Blue Eyes...

This is my nephew Brett...I had to chuckle as he showed up to one of Sam's ball games with his new hair do...A mohawk...and on this particular day it was not only a mohawk but a blue mowhawk. Then I started taking some photos and WOWZA...that blue hair REALLY helped to make the blue eyes pop out even more than they already do!

AHHH Laughter....

Oh, these moments are so precious and prized! I know there are alot of you out there that COMPLETELY understand when I say that raising a teenage girl is a ride on a roller coaster! Especially, if you are her mother. Boy-- if I had a dollar for every time she was mad at me, rolled her eyes or thought that I was babying or mothering too much....well I'd be able to quit my job. So, in these moments when I get to see her express sheer joy and hapiness, I realize why I keep doing those everyday things that I do to hack her off....In these moments, I get a glimpse of who she really is and occassionally when I am super lucky...I get what I think may be a glimpse of who she will be in the future. She is one AWESOME kid!

Can Anyone Tell me???????

What the name of this tree that has these awesome floweres on it is? When I went to Ohio last April(ish) this was one of the first things that I noticed as Awna drove me to her house. We went by this scary looking place...if I remember right it used to be an orphanage...but now looks like something out of a scary movie. Anyway...in the front was this huge tree with these flowers on it...the are gorgeous! The whole tree flowered and it was just amazing! There were lots of these trees everywhere. Of course, I didn't think to ask someone while I was there what the name of the tree was....and after my trip when I asked Awna wasn't sure either....so if someone could tell me that would be GREAT! TIA!!

Just Have To Share....

After an 11 hour work day yesterday I decided that I needed to go to the mall?!?!!? So I headed into the gift shop/Hallmark store that is in our mall. I love all the cool rustic and primitive signs that have the neat sayings on them....but they are soooo PRICEY! I found one saying that really caught my eye and thought "self--go look it up on the net and make it yourself"...so that is what I have done and the saying is below. I had resolved that I am not getting comfie and decorating my new office at the new company that we HAVE to move to in order to have our jobs.....But after a good day at orientation and a little thought I might be inclined to hang this up in my office--it is very fitting in my line of work!


People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa

My Graduate

Well we did it! We made it through Junior High!! WoooHoo!! Isn't this picture just amazing...funny thing is that it is actually a "retake" of the moment. Yours truly COMPLETELY missed the shot!! Good thing Mr. Geis is Mr. Geis...he is such an awesome teacher and coach...we "redid" the handing of the certifcate so mom would have a picture of this special occassion...and you know what...I am so glad I missed the first one cause this one is 100x better than the others that I did take of the other kids during the actual ceremony. This will be a fun story later and a marvelous photo. Thanks Mr. Geis!!

What's New with You Mr. McGoo?

One might ask what one my list of things to accomplish have I done? Well...I have been able to watch a couple of track meets with out feeling that I had to be somewhere else doing something else with my time. I have finished one book and continue on with the Bible study that I have started over the Old Testament...and I might add that if you want drama...get yourself a paraphrase Bible and read the old testament...cause it has it all...Oh MY! the paraphrase makes it read like a story book! I haven't planted nay flowers yet....may not...not really in the mood cause the bugs always eat them up. Mom purchased not one but two dogs from the pound....pictures to come later. She brought home a one year old full breed bassett hound. His name is Rosco....Rosco is the buffer between the 13 year old yellow lab and the new 10 week old shepard mix (Sugar) that she also found at the pound. MOTHER! A PUPPY??? Oh MY (again). I have also enjoyed a Sunday afternoon drive with the hubby the other day...it has been forever since we took a drive...cause there were always other things that needed to be done. Gotta go...time to tan with Sam. Picture from the track meet.

Hello There!

Welp...over a week has gone by since I made my last post...cause I actually did it a few days before last Monday... and I have to say that it has been good to get away. I have spent less than 15 minutes all together on my home computer in the past week and I stamped a card for my father for his birthday (that's an important one...of course I mailed it late). You know tonight I sat down to order a book from Amazon and I have now been here for over 30 minutes just wondering around on the net....It sucks ya in I'm tellin' ya! So I am going to post this creation and be gone. The image is a Dustin Pike Digital Stamp. His images are ADORABLE! And he has new free downloads on Wednesday's...CUTE STUFF! This is the last of my stash of creations so I have no clue when I will be back again with more....

Last Elzybell's Sneek Peek....

Today is release day at Elzybell ArtStamps--so head on over and check out all of the new images that are now available and grab yourself a couple five or six!! The sentiment is computer generated (Man's Print CK.)

The title of this post is actually two-fold today. It is the last sneek peek for the April release and it is also my last sneek peek as an Elzybell's DT member. Elizabeth and the design team have been fabulous to work with! So much talent on the design team...it has been an honor to be a part of the team.

As for what is next, I have decided that it is time to live life. This simply means less time at the computer and in this little room with all of these supplies. I often find myself becoming side tracked with hunting down great insipiration and the over abundance of products and stuff to look at on the net. I think that it literally sucks you in!! Stress is high at work and there are plenty of things on my everyday list and my wish list to do. It is time to reclaim my life and diversify my activities.

There are...
ball games to watch,
books to read,
dogs to walk,
and quiet moments to be had.

There are...
family members to see,
friends to visit,
flowers to be planted,
and swings to sit in.

There is...
fresh air to be inhaled,
fire pits to be used,
lakes to be seen,
fish to be caught,
and sunsets to be watched.

There are...
pictures to be taken
and memories to be made.

There is a...
faith to be learned and followed
people to help,
children to teach,
and fellowship to be had.

There are...
mother and daughter
talks and moments,
smiles to embrace
and as always agruments to be involved in.

There is...
a husband to talk to,
spend time with,
and grow in love with.

There are...
still great projects and cards to make for those who will really appreciate them and those I know and love.

There is..
so much out there that I have been missing out on!

Thank you to everyone who has been following my blog. I will still post occassionally when I have a great picture to share or a super project that I want to keep online. My blog will stay intact as my photo buckets are here and one of my goals is to erase all my old pics of projects off my hard drive--but who knows when I will get to that cause that list up top is very long and there is lots to do! I'll Be Seeing Ya!

Let's Sneak a Peek....

At another of the new Spring stamps that are being released Monday April 20th at Elzybell's ArtStamps.

This little gal is ADORABLE!!! I will use her again for tomorrow's last peek and she will be all BLINGED out for ya!

Elzybell's April Peek #2

Here is another of the new stamps atht will be released at Elzybell's ArtStamps on Monday April 20th. If you click on Elzybell's blog listed in my blog roll you will find links to all of the Design Team Members so you can see their FABULOUS creations!
This little bear reminds me of a soft spring breeze..the kind that you can watch a bubble float through the air on. Of course, right now in Kansas the wind is either not blowing or blowing Mach 5!!

Elzybell's Sneak Peek...April Releases

It's that time of the month again...and it is a HAPPY time! Elzybell's ArtStamps will be releasing some Spring and Graduation Stamps on Monday and we are going to show you some seak peeks for the next couple of days. I love this little bear and the butterflies have been glittered up to add a little bling!

Elzybell's Inside and Out Challenge...

This weeks Elzybell's challenge is to make a card and then make sure to decorate the inside of the card as well. And in all honesty, part of the challenge was to do an envelope as well BUT...you know me and how I sometimes don't follow directions all that good. I had already photographed my card and given it away before realizing I was supposed to do an envelope to match. What a dork I am!! I need to learn to slow down and read the instructions. Humm...funny that sounds familiar...oh yes-- that is what I harp at my 14 year old to do!

Friday begins a new set of Sneak Peeks for the April Elzybell's release so make sure you tune in each day to see what is new!

A Little Trendy and Some Coming Soon....

First off, I just have to say that my husband and I attended an amazing Good Friday service tonight. We are attending a small rural church and 3 churches came together from the area for one service. They went through Jesus 7 Last Sayings as he was crucified--and left us lights out on the darkest hour...the time of Christ's death. I know what happens and I am still excited to see what is in store for us on Sunday. One of the biggest things I pulled from tonight is that we are so blessed to have the privilege to know what happened and that it all happened so that we could be granted Salvation and eternal life. But those that were there that day Jesus was crucified had no idea and no hope as Jesus died. And to think we get the honor, privilege and responsibility of knowing the story of Jesus and being able to take it to others. Wow...I don't know that I even summed it up well...just such an inspiring service!!

On another note...I was at my monthly stamp group last night and checked when one of the gals stated that she has finally accepted that brown and pink are a good combo. Of course, I had to input my theory that brown is the new white and I think Sharon nailed it even better...brown is the new black!! That is SO true!

Sorry posts have been a little far between...so much to do so little time....and this is a "down time"---Oh MY!

WHAT'S Coming Soon??

*** Elzybell's Challenge on Thursday...then

***April 17-20th Elzybell's Sneak Peeks for the April Release

If you haven't been to the Elzybell's Blog you need to go over and check it out...Paul Ford is this months Guest Designer and I absolutely love his creations with the farm animals!!

Party Owl...

Welp...I thought I lightened this photo when I edited it but....I guess I didn't do it enough...and I "ain't" going back to fix it now,LOL! This little party owl is from Pink Cat Studios. I love their owl set...so adorable...can't wait to someday get the opportunity to use the other images in the set. his was a little birthday card for a co-worker.

Elzybell's Challenge...

The new Elzybell's Challenge is to make a creation using a circle and a piece of ribbon. I made these great cookies for my boss for her birthday and had some left over. I decided to make a plate decoration out of my circular piece and ribbon.

It's Been a Few Days....

Since I have uploaded anything....I am not sure what has slowed me down...I spent 2 3/4 days in the house without leaving. I did find plenty to do- For the first time in years our laundry is done and all put away--not just laying around in laundry baskets until we wear it again. That is a major accomplishment! That and I made cookies one day...tune in on Thursday for a look at those. I have decided that I want to learn how to decorate cakes and cookies...and I MUST take lessons! So you might start seeing more of those type creations here as well....maybe...someday.

Anyway--these fun bunnies are from WhipperSnapper Designs...aren't they just adorable!

Elzybell's Free World Wide Shipping....

How exciting..this weekend...Saturday March 28- Monday March 30 Elzybells will be offering free shipping....HOW exciting is that!?!?!??! Here is a link to the blog telling you all about the special!! I am getting me some new stamps!!!

Ducky Update....

It is with a very sad heart that I have to report that Ducky is no longer with us...unfortunately this morning she and Colby (the 13 year old lab) decided to go on an "adventure" outside the fenced in yard...Ducky was struck by a car and did not survive. 6 hours later we rushed Colby to the vet...she wasn't walking...she will be fine...her old age and the impact of the day caught up with her. The vet gave her pain meds and kept her overnight...but did say before I left hat she was standing up in the kennel. Tough day...mom is devestated.

Simple and So Pretty....

This little number features a classic color combo of Rose Red and Old Olive...these two colors look awesome together. The stamp set is Thoughts and Prayers from SU! Pearl accents on the middle of the flowers makes this card so pretty. And yes that is the script background used all caddywampus.

I am sending this one to our new Pastor...she is in a little recovery mode from a procudure she had done recently.

We have recently started going to church at a new church and it has been a complete blessing. My hubby is comfie at this church which is a HUGE deal!! Pastor Dee is a RIOT! Her sermon today was on being mad and what t0 and not to do with it. So fitting after the last few days with my lovely teenager!! I was also glad to hear at my daughter's church (she goes with her dad) the sermon was on making good decisions. Hummmm...now if we put it all that together...everything should be fixed, right!?!?!...LOL

Change is....

Inevitable....sometimes good ...sometimes not so great...and sometimes a mixture of both at one time. This little number is for my boss Mary. She has been my boss for 10 years now...we have had ups and downs...but a whole lot of good times together. We have a special little thing we call the "24 hour rule"...when one doesn't like something the other one is proposing each of us takes 24 hours to consider what the other has said and we ALWAYS come to either an argeement or compromise after 24 hours. Mary and I can say what is on our minds to each other, make each other upset but always know that it will be ok in the long run. Mary works her heart out for the best outcomes for children and families...and she will continue to do that in the years to come as a manager for the new agency that will be contracting fostercare services in this area come July 1. She will do very well as a manager and will continue to greatly impact the lives of children and families. I wish her so much luck...but it is bittersweet cause I always said I couldn't do this job without her and not having her as my direct supervisor will be a HUGE adjustment!