couple of christmas tags

Made these for the template challenge here . The tag templates are by Kim Johnson, and the kits that I used are Rockadoodle Christmas by Faith True (for the round Tag) and Holly Jolly Christmas by Kim Johnson (for the other tag, LOL).

Nanny and the boys

Here is my lo for the november quote challenge at www.thescraphabit.com .

The font is CK Holiday Spirit and the kit I used was the October newsletter freebie and template from Alma Townsend at the Scrap Habit.

quote reads

"Other things my change us, but we start and end with family" - Anthony Brandt

Another new digi layout

Did this one for a sketch challenge at www.thescraphabit.com .

Kit used is Caution, Snowsuit Required by Sarah Davis (available here). Font used is Signboard

New digi layout

Did this page for the template challenge at sbElements.com .

Font used is Sylfaen, Kit used is Monica Larsen's Florals kit.

The pictures are Aidan on his first fourth of July. He was 7 months old.

The letters I altered for our family picture

nine inches tall

I got Tagged! Christmas Tag from Meghan

Holiday Tag
1 Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Um, hello, he wraps. Well he doesn't really. The elves do. Santa is a busy man!
3. Do you hang mistletoe? Sometimes
4. When do you put your decorations up? Haven't put any up in the last like 4 years, usually go to NJ for christmas. Otherswise usually on Black Friday, but I haven't managed it yet this year.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?don't really have one
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: don't really have one
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What are you talking about? There were rumors going around that he wasn't real when I was about 8, but seeing as I'm a mommy now, that means I am now one of Santa's Helpers so I know those nasty rumors were a lie!
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We usually get x-mas PJs on the eve.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? lights first, then ornaments then tree topper
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?Like all things it is great in moderation
12. Can you ice skate? Went one time, fell hard enough that it's put me off the idea of trying again for life, also gave me some pain in my hip that has come and gone ever since. So the answer to that is a resounding NO
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Don't have one
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? sweet potato pie
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Buying a special ornament for the kids each year.
17. What tops your tree? I have a star and an angel, it depends on what I feel like putting up there.
18. Which do you prefer giving or Receiving? Giving- I love wrapping presents and seeing peoples reactions (but I do like receiving, really I do...so feel free to send me gifts!)
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Carol of the Bells
20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?YUM YUM doodle DUM

I tag anyone who hasn't already been tagged by this one!
Hey Laurie this means you! LOL

Dinner

It wasn't to awful. everything was cold, except she made a fresh can of cresents. Aidan of course had to have a tantrum, ok he had to of them but that's splitting hairs a bit. This is normal for whenever we're all over there. He's so used to getting his way that having Ian and I there, not letting him get away with everything doesn't mesh well. Oh Well! Not a horrible evening all in all, just stressful, but then again the holidays normally are.
Gobble Gobble

Productive

That's what Aidan's and my afternoon was, while we were letting daddy sleep. First we cleared off my scrap desk, got a lot of stuff put away, rearranged a little to work in some of my new storage. Then he and I decorated the J-O-Y letters (one for each of us to hold in our holiday photo)that I bought at Michael's. They came out pretty good. Will post a picture later if I get the chance. We also put the first coat of christmas red paint on the inside of the tray we're decorating for milk and cookies for Santa.
We just got daddy up so he could shower and we could go to my mom's for dinner. Which by the way was done 2 hours ago? Not really sure why they started so early when she asked what time we would be coming, and I told her after Ian gets up, which is usually 4, which is what time I woke him up. So basically they've probably eaten and we'll go over and they'll sit and watch us eat...which is always awkward. Which is how just about every holiday dinner that we do at their house is. I don't know if they just plan badly and the food is always done way too early and they just eat while it's hot, or if they ask what time we're coming and then just disregard whatever we said. Who knows. We probably won't stay long. My mom and god-mother will act like it's been 12 years since they've seen Aidan instead of 24 hours. Which for some reason always tends to put me on edge.
I am thankful, that they love Aidan so much, don't get me wrong. But lordy they can be smothering. We'll be expected to keep up a steady stream of chatter (notice that I didn't say engage in conversation, that doesn't really happen there is always lots of awkward silence), and when we don't we'll be asked what's the matter. Hopefully Christmas won't be so bad...If I can get the house ready maybe they can come here instead. Then they can be the ones who decide when they want to leave, and I can be the one to say "So, soon?" I, of course, won't be saying as if they're abandoning me in a the jungle, with no food or water, which is how my mom says it everytime we go. Sometimes it's hard to be so loved. It's nice though to know that you're loved, and for that I am thankful as well. Even if I don't always sound like I am, even to myself.
Happy Turkey Day again! Perhaps I'll post on the outcome of the evening later.

Gobble til you Wobble

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope everyone is spending today with loved ones! To the NJ clan we miss you and love you!
Here's a few pictures of the little man enjoying the leaves in the yard...

2 new digi layouts

Both of these are for challenges at sbElements.com
the first is for their font challenge, we had to use the font "Selfish" it's gorgeous and I can totally see me using this alot! The kit I used for this is Misty Cato's Rolling Along Kit.



the next is for their Title Take Challenge- this month's title was "Harvest of Happiness" The kit I used for this one was the October gift from Alma Townsend.



Edited: I don't know why this isn't loading right, but just click on the preview and you can see the whole thing.

Christmas cards

Mine are normally very late or never even make it into the mail. This year is going to be different. This year I'm making mine, and They're about half done. All of the stamping is done, all the layers are cut, I just need to do the coloring in and the putting together. I'm really liking how they're coming out too. I've also discovered something over the last few days. I tend to lean toward blues for christmas, is anyone else like this? I was wrapping presents today and noticed that all of the wrapping paper the last few years has been blue for the most part. and now this year the ornaments we're making, the cards I'm making, the ornament I bought (we get one each year) all have blue. Most people when they think of Christmas lean toward reds and greens don't they? I mean those are the "traditional" colors right? oh well I went off on a bit of a tangent there. Here's a peek at the out side of our cards for this year. The scan just doesn't do these justice, all the grey areas are sparkly and this scan makes them look kind of dull, but you can get the basic idea any way.

Santa's helper over and out!

Aidan w/ SANTA

How stinking cute is this kid?? He was SO excited to go and see Santa today. He told Santa what he wanted for christmas (a kitchen) and Santa told him to make sure that he was a good boy. Not so sure how long that will last, but it never hurts to have the jolly fat man backing you up. I'm pretty thrilled that he go to see Santa today too, for a couple of reasons.
1- no line
2- the was a very nice Santa
3- I don't have to go anywhere near the mall again until Christmas is over!
So without further ado here's the little man and the jolly fat man!

Git 'R Dun!!!

That's me, Getting it Done!
I'm done shopping for Aidan's Birthday and my job as Santa's Helper for my little guy is done as well. Picked up the big one today. In another month or so I'll be dining at the newest hot spot in my neighborhood, Chez McB's. I'll have a major in with the Chef in training, Chef Aidan. That's right I just got my fry-guy a kitchen set up. One day some lucky girl will thank me when she marries my Aidan and he knows his way around a kitchen and knows how to cook (and I do NOT mean how to work the microwave either)!
I'm basically done for Ian as well, just have 2 things to pick up when they come back in stock.
Dan is done. Kev is almost done, just need to get one more small thing (which I still need to decide what that small thing will be).
Mom is done, just need to finish making it.
My Godmother's present is taken care of, I just need to make it.
I picked up an unfinished wooden tray that I'm going to decorate that will be our special christmas tray for cookies and milk for Santa. Will take pictures of that when it's done. Also stopped at work to get my check and pic up some paper to cover my wooden letters that I'm going to use in this year's christmas pictures. Will post them when I'm done.
We've got some re-arranging to do, need space for the new kitchen we got for Aidan and we need somewhere to put the tree. This should be interesting. But it can be done! I will succeed. Monday hopefully I can wrap everything but the kitchen set (because it is just to big, that and I had to take it out of the box in order to get it in the truck. I love the Step2 line of toys, they're very sturdy, but good grief the boxes are HUGE!!!!
I love the fact that other then a trip to the mall tomorrow to get Aidan's picture taken with the fat guy in a red suit I won't have to go near the mall again until after christmas!!! WOOOOHOOOO! That is a beautiful thing. All I need to do it go to Borders and use up the holiday cash I earned during the year, and that's it! Will probably get some christmas books for the little guy since I don't think any of Ian's or my books are due out before my holiday cash expires.
I am just so thrilled to be pretty much done. I feel as though I've accomplished something. Tomorrow I have to take the truck for it's 30k mile maint. and take Aidan for his picture, and then I may let him visit w/ Nana and Grandma for a little bit so I can wrap the goods.
Santa's Elf over and out!

Job Titles and a Plan

Who would have thought that having a child would give me so many different job titles? I'm usually taxi driver, short order cook,and maid. I've got the seasonal job of "Santa's Elf"! The pays not great, but it's fun, if you can ignore the money that just flies right out of your hands. I'm finally back on track where I normally am. I've bought most of the stocking stuffers, and I'll be wrapping what I've got on Monday and it feels good to be back in control. Most years the bulk of my Christmas shopping is done by Thanksgiving. I've got a plan for what's left and I'm going to stick to it too. I really don't enjoy the "hustle and bustle" closer to the holiday, I don't like the bumping and pushing and grabbing (and the traffic, my God the traffic!) that tends to happen when people wait until the last minute, it sort of ruins the whole spirit of Christmas, the why we celebrate. So I avoid the crowds at any and all costs. And God Bless online shopping, which is how I've done most of my shopping the last few years. Saves time, money (if you shop around), and my sanity. Since we have to stay home this Christmas it means that I have to get the house ready for the holidays. This is something I haven't done since I was pregnant with Aidan (who by the way will be four in a matter of weeks!!!!). We just haven't bothered with a tree and all the trimmings because we've always gone away for the holiday. And really with the stress of the job and having such a young child I don't know if I could have handled it any sooner then this. Time to step up to the plate, make some new traditions, and get back into the spirit of the holiday.
I've got my christmas cards in the works, and Aidan has been making some lovely ornaments (with a little bit of help from mommy)to send out to some special people. I've been working on thepackages for the ornaments, they're coming along nicely if I do say so myself!
I've got our clothes for a Christmas photo shoot (which hopefully will happen on thanksgiving when my God-mother will be able to take a few shots of the three of us together for our christmas cards). Which should mean I'll actually get Christmas cards in the mail in time to be delivered...before Christmas. That hasn't happened in years, LOL.
Santa's Helper signing off for now.
Here's to a Jolly Holiday Season!

For Kyle

I had to share this video that some one thought to share with me (Thanks Torreh!) I'm going to start looking for one of these car seats right away. Please watch this video and tell anyone you know that has children about this. Spread the word!

Zonked

I had gone to get the little guy from Grandma's after daddy finally went to sleep. We come home, he asks if he can watch a movie. I say "maybe. just let mommy finish typing this post". He says "ok".
Silence ensues....
Now I don't know about any one else's house, but in my house silence means one of 2 things.
#1- silence=Trouble (notice the capital 'T')
this is most often the case! is usually means trouble of the "I'm-doing-something-I-know-I'm-not-supposed-to-so-I'm-going-to-be-SUPER-quiet-while-I-do-it-so-as-to-lull-mommy-into-thinking-I'm-being-such-a-good-patient-boy" variety.
and
#2- see pictures below...


Now this is only the third time this has ever happened. Twice here and once at Grammy and Grandpa's house. So I don't know what all he did today at Grandma's house but they must have WORN him out! I go into the living room and at first I didn't see him, then I followed the snoring to the futon. Look how sweet he is! What a kid. He even covered himself up (that's his Daddy's old baby blanket he's using)!

Wisdom and Weather

...teeth out for Ian today. We've been waiting since march for the ok from the insurance and it finally came a couple of weeks ago, so we scheduled it for today. He did really well! Poor guy was up for over 24 hours though. but he's got 2 more days to recover before he goes back to work. He should be a much happier camper now that those teeth are gone!
It's raining cats and dogs and elephants and frogs and everything else you can imagine here today. I mean by the bucket. our street is flooded, half the street has no power. and it's cold. What a stinky deal!
That's about it for now, going to shut her down for the storm.
TTYL!

Heidi Layout

She's so cute I had to do a page really quick!

Credits for supplies go to-

criss cross stitching is by Peggy Brutcher from the kit Flip Flop Fun.

Background, buttons, ribbon, and pink flower ar from LaWanna DesJardin's Sassy mini kit.

Stitches with little flowers is by Correen Silke (recolored to match this lo) from NSDFreebie.

DeDe Smith's Fiber Alpha (recolored)

I also used this LO for the challenge this week at Addicted to Digital.

More Halloween Pictures

Halloween Pictures

Here's Aidan and his "Girlfriends"! He had a blast, even though it was pretty chilly. We went back to Laurie and Rick's and had hot chocolate. Aidan can't wait to go and "play with those girls again" . He's such a ham. He really liked playing in their playroom. He's brought them up at least once each day since.

Heidi Katherine

Aidan's new cousin born yesterday.
5lbs 12 oz of pure sweetness! Isn't she gorgeous!?!
Congrats John and Valerie on your new baby girl!
Congrats Charlie on your new little sister!

Hurt

I expected for parenting to get hard when Aidan became a teenager, I expected for there to be times when he would say mean things and tell me he didn't like me. I didn't expect my not quite four year old to call me a monster. He was playing with this jar of change and had decided that he was going to go play with something else. I told him to clean up his money first. He told me "No way MONSTER" with the most unfriendly look in his eyes. Make no mistake I have always known I was not his favorite person.He has always preferred his Daddy to me, I thought because daddy is more patient, doesn't raise his voice as often. He has always preferred Nana and Grandma because he gets his way when he's over there.
But tonight has convinced me that...
Perhaps I am wrong.
Perhaps he really just does hate me.
Perhaps I did something horribly wrong at some point and never realized it.
Perhaps this is really part of why Ian keeps saying we should wait to have another baby, maybe it's not just because he wants to finish school.
Perhaps this is repayment for some sin I've commited.
Perhaps this is sign.
I called Ian in a fit of tears over this. and ended up telling him that he wouldn't have to worry about me bringing up the subject of when we could try for a sibling for Aidan ever again.
I will not ask again.
I don't want another child that will look at me with the look Aidan gave me tonight.
I do not want to feel like this ever again. This is the lowest I have EVER felt.
I am sick.
I am tired.
I am done.

edited 11/4/06
A couple of people have told me this is normal behavior from a child...I accept that, although it doesn't make it any easier to deal with. I've received some advice from someone older and wiser and who's had 3 boys and who always seems to me to be so patient, even though she claims it's taken her years to get that way. My fantastic mother in law! I've got a long way to go don't I Mom? will I ever get there? I hope so until then I guess I'll just have to be a work in progress and try to be the best mom I can be. Here's to it all working itself out in the end!

So yesterday was a first for me!

Not a good first, not a nice first. But a "REALLY pissed me off first". I was driving home from work and it sounded like something hit the car. I figured maybe a rock popped up, you can't do anything about that. So I kept on going the last few blocks to the house, got out to check the car where I thought I heard the impact. And do you want to know what really hit my car? Well I'll tell you!!! It was an EGG!!!!!!!!! WTF is that all about!!! Who eggs random people going by? What year is it? I mean you would think this we be old by now. I mean I don't remember people doing it anymore when I was in H.S. why would it be making a come back? This pissed me off....

For a couple of reasons-

1.- If I had been an inexperienced driver and they had missed their aim on my moving vehicle and hit the windshield they could have caused a serious accident.

2. Egg is not good for your paint job. I haven't had this truck for 2 years yet, I really don't want it looking all ghetto just because I practically live in the ghetto.

3.- It's just plain ignorant for some jack ass to sit outside and hurl what could have potentially been their breakfast this morning at other unsuspecting people.

So me being the upstanding citzen that I am i called the village police (non-emergency of course) and let them have a piece of my mind about this. Last I heard they sent a squad car to the scene of the crime.

And on that happy note I'll post again tomorrow. Hopefully lots of great pictures of the little man's first time trick or treating. and with his GIRLFRIENDS none the less! That's what he calls Ashley and Dana...his girlfriends. I wonder if it's to soon to sit down and have a little talk to him about how it's a bad idea to be "dating" 2 girls at once, especially when they're sisters?

Later Taters

What gender is your brain?

Your Brain is 73% Female, 27% Male

Your brain leans female You think with your heart, not your head Sweet and considerate, you are a giver But you're tough enough not to let anyone take advantage of you!

What Gender Is Your Brain?

Muppet Personality

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems. Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

What's your name?

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Tammy Lee Beaver

Hillbilly Name Generator

4th Gen

These are Aidan and his cousins (one more on the way next month). I did this page for an AD challenge here.

Kit used is Shabby Fluer by Brenda Kempf

Font is Poster.

In other news, work is still going well. Got my first paycheck last week, not bad if I do say so myself (it was more then I thought it would be) and yes I even managed to bring a good chunk of it home. Got paper to start making my x-mas cards, I'm hoping that starting them now I'll actually finish them and get them mailed before x-mas. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

My little guy is totally excited about Halloween, keeps wanting to put his costume on. He's going to make a great Buzz Lightyear. He's totally got the moves down! LOL.

Ian is still sleeping, must have gone to bed later then normal this morning. Going to have to go and get him up soon or he's going to screw up his schedule.

Nothing much else is new.

Later Taters.

Our wedding -Digi Layout

Did this layout for a Inspiration Layout challenge at sbElements

Kit used was AlmaTownsend_SBEOct_Gift.

Font used Old Century

Basket Case

Here's another page I just finished for the sketch challenge here.

The kit used is the daily download for last month-calle New Summer Clothes by the Digital Diva @ Digital Diva Designs.

The font used was Tahoma

Digital page : J easter of '05

Kit used : Little Peeps by Brenda Kempf

Font : Storybook

Did this for this weeks challenge at AddictedtoDigital

Scrappy Happy about Fruitcake

The paper collection by Basic Grey I mean (so definitely not the stuff you eat..yuck)! So thrilled to get my hands on this paper pack! How gorgeous is this paper? This really is a lovely line that Basic Grey put out. We just got it in at the store today and I snatched it right up. Now I have to decide what I'm going to use it for. We got the other new x-mas line (Dasher) today too but I don't like that entire set, the prints are too big, I don't know how I would use it. I think I would need to see examples first. There were a few sheets I wouldn't mind getting but I didn't want the entire pack. See how responsible I was I didn't just snatch that one up too just to have it. I got the one I really liked and know that I can use.

I've been working there 3 weeks now and I love it! The people are so nice (like I just knew they would be) and I really love working retail. I'm busy and moving around and lovin' every minute of it. So thrilled that this is turning out to be as great as I had hoped.

New digital layout

here's a two page one of my little guy on his bike.

The paper is by Misty Cato (Sapphire Paper Pack)

The font is Storybook.

Did this using the October Sketch Challenge here.

Ian off to work

There goes Daddy leaving for work. I had the camera out there to take pictures of Aidan riding his bike and snapped a few of Ian heading out to work. He's such a good man! Works been a little rough, they've basically been tossing him anywhere that they're short handed. But he doesn't really complain. He just goes with the flow. Comes home goes to bed and gets up again for more. He's had the last 2 days off and is getting ready to go to bed so he can go to work tonight. This weekend will be his 3 days off and he's looking forward to it. I've got work saturday, it's going to be my first Scrap Mania, which is a late night crop. I hope it goes well.

and he's off!!

He's a lean mean bike riding machine! I've taken Aidan out a few times on his bike and he loves it. We went around the block a couple of times yesterday and we've gone to Nana's house and he just loves riding that bike.

The addicted to digital challenge...

for this week is here. I wasn't 100% sure if I did ecxactly what they wanted but I submitted this page I made today anyway. I used a template by Brenda Kempf and the Kit is called "Fresh" and is by Saskia Bokkers. I know, I know, these pages are sorta girly colors and there are flowers and pictures of my little BOY, but I thought the kit worked well because of the daisy he stole and the papers. so here it is.

Blog wouldn't load the picture right, it kept cutting off the bottom. so click the link right above to see the page in my gallery. Thanks

For those wondering how the 1st day went

It has been a few days since I posted but that is because it has taken some time (and will take another week or so) getting used to being a day person; still have some adjusting to do! I really am enjoying working at the store, I have a lot to learn, but oh the emotions I feel working there. The joy at being in a happy, positive environment. Working with other people who enjoy the same things that I do. The agony of seeing all the cool new things that come out and having to stop myself from scooping them all up. The joy out-weighs the agony though so I can't complain. The ladies that I've worked with so far have been great. So nice, and patient. Working with the customers is great too, I really do believe I was cut out for retail. I just love working with the people.
My little guy is adjusting pretty well. The first night (and last night too, but not as much as the first night) he cried a bit because he missed his daddy. It didn't help that it stormed most of the night. I got him down to bed at about 8:40 pm and came back down to watch a movie before I went to sleep. I finished watching my movie and went up to bed and that's when the storm really picked up, it woke my fry guy up and he didn't want to go back to sleep, took almost 2 hours to get him down again. He kept asking me if I was ready to get up yet. LOL, what a kid. Once he was a sleep it took me a little while to fall asleep myself. I had trouble falling asleep last night also. I just sleep better when Ian is home. He's home tonight and tomorrow, so HIP HIP HOORAY for a good night's sleep tonight. I've worked the last two days from 10am-4pm and tomorrow I work 12p-6pm. Then I'm off a couple of days. I really do think this is going to work out great. I'm home more, which once I get myself settled into a routine I'll be able to get more stuff done. I even made dinner a couple of times this week. I'm probably going to be getting my money's worth out of my crock pot since we're both on such odd schedules . I really like being able to get things done during the week. Instead of having to cram all the errands that come up into Saturdays I can do one or two each day during the week and it makes things much easier.
Ian has worked 2 shifts this week, and is doing pretty good. But then we figured he would do okay since he was usually up those hours anyway. If anything he is probably getting more sleep now then he used to! Which is not a bad thing by any means.
Here's to more good days ahead!

And so it begins

Today is going to be Ian's first night on the 12 hours shifts. He's all set, got him self all worked out as far sleeping and waking, and is actually up already, about 1 and half early. The only really big problem is I have to sleep without him in the house. This has only happened once before and that was when he was in the hospital and they thought he had something wrong with his appendix. And that time I didn't so much sleep as just lay there waiting for it to be early enough to go back to the hospital. I'm already used to him not being in the bed because he stays up late doing school work, but he's usually still here, he's right below me, we're secure because daddy is in the house. That won't be the case today. I hope I can sleep, especially since I have to work at 10 tomorrow. I also hope Aidan will go to bed without daddy sitting with him (which is why we're getting the rocking chair, daddy sits on the floor, mommy can't do that unless someone is around to help me back up). Here's to crossing my fingers that tonight goes smoothly.

another layout

Made this with the kit I got for doing the Layout challenge mentioned in the post before this one. This kit is by Saskia Bokkers of Addicted to Digital. The font I used is called Socket.

First Day

New month, new job...new me? I got up at about 8:30 am. this is totally new to me. so used to working 2nd shift and not getting up until noon. I start at 1 today, I'm excited and nervous, and really hoping this all goes smooth.



on another note, here is a layout (digital) that I did for a scraplift challenge here (my layout is below) the layout I chose to scraplift is here. Not really sure if I like how it came out but I can always change it later. I've got so much to learn about digi scrapping.

Off I go to eat something before I get the little guy ready for Grandma's house and I go to work.

Blessings to all!

Lazy Day

The Andrew chapter of my life is over. It was bittersweet leaving. There are a handful of people that I will miss. But I'm going to consider this a new beginning and try not to get to sad about the people I'm leaving behind.
Ian and I had a lovely date. We went to Connie's Pizza at about 4pm, the place was mostly empty so it was really nice. Quiet, we could actually talk and hear each other. The food was great. They make the best bread, which they bring out with a bottle of olive oil. Fantastic stuff. From there we went looking for a rocking chair. Couldn't find one at any of the big furniture stores. The sales people of course tried to sell us gliders. But that's not what I wanted. Then I remembered a new store called the Amish Furniture Shoppe. And this was the first time we went in there and they have some beautiful furniture! Including rockers! All but one was already sold, and the one that wasn't sold was made for a skinner person then I am. So, I asked if they'll be getting more in and it turns out that they have 2 in there warehouse which they're going to bring to the store and I can pick one of those. I'm so excited, these chairs are gorgeous. Then we went to Sears and picked me up two more pairs of pants for my new job and some nice warm fall/winter PJs. We stopped at blockbuster and got a couple of movies and home we came. A lovely evening all in all!

This morning Ian is sleeping in, he stayed up until morning (just like what his shift will be at work) and has the alarm set for 4pm. The little man and I had a nice lazy morning consisting of eating a bowl of cereal a piece and of sitting on the couch watching Thomas and the Magic Railroad. Now we might scrap a little more of Daddy's book. Then when Daddy gets up we're going to go grocery shopping since tomorrow is my first day at the store.
Happy Saturday everyone!

Exit Interview

Heading into work for my exit interview, which from what I hear will take all of about 10 minutes! Then say "See-Ya!" to the people that I'll miss and will miss me, turn in my badge, and then out for a date with this cute guy from work...who happens to be my hubby! LOL. Haven't been out just the two of us in quite a while. Should be nice, nothing fancy just grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping. Looking for a rocking chair for my little guys room. Not a glider, but an honest to goodness rocking chair. Haven't found one yet, beginning to wonder if they still sell them.
Gotta go-
blessings to all

Dan the Man

If I took 1 I probably took 2 dozen pictures of Dan playing his drums when we were on vacation, sort of a mini photo shoot. I've been meaning to scrap them but haven't had a whole lot of time for paper scrapping these past few months. So, since I've been playing with the digital scrapping I figured I'd do that for now and paper scrap them later when I have time and an idea of what I want to do with them. So there's the page. The family's future rockstar jamming on his drums. Aidan just thought that it was the coolest thing. He was grinning from ear to ear watching Uncle Dan drum.

Rock on Uncle Dan, Rock On!

Credits: Cheryl McCain's Sampler from the Scrapping Garden

3rd digital page in 2 days

Since Halloween is around the corner, I decided to finally scrap last years Pumpkin patch pictures.

The kit used is Kay Elfin's Punkinhead kit from here .

One more week

...until our lives are altered. One more week until Ian starts working the 12 hour shifts and I start my new part time job. One week until we see how rough it's going to be trying to get Aidan (and me for that matter) onto a more "normal" schedule. Is Ian nervous? He says no. I am I nervous? Good grief YES! Can we make this work? We're sure going to give it one heck of a try! We're going to need tons (and tons and tons and....) of patience on my part (which for those of you who know me know I'm not patient) since I'll be spending more time with the little man (which I'm thrilled about and scared about, because Daddy is his preferred parent), I'll be the one dealing with the meltdowns and having to make sure he doesn't make to much noise while daddy is trying to sleep. This is so going to put a whole new spin on being a mommy for me. Lets hope I'm up to the challenge.

2nd digital page

I've had this picture of Ian's Nannie scanned in for awhile, and just haven't been able to decide what to do with it. Since I was experimenting earlier with PSE4 I decided to try another layout. All of the elements in this one are from a collabrative collect a kit from here , called Carousel. The background paper, ribbon, and brad are by Kay Elfin and the Tag is by Julie Mead. The font used is Tahoma.

First attempt at digital scrapping

I finally sat down to give digital scrapping a try. I've been downloading stuff for months and saying I would get around to doing some digital scrapping when I figured out how to us PSE4. Well I'm not really good at using the program yet, but I managed to make this without bugging Ian with dozens of questions. Credits for all the digital papers and embellishments on this page go to the designers here ; all of the elements are from this months daily download, "Baby Face". The font that I used for the journaling is "Georgia". So how did I do? I'm pretty pleased with it, especially since I have no idea what I'm doing! :)

Who needs popcorn...

when Aidan will eat diced green peppers and celery with the same gusto? I was chopping the green peppers and celery for a pot of chili and up pops my little man. He climbs right on up and is munching them like it was a bowl of popcorn. I had to have Ian grab the camera and snap a picture. What a ham! Then I had to steal the bowl away otherwise he would have kept right on going and there would have been none for the chili. Speaking of chili it sure does look and smell good! I just love making chili, it's so colorful with the peppers and celery for green, the kidney beans for red, and the corn for yellow. Love love love this stuff. Can hardly wait to get myself into a nice normal schedule so I can start cooking and Ian can have yummy left overs for lunch instead of turkey sandwiches everyday (not that he ever complains).
I'm so totally excited about this new job, I'm not as worried now as I had been. We probably would have been alright without me getting another job, but it would have been really tight, this way we've got some breathing room. Plus I just know this job is going to be great! I can hardly wait to start!

I got...

THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The manager left a message while we were out grocery shopping today. I am so excited! I won't be unemployed, which was a worry. My last day at Andrew is the 29th and my first day at Archivers will be October 1st, how awesome is this! I'm so excited. I think I must be floating a foot off the ground. She wasn't even done with the message and I was screaming and jumping up and down and wow I'm excited!

Fingers crossed

My last day at Andrew will be the 29th, because the 12 hours shifts start on the 1st. I had an interview at a scrapbook store on Thursday, I think it went really well, will know next week if I got the job or not. There is potential for advancement,possibly a management position, and she says she really needs someone who can work during the day (and occasionally evening for crops). And I might get to teach there too! How awesome would that be? Especially seeing as Ian will be working 6:30 pm to 6:30 am. Plus I get to work in a store that sells my favorite goodies! Plus I would get a 30% discount. Holy cow this will be a match made in heaven. The ladies that work there are so nice, and the environment is positive. And the store manager that interviewed me really seemed to like me. Just thinking about it has me so excited. So lets everyone cross their fingers and hope I get this! The extra money will be good to have but the interaction with other people that enjoy the same things I do will be really good for me too.

Feeling better and some news

Got a call from my MIL about half an hour after I got up today, what a wonderful way to start the day. Talking to her always makes me happy (I know lots of people don't like there in-laws, but I lucked out and got the best ones out there)!
I'm feeling better today, most of the allergy/sinus thing has cleared up. The cut at the corner of my mouth is doing better. I'm sure it won't be long and I'll get to go back and finish up with the dentist.

NEWS

I'm sure everyone knows that work has been talking about going to 24/7 shifts (12 hour shifts). This is totally not cool and we totally can't both do it. They finally decided when they're going to start them. D-day is October 1st! Ian will be staying on and working from 6:30pm-6:30am (He's up these hours anyway with school work so it will work out ok for him, shouldn't mess up his sleeping or anything). I will be turning in my resignation (officially) this week. I'll have to keep looking for a part time job, and we've tossed around the idea of me taking some classes to do medical billing. I think we're going to be fine, I keep telling myself this.
In a way I've been looking forward to this, I really would like to be a morning person, but that's just not possible working second shift. So I'll have some adjusting to do , getting myself used to waking up in the morning, and getting Aidan adjusted. Hopefully we can finish up this potty training thing (any suggestions are welcome). And then we can start thinking about preschool. Here's to a new chapter our lives, hopefully it's a good one!

Funny little story
We have lots of computer games for Aidan, and he uses Ian's old computer for most of them, but a few won't run on it, so Ian will sit him on his lap and let him play on his (Ian's comp is set up with 2 monitors for multi-tasking...read can play WarCraft on one and do everything else on the other LOL..sorry babe your secret is out!). So anyway this morning Ian goes to load a game on Aidan's computer and it very slow, and Ian comments that maybe we should think about upgrading so the baby can have a faster computer. Do you know what Aidan said to that with much glee? " maybe we can make me one with two screens like yours!" Is this Ian's kid or what? I'm doomed to a house full of techies I think! Oh well, I've got my very own GeekSquad!

Much love everyone!

The Pastor's Ass

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won. The pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again. The local paper read:PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT

The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the pastor not to enter the donkey in another race. The next day, the local paper headline read:BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey. The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent. The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day:NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.

The bishop fainted. He informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, so she sold it to a farmer for $10. The next day the paper read:NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back
the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild. The next day the headlines read:NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE

The bishop was buried the next day.
The moral of the story is....being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery...and even shorten your life. So be yourself and enjoy life... Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer!
Have a nice day!
(got this in a forward from my wonderful MIL! Love you Marcia! This amused me so much I decided to post it.)

Family Tree ~ Birthday Surprise

A friend of ours from work did a wonderful thing for me for my birthday (Dave Meyers you rock!). I've been wanting to start looking up my family tree, and he's done a lot of looking up his, and has a program to put info in and everything. Well he came in on the 18th and said I've got a present for you in the test pit. I figured that he had found a few names for me, I was so excited. Then he walks up with a FAT blue folder full of stuff he's found! I had tears in my eyes, I hadn't expected him to find so much or to take so much time to put to this together. He didn't do it alone either, his wife Sam (who I went to school with) helped type alot of it into their program. I went this weekend and got Family Tree Maker so I could search even more. I started putting in Ian's side of the family too, I want to have as much put together as possible to pass on to Aidan. I've always felt like I didn't know where I came from and I don't ever want him to wonder. It really nice to know you've got roots and where they come from.
Family be warned: I'll be looking for more info so you'll be hearing from me! :)

Complications (let the whining commence)

I went for my double root canal and everything else and guess what? I'm not done, she wasn't able to finish the second one, I was there from 11 am until after 5. I have a very small mouth and she was having trouble getting to part of one of them and we were all very tired, my face was so tired from having to try to open wider. So I have a temporary filling in one, and have to go back on Tuesday so she can finish that and do the build ups for both crowns and pull the rest of that broken tooth. and then I go back for the crowns them selves and to finish the deep gum cleaning. She also mentioned that she's going to have to do some kind of surgery, will have to talk to her about that as I don't remember what she said it was. And to top all of this off I think I have a sinus infection. My nose has been running like a faucet for days, and my head has felt stuffy, and my sinuses have been draining into my ears (which I hate). I hadn't thought I was sick (I thought it was allergies) because everything was clear and lets face it I've been on some sort of antibiotic for 2 and half weeks now. But this morning stuff wasn't clear any more, it was almost glow in the dark green! so not cool. I just feel miserable. The corner of my mouth hurts (and is raw) from stretching it open so far and I've been blowing my nose so much that I'm sure it will start peeling soon. sigh.
We had our company family outing yesterday at Brookfield Zoo. We only went for about 2 and half hours, couldn't get up and moving any earlier then that ( really do feel like crap, and didn't think we'd get the chance to go again this year) . But we had a nice time, the weather wasn't to hot and Aidan walked the whole time except for on the way back to the car, he was just a tired little man, zonked out before we were in the car for 5 minutes it seemed.

That's about it, will update again soon.

Update:Dental

Ok so we know I'm a scare-dy cat when it comes to the dentist. So I went today and she checked it out and I'm going back on Friday to get everything done. 2 root canals, , build up for 2 crowns, an extraction, gum cleaning? , and my teeth cleaned as well. oh boy...I'm REALLY nervous now. Apparently I've still got some swelling, so I start another round of a more powerful antibiotic tomorrow. Once my teeth are all fixed up Ian's appt will be made for his wisdom teeth that need to come out. I just want this all over with. my biggest fear is the root canals, hopefully this won't be TOO bad. I've got my fingers crossed.
Nothing much else is new here, but sometimes no news is good news right?

Well tomorrow

is my Dentist appt, here's to hoping she doesn't hurt me! I'm so nervous about dentists/doctors. maybe it's the white coats? I'm not sure. I wish I wasn't such an anxious person. I drive myself batty, it's wonder I don't drive Ian batty too. Oh well off to rest so I can get up in the morning for my appointment. ::Fingers crossed::

Another year older! and an update

That's right, I'm another year older, and hopefully a little wiser. I don't feel any older, but I am lighter! I've lost 35 pounds since May, not to shabby.
update: I'm feeling much better and have an appointment with the dentist on Tuesday to start getting stuff fixed. So glad my face is back to normal. I really and truly was freaking out when my face was SUPER swollen. The pain is mostly gone, and I'm finishing up my antibiotics.
This little picture is just something I was playing around making online, (if you want to try making one go here- http://elouai.com/ ) I wanted to make something that looked like me, but they only had one body style and here it is. But the hair suits me as mine is always flying all over the place.
Ian and Aidan are both doing great. Ian just started his next class last week, and is still maintaining an A average for all his classes. How smart is my guy! I'm just so proud of him. The little guy is a character, if we could just tone down the attitude in the morning we'd be in business, he's a bit like his momma, not a morning person, although I don't take it out on everyone else like he does. It has to be his way or no way in the morning; or so he thinks. He's learning the hard way that he doesn't always get his way. Ah, the trials and tribulations of being 3! We're trying to decide if we should be looking into a preschool for him right now..I mean he'll be 4 in December should he be in preschool now? or is next year soon enough? We really hadn't wanted to put him in preschool in our area, we're hoping to be able to move first. But we don't want for him to be behind in school just because we weren't ready to let him go. His potty training is still touch and go, he's still just being lazy about it I think. He gets so busy playing that he forgets tell anyone that he has to go. I think he'll eventually just get tired of being wet and will start saying something.
That's all for now, hopefully I'll have some new pictures to post soon.

The left side

..of my face is twice it's normal size, and has been since sometime during Thursday night. I woke up and the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was my left cheek. You know how you can look down and see the tip of your nose, if you kinda cross your eyes? Well I don't have to really look down, and I don't have to cross my eyes, but there's my cheek. The horrible pain from Wedensday. is gone, now it's mostly just an uncomfortable pressure from my face being huge, and it throbs now and then, but at least I no longer have the urge to claw my own face off! I keep hoping that this swelling will go down so that when I call on Monday I can actually make an appointment. Because the way my face is now they couldn't possibly get in there to do anything. Poor Ian he's been so sweet but I know it startles him every time he sees my face like this. but he is the absolute best ! he's really been taking good care of me. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. And the little guy is a sweetie pie too, he keeps asking how my tooth is. I am so blessed!

On another note, Aidan apparently told my Mom yesterday that we're leaving in 7 weeks and they would never see us again. Do you know she believed him? I mean he's 3 years old for crying out loud! I have no idea where he got this info but it's totally not true, I mean we'd love to move, but even if we did it's not like they'd never see us again. I mean really the things this kid comes up with sometimes. And the things my mom believes! Jeez! Welcome to the days of our lives!

Home again

Home again because my face hurts, I've got major problems with my teeth, I'm a bit phobic about dentists, but I hurt so bad I could claw my face off! Waiting for the dentist to call in antibiotic and something for the pain, then I'm to call back on monday for an appointment. Can you say double root canal (holy cow that's scary to me!!!!) and an abcess (how ever it is spelled that is what's causing me the pain right now). I got no sleep last night at all it was hurting me so bad. I went to work just to realize that I could not handle being there while in this kind of pain. This sucks so bad.

At a loss

Not really sure where to begin. Ian has had off from work since Weds. and I've been off since Thurs. for the wake and funeral. Ian managed to make quite a bit of head way going though the living and dining room area and cleaning that. We managed to catalog and box up a whole box of our books. It doesn't seem like much (not even a dent in the number of books we have) but it's a start. I've been in one hell of a funk. Aidan has been crabby, because of my mood? maybe, not sure. We're going to try to get some more done today, going to try tackling the kitchen next. We've bagged up so much stuff that we're just going to toss that we've filled the trash can and have no where to put the rest. which is hampering out movement. Trash day is Tuesday so that will be here soon enough to help ease some of the space issues. Determined to get this place mucked out a bit, although it seems it will never been done. The house has been in a constant state of disarray since we moved in. My scrapping space is a mess again, but it has to take a back burner until we get some other things cleaned up.
The truck has some kind of warning light on for the emission system...not really happy about this as it's a pain to get it to the dealership because of their crappy service department hours. This just adds to my annoying list of things that I need to deal with and don't really know when or how I'll deal with them. We've discussed getting rid of the truck and downsizing to some kind of car. Not sure yet if that will actually happen but it's been discussed.
I want so badly to quit work. The last couple of weeks have been the worst thus far. I'm not happy with how things have been going and have actually started looking for work (part-time) elsewhere. I can only hope that something not horrible turns up soon. The stress of working where I am right now has me very much on edge. I'm a little worried I'm going to slip over an edge into some sort of depression, which is not something I want, I don't want to be a burden on Ian and I don't want to further the negative effect I seem to have on Aidan at times. I'm tired of being moody and snapping at everyone. I don't like what I've become. Some days are better then others, and Ian doesn't seem to complain about my moods, I'm blessed with a loving guy.I'm blessed with a sweet little boy (most of the time anyway). I need to remember these things and try to straighten myself out. As a reminder to myself and to show off a picture of my guys, here they are.

Judith G Fernandez "Gina"

May 9, 1961- July 24, 2006
46 short years on this earth. She leaves behind 3 boys- Adrian (15), Juan Jr. (13), Anthony (almost 4) , and countless family members who will miss her so dearly.
I went to the wake last night and saw family that I haven't seen in several years. I was saddened to see that at a time when we should have all been thinking of Gina that some people could do nothing but make a spectacle of themselves. Why is that funerals bring out the best in some people and the worst in others? I would like to think that it's just people's way of dealing with grief. Her husband is without a doubt an entirely new breed of asshole. I never liked him but when I heard what has been happening the last week was dumbfounded. The last week was horrible, her mother and sisters took care of her, bathed her, tried to make her as comfortable as possible. It was not pretty toward the end, I don't know that I would have been strong enough to do what they did, I'd like to think that I would be able to but one never knows until one is truly tested what one can endure. Anyway, her husband J Sr. never once visited her in the hospital, he accused Linda, her sister, of exaggerating how sick she really was. I found out after the fact that they were separated. Gina wasn't even gone an hour before he was kicking her mother and sisters out of the house. He immediately started giving her possessions to his family members. He was very cruel to Gina, he burned her arms and has tried to turn the boys against her family. Well I am proud of Gina for finally standing up and doing the right thing for her boys, even during this hard time, knowing that she wasn't going to live long. She gave power of attorney to everything, her home, her boys, everything to her sister. Her husband is most mad about this, but seeing his behavior at the wake is proof enough that he shouldn't have those boys. The first day of the wake he was screaming at his MIL to get the f*** out of the funeral home, the it was his funeral home. He didn't even plan any of the funeral, her mother and sister did it all because he disappeared. He and his mother made a huge scene. This was insane in my opinion, people are there to mourn her passing not see a freak show. I am so sad for Gina's boys, I hope that things will settle down and work out . Gina's sister Lisa made a lovely flyer for the people that came to the wake, it has a picture of Gina on it (which I'll scan in as soon as my scanner is hooked up again) and a poem which I will share here.

Come With Me
The Lord saw you were tired and a cure was not to be.
So He put his arms around you and whispered "Come With Me".
With tearful eyes we saw you suffer, and saw you fade away.
Although we Love You Dearly, we could not make you stay!!
A golden heart stopped beating, a beautiful smile at rest.
God broke out hearts to prove He only takes the best!
It's lonesome here without you, we miss you so each day.
Our lives aren't the same, since you went away.
When days are Sad and Lonely and everything goes wrong
We seem to hear you whisper "Cheer up and Carry on"
Each time we see some pictures, you seem to smile and say
"Don't Cry, I'm in God's Keeping, We shall meet again one day."
unknown author

What Cancer Cannot Do

Today, May 24th 2006, 5:30 am; we lost Gina, they warned us last week that she only had a week left, but even with this knowledge it came as a major blow to lose her. I will always remember her beautiful smile and the fact that out of all of her siblings she was THE DIVA! She had such style! She will be so greatly missed. I can not imagine how her husband and boys must be feeling. She is the second child that my Aunt Liz has put to rest and I can't imagine how she must feel. I fully expect my child(ren) to out live me, it's what most parents expect isn't it? I can't put into words what I'm really feeling right now, grief has hit me at such odd times today, sometimes you just can't fight the overwhelming urge to just sit and cry in stunned silence.
I came across this poem several years ago, probably right around the first time Gina got sick. It says so much. Even though the cancer won this final battle, it still can not erase her memory, or the love that we all had for her. I'll close this post with the poem. Will try to write more tomorrow.
-blessed be everyone!


What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited ...
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot eat away at peace,
It cannot destroy confidence,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot shut out memories,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot reduce eternal life,
It cannot quench the spirit,
It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.
~Anonymous

If you're prone...

to prayer please say a few for my cousin Gina. She's just been given a week to live, I just found out yesterday. Gina had breast cancer about 6 years ago, she beat it! Then went on to have another healthy baby boy (she's got three sons) . I found out a few weeks ago that the cancer was back but that she wasn't taking to the treatment well at all, she was just getting too weak. Please pray that her last days are as peaceful as they can be and that her husband and sons will have the strength to get through this horrific ordeal.

Someone needs to be medicated...

and no it's not me, at least not yet. I had a wonderful vacation, it was so nice seeing everyone, and it was much too short. We went back to work on Tuesday and I ended up having one of the worst weeks ever. I'm blessed to work with a handful of very nice guys, except for one of them who has been here a little under 2 years. He started when he was nineteen and behaves like he is 3. He has disliked me from day one. I know that sounds harsh but I'm not exaggerating. When he was getting walked around and introduced to all of us, the supervisor told him the B.C. (one of the good guys) and I were the to go to people because in out area we've been there the longest and we've got the most skill sets. As soon as that was said he went from insolent to hostile toward me. He's got to be one of the most unstable people I have ever met, example- one day he'll like someone (talk to then joke with then act normal) , then the next day it's like a totally different person, he doesn't talk to the person, glares at them and is just an all around weirdo. The first major incident with him happened after I was gone for 5months when my mom was sick. I came back to work and he was a total jerk to me, started going on about how it was better when I wasn't there and that I don't do any work or help out. Which is total CRAP!! The rest of my co-workers where thrilled to see me, the most detached of them all met me half way down the line and hugged me he was so glad I was finally back. If that isn't a testament to what I do there then I don't know what is. Anyway his behavior continued to the point that with the stress of my mom still being sick and him harping at me all the time I finally went to management. His accusations we discredited for a lack of a better word and he was slightly better after that. better is still not normal under any circumstances. So I've basically ignored the poor attitude since then. Well Thursday he totally went off on me. We had a small problem on the line, and I was going to show him how to fix it and he told me he could do it himself. So I went and waited at the desk, he finished "fixing " it and we started up, the problem was still not right, so I went to fix it, this is a basic printer problem, something I can fix with my eyes closed practically, When I go to start fixing it he yells at me not to touch that he's going to call maintenance. which was not needed. So I asked him why he was calling them for something like this? and he snapped and said he didn't want to take the chance that it would still be wrong, that I could screw it up. I told him I've been trained to do this, I have the skills... He then went off, YELLED at me "not to piss him off" well that's a threat to me in my opinion. Me being me I had to say something to him, I asked him if I was supposed to be afraid of that? and then he started ranting again about how I don't help out. This coming from the one who sits on his arse all day and does nothing. Long story short I emailed management and said if they didn't fix this I was going to be looking for another job because I do not need this kind of verbal abuse and harassment from anyone.
If you've read this far wow you must really be a friend , thanks for listening, I know that was a lot. and really I condensed quite a bit. I was really almost having an anxiety attack by the time he was done yelling at me, my heart was in my throat, beating a mile a minute and I couldn't breathe and my hands were shaking. I came pretty close to walking out. I have to say that this was the first time in my life I've ever had someone talk to me like that. It was a bit over the top and out of the norm for me.