the first set to said that their DD's were really liking them so I made them one and a little notebook to go with it. TFL!

He did it?!

Here I am reading a few posts this morning before taking dd to school and all the sudden I hear the toilet flush. It wasn't dd and it wasn't me so that left only Anthony (we are going through potty training) Well I turned around all set to sing and tell him how proud I am that he did it all by himself when he comes running out of the bathroom smiling, holding his curious george (georgie) saying he did it! It took me a second to realize that Anthony didnt go his friend did! I will say that I was sad that Anthony didnt but have to admit that he put a huge smile on my face this morning. Just imagine a cute little boy running out of the bathroom with his monkey all excited that he pottied and hopefully you will smile with me :) Hugs!

SCORE!! (finally)

Okay so I am always lurking on my fav stamp/scrapping boards and reading about the great deals that people find. I go to my Walmart or my HL hoping to find the same deal with no luck. Ever! Well today I had luck on my side :) Driving home from dropping the dd to school I just happened to look over at a garage sale going on in my neighborhood. I am not big on garage sales so I kept driving until I saw....a whole shelf of SU stamps!! I almost parked the van in a yard trying to back up and get out! I am walking up, heart all a flutter and practically dragging DS behind me (I am sure he would say I have lost my mind if I could have. one minute he is all snuggled in his car seat, next crazy mommy is making a hard stop and flying out of the van) As you crafters know I could have just spent hours staring at the loot. The lady hands me a box and I start filling it up but there is one problem...I never carry cash! at least not more than a few dollars and that was not going to cover a box full of goodies even at a garage sale. She agrees to hold my stash and I make a mad run to the first place I can get money. I am going top speed because hey this lady doesnt know me and maybe she just wants to get rid of everything. I get back as soon as I can and what do I find...they are dragging out another huge box of stamps!! Well I sat down right on the garage floor and dove right in :) Oh I wanted it all!! At that point I go to call my girl Michelle (phone almost dead) to see if I could get anything for her. She is into background stamps and yes they had a good amount. Anyway here is the list of my goodies: Large and small SU rollers w/ink SU versamark and reinker SU stamp spots (3 bucks!) Stamps for the rollers SU stampamajig a huge bag of SU beads/pearls (1 buck!) Loads of Love set and Loads of Love Accessories Huge back of brads/eyelets 2 UM stamp sets CM circle cutters I am soo excited to play with all the goodies--its like Christmas in Feb!!

Just a Card

Here is a card that I made today. I am still learning how best to use my copics but I have come a long way (when I first got them I thought I was the only one who couldn't color with them!)

TFS!

Build a Bear

I survived the day at Build a Bear! I must admit that I had a great time watching all the kids making their bears :) This was our first time and what a cute place (expensive but cute) Nia picked out a pink bear and we put her in purple hello kitty pj's with little princess slippers of course. I think she has named her Princess Kisses (it is a bear that blows kissses) Now she is wanting more outfits/shoes/and cell phone for her new friend. (this will not happen any time soon) I hope to go back but it will be on special outings. We then had lunch with one of her little friends and a mommy friend of mine and also enjoyed walking around The Shops at LaCantera, a very nice girly day :)

ramblings about the week...

well I feel like complaining today although I am happy it is Friday we are headed into a busy weekend so I am just not all that excited. I have come to appreciate the winter/spring season here in San Antonio but what I dont appreciate is the problem I have developed with allergies, this year in particular! I am miserable!!! I see now that they have Zyrtec over the counter, please feel free to tell me about your experience/price on it. Right now I am just on a generic store brand that does not seem to be getting the job done. I am also having a problem with my left neck/shoulder area and have been on a constant motrin drip for days. I dont have any idea what I did but it has me close to tears as soon as the meds wear off. Yesterday I go to my women's prayer group ready for some good fellowship and Anthony decides to scratch one of the little guys in his playgroup. I was very upset and dont know what triggered this little event, he has been doing so well with no scratching/biting--I must apologize again to him and his mommy! My dd is very excited about a friend's birthday party at build a bear Sat. morning but let me tell you that it has caused all kinds of grief this week! why? because she now insists that it is her birthday and has a list a mile long of stuff that she expects when she gets home and pitches a fit when she finds out that there is nothing for her. ugggg! Although I am sure we will have a good time, I fear when it is over she will get worse or I will end up leaving the place with a very costly bear that will be loved on for all of two min. and then thrown into the closet (land of discarded stuffed animals and other toys I need to donate) But anyway, here is to a good weekend for me and for you. I am very blessed when it is all said and done and wish you many blessings!

Happy Birthday Marc!

9 years ago today my middle son was born...Happy Birthday Marc! It sure has been a pleasure watching you grow up. Even though you are 9 you will always be my 'tiny man'

This year you asked for a lemon cake, I must say that I enjoyed it more than the usual store bought character cake. Didnt think that you would stick your head in it but that is you, always making people laugh! I hope that you enjoyed your day. :)

Ramblings...

When I started this blog I thought what a good way to keep people in the loop and share my passion for crafting. Well if you stop over you will see that I am not good at blogging regularly. I feared this. Although I love reading/writing/english was my fav. class I just cannot keep a journal-in this case a blog! I am back to my same thinking--who really wants to read this, myself included. I forget that the blog is as much for me as everyone else so I will attempt to update better. For those that look at the crafting stuff I actually craft more than I share. Most of the time I end up so excited by the card/project I give it away and forget to take a pic of it. What am I working on now? Redoing the photo books for all the kids. Years ago I did not know about 'acid free/photo safe' Well RJ's book is already yellowing (after 10 years) I really didnt think it would be a big deal to do this but I am having the hardest time trying to find page refills that are all uniform. I have stalked several Walmart's and bought all they had (3 meesly packs) and last week HL had refills on sale so I got every one on the shelf. To bad what I have does not even come close to what I will need to redo about 8 albums and new ones coming! I sure hope the kids appreciate this one day--I know the hubby thinks I am nuts about all this 'stuff' but hey we dont have a lot of family and what family we do have I want the kids to have photos/memories of. List of other things I have been dealing with: *Anthony is getting over yet another fever and refuses to poop in the potty-this results in him jumping around screaming until he can no longer hold it back (not fun let me tell ya) *A good friend is dealing with her DH being in a car wreck, he is okay thankfully but you know it really makes you stop and think. This did total his truck and has turned their world around *Russ had an Aunt pass away--another moment that makes you pause *Marc's birthday is on the 20th and he is upset that we will not get him what he thinks he wants-this of course gives me the 'I am a bad mommy' feeling even though I know he doesnt need another game system that costs about 200 bucks. *Money--can I get some? hehe.

I am sooo slow

First off thank you to everyone who kept me in their thoughts-last post I talked about the blues and I am doing better. I think I have to deal with the fact that it is part of me. I dont like having up and down periods or being on meds but it is all for a reason. I will try leaving it in Hands and it will all work out.

Second, I am so slow on trends mainly because it takes me a while to figure out how to do something or money wise I just have to wait until I can get the supplies needed for that project. Anyway, I have always loved the beaded pen and finally did some! I made these to share with my ladies in our prayer group and thought I would show you how they came out.

In other ramblings I am happy to say that my youngest is on the potty!! Ahhhhhhhhh, we have been waiting to be diaper free for over 10 years. DH said "this is the first time the whole family has been in underwear"!! I am loving it but just a small part of me is sad because he is the last baby Richardson from our family. We are proud of our big little boy :)

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend.

The Blues...

I have them! Dont know what is triggering this latest bout of blues but here they are. I could blame it on the weather or pms or the kids or the bills or a million other things but I am not really sure. My emotions are all over the place and I am feeling a serious disconnect this week. I am taking my meds and I guess they are doing some good, I dont go through the crying spells but I still have that off in the distance, let me sleep, I dont want to answer the phone kind of thing going on. I had my weekly women's group today and I must say that it made me feel good being there and having that support (thanks girls) but as soon as I leave the mood comes back on like that black cloud in the sky. I know this will pass and that I have a lot to be 'up' about. My family is healthy, my friends are healthy (hi Michelle, still worry about you!). I think I just need some time to reflect (a very hard thing to do with the kids around) so I am hoping for a few minutes this weekend to take a small mental break. My friends, pray for me as I pray for you. Thank you.

Birthday card

Just posting another card I worked on last weekend. My friend had her birthday today (happy bday Jen!) and this called for a bella!! It did not photo well but she is colored using copics and the wine glasses have some stickles to give the bubbly some sparkle. the background papers look much better, I used red and yellow to match the image.

TFL

Love the hedgie by penny black! this is the only one I have but will be trying to acquire more. That is all for the set. Can you tell I don't really like stamping the same image?

Variety is the spice of life :)

More Cards (continued)

more practice with the Copics. Used cuttlebug to emboss the red paper.

More Cards

What I have been working on (continued)

Another simple card but this may just be my style. I love looking at all the elaborate cards created by the many bloggers out there but I just have not gotten that advanced in my attempts. maybe oneday...

What I have been working on

Well we are finally through with the holidays and I have to say that I am glad not to be looking at those stamps anymore! Funny thing is that stuff in the stamping world is like retail--rush rush to the next holiday (kind of takes the fun out of things) So instead of working on Valentine stuff (which hey I only have maybe one card to make for that one) I am just getting back to stamping and working on my techniques. I am finishing up a series of all occasion cards to give a friend as part of her birthday gift. This is the first one I did with my new (to me) stampin up sets. I used my Copics to do the minimal coloring needed but hey the practice is always a good thing :)

TFS,

"Holiday Baking"

Today is the very first day of holiday break for the kids and I was surprised and happy when I heard the kids from my room playing in their own room together (a very rare event) I was even happier because I could tell they were playing with the train table (this was a Christmas gift to Anthony last year that I begged DH that he wanted, and to my dismay is rarely used) Anyway, they come in my room and I am all set to praise them on the nice playtime when I see my daughter's shirt is covered with something. I jump up (grabbing my camera) and walk into their room which has become one huge baby powder cloud! Yep, they were "holiday baking" on the train table with the powder! I couldn't even be upset because it just reminds me that we try to push all these high tech toys, gadgets on them and they had spent a better part of an hour playing in powder using their imagination. I loved it and must admit that one of my first thoughts is how great this event will be to scrap!! So enjoy the video clip (it is kind of long) but I think the relatives will appreciate a glimpse into our normal everyday life! Happy Holidays, Kim

Ramblings...

I know it has been a while since I have posted. As with most of us the holidays and life have kept me on my toes. This time of year has always been a little harder on me than the rest and this year one more reason was added. In my last post I mentioned my friend having emergency surgery and thankfully she is doing much better now but it has had a profound effect on me. Many reasons why : I had just seen her the weekend before this happened and thought that really could have been the last time I saw her. She is young and healthy and so full of life. It was so sudden unlike an illness that has given you some warning of what is to come. This could have been me or my hubby and then what? It has been so much on my mind that I was dreaming about it. I am and will be doing some serious soul searching in the new year to come. Has given a whole new meaning to the old new year resolution thing...

Dec. also was my mother's birthday (the 7th) She so loved this time of year! Although I love to be with my kids it makes me sad to think how much fun we would have had shopping, cooking, laughing, playing with the kids. I don't have much family (none that live close) and that makes it hard. My dad lives in Ohio and we don't get to see him nearly as much as I would like. My brother and sister live there as well and I miss them. I feel like my kids are growing up without much family around. It hurts. I thought after being away from home now for over 8 years it would get easier but in a lot of ways it hasn't.

Anyway, yes I am crafting some. I just have not posted because most of it will be sent out as cards/presents. I will post after the holidays I think. In case I don't post again before--Happy Holidays to those reading. Hold your family and loved ones close, cherish the small things.

Blessings,

Kim

PS-of course I am posting some pics. Nia was an indian in a thanksgiving play for school. Marc's team went all the way and won the championship---Go Vikings!! proud of you Marcus.

a WOW moment...

So I logged onto the computer/email for the first time since stuffing my face with thanksgiving feast to find an email about a good friend of mine. The subject said update and my first thought was what did I miss---apparently a lot! I will not go into detail out of respect for my friend but I will say she was rushed into surgery (on the brain) on thanksgiving. I just stared at the words for a long time. I could not believe what had happened and on a day that we are all giving thanks for what we have. One thing I said as we went around the table was that I was thankful for my health---lets just say that I am even more thankful! I mean this was totally out of the blue, I just spent the evening with her last Sunday stamping and having a good time. I know this is so cliche but she is so young to have this happen and such a good person! Anyway, my thoughts are to jumbled to go on but I will not soon forget this thanksgiving and I will forever be thankful that she seems to be doing as good as can be expected for now. Thinking about you M!!!! Kim

Work in progress

I thought I had better post something related to crafting. Most people reading this blog probably think I don't get much done in the way of scrapping/crafting (okay I don't) but I do work as much as I can on things. So here is a scan (bad quality, sorry) of what could end up on some of my holiday cards this year. Big thanks to my friend for letting me stamp her Hanna Stamp set!! Anyway, I am new to using Copics and don't have many but this is what I did using what I have. I am experimenting with different skin tone/hair color combos. Oh, I did use glitter for under the tree and the top of her boots. I like it but want to switch to using stickles (don't own any yet though) I hope you get the idea, comments welcome! thanks.

Checking in.

Yes, I am still here :) Made it through the hectic week but really nothing to blog about. Funny I keep waiting for something to happen so I can write but just the boring stuff comes to mind. Lets see, this week I did deal with my son and his runny diapers-one was so bad it ruined my down comforter! The kids have had runny noses, cough, and sneezing all week-I am hoping to not catch this bout of illness. We did have a nice Halloween! I took the boys trick o treat with my neighbor and his kids. My diva daughter would have nothing to do with Halloween this year, would not even walk down the aisle of costumes and promptly told me that she would stay home with daddy and pass out candy! The only downside was that for some reason I did not take any pics! Shocking since I live with my camera. I am sure I will regret that very soon. Just one more thing on my mind---where did this year go?? I cant believe we are talking turkey day in a week or so. I have not baked one thing and that is just unheard of. I really blame most of it on the mild weather here in San Antonio, I mean when it is 85 degrees the last thing I want is to be standing in the kitchen with a hot stove on all day. We are even thinking of smoking the turkey in the backyard this year! Have a good weekend :)

My babygirl and her HAIR!

I love my dd, she is the only girl out of the 4 kiddos. Hubby says I dreamed her right into life curly hair and all, I did have dreams of a curly baby girl but the dreams didn't tell me how hard that beautiful head of hair would be to manage! Like many of us these days she has a lot of mix races in her family and they all have different types of hair, she seems to have all these textures at once. It is all curly but the top curl is much 'looser' than the bottom part of her hair making it hard to 'control'. It also soaks up moisture like a sponge! Seriously no need for a hairdryer because 5 minutes after a bath it is almost dry. Her hair is much different from mine, we cannot use the same products, follow the same washing routine, and her hair is not 'relaxed' (a chemical process which straightens the hair, mainly done by those from a different race other than Caucasian). That 'relaxing' process is a huge debate with one side saying you should never use the chemical in your hair and others saying it's the only way to 'control' certain hair types. My personal vote is to wait for my dd to make her own choice but in the mean time what do I do with this hair?! I guess my point is if you have any advice please feel free to leave it! :)

Tagged!

I was tagged by Marty and I don't usually enjoy these things but since I have nothing else to blog this week here goes: (7 weird/unusual things about me) 1) I cannot leave the house with my clothes dryer on (very worried it will burn down my house) 2) I like bologna on saltines with hot sauce (hubby says this is very ghetto) mmm tastes good! 3) I get very nervous driving in unfamiliar areas (almost to the point of panic attacks) 4) I do care what people think of me and I wish that I didn't! 5) I used to chew toilet paper when I was pregnant! (yeah, I know) 6) I have a horrible habit of chewing the skin on my lips! ugggg 7) Since my mother passed, I developed a disturbing fascination with death and dying. I will not be tagging anybody but if you read this and want to play along please do!

Why I hate shopping...any male readers may want to skip this entry

I have always told DH he got off cheap with me as I soooo hate to shop for myself-clothes,shoes,makeup, u name it I hate it. Well I was forced to do some today and the worst kind-bra shopping (did I mention I had a kid in tow as well who kept trying to open the fitting room door) Anybody who knows me can tell I live for tshirts and jeans, has been that way all my life-skinny,fat, or in between. That being said I only own the standard color/amount of bras that I can get away with. I find it a waste for me to spend money at the lingerie stores not only because I never get the right fit ( I used to work in the bra dept. and no I am NOT asking for someone to measure me!) I usually end up feeling worse about myself. Why? I have had and nursed 4 kids and those girls just are not where they used to be and I know this usually happens but for God's sake I am only 30, talk about devastating!! Anywho, so there I am among the thousands of bras picking up anything I think will hold me while my son is sniffing (he is 3) the bras up and down the aisle! Armed with my stack I go into the fitting room to stare at myself in the worst possible unnatural lighting. After trying and discarding many I am about to give up and then I see the dreaded boxed bra. Why did I dread looking there? First because I used to have to pack and stack and check (you wouldn't believe how many women actually would take the new bra and stuff their nasty bra back in the box) them and second because I always thought they were for older women. What do you know I tried a couple and they fit! my first thought, crap I am now a box bra wearing gal but I guess times have changed because I actually found some styles that were dare I say cute?! So I say to all the girls who have been afraid to try the box go ahead, march proudly up to the check out with your cute, comfy, new box bra :) ahhh the girls are thanking me so I think I can say mission accomplished!

Homecoming, So Proud!!

Our first homecoming was last sat. and I am finally getting some pics up. This will have many pics so please bear with me, I am a proud mommy!! :) We won with a final score of 12-6. We had beautiful weather in the high 80's and even the babies were good for us (well until someone brought their dog and that sent Nia into fits. She spent the rest of the time walking the sidelines with daddy) It was my first time making a 'mum' which I guess is big in the tradition of football here in TX. After seeing what it was, I have to agree with hubby that it should probably be for the older players as they are usually given to girlfriends. Well everyone was getting one for the kids and of course I didn't want Marc left out so he got one. After going to the craft stores and seeing the outrageous prices they charge for these things I thought I can totally make this myself. Pretty easy, just some ribbon, embellies, ink, staples and a little input from some great craft friends and it was done. :) Not as fancy as some I have seen but hey we are talking about 8 year old boys who really didn't care. I will be happy to make them whenever he wants and he liked it.

Is there a Dr. in the house??

That was the questionI needed answered over the long weekend! It all started with my oldest DS last week who came down with a fever that went high/low most of the week. No other real symptoms so I didn't think much of it. He did miss three days of school though. By Thurs. I thought we were in the clear until Friday came along and my youngest DS vomited all night long!! He had no fever, no other symptoms so I tried my best to keep things cleaned up and him isolated. Sat. was good until the nighttime and then my DD starts throwing up all night! Well, that triggered it because then I was sick and so was my other DS! So yes, by Monday I was down and so were all 4 of the kids. Poor hubby had to take the day off and play nurse for all of us! I have never in all my parenting years seen so much coming out of all ends of all kids at one time!! We did not see the light of day for most of the weekend. I am just hoping that DH doesn't come down with it (so far so good) and want to give him a HUGE thanks for being so wonderful and seeing us through the rough weekend. So today I am cleaning everything! Sheets, towels, rugs, are all being washed in HOT water. Mopping, running dishes, taking out trash, throwing away anything handled by any of us and using Lysol on everything. I am not usually so obsessed with disinfecting but I DO NOT want to go through this (I am guessing stomach flu) again.

Tried my hand at...

candle stamping and I do like the way it turned out on this one. I have done a few with color and was not pleased with the outcome so until I can get that right I will stick with black ink.

(this candle was done for a gift using stampin up

stampset)

If anyone reading this has some tips I would be glad to hear them :)

TFL!

Mid-week ramblings...

Here we are at Wed. and we are on day 3 of my oldest ds being home with a temp. I suspect it was picked up from hanging out at the park a lot last weekend. He has always been quick to catch whatever fever type illness is going around. He is good for the most part, just high fever and a complaint of a sore throat which promptly went away after I gave him meds for. I guess he decided that the pain was easier to deal with than the taste because I heard no more of the sore throat :) Adding to the lovely week will be the root canal that Russ will be getting on Friday! I know he is more nervous than he says and I hope he is not in too much pain. Keeping my fingers crossed. And when did Oct. sneak up on us?? It is so hard to tell here in south Texas because it is STILL in the 90's! Just once I would like to enjoy an actual change in season! We really don't have a normal spring, fall, or winter for that matter. Bring on the leaves changing color, the smell of roasting pumpkin seeds, the slight frost in the morning. Nope! Instead the smell of BBQ still fills the air! (don't get me wrong, I love this around 4th of July) But it is a sad thing when I am dressing my kids up in fall colors/clothes just to get a more authentic fall picture at the pumpkin patch. Embrace the Texas traditions you say, bahhhh I am from the midwest where we didn't shut the whole city down over just the hint of ice/snow!! Rambling over, I will be going downstairs to open the official start of holiday baking season in my kitchen with oatmeal/Cinnamon chip cookies (at least it will smell like fall)

Cropping, the way it should be! (my idea of a good time)

So the week was a looong one and I was glad to be going to Roni's Friday for some crop time. I have to say that it was the best time that I have had in a while. We had a small group: Roni, Marty, Gina, and Sam. I had never met Gina but am a big fan of her blog for Scrapbook 911 so I was very excited to meet her. Let me say she is as fab as her blog is and so talented!! I had also never met Sam, but let me say that I am so glad I did because that woman is one of the funniest people that I have known! Thanks to you guys for great food, great therapy, great laughs, and great fun. I am not sure how much was done (I only got half a page and my homecoming mum done more on that in another post). Of course if you know me I will use any chance to get out of the house and if I am just a little creative then all the better. :) As you can see by the pic that my dd came with me and at first I was not all that thrilled because she has been known to act up but she was great, even getting in on the crafting (she brought her own bag with her goodies in it). She soon found a great playmate in Roni's son and by the end of the night they were both dancing and having a great time, of course I may never crop without her tagging along and I don't know if that is such a good thing. Oh well, it was cute and by the time I pulled into the driveway (I only live a few miles from Roni) she was in her dream world!

Lazy Sunday

Okay first before I forget I must tell you what my dd said to her little brother in the middle of an argument. "Dont watch me, I am not a TV!" I found this to be VERY funny coming from a 4 year old talking to a 3 year old :) I must make a book of 'isms' from my kids. :)

So today Russ was gone to a football game in Houston and it was just me and the kiddos. RJ had a friend over and they were busy making Yugioh cards on the internet. While they were busy printing them I said hey I can laminate those if you want. So we did and then I also suggested we do the laminate/magnet. Well I became a super cool mommy for the day :) Fun times I must say and I love that they were using their imagination to come up with their own creations. RJ decided to make me a card of my own which will be hanging on my scrap bag, it was something he did all on his own but also represents my obsession, thanks son!!

week in review and other ramblings..

well, we made it through another busy week! Seems the days are flying by and always filled with something even when I wake up saying "i am not doing anything today" I have been worrying about my sister who started basic training in the Army this week. Today is her birthday and her twin brother so Happy Birthday!! I was thinking of u guys today :) Hope she is hanging in there. On Wed. I took Nia back to the ENT to have her ear cleared. I was told a while ago that she was blocked and what they removed was even more than I thought could be stuck in there. Dr. said she probably was not hearing in that ear at all. Poor baby, I have a feeling that it has been blocked for months but seems her dr.s have a very "wait and see" attitude and she ends up suffering. She seems to be okay (of course she didnt seem all that different with the blockage) but who knows. Another CONGRATS to Marc and his team on the big win today!! Go Vickings! (score was 34-6) Finally got to hang out a bit with my friend Michelle today. We stopped in the store to see if we could find any new goodies and came across some watercolor crayons. Excited to play :) My son and I are also having fun playing with the shrinky dink paper. Hope to craft/hangout soon Michelle, miss ya!!

some pics of recent cards...

..and my dd cuz she is a cutie and luvs to craft :)

*the princess card was just me playing around with my new stampinup set.

*the lady in the tub is another recent set for me. I was able to use glitter so the bubbles have sparkle.

* technique using OSW, Baroque set from stampinup

* that is my dd getting in on the glitter action.

Okay, guys sorry the cards are all over the place, I am still figuring out the way to post them. :)

What went on this week...

* first off a huge CONGRATS to my son and his team for winning their game on Sat.!! I am so very proud and will be posting a pic because they finally got the game jersey's in :)

* Ronni, Marty, good times Friday night girls!! I know once again not much done but so good to laugh and play at the end of the week and thanks for showing me how to make those little bags! I think I am getting the hang of it. :)

* As far as crafting goes, I did get a few things going~~not done but in process so that is better than nothing. I have my stampup club meeting tonight so that should really get those creative juices going.

* Russ, I love u honey!! :)

* Other than that I was just running around getting the kids back and forth to school and practice. Wishing a good week to all...

Blah,Blah,Blah

yep, that is how I have been feeling the last couple of days and I dont think the rain here has helped. I also feel in a creative slump. So many things in my mind that I want to explore but yet I cant seem to focus on any one project, so frustrating!! so, that is it. I am hoping my next blog post to be back with a fresh outlook on some new things. If anybody has some inspiration to share please drop me a line :) Blessings To all of us, I remember 9/11 and how it touched my life. I still think of those directly affected and hope that they are able to find peace---I know this can take time, my prayers are with you. Kim

layout

just posting a pic of a current layout...more to come when I scan them in.

I love this pic of Anthony on the slide. :) It captures him as a toddler exploring

the world around him and how innocent we all were as kids.