Nineteen!

It is hard to believe Alex is celebrating his 19th birthday today.  I just had a life realization moment - I HAVE A NINETEEN YEAR OLD !  Man if that doesn't make me feel ancient nothing can. 

It was a great day for him and he is now planning to sleep upstairs on the couch while his sisters sleep under the tree because they were too sad to sleep there without him since that is their usual tradition,  It makes me a little sad too (that he is starting to outgrown some of these traditions).

So happy birthday to Alex - my very own 19 year old!

TTFN...

I'm still here...

I don't think Blogger wants me to be here as I can't sign into my account as I used to.  I have no idea why - I think it has something to do with gmail - which I don't really use - but that is another problem for another day.

We trimmed the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving but I am just getting around to posting the pictures tonight.  Sorry, I've been slow like that lately (I won't even talk about those Christmas cards I vowed I'd be sending this year...).  So here you go - pictures.  I promise to write more in the new year.  I'm hoping things will be less crazy and more interesting ;-)

I'm thankful...

my house is nearly clean
my mom is making the turkey and pies and stuffing for Thanksgiving Dinner
my family will begin arriving this afternoon for the turkey day festivities
I can sleep in a little bit tomorrow (see that note about my mom making the turkey, stuffing...)
Syd was a great little helper today and Lauren was the official decorator for the holiday
Alex got a haircut and the HotY will be home at 3:00

I'm not thankful for
the gallon of milk I broke on the garage floor
the Pledge that accidentally got sprayed on the kitchen floor
and the washer that broke last night
but all in all there is more good than bad. 
For that I am especially thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

TTFN...

Did I mention I'm glad to be here?

I just remembered I totally forgot to tell you about this - I don't know how I forgot but I did.  Earlier in October I attended a funeral so I was dressed up and wearing heels.  I stopped at the store on my way home and had a couple bags of stuff.  When I walked in the door, standing in front of the stairs, I tried to kick-off my shoes without putting my sacks down and then it happened (fine you know what happened but let me tell you anyway).  I lost my balance, I tried to catch myself but it was too late.  I went down the stairs backwards.  At the bottom my head hit the floor, my legs flipped over my head and my neck gave a horrendous crack then my head hit the floor again, this time so hard my cotacts popped out.  I KNOW!  I layed there for just a second making sure I could move my neck and slowly stood up.  Other than rug burns on my face and bruises along the back of my body I was uninjured.  It could have been bad - it could have been really bad, especially since there was no one home but the pets (some help they would have been - although to Autumn's credit she did touch even one thing that came out of the bags when they went flying)..  Once the HotY and kids did get home I told him the story and then subsequently during the night I would remind him that I could have died just so he would appreciate me being around even more than usual :-)  But it really did scare me.  AND I totally believe that my Guardian Angel was watching over me - I'm really thankful she was around! 

Okay that's it.  You know I've had so many close-calls I obviously have not done whatever it is I have been set on this earth to do.  Darn I wish someone would clue me in about that - but maybe it's better I don't know - you never know when my luck may run out!

TTFN...

Trick or Treat...

The night was perfect, we walked a long way and they came home with full buckets. A success all the way around.

THE holiday devoted to candy has come to an end, the porch light is off  - let the Christmas music begin :-) 

Here are pictures of the Scarecrow and Bat Girl:

We have communication problems...

or my family does not deal well with change. 

Today I had a meeting at the girls' school and I knew I would be there until release time so, I sent an email to the HotY stating not to stop to pick up the girls today since I would be at school.  When I got to the school I asked the school secretary to let the girls' teacher know they should not go into the pick-up line since I would be at school and could wait for them near the office.  Great.  Bases covered. 

Fast forward 90 minutes - announcements are made and Lauren & Syd are instructed to come to the office for pick-up.  A few minutes later in walks the HotY.  What are you doing here we each asked?  Well apparently he did not get my email.  I got the situation cleared up after at least 2 explanations and he went on his way.  Next came the girls.  "Mom, why are you here?" "Why did we need to come to the office for pick-up?"  "Where is dad?"  I'm here for a meeting.  You came to the office because I am here for a meeting.  Your dad is at home because I was here for a meeting.  You would think that would have ended the conversation but nope - my curious little angels just couldn't grasp the change.  "you mean you were in a meeting here?"  "how did dad know he shouldn't pick us up?"  "I still don't know why we had to come to the office".  By the time we pulled into the garage I was not explaining any longer.  Really, the concept, it wasn't that difficult, at least I didn't think so but apparently I was wrong.  Boy no sudden moves in this family :-).

TTFN... and I will definitely think twice before I make any schedule changes again.

Oh My Gosh...

or in other words, let's talk about sex.  I was going to use that (the sex thing) as the title of my post but then I remembered what happened when I titled one of my entries "girls gone wild" and really, I don't want that happening again (people using that phrase as a search and ultimately landing on my blog - I can only imagine what a "let's talk about sex" search would bring here).  ANYWAY, I thought I would put the topic out there for you right away so if you are skittish about this kind of thing you should just move along now.  Sooooo, today in the car one of the girls asked what a period was (and they weren't discussing grammar) so I tried to explain the menstrual cycle on a third grade level.  A mom's body thinks it is going to have a baby every month so it prepares a little nest for the egg and when the egg comes but there is no baby the body has to get rid of the nest so the mom bleeds for a little bit and the nest is gone.  Okay fine that seemed to go well, I felt pretty smug and clever.  Oh but wait, a question  "mom how come a mommy doesn't have a LOT of babies?  How does the baby get in the egg?"  Ummm, well, the mom and dad have to do a special hug to make the egg turn into a baby.   Oh good another question, "Mom every time you hug you could have a baby?"  Ummmm, well the mom and dad have to do a special hug without their clothes on.  " MOM, YUCK that is just gross.  Why would you ever want to do that?"  And then Syd, in her infinite wisdom said "well, if I ever decide I want to do that I am totally closing my eyes, or I'll wait for a power outage" at which time Lauren spoke up and said "why are we still talking about this".  It sort of shut down the conversation - although I was sure to tell them I did not want to find out they had been talking about this at school to which they both responded "ewww why would we want to talk about that at school it is GROSS".  Man, I hope they think it is gross until they are at least twenty!

Yes, I know...

it has been awhile.  I don't even know if I can remember what has happened since we last talked.  I know, considering the exciting life I lead and all.  Well, let's see...  I went and looked at a group home for Alex.  It is an apartment building with common areas on the main floor (living room, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and laundry) and two bedroom "apartments" on the 2nd floor.  Each apartment has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living area.   I met the staff but none of the individuals living there as they were all out and about.  There is 24 hour supervision and I liked the set-up and the idea that Alex would have a space of his own when he wanted time away.  And he can decorate it any way he would want to once he moved in.  When I talked to Alex about this at home he told me very adamantly that he would not be moving out and he would be living right here.  I can see this is going to take many discussions.  I am sure it is very confusing to him.  I mean why would he want to move out and why would we want him to move out?  And just to be clear, I'm not in any hurry to see him leave - I've always thought 21 would be the ideal age for him to try life "on his own" but if a good spot becomes available things might happen more quickly.  As it is Alex is spending more time away from us in outside activities, respite, etc.  I feel so guilty, like I am abandoning him or something as I am here and all.  But we have been told this is good and it is part of the transition.  Okay...  but I still feel guilty - like I'm a lady of leisure without responsibilities.  Dang it where are my bon-bons?

Yes, yes, yes, I have been watching Dancing with the Stars.  I'm glad that Kristin or Kristy or Christa or whatever her name is went home last night but it must have been a huge slap in the face to her as Chas Bono is still in the running even though he can barely move his he/she butt across the room.  Speaking of Chas, I find him kind of likable and could care less about his sexual gender orientation as long as he doesn't show up at my door like a Jehovah's Witness asking me to check out his "Watchtower".  Then again, I wouldn't want anyone showing up at my door asking for that unless it was Kyle Chandler or Rob Lowe or My Mario or ...

So moving on, Syd reorganized the bathroom cupboard above the toilet (the most poorly designed concept EVER) and now every time I open that cupboard door something falls out and lands in the toilet.  So far it has been primarily fingernail polish which then goes in the garbage.  I wonder how long until the girls notice their supply is dwindling...

TTFN... and NEVER install a cupboard over your toilet no matter how short on space you may be - it's a BAD decision.  Trust me.

So much Syd...

Syd is truly a unique individual. I love listening to her stories and ideas.Her brain is full of creativity and inspiration. She is a bright light on a cold night and she makes me laugh.  A couple of weeks ago we were coming home from something and noticed fireworks in the sky.  We found a residential street close to the happenings and stopped to watch.  Shortly after we arrived a small convertible pulled up and parked a little up the street from where we were sitting.  While watching the fireworks Syd climbed into my lap and said "mom, if the other person in that car is a girl I just know they are on a romantic date.  If I were on a romantic date this would be my dream come true, a handsome boy, a convertible and fireworks and right in the middle he would give me a very romantic kiss. Oh and mom it's not exactly my dream date because that convertible is red and I'd want a white convertible". Seriously Syd. I couldn't help but laugh at her romantic fantasy. Of course I would be happy to wait years to see this dream come true.
Tonight she came running into my room (long after she was supposed to be asleep) and said "mom if you want me to eat my meat you MUST get it from Schwann's. Have you seen the meat in this catalog - it looks delicious. And Lauren wants the Swooshie (Sushi)! MOM THEY HAVE CORN DOG THINGS FOR BREAKFAST. I love this book!" Yes that is my Syd. It takes a special individual to be surprised, excited and totally convinced Schwann's has the BEST MEAT EVER!
Oh I love this girl...

And another happy bride...

I received another picture from a happy bride who had me create banners for her wedding.  I love when I get these pictures to see their special day. 

Short and sweet today. 

Someone's knockin' at the door - somebodies ringin' a bell...

and it's fall, autumn, the dog days of summer gone bad influenced by the coming of the dreaded season of winter.  UGH.  It isn't fall that I mind.  Fall is kind of nice.  The light has that golden cast that makes things look like you are viewing them through a small haze of pixie dust, there is a musky, crisp smell to the air and even a hot day has a bit of briskness that reminds you that this is not July.  Fall by itself is a nice time of year - but what it means is a different story.  It means WINTER IS COMING.  Snow will soon be flying.  Cold is brewing and winter coats will be needed.  CRUM.  I don't like winter.  Syd told me last night she loves winter because you can be warm and cozy in the house and drink hot chocolate and look for toys on the Internet (so much for waiting for the Christmas catalogs to show up in the mail).  I don't care what she thinks I still don't like winter, well except for that part that kills the bugs so we don't have big creepy crawlies like they do where winter is not part of the seasonal calendar.  I dislike bugs and snakes more than I dislike winter so I guess it's a trade-off.  We had a hard frost last night - a little early and a definite reminder of what is to come in the not too far off future.  I better start looking for hats and mittens it is hard to tell how long it will take me to figure out where I have stored them during that glowing, glorious season called summer!  It's going to be a long six months...

TTFN...

Oh and speaking of Paul McCartney (you knew that was the song reference - right Amy - right?).  He is getting married again.  I hope he makes a better choice than his last money digging wench.  I mean really why IS he getting remarried?  He had a long happy marriage already, he has a lot of money, he could date almost anyone he wanted and I can't imagine he wants more kids - he's 60 something for gosh sakes.  Oh wait I remember he's a man and men - they just can't live without us - it's a fact... :-)

Loose ends and uneven hems...

I feel like my life is full of loose ends right now.  Things just keep unraveling.  I have to admit I'm not one of those people who have things fall into their lap and most of the time it doesn't bother me.  I appreciate what I have more for the fight it took to get it - but I have to admit lately it has bothered me.  This has even taken the HotY by surprise prompting him to say - "what is going on?  You really aren't the boo-hoo whoa is me kind of person."  And I can honestly say I don't know what is going on.  Maybe I'm just tired, but I really can't sleep.  And I think I should have some kind of a plan but no plan.  Seriously - loose ends.  I have even begun to wish I were the kind of person who had things just land in their laps (if that ever really happens to anyone).  I've begun to think that just once I wish things would go my way (even though I know I have nothing to complain about).  I've begun to hope that saying "when God closes a door he opens a window" is true (even though I'm a bit of a cynic when it comes to being truly faith filled).  I've begun to think when is something good going to happen for me (and I HATE thinking that way - who am I to think I am more worthy - besides it is soooo whiny).  But these thoughts have all been swimming in my head and I don't like it.  I need a plan - but alas no plan...

It's all loose ends - one pull and it's an uneven hem...

TTFN - thanks for listening - just needed to talk - I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning.

Another school year - another year closer to 18...

which I am not looking forward to at all - the moving closer to 18 and independence part.  But that is another thought for another day.  My babies started school yesterday and I was sad.  I've talked about my last day of school blues but I'm never sad on the first day of school.  It's fun.  It's exciting. It's a new adventure and a new start.  But this year - I was sad.  Maybe it is because I was able to spend the summer with my kids - I don't know but as much as I enjoyed the freedom of six hours ALONE I was still sad and watching the clock until I could pick them up at the end of the day.  I am continually amazed at the emotionally hard job this mom stuff is...

Here are the pictures. 

TTFN...



My heart just went pitter-patter

I'm sitting here doing my usual computer stuff while the girls are playing games at the kitchen table.  Alex just came home from his summer job and has handed me his communication notebook.  Since Alex's communication skills are limited and we want to keep track of how Alex is doing and encourage good job behavior his job coach adds an entry to the notebook each day he works to let us know how the day went for Alex and if there were any problems.  I am happy to say that most days he gets a good report and earns a peanut butter cup.  Today he is especially proud of his day.  After showing his report to me he just took the notebook to each of the girls so they could read about his wonderful day.  Lauren is reading the note - Alex "helped" her with a hard word or two and now she is lavishing praise on her older brother.  My heart just gave a huge pitter-patter.  Ahhhhh this is why I have kids.  Moments like these.  If nothing else good happens today this morning was enough. 

TTFN... oh and now Alex is having the dog "read" his report she seems slightly uncomfortable and aloof - walking away - all this good news for Alex is making her look really bad with her trash can rummaging, napkin stealing and sock chewing ways.

Why yes, I am in the shower...

the other day while in the shower Alex came bursting through the bathroom door, proudly announcing "mom, phone!".  I had no choice but to grab the phone which he was thrusting into the shower after turning off the water and lowering the volume on the radio.  It was only a local car dealership calling to check on service we had recently had completed on the van.  I am sure the person on the other end was fully aware that I had been in the shower since they had the pleasure of hearing the pounding water and echo of the radio before I realized a phone was being thrown at me :-)  I'm just glad it wasn't a potential employer calling to set-up an interview.  That could have been interesting "yes, I'd love to come in for an interview.  What?  No, really I'm not busy we can set-up something right now just let me grab my shaving gel so I can write done the details.  What?  Why yes I am in the shower - Why do you ask - is it a problem?  I promise to be fully clothed when I come for an interview.  And really, I wish you had called just seconds earlier you could have heard me belting out Lady GaGa's newest tune.  I'm sure you would have enjoyed it."  Yep, it could have been interesting.  I'm almost sorry it didn't happen - almost... 

I obviously have some phone answering etiquette to discuss with Alex (and all the kids really) although he is great with telemarketers :-) 

Oh and just to clarify so no one is making any undue judgements I typically DO NOT like Lady GaGa, her meat dress and weird videos included, but I really like her new song (click here to listen) it's got a great beat and is easy to dance to (where has that phrase been heard before - anyone) seriously I do like it - until it gets played to death of course but right now it's still in the honeymoon phase.

TTFN...

Doggy Dippin'...

My childhood hometown, a small community with an awesome swimming pool, is closing for the season on Sunday.  After the pool closes to the general public they are going to have a "doggy dip" which is essentially a swimming party for dogs before they begin to drain the pool.  I received an invite on Facebook (I mean really, is there any other way to hear information anymore?) and am seriously considering taking Autumn.  I've never been to a Doggy Dip before.  The kids would love it and although my hometown is just over an hour away they have only been there once - the girls were three and Alex was thirteen (my parents don't live there anymore, my grandparents have passed away and most of my relatives are scattered across the country so there hasn't been any urgent reason to visit).  AND it really is an awesome pool so we could go early and the kids could swim and then we could take Autumn in for a refreshing dip.

It sounded good on paper so I mentioned it to my friend Roxann thinking she might want to come along.  She was silent for a moment and then she said "you're going to take your dog to a pool with a lot of other dogs and people - your dog?" she seemed a little puzzled that I was considering it.  Sure she (the dog, not Roxann) gets a little excited around new people and has been known to pee on the floor in her frenzy of jumping, licking, tail wagging, rear wiggling delight but she settles down after three or four hours.  Besides we have taken her to to the dog park - she behaves - most of the time.  How bad could the doggy dip be - she's never been swimming before, there will be several other people and dogs, kids will be walking around with ice cream cones and hot dogs in their hands, I don't see a problem.  Besides, it's a fenced in pool and except for that people and food loving thing I don't think there would be any problems at all, it'll be fun, I'm not stressed at all.

So the HotY and I will discuss the skinny dippin' dog day a little bit more before the final decision is made - but really I think she will be fine, really, just fine, really, trust me, it will be good, really.  Fine, think what you want but I still think it would be fun.

TTFN...

Do you pin?

Have you discovered Pintrest?  At first I didn't get it.  I would see people posting "pins" on Facebook but I just didn't get it.  So what's the deal?  They like that?  They don't like that?  And what the heck IS THAT much less what is a pin?  So I decided to check it out - and I'm hooked.  Pintrest is like those big folders you have that are stuffed with pictures from magazines and idea books and stuff printed out from the computer except without all the mess and storage issues.  And if you aren't one of those people who likes to hang onto things you see and like than you might not understand the allure of Pintrest but for someone like me who is always wanting to remember pretty things it is a gold mine! 

The boards are kind of interesting too in that I think they can tell you a little about the person who created them.  If you were to look at my boards you would think that I like cooking while wearing a lot of diamond rings and stiletto heels while shopping for expensive clothes on the Internet surrounded by pretty flowers and making gorgeous cards to send to all the people in my life :-)  It might be true it might not - you decide :-

If you are on Pintrest let me know and I can start following you or follow me and we'll find each other.  It's like Internet shopping for kindred spirits.

TTFN... happy pinning!

I'm sorry...

So in rereading my more recent posts (yes, I reread, I always try to read what I've written as if I were someone other than myself) I have noticed I have done A LOT of complaining lately about just about everything and for that I apologize.  I do not want to be known as that crabby girl who never had anything nice to say about anything and I'm feeling dangerously close to resembling that comment.  Sooooo, here's to a week of no complaining.  And really right now the sky is blue, a breeze is blowing, the house is quiet, the dog is sleeping and all is well.  I hope you have a complaint free day too and if you notice THE "tone" creeping into my posts again please tell me - really!


TTFN...

I'm such a lucky girl!!

And that was said WITHOUT sarcasm - seriously. 

In my little Glitter Me! business I have had the pleasure of meeting so many nice people.  Really, I have not had a bad apple in the whole bushel (dang it now you just know I'm going to get someone with an attitude to match J-Lo - just wait and see).  But anyway, now that I have tempted fate and walked around my house knocking on every piece of wood I own I'll move on with my little story.  I have had the pleasure of meeting so many nice people, new moms, grandmas, brides, especially the brides.  And have I mentioned they have all been peaches?  How has that happened?  I mean I watch Say Yes to the Dress and some of those brides - NOT NICE!  Maybe only nice brides are drawn to glittery goodness???  And you know I love to hear all about their big days because I love weddings.  LOVE THEM!  Sooooo, I recently had the privilege of working with an especially nice bride, Kristen, who was good enough to share her lovely pre-wedding pictures, some of which included the banners I had made for her.  And guess what - I'm going to share them with you - I'm so nice like that :-)  Here we go, without further ado (and yes I have the bride's permission to share - I'm nice and considerate :-)).

Kristen and Matthew

Aren't those pictures awesome?  They were taken by her brother.  Here is a link to his blog showing more pictures of the cute couple.  ATD Productions.   

Okay done now.  I know how all this rainbow and sunshine stuff can be annoying :-)

TTFN...

I was wrong...

or technically the HotY was wrong because really, isn't it always the male who is wrong?  At least that is how it works in my world :-) 

Anyway, I do have some pictures from Alex's party.  Not the least of which is the infamous "hot air balloon" centerpiece.  All the pictures were taken after the main event so it looks a little worse for the wear but you get the gist - and get to see our luxurious garage (ha). 

Oh and Michelle look at that picture board on the far left - you are on there - told you!

TTFN...





It was good while it lasted...

For the past week the girls have been staying with their grandparents.  Enjoying camping in the great outdoors along with other fun pursuits.  For the past week my house has been clean.  I mean like stop on over don't even bother to call first clean.  Oh look how pretty my house looks clean.  Oh my, there is a cushion out of place I must fix that right away clean.  It was awesome.  It was so relaxing.  It was paradise.  And then they came home.  I was so glad to see them and spent a few minutes cuddling with each and then in the time it took to lug their dirty clothes down to the laundry room there were towels on the bathroom floor, hair accessories lying all over and standing water on the counter.  There were Barbies strewn over the bedroom floor, open dresser drawers and jewelry dumped on the dresser.  SERIOUSLY.  I had a clean house for 7 days.  SEVEN DAYS and in seven minutes it was destroyed.  Who in the heck knows if there is a cushion which needs straightening when it looks like a tornado tore through the living room.  Ahhh yes, I'm very glad they are home BUT if only they could be home in a clean house...

TTFN... oh and if you are planning on stopping over - call first.   

I've got nothin'...

literally.  I've got nothing in the way of pictures from the graduation celebration.  I started out with the camera and then realized it was so hot and steamy my lens was fogged so I set the camera aside waiting for the fog to recede and assumed the Hoty would pick up taking pictures.  Last night I learned this was not true.  So I've got nothin' and I'm not the happiest about that.  I guess you'll just have to take my word for it when I say it was a great party.  We had many guests and a happy Alex.  Food was plentiful and the decorations were pretty nice too :-)  Of course there was the accompaniment of the dog howling in her kennel as SHE knew she was missing a good party.  If there is anything Autumn loves it is a good party - all those people to jump on and maul and the possibility of a good belly rub.  She really hated missing the festivities but was unable to join us due to the very reason just given of why she likes a party :-) 

I know I had promised pictures of my idea for centerpieces but ummmm that went to the wayside with the non-picture problem and the fact that they were not a long lasting item - but I'll try to explain them.  They were miniature hot air balloons.  I used helium balloons, curling ribbon, small pails I bought in the Target dollar spot and marbles.  I took one helium balloon and attached ribbon from the top of the balloon to the bottom of the pail.  I then filled the pail with marbles and curling ribbon spilling from the top.  Inserted a cut-out picture of Alex and placed one on each table.  They really were cute but if you try them you will understand when I say PAIN IN THE BUTT.  Getting that balloon attached to the pail and keeping everything straight was more trouble than it would seem.  Oh and I won't even talk about the things that happened when a hot air balloon was assembled and ready to go and the balloon would break.  Seriously, some things are better left unsaid...  I also had picture boards, paper chains which I had envisioned festooning the ceiling in swags but as I was not the paper chain hanger my idea was nixed.  Beggars can't be choosers :-)  There were red and white paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling and of course a Congratulations Alex banner.  Those things I may yet get pictures of but the centerpieces - nope. 

And lastly I have to give some of the success of the party to my sister who worked her butt off filling coolers when they ran low, replenishing food supplies and just generally making sure the behind the scenes stuff went smoothly so we could welcome and visit guests.  Of course along with doing it out of the goodness of her heart she does have her son's graduation coming up next year.  I keep thinking of that phrase "payback is hell" :-)  (love you Nic). 

So that's it - a party recap with no pictures - sorry :-(

TTFN...

I'm on a break...

Actually I am in the middle of cleaning the house, assembling decorations, making bars and supervising the HotY in the garage all for the sake of Alex's graduation party - which is a worthy occasion but this preparation stuff - it should have been started a week ago but we like to live on the edge in the Crabby house! 

The problem is as I am working on one thing I notice something else that needs to be done like all the walls should be painted and the carpet replaced.  I KNOW not something you can take care of in less than 24 hours.  So guess what people are going to see what they are going to see, marks on the walls, stains on the carpet,and heaven forbid, maybe even a cobweb in the corner.  Hopefully they will all love Alex enough to overlook the less than perfect environment. 

I'll post pictures tomorrow.  I have a super cute idea for table centerpieces (did I mention I haven't started on the centerpieces?).  I can't wait to show you.

TTFN...

Scrapbooking confessions...

I haven't talked about the middle-aged, middle-income, expanding middle hobby of scrapbooking in a long time because with the birth of my signs sb'ing (as it is known by those cool sb'ers) went to the wayside.  I haven't made a layout in years.  But because of the signs I do use the gadgets and gear for scrapbooking.

One of my gadgets is a Making Memories SLICE, which is an electronic die cutting machine - and here is the confession I HATE MY SLICE.  It is not one of the new models it is the first edition which I have owned for approximately 4 years.  I have hated it from the start but I made my bed and now I must lie in it.  The dang thing needs constant adjusting.  Like just now I am trying to make decorations for Alex's party and I installed a new blade but it won't cut right so I have to adjust the blade and adjust the blade and adjust the blade and then I have to apply more adhesive and then after fifteen minutes or so I have to adjust the blade oh and wait I need more adhesive now oh and now after about 40 circles I have to change the blade.  Do you see the pattern here?  Frankly right now I think this "gadget" is a piece of crap.  I'd use my time better going out and buying a circle punch.  GRRRRRRRR okay rant over.  But really my Slice - it sucks!!!

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer...

There is no other time I wish for my youth (both childhood and young adulthood) than during the lazy, hazy days of summer.  The sense of freedom, the excitement of what the season may bring, the anticipation.  Last night as we stopped at the gas station and I watched a group of early 20 something guys piling into a van (really, a van) you could sense their excitement and joy of the freedom of a Friday night in the summer heat.  FUN! 

Okay I'm feeling a little melancholy today - maybe because the skies are a little gloomy and my kids have been spending the past week with their grandparents.  Yep, that and looking through old pictures trying to put together a picture board for Alex's graduation party in a couple of weeks has contributed to my sad day.  I feel so old today.  UGH!!!  And my kids are growing up and our dog Callie died and our dog Autumn is BIG and it might rain and that poor baseball fan died trying to make his son happy and bad things are happening to good people and CASEY ANTHONY IS GOING TO  BE FREE!!!!  It's a crappy day!

TTFN... my kids come home tomorrow I'll be back to my crabby self in no time.

Much ado about nothing...

The kids and I went out for lunch today to kick-off the holiday weekend.  There is a local restaurant (Newt's for those of you in the area) which has opened a new location.  I was excited about this and thought we were in for a treat.  NOT.  It was so disappointing.  The food was not great (I had come to expect is was going to be great - my burger was overdone) and the service was definitely not great.  Our waitress was okay but not very attentive and really just looking around at the staff in general they all looked mad about something.  I saw little smiling, little friendliness - almost like the customers were putting them out for even having to be there.  I mean I know it is hot and everything but I don't think one customer in the place called any one of the waitstaff personally and asked them to come into work  I guess I felt like they were all - "this is Newt's we don't have to be nice - everyone thinks we're great".  So I'm sorry to say I think that was our last trip to this establishment. 

I know not much of anything to say but I thought I better update since it has been awhile.

Oh and the HotY and I are celebrating our anniversary this weekend.  19 years of wedded bliss ;-)  Guess where we won't be gonig to celebrate :-)

TTFN...  enjoy your long weekend!

New Etsy project...

I've been working on a new design for my Etsy shop - Glitter Me! - after much trial and error I finally have something ready to show you.

Backside

 

What do you think?  Is it something you would buy?  I have adorned and embellished a stretched artist canvas, given it a protective coating and it is ready to hang, display on an easel or a shelf.  It is light weight so you could even use a ribbon to hang it to a hook or on the wall.  Please tell me what you think?  Is this something you would buy? Any thoughts on a price point?  I have to do my market research you know! 

Thanks for looking.  Please let me know what you think - and remember BE NICE!

TTFN...

It's better than reality tv...

Okay, I'll just come right out and tell you - I am riveted to the Casey Anthony murder trial taking place in Florida.  I watch every day and have learned a lot about court proceedings - seriously. 

Also, I have decided that if I ever need a lawyer I'm hiring Jeff Ashton and Linda Drane Burdick (or is it Linda Burdick Drane? - see I told you sometimes I don't pay attention to the little details).  Regardless I would want them on my team and certainly not fighting against me.  Holy Bananas. 

The other thing I have discovered - DNA science fascinates me.  If I could do it all over again I think I might become a DNA scientist or a private investigator - both of them get to take pieces of the puzzle and try to figure it out.  That is appealing to me.  I love that kind of challenge.  How much information am I able to obtain without having direct access to the information I need.  I always wonder what these kind of things say about my personality - maybe I don't want to know :-)

So there you go.  That is how I have been spending the spare moments of my days lately - watching the legal process at work.  Like I began, it REALLY is better than reality tv!!

TTFN..;.

Maybe I should audtion for Jeopardy...

Have I mentioned my unemployed status?  Oh I don't know less than 100 times?  Have I? 

Have I mentioned that I kind of like staying home and can't seem to be motivated to find a job because whenever I think of starting a new job or even going on an interview I experience intense anxiety?  Have I mentioned that for the first time in 18 years for one child and 8 for another two children I am now at home with my children each day, every day, every week, every month until school starts again?  Have I mentioned this?

Have I mentioned I haven't been sleeping and some days I am so bored that nothing stimulates me and thus have begun knitting dish rags for next year's school rummage sale?  Have I mentioned ANY of these things because really I think I am lacking intellectual stimulation.  There is something to be said about no stress but seriously some days I think I may go crazy being so self-indulgent.

Dang it I think I might have to get over the anxiety and get a job!!!!

I know rambling and random thoughts but that's why you come here - right???

TTFN...

Pomp and Circumstance...

Alex graduated today.  My first child - now an adult.  I'm not sure how it happened but here we are.

Once the ceremony was over today was actually pretty low-key.  We are having his graduation party in July.  Let the planning begin! 

The girls' have already told me they are taking care of the decorating.  I can only imagine what their 8 year old imaginations have in mind - I'm told it's a secret.

Yes, that is the HotY and me in two of the pictures.  I know it is truly rare that I show my face on this blog but my first child's high school graduation warrants exceptional circumstances ;-)  Don't get used to it happening very often!

Here are some of the other highlights of the day.

Dance - Dance - Dance

It was dance recital weekend so yes, I am going to post more pictures of my chldren.  When all else fails and you have nothing to say post pictures.  And if you are tired of seeing my kids - well that's fine - move along.  Me, I love to look at their sweet faces - what can I say I'm their mom...