April Showers . . .

The Girl Scouts helped clean the Carousel

It's only April 3rd and I think it has rained every day so far. There are still no signs of Spring. Just a little while longer, we all hope.

"Hey, look what I can do!"

April happenings. Jillian and McKel have been going through classes at church. There will be a ceremony at the Easter vigil and McKel will make her first communion, while Jillian will basically be baptised, make her communion and be confirmed all in one. She was never baptised so it is as if she is a convert. While McKel has already been baptised so she will make her first communion. Easter is the next day and we will be doing our annual egg hunt at the park the Bossey, Johnson, Whelan crew. We've been shopping for dresses to attend all the soup suppers, scrutinies, etc. at the church. Also in April is vacation. We will be saving our fun for May though because Dubba-D is taking us on a cruise to Bermuda!!!! She has been shopping up a storm with all kinds of new clothes and dresses for the girls.

As for scrapbooking, I am still not partaking. I never, ever, thought this would happen to me. There is just not enough time in the day or energy left in me after working at the school and dealing with the kids. We still have boxes in the basement and we've been living here now for 6 months. Shame on me. Basketball has finally ended, our team finished in 4th place and soccer is now underway. McKel is playing both travel and intown so that means soccer on Sat and Sunday every weekend. I took a job helping a realtor with her open houses. I start this Sunday. See, I told you theres no time!!!! Haaaaa. Happy Spring

Let it snow, let it snow, snow, snow, snow!!!

I Believe I can Fly
What a winter so far! It's March and the snow keeps coming. The kids are having fun, but it is teeth chattering cold out there. Today it is 16 degree's. We will appreciate the warm weather just that much more when it gets here. So far this year is going great. The kids are doing good in school. We are past the year milestone since daddy got sick, we are almost done with winter and we are looking forward to Bonnie coming to visit for a couple of weeks! I am still not back into the scrap mode which is truly frightening becasue I didn't think it could ever happen but it has happened. Someday I'll get back to my hobby.

Jillian thinking, "I can fly" as she sleds down a thick sheet of ice behind our house. All this ice finally did melt. It took a long time because of the cold weather but most of it melted. There are still large piles of snow around town that will take a long time to finally melt. Maybe by April!

McKel gives it a whirl with a good push from daddy of course.

I've stopped, what's up with that?

Did someone say cheese?

Sledding up at the Village church. Now that is a hill to fear!!!!!

Here I come move out of the way!!!!

Walking back up the hill is half the battle

Bottom of the Hill and so much fun.

It's 2009

Angels Jillian and Emma at the Christmas Pageant
DubbaD and Jal at Jacobs

Ok, so I'm a little late but "better late than. . . you know the rest. So far we've had some heavy snow and coooollllldddddd! Like 9 degree's cold. Snow has been on the ground since the first snow storm. Layers upon layers.
Kids playing in a huge snow bank after a storm




We are finally starting to settle into our new home. We have a lot of work to do yet but it's starting to feel like an old shoe. I can't wait until the summer when I can sit on the porch and watch all the goings on while enjoying some nice weather.

Ler at work

The kids are doing good in school. We have past the one year anniversary of Billy's unpleasant hospital stay. We are so grateful. Basketball is well underway. McKel has really stepped up her game this year. She is one of the consistant high scorers on the team, go Kel!

Ler in her car being goofy

We are now at Feb. vacation. We aren't going anywhere but are looking forward to a break from school. Nothing too exciting just enjoying everyday life. Valentine's parties, sports, friends, school, etc.

Sledding in the Village

Holiday Season

Just seeing if your paying attention


Hello again. I was thinking how cool blogging can really be. Years from now my children can look back at this blog and get a snapshot of their life, as told in real time. Ok, so it's a very, very, small snapshot but how cool. It's kind of a diary of life.

So, not only are all my babes off to school they are all another year older. 11, 8, and 6. Billy is doing great in Kindergarten and mama couldn't let him go so I got a job working at the school. I get to see all three of my kiddo's every day. It is a huge eyeopener and a blessing to see them in their environment at school. There are also a few other kids that shall remain nameless that make my life difficult at school but kids will be kids. I am working as the lunch/recess monitor. So much for my degree, lol. McKel had a fun bday. Her friends came over for a scrapbook get together. Billy's bday was a family party and my precious Jillian chose to have a date with me instead of having a party. That is true love. The love I get from Jillian. Most people don't understand how passionate she is. We had so much fun. A table full of gifts awaited her when she woke up. She got to open a few before school. She had a cupcake party in her class. Then when she got home I took her to dinner at Margarita's. They gave her a sombrero. We ate and then they sang to her and gave her fried ice cream. She had a huge smile on her face and we both enjoyed so much being able to spend quality time together. After dinner, we went to the movies to see HSM3. I got her a kid pack. It didn't come with a slush but I bought her one seperate and she was sooooooooooo excited. She was queen for a day. When we got home everyone yelled surprise and she got to open the rest of her gifts. I Have the funniest picture of her passed out in the car. She was exhausted.

A couple of days later was Thanksgiving and we had a family party for her. Dubba D gave her a beautiful lamp for her room. Cindy as always gave her really cool stuff.

The kids had a little Thanksgiving program at school. Billy's was in Mrs. DeiCicci's and Jillians was in the cafetorium. McKel had a feast with the fifth grade team that I missed because it was at the same time as Billy's.

Thanksgiving was a blast! Mr and Mrs. T came with Michelle, Steve, Ber, JA and all the kids. Cindy, Jeannie, DubbaD, Lisa, Mark, Theresa, Chris, Alyssa, etc. all came. We skipped the town bonfire though so we could hang out and visit.

Bye, bye, baby

First Day of School 2005
Goofy Goobers 2007
Goofy Goobers continued

McKel and Jillian first day 05

Billy in 2005

My heart is wrenched. Tomorrow is the day. Well, sort of. Tomorrow is the first day of school. It's McKel and Jillians official first day of the first day of school. We came last year in October so the girls just slid into their classrooms and daily routines as the newcomers. McKel had to be the last kid on the roster the whole year, despite the alphebetical order. Now they get to start anew just like everyone else in the Brand new school!

We took a tour last week and it is incredible! The place is huge. The views are to die for overlooking Boston Harbor. It's the same school I once went to but it has been renovated. The kids are very excited about it. Jillian is in the new wing.

Billy has a meet and greet tomorrow at 11:00. We go in and see his classroom, meet his teacher and new friends. Thursday he has a half day and then Fri. is his first full day. I think they're doing a great job breaking in the parents, uhhhhmmm, I mean kindergarteners. When we left FL in October I was still rocking him at night and reading him stories before bed. He was still in his crib as a toddler bed. Now he's off to kindergarten. Geez, don't blink too long. He'll be in college before I can say, "look both ways before crossing the street". I tried to savor every moment. I got one more year than most. I guess its time to close this chapter of our family book. "The pre-school years". I've dreaded it for a while and now it's time. I am so happy for you Billy. I hope you love school and meet wonderful friends that you will keep for a lifetime. Hello Big yellow bus. By, bye, my Baby.

She actually smiled!!!!!!!!!!!

and I've got proof! I just wanted to pop in and share some photo's from last weekend. McKel actually smiled for the camera. I got some decent photos of her. Can you even imagine?



We went to Dr. Micheli's party. It was great to bring the kids. No sitter required. and we didn't have to drive far. We went down to the beach and I got tons of pics of the kids playing and skimming rocks. We enjoyed hanging out at his "beach house" and getting to know everyone better. I especially liked the part about Doc being a former Rugby player for 25 years and about his daughter playing on the U.S. Team at the Olympics!!!!! Doesn't get much better than that. He had an olympic gold medal encased on the wall but I think that was from being on the committee.

Hope you have a great summer. Only 2 weeks left.

August 15th, 2008

Summer is going by at a record pace. It's like watching Michael Phelps swim the 100m freestyle. The kids are gettting bigger, especially Billy IV. He has gotten so tall this summer. I still can't imagine putting him on a bus and waving goodbye. It chokes me up just writing about it. How can it be my baby is big enough to go off to kindergarten? Although it does feel like he's been here forever I am just not ready to say goodbye to his innocent pre-school days of just mom and Billy time. He did go to daycare for a while and it was a much needed break for both of us. He got to learn his ABC's, play with peers, sing songs, and do crafts but I always knew I could keep him home whenever I wanted. I could pick him up early, or skip a day without it really hindering what he was learning. I got to have a lot of free time with Kel when she was a baby because I had her for 3 years before having Jal. Sometimes I feel bad for Jillian because she is the middle child and never really got that alone time. Billy came just under 2 years after she was born and I already had Kel. Fortunatly, we are closer to getting settled. I am looking forward to what life's newest phase brings.

Tedy is Born!!!!

Finally, Tedy Joshua Paul H has arrived! On July 6th, 2008. He is my cousin's baby and I am so excited to be here to watch him grow up! He is adorable! We went to see him at the hospital and he was so alert for a baby just hours old. It was love at first sight!!!! Congrats Lisa, Marc and Courtnie!

July 2008

Summer is flying by! We've been having a great time so far. Lots of beach trips. The 4th of July was amazing. We spent the day at the beach. Ordered pizza for supper. Then we spent the evening watching all the fireworks displays. I swear it gets bigger and better every year. You look all along the stretch of the beach and there are fireworks and bonfires all up and down the shoreline. On July 3rd, my birthday, we did the same thing. Fireworks as far as the eye can see. We can even see the fireworks across the water in all the different locations. We spent July 3rd on the beach and Kristen showed up with a cake from carvel and they all sang happy bday to me. It was so cute!! Billy spoiled me rotten. He bought me a new Canon camera! I've always wanted one ever since we got one in a pawn shop out west somewhere when he was working for the Cincinati Reds(spell?). That thing took the best pictures!!!! Anyhoo, he got me a really awesome camera so I was happy with that. Next thing I know he walks in the door with three bags from Brighton!!!!!!!!!!! He got me a necklace with matching bracelet and earrings. He also got a hair scrungie and clip!!! Geez, am I spoiled or what! I don't have too many pics to share because I wont take my camera to the beach. My other camera broke that way.

Scrapbookers Nightmare. . .

My camera is Broken :-(


All of a sudden it just won't snap the picture. I spent what felt like forever on the computer with Sony CS. The only hope is to take it to an authorized servicer but of course there aren't any around here and I'd have to mail it. It will cost more to repair than the price of new camera. Looks like I need to get camera shopping. Just what I need is to spend money on a camera right now. Ugggggg! It's just that I was not able to capture the first day at the beach, the last day at school or the final events and cookout for soccer just to name a few. When we moved here in October I didn't get pics when they started school because my camera was packed. So I figured I would get pics at the end of the year. I suppose I will just have to journal in that spot for their school scrapbooks. No sense in whinning, although I really want to. Such huge life events shall remain photo less. Ouch that hurts!

Waiting to march in the parade

On a happier note, we had an awesome Memorial Day weekend. Filled with baseball, parades, cookouts, and the like! We marched in the Memorial Day parade. The kids were cute in their baseball uniforms waiving to their friends as they marched by. As always it ended at the Cemetery for a memorial speech and ceremony.

We visited Nana's grave and just enjoyed the beautiful breeze and ocean views. Then we went to Jenn and Greggs for celebration and games. McKel and Courtnie won the egg toss. Wow, I have to give them credit, that was tough. Even Jeannie and Ellen joined in. Jillian struggled with the donut contest. She just couldn't seem to grab hold of it. Bobbing for apples was hilarious. Jillian kept trying and trying until she got that apple. !!! Daddy and Joey Dunphy won their egg throw contest. The Maxwells really cleaned up with many medals! Next year we will host a musical chairs. I think it will be hilarious. Watch out America's funniest home videos!

We topped the evening off with Billy and Jillian's baseball game. What a gorgeous night to sit out at the ball field.

Life is Good!!

Full Circle

Field of Dreams Childrens Hospital

On Friday, May 30th, Billy experienced a full circle moment. As a little boy growing up in Tampa, Florida he always loved the Cincinnati Reds and The Boston Red Sox. The Tampa Area didn't have their own team. I have a picture of him in a Red Sox uniform his grandmother made him as a little boy. As a huge Red Sox fan myself I can't tell you how much I cherish that photo.
His love for The Reds turned into an 8 year career in the minor leagues as an athletic trainer and on Friday he played in FENWAY PARK in his own Field of Dreams! What a day! What a dream come true! And to think I had to strong arm him into moving to Boston!

Next at bat is #13 Billy Maxwell

Billy in the dugout just like old times. Check out the name on the big screen. It says William Maxwell along with the announcement on the loud speaker.

The girls had fun making T-Shirts. Daddy sitting in the dugout waiting to go up to bat.

Little Billy checking out the park. Jillian, McKel, and Billy enjoy the seats behind home plate.

Hallowed Ground "The" dugout of the Boston Red Sox. Daddy showing us the line-up

Another view from the Dugout. The stairs to the locker room

I kept the kids out of school to experience this incredible opportunity. While daddy got suited up we sat right behind home plate in the very first seats. I don't have to tell any Bostonian what a chance that is. There is a running joke that you have to sell your home and sell your first born to even get near seats like that during a true game. We watched daddy play, little Billy chased around batman, spiderman, darth vader, and the green monster.

We all ate a hot dog lunch, enjoyed face painting, t-shirt making and went on a tour of Fenway. My words could never really explain what a great day we had. Or how blessed Billy felt by this experience. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

In front of the Boston Red Sox Locker room

Game Over

Being Greatful

I love this time of year. You can feel the warmth of the sun on your skin while still enjoying the cool ocean breeze. This is the type of weather I missed most when I was in FL. It really is all the little things that can add up to make life enjoyable. Sometimes we don't understand how to appreciate the everyday, the mundane we call our lives until one day we're faced with the prospect of losing it all. When Billy was in the hospital, I really missed our nights together watching TV and laughing at all his funny jokes. I missed his daily routine and the socks on the floor!!! I also realized I would die without him. It made my heart hurt for what could have been but also for those who have suffered with the loss of a spouse. I am so greatful for moving back home, for the sound of the ocean, the salt in the air, and yes even for my husbands bad habits. I am so glad he made a full recovery and I am so much better for having experienced it because it just helps me appreicate him and our life all the more.

I am sharing some pictures of new classes at the Shop.

Pastor Pollock and Preston did not survive the crash

I can't believe the news today. The verse from the U2 song keeps playing over and over in my head. I am at a loss for words or understanding. All I know is that I should be feeling that this is God's plan. It is Gods will and we need to believe that there is some divine purpose for this tragic incident. So many thoughts are running through my head about the church and its changes since Pastor Forrest took over in 2002. There were certainly some who opposed the mega Church philosophy or the intentions of Pastor Pollock. I can't help but to wonder if this was the work of the divine or if it is yet another blow from the "other side" to keep the church from spreading its love of Christ Jesus and it's christianity through the community and the world.
Pastor Pollock with his son Preston were enroute to Arkansas to pick up a friend before moving on to a conference in Texas when his plane went down outside Asheville, NC approx. 30 miles from the Rutherfordton, NC airport where Pastor Pollock departed at around 4:10 AM. When they didn't arrive at their destination they were reported missing. Search teams discovered the plane sometime tues morning according to BSBC and Paster Forrest Pollock and his 13 year old son Preston did not survive the crash.

I just can't image what Dawn or what his children are going through right now. The people of Bell Shoals Baptist Church have been through a lot of pain over the years with the lost of the paster before Dr. Pollock and now this tragedy is almost too surreal to believe. His visions for BSBC as a mega worship center were being realized with the construction of a new parish. It is just so sad.

Jillian lost her front tooth today!

What a gorgeous day in Boston.
Extra, Extra, read all about it, Jillian lost her front tooth.




Nantasket Beach in March


It was in the 70's today! The sun was shining and you could smell the salt in the air from the ocean. Baseball season has begun! I really love this time of year. I took some pics of the kids at the beach in March but they were freezing. I can wait to take more pics when we have another nice day.

Rebecca, Cindy, Geri, Kristen

Look at all those candles

Are all these books for me?!!!




We had Cindy's 40th birthday party. It was a great turnout. There was a ton of food and drink and everyone brought more food and drink! Mary manned the blenders making Margarita's and Daiquiris and best of all it was Girls Night out! I didn't get home until almost 5 AM!!!!!!! Geez, I felt like I was in high school again coming home in the wee hours of the morning. I swore I would never do Karaoke but once I got the mike it was all over. I really think Cindy had a good time. I enjoyed making the invitations and bookmarks. That was some Book Club, heeee. Happy Birthday Cindy!

Is this an April Fools joke?

I know this is a scrap booking blog but I am getting so pissed off about the economy that I just can't help myself. The profits for the oil companies rang in at a cool 123 Billion dollars in 2007 with a lofty $18 billion in tax breaks. That's PROFIT! Everyone is starving while the fat cats are sitting on their money bags. Texas Gold. We are arguably in a recession and big oil is amassing record profits. Congress met today to discuss changing the tax breaks to big oil and guess what Bush said about it? If it passes he will veto it! If that just doesn't tell it all I don't know what does. Bush and his Texas oil boys are so blatant. How about so disgusting. This makes me irate. Is there anyone out there as pissed off as I am about this. How is this not a conflict of interest. How does he get away with it? More importantly why do we let him? Big oil says the prices are beyond their control blaming crude oil and OPEC for the high prices. I say how about them profits boys. How do you explain that?

Recession

What is the definition of a Recession? Are we in one?

There's been so much talk about Recession lately. Are we, aren't we. Will we see more of a decline in the GDP in Q2? Will the Stimulus package brought about by the Feds help?

Simply put, "In macroeconomics, a recession is a decline in a country's gross domestic product (GDP), or negative real economic growth, for two or more successive quarters of a year. WIKI says, a recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.

In 2007 the GDP for each quarter declined. Healthy growth is 2-3%. Q4 2007 was .6%. Economic growth plummeted from 4.9% in Q3, and 3.9% in Q2 2007. The total GDP for the year was 2.2%, down from the 2006 growth rate of 2.9%. The big concern now is the Q1 GDP for 2008. A recession could ensue if Q2 GDP also turns negative.

Given the data. Are we in a recession? What do you think.

Waiting

It's still cold and I am still loving it! Easter was lots of fun. We had an egg hunt for the kids. Billy was joking around about expecting to see the local newscrew there thinking it was a town event when it was actually just our family. Jillian found the Golden Egg.

After Church and the Egg Hunt we went back to Jeannies "our house". As always it was a full house and we had fun. We played cards and we got a little out of control. I laughed so hard Marc thought we were drinking.
Happy Easter

Recession, Basketball, and Donald Trump

2008
Today was McKel's 2nd basketball game. They won in overtime and I was so proud of coach dad and Kel. There was a huge change in the girls from last week to this week. Practice really helped! I can't wait until tomorrows practice. We will be working on rebounding and dribbling the ball. Final score 26-24, Go Lakers!



I love Donald Trump. I've been telling everyone we are in a recession and possibly heading toward a depression for months now but because the "analysts" are reluctant to admit it, no one wants to believe it. I stumbled upon this fabulous video tonight and leave it to "The Donald" to set the record straight in an interview with Cramer. See here for yourself.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=625091311

I love my own personal validation here too. I can admit it. I want to say, "I told you so" and I'm not even an analyst. Just talk to the everyday people around you and it wouldn't be too hard to figure out the dire situation in the economy today. I could never figure out why the common people like ourselves can't seem to talk any sense into the Analysts and the like. I don't even want to get started about Hollywood and their poor job of choosing shows people will actually like and watch.
Oh well, I feel better now that I had a chance to vent! That's the great thing about blogs, you can ramble on all you want, nobody is listening anyway, LOL!!!!!!!!

I FOUND MY CAMERA!

Moving back home has been a dream for me for a long time. Well, It finally happened! We packed up and shipped out on October 4th. It was a ton of work and we busted our butts for many weeks to make it happen. It was quite an adventure. Unfortunately, in all the hull-a-buloo, I lost my camera. I wasn't able to take pics of the house when we left. I didn't get a picture of the big yellow Penske truck daddy and Billy drove. Chonks was so excited to drive in that big truck with daddy. Everytime we saw a truck like that on the road since the move, Billy yells, "hey, there's my daddy's truck!"
We got here the first weekend in October. No camera for that either. I also didn't have a camera for the kids first day at Jacobs School or Billy's first day of pre-school. Their first Halloween. Billy and Jillian's birthday, the first snow fall of the year, Big Billy shoveling snow for the first time, Thanksgiving, and on and on and on it goes. It's a scrapbookers nightmare! I will have to find a clever way of preserving those moments even if I don't have pics.

On a positive note, I found my camera last weekend!!! Whooooo, just in time for pics for the Christmas cards and Christmas and a fun time in the snow!

I have to say, Big Billy has been quie the trooper. I told him the winters here are very mild. It has already snowed more times this year than it did in all the previous five years combined. Of course, we would pic the harshest season. As I tell my family, "hey, thats the way I roll". We had to replace the transmission in our van right after we got here. That was a quick 18 hundred but where there is a ying there is also a yang. As many crazy things that has happend, there have been as many great things that have happened. Billy is really loving his job! The commute is a bit of a nightmare but the job itself is awesome. I am so glad he is happy. I've been enjoying spending time with my family and friends. I've really missed this lifestyle for so long. The kids are adjusting quite nicely as well. Kelly now goes by the name McKel at school and she loves it. People are always telling her how cool her name is. We've done our Christmas shopping already and we are just about ready to have Santa come.
signed,
no longer cameraless in Boston

We go to Mike and Melissa's for a kid party tomorrow. We are so looking forward to seeing them and baby Mikey.

Blake, nuff said

YouTube - Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses

YouTube - Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses

I'm planning Kelly's 10th Birthday party. It snuck up on me so fast. Times have been so tough on every one lately that I really haven't had time to think about it. It feels like she's been her(e) forever but at the same time the years seem to have flown. I've tried so hard to savor the time because I know ultimately regret is inevitable. Mistakes will be made. Her heart will get broken. The world will unleash its cruelty. I also know that the world will also show her true friendship, love, joy, and all its beautiful things. I hope someday she will understand what this song is really saying. Most of all, I hope she knows how much I truly love her. YouTube - Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance: Closed Captioned



Happy Birthday Kelly McKel!!! I love you so much. Have a wonderful new year. It will certainly be an adventure.

Love, Mom

Changes, Big Changes

Ch, ch, ch, changes, Isn't that how the song goes? August is all but gone and September is upon us. I jokingly call this time of year my Busy Season. It starts of course with Back to School. Kelly's Birthday, Billy's Birthday, Jillian's birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas just to name a few. All wonderful things that add spice to life. It also marks another year. Kids milestones that come and go so fast. Kelly will be 10 this year. My little baby girl isn't a baby any more. Jal pal will be 7 and that just breaks my heart. My little baby Billy turns 5, five, yes one, two, three, four, 5! I still rock him to bed every night. I am just not ready for this but as we all learn time waits for no one!
We think we have a pet! There has been a stray kitty in our neighborhood and we have been feeding her. Poor little thing is so skinny. None of us are really cat people but we all fell in love with this little cutie pie! We just don't know if she is healthy or not so we need to take her to the vet. Problem is they want 200 dollars, yikes! Anyway, I have some really huge news that has to do with changes but I can't reveal it now. So until next time . . .

My Birthday Scavenger Hunt

While I was in Boston my friends and family planned a fun Birthday Party for me! It started off as a scavenger hunt. There were two teams. We had to go and take pictures at the old places I used to live and do some funny stuff that all pertained to my life growing up! We had to find 3 people I graduated with and have my pic taken with them. It was interesting when I would knock on the door of someone I haven't seen in years and ask for a pic. Not only that but I had to do it quickly because we were on a time crunch!!!!!!! "Hi how are you, I haven't seen you in years but I can't talk right now, I just need a pic" fortunately we had Geri on our team and she knows everyone and where they live now, lol!!!!!!!!!! We had to ride the carousel, spell the word Hull in people, rearrange someones porch furniture in the street (of course we put it back) After the scavenger hunt we all went back to Theresa and Joe's. Then we all went to the beach to watch all the fireworks displays. What an incredible experience. All along the beach are bonfires and fireworks displays for miles. It is really something to see!!! Then we went back to Theresa's and partied the rest of the night! I got some amazing gifts! I have to give a huge shout out to Kristen and Cindy for all the work they did planning the Scavenger Hunt and all the food, etc. and to Geri for all her amazingness!!!!!!!! Thank you all so much, I LOVE you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our House, in the middle or our street

July in Florida is HOT!!!! Especially when my DH is doing work out in the yard between him and the natural FL heat they almost started a bonfire, haaaaaaaa!!!

We've been working on sprucing up the place. We finally have decided that as much as we would like to make it work in this house our kids are getting bigger and it's time to move on. Kelly and Jillian sharing a room has just about killed them AND US!

It will be hard because we moved here when Kel was just about 4 months old. We've brought the other terrors, I mean kids home from the Hospital in this house. We have a lot of fond memories but enough ado about everything, IT'S TIME TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boston 2007

We are here in Boston enjoying the sunshine and the not so sunshine. Each day is a mystery what the weather will bring but no matter what it is, I LOVE it!!!! Cloudy and rainy, go visiting family and friends. Cold and clear, walk the beach and enjoy the brisk wind!!! Hot and sunny, Beach anyone? So far we've had it all! There is nothing like the air here. I can't explain it. It is just so crisp and satisfying. So far we've hung out at Fenway Park and The Cask N' Flagon. We've been to the beach, the movies, met the triplets, bumped into old teachers, been to soccer games, and cookouts, had our ceremonial Chinese food and Steak and Cheese sub from Vickies, dined at Schooners, Billy had lobster at the Ocean Club, he went to the Red Sox ~ Yankees game at Fenway, and I could go on and on! The kids are having a great time with all their cousins. I don't think we will ever go back! Here are some pics of the other day at the beach. Have a great June!!!

Lilacs in the Spring

Lilacs in the Spring. Blooming, casting its sweet aroma. Creaking wood on the stairs. I pass by, the sounds of home to me. Coming and going - blooming, bustling life. Laughter and laundry.Grandpa on the couch. These were all constants in this big life filled house. The Matriarch always held a smile. I sit and she rubs my head for a while. Her pleasant demeanor set the tone. It was the place we called home. That big house on the hill holds so many memories - still. I can see the lilacs blowing in the breeze. The private drive, Mrs. McClusky's. The winter months sledding, skating on the pond. In warmer days riding bikes, taunting the summer kids that didn't belong. I can still smell the salty air and feel the breeze in my hair. We'd play for hours, never had a care. We were happy. Life was simple then.

American Idol and BShorty!!!!!!!!!

Whoooooooooo, Blake is still standing. There is no question that Melinda is the most talented by far but just a perfect voice isn't always what the audience calls for. Beat Boxing is making a comeback! Be prepared to see a lot of it in the upcoming months. I think Jordan is a perfect candidate for AI. Blake would actually (probably) be better off by NOT winning because he would be open to sign with who he wants. There are already folks lined up outside his dressing room door, believe it! I think we will be seeing a lot of him in the future. No matter what the outcome of Next weeks show is.
I know there are folks out there who don't care for Blakes style of music. I totally understand the nay Blakers but if you know the current music trends, plain and simple Blake is HOT! Blake is a true artist, performer, entertainer. He is just what the DJ ordered.
Not everyone is into country but Carrie Underwood was incredibly talented for her genre and the same goes for Blake and his.

May 2007

What a busy month so far. Everyone I've talked to has been feeling the same way. The kids get out of school in less than 2 weeks. We've had teacher appreciation last week, Mother's day, Bridging ceremony's for Daisy's and Brownies for the girls, final meetings, overnight trips, SAC meetings, school fund raisers, homework and school projects, and most of all Nana and Pop Pops 40th Anniversary Celebration.

I've been working on some DT assignments for the School of Scrap. What awesome sponsors Lisa's had lined up!!! Not to mention the opening of The Store, whoooooo!!!! www.theschoolofscrap.com I've also had the last two weeks of choosing the spotlight student and sketch of the week. I love every minute of it!!!

It wasn't until I had a quiet moment tonight after the Mother's Day festivities to realize just how quickly this month has gone by and that the kids only have 9 days of school left. Could someone please 'splain to me how this happened. My baby is going to be in 4th grade and Jal will be going into 1st grade. I had a little cry for myself because time is going tooooooo fast and I don't know how to get off the gerbil wheel for a moment so I can sit back and savor it.

We will be going on vacation at the end of the month and I am so excited for all of us to get away together and spend some quality time! This will be the longest summer for us because of the law change that doesn't allow student to return to school before August 20th. I am happy about the change because it was getting ridiculous!

Hope everyone had a happy mothers day today! I know I did. I am so thankful for my husband and children!!!

April 2007

Happy Easter! I hope every one's taxes are sent and tucked away for another year that will inevitably fly by. We are in the last 9 weeks of school for the kids. It almost makes my heart ache. I sound like a broken record when I talk about how fast time flies. On an exciting note, I am anxiously anticipating our summer trip! We have a super long one this year because the school schedule has changed. We will be taking advantage of that extra time and spending an entire month in Boston.

I can't wait to spend time with my family and friends. I am not sure if I will be happy to come back to Florida when it's all said and done or if I will want to stay there permanently. Time will tell. Maybe a month long trip will settle my question once and for all. Do I want to move back? Believe me, I hope the answer is no because I don't think it's ever going to happen through no fault of my own. Realizing I don't want to move back would sure make my life a lot easier. Still, I can't help but yearn for the 4 seasons and the smell of the salty air and listen to the roar of the ocean. There are some things that are just part of who I am. The bain of my existence. The ocean feels like a natural part of me and without its rhythmic dance I feel incomplete.

I don't know if family politics would make me crazy but I know a nice walk on the beach in any kind of weather could rejuvenate my soul. You just can't grow up in a town like I did and not have it be part of you.

March is almost over

Wow, March is just about finished! This year is already flying by. We had a great St. Patrick's day weekend in Port Charlotte a.k.a. Po Sho. We went down to the docks and ate and drank green beer. Mike and Melissa always roll out the red carpet. The kids had a blast too!

What's new at the School? Check it out www.theschoolofscrap.com. Anyone from SOS who reads this post and leaves a comment earns 10 school bucks. Lisa will be revealing a fun way to cash in on "the bucks" soon so be sure to start collecting.

Check out Design class to see whats new for April. We will be adding to our chipboard album and also there will be a great new project to inspire you.

Thanks for reading.
Laura

Monday 3/5/07

Become a star student at The School of Scrap! Check out www.theschoolofscrap.com or come on over for some fun classes, contests, games, gallery, or just meet some new friends that share the same passion for scrapping as you do. At SOS you can earn prizes, school bucks, raks, or just plain old bragging rights!!

Check out my classroom to see whats new for March!!!!!

Anyone who reads my blog anytime in March recieves 50 Extra Credit points toward the end of the month totals. Just post a comment here and pm me that you did so and 50 EC points are yours!

May I wish you a Beannachtái Lá Fhéile Pádraig (pronounced: ban-ach-tee la fay-le Paw-drig) Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Have you heard the News? There's a new kid in town and it's name is Creative Cottage!!!!!!!! Whooooooo!!! Can I get a what! Can I get a What, what!!!!!!!!! We are all so excited. Maybe the "OTHER" store need not be visited by me ever again.

Check out www.theschoolofscrap.com for all the new classes for March! We have some new DT members so I think the fresh blood will make it fun and exciting. All us veterans will continue to deliver great classes but a bunch of the girls have switched it up too!!!!! We are also hosting a contest with some great prizes from Club Scrap AND Hot off the Press! They have some incredible product!!!

What's new with us?? Kelly will start soccer, we are in the midst of selling Girl Scout cookies and I am happy to report I haven't eaten a one!!! It's been hard but I am standing firm!!! They keep talking to me from the corner but I am NOT listening, lol.
Jillian got the Terrific Kid award at Cimino for her advanced reading!!! We were so happy and proud of her! She also joined Daisy's and is sooooo excited to get to be like big sister Kelly. They actually got to go to an event together last Friday night!
Billy continues to crack us up with his Billyisms. "Absolutely not", and "I'm gonna tell my dad that you're so pretty" whenever he want something. When he tells a story he says I did that tomorrow instead of saying yesterday. It is so cute to listen to him!!!!I both love and cherish the days I get to spend with him. All too soon he will be starting school and I will no longer have my babies, sniffle! It goes by too darn fast!

Anyone from SOS who actually took the time to read my ramblings get 50 Extra credit points in Design Class just for enduring it, lol!!!! Just post here that you read it and if you can't seem to post then IM me. I am a sneaky one!

Your Brain is Blue

Of all the brain types, yours is the most mellow. You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles. Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life.

What Color Is Your Brain?

Confessions of a Scrapbooker seems to be the proper title for the newest event sponsored by the local Scrapbook Stores in the Tampa Bay area! We are going on a Treasure Hunt. Check out the link here: http://www.tampabayscrapbooktreasurehunt.com/

The goal is to hit up 14 local stores in a week (including the weekends). They really are all over the place. Zephyrhills, Clearwater, Sarasota, Lakeland, just to name a few. The biggest kicker is I am sooooooooo excited about doing it. You know you love scrapbooking when. . . . You agree to use up more gas than you could ever possibly dream just to complete the treasure hunt. . . . Spend days galavanting all over the place just to get your passport stamped. All for supplies you could get over the internet and have delivered right to your door. However, that wouldn't be as much fun now would it? I thought maybe I was crazy but when I went to get the passport bag I learned that just about all 500 bags sold out in approx. 3 days. So. . . . I guess I can find comfort in knowing I am not the only one crazy enough to do this, lol.

The true confession: I told my DH thats what I wanted for Valentines Day! No I don't want jewelery, or chocolates, I WANT SCRAP SUPPLIES AND I WANT TO DRIVE MYSELF CRAZY DOING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, I never denied I was OBSESSED!!!!!!!!!

It Feb. already! I've been busy working on making altered mailboxes for the kids. I made a heart shaped book for my DH for a Design class I teach at www.theschoolofscrap.com

It was so much fun and so easy to do!

My mother and I went to a charity crop for her birthday and had a really good time. This was our 2nd year in a row.

My confession: I didn't even complete one layout. I find I prefer scrapping at home with all my toys right at hand!

Kelly got braces! Wow the kids are growing up too fast! She was excited and picked blue and green elastics. One side is bothering her now though.

The first picture cracks me up. Billy cannot seem to keep his eyes open for the pictures I take. I've started having him close his eyes and then telling him to open just before it flashes. Almost all the pics I have of him are either with his eyes closed or of him straining to keep his eyes open and he looks so funny. Hopefully he will grow out of this soon.

Billyism's: Lately Billy has been talking into his Buzz Lightyear watch. So the other day he kept telling me his watch said we needed to go and pick up Dubba-D. That's all I heard all day. Later on when Dubba-D was here he got mad at her because she made him clean up his toys. So he came running to me and told me that his watch says Dubba-D has to go home now!

Happy Valentines day!

Ok, I've got issues! Who doesn't right. It is 1 in the morning and I'm blogging. Hmmmm, I have to get up with the kids and I have to be at Jillian's award ceremony by 8:15 am. Anyhoo, how about that American Idol in Seattle! Very interesting folks turned out for that one.

Have you Checked out www.theschoolofscrap.com yet? Great site for all you scrap addicts out there.

Ok, enough babble I need to update pic's. My neice Love came to visit on Sunday and Monday. The kids had off school and we had so much fun. My kids were fighting over her. It was nice to see them playing with their cousin!!!!!! Hopefully we will be seeing more of her She is sooooo cute.

Random pics
Daddy flipping pancakes for Mrs. Buck's 3rd grade class. Kelly was so happy her daddy volunteered for the read in. There was quite a bit of rivalry between the men and their pancakes. Is there anything they won't turn into a sport. First it was who's were the roundest, cooked the best and who's didn't stick to the pan. Daddy of course, being the cook that he is, had no problem with his perfectly rounded and cooked masterpieces! Look at those pancakes on that griddle!!!!!!!!!!

Billy and daddy on a tractor. We went to a birthday party for Hollis and the theme was a farm. They had it at a friends house who owns a beautiful barn and acres of property. Billy was very enamored by the tractor and he just had to try it out!

Them some more Christmas pics.

I haven't been on here since November. We had a quiet Thanksgiving and that weekend we had Jillians birthday party. We had a nice Christmas and New Year how 'bout you? I have made some Ressies' for the New Year, scrap related of course.

I would like to involve myself less in idle scrap projects and focus more on getting pages and projects done that I really need done. This is a particularly tough one if your familiar with

http://www.theschoolofscrap.com

Lots of good stuff to keep me busy there!!!!!!!!!

I would also like to get organized! Haaaaaaaaa didn't I say that last year? It's a perpetual problem.

I would like to enter the HOF contest but I just don't thing it will happen this year. It's a lot of work and I'm not sure I care enough to do all of it. That sounds awful I know.

Non scrap related~I would like to get my house on the market but that would mean all my scrap stuff would have to be put away. My first confession of the new year: I don't think I can live without my scrap stuff so I have no idea how we will ever get this house ready. Yes, my scrap stuff is THAT important. I can't even get my DH to hang curtains for me, its been months now, so I won't have to worry about him nagging me to get the house ready. Who knows maybe next year that will still be on my Resolutions list.

Try to contain yourself after reading such riveting news, lol! I need to go and download some pics.

Hello and Happy November

The month where 2 out of my 3 children turn another year older :-( .Ok, ok, I'll try not to complain. A time when families get together to celebrate the holidays, the official kick off for Christmas madness, and lets not forget Football, ahhh glorious football.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and think of all there is to be thankful for. Every night in my prayers I say why I'm thankful. What I've learned is it doesn't always have to be huge life events or happenings. I realize I am thankful for so many little things as well. It is a strange phenomenon too because I find this exerise of mine makes me feel good and helps lift my spirits.

Some examples include: I am grateful for this bed, my pillows~and boy do I have a lot of them, mount pillmore as they are so commonly refered to, my covers, the air conditioning and the fan (hey, I live in FL and its HOTT) I am grateful for a full stomach (no cracks please, lol) a roof over my head, for being an American, for my wonderful husband and my precious children. I often think about people in other countries who spend their entire day just looking for food and we have everything we need at our fingertips. I also thank him for the computer and for scrapbooking which is my obsession confession of the day! Just look around you and there is so much to be grateful for

So, what are you grateful for?

Heather Preckel is my new favorite Celeb!!!! I got to meet her yesterday at The Scrapbook shoppe. She is so genuine, talented, and just downright nice!!!! We made some serious kick butt pages. 3 to be exact. Then we made these flower pot things. I had so much fun. The other pic is of Lexi, Julie, and Heather. Whooo!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to get some pages done! I love how Heathers pages really pop. I love the 3D look to them. I was drooling looking at her album. You just want to touch all her pages!!!!! I love working with fabric and taking this class just reinforced that! I can't wait to finish my little purse album from when Bonnie and I went to the all night crop! I have two more pages I need to make my goal on www.theschoolofscrap.com I can't wait to get busy!!!!

PuMpKiN PaTcH PhOtOs

We had so much fun today. Norman came by to play with kids!!! They had a blast in the yard running around, playing kickball, and working every part of the swing set. The backyard had never been so fun because now the kids had an audience and it was Norman what could be better!!! It was a symphony of yelling his name each time they performed a dramatic stunt off the swingset or slide. They had to make sure he was looking, lol!

Then Mike and Melissa, and Mac stopped by and we all went to the Pumpkin Patch and had some more fun! We took tons of pics! Turns out the Dentist knows a thing or 2 about how to work the camera!!! Whoooo, vibrant orange pumpkins in the backround may be cliche but who could resist!!

The weather is finally getting cooler here. Yippie, some relief from the hot weather.

Today the kids get their report cards! This is Kelly's first year to get actual letter grades. I can 't wait to see what she brings home. It is also Jillian's first report card ever!!!!!! Wow, big day for the girls. I'll take lots of pics. Here are a couple of recent pages. True colors was a challenge on www.theschoolofscrap.com We had to use a Cindy Lauper song. This is a digi layout. I am still and seemingly forever working on Kelly's school album. Here's one of the latest pages.

Confession: I am addicted to scrapbooking but you already knew that, lol!! TFL!

Hello and Boo!

Billy picked out his Halloween costume today. It is so cute. I actually reminds me of a suit in a picture a friend of mine posted. It's skeleton Man!!!! He loves it!

Right now Jillian is saying she wants to be a lady bug which is fine by me because we already have the costume! She's been a lady bug the last three years! Kelly changes her mind daily.

I love this time of year. The weather was beautiful today. I sat outside the Nana and Lana while the kids played. Its been an long hot summer so it was nice to play outside again.

Happy Haloween.

Ok, I'm a slacker. You know it when it takes a challenge for me to update my blog. I get 40 points for sharing something fun I did this summer. We went to Disney World! My family with my brother and his kids and my Mom! We had lost of fun and I can't wait until I can scrap the pics!!!!
I wanted to get this picture of Jillian because I have one of Kelly with Ariel. It was so funny. Billy refused to go sit with her. He was acting all shy and Kelly, was too cool and grown up for that. So they scattered when it was our turn to take a pic and Jillian proudly marched up there and sat down with Ariel. She was very impressed by her.

September 11, 2006

Where were you 5 years ago when you heard the news? I was home with my daughters playing with them when my husband called me and told me to turn on the TV to find out what was going on. It was strange because it was the one morning I chose to keep the tv off while I played with them. I remember the image of the burning tower. I remember the news media still speculating as to what happened. At first most thought it was a plane crash. Then before I could collect myself I saw the other plane make its entry into the adjacent tower. I knew. I knew immediately it was an act of terrorism.

Since then, everytime breaking news comes on it stirs up a fear in me. How has it changed you? I have a deep respect for Firefighters and the families that support them. In life and in death. I feel guilty for the freedoms we enjoy while the families who suffered loss are struggling each day without their loved ones. There are so many emotions, so many tragedies and with that so many acts of heroism. God bless America today and always.

TWO THOUSAND ONE, NINE ELEVEN (2001-911)
Two thousand one, nine eleven
Five thousand plus arrive in heaven
As they pass through the gate,
Thousands more appear in wait
A bearded man with stovepipe hat
Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat"
They settle down in seats of clouds
A man named Martin shouts out proud
"I have a dream!" and once he did
The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives."
Groups of soldiers in blue and gray
Others in khaki, and green then say
"We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine
"The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain."
From a man on sticks one could hear
"The only thing we have to fear.
The Newcomer said, "We know the rest,
trust us sir, we've passed that test."
"Courage doesn't hide in caves
You can't bury freedom, in a grave,"
The Newcomers had heard this voice before
A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shores
A silence fell within the mist
Somehow the Newcomer knew that this
Meant time had come for her to say
What was in the hearts of the five thousand plus that day
"Back on Earth, we wrote reports,
Watched our children play in sports
Worked our gardens, sang our songs
Went to church and clipped coupons
We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought
Unlike you, great we're not"
The tall man in the stovepipe hat
Stood and said, "Don't talk like that!
Look at your country, look and see
You died for freedom, just like me"
Then, before them all appeared a scene
Of rubbled streets and twisted beams
Death, destruction, smoke and dust
And people working just 'cause they must
Hauling ash, lifting stones,
Knee deep in hell, but not alone
"Look! Blackman, Whiteman, Brownman, Yeowman
Side by side helping their fellow man!"
So said Martin, as he watched the scene
"Even from nightmares, can be born a dream."
Down below three firemen raised
The colors high into ashen haze
The soldiers above had seen it before
On Iwo Jima back in '44
The man on sticks studied everything closely
Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly
"I see pain, I see tears,
I see sorrow -- but I don't see fear."
"You left behind husbands and wives
Daughters and sons and so many lives
are suffering now because of this wrong
But look very closely. You're not really gone.
All of those people, even those who've never met you
All of their lives, they'll never forget you
Don't you see what has happened?
Don't you see what you've done?
You've brought them together, together as one.
With that the man in the stovepipe hat said
"Take my hand," and from there he led
five thousand plus heroes, Newcomers to heaven
On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven.

I do not know the author, sorry.
The man on sticks is:
Franklin Roosevelt - He said "All we have to fear is fear itself". He was stricken with polio at the age of 39 and used crutches.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

My baby is now officially a Kindergartener. Time flies, and waits for NOONE! I wanted to share some pics. Daddy came home between jobs so he could be there to walk them to class on their first day. Kelly's class is in the new wing. The paint was barely dry, lol. We were so fortunate again for having such great teachers.

Laura

Oh my, the kids have been back to school for a month now. The day before the first day the kids went to "Meet the teacher". They were excited to go and visit their classrooms. It is going very smooth so far. I am still working on Kelly's album. I am only as far as 1st grade and she is entering 3rd. Kindergarten is going great for Jal! She seems to love it!!!! My most embarrassing moment so far this year is she told the teacher I am always on the couch or on the computer. I had to laugh. It is such a Jillian thing to say. Then I was upset because I realized that is what she thinks of me. So now everytime I sit down on the couch I am careful to point out to her that ok now mommy is sitting down to FOLD THE LAUNDRY. Now mommy is sitting down to READ all the papers from the backpacks, etc. I thought getting my work done during the day and spending quality time with them in the afternoon was a good thing. They both have to read everyday so I read to her and log it in. All the while I'm making dinner, doing laundry and chasing my 3 year old around. Or I'm running taxi to Brownies, music class, SAC meetings, or some other social event of my children. There are knocks on the door all the time from the girls in the neighborhood asking to play. I am on the computer alot though. Everytime I get a chance. Bad mommy, lol!!!!!

Newest Scrapbook diddy!!!!! Check it out.


http://www.bigfatbaby.com/index.cfm?action=view&id=13119&scid=0

Scrapbooking SNL Parody

SNL Parody is a must see

This is hilarious!!!! a must see!!!!!!!!!! This was a Saturday Night Live Skit about Scrapbooking!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_duMORCX0EU

Memories, memories, everyone's got 'em!

I'm just trying to get them logged so my children can fondly remember the lazy hazy days of summer!

Here are some pics!

Ok, here are some pics of our cabin, Helen, GA, Jillian picking berries, Daddy and Billy, and our visit to the Cabbage Patch Hospital. It is hot, hot, hot here. If I'm lyin' I'm dyin, lol!!!

We are going to head off to Delonega today and check it out. Will update later.

Laura

Hello from Cleveland, Georgia!!! I am sitting a'top a mountain at a wi-fi hotspot and don't you know I forgot to download the pictures! What fun is an entry without some pics to go with the story? It is pretty here. Windy roads, lots of green and trees! The cabin we are staying in is so cute. The people up here are so nice too!! Nana and Pop Pop are letting the girls spend the night with them and Billy and I are enjoying the peace and quiet at night after Baby Billy goes to bed. We visited Helen tonight. What a cute place. It is all done up like a German village. We walked around and checked it all out. The kids loved the Horse and buggies.

Nana made us tacos and enchiladas for dinner. Earlier we went to the Cabbage Patch baby hospital. What an ADORABLE concept!!!! It is so well done. You walk in and there are babies you can adopt. They have it set up like a hospital. There are babies in cribs, etc. Each one of the kids got a baby and we got to watch 2 babies being born!!!!! Too cute!!!!!!

We hoped to go tubing but the water is too low right now. Maybe it will rain in the next couple of days and we will be able to go. When we first got here, we drove all night and got here very early in the morn. We got to see Nana and Pop Pops beautiful place!!!!! We couldn't check in here until 3 pm so we took a nap for a little bit before coming and getting settled in.

I visited Scrapbook Bugs today. A cute little scrapbook store with the nicest lady. I got a couple things to scrap this trip. She invited me to an all day crop on Saturday. I don't want to take that time away from my family though. We'll off I go to enjoy the rest of the trip.
Scrap your memories!!!!

I am finally finished with the very first section of Kelly's school album, lol. Her last day of kindergarten. Now I have 1st and 2nd grade still to do. She starts 3rd grade this year. I was hoping to have her pages up to date by now. Speaking of school, I can't believe it starts in a couple of weeks.
My newest decision. My neighbor called and asked me if I would watch her son starting on the first day of school until her daughter gets home. I don't know if I can handle another toddler, but I can certainly use the money. Of course, I'm thinking scrap supplies. He is so cute and it would give Billy a playmate.

We set sail tomorrow. Not literally of course. I hope they have internet connection where we will be staying. Whooo! Can't wait until vacation.
Laura

Hello,

I have spent the bulk of the weekend doing laundry. I never knew 5 people could have so much laundry in all my life We are getting ready to go on vacation in GA. We will be staying in a cabin!!! I'm sure I'll have lots of pics to show when we get back!!!

My dh actually found a scrapbook store for me near where we are staying. How cool is that. He must want to go fishing and golfing, haaaaa.

So the scrapbooking world is all a buzz about the new products that are coming out at summer CHA!! I am loving the new Cosmo Cricket line. Check it out at http://www.embellishonline.com/
The wanted collection is my favorite. CHA summer will be held in Chicago July 20-31. It will be hard but I am on a spending freeze for now. I want all that new stuff!!!!!!!!

Laura

Kelly and I went to the Kelly Clarkson concert on July 1st!!!! Whooo. Just mother and daughter. We had a great time. I wanted to share some picks.

Memories are what we create everyday. They effect who we are, what we do, how we think. What is your favorite memory? Maybe its a special Christmas or birthday. Maybe it's your first kiss. Or maybe its as simple as a smell triggering a moment or place from your past. I miss the smell of the salty ocean. If I listen I can still hear the sound of the waves crashing over the seawall. The rythmic heartbeat of the ocean sliding in and rolling out. I can still remember the screams as the roller coaster at Paragon Park would make its decent down that first treacherous hill. I can hear the wood creak and the bar rattle as it flew over each hill and turn. I can remember the stories of the lady who jumped to her death off the top of that first incline. My own mother and aunts and uncles were working there at the time. I can hear the Merry go round and the music being played.
I loved to watch the old folks dance at the Pavillion. I stood on that beach 10 hours a day twirling my whistle, watching to make sure everyone was safe. I'll never forget the guy I chased in the water and out across the street to Casey's. I quess he was trying to comit suicide by drowning himself. He was fully clothed. To this day I know there was divine intervention because I chased him across the street and into that door and knew he was hiding in the bathroom. It was like a co-pilot was leading me right to him. I later found out he tried to hang himself in his cell.
I remember Uncle Sam's and those stairs. So many stairs! There are so many memories. Good, sad, defining.
I can still hear my grandfather play his acordian and everybody singing. I remember skating at Damon Pond in the winter.
Scrap those memories! They are what your children will want to know. However insignificant they may seem to you they will be of such great interest to your children and your grandchildren. It will give them insight into who you really are and what life was like when you were growing up!!!
I challenge you!!!! Spark up those memories and get them written down.
Laura

Hello Scrappers!!!!! Boy do I have a confession for this past weekend. Not only did I go to a crop on Saturday to benefit Breast cancer but I spent the whole weekend away from the kids and hubby. It was so much fun. Don't get me wrong I love my family but it was just what the doctor ordered "if only doctors really ordered this kind of stuff, lol" I am totally rejuvinated!!

I went to the Bonnie B & B on Friday. We shopped and hung out. Then after the crop we hung out some more in the comfort of her quiet, clean, home!!! It was great. She gave me 4 Starbucks coffee cups and some cool books. This was my bday present.

When I came home on Sunday, the house was actually clean, whooo. Then we went to dinner with Mike, Melissa, and Mac and had to go grocery shopping! Oh how I dread that.

I am taking lots of pics and enjoying life!! Oh my, I almost forgot the big news we got today and the really cool thing that happened to me at Dani's crop.

First, Kim my sister in law called today and announced they will be having a baby! We are so excited for them!! She is due in March, whoo!!!

At Dani's crop I won a door prize. It was the Pampered Chef tool caddy thing that everyone uses for cropping. I was so excited!!! Also I entered a page layout contest for two catagories, Photography and School Memories and I won!!!! I was really excited and tickled. I really am starting to break out of my shell and get those pages out there. Winning helps me not feel so silly about it, lol.
Laura

Hello,

The 4th of July was fun! So was the 3rd of July!! I turned another year older and so did America. A group of us went to the Parade. It was soooo hotttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thankfully we had super soakers to keep us a little comforted. We parked at the playground and sat by the street. Got lots of candy and beads. We were at the beginning of the parade so we could take off as soon as it was over to go to a cookout or should I say to GET OUT OF THE HEAT!!! The cookout was nice and relaxing. All the kids played and the adults got to sit and relax a bit. Later we all went outside (neighbors) to watch the fireworks. Of course it was our usual crew and Dubba-D stopped by after the Red Sox game. They lost! I am not too happy about that!!!! The Yankees got smoked too so that lightens the upset just a little, lol.

For my birthday the kids made be Queen for the day and served me breakfast in bed. Oatmeal and toast with peanut butter, very cute!!!!! I got some SCRAPBOOK STUFF of course that my cute hubby picked out all by himself. We also had a cake. My mom took me clothes shopping, whooo!! I rarely shop for clothes because I'd rather spend my money on scrapsupplies, see the top 10 reasons you know you are a scrap addict.

Happy Birthday America. Thank you to all the troops who make our freedom possible.
Laura

Scraplist Challenge #2 from 2Peas

I just couldn't do. I couldn't leave my page the way it was. I will post it tomorrow I forgot to take a pic of it in natural light. Too much dead space up top. I really don't know how people do it? When they do I LOVE how it looks but I just can't seem to do that myself. So I changed it a little by moving my letters up and adding some Prima flowers.

Next challenge has been posted to Lisa(photo above). I think others want to join it. I can't wait to see al the different variations. We have until the end of the weekend to complete it.

Hung out with the kids in the pool today after running errands. I didn't even take pics. Imagine that, my children got to actually enjoy themselves without the crazy lady with the camera looking over their shoulders yelling, "hold that pose", "do that again!" "smile, I said smile" "can't you just sit still for one minute so I can get this picture, Billy, Billy, look at me, Jillian don't look away until the camera clicks, Kelly leave Billy alone and just smile" "Kelly you are old enough keep looking at the camera eventually Billy will look" Uggg poor kids.

I got my Scraprack yesterday!!! Whooo! I am in the process of organizing all my stuff.
I also got my shipment from I Remember When!!!!! So many mail goodies!!! I got all kinds of Jeneva paper on sale! I am going to make up packs and sell them.

I am doing great on my attempt to start to go to bed by midnight. Lets see it's 2:37 am. Have a scrappy day (that was dorky but it needed to be said!)
Laura

I entered a challenge with a friend. We both scraplifted the same layout from 2 peas. It is the one titled "loot". We had to do it fast. It was fun to see what we each came up with. This was a great challenge for me. I usually tinker with a page forever. It felt good to get a page completed. I do have a tough time with the top being so bare. I was trying to keep with the pic we scraplifted from by leaving the blank space at the top. I will probably go back and fix it. It's really driving me crazy. I realize I was being too legalistic about following the challenge exactly. I used to think I didn't scraplift but I do. You just morph off an idea you see and that can still be considered scraplifting.


We went to the movies today to see Dreamer with the kids and some friends. We had a good time and it was great to get the kids out. Tomorrow we are supposed to go swimming in the pool. Yippie! It is a great relief from this seriously HOOOTTTTT SUMMER SUN!!! Ouch it is scortching!

Jillian and Billy
Playin in the pool











Opening up mail from Nana & Pop Pop









More pics!

Confessions of a Scrapbooker

Ok, so I decided I really need to try and use the stuff I have instead of buying more. I think all scrappers try and talk themselves into this from time to time. I actually turned down a road trip to a Scrapbook Store in Orlando tomorrow. I'm really trying. So lets see how long I can pull of my self ban on buying. That would also mean I would have to challenge myself to use what I have so I can buy more. So hmmm, a page, a project a day perhaps??? With three kids home for the summer, can I do it realistically. Hmmmm, maybe a project a week and make myself submit something. Hmmm. It all sounds good for a goal but, OK NO BUTS, I'm having an argument her with myself, lol. I'm going to start there. I project/page a week and I must get over my fears and submit. Ok, its a self challenge. I'm on!!!!

We spent Father's Day at Lithia Springs. We had a picnic then took a walk. The kids played on the playground and had a great time. We put our feet in the springs. It is such a beautiful place.

Later on we went to dinner with Mike, Melissa, and Mac. We had to wait nearly 2 hours to be seated so the manager brought appetizers to our table to make up for it, lol. Mac was having a rough night so Mike and Melissa didn't get to enjoy their meal. It brought back a lot of memories!

On Sunday DH had to work in the evening so we spent the day tooling around. It was a very nice weekend.

My Confession - the whole time I was taking pictures I was thinking about the scrapbook pages I would create for them. I'm sick, sick, sick!!!!

Hello today is Saturday. We are celebrating fathers day today because DH has to work t0morrow night. We were supposed to go hang out for the day at Ft. Desoto park but hubby crashed when he got home from work this morning. My daily confession, it is probably my fault because he tried to wake me up and I didn't budge, so off he drifted after working 21 hours staight. So now it's almost 2 pm and we are trying to come up with something fun to do with the kids to salvage the rest of the day. I'll post what we come up with.

Jennifer Childs the founder of IRW posted photos of the BAZZILL factory. Talk about drewling!!!! Oh what I wouldn't give to fondle all that awesome paper. The possibilities are endless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe I need to add that to my list of dream vacations!! Hey, your reading Confessions of a Scrapbooker, afterall!
Laura

My scrap space.

I had an epiphany today. I checked out Donna Downey's web site and she has her scrap room set up in her living room. I was so excited to find this out. I have a very over active imagination and I envision her scrap area being the size of a warehouse. Remember, refer back to you may be an addict if . . . your idea of celebs are . . .Donna Downey, etc. Her room is GORGEOUS and yes it is in her living room!!! Complete with shelves from IKEA but I thought I was one of the only scrappers out there with there scrap space in the LIVING ROOM!! If Donna Downey can do it, I can do it, so no more appologies from me about my living room! Haaa
Laura

Confessions of a Scrapbooker! Ok, I'm an addict. I admit it. Most of us do. You know who you are out there. We know we're obsessed with our craft. We shop, we talk, we get together, we shop, we create, and we shop some more. It not just a hobby, its an addiction. I think the manufacturers out there are well aware of our weaknesses! Show me an avid scrapper and I will almost guarantee there is addiction to it in one form or another.

Here are 10 ways you know you might have a problem

1. Your child falls and scrapes her knee and you are thinking, hold on, I'll get to you after I finish this one last thing . . . on my page.

2. Your phone rings and you are annoyed that it is interupting your conversation on one of your yahoo groups.

3. Your closest friends, or the ones you talk to daily, are somewhere in cyber space.

4. Your idea of a celebrity is Lisa Bearnson, Donna Downey, Stacy Julian, Tim Holtz, Heidi Swapp, Shannon Taylor etc.

5. Your dream vacation would be a cruise or a weekend at Creating Keepsakes University with any and all of the above named "celebrities" . . . or you plan your family vacation around what scrapbook stores are in the area.

6. Everytime you have to make a purchase on something other than scrap supplies you cringe and think about what you could have bought with that money if you could have used it for scrap supplies. You no longer like to buy clothes or food because it may cut into your scrap spending.

7. You wait to bring your new scrap goodies in the house when your DH isn't home so you don't have to make it obvious what you are spending.

8. If you want to name your new dog Bazzill Rathbone, you might have a problem.

9. If you find yourself setting your alarm clock to 3 am to catch Lisa Bearnson's new product launch on QVC, you might be an addict.

10. If everytime you leave your house and your kids come running up to you screaming, mommy don't leave, don't go crapbooking! You just might have a problem!

But the one sure sign to absolutely know, you are a full blown addict, is when you plan to go to the beach just so you can use up some of that cool beach paper you've been eyeing.