Ribbet

I picked up this froggie cookie at Beaverton Bakery, where I got Casey's birthday cake. How cute!

One more sympathy card....

I did work on some teacher thank you's today. I also did a couple of just for fun cards. One will go to my bellah sistah. I think it is good that I log my work here, becuase I would never know what I did otherwise! Have a great weekend.

Another Sympathy Card

This is the card I sent to Bill's widow. He was my dad's college roommate from 1938 to when dad joined the Army-Air Corps in early 1942. He will be missed. I am so glad I have developed a friendship with his son.... I suppose we truly live on through our children.

And now the end is near....

...and so I face the final curtain, my friend, I'll say it clear, Ill state my case, of which I'm certain. I've lived a life thats full. I've traveled each and evry highway; And more, much more than this, I did it my way.

Regrets, I've had a few; But then again, too few to mention. I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exemption. I planned each charted course; Each careful step along the byway, But more, much more than this,I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew. When I bit off more than I could chew. But through it all, when there was doubt, I ate it up and spit it out. I faced it all and I stood tall; And did it my way.

I've loved, I've laughed and cried. I've had my fill; my share of losing. And now, as tears subside, I find it all so amusing. To think I did all that; And may I say - not in a shy way... No, oh no not me,I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught. To say the things he truly feels; And not the words of one who kneels. The record shows I took the blows -And did it my way!

I am really feeling like this is a fitting song. School is less than two weeks from being OVER for another year. Alec will progress from 8th grade. Middle school has been an adventure for us, and it is not over yet.... but the end is near. YAHOO. Elementary school has really been wonderful. Casey has had one good teacher after another. I am sure he helps the situation, but honestly he has been blessed with some of the best throughout the years. I am glad that our middle school here is two years, so that Alec and Casey did not have to be in the same school during Alec's difficult times. I think that would have been very hard on Casey, who takes his relationship and his influence over his brother very seriously. Somehow this week, as Casey turned the big 12, I can't help but think that this is the end of a chapter. A chapter that I will miss.. cue the music "You're Gonna Miss This" (Love Trace Adkins).... and yet I am ready for a new chapter, a chapter that is yet to be written in my life. One thing is for sure about me, "I do it my way!"

Sympathy Card

It seems like I never make as many cards as I want to. Or, maybe it is just that I don't send as many as I want to send. Somehow I always want to send more than I do. So, I think I should work on some sympathy cards because they are soooo hard to make when it is time. Nevertheless this is a card I made for some friends that lost their beloved Australian Ridgeback recently.

Happy Birthday Casey

Casey is 12 years old today! I absolutely can not belive he got this OLD! I know how old that makes me for sure. He is such a great kid. Casey is a hard worker. Casey is kind, considerate, loving. Basically he is the perfect kid. Casey worked very hard on his science project (above). Yesterday he decided to get a new look for his birthday. So off to Great Clips? Why there you ask? Because they work with locks of love! So, he gave his hair (10 inches) to a good cause. Here is the new Casey:

He got a bike mirror and money for his birthday. I think he is planning on saving for our cruise. Happy Birthday Casey! Love you, mom

Memorial Day

I hope you will take a moment today to remember the soldiers who made your freedom possible. Memorial Day 2008. WE REMEMBER.....

Portland

We decided today that it was a perfect day to hang out in Portland! It was about 70 degrees and sunny, perfect convertable weather. So, we went east to the big city. LOL We started with a drive through scenic downtown, and then stopped for lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory on the river. Our beautiful table was right by the window where we could enjoy the boaters. Then we headed over to Voodoo Donughts to try them out. YUM, and lots of fun!

OK just realized I didn't hit post yesterday..... ooops. Maybe today (since it is grey outside) I will get something creative done....

Last Linda card of the week.

I am feeling MUCH better this evening. I took a very long nap this afternoon while Alec was playing video games. I woke up refreshed and ready to go again, for now anyway. Thanks for the love.

Keep up the fight!

Do you ever wonder how your life turned out the way it did? I mean, how did it get so different from what you envisioned as a bright eyed teenager. I never really wanted to marry and have children. That is not to say that I did not want to marry and I did not want to have children. It simply means my desires were different than some. I believed then, and still to some extent, that I could change the world.

My father warned me to not go into education. But, I followed his lead more than his words. I wanted to teach. Really I always wanted to teach. When I was an elementary age girl I would offer classes to the neighbor children in our basement. Our basement was complete with chalkboard and table and chairs. I told people I wanted to be a teacher.

I wanted to be just like my dad. My mother was the artist, the singer, the beauty. I admired and loved her very much. But how I wanted to be like my father. He was soooooo smart. A bit lazy, and soooo smart. Yes, I could see myself in him.

Early college years were hard. He and I were quick to disagree on everything. We fought (as I was told by my mom) like he fought with his mother. We disagreed on everything. He was a republican, I was a democrat. He said the sky was blue, I said no way. But, in all of that we loved each other very much, and I did become like him. Although he died when I was just 20 I went on to finish my BS in Mathematics Education and my MA in Mathematics Education a few years later. (Thankfully before the boys were born.)

As a young teacher (just 22 when I started) I knew I could change the world. I would try anything that research showed worked. I loved being in the classroom. And, was even accused of being the biggest math nerd in the math department when I was about 28. Yea, not so much. But I was sure glad my boss saw it that way.

I did it all. I became the youngest department chair the district had ever employed. A department of 15 people was not small. And, of course, they were mostly older than me... even the newer teachers! I wrote curriculum, I was a mentor. I was on hiring committees. I just knew that I could change the future of math education.

When Alec was 1 and I was pregnant with Casey my perspective started to change. I hated that I had no power over my childcare. I had Alec in the best situation at the time, but I really was powerless over her. And, we all knew it. Another young teacher had her daughter there too. She was there less time than me because my career was so important. But, as the year went on the shift came.

I am not sure when it happened exactly, but I decided that being a stay at home mom was the way to go. So when we moved to Oregon in 1999 I stayed at home. Those were the days. Casey, then 3, did not like going to preschool. He loved it once he was there, but getting him to stay was always a struggle. That was Alec's Kindergarten year,where he learned to read. I thank God about once a week for Jean Newton, who was the teacher that taught them both to read.

About 2nd grade was when we noticed that Alec was very unhappy. He complained often that he had no friends. It was the first time I took him to the doctor and found a counselor. Needless to say that has gone on and on through many counselors to this day. It was only last year (around 20 months ago) that we finally found a GREAT counselor who understood Alec. Well, maybe she didn't completely understand Alec (I don't think anyone does) but she quit blaming us for everything that was going on with him. And, in my heart I knew something was wrong.

And then came today. Ring. Of course it is Alec from school, in tears, again. I am not sure how many times he has called in tears,but it started in 6th grade. I easily can say it has been over half of the school days in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. His counselor wasn't there today, so he felt he had no where to turn. He was being teased by the other kids, again. They do tease him, although I doubt it is truly as bad as he believes. Oh Alec, today I just wept for you. I love you so much and I don't want it to be so hard for you. I know God has a master plan for you, for me, for your father and your brother. Yet, it is so hard for all of us. The anger, the frustration, the pain you suffer is almost too much to deal with. I want it to go away. I wonder why God thought I could handle this. And, frankly, today I am not sure I can. But I love you. We came home, I ran you a hot bath. I do love you, and I want it to get easier. Maybe when the hormones quit creating chaos in your system?

Right now I feel like I don't have much fight left. But I have met me,and I know that I am a fighter. I will fight this until we all feel better. Keep on keeping on. I can do this! I hope.... I think..... I pray.... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

I would really like to win a BOOK....

but I can only have a chance if you help! Please comment on Janelle's Blog about why you read! If she gets 25 comments she will give away a free book. Woohoo, love freebies!

Star Card

This is another Linda card. I thought it was perfect for today since I am celebrating David Cook's star today. I was very pleased that he won last night. Don't get me wrong, I like David Archuleta. But, I thought David Cook was amazing. I was glad he won.......

She's a star!

Another Linda card! She is the best artist ever. I am going to miss her at convention. But, I do understand how family and work comes first, even if I don't want to understand! This is just another great classic!

In loving memory...

I just got the news that my dad's college roomate died yesterday. Bill Finnigan has been an invaluable resource to me on my dad's younger years. He even followed dad during the war, so he was able to tell me things that no one else alive would know. His letters always brightened my day. My dad has been gone for 23 years, but somehow I could imagine him as a young man greeting his friend at heavens door.

In recent years Bill's son Steve and I have become friends. It is amazing to be able to hook up with someone with a past that has similar pieces.

Rest in Peace Bill. You will remain in my heart always.

Another Linda Card..... she is so talented!

I have been working on inventorying all of my stuff after Puyallup. I am not sure the next time I will create. Although I do have a couple of cards I want to send, so I do want to get on top of that one!

Casey found out today that he gets to go on a Jet Boat Ride on the Willamette River. How cool is that? I have a feeling he is going to love that experience. Mike really wanted to chaperon, but ya know... that job thing and all! LOL Poor Mike.

Alec had a good day. He was very agreeable about homework tonight. I hope we can keep this up. Most of all I hope he pulls out his 2 A's and 2 B's so that he can have electronics for the summer. Please God, please let him pull this off! =-)

So, I hope we are going to do something this weekend. I put it out there tonight. Maybe hit the coast? OOOO that would be good. Of course, hanging out in my scrap room might work for me too.... if I can actually work that is.....

An amazing card......

My upline with Close To My Heart must just be the most creative person EVER! Her work is amazing. Many of you know that I am a red, white and blue FREAK.... When I got home from Puyallup this weekend this was in my email in box today. Wow, is this amazing or what?

This card uses the Friendship Word Puzzle, May 2009 Stamp Of The Month, Spot on Backgrounds and Vintage USA (oh and my very favorite old wood stoneware texture stamp). I think that is it! There is waxy flax on the 2 big stars, and bigger brads and ribbon on each of the 3 tags. Colors are Cranberry and Outdoor Denim.

Puyallup was a blast over the weekend. I got all packed up on Thursday. I got in the car on Friday morning and was off! I got out of here at 6:30 am, picked up Janelle in Vancouver, and then picked up Terry in Longview. We got into Puyallup just before set up time at 11am. We spent the day setting up my 10x15 booth. This is the Heirloom show, and the company that puts this one on is my favorite. They are out of Newport, OR. I guess I have a soft spot for people that live at the beach.

I taught a class on Friday night. We did the 3x3 brag book out of one sheet of 12x12 paper. It was fun to force them to think outside of the box. People were a little shook up by that part! Oh well! After class we picked up some sorbet (well Terry and I did) and went back to the hotel. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Puyallup, it was the BEST hotel staff I have ever delt with. Oh, and the chocolate cookies.... YUMMY.....

Saturday was an OK day at the show. People are definitely spending less, which is a bummer when you are in this business. After the show we went to my favorite restuarant, BLACK ANGUS. OMG it was so yummy.

Then Sunday we finished up the show, packed up and headed home. I got home about 10pm, exhausted, whew! So now I am inventorying and revisiting where I am right now with my expos and such. I don't have any this summer, which is a bummer. So, it is time for me to get my clubs going again. I am really excited about that for sure.

OK, rambling on....... hoping Janelle will send me some photos from the weekend so that I can share!

HELLO

Yesterday, after our appointment with Alec's doc, we stopped by the 'underwear' store on the way home. I have been needing to be refitted for a bra for a long time. And, the last few times I have done it at Lane Bryant. I had been wearing a 44DD. So I was measured and tried on several bras. Turns out my size is a 42H. I figure H is for HELLO. OMG who wears this size? I haven't seen my breasts where they should be in 20 years. But today they are right there, where they should be, not at my waist. I hardlly know what to say, but I figure they now say "HELLO" for me! ROFLOL

I got the fitting at "Just Like a Woman" in Portland. They were great. In college we had a small shop that fitted us for bras, and they were my favorite. I guess I was thinking that the LB gals knew something about bra fitting. But, now that I am in a good one, I realize: not so much. And the best news is that I got two bras for $63. I was pretty surprised, as I expected to pay much more.

So, next time you need a bra.... get fitted! You will be surprised to find out that you can be where you once were. LOL

No pictures today, and I bet you are happy for that!

My Girls

I bought these collars for the girls. I can't seem to get a picture of all three.... but I got the collars in large, medium, and small! They also got matching leads. So now my German Shepherd, Labrador, and Pekingese all match and are clearly sisters. Mike can't believe that his dog is wearing such a girly collar, but he likes that they all match!

I love red!

Yes, red really is my favorite color. Right now I have on a red shirt, and red socks! I am a red girl. I am trying to do more repeats lately. And, I really want to use some of the papers I have had forever. So these four Bella stamps are images shared by others. I only own one of these, Ipodabella, thanks to Sue. She got it by accident on her first order. I was saying that I wanted it, so she sent it along. WOOHOO.

I am getting ready for Puyallup and probably should be sharing some CTMH artwork, but none of it is on my camera right now. I do not know why I have issues taking pictures. And now I really really want to learn photoshop. So maybe that will help me take more pictures. Hopefully!

OMG This is sooooo funny!

Look who I am! Hehehehehehe

You Are Miss Piggy

A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it. You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

The Muppet Personality Test

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of you. All of you? Well, I know we all have a mother. Today is the day to honor her, and to be honored if you are a mother. I remember in my early days as a mother it was hard for it to feel like it was my day. It was my mother's special day. And, I still miss her as much as I did 20 years ago on my first mother's day with out her.

Darryl Worley says it the way I feel... most of all I miss my friend

I miss my friend
The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with
The one who knew just what to say to make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend

I was very fortunate to have a mother who was my best friend. I really do miss my friend.

Ouch, Janelle Tagged Me

4 Jobs I have had in my life:
1. soda jerk
2. hostess/waitress
3. high school math teacher/dept chair
4. Close To My Heart consultant/director

4 Movies I’ve Watched More Than Once:
1. Grease
2. Because I said so
3. Lethal Weapon
4. My Best Friend's Wedding

4 Places I’ve Lived:
1. Shelter Island, New York
2. Tucson, Arizona
3. Redlands, California
4. Seaside, Oregon

4 TV Shows I Watch/Watched:
1. Boston Legal
2. Numb3rs
3. Dr. Phil
4. Dirty Sexy Money

4 Places I have Been:
1. Niagara Falls
2. Panama Canal
3. Bahamas (on my 40th birthday!)
4. Alaska

4 People who email me regularly: (I went and looked at my old mail file!)
1. Sue
2. Susan
3. my hubby
4. Alec's teachers! LOL

4 of my favorite foods:
1. chocolate candy
2. Asian food
3. Mexican food
4. breakfast foods

4 Places I Would Like to Visit:
1. Scotland/Ireland/England (I've been to Scotland & England, but was young then!)
2. Italy/France/Spain (oooo, going there soon)
3. Tahiti
4. New England area

4 Things I am Looking Forward to in the Coming Year:
1. Convention in Orlando
2. Mediterranean Cruise
3. Putting more energy into my business again (and maybe a little less into Alec)
4. Working on my scrapbooks more.... getting Casey's school days album caught up like Alec's

And I'm tagging YOU I really enjoy learning random things about my friends. So if you do this, please comment and let me know! I am looking forward to reading!

TGIF

Woohoo it is Friday. Today Alec went to Hillhi and managed to sign up for four (yes 4) sports in the fall.... football, wrestling, golf, and water polo. LOL I hardly know what to say....just that "life is fabulous!"
MIL ended up with a pacemaker early this morning. So, double bypass, new valve and pacemaker. It was a rough week for her heart for sure! Many hugs and prayers go out to her. More this weekend.

Did I share this?

Don't ask me what I was thinking taking a pic of this on my kitchen countertop. LOL But it does go I suppose. This is the birthday card that CTMH sent to me. When you are a director you get a personal one with everyones siggy, yes even Jeanette.

Today finds me VERY exited about the cruise this fall. I just found our airline itenerary in my in box. I can not believe how fortunate I have been with this company. Yes, I understand that it is my own hard work that earns me cruises. But wow to have a trip of a lifetime. Plus to be around a bunch of people who share your own interests. It is really a family atmosphere.

I am so excited that I bullied Mike into going with us. Of the cruises I have earned, this will only be the 2nd one he has gone on with me. But, the man does have a degree in History. I think this is important to him. And taking the kids, wow a once in a lifetime event!

All of this excitement has me ready to crank my business back up to full throttle. So, I am working on an all day crop once a month, with clubs worked into that. I think it has potential to be wonderful. I realize that many of my best friends were made through the many clubs I had at the coast. And, I suppose after two years (almost) here in Hillsboro, that it is time to start making friends again.

So, today I am getting ready for my expo in Puyallup next week,and pulling together some random ideas on my new way to run my clubs. I am pretty excited! I do love this company and the opportunities that I have because of it. Ten years ago I NEVER would have considered getting on a plane to go to Spain. I've come a long way baby!

It's me, yep it is me!!!

What a nightmare,being disconnected from the Internet. Our good news today..... we got a call last night from Mike's stepdad that his mom was having open heart surgery today. OY! Thank GOD we just got a call that she came out of surgery well. We now know it was double bypass and she had a valve replaced. Mike may go to Boise this weekend, we shall see. I am just so happy that she is recovering now.

Another bunch of random stuff

I am really into this random thing this week I guess! Here is another group....

Where is your cell phone? In my purse in the den.
Your significant other? Sitting on the couch opposite me
Your hair? In a pony tail, went to the gym after dinner
Your mother? miss her desperately, she has been gone since 1987
Your father? miss dad too, he has been gone since 1985
Your favorite thing? our family... including the pets
Your dream last night? I never remember my dreams!
Your favorite drink? lemonade right now
Your dream/goal? To raise 2 boys that are happy and productive members of society
The room you’re in? Living room
Your ex? We are almost up to our 20 year wedding anniversary, I don't remember anyone else! LOL Although I would say I was in love twice before.... I am not sure that anyone who knew either of them reads my blog! But, without a doubt, Mike is the love of my life....
Your fear? My honest fear is that Alec won't be able to live and be happy on his own
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Casey's high school graduation!
Where were you last night? Home
What you’re not? dishonest, hateful
Muffins? Absolutely.... bran, banana, blueberry!
One of your wish list items? Photoshop 6.0
Where you grew up? Long Island, New York and Tucson, Arizona
The last thing you did? Went to the gym
What are you wearing? Shorts and a polo shirt, socks
Your TV? HUGE, fifty something inches!
Your pets? 3 dogs, 2 birds
Your computer? HP laptop, in my lap
Your life? Depends on when you ask me! Not easy, but always interesting.
Your mood? Relaxed right now
Missing someone? yeah, I miss my friends both in Tucson and in Seaside
Your car? Chrysler Pacifica
Something you’re not wearing? a bra
Favorite store? Craft Warehouse
Your summer? Canada for 3 days, and CTMH convention.... and getting ready for the CTMH Mediterranean cruise this fall! WOOHOO
Your favorite color? Red, ever since I can remember
When is the last time you laughed? Dinner
Last time you cried? Sunday
Who will repost this? Dunno

Inspired by my friend Linda

I read her answers on her blog. I was surprised how many we have in common. Here are my answers to those questions!

1. What is your occupation? Close To My Heart Consultant & team leader, Mom, wife, housekeeper, stamper, scrapper, taxi driver... by night
2. What color are your socks right now? white gym socks (yes, I did go to the gym)
3. What are you listening to right now? American Idol
4. What was the last thing you ate? grilled chicken, potatoes, and veggies (aka dinner)
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, but of course!
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Danielle called me
8. How old are you today? 43
9. Favorite drink? depends on the day, lemonaide.... or a martini
10. Favorite sport to watch? golf
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? absolutely, I no longer know my actual color
12. Pets? 5, 1 german shepherd, 1 black lab, 1 pekingese (my princess), 1 quaker parrot, 1 cockateil
13. Favorite food? might just be cheese pizza, but really and good Mexican, and good chocolate
14. Favorite holiday? Fourth of July (and we will be in Canada this year! LOL)
15. What was the last movie you watched? Something this weekend on Lifetime
16. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring, I love all of the flowers in bloom
17. Hugs or Kisses? hugs
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Rainier Cherries, OMG they are the BOMB!
19. Living arrangements? Married with children, oh and pets!
20. When was the last time you cried? Sunday, Alec and the Asperger's sends me over sometimes.... in general I am NOT a crier though
21. What is on the floor of your closet? two bags of paper that one of Mike's parents (from school) sent for me
22. Favorite smells? the ocean & vanilla
23. What did you do last night? helped with homework, read blogs
24. What inspires you? artwork, people, MUSIC!
25. What are you afraid of? sewer roaches... I have not missed those since we lived in Tucson
26. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? SPICY
27. Favorite dog breed? PEKINGESE
28. Favorite place you have ever been? The ocean, niagra falls, water is just awesome!
29. How many states have you lived in? 4
30. Favorite day of the week? Tuesday
31. Do you have a phone that isn't cordless? Yes, in Alec's bedroom

Here's to being gorgeous!

I absolutely love these stamps! They are just too fun! I hope you love them too.

It seems like it takes me awhile to learn things sometimes...

First, I now know that it is much easier to upload pictures to my blog from Picasa. Picasa is my free photo organizing software from google. I am pretty happy with it. I would love photo shop 6, but the idea of learning how to use it overwhelms me. SO I am liking Picasa.

Second, it took me long enough to get moving with google reader. I can keep all of the blogs I read in one place. When they update it shows up on google reader. So, if you don't update regularly, I don't waste time checking in! I love using the reader, it works for me.

Google images. Love using it. I can find out little things on there, like what someone looks like! Love google images.

Every day I click on the animal rescue site. Everyday. They give rescue sites $$ (food) based on the number of people who visit daily. The advertisers pay for it. I love that idea! I wish everyone would click on site everyday.

Just some random stuff for a random feeling kind of day.

I take a pill for that!

I had to send this card to my friend Danielle. She and I were talking and I am pretty sure she is the last woman on earth to not be taking a pill.... LOL We had such a great conversation about how 'everyone' takes prozac (or something like that)! I miss living next door to her, and living down the street from her..... This image came from the American Art stamp company the Emerson Quillin line . If I didn't check some blogs, I never would have known about these women. They are tooo perfect to send to close girlfriends.

Martini anyone? Yes, please.

How funny is this? Yesterday was such a crazy day in our house.... ya know, the Asperger's thing, that even the bird needed a drink! Wowzers!

The rest of the story...

Mini Album

This is a pretty cute and easy little book. Start with 6 rectangular pieces where the length is twice the width. Then fold two sides into the center so that you have a square shape. You put 5 pieces together in a row. Then put a ribbon behind the 2nd piece... cut it through to the 'front' side. Then put the 6th piece behind there to cover the back of the ribbon. Decorate. Very cute book idea!

Parisabella!

OK, I gotta stop posting my bella's.... although that means taking pictures of the other stuff I am working on.... I will work on it! LOL Happy Friday. Casey is home from outdoor school today, yea! I missed the little booger.