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.

Thursday Theatrics

Not a big DHL fan here! I was waiting not so patiently for some new stamps. They couldn't find my house! What? I live in a city of 85,000 people, in a neighborhood of 600 people. I am not in the country. Are you idiots? OK point made. Looking forward to sharing a few of those stamps turned into cards soon.....

Ready to travel....

Yep, I am about ready for some travel. My next travel dates are Canada for three nights in July. We are all going with the Wades to their time share. I am very excited. Now, if only Mike's passport will come through. They sent his application back for more proof of identity. Oh brother.

Then onto the Close To My Heart convention in Orlando. Woohoo, mostly I am excited to see some friends. Oh yea, and maybe pick up some business ideas! Hehehehehehe....

It was a tough day for Alec yesterday. So, thus a long day for mama. Ahhh, never a dull moment. Mwah to all.

Tuesday Rocks!

I do love Tuesday's way more than Monday! Monday is my house cleaning day. And, I must say, this week, our house was GROSS! It took forever to clean. But, alas done until next week. I suppose it is shedding season. When you have three dogs though, everyday is shedding season! LOL

Yesterday was a tough one for Alec. But, he made it through. And, actually the homework time was not too painful. I do so love that child, and wow is he stubborn.

Casey has outdoor school coming up this week. He has had quite a bit of homework, including a paper he is writing that is due tomorrow. He chose to write this paper to share at a writers workshop at PSU on Saturday. It is wonderful that he didn't want to just use something he had already done. He did this last year too. It is a TAG event (talented & gifted) and loved it. They put kids in groups of all ages, so he will be with younger kids through college age. Neat huh?

I am pleased to report that my dear friends with the Wine Haus in Seaside are back open again! WAHOO. They closed for a few MONTHS due to a fire in another section of the outlet mall. So, I encourage you to buy buy buy from them! I can't imagine how far behind they are after a few months closed. Wow, that sure hurts a small business. Yikes.

A Bella Sunday

Love these bellas! They are so darn cute. Happy Sunday.

2001

Alec was 7 and Casey was 5 in this picture. They were sooooo cute! Love you boys! I came across these pictures that I had never scrapbooked, and had to do it! Enjoy

The Scottsman.

Just a little video to help remember my father today. He has been gone for 23 years now. I lost dad when I was just 20. I miss his great sense of humor. He was born in Scotland, and I am sure would get a kick out of this song!

Woof woof woof

This is my favorite new stamp set! I absolutely love it. It will be available May 1st. The paper is new too, sarsaparilla. I love the message that comes with all of the doggies too. It speaks VOLUMES. This is the card I made for Susan's swap. I did have to order clear envelopes, so they will arrive tomorrow and I can get this swap in the mail.

What a great day. Alec and I had very good appointments with his therapists yesterday. I feel like we are all doing a better job pulling out what is Alec, what is Asperger's, and what is teenager. Sometimes it is hard, and of course I NEVER want to punish the Aspie. But, when he makes poor choices I have to guide him to better ones. I told him again yesterday, he MUST do well in school because he hates hard labor. Heck, Alec hates any labor. Picking up his room is painful, so I am pretty sure he won't do a good job as the guy making big rocks into small rocks.

He seemed to also have a good day today. He went back to school for the FULL 6 periods. This is the first time since maybe once in September, that he has made it through the day. Then he called and wanted to go to youth group with his friends. We pick him up at 8:30. I am guessing he will be exhausted, but I am so proud of him that he is trying so hard to have friends and stay in school. Also, it was his choice to start back up to 6 periods. He tried Monday, but it didn't work out.... then yesterday we were at the doc's all day. He and I both came home and took a nap, exhausting! Anyway, I really hope that things are turning around for Alec. It is astonishing to me that the right meds can make all of the difference. Unbelievable.

On another note, Casey has a solo at his school music concert tomorrow night. I know he is going to do an awesome job! He is a talented young man for sure.... even if he is a hippee! It is so cute that he is so good about so many things, but likes to keep his hair long. It is like his way of fighting the conformity. Funny boy.

Circa de 1977

So, I am guessing on the date, I think I was 12 in these shots. I am in the "Dip n Sip Donuts" t-shirt. These are two of my longest friends with me. In the left picture is Carleen Blados (then anyway) with Liane Cunningham (then anyway). Carleen and I met when we were in swim lessons on Shelter Island with Jack Roble (wow, where did his name come from?) We weren't even in Kindergarten yet! So, I guess that means we have been friends for about 40 years. OMG. We weren't quite as sweet and innocent as we looked in that picture.

On the right hand side is me (left), Carleen (right), and Paula Speros (then anyway). Paula and I met when our families were on vacation in St Thomas in 1976. I was 11 then. We have never lived in the same state. Then she lived outside of Boston, now she lives outside of Atlanta with her family.

Carleen married one of the boys from school! That is a big deal since she graduted in a class of about 15 kids! LOL Carleen and her family live in Virginia now. They have two kids about the age of our two boys. Paula, thank God, did not marry her high school sweethart. Instead she found a darling boy who loves her to death! They were married in the spring of 1990 (a year after we were) and have one sweet little girl, who looks JUST like her mama.

It is hard to belive that I have had one of these friends for 30years and the other for 40 years. They are my longest friends. I love them both dearly and would love to be closer in proximity to see them more often. Maybe that is one of the things I will put on my list for my retirement years!

Monday Madness!

I think maybe I have been fighting off an illness. I slept about 12 hours on Friday night, and last night I was not only in bed but also sawing logs by 9pm! It was great. Of course I got up to chaos this morning. Casey needed 6 pictures for his science project board, due today. Now, in his defense this is project 2. Project one didn't work and I was asleep on the couch at 7pm... until Mike told me to go to bed. So, I didn't help last night. Mike helped him a bit. He reloaded my ATG with adhesive, backwards! LOL Oops.

Anyway, I got lunches packed, Casey dropped off at school.... it was wacky. Then, off to the dentist for me. I had the final crowns placed. The last of my 2 year dental work process is DONE! So, my gums are quite swollen, but I am very happy to have it over and done.

So, yes we did get a new bird on Saturday. We got a Quaker Parrot. They are also called Quaker Parakeets, Monk Parrots, and Monk Parakeets. Anyway, his name is Quigley. He is a BIG MOUTH! Yea, fits right in here in our household! We got him at the oregon humaine society. WOW, there are a lot of pets in need of homes. Five pets might be our limit. But I encourage everyone to save an animal if you can. This bird doesn't like women, so I am slowly warming up to him. OK really him to me. He is Mike's bird though. Mike woke up on Saturday morning and wanted a new bird. So, there you have it! Fortunately they didn't have any pekingese in, or I would have brought home a new pet too.

The simple card above was a new baby congrats card. I just LOVE that set! Darling! Hope the rest of my Monday is a little less mad! Hugs and kisses!

Quaker

Wondering what we did today? Here is a hint for you...

Life is a party!

Well, or maybe not. Alec came home Monday, Casey stayed home on Tuesday, and Alec did NOT want to go to school today. In his defense, he did go back to bed and sleep for about four hours. He was exhausted. It must be tiring being angry with me all of the time. @@ But, it is all good. Mike has been gone a lot this week. I do think that makes it harder on all of us. I noticed about 3 pm today that I HAD to sleep for a couple of hours. Then I got up, felt better, and he started at me again. Soooo needy! ACK. And, I am just the free flow type.... that is why it is so hard. Hello, just do what you are supposed to do and then you can have pretty much anything else you want. I am not a strict mom! But, he won't do the work without a fight. Granted with the $250 copay a month Abilify he is better. But, I would like it to be a little bit easier now!

On a happy note. I am very glad that Ali was the biggest loser! Casey and I watch that show together and love it. They all looked great this season.

Fourth Grade

Continuing on with my work on Alec's School Days album... This is the fourth grade photo. Wow, doesn't seem like 4 years ago!

I had a great weekend. Friday night I subbed for Bunco with a great group of ladies. They are so normal and fun! LOL It was sweetened by the game being in my neighborhood. So, I got to go and walk there and home. What a lovely night! One of the gals was 8 months pregnant, due May 25th. She had her baby early Sunday morning. The baby is now in NICU. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. Since we had two babies in the NICU, I completely understand how tough it is! I am sure all will be fine, but that doesn't make it easier when you go home without your baby.

On Saturday night I hung out in Vancouver. I met with Janelle and a couple of her friends for pedicures and game night. It was great, loved it! Since Mike worked alllll weekend, it was nice for me to get out for a bit.

Speaking of the DH. His computer lost a bunch of his latest work last week during the re imaging. It was an oops, and the computer guys apologized, but he still had tons of work to redo. So, he was at teh office both Friday and Saturday night as well as all day Saturday and Sunday. I don't so much love this time of year. But, I do hear he doesn't have something on Thursday night, so maybe he will be home for dinner! Hopefully...

Then onto my Sunday.... TAXES! I get a lot of crap for putting them off so long. But I think it is just the CTMH stuff I don't wanna deal with. I have a great filing system. I put it all in a drawer. (Is that awful or what!) Then at the end of the year I have to organize it. Every year I think I should get more organized, but I never do. Oh well. Thankfully we are getting a tiny bit back. I am pleased that I am making more with CTMH every year. But, I hate it on tax day. Hehehehehehehe..... I had a couple of investment questions that I had to call on Monday morning, then I hit FILE.... and off it went into cyber space. Yahoo

On Monday I had another tax appointment. Danielle came over for me to do her taxes. We did her taxes then did lunch. I also drove her downtown to pick up some cupcakes. YUM. She did take them home, so I sure appreciated her sharing some of them with us!

I am feeling pretty good today. Alec did come home 'sick' yesterday. I think I was so focused on taxes that I didn't want to fight with him about staying at school. He is always requiring all of my energy. LOL

Casey's science project got scrapped last week. After building 3 lie detector tests, it just didn't seem to be working. It was too random I guess. So he picked something else and is now working on that. We had to come upwith something that didn't take a lot of time, that was tough. But we did it! He also got to spend the night at the zoo on Friday. Zoo Snooze is a program that the TAG (talented and gifted) teacher took the TAG kids to! It was pretty neat I guess. I am glad to report that I didn't have to go with him. LOL

Anyway, lots of catch up items today. I have to get some stuff done, and make some time to work on Alec's school album. I didn't do my Monday house clean yesterday, so I guess today.... NOT.... looks like it will be next week! (Maybe I will vacuum some dog hair though... can't do that enough).

Here is to a great day! Cheers =-)

What I forgot

Yikes! Janelle wants me to list things that I have forgotten..... well, I wonder how I can remember them if I have forgotten them. So, after my brain got past this (and I read hers) I did at least think of a few things that I can no longer remember.

1. I can no longer hear the sound of either of my parents voices. I almost remember when I realized I couldn't hear the sound of their voices anymore. It was very sad. Now, that said I was very fortunate to have parents who supported me where I was... and I know that I can hear their ideas every day.

2. I can't remember when I knew that I would always have a pekingese in my life, but I know it is true... and I remember telling Mike this before we were married.

3. I can't remember the last movie I watched. That is nothing new. I could see it again and still not remember it.

I think one of the reasons I am not good at this is because I remember what is important, in general. And, I am really good at moving on. I take responsibility for the many screw ups I have made. There are things I miss, or forget, but I try to never forget the feelings.... that helps me to make new decisions.

I remember the boys being darling, but it is hard some days! This one is of Alec in 5th grade. He was such a little boy then, not a man like he is now. I have been working on Alec's school album. I'll share more pics of layouts. Most of them are simple, like this one, with the photo as the focus. What a little boy! Love him.

Try my new widget

Scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page. It is neat!

Be Glad of Life

Fun cards for a Thursday! Can you see that I started the other day with a random stamped piece of Rustic Flowers paper? I actually think these look better in real life than on the photo, but they are good, and fairly simple!
I am glad it is Thursday. Today is the end of the quarter for Alec. I have gotten some good information on Asperger's recently. I think that Alec is at a maturity of about a 9 year old, with a brain that works better than his 13 years. He is so capable of doing the work at school, but he really can't handle the simple things, like understanding what needs to be done. He is so good at pretending that he gets it, that some adults really think he gets it immediately.

Sometimes I wonder about this disability. It is so hard to really see unless you spend a lot of time with Alec. Or if you try to make him do something he doesn't want to do. He throws a great big tantrum. I have such a hard time with this as I had no concept that I would still be dealing with tantrums at age 13, almost 14. So, often I don't think I do my best with this. It is hard to deal with! But, thank God for the things that relax me. What are those you ask? My Internet friends are awesome. My pets are a huge part of calmness for me. Being creative, and accomplishing something in that realm. Close To My Heart, oh and of course, medication. I guess food and coffee would fall in there too.

So, this brings me to a question.....what do you do to relax when you are stressed out about life? Keep it clean ladies ;-) Off to work on Alec's school album..... because that is much better than taxes! LOL