miss you!

8 years ago the world lost a wonderful woman, my mother. she would be turning 69 today, instead she is spending another birthday with Jesus. happy birthday, mom...

Happy pictures!

 Me on Thanksgiving at my Godparents' house -- with my new phone :)

 this is the inside of the altoid tin i received in a swap -- fun needle felted baby Jesus!

 this is the inside of the altoid tin i did for the same swap -- took me about 5 tries to get the inside to be worthy...

 the angels practicing for the children's service -- meghan is the head angel :)

11-30-11

well, my last novemeber everyday post was in december, but i am posting for it now!

wednesday was just a long day!  work, mad science, soup supper, church...what a wonderful start to the Advent season!  pastor shevey from apostles did the sermon -- he told joseph's story (jesus' earthly father) as if he were joseph -- it was an A++ sermon!

Today I am thankful for Pastors who know God's Word and share it in interesting and unique ways. 

11-29-11

oh happy day!  i am just about finished with my christmas shopping!  my dad's are ordered & my brother's are bought...need to get a few little things, but nothing major.  will start wrapping soon!  that is my favorite part!  still need to decide about cards so i can get them out...i think i will just buy some...

need to figure out the swap i am in, though, the altered tin i was working on has flopped on me, so i need to figure something out (will be checking at hobby lobby tomorrow afternoon)...

Today I am thankful for birthday emails!  My birthday is in a week, so the emails from companies have started to come in...and I already used one today! :)

11-28-11

what a productive day, even though it felt like i completed nothing!  work was quiet, but i finished up the comprehension sheets for the reading program we use...i also did some grading & entering of grades...tomorrow will be a simpler day, too, as in math we have a lot of catching up to do (3 out of 5 kiddos missed last tuesday when there was a test) and then i am in PE with a student -- just need to make sure i dress in warm clothes!!  after work i didn't go to hobby lobby or target like i had hoped to, but i made 2 lunches, got a haircut, made breakfast, and got everything together for mad science this week...what a life!  tomorrow is work & mad science...i am thinking i will go to target on the way home then stop and get dinner...

Today I am thankful for companies that care!  Two emails in the past 3 days stating that items I ordered had shipped (one I just ordered today and it should be here by Friday)...plus, I paid of my car, but VW called because I wrote a different amount on the check (written & numerical were different)...good companies make me smile. :)

11-27-11

what an awesome weekend!  i enjoyed my time with friends and family.  i also had the chance to get some cleaning and errands finished.  a fe to finish after work tomorrow, but i am also going to do some cyber monday shopping tomorrow, too, so i can be finished with my dad's Christmas gifts! 

spent some time yesterday & today crafting for a swap i am in -- i am excited with how it is all going right now, so i hope it continues to go as planned!  i will continue on it tomorrow & (hopefully) finish!

Today I am thankful for the library and the services they provide.  Why bother paying to rent a movie?  Check it out for free at the library!  Books at your disposal.  Magazines, newspapers, CDs, resources galore...love it!

11-26-11

went to the rock n roll craft fair today (fun, unique crafts made by local artists)...then headed to jilly's cupcakes -- yummy, but huge cupcakes...finished the laundry this afternoon...christmas tree is up and some of the ornaments are ready to go on...worked on some crafting this afternoon, too!  gotta love a productive saturday!

Today I am thankful for small businesses and people who are willing to work for what they have!  Way to go!

11-25-11

what a "black friday"!  met barb for breakfast at white castle at 9:20 & a trip to for keeps sake...got some stamps & other goodies...headed to best buy to make a return (and they were not doing returns until noon, gr!)...then onto the teachers' store and target...it was not bad at all; it was almost like shopping on a saturday morning...this evening my dad & i went to dinner & stopped at shop 'n save -- no traffic, not too many people...there were police doing some traffic directing at the one shopping center (at an intersection without a light), but it was not bad at all...


Today I am thankful for crafty and generous friends!  At breakfast, Barb gave me a few items she will not use, but I will :)  She also brought me a fun table runner that Nancy made!  Woo hoo!!

11-24-11 Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!  Today was spent with my Godparents and their family -- tons of food, tons of fun, tons of blessings to enjoy!  I hope your day was wonderful, too!!

Today I am thankful for the people God has placed in my life -- especially my Godparents.  Since my mother passed away, we have been included in all their big family Thanksgivings (I think there were about 40 people there today!).

11-23-11

what a day!!  chinese for lunch with meghan & co.  then we headed to upcycle exchange and got some bargain craft supplies...last stop was the mall for 2 stops -- which turned into way more...one store frustrated me...the other went well...ended up up grading my phone!  woohoo!!

Today I am thankful for the first responders (police, fire fighters, EMTs, etc).

11-22-11

oopsie daisy!  here is tuesday's post...

one of my least favorite days at work -- an easy day, but we had our big, all-school assembly at the end of the day.  it is a loud, chaotic event that makes me claustrophobic...the kids have fun, a lot of the teachers seem to have fun...i wait right at the doorway to try to have a little more silence...some teachers (and TAs) hide out and do ???  sometimes i wish i could hide out, but i know that some of our kids need us and the break from the noise we can provide.

Today I am thankful for Tuesday-Fridays that usher in 5-day weekends!!

11-21-11

the monday of a 2 day work week is magical!  the traffic was minimal, the kids were working hard & well behaved, it was a wonderful day!  now, tomorrow is a big all-school assembly, so we will see how that goes, but i will admit it is not something i am looking forward to!!!  it is a mass of chaos and noise...

Today I am thankful for the world of medicine & the discoveries that have made lives better.  I am thankful for life.

11-20-11

not too much excitement today -- which was just fine with me!  meghan sang at church with the kids choir, then we finished set-up for a baby shower & set up the giving tree...after that was sunday school (the story of joseph forgiving his brothers today)...meghan's mom picked her up then so they could spend time with her grandma from kc and i stayed at church for the baby shower...lots of good food and fun times and wonderful gifts for baby lilly (who will be here the 28th, if not sooner!)...

2 day work week!  then a 5 day weekend!! :)

Today I am thankful for the kids I work with (work, church, babysitting) -- they show their appreciation and it makes the day awesome!!

11-19-11

beautiful weather to start the day today...clouded up and a cold front is headed our way.  it is suppose to rain tonight or tomorrow...sunday is going to be sunday school & church (meghan is singing) and then a baby shower for the pastor's daughter-in-law.  i may also start working on the giving tree :)  this year we are going to donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charity again...i have a list ready to hang with what they really want/need. :)

Today I am thankful for computer glitches, lol, but only certain ones!  I am a member of Godiva chocolate's "club" and get a free piece of chocolate each month.  I went to one of the stores earlier this month and enjoyed a free piece...went to purchase something for a friend today, and was told to pick my free piece for the month!  This was some sort of glitch that was in my favor!

11-18-11

HAPPY FRIDAY! 

it was a fun day at work -- glad i had taken in gloves/scarf/hat/etc for when i am in PE with a student, though!  they plan to (and can) go out with the kids until it hits 20!!  eek!  it was pretty relaxing and the kids were well behaved today, so it made for a great friday!
mad science meeting went quickly, & traffic on the way home was the best it has been all year :)
dinner at noodles & co with meghan followed by cornerstone at church -- they learned to set the table properly :)

Today I am thankful for a car that is paid off!  I mailed the final check today, so by mid-December I should have the official deed from VW Credit!  woohoo!!

11-17-11

(oops, another post a day late!)...

work, costco, target, hobby lobby, and the gas station...all while not feeling the best :(

plus, my new, cute, ruffly coat that i bought this past weekend will be returned this coming weekend -- it already tore in the lining!!  so sad!! :(

Today I am thankful for the chance to be creative and craft for others.

11-16-11

not sure what to blog about, lol...any ideas or questions for me?  what would you like to see or read about here?  nothing much happened today -- not feeling the best, but no fever, so that is a plus...

very sad day in the area - the boy i mentioned yesterday that was murdered, was (allegedly) beaten to death by his own mother...some stories i have seen say she has confessed to hitting the baby when he would not stop crying and go to sleep...

Today I am thankful for parents who love me and knew that there were better ways to discipline than to hit.

11-15-11

tuesday wiped me out!  it was certainly an interesting day with the kiddos at work, and mad science was fun (even with the 20+ minutes of clean-up before and after class)...getting home when it is dark ruins my evening, lol...even though i was home by about 5:45, i was ready for bed as soon as i pulled my car into the garage it was so dark...and i get this joy for quite awhile!  another day like that for wednesday (not as late home) and thursday...such is my life!

Today I am thankful for safety.  There was a young (18 month old) baby taken from his home and murdered today and I am thankful the body was found, but I am grieving for the family and their loss. 

11-14-11

sleepy...i am loving the light on my drive to work in the morning, but the dark by 5 is killing me!  i need more sleep anyway, but the darkness makes it seem so so late and then i do not want to do anything...soon enough i will get some sleep and things will start to feel slightly normal again!!

Today I am thankful for a comfortable bed, pillows I can squish, and quilts and blankets to keep me warm.

11-13-11

meghan had some interesting insight into her christmas wishes/wants this weekend....
a few items from her list:
1) colored/patterned duck tape (to make things from) -- especially pink zebra print
2) a styrofoam head
3) an earring stand/organizer
4) a label maker
5) a life size skeleton (like on all the tv shows & movies so she can dance with it)

oh to be 12 again!!!

Today I am thankful for Meghan.  Who else gets a girl like that and gets to "give them back" to their parents at the end of the day?  She is a blessing!!

11-12-11

had an awesome time at a fun crop with some wonderful friends!  i was very productive -- finished the 12 cards for the swap i am in plus 8 pages :)  celebrated tina & rick's anniversary and barb's birthday -- a good time was had by all :)

Today I am thankful for falling gas prices -- it is at $2.99 a gallon here!!!

11-11-11

what a fun day!  i was busy, as usual, but i thought it was fun to experience 11-11-11 (and i even made a wish at 11:11) :)  also loved seeing the flags out for veteran's day -- and i loved it even more when we were out at the mall & meghan saw a young lady in army fatigues -- she wanted me to walk over with her so she could wish the woman a happy veteran's day and thank her for her service!  what an awesome kid!!!!

Today I am thankful for the military and their families...and especially the sacrifices they have made for our country and freedoms.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

11-10-11

i am wiped out!  work went well (a 1/2 day for the kids & training)...the student i work the most with, was out with flu-like symptoms...hope he is better next week!  tomorrow i don't have to work, but i do have to make a mad science run...not sure what else may happen during the day -- i know i need to go to costco & possibly target...then in the afternoon meghan is coming over!  yay!

Today I am thankful for beds with warm quilts.  I love my t-shirt quilt, even though it is getting ratty.

11-9-11

more craziness coming my way, but it is a good craziness!  this weekend is a 3-day weekend, but i have an all day crop on saturday and a lot of errands to finish before then...i also need to bake some cookies before then!  trying to figure out some things for next weekend, too, as i won a free family pass to an event in chicago -- need to determine if i can make it & if anyone wants to join me...we shall see what happens!!!

Today I am thankful for the internet and what we can get from it -- I love having friends right there that I can chat with when phone calls are not an option.

11-8-11

i have less than 150 pages left in the stephen king novel i have been reading -- "under the dome" -- it is an interesting story about a town trapped under a dome of unknown origin...it is not the typical king novel full of scary clowns or creepy girls...it has been (for the first 900+ pages) about the distrust that can occur in a small town, especially in the wake of a major crisis situation...as usual for  king novel, it is set in maine...seeing as i have family in maine & have been there many times, i recognize some of the town names and some of the dialect and regional terms that are used (do you know what chop suey is in new england?)...

Today I am thankful for the weather -- no matter how severe the changes in St. Louis, we always have the weather that is needed.  God is the ultimate meteorologist...too bad he doesn't tell use the forecast!

11-7-11

Today was an interesting day at work -- wrangling in some kiddos who needed to do make-up testing, sitting through PE/health, monitoring lunch (and getting a few lost & found items back with their owners), watching some 8th graders attempt to act (one pair was on their second try & one of the boys still did not know his lines), and sitting in a science class while they took a quiz and measured the mass of pennies...so interesting...but it did give me time to read -- i am about 75% finished with "Under the Dome" by Stephen King...

Today I am thankful for carpooling.  It makes the drive seem quicker, and it is a great way to help the environment & save some gas money! :)

11-6-11

the end of an era happened this afternoon...i went and saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 at the "cheap" theater near my house.  this was the 3rd time i saw it on the big screen...it comes out on DVD on friday...the final time to see the final movie on the big screen.  :(


Today I am thankful for a supportive church family who are polite and work hard.  They support their Sunday School teachers (like me) and want what is best for the children in the program. :)

11-5-11

how fun!!  the trivia night was a little long (he took his time, that is for sure, but it was FUN!  our team came in 2nd!  we got 1/2 out payment back & a "wings & fries" party for coming in 2nd :)  some very simple questions, and some that were really tricky, too...a fun night -- and i need more trivia nights!!

Today I am thankful for weekends and the fun & relaxation that happens during them!

11-4-11

such a long day...so long i didn't get a chance to post yesterday!  but, here is a post for friday :)  i will try and remember to post more later tonight for saturday :)

work was nice -- a group of students were at camp, so i did not feel as rushed and crazy as some days.  after work my friend & i went to mad science for the weekly meeting & kit swap...it went a little longer than usual and we ended up in the horrid friday afternoon rush hour traffic!  after (finally) getting back to my car, i had to stop & get gas before meeting my dad for dinner and then go to a 31 bag party with my friend, barb.  i left the house at 6:10 a.m. and made it home right about 10 p.m.  a long day, but it was filled with wonderful people and fun times!!

Today I am grateful for friends to spend time with, and friends who are too far away to spend time with.

11-3-11

Such a busy week!  The next six weeks are going to be so busy -- I have Mad Science 3 afternoons a week!  All sorts of craziness with that, but it is going to be nice to have the pay from it. :)  This weekend includes a 31 party & crop, Mad Science, a possible trivia night, maybe some stuff for Meghan's birthday, Sunday School.  Next week looks much the same, except that Saturday includes an all day crop. :)

Today I am thankful for my family.  I have extended family a few places around the country, and they are all wonderful.

11-2-11

This adorable girl is now 12.  Not sure how this happened!  Just a moment ago she was a tiny sweet thing...not to say she is not still sweet & pretty tiny (ok, now she is lanky!)...so 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGHAN!!!

Today I am thankful for a job that is fun and interesting.  Life is never dull at either of my jobs!!

11-1-11

So I saw some posts about doing certain things every day during the month of November.  I think I am going to try to do 2 that I saw...
1) post every day on my blog
2) somehow show gratitude every day for something -- i plan to include this in my daily blog posts

so what is new with me -- work, mad science, and not too much else!  not too many trick-or-treaters last night -- best was a little girl dressed as cotton candy (and smelled like it, too!)...

I am grateful for the positive change to my financial life.

11 in 11!!!

These are from 2006, but the love of the game & the team are still around!

Way to go Cardinals!!  

We are Cardinal Nation!

My Bucket List

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details. 

Fifteen Things I Want to Accomplish in My Life

1. Spend a month in Europe -- visit castles, cathedrals, and so much more -- buy a Eurorail pass and enjoy it!

2. Attend a World Series baseball game that involves the best baseball team in the world -- the St. Louis Cardinals!

3. Find out more about my family's history -- do what I can to preserve and share it with my family.

4. Visit Australia and hold a koala.

5. Have a library in my home that is full of the books I love and want to cherish.

6. Visit Universal Studios in Orlando.  Finally overcome my fear of roller coasters and ride the coasters in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

7. Write letters, actual letters not e-mails, to authors I admire.  I want to let them know how their books have affected me.  I want them to hear good words written to them about them.  Everyone deserves to know the praises we have for them.

8. Write a children's book, or possibly a young adult novel.

9. Visit all 50 states -- and I mean more than just a drive through!  I have been to (actually spent time at a location other than a restaurant or gas station): Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, California, Kansas, Colorado, Tennessee, and Nebraska.

10. Rekindle my love of letters and writing honest to goodness letters to friends.  I make cards, but I never send them.  I need to revive this.

11. Foster a love of learning in my classroom -- whatever school I end up at.  I want my students to realize how important reading and writing are to every other part of their life.

12. Become better at things I enjoy -- paper crafting, blogging (oops!), photography...

13. Go on a photo "safari" and learn ways to become better at photography in a special place.

14. Keep current on my certification for CPR/AED.  Take a course in first aide.  Remember the skills to help those in need.

15. Give until it hurts -- time and money are fleeting, but I want to give when and what I can to those in need.

my wish

i wish that all the people of the world would have the finances to pay their bills and just live.  they do not need new fancy phones or cool cars, but the essentials should be affordable for the situation they are in.  i also wish that finances would be easier to understand and better taught to the young.  i wish there was an easy and legal way to earn extra money when needed (for bills or the extras in life).  i wish i had a rich fairy godmother who would pay my bills (ok, just 1 bill).  anyone out there want to take over?  i hate the feeling of overwhelming sadness when i sit down to pay bills and cannot afford to (when working full time).  God will provide, i know, but it is still a hard row to plow!

I want to do this...

35 Random Acts of Kindness for her 35th birthday!  How completely and utterly awesome!

http://ticklestogiggles.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-birthday-was-awesome.html

10 Years Later

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

10 years ago today our country was hit hard by a group of people who tried their best to stop our freedoms.  They succeeded in murdering 1000s, but they did not succeed in destroying our country.  We are stronger because of them.  We became a more united country in the days following the horrific attacks on NYC, Washington DC, and a lone field in Pennsylvania.  We learned that a super hero does not always wear a cape.  We learned to love again.  We learned that helping others can help our own souls.  That day changed us all.  But, despite the tragedy and the changes that have followed, we know love.  We know that we can overcome anything that is set before us as a country. 

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

quick quote

Never dig for water under the outhouse.




(sorry i have been a sucky blogger)

my list

just a look at my prayer list right now:

- Lauren, headed back for another year of teaching in Sudan
- Lisa, finding a teaching position
- Meghan, heading into middle school
- employees of Borders bookstore, and them finding new employment
- thanksgiving for the people who went to Ukraine this month to teach VBS & their safe return
- the kids from my sunday school class and their starting kindergarten this year!
- myself, finding a teaching position

need prayers? let me know so i can add you to my list!

flash flooding!

so late last week we had some rain.
a lot of rain.
like 4-5 inches in under 2 hours.
some people (many people) had flooded basements due to sewer back ups.
our street & yard were flooded.


meghan & her friend nikki were doing some puddle jumping. and sliding in the backyard.
it was ankle deep on the side of our house.
a little deeper in the backyard.

it may be frustrating and sad to have a flood,
but puddle jumping is good for the soul!

T!m Holtz class!

father's day weekend was a one night trip to Kansas City to take a class with Tim Holtz -- left my friend Cheri's house at 3AM to get to class on time on saturday morning!!!!


cheri's hands after about 1/2 of class!!



some of the details of mine
my finished product -- cropped close -- sorry it is hard to see the details!
inky & painty at the end of class
sandy -- ready for the THREE classes she was taking!
tim holtz & myself

frozen charlotte -- all painty & fun

congrats!

CONGRATS, Stacy!! I will message you on FB for your info! :)

new scrapper's challenge!

your june challenge was to create something PATRIOTIC! did you? did you try? did you have fun? i made some patriotic cards...i also used red, white & blue on some pages (although none were strictly patriotic pages)...

july challenge -- USE FLOWERS! stitch up some flowers, make a flower card, use flowers on a page, create a home decor piece with flowers...

comment here if you want a chance to win the prize for june -- remember, you do not have to completed it to win!! i will take comments until friday at noon central!!

Benefit Crop

You can now register for the July 30th Crop benefiting the Andrew Olson Foundation. $40 and you receive a feeling of compassion & caring, along with meals, snacks, prizes, etc for 12 hours! woo!

In the short time the foundation has been established we have already been able to donate $5000 to help build a school playground; send an ill child and his family to Disney World; donate $500 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma society.

We are certain that with your help and a successful crop the foundation will be able to help even more.

Please go to: www.andrewolsonfoundation.org.

Click on the scrapbook heading and follow the directions.

If you have any problems, please comment below so I can help you out!

Taste of St. Louis!

Meghan and I headed out a couple Thursdays ago for our personal "Taste of St. Louis"! Loads of food & fun!World's Fair Donuts - as seen on Alton Brown's "Feasting on Asphalt"
Soulard Market
Fitz's Root Beer -- a float as big as your head!!!
Gus' Pretzels -- for a bratzel (bratwurst wrapped in pretzel)
and Meghan enjoying her chocolate cream pie from World's Fair -- YUM!

what a life (pictures) :)

carousel at the zoo -- meghan rode the poison dart frog!
meghan and the float from fitz's root beer -- accurate size comparison!
pickle-on-a-stick at the zoo (breakfast of champions?)
cake at lisa & bill's wedding! yum!
cake at lisa's shower from work :)
story teller at civil war day who told the slave experience -- she was magnificent!
abraham lincoln at civil war day -- he was superb!
meghan's dance recital -- "time warp"
lisa looking very happy at her shower

winner for may's challenge!!

The winner for May is CHRISTI! i contacted her via facebook so i can get her prize out at some point (maybe when i get kolette's out, too). get scrapping for june's challenge (patriotic!)...

more posts soon!

toodles :)

scrapper's challenge -- how'd you do & new one!

How did you do with the MAY scrapper challenge? Did you go tropical and summer-y? I did some, but not too much -- in fact, I did not get to scrap as much as I would have liked this past month!! Make sure to answer this question in the comments section -- you have the chance to win some awesome scrapbook goodies! Please comment asap as I will draw the winner on THURSDAY JUNE 9th at 7PM central!!

On to the JUNE CHALLENGE -- in preparation for the FOURTH OF JULY next month, create something PATRIOTIC! woo!!

toodles!

really...almost a month??

i had high hopes of more posts... :(

the end of the year went fabulously -- parties & meeting CAM JANNSEN of the Blues & movies & fun & waving the kids good bye on the last day!! since the last day was may 27th, it was great to start the summer break with a long weekend, lol, and a holiday!

since school let out i have been to a wedding, had another summer school orientation, taken meghan to the zoo, done a "taste of st. louis", eaten Pappy's BBQ, seen a movie, and celebrated my friend's son, caleb, graduating! woohoo!!

still nothing on the job front :( it is discouraging because i have friends getting interviews & jobs...and i am hearing nothing...but it also gives me hope since there are people getting hired...


look for another post tomorrow (sunday) for the challenge!!!

toodles

post 900 & a winner!

the winner for the april challenge is Kolette (who i know from my dana days)...CONGRATS! i will message you on facebook for your mailing info!!

it must be the end of the school year -- it is super busy!


sunday was sunday school & mad science training...

monday i took my car in for an oil change, tire rotation, and the 2 inspections i need for renewing my plates...this then turned into new rear brakes (which cost about double the front ones) so i could pass the inspection...i also ran to the library & costco...

tuesday (today) was shopping for a shower gift, the DMV (3:45 on a tuesday went super fast!), ben franklins...gLee was wonderful tonight -- made me tear up, but i loved this episode (for the most part -- i do not like jesse st. james)...

every day this week is something after work -- tomorrow there is a shower for someone i work with, thursday is summer school orientation, friday is the cornerstone picnic...so so much happening!!

since may started i have been privileged to go on two field trips -- a couple weeks ago i went along with some of the 6th graders when they went fishing...today was the 8th grade Civil War Day -- it was magnificent! we saw reenactors for: cavalry, artillery, infantry, medical units, music & dance, Abraham Lincoln, women's roles, & the African-American experience (this was my favorite -- the woman was a phenomenal storyteller & was so believable!!)...

toodles, friends!

i am such a slacker & scrapbook challenge

ok, it has been over a month since i blogged. i am a blog fail. i slacked all month. i think it is a mixture of a lot of things -- spring that was not coming, inches (and feet) of rain, flooded roads, lack of funds to do much, lack of forward progress in the job hunt...anything that would motivate me was just not happening in april...sad, i know...

now, onto the challenge!!!

DID YOU USE SPRING COLORS DURING APRIL??? i have one set of cards that i did using flowers and some bright springy colors (and another set that i have also slacked on using only spring colors/inspiration, lol)...whether you did or not, COMMENT ON THIS POST for a chance to win!!! i still need to hook up with leah so she can get her prize!

onto the MAY CHALLENGE -- let's get ready for summer & create using tropical/bright colors -- hot pink, lime green, sunshine-y yellow, tropical blue...

winner winner, scrapbook "dinner"!

way to go LEAH M!! congrats!!!

now, get working with your spring colors! :)

toodles :)

march scrapper's challenge is over :( -- time for a new one!!!

so, like march, i am running a few days behind in posting this...

how did you do on the scrap challenge?? did you use any scraps? i used scraps for a card swap i am in...i hope you were able to play along this month -- even if you didn't, make sure to comment for your chance to win!! this month's prize includes a paper pack & some embellishments...and, if i find anything else, that may get thrown in as well!! make sure you comment by the time gLee starts on tuesday 4/5 -- so 7pm central...

for april's challenge...use SPRING colors!!! use them on whatever you are crafting :)

happy creating!

toodles

p.s. did you comment??

shoes?

debating on getting my dad some shoes for his birthday...these may be them! not sure for my brother, although, he may be lucky to get a gift card to some fast food place since he never gives me any ideas...oh well...

cut & color!

beforeduring (after step 1 of bleaching)
after -- red-heads have more fun!

SPRING BREAK!

i am so excited! it is now spring break! i am not doing anything too exciting, but i am hoping to be productive & finish quite a bit -- cleaning, crafting, appointments, etc...

friday there was no school, so i already started the fun of break -- chinese for lunch & then scrapbooking on friday and saturday...today was church & sunday school and then i went to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 again with my friend, renee...

sleeping in tomorrow -- and trying to stay as cool as possible -- today was the second 80*+ day so far this month! tomorrow is suppose to be just as warm...

toodles!

God provides....

in times like we are living in, it is good to see what God can and does do...

many prayers have been said for the people of Japan, Hawaii, and the west coast...Japan has been hit worse than anything I can remember -- both from the earthquake & the tsunami...now the worry for nuclear meltdown...scary times are ahead, but God is in control...I was looking on-line and the WELS missionary and his family are all okay...so are the three national pastors...there has been minimal damage (all things considered) and only one member is reported missing from all 9 congregations for a total of 400+ members...it is scary...it may seem hopeless...but God is in control...He has shown what He can do and what He can provide...God is working in the hearts of many to help and provide for the citizens of Japan...stories of survival are coming out -- and i pray to hear more -- i loved hearing about the man who had been swept away by the tsunami while in his house -- he was found floating NINE miles off the coast on a piece of his roof 2 days later...what a miracle!! please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts & prayers, and, if you are able, find a way to donate to help...

on a more local level, God was surely with me today...this morning it was snowing! the drive started out fine at home, as we just had rain...i turned onto interstate 44 and about a mile or so in was driving extremely slow to remain in control with the 2-3 inches of slushy-snow on the highway...everyone was moving slow and driving carefully -- a miracle in itself! as i got to 109, i started to worry as 109 is a very curvy hill...about a mile up the road, traffic was at a dead stop...i got stuck...i was able to make it to the shoulder, and i called AAA...they thought the tow truck would be there by 8:30 (it was 6:50)...i had a few people check to make sure i was okay, had gas in the car, etc...i saw people u-turning to go south as north bound was completely closed...i stayed safe...buses passed...cars & trucks passed...3 plows passed -- giving me a nice "curb" of snow! in a way, they made it a little safer for me as others had a guide of where to drive! about 7:30 AAA called and told me the tow truck was about a 1/2 hour away...at about 8:45 there was no other traffic to be seen...not a soul in sight! i cleaned the accumulated snow off my car...i called AAA and was told the tow truck was not allowed on 109 as the road was closed...about 10:10 a police officer (leading a line of cars south) had me attempt to get unstuck...i was nervous & kept braking, instead of gunning it...so the police man got in my car and got me free! i called AAA to cancel the tow and headed home (earlier i had called in to the sub system since i could tell i was not getting out anytime soon!)...i had prayed to God for safety on my way out of my neighborhood, and i made sure to praise and thank Him as soon as i was safely on my way...what a blessed morning (even if i was shaking!)...


toodles

crazy week or so!!

to give you an idea of the past couple weeks...

2/28: no power at work; kids dismissed early; had to take personal time to leave
3/1: work & babysitting some awesome kids (and a cat with tummy troubles!!)
3/2: work, mad science, church...breathing optional!
3/3: work & mad science
3/4: work & driving in to swap my mad science kits
3/5: relaxing...finally!
3/6: power hour & church...
3/7: work & picking up the new headlight assembly for my car
3/8: work...and rain...and an unexpected detour that should last about a month!!

i feel like i am always in my car going somewhere...and nothing seems that close to me...but this week has been pretty positive so far...

hope all is well :)
toodles

winner!!

this month's winner is...

MONICA!!

i will get you your prize as soon as i can -- happy creating!!


toodles

scrapper's challenge -- how'd you do & new one!

I am a few days behind, but....

how did you do on the february scrapper's challenge to create something for someone else??? i did not do some of what i hoped to do (albums for children in the hospital), but i did make a bunch of cards for others...MAKE SURE YOU COMMENT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! (comment by friday, march 4, 7pm CT to be eligible -- you did not have to complete the challenge to be eligible -- just post whether you played & finished something or were unable to create something for someone else)....prize this month is a pack of paper, some brads, & whatever else i decide to throw in!!

march's challenge is simple -- use scraps! i am not a scrap saver for the most part -- i either recycle them or pass them on to a friend who does use scraps (nancy!)...but this month i am challenging you to break out (or save) your scraps to create something -- anything!! maybe you are not a scrapper, but you have fabric scraps -- use them!

toodles :)

storms!

we are only in february (granted, it is the end of the month), and this is the second storm system to come through this year and have tornadoes/the potential for tornadoes...

crazy weather!! where i live is under a tornado watch until 4 AM -- i am just hoping to get some sleep since i am a storm worrier...

stay safe to my local peeps -- and please pray for safety for the area!

toodles...

sorry!

i have been a bad blogger this week...the blogging mojo has taken a hiatus...i would love to post more, but i am not sure what to say...

today was a cropping day, so i am happy about that...i finished cards for a swap, saw a bunch of friends, bought the new basic grey, and finished some pages, too...

and meghan started reading harry potter so i am super happy about that!

not much else happening -- lots of job searching...

toodles

library

I returned a bag of books & CDs tonight...

I have 2 books currently checked out (they are on their 2nd renewal)...finally i am going to read Behemoth and Keeper of the Grail...

i have 7 items requested...
* 2 CDs (gLee volume 3 & volume 4)
* 2 DVDs (Social Network & Secretariat)
* 2 books that come out in April or May
* 1 book that is currently out

2 items are "in transit" to my library -- the book that is in & one of the CDs...I am hoping to get at least one of the books finished that I have had for about a month now before these make it to my library -- save myself a trip!!

happy reading :)

toodles

Gone

so i started with the book "Gone" by michael grant -- an interesting story reminiscent of "Lord of the Flies"...but with more fantasy involved (think super powers)...it took me awhile to get into the story, but once i was in, i was stuck! i had to finish to find out what happened...

then i learned there was a second book (which i do not like to learn once i have started since i have to finish a series once i start it!)..."Hunger" is another novel set in the FAYZ with the same characters facing some different problems in their new reality...so i checked this one out from the library as well...finished it tonight -- good conflict, some parts were slower than others, but an overall good book...

so i head to amazon to link to the books, and see there are TWO more!! one came out last spring ("Lies") and another, "Plague," comes out in a little over a month! i have requested both at the library, so maybe then i will be able to finish this series!! since the story can be slow at times (for me), i am hoping the series is over...i am having trouble imagining what else could happen in the FAYZ, but i am sure michael grant has come up with some great stories to add to the tale!!

yawn!!!

so tired...and i have been getting sleep this weekend!! i think it is the change in weather (75* today...forecast of 40* then dropping tomorrow)...

tomorrow is a nice day with no work -- happy presidents' day all!! -- i am going to swap mad science kits & then go to lunch (barb and/or meghan may be joining me)...not sure what else may happen, but i am hoping to clean out my car a little...and finish up some cleaning that started today...we will see!!

have a lovely monday -- whether you have to work or not!!

toodles :)

lazy daisy

today i got to be a lazy daisy -- this has not happened much recently! i sat and watched tv & played on the computer a lot today...i did make a costco trip (always a ton of work) and delivered some items to friends...i also started laundry...tomorrow i vow to get things finished -- because i want monday (a day off!) to be fun!!!


toodles

back to normal?

spent the day working with kiddos, then working for teachers...then i got some play time!! scrapped the afternoon/evening away with barb & tina!! yay!!

i created 5 cards for a swap (so i was also accomplishing my challenge for creating for others) and then some pages, too...

i am excited because i have a 3 day weekend...and it has been 70*+ for the last 3 days...some errands for this weekend, and i am hoping to fit in a movie at some point...and monday bring chinese buffet for lunch! yum-o!

have a wonderful weekend :)

toodles

long day....

today was a long, long day...worked all day (including time with a student who was not in the mood to do anything but blame others)...then onto my part time job...then the mall to make some returns and such...gone from the house for a full 12 hours...

tomorrow i will be gone even longer, but that will include some fun time -- cropping!!

toodles :)

reading away....

so the pile of books from the library has been morphing -- i have 4 left to read...i also have 2 CDs i need to listen to/upload...i am also down to 4 requests (from a high of 20+) -- this is 1 book (which has not been released yet), 2 CDs, and 2 movies...it is going to take awhile on some of them, but i am willing to wait!

happy reading (or listening)(or watching)...enjoy your library!!!!!

toodles :)

oopsie daisy!

i missed a day. i have blogged every single day so far this year. i am sad. i will, though, probably have a day that i blog more than once, so i may end my year on a high note...

sunny and close to 60 for most of this week -- some rain tomorrow -- but, even though we have a ton of moisture on the ground right now, the rain will be nice -- clean the streets off, clean the cars off, melt more of the snow...i am really enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather, but i am cautious & nervous -- it is only february! we are going to be in for something major...i can feel it -- it may be storms in the spring...it may be snow in late spring early summer...i know it will include major flooding...but it is too early for this nice weather, so i think there will be some karma coming our way later this year...

not much else going on...


toodles :)

babysitting

today i babysat for a family from church -- 3 sweet kids -- they played for awhile and then we baked up some cookies & watched "Despicable Me" which i had never seen...

that movie is FUNNY! good lines for both kids and adults! i want to see it again as i missed some parts...

toodles :)

excitement!

wednesday i received my official certificate from the state!! i am completely certified!!!!


now to find a job!!



toodles :)

so much to accomplish!

tomorrow i am cropping all day with some friends -- barb, tina, & i bought a year's worth of basic grey kits we are going to put together...i have pulled what i need tool wise, and all the pages...barb even has her pictures picked for them!! i am not in a thinking about pictures mood, so i am skipping that part for now, but i think once i have the pages complete (well, as complete as they can be without pictures) i will be able to pick & print pictures fairly easily...i know barb is using her pages for her 2010 monthly layouts...



anything happening on the scrapbook challenge front?? i have done nada for others :( hopefully soon!!


-toodles-

ready for the weekend...

the countdown is on -- work & a kit swap, then it is the weekend!!

not sure what is going on tomorrow night, but saturday is an all-day crop! :) sunday is church & sunday school & then babysitting in the evening...

i am hoping this cold goes away -- today was bad at work, but now i am feeling quite a bit better...more sudafed & tylenol...and hopefully some quality sleep...and i will be back to normal...maybe ;)

toodles :)

my (current) best friends...

retro? me?

so a few years back i was shopping at target (like usual, lol) and saw one of the toy aisles was called "retro toys"...it sounded interesting, so i went to see what there was in the way of toys that were considered retro -- i expected to see toys from the 1950s and 1960s...instead, what i saw stopped me in my tracks...


it was toys i grew up with -- my little pony, cabbage patch dolls, strawberry shortcake! the 1980s are retro?!!?

so, i am retro...one day i will be an antique...so much to look forward to!!!


toodles from a retro!

weird...

so my check engine light went out today -- and has not come back on -- so i am going to let it go for now...if it comes back on, then i may change my mind!!

this afternoon i went to the library -- returned 8 books and picked up another book & a CD...my request list is getting smaller...i have 4 1/2 books to finish reading that are due wednesday, but i am going to renew them so i have time to finish all of them...

this evening i was printing resumes & such for tomorrow -- there are things i need copies of, but i am going to stop by church in the morning to make copies versus using the copier/scanner/printer to make them since that takes so much longer! i have done 25 of each thing so far -- the job fair has 20 listings, but that list is from january 31, so who knows if there will be more or less or whatever!!

toodles.

eek!

tuesday i am going to an education job fair -- tomorrow is going to involve a lot of printing on my part...i need to print out resumes & such to have for the districts that will be there...so many things to do, and so so little time!

3+ more inches

woke up to the plow at 6 this morning...and then he was back about 8:30...we had at least 3 more inches of snow over night...more snow predicted for this coming week...i love winter & i love snow...but i am starting to hate it -- mainly because i hate driving/parking in it!! my car is too low to go where it has not been plowed...gr.

toodles...

gr at my car!

today was a lovely day -- for the most part -- work & swapping kits for mad science went well, until i tried to leave mad science, and my car got stuck in the snow/ice in the unplowed parking lot (not nice, landlord!)...took a bit of work -- THANK YOU SALLY -- but i made it out & home safe in enough to breathe for a bit before going to babysit...on my drive home from sitting, my check engine light came on!!

i am hoping it is something simple -- like a low fluid level -- and i am going to add some wiper fluid in the AM...praying that is enough!!

snow is starting again -- some simple flurries right now...prediction is 1-2 inches over night...not sure i can handle anymore driving in the snow!!

toodles...

we have a winner!

well, unfortunately for the rest of you, there was only comment for the january scrapper's challenge -- so BARB, you are the winner!!!! i will bring your goodies this weekend when i see you!! :)

toodles :)

snowy snowy snowy

day 2 of snow days is down, day 3 is coming tomorrow...we are now at 7 for the school year, 1 over the built in, so we will end a day later...for as much as i love a snow day, i am hoping they are over...

today i made cinnamon rolls and did some scrapping...yesterday i relaxed & cleaned a little...tomorrow is going to be some other cleaning & some more scrapping -- it was nice to go into my scrappy room & just chill for an hour or so!! i have some clean up to do in there, but it is usable! :)

toodles!!

and don't forget to scroll down & comment for your chance to win (paper, brads & some other goodies!!)...

February's Scrapper's Challenge!!

How did you do in January? Make sure to go HERE and comment to be entered to win (will close on February 3 in the evening)...right now there is one comment, so barb may not want to to comment so she can win! ;)

so, for February, your challenge is to create something for someone else!! it can be a card to mail to someone, a gift you craft, pillowcases for kids in the hospital, dinner for a neighbor, or some other creation for someone other than yourself! it does NOT need to be scrappy related!!!

as for myself, i have cards i need to take to For Keeps Sake to be donated to Operation Write Home...i hope to make some others, too...

i also want to make some mini books and altered composition books for Cardinal Glennon like I have the past 2 years...last year i donated 31 mini books & 5 altered journals...right now i have NONE to donate...i usually go up over my spring break (march) to drop them off, so i really want to work on some this month so i can try to get some done to take in...

if you don't know who or what to make for someone else, feel free to use up some older supplies to make some mini books or altered journals for the patients & families at Cardinal Glennon -- just let me know & i can pick them up from you (if you are local) or i will let you know my address if you have any you want to send for me to take in...

good luck (the prize for february is a pack of making memories paper and some brads and any other goodies i pull out)

toodles :)

scrapper's challenge -- how'd you do?

so on january 1 i posted a challenge to use what you have...did you participate at all? did you at least try? how did you do?? ANSWER THESE IN THE COMMENTS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN (this month the prize will be at least 2 things of brads - epoxy & gem - and a bunch of paper)...

my tallies are the same as when i went to the FKS weekend retreat...
12x12: 33
cards: 12
mini book: started

i haven't scrapped since then :(

the only money i spent this month (outside of the kits i get each month) was $10 for a making memories grab bag at michaels -- shared some with others, used some of the glitter letter stickers from it....i also owe a friend $10 or so for some making memories letters she got me for $1 a pack (versus $3) but i have not used any of them, so i guess that doesn't count...lol


NEW CHALLENGE COMING TOMORROW!!


toodles

3 1/2 down....

here are the books i have checked out from the library right now -- all 13 of them! i have finished 3 and am about 1/2 way through a 4th...these are all books that are appropriate for middle & high schoolers...most have been nominated for missouri's various book awards -- truman and mark twain -- i have basically read a book a day since i went to the library last...this will continue...although, with the weather that is predicted, i should be able to read more & be finished quicker ;)

toodles & happy reading!!

more??

more snow is predicted...not sure if i can handle anymore -- and i love snow! this time they are saying ice & snow -- so, if that is true, i am predicting more snow days...they have said it could be worse than the last storm (8+ inches)...and some have compared it to the blizzard of '82 (which i don't remember)...

we will see if anything falls at all!!

toodles :)

Where Were You When?

my first "where were you when" moment happened 25 years ago today...the Challenger space shuttle exploded shortly after lift-off...

i was in first grade at Trautwein Elementary school. my teacher was mrs. spencer. our class, and all the other first grade classes, had gathered in another teacher's room (mrs. hummel i believe) because it was the biggest one for our grade level. the students were seated on the floor. the teachers were gathered at the rear of the room. the tv -- on its big tall cart -- was in front of us all...we counted down with the man on the tv. we watched the shuttle in awe.

then the worst thing that can happen at a shuttle launch happened. we (the students) did not know that was not suppose to happen -- we thought it was all part of a shuttle take-off. i remember clapping (and possibly cheering)...

then we noticed the teachers were crying in the back of the room. they knew it shouldn't have looked like that. they knew the shuttle had exploded. they knew all the astronauts were dead. they knew that very special teacher, Christa McAuliffe, had perished. they knew. we did not.

this has been a day that made me think -- i guess this is my kennedy assassination -- it is my first, but unfortunately it is not my last...

13

so i returned 2 library books yesterday...and picked up the requests that had come in -- all 13 of them!! i read one today, and will finish at least one tomorrow (i know)...

i also requested 4 CDs (gLee)...so i now have 7 items on hold -- 1 is currently in transit...1 of the books comes out in early may, so i will have a book on hold for quite a while!!

lots of reading in my future! :)

toodles

p.s. i bought a book at borders tonight with a gift card...i am bad, aren't i??

2 things i have been thinking about

one:
sometimes you see a car that seems like such an oxymoron...i have seen 2 in the past 6 or so months that make me wonder...

1) a smart car with a hemi -- it seems like hemi would wreck the smart car since it is so small!!
2) a hummer hybrid -- i think it may get 12 mpg versus 10 mpg...



two:
saw this as a window cling on a car today -- made the drive home much more bearable!
"did you have a big bowl of stupid for breakfast?" -- made me laugh (and think about some people i have met before!)



toodles :)

a day in my life...

not sure what to blog, so here is a typical day for me:

5 am -- wake up
6 am -- leave for work, eat something for breakfast in the car
7:10 am -- clock in...work all day
2:40 pm -- clock out
3:15 pm -- home if i do not have mad science after work or some other stop to make...
4 pm -- gilmore girls on abc family, lol
9 pm -- news
10:30 pm -- bed...

how exciting?!!? i know, pretty boring!!

toodles

Forest of Giving

during the Christmas season we do a "Forest of Giving" at church -- it started as the "Giving Tree" back when i was in high school, but that tree started looking way to charlie brown, so the youth group (which i lead) raised some money and bought some small pencil trees -- it is now the forest of giving...each year we collect toiletries (a lot of hotel size ones), socks, mittens, etc. to donate to a local charity...

this year we donated to the new Ronald McDonald House near St. John's hospital...

our total tally was:
7 hats
19 gloves/mittens
8 scarves
1 scarf/hat/glove set
2 neck warmers
2 baby legwarmers
2o pairs of socks
4 body wash/shower gels
16 bars of soap
5 loofahs
12 toothbrushes
2 bottles of mouthwash
1 tube of toothpaste
23 shampoos
13 conditioners
2 hair brushes
1 big thing of hair elastics
17 lotions
3 deodorants
1 body spray
5 "others" (various samples)

THANK YOU!

toodles :)

2 books tonight

i read 2 books tonight...

the first was Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel Smith....cute story, good for younger kids (i could see a 3rd or 4th grader really loving it)...some middle schoolers may enjoy it -- especially if they are a lower reading level, or just love funny books...it took me less than an hour...

the other book was Runaway Twin by Peg Kehret...good story! Kehret writes a lot of stories with kidnappings or abductions or runaways, but this had a great twist with the long lost twin scenario...lots of intrigue and interesting stories...family and love underlie everything (in this book and in life)...

toodles :)

wists

have you ever heard of wists? wists is a website to create your own "wish list" of sorts -- it is helpful for showcasing crafts you may like or want -- you can wist anything from any site...

mine is a lot of different crafts i have seen on craftster that i liked...a lot are related to matrushka dolls, harry potter, & various tote bags & cute plushies...

you can find mine here -- and go make your own & post the link! they sure are fun!

toodles :)

busy day today...

it was another snow day today -- this was #4 of 6 that were built into the school year...

i learned that the cinnamon bread we bought can cause a fire in the toaster oven (it has a layer of cinnamon on the outside, & i think it dripped onto the heating element in the toaster)...

today i swapped mad science kits & paid for my new glasses...i found more books to request at the library (i think i have 18 on my list now!)...i went to costco, and target, and another target...i went to dinner at red robin


the target at gravois bluffs in fenton is awesome -- the people were helpful & the store was stocked & the workers were actually working...

the target in south county (near costco) SUCKED! the workers were too busy having their own conversations to help...nothing was in stock, the lines were long & the price check scanners were not working...they are doing some remodeling, so i understand having items in a different place or some of the scanners not working, but the customer service SUCKED....


toodles :)

snow day ritual

on snow days i pop open a can of cinnamon rolls to bake for breakfast...i make sure we have them in the house come winter...but now i am in a quandary -- we used the last tube today...and they have already called for tomorrow! i guess it will be cinnamon bread toast tomorrow for breakfast....

toodles :)