Trying to get back to normal....

We had a great time in Florida. I miss the warm weather. I got to wear shorts and feel the warm sun on my face. That was nice! The cousins had a wonderful time together... always something to do at Gram and Grandad's!
We
*rode golf carts and the 4 wheeler
*fished
*shot a BB gun (all of our eyes are still in!)
* went shopping
*made fruitcakes and apple butter
*went to the gas station with Grandad (a treat for the kids... they get to pick out candy!)
* played the wii- my arm is now sore- does that mean I am out of shape?
* called a friend (sorry it didn't work out to get together Alisa. Christa, I don't have your number! But I will see you guys in June!)
* played Bakugan- ask Holden what that is!
* went shopping
* ate yummy food
* picked oranges, lemons and avocados
* played soccer
* hung out by the pond
* went shopping
* saw Twilight again
*saw family
* played Scattergories
* built lego creations
*had a fashion show

We all had a good week. Now It is time to finish packing up Christmas and find homes for all of our new stuff..... Hope you all have a wonderful New Year! I will not stay up- but will be woken up by the sounds of fire crackers and guns going off at midnight!!

I just remembered going to New Year's eve parties in high school and having to be home at 11!! My parents didn't want me driving home with all the other people who had been drinking. I understand there reasoning now, but as a 16-17 year old, it was very frustrating!!

Oh- and somehow over the past 6 months I have gained 9 pounds. 9. Now this happened AFTER I left Godiva. I would think I would have gained the weight when I was eating chocolate everyday...... so I need to loose them, plus a few others. I guess I need to weigh myself more than once every six months!

Merry Christmas!

I know it is a little early, but I am going to be busy the next few days, so better early than late.
I hope you all enjoy time with friends and family, and remember the true reason we celebrate- the birth of Jesus. Take some time out of the craziness of the season to reflect on that.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Love,
Carol

* this counts as my Christmas cards this year.... :-)

catching up... a little!

I have been busy with the holidays, and subbing- a lot. I get to be Holden's teacher from Dec.8-19!
The first pic is of a wall hanging I made from some things from my DT kit from Scrap Etc. The next 2 are of my "25 Days of Christmas album". I am not taking a pic a day--that would stress me out! But I will put my favorite pictures from the season in it. And I must tell you-- some one actually thought that the marvelous Virginia made it. Tina Hall is now my new BFF. I felt like I had won an Oscar when I heard that. Just ask B.... she was there! I also altered the JOY letters with some SE stuff.
Holden made the blue snowman ornament last year. I am not sure if you can tell or not, but the snowmen are made from his hand print! Too cute! I love it!
The last pic is of a shirt I made for my sister- yes , that is my 11 year old modeling it for me- Jenny is that little!
Have a great night!

urges

Did anyone else feel the urge to smack Bella on the back of the head when she was in the hospital stammering incoherently when Edward suggested she go to Jacksonville? I know she was upset and confused, but come on! Stammer for a few words, them spit it out. OK. I feel better now!
And was anyone distracted by the smudges under her eyes? I was constantly thinking she needed to wash her face better. again, I feel better!

I really did like the movie... just have issues with some things!! Check out Katie's blog for her review! She didn't like it, though. But I still liked it in spite of all of those things!! Maybe I just can't face being disappointed with my Twilight!!!

7 hours left!

You have 7 hours to go to Dr Pepper's website and get your free bottle!!! GO GO GO !! Hurry!!! If you don't want it, do it anyway and send your coupon to me!! :)
Have a great day!

Hold on, spider monkey!

Just got home from seeing TWILIGHT! I really loved it. Some things were left out or different than the book, but movies are always like that. Jasper really needed a brush. I kept having flashbacks of my late 70's ken doll with the "real" hair that always stuck out everywhere. And Jacob. He will always be 'shark boy" to me! Carlile had on more make up that Rosalie- who was a perfect you know what, just like in the book. But Edward.... and James.... :-). Is it inappropriate for me to say yummy??
I will be seeing it again! It was great seeing Adrienne, Virginia and her friends and Nubia. Leanne, were you there? I looked for you. We were in theater 15.
OK. The gallon of Mr. Pibb (no Dr. Pepper at the Rave :( ) I drank is wearing off. I have to be up in 3 1/2 hours and be productive!!! Have a great one! More later when I am actually coherent!

Scripts!!

Check it out! Scripts .... your once a month dose of scrappiness!!!!!
This would be on the sidebar, but I am having technical difficulties...... so it will just be a post for now!!!

Tagged! 6 things.....

OK- I have been tagged by Lisa and Lucy... 6 random things about me...

1. I get a secret thrill from being the person in a turn lane who sticks out because of all the other cars, and blocks a lane of traffic... dumb, I know,I know. And I am not sure why I like it!

2. I tell myself almost every night that I am cutting back on Dr. Pepper, then just about every morning, guess what I get....

3. I am HOMESICK. I miss my family in Florida. A ton. It has been almost 8 years since we moved to AL, but I would move back tomorrow if I could.

4. I hate unloading the dishwasher. I make it one of the chores for H&H....

5. I am messy. And I like "Stuff"- not a good combo. One look in my car or house will prove that.

6. I am indecisive.. I really don't have a preference about what I do or where I eat or what movie I see ( as long as it is not gross! No gore, thank you!). And I am not trying to be nice for someone else. I generally don't care one way or the other. If I do decide on something, I will let you know! And if it bugs you, just say "PICK SOMETHING!!" and I will.

Now who to tag.... Alisa and Christa! And anyone else who wants to play along!

Wrapper's Delight!!

I had a great time at Wrapper's Delight.... I laughed, smiled, ate, scrapped, talked, drank too many Sonic Rt 66 Dr. Pepper's with Lime, stuffed stockings, learned to use the "Bind it All", shopped ( Lucy had a great $ sale!), helped out teachers and got to wear glitter in my hair. It was a good weekend!
I think there are some kits left from the classes.... Scrap Etc. will ship them to you- call the store!

I voted!

I am subbing (I had my 1st class with 7-8 graders... seriously...what is wrong with them????) but went during my break to vote. Took all of 30 minutes, which included a stop at McDonald's.
I am off of facebook. I liked it, but I kept getting friend requests from people I did not know.... and it sucked time away. Time I should be spending doing other things.
Not much else is new. I had a great time with Charlene, took my Rock Star and Harry Potter trick or treating, and have enjoyed the new Nestle toll house cafe in McCalla - Tannehille prominade, I think, a few times. You should stop by... good stuff!
And I got to see High School Musical 3. Or should I say I was talked into seeing HSM3. What else?? That is about it..... now I have to go pick up a group of 6th graders. Have a great day!!

Oh 16 days until TWILIGHT!!!!! I think the soundtrack is out.... I may have to get a new ringtone!!

I am off!

I am headed to Fl tomorrow to see Charlene, my BFF from college. And as a bonus, I am eating breakfast with my sister in the Orlando airport! She lives there (Orlando, not the airport! :-) ),and I have a 3 hour layover, so she is meeting me for breakfast! I am excited about that too. I really wish I lived closer to my fam. SO I am off to make sure everyone has clean socks and undies before I go!!!

I joined facebook last night..... that can suck your time away!!! So if you see me on your list, ask me to be your friend!!!!! And I like flair, but need to play around with it some more.

One more thing.... I think all students who enter 7th or 8th grade automatically loose some brain cells.... what a group.... ( no offense to any of you who have children that age! One on one they seem to be fine, but put 30 of them in a room together... esp. for an AG class-- mild to severe cases of the stupids break out!!)No scrapping today. I earned my money!!

Have a great weekend!

Scripts!

Just a quick post to let you know that Scrap Etc has an awesome kit club, and an awesome deal going on right now!! Most of you know this, but for those of you who don't- sign up now for Scripts and get a bonus kit with Nov. kit! And if you do sign up, mention me, and I get some free stuff too!!!! You know you want to .... I just got my Oct. kit and it is fabulous! You won't be disappointed! Apryl, they even ship to Iowa!!! :-)

I am subbing right now. 10th grade English. I have an honors class next... at least they care a little bit about grades and turning work in! I have this block off and am about to start scrappin'!! With my October kit of course!!

Christa- I have had these pics since last Christmas! I just saw them again as I went through my computer. I will be down in Dec., and definitely want to get together with you guys!!

You will only understand this if you were in my room.....

in high school. I had a water bed with a 1 ft. ledge around it. If you laid on the floor, you could see it. I don't remember when I started to write on it but I did. And my friends who stayed over. I don't remember liking Ted and Troy so much, but I guess I did (they never liked me back, but I am over it now :-) )
My Dad found the wood out in the barn and was using it for something.He actually cut around the words to save it for me! I took pictures before I left..... So, my SEHS friends... Enjoy!.. The Waltons are mentioned... thought that was funny since it was just mentioned on Alisa's blog!

BTW, Who is Pete? Daryl Suddeth? And has anyone heard from Sean? This brought back a flood of memories! Apryl- why aren't you on it? Was 1987 a bad year for us?? :-)

What goes around.....

I have vivid memories of rolling my eyes and asking "what kind of music is that?" when hearing what my parents were listening too. Back then, the oldies were the 50's and 60's. It took me a few years, but I finally learned to like most of it.
Today I was in the car with Hannah.I normally have the radio on the Christian station, or country or some other contemporary station but today I went through the stations and stopped on an "oldies" station--- which now play 70's and 80's music. I listened for a while, and "Ladies' Night" came on. Granted, it isn't a song I remember from high school or anything, but I still know it and started singing it. Hannah looked at me and said "Is that rap from the 1700's?" I think she meant 70's:). Anyway, I told her it is just an old song. Then later, Madonna's "Material Girl" came on. She said "Who is that??" I told her, and she said "who?" And then promptly turned up the volume on her ipod. Later she even asked "Is Madonna still alive?" Maybe she will enjoy it in a few years..... I am getting old.

I am the best mom ever!!

Holden's class has snack every day, and the kids take turns bringing in something for everyone. Most of the time it is just gummies or goldfish.One day Holden was so excited... some mom sent in DRINKS with the snack.... he was just thrilled. So when his snack day rolled around, guess what I did??!! Yep- became the best mom ever because I sent in Caprisuns with his snack! Doesn't take a whole lot to make that boy happy!!!

I am subbing right now- can't you tell- and have 2 off blocks! And one of them is 4th, which means I am done at 1:00! So I will go by SE and deliver the aprons (sorry they stayed in my van last week, Lisa!) And do some errands ( I already went to target during 2nd block!), then pick up the kiddos! Have a great day!!

Some scrappiness!!

Here are some recent layouts !

Halloween Nightmares.....

I asked the kids what they wanted to dress up as for Halloween. Holden sees a dementor costume and decides on that... OK, my sweet 6yo wants to be the evil creature from Harry Potter that sucks the happiness from you...... I can deal with that. It isn't exactly the fireman he said he wanted to be a few weeks ago, though. Hannah wants to be a ladybug! How sweet, right? Until you try to find a costume for a tween..... they go from the cute Anne Geddes ( not sure if I spelled that right, but you know who I mean right??) fuzzy costumes for birth to 4 year olds straight to SHORT ruffly tutu things with spaghetti straps! And I won't even talk about the other type I saw.. just google ladybug costumes and see what pops up! So now I am on a mission to find a cute, nonbabyish costume that doesn't look like.... well doesn't look like what I saw! I did see 1 that was OK, but it was $50. And it still would need leggings, or sweatpants. :-)

While we were looking at Party City, Holden is looking at his section, and says "look- it's a rich guy" as he points to a costume. I look, and it is a PIMP costume. In the little boy section. Why? What the heck? It is made up of a leopard print jacket, a wad of money, a big blingy $ neclace and a cane. It is called "Mack Daddy" I believe. I guess I could get that for Holden, and get the ladybug costume (not meant for a real lady...) for Hannah, and they could trick or treat together......

And on another note, Hannah brought home a Scholastic book club order form.All of the books are marked to show its reading level. As I look through it, I see Twilight. It only has a 5th grade reading level!! I know it is not difficult reading, but 5th grade? I expected, well, I don't know what I expected, but not 5th grade! crazy! Some high schools have it as mandatory reading.... why if it is on such a low level?? Still love it. Just glad Hannah didn't have to read it ! (remember my issues last year?)

I have been subbing, and scraping.... at the same time! All teachers have a block off for planning, but as a sub, I am just off, so I bring stuff - MY SCRIPTS KIT and enjoy my free time! I also got some done with classes. High School teachers tend to leave busy work for classes when there is a sub!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

oopps!

I forgot that I was tagged a few weeks ago by B! So ... consider yourself tagged if you haven't received this honor yet!! :-)

Something to think about!

Coincidence???!!! I think not!

I found it on Mae's blog!

My heart melted....

Yesterday when I picked Holden up from school, we had a conversation. it went like this:

Me: How was school today?
H: It was fine.
Me: What was your least favorite part?
H: I don't know.
Me: What was your favorite part?
H: I don't know. Oh wait... yes I do! Being here with you!

sweet boy!

On another note.... I think I eat at McD's too much for breakfast. I went in and when I got to the counter the lady looked at me and said "egg biscuit?" ... which is what I always order.

FYI

Just heard on the radio that today is national "Talk Like A Pirate Day"!! Just thought I'd spread the word!!!

And it is my friend Lisa Tanner's birthday!!... Happy 3?!!!

Chicken and cookies!

If you are planning to eat out tomorrow night, and are close to the Zaxby's off of exit 1 on 459 (it is on the opposite side of the new Target), please go in and eat there! Hannah is in choir, and they are having a fund raiser. They get 10% of all inside sales. So go eat some chicken. The kids are "working" for tips inside as well. You can have your tray taken for you, and your drinks refilled!!

And cookie dough... Holden is selling cookie dough, cheesecakes and some other frozen foods..... if you want to order some, let me know at gimmegodiva@bham.rr.com , and I will hook you up!

And I am hosting a Creative Cafe at Scrap etc tomorrow at 11, so come see me!!

What else.... not much is going on. Mom and Dad will be here Thursday, and will stay through the weekend. We are excited about that, though the kids are upset that they have to go to school on Friday!

And check out Wrapper's Delight and come join us in the fun! I have a meeting about it tomorrow night, and can't wait to find out what all is in the works!!

Hope you are having a great Monday, and have a fabulous week.

New Hair!

Went to see Kari Ann, who I heard about from Virginia , and she always looks cute, so I went and put myself in her hands. All I said was "not too short!" We talked about it, and this is what we ended up with! And the best part.... on the way home Hannah and I stopped by Winn Dixie, and the cashier thought... get this... that we were SISTERS!! Now I know that is far from true, but it sure did make my day!! The first 3 are from the day I got it cut, and the last two are from today. I never can get it to look exactly like they do it in the salon, but I still like it!






On another note, I subbed for a Kindergarten teacher yesterday, and when I do Elementary, I take my nose ring out. Jr. and Sr. high... I leave it in, but I don't want 500 questions from 6 year olds. Anyway... I forgot to put it back in when I got home, and the hole had started to close up... so I spent several minutes working it back in.. thankfully it wasn't too hard! Did you really need to know that??!!
Had lunch at SE on Thurs. Lisa made a yummy pasta salad, and I brought flat chocolate chip cookies ( but they were still yummy!) Lucy even likes them that way. I put that in here for her... didn't know she read my blog! Hey Lucy!!
What else.. oh - I do have some pics of LOs and projects - I made a shirt for my sister for her bday... well.. decorated a shirt... I am not Adrienne! Now she would really MAKE a shirt! I will post those later. I just got called in to sub. Yay.
Have a great day and super weekend!!!

time for a change

I am thinking about cutting my hair... but have no idea what to do with it. Any suggestions??? I need help!

Oh- I survived high school algebra. They offered me a six week position doing it, but I turned that down. And a 10 week position in a computer class..... why can't I get offered a long term position in an elementary school??!!

I {heart}

frosting from a tub. Just had a spoonful! Now to go veg in front of the tv. Gotta go to bed early to be prepared for day 2 of sub abuse from High school algebra students. Not sure why I agreed to do this....

I know this doesn't really count as a blog entry, but right now, it is the best I can give!!

Chocolixir.....

I just got a coupon in the mail for a FREE Godiva Chocolixer.... one of their frozen chocolate drinks. But since working there and discovering the fat (about30 grams) and calorie content (about 700), I am thinking about passing it up.... but they are sooooo yummy....but I don't need 30 extra fat grams (my muffin top agrees...)... but I could just drink a little bit..... but probably won't .... I guess I will pass it up.... anyone want it?? I will send it too you!!!

Excited about tomorrow.... all day crop at Scrap etc... Come by and say hi if you can!!

Wenis/weenis

Wanna know a cool middle school word??? Weenis ! It is the skin on your elbow... seriously-- look it up!! So if someone grabs you there and says" I touched your weenis!" You'll know what they are talking about! (hey- it happened to me!)
I first heard this word when I taught middle school. Now guess who came home saying it?? Yep- sweet Hannah! And "Your epidermis is showing!" is back! Well, maybe it never left... I did, but it is alive and well in the middle school world......

27 people and naked Daniel Radcliff....

We had a group of people over Sat- it was so great to see everyone and hang out. There were 14 adults and 13 kids.... 11 of which were 3 mo to 5 years. I had to rethink things as I prepared for company.. I put a ton of stuff up in my room so little hands wouldn't get into it... put up all breakables... stuff like that. But it was great. And we need to do it again before another 5 years pass.
And dang that Harry Potter for being naked on stage when his next movie comes out! "HP and the Half Blood Prince" was coming out in Nov., but now we have to wait until next summer...... But on the bright side, because of that, TWILIGHT is opening a few weeks early. And that is a good thing!!! And I guess it is OK that they don't want the good wizard being associated with what ever it is Daniel Radcliff is doing in that play. Hard to believe Hollywood cares.
OK - off to find my stupid social security card- they need a copy of it before I can sub, and of course, I can't find it.

And other news... I don't have TB, in case you were worried ;-) I got the results this morning!!!

rude awakening

As you know I am trying to get a job teaching, but not having any luck. So I am going to sub. I am jumping through all the hoops, getting forms signed, getting tb tests and gathering all paper work. I need a recommendation from a principal to sub, so I go in to see the one from Holden's school. She has been very nice through out all of this, and asked me to keep her posted on my progress. So when I became certified, let her know. Well today when I see her she says" Do you know your name ISN"T on the list on line of available applicants?" WHAT!!??!?! Somewhere there is a glitch, and it won't let my application be processed fully. But it says it is fine on my end. Yeah-- I can see it perfectly, just not the principals who are hiring!! UUGGHHH. So I have spent most of the morning dealing with this. I am supposed to be getting ready for company we are having on Sat. I need to clean my carpet, not be on the computer! ( don't say anything about how I am blogging right now--- I know, I know!! :-) )

So I hope it is all worked out, and by Monday, I will be ready to sub, which I hope leads to a full time job.

OK-- back to work!

Tagged!

My friend Alisa ( AKA Skeet from high school) has tagged me.... here ya go!

4 places I visit over and over

1. McDonald's--- love the $1 Dr. Peppers!

2. Chick-fil-a--- it has become a Sat. morning tradition for our family!

3. Winn Dixie

4. Walmart

These are in no particular order!!!





4 people who call/email/ext me regularly

1. Jason

2. Jenny ( my sister)

3. Lisa

4. my parents





4 favorite foods/drinks (I added drinks to this!)

1. Dr. Pepper- from a fountain in a styrofoam cup. preferably with pellet ice!

2. Chocolate --Godiva rocks...... and they have some stuff on sale now!! ;-)

3. a yummy sandwich!

4. Creme' Brulee ( don't have it often, but YUM!)


4 places I'd rather be

1. Florida

2. a hotel ( I really just want the maid service)

3. The mountains

4. Some place I have never been... can't pick just one!




4 movies I'd watch over and over

1. Twilight (I know it is not out yet, but I am betting it is going to be one of my favs!!)

2. Harry Potter ... any of them!

3. a scary movie... The Ring, The Grudge...along those lines!

4. A movie that makes me cry....The Notebook, The Lake house....


4 bands/groups/musicians

This is tough.... I listen to a lot, and sometimes i just know the song, not who sings it.....

1. I do {heart} ABBA

2. some rock

3. Some country

4. some Christian rock

That narrows it down, huh??!! I really am drawing a blank on groups, but I will always sing along with Abba (if I am alone in the car!)

Off to do some errands!!!!!!

OH- Lisa (if you haven't done it already!),Cyndi and B---consider yourself tagged!

I hate matching socks.

Matching as a verb, not an adjective!! I just tried to match up a ton of single socks.... and I hate it. They never match up right. And towards the end.... well let's just say if the socks were similar in any way, they got matched. Don't make fun of my kids if you see them and their socks don't go together!!!



A tiny *toot* ( hey- it's my blog....) I made the design team at Scrap Etc (A scrapbooking store in Birmingham)!! I am pretty excited about it!! Here is a picture of the design team from Saturday. Can't wait to hang out with these girls!!



Christa, aren't you proud of my link?? Thanks for helping me!!

Breaking Dawn, underpants and 15 years.....

Well, we are back home..... We got in late Sunday night. Another great trip! I love the mountains! Only 1 problem.... I called Walmart ( the closest book store is an hour away!) to make sure they were getting in "Breaking Dawn" and/or having a party or anything, and they did not know what I was talking about!! So I decided to sleep through the night (although I wish I could have been home to hang out with some friends!) and found out they did get it in.... they had about 20 of them on the shelf! So I got it Sat. morn and finished it Sun. night. I liked it, but not as much as the others. When I realized where the story was going, I was kind of disappointed. But I still {heart} Edward!!!

We went out tonight, and on the way home I mentioned taking Holden to school and taking his picture, and he said" Do you realize I wear size medium underpants?" (Meaning he was to big to have mom take pictures!) Size medium or not, I will be there clicking away. Hannah , on the other hand, can chose to have me come in or not, and I am afraid she is leaning towards just getting dropped off...... Can't believe she is in middle school.

I have been informed that I do not put enough pics up of my scrapbook pages.... so that will change. Maybe I will even put up a slide show, if I can learn how. I think I can do it. If not , I will call in reinforcements!!!

Tomorrow is our 15 year anniversary!!! It is so hard to believe. I am not old enough to be married for that long (or at least don't feel old enough!) I will try to get a wedding pic up here, but we were married before digital *gasp* and I don't have them on my computer! I will spend the morning doing something very romantic.... finishing staining the barn that was built this summer. I already did the porch.... now the barn... then the garage.... I will be glad when it is all done.

Have a great night and I will try to be better putting up my scrappiness!! :-)

Just sittin' here...

I am in the van on Main Street in Sylva, NC. Mom and Dad have the kids for 2 days..... That is a treat!!!!
Just wanted to say hey... my free 20 min of internet is just about up. I will catch up with you later!

Contractors and construction workers in general live by a different set of rules, I think. We have been working on the house this summer, and am amazed at the number of times people didn't show, or came late and didn't even call. I mean didn't show for DAYS or WEEKS. Or said they would be here at 7:30, then show up around 10 and not even apologize or offer any explanation. Or say the will call, and don't. Or not return phone calls. I shouldn't be surprised.... it happened when we first built the house too, but I tend to believe people. All I am saying is if your not going to do what you say you are going to do, at least call!!! aaauuuggghhhh!

On another subject.. I went to the viewing last night of Katie Burkett. Wow. I have never seen anything like it. There were so many people there.... what a testimony of her life, and how many people she touched. It was unreal. There were 2 lines, and each wrapped around inside the church for a long time. I went with Lisa, and stood in line with Vanessa, Monique and Jeremiah. We got there around 6:30, and by the time I got home, the digital clock in the bedroom let me know it was 10:45. But it was good to see Shelley, give her a hug and let her know we love her. BTW, I need her address, so if any of you have it, please email it too me... gimmegodiva@bham.rr.com . Thanks.

And thanks again to Vanessa.... I owe you 55 cents and a pack of crackers!!

a few layouts....

Here are a few pages I did recently. They are from our trips,and one is just of my sweet kiddos!

Please pray...

The 17 year old step daughter of my friend Shelley died in a car accident yesterday. Please pray for her and her family. They will be needing lots of prayer. Thanks.

New Twilight Trailer!!

I just found it- and can't get it to work on my blog.. Sorry Christa... I am a slow learner....!!!! But anyway... here is where you can watch it!!

http://www.canmag.com/nw/11760-twilight-trailer"

Looky Looky!

Kentucky!

We decided to go some place we had never been, so we headed off to Louisville . We went to Six Flags, the Zoo (which is AWESOME!) Churchhill downs, and some stadium... it had really cool huge baseball bats out front! We got to pet a wallaby and emu, and the orangutans were right up next to the windows... we were just a few inches from them... it was amazing!

There is 1 pic from the 4th... I think it turned out really cool. Hannah did a great job with her heart.
I love the pic of Holden I snapped while we were on a roller coaster ( the Roller Skate... he highly recommends it!)

At the zoo, my rebel battery died, but I also had my power shot with me, so no big deal... until it breaks! This is the one I got in May. I was so mad. I ended up taking some pics on my phone.... haven't even looked at those- I know it will make me mad. They will be horrible! But we stopped at Wal mart, hoping to swap out my faulty camera, but they didn't have anymore. So we bought another one, and I will take back the broken one as soon as I find the receipt!
We also drove across the bridge to Indiana just because. I didn't want to be that close to another state and not go!
Hope you are having a great weekend. I need to go unpack. Yuck.

Check out the gas prices there- we waited till prices dropped before we filled up. ouch

I am certified...

Now I just need a job!! I received my official certificate yesterday.... I am so excited! But it seems it has come too late. I can't find a job.....
But I can sub. Which is nice- I won't have to work everyday or do lesson plans, but on the downside- no steady income, no benefits, no classroom to call my own....
I will keep checking for openings. Maybe some one will want to talk to me now that I am "official"!!

And FYI- If you ever plan on taking your family to the publix parking lot on the 4th to watch the fireworks from the Baron's game ( which has been done for 2 years), make sure the Baron's actually have a HOME game....... All I can say is I am so glad the kids saw fireworks on Wed.!!

Where has this week gone???

I can't believe it is Thursday already! But we have had a good week- We went to the zoo on Monday- such fun! I got to ride a camel with Hannah ( I would have done it by myself if she didn't want to!) Tuesday we hung out, then went to meet Lisa at McD's. We sat in the play place for over 2 hours chatting and watching the kids play!! Then later the kids went swimming at the neighbors and had a friend stay the night, then yesterday, we went to Jason's Deli ( love their $2 kids meals!:-) ), saw Nim's Island ( love the dollar theater) then went to the library. ( Love free movie rentals.... do I sound cheap??!). We came home and expected to just hang out, clean and scrap, but we got an email from Monique asking if we wanted to go to her church for a 4th of July celebration with fireworks. I asked the kids, and Holden said "Well, duh!" So we went... it was crazy, but great. I sat with Monique and her family and Lisa. It was a great worship service, with an awesome prayer time. I am glad we went. The kids had fun, and the fireworks were beautiful. Now I am off to get some of that cleaning done I was supposed to do last night....
Have a great day and a fun 4th!!!

NC and FL pics!

Here are some pictures... we were busy! We roasted hotdogs, caught cool caterpillars, played in the creek, got flowers from my Uncle Bubba, ate at Nick and Nate's and Fat Buddy's, saw my nephew graduate, went to the beach, saw my sisters and nieces and nephews, ate fudge from Dillsboro, played "hide and go cowboy"- as Holden called it...., Had a family picture taken, and celebrated Father's day in between. Hannah made Jason shrimp bisque, salad with apple and berries, and peanut butter pie for dessert! It has been a very good summer so far!

At church yesterday, we sang a song with the words "I want to shine like the moon". I was really struck by the words... the moon simply reflects the light from the sun, just as we should reflect the light from Jesus into the world. That simple truth really impacted me, and made me realize I really need to be a better reflection of my Christ to others. Just something I have been thinking about.
Have a wonderful week. I have been scrapping some, and will try to get some of my recent layouts posted. I know you are all on pins and needles waiting.... :-)

Off again!

We are headed to NC in the morning!!! We will be back soon, and then I will post some pics.
I love going to the mountains. We stay in my parents' cabin, the same one I spent every summer in growing up. I am so glad my kids get to experience it. It is fun to watch them play in the same creek I played in when I was their age!!! One major difference... my Mom wasn't there taking a thousand pictures.... I probably have only a handful from all the time I spent there!!!
I need to dig those up and get them scanned and in my computer!

Have a great week!!

I am a harmonizer!

I found this through Virginia's blog... I love these types of tests! I think it is right on for the most part!


General Description
As a Harmonizer, you excel at promoting harmony and cooperation within a family.Your natural instincts are to help and support others in carrying out tasks and building cooperation in the process.

Typical Areas of Strength
Harmonizers, like you, foster a cooperative atmosphere by seeking ways to help, carrying out duties, completing tasks, and encouraging others in practical, tangible ways. You relate well to others and excel as mediators and at conveying care and compassion.

Typical Areas of Struggle
You may sometimes compromise principles or convictions in order to maintain harmony or preserve a relationship. You have a tendency to vacillate, resist change, or be too naive or passive in certain situations.

Your Preferred Activities
Because you demonstrate superior people skills, you are well suited to promote interaction with individuals or small groups of people that need your help.

Your Communication Style
You communicate by being a good listener, offering helpful words of encouragement, and performing thoughtful acts of kindness.
Check it out here!
View my Career Direct personality profile

LOL

I am sitting in a Barnie's in Bradenton FL (Jason is getting a migraine and needed a triple expresso, so I decided to use the free WIFI and check e-mail) and just laughed out loud I read Mandy's blog about the bugs, and could just picture it in my mind!!! I would post a link, but do not know it exactly.... I am not on my computer. But anyway....good stuff Mandy!!!! I guess I need to go... Jason is feeling a little better.... caffeine overdose seemed to help!! Our trip has been nice , except for the stomach bug 4 of us had..... been to the beach and spent lots of time with family...We are heading back home tomorrow!!

So Excited!!!!

I read the 1st chapter of Breaking Dawn today in Walmart....... I can not wait for this movie!!!! I may be more excited about this than HP6!!