gimmegodiva

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-11T21:43:00.003-06:00

It is so hard to believe that it is December 11th already. Between sickness and business of choir, play practice, dance performances and other time consuming things, we just put our tree up and decorated it today. But it is done. And looks good! Seeing the glow from the lights makes me happy. And right now, toe socks make me happy as well!! This picture is our family Christmas pic this year! And I only had to take 2 shots--one with flash and one without! :) Didn't have to worry about blinking eyes or cheesy smiles. I hope you all have a wonderful December, and a very Merry Christ centered Christmas!

hi.

2010-11-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

Made ya look!

honestly......

2010-09-19T17:40:00.001-05:00

I now just use my blog to check on other people's blog updates. Just wanted to let you know incase you were anxiously awaiting a new post from me! :)

so true...

2010-01-20T17:30:00.000-06:00

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go,

Where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows your name.

You wanna go where people know, people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows your name.

same old stuff

2009-09-26T20:15:00.002-05:00

school, work, soccer, drive, eat, read, study. Not much new to report. I did change the blog a little, thanks to my friend Virginia. Gotta go finish my paper and turn it in tonight. Hope you are all having a fabulous fall! can't wait for the weather to dry up a little and cool down a lot.

Back to school time....

2009-08-12T12:36:00.002-05:00

The kids headed back to school this morning. They were both ready and excited! Can't believe Hannah is in 7th and my baby is in 2nd grade. Where has the time gone?
We have been super busy this summer-- We headed to Fl for a high school reunion, which was great! I got some sort of bug the first night, and so was feeling kinda puny the second night. But it was great seeing everyone and reconnecting. We also visited with family while we were there, which I always love. Then we were home for a week, then went to NC for 2 weeks. Then back home for a week to mow and check on things. We found out our power had been out for 10 days, so we had a disgusting mess in the fridge/freezer waiting for us. Then we headed back to NC for a couple of weeks. I got to spend a lot of time with Mom and Dad, aunts, uncles and cousins. Hannah and Holden refer to them as the "other cousins" because my sisters' kids are THE cousins! So they differentiate that way! I also got to see my uncle who lives in Venezuela. He came back to the states for a visit, and we had a mini reunion in NC.
Then we came home and back to reality! We spent the last couple of weeks catching up with friends and hanging out.
I didn't get a job teaching, so my future plans are unclear at the moment. I know God is good, and He knows what I will be doing, and He has perfect timing, but it is still hard, because I had the year all planned out! SO I may sub again, may work on my Master's. I just have to wait on the Lord, and see what doors he opens, and which ones he closes! And that is much easier said then done.
It is almost 1, so I better get busy getting stuff done! I am going out of town this weekend-- scrapping with a group of friends! I am very excited!
I know it has been way to long since I updated the blog, but if we know each other well enough, you know what I have been up too!!
And I am pretty sure I used the word then way too much in this post!!!

New SpringWidget

2009-08-11T19:41:00.001-05:00

Get this widget!

Some pics from the past couple of months!

2009-06-01T15:07:00.007-05:00

The Easter Bunny cake! I always made this as a kid-- now I make it with my kids. They love to decorate it! They went for brown this year.... This picture is from the late 80's early 90's. Should I be bothered that my hair is just about the same now, except for the perm??
Jenny came to see me while I was in Orlando. Didn't get a dry picture!

Excited about this!! Have to go back next year!
I made a new friend at Universal....
Leah came to see too!!
My Mother's day cupcakes!

I got new flipflops for my birthday!

Ok- I think that is enough for now!! Hope you are having a great week. Everyday seems like the weekend for me now that the kids are out of school!

LOOKY LOOKY!

2009-05-30T22:48:00.004-05:00

I am ready for New Moon!

My {almost} Adventure!

2009-05-28T23:52:00.003-05:00

I know, I know... It has been a while. But I am sure all 3 of you understand-- life gets busy, I get lazy--
So any way-- We have been busy with soccer, choir concerts (and trips to Orlando!), Scrap Etc. events, Mother's Day, birthdays (well, my birthday).... It has been a good couple of months. I have been subbing a lot, but still no job yet. But I need to remember that I am not in control of that-- I need to trust in God more. He knows what I will be doing Aug. 6th (first day back for teachers...)And that is all that should matter. Remind me of that if needed!!
So, I am sure you are wondering "What adventure, Carol?" So let me tell you!! I was at the Scrap Etc. Event, and one morning as I was getting ready, my roommate, Lisa and I heard a lot of noise out in the lobby of the hotel. Our room over looked the lobby, so we peeked outside only to see a ton of Paparazzi! Who could they be following?? So I lean out the window a little to look, and I see Robert Pattinson-- you know- Cedric Diggory and Edward Cullen!! How awesome! We didn't even know he was going to be there!! So Lisa and I hurry and get dressed and head out to see what we can see and eat breakfast. When we get to the lobby, we didn't see him, so figured he was gone. We order an overpriced hotel breakfast and sit down to eat. After a few minutes, guess who walks by??? Yep- Edward!!( That is how I like to think of him....)He is with a girl, and they go sit down at a table not too far from us!! We are so excited, but soon realize we BOTH left our cameras in the room!! Oh No!! But then I remember I have my phone, and a crappy cell phone pic is better than none, so we get up the nerve and head over to his table. I am just a few feet away, my mind going over what I will say to him, then, I roll over and see the clock. It is 6:51 AM. Crap it! It was a dream! But so real! SO Dang it-- I am not at a Scrap Etc. Event-have to wait for October for that. I am not eating breakfast with Lisa, but I will have lunch with her and Virginia next week, and no meeting Edward or Cedric for me. ever....:( {Lucy-- If you could arrange that meeting for October and make my dream come true, I will be your best friend!}

Ok-- more real stuff later. But I had to share my dream. Good night!

Rain, Rain, Go away....

2009-04-02T16:46:00.001-05:00

come again another day.......

Go to Scrapetc.com right now!

2009-03-31T23:32:00.002-05:00

You can be one of the lucky ones to win a spot to fabulous Scrap Etc. EvEnT in Atlanta in a few short weeks!! So go comment.... now! Come hang out with me and make cool stuff!!!

Not much going on.....

2009-03-30T10:01:00.002-05:00

Not much to blog about... I have been subbing {no more poop or vomit!} It has been raining like crazy, and I am homesick, as usual. Maybe I should have gone home over spring break. I am kinda sad. But life [school- work- soccer practice- scrapbooking- LOST :-)- laundry {oh the laundry...}and dinner ] goes on.

MOVIES!

2009-03-15T22:25:00.002-05:00

I love movies! I saw 3 today.... I really {heart} the dollar theater!!
I saw The Uninvited... very good!, then went back with Hannah and saw Bride Wars... worth a buck! And then, for the 4th time.... Twilight!! I love it, even though some Edward's facial expressions really crack me up when it wasn't supposed to be funny!And the bad acting sticks out more and more each time I see it. But that's OK!

I am going back tomorrow to see Bolt and Bedtime stories with the kids.

Have a great night and a good week.... I will because it is SPRING BREAK!!!
This is the first time that we haven't gone to FL or to NC. And I am not sure how I feel about it. It will be nice to just hang out and get stuff done around the house, but I am really homesick (it doesn't go away) and would LOVE to hang out with my parents,sisters, nieces and nephews. But I will be home in June.... My 20th high school reunion is this summer. I am that old. WOW.

I have lost 7 of those 9 pounds I mentioned a while ago. It should be more, but besides the movies, I also love chocolate and Dr. Pepper. I gave them up for about a week, now I have decided to cut back.But it is hard especially since Dove truffle eggs are in stores!! And we have left over cookie cake from Hannah's birthday party calling my name.
Ok -this has been all over the place.... I am going to bed!

The start of my day....

2009-03-11T09:40:00.004-05:00

I am subbing in a first grade class. My day starts with a boy saying "I think I need to go home. I just pooped my pants." UUMMM yeah... go to the office. Then after I take roll, a boy throws up. At least he made it to the garbage can. My day can only get better! I hope....

I am going to Scrap Etc. after school, so I am looking forward to that!! And it is Hannah's night for her birthday dinner ( her birthday is Friday, but we have soccer practice - did you know I am now officially a soccer mom?!- Thursday, then Hannah's party on Friday) So I have BoneFish Grill to look forward too, and LOST is on tonight..... my day IS looking much better!!!

Tagged by Lisa!

2009-03-05T08:40:00.003-06:00

I have been tagged.... to show the 6th picture in the 6th file on my computer. I have 2... One from the 6th from the top and one from 6th on the bottom. iphoto has the newest pics loaded on the bottom, so I did both.
I have been scanning some old pics, and this gem is of me and my mom. It is from the late 70's. I do not remember when it was taken, but there is a swampbuggy in the background, and I remember that from trips to the Everglades, but there is also a wheelbarrow of bricks behind us..... not sure where we were or what the circumstances were!!

This one is of my sweet boy.... sigh... he just turned 7. If you have a little one, go cuddle RIGHT NOW. Seriously... it will be over in a flash. Man, how old do I sound!? But, it is true- time flies. This picture was taken in the trailer we lived in while our house was being built. Look closely and you can see the duct tape on the window.... good times....
OK.. Now I tag Deena- who doesn't blog nearly enough, Jen, Joy and Magen. It will be an SEBC tag!!!

Random....

2009-02-17T12:56:00.002-06:00

I have been going through old pictures and have LOVED it. Here are some I wanted to share.
I did this layout with the wonderful Scripts Kit from Scrap Etc. My mom and dad met at highschool and this is their prom picture!
My love for chocolate started at an early age.
I was in a parade in highschool. That is me towards the front. If I still had THAT body I would wear that outfit everyday! Even with the fruit on my head.
I mentioned a few posts back that I was looking for a picture? Well, I found it! Alisa...
we both had the permed mullet look...... But we thought we looked GOOD! Wow. Don't laugh-- everyone of you has a scary hair picture!!
OK, my break is over! Back to cleaning the carpets. Have a wonderful day!

Coupon Books....

2009-02-09T18:13:00.002-06:00

Hannah is selling coupon books to help raise money for a trip to FL for choir. They are for the bham area. One is for a free oil change. They are $15. We don't have any family here, so I told her I would ask some of my friends. If you want one, let me know by Wed at gimmegodiva@bham.rr.com. I will hook you up! Thanks!

Wanna win a spot to the Scrap etc. event?

2009-02-05T17:59:00.003-06:00

Who wouldn't?!!? Go to the fabulous Gretchen's blog, and post a comment! She will pick a winner next week!! It will be amazing.... 6 teachers, 6 classes, a weekend away (that is worth the $399 price right there!! :-) )

So... now is your chance to win a free spot!!! Go right now and leave a comment!

New Moon!!

2009-02-04T21:34:00.002-06:00

Just read that it is scheduled to come out Nov. 20th! But the weird part-- Dakota Fanning may play Jane. uummmm- what??!! That is definitely not the Jane I have pictured in my head!

LOST is now even better.....

2009-02-04T20:07:00.002-06:00

Sun just opened a box of Godiva chocolates!!! Granted there was a gun under the first layer, but the top layer was perfect!!
I wonder what they did with the bottom layer? Hope someone got to eat them! Can't waste yummy chocolate! OK. commercial break is over!

hula hoop champ....

2009-01-29T17:33:00.003-06:00

That is my title in my house. I am the wii champ! I am loving wii fit! I have lost about 5 lbs. since we got it- last Friday! I just hope I can keep it up... I really like my carbs...chocolate, bread, Dr. Pepper. And this is the first real diet I have ever done. I watch what I eat.. choose my fat grams. But I have never turned down dessert. Until now. And we took the kids to the Cheesecake factory for their report cards (Honor Roll for Both! Very Proud!) and I didn't get any cheesecake. I did have 1 bite of each of theirs ( I had to taste...) but that is all.
I have been having fun on the wii- I named my trainer Tony (he looks a little like Tony Little.. the guy with the infomercial for the "Gazelle"... remember him?) Anyway, is wrong for me to swear at him? If I am doing an exercise and having trouble balancing he will tell me " This seems tough for you" or "You seem a little shaky. Try tightening up you abs for better balance." That's when I tell him to shut up. I have never had any coordination and my balance isn't that much better!! But I am improving. Just don't ask me to do the yoga "tree" pose. It isn't pretty.

It's OK.

2009-01-20T22:15:00.004-06:00

I have realized it is OK that I can't find those pictures. With the 9000 plus pictures I have on my computer, I don't think my kids will be traumatized by the 50+ that aren't on my computer, backed up, and copied onto CDs. I would love to find them, and if I do I will do a happy dance- Remember Balki's "Dance of Joy" from "Perfect Strangers"? That will be me, but by myself! I tried to link it, but had issues, as usual. Check it out here! www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfPg5LjGYz8

This is random, but has anyone else seen the oatmeal commercial where the parents have a bunch of little kids, and the give them breakfast IN THE CAR? Who would do that? Really- Quaker Oats has lost their minds if they think they are relating to parents with that one. Or maybe I am the odd ball. Any of you ever given your kids oatmeal in paper bowls in the minivan?

And one more- what is up with the bathtubs in ads for prescription meds? Have you seen them? Couples are in tubs side by side on the beach, on a hilltop, watching the sun set.... no place with plumbing... no place where water is easily accessible. Or maybe once again I am just missing out. I have never vacationed anywhere where outside tubs were an option. And who would do that?

One last thing... LOST is back! I meant to watch last season to catch up, but didn't. I am sure they will catch us up. I can hear it now...."previously on LOST....."
And check this out. My friend Deena sent it too me. She called it a little light reading. Good stuff!

And thanks to Joy, I now have a free tube of Lancome cell defense. Go to the Macy's in the mall.... go to the make up section and pick up your goody! There are several things to choose from, and they have to give it away as part of a lawsuit. Check it out here. She got a mascara, but my Macy's didn't offer that. You know I love a freebie!!

It started looking for 1 picture....

2009-01-19T12:30:00.002-06:00

One specific picture of me and J from high school- that is all I was looking for. It is from a Valentine's Day in the 80's... just needed it for a layout. Couldn't find it... anywhere. But I did find boxes of pics that I didn't even remember. Looked through all of those... sat and reminisced a little, then sorted them. They are back in the box, but at least they are sorted. Then I find a big envelope with thumbnail prints in it. 3 sheets of them. Some of these pictures I remember, some I don't. But the very frustrating thing is that they are not in iphoto. Some pics are in iphoto from the SAME event, like Holden's 3rd birthday and Hannah's 8th, but not the same ones. How can 2 or 3 pictures taken at the same time and with the same camera be on my computer and some not?? What did i do? Why can't I remember? And there are some of Holden in the back yard sans his clothes, and pics from our trip to Sea World. And some from FL. I just looked on several CD's thinking they might be on one, but they are not. Where are these pics? Why do I only have thumbnails of them? Why would I have printed some out but not put them on the computer???? WHY WHY WHY!? I am driving myself crazy. 2 of them are of the kids with Grandma Snyder from 2004. She passed away 2 (or is it 3 now?) years ago, so now I am bothered that I don't have those on my computer either. I tried to scan them, but of course my scanner won't even turn on. What a day.... oh- I never found the picture I started out looking for....

OK-- ranting and rambling done. Off to search some more...... wish me luck!
Oh--SEHS friends- you may remember those Valentine's pictures... I think I had one made with you, Alisa! I can't find it either.....

Party Planning....

2009-01-13T19:46:00.002-06:00

It is almost time to plan the birthday parties for my kids... one in Feb., one in March. Holden wants to have some friends stay over and eat cookie cake and pizza (with olives and pepperoni). That part is easy. But when we discussed the guest list, it included both boys and girls.... which would be fine except he wants to have a sleep over. I tried to tell him that only boys stay the night with boys. He didn't understand. He said that the girls are his friends too! So, with in the next month I will have to tell him that only the boys can stay over and the girls will have to leave around 8.....

Hannah has only mentioned a DANCE party. Last year she wanted a TEA party. BIG difference....

I have been subbing the past 2 weeks. Too bad the increase in pay for long term subs doesn't start until 3 weeks.

Hope you all have a great night and stay warm!

Deena... I need my scary movie buddy! There are 2 movies I need to see with you. I need your arm to hold. :(

purging...

2009-01-06T09:28:00.002-06:00

I have read about several people who are cleaning out, purging and going through things in their house. I want to do this. I need to do this. But I have attachments to my stuff. "My mom gave me this. I remember when Hannah wore that." Holden made this" I remember when I was with (insert name) and I bought that...." I have sentimental attachments to so many things. And I hate getting rid of stuff that was given to us from family. So we have 2 dining room tables now. The one we bought 10 or so years ago that has memories attached to it from times we did art projects (paint marks and all) on it. It was also one of the first main pieces of "grown up" furniture we bought together. I now use it for scrapbooking. The other table is one my parents gave us. It was the one I grew up with, so I have lots of memories of dinners there!
I could go on and on... tables, chairs, couches, clothes, knick knack stuff, papers..... and of course the kids stuff. I get so frustrated at myself, but it seems everything reminds me of someone or something. We don't need it all. We have a large garage, which helps. But I need to take pictures of what we don't use so I won't forget it, then send it to Hannah Home or Goodwill. I say that, but saying it and doing it are SO different! Maybe if I lived closer to my family I wouldn't feel the need to hang on to stuff... to be surrounded by it instead of them. Does that even make sense? Or am I rationalizing?

Well- I am subbing now.... time to get the darlings from PE!
Please excuse any typos or misspellings.... no spell check here!

Trying to get back to normal....

2008-12-31T17:00:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-12-20T13:01:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-12-15T20:22:00.006-06:00

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

2008-11-24T09:31:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-11-24T09:14:00.001-06:00

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!

2008-11-21T02:50:00.004-06:00

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!!

2008-11-16T20:10:00.004-06:00

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.....

2008-11-13T15:56:00.002-06:00

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!!

2008-11-10T19:38:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-11-04T10:33:00.003-06:00

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!

2008-10-23T15:41:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-10-17T09:48:00.004-05:00

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!!

2008-10-13T09:19:00.002-05:00

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.....

2008-10-12T22:57:00.006-05:00

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.....

2008-10-11T14:22:00.003-05:00

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!!

2008-10-09T10:57:00.002-05:00

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!!

2008-10-02T08:53:00.005-05:00

Here are some recent layouts !

Halloween Nightmares.....

2008-09-30T21:16:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-09-24T17:05:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-09-24T16:00:00.003-05:00

Coincidence???!!! I think not!

I found it on Mae's blog!

My heart melted....

2008-09-19T08:27:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-18T13:34:00.001-05:00

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!

2008-09-15T09:14:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-09-12T08:44:00.004-05:00

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

2008-09-05T18:50:00.002-05:00

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}

2008-09-02T20:23:00.005-05:00

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.....

2008-08-21T19:54:00.005-05:00

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

2008-08-18T19:39:00.002-05:00

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....

2008-08-18T11:03:00.003-05:00

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

2008-08-14T12:35:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-08-12T08:27:00.004-05:00

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.

2008-08-11T14:56:00.003-05:00

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.....

2008-08-06T20:36:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-07-28T09:47:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-07-23T09:08:00.002-05:00

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....

2008-07-22T10:43:00.005-05:00

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

Please pray...

2008-07-21T11:10:00.003-05:00

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!!

2008-07-17T21:08:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-07-13T12:39:00.002-05:00

Kentucky!

2008-07-13T12:07:00.005-05:00

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...

2008-07-06T23:23:00.002-05:00

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???

2008-07-03T10:56:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-06-23T19:27:00.007-05:00

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!

2008-06-15T20:06:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-06-14T15:40:00.003-05:00

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

2008-06-10T09:44:00.002-05:00

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!!!!

2008-06-03T15:13:00.003-05:00

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!!

I am a murderer....

2008-06-03T15:05:00.003-05:00

We are having some work done around the house, and a bird nest needed to come down from under the porch. The babies had all flown away, and the nest was empty, or so I thought...... as I knocked the nest down, I see 3 little eggs teetering.... I tried to stop it, but gravity won.... and they fell down, splattering to the porch...... I felt horrible. At least they had not started to develop yet.... that would have put me over the edge. I feel horrible......
And after this happens, Hannah points up to a wire and innocently says " I think that is the Momma..."
So learn from my mistakes..... ALWAYS check the nest before you knock it down......

I am so excited!!

2008-05-30T20:34:00.002-05:00

I passed my test!! ( I had my doubts... it was hard to me!) I had to take the Praxis elem. content knowledge test, and made a 174!! I needed a 137 to pass, so I am thrilled!!!!! 1 more score to get, then I should be certified!!!!

Tagged by Lisa!

2008-05-29T18:26:00.002-05:00

See Lisa... I do read your blog!!!
A Attached or Single: very much attached- 15 years in August!
B Best Friends: Jason and Charlene
C Cake or Pie: Cake!
D Day of Choice: Saturday! Seems like I have a summer of them!!
E Essential Item: Dr Pepper, camera
F Flavor of Icecream: Chocolate
G Gummy Bears or Worms: worms
H Hometown: Bradenton, FL
I Indulgence: scrapbooking, naps!
J January or July: July
K Kids: Hannah and Holden
L Last movie I saw at a theater: Horton Hears a Who
M Musician: lots!!!
N Number of Siblings: 2 sisters
O Oranges or Apples: oranges!
P Phobias or Fears: smoothering
Q Quote: It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission!
R Reason to Smile: Jesus loves me despite all my flaws!!
S Season: Spring!
T Tag: Jennifer A., Amy N., Andrea- anyone who reads this and wants to participate!
U Unknown fact: I am sometimes very insecure
V vegetarian or oppressor of Animals: Oppressor :)
W Worst habit: laziness......
X Xray or Ultrasound: ultrasound
Y Your favorite food: a good sandwich, chocolate!
Z Zodiac sign: Taurus

2008-05-25T19:41:00.000-05:00

Which TV Mom Are You?

My Result: Marge Simpson

You are Marge from The Simpsons. You may not share Marge's blue bouffant, but you do share her animated style of mothering. Sometimes the pressures of maintaining a happy home may push you toward the edge, but at the end of the day, you believe in your children wholeheartedly, even when they're being rather, um, spirited.

You encourage your kids' creativity and individuality, whether that means watching them perform the saxophone or helping them raise exotic lizards. You may sometimes say things that sound like old-fashioned parenting clichés, but when it comes down to dealing with domestic disasters, you can be a pretty together, modern mama.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=tvmomogt&c=50652

This was fun... Thanks Virginia!!!

Who is out there??!

2008-05-24T15:20:00.002-05:00

I just added site meter to my blog, and it says my page has had 22 hits... I know about 4 of them are mine. I know of just a handful of people who check my blog... now I am curious about the others!! If you read this, leave a comment so I will know who you are!!!! It is like when a number I don't know shows up on my cell, and they don't leave a message..... who are you!!???

And thanks for visiting!!!! :-)

I {heart} May!!

2008-05-22T10:22:00.007-05:00

Prepare to scroll... lots of pics ahead! Or should I say below!!

This has been a very good month!! There have been some low points, but overall.... it made my heart happy. It started off with a lunch date with my very good and beautiful friend Deena, then I got to do it again 2 weeks later, then Tues. the 20, we had a bittersweet dinner with her and some other friends. It was to say good bye. She is moving to Colorado on Sun. Tears are in my eyes as I type this. Deena has been a wonderful friend to the family, and to me. My kids love her, and she loves them, and she was one of Jason students.... we are all connected. But she is starting a new chapter in her life. I will miss her terribly. She was my scary movie buddy, my babysitter, my lunch partner, but most of all she is my friend!! Love you Deena!!
*Hannah got to sing the national anthem with the choir from her school.
*I went with Holden to the Zoo.
*I had lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time- we need to do it again soon Michelle!, ate lunch with Lisa, once just us, and once with Virginia and Katie.
* We had dinner with old friends... Michael and Jenn, and their cutie patootie son Sawyer.
*Holden graduated from Kindergarten.
*Hannah graduated from 5th grade.
*There was Mother's Day.
*There was my birthday!
Which meant a fun surprise for me... a decorated kitchen and presents! Jason even got me limes, Dr. Pepper, and Styrofoam cups from Chick fil a!! And an ice cream cake!
* I had a whole bunch of nice things said about me on a thread at the SE forum!I even printed it out!
*I got a beautiful card from Virginia
* I got an awesome basket from my BFF Charlene - filled with the things needed for Chocolate martinis!Even a cool glass!
* I had coffee with my friend Christine... well my friend had coffee, I had Dr. Pepper.. hope Starbucks didn't mind that I brought in a drink!
*There were some beautiful evenings... love sunset!
* I read the Twilight Series ..... can't wait for the fourth book in Aug., and the MOVIE in December! ( Thank you SE forum girls for introducing me to these books!! You were so right!!)
*school is now out, so everyday will feel like Saturday!!!!!!
Thank you all for helping make the month great! I really needed it!!

I know I should take the time to match up each picture with each event, but I will just trust that you all can figure it out!!!!!

2008-05-18T20:52:00.000-05:00

This speaks for itself!!

My weekend!

2008-05-12T08:35:00.006-05:00

Some high (and low) points from my weekend!!
* eating breakfast at chick fil a
* going to Barnes and Nobles- buying Twilight!!
* going to the park
* finding a click beetle and lady bugs
* reading Twilight... I have a theory about Jacob!!
* flying a kite with my kiddos
* eating SUSHI!
* swinging with my kiddos
* watching my kids roll down a hill at the park! (only 1 small injury- a little TLC fixed it!)
* Hannah stepping in an ant bed :-(
* watching a mama duck and her 11 babies
* watching said mama duck hiss at Holden because he got a little too close!
* finding a nest with 3 beautiful blue eggs in it
* Having a great Mother's Day weekend!

Oh- And I am thank ful the poison Oak in gone, and my kids no longer look like this!!

There is a BOY in my backyard...

2008-05-06T17:18:00.002-05:00

He is just playing with Hannah and Holden, but a boy!! He is nice and everything, but he's a boy!! He is in the 6th grade ( Hannah is in 5th) He has been over before, but usually when other kids are around. A boy...... It might be time for dinner.... I am not ready for boys visiting Hannah in the back yard, even if Holden is there antagonizing them, and they are just playing catch..... What the heck!
Both kids have poison oak... on their faces ( I will post pics later- Hannah has to be in bed- she was appalled that I would even think of preserving this memory! Much less posting it on the blog for the world ( well, all 4 of you) to see!!). Shouldn't that scare a boy away?? OK- now they are playing hide and seek.... maybe I am freaking out too much about this BOY!!!
More later!!

The chicken eggs are hatching again!!!!

2008-05-05T14:46:00.000-05:00

http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/Embryology/eggcamera.shtml

Go here to see it!!! I just love this!!!

Is there a Mr.?

2008-05-03T20:09:00.002-05:00

We need some work done on the house, so I called around to get estimates. I
arranged a time for the guy to come out. He asks "Is there a MR.?"and if so, he would like to meet at a time when he could be there. Now I am a little offended - Jason is busy at work-- I usually take care of stuff like this, then talk to him about it. But just to hurry things up, I schedule a time when j should be home. The man comes out, and starts measuring and figuring stuff, and Jason calls and tells me he has a late meeting, so I tell the man "sorry , my husband won't be here...something came up at work." The siding guy then tells me things in a way that makes me feel like I am taking a message for Jason. I finally told him that I usually take care of house stuff like this, and Jason and I decide things together. He says OK, but then as he was leaving, he tells me that he can come back out when my husband is home to go over the details with him. I told him, thank you, I will tall Jason that, but he won't need you to come back out. Then he says,"I usually like to have both the husband and the wife here when I give an estimate... the wife usually wants to pick the color..." Would any of you think this is a little .... I don't know... backwoodsish??? I know men usually do house stuff, and women do usually pick out the color, but this just blew my mind!!

The heat is on!

2008-04-30T09:37:00.004-05:00

What is wrong with this picture... it is the last day of April, and my heat just clicked on. again. It shouldn't be this cold!!!
Oh- and I don't have ( or I should say I can't find) the cord to my camera to down load- or is it up load- what ever- my pics from the event. I took an old camera, and was wishing I hadn't , but oh well..... I have seen lots of pics out there, so I am sure those of you who care have seen them elsewhere any way!!!
But here are some pics of my sweet kids!! I need to learn how to keep everything in focus in the first picture. It was fun, and the kids loved it!!!Hannah just wishes she could pick Holden up by his head!!!

Hope you are having a great day!!!

Home from Nashville!

2008-04-22T10:08:00.002-05:00

I can not remember a time when I was as busy as I was this past weekend ( Wed- Sun.), and there are some ladies who worked longer hours than me.... well a lot.... but I am not used to getting up at6:45 and not going to bed till after midnight, or after 2 in some cases!!! I was so sleepy, that on Sat., the last full day, I turned the lights on during a slideshow during class ( sorry Wilna and group A!) , zoned out when someone was talking to me ( sorry Andrea!), and totally didn't even move when some one tossed a gluestick to me, and just let it hit the wall ( sorry Molly!) I think I felt better after I walked around and had some caffeine! But we made it.... the attendees seemed to enjoy it, and really liked getting to know the other volunteers better. Friends are great!! The store had some awesome things in it, the teachers were fabulous, and nights at The Irish Pub and Nashville Palace won't be forgotten!!! Belmont B won't be forgotten either! Or the wonderful ladies from 12 Fridays!!! Heidi and Heather are so funny, so real... I told them they should move to Birmingham so we can hang out, but I won't hold my breath!!!!
I have a few pictures, but not near enough, so when I borrow some from other people, I will share!!!
I roomed with Lisa, Tracey, Carrie, and Nubia the first night ( and discovered my air mattress has a slow leak...), then the second night we were able to split up (THANK YOU LUCY!!!! She got us another room!) And we did the splitting by temperature preferences! The "cold room " had Tracy, Nubia, Carrie and Adrienne in it, and the "warm room" had me, Lisa and Morgan in it.
I napped for a while on the way home, but then enjoyed conversation with Lisa and Nubia. We are planning to get together sometime... to scrap, or to just hang out!
OK... off to study for the PRAXIS, and/ or load the dish washer..... neither are my favorite things!!!!

good bye 425 2892

2008-04-15T20:46:00.003-05:00

We turned off our home phone, and will just use our cells. Feels a little weird!!
I leave tomorrow for Nashville. I am riding up with 4 scrappy friends, and am rooming with 5!!! It will be fun. Tiring, but fun!!!!

tests.... :-(

2008-04-10T09:12:00.002-05:00

I am working on becoming AL State certified to teach. I am discovering that it is time consuming and expensive to do this! I have to take the praxis test.... about $90 ( and the study guide-$20), the APTTP test... $130.. ( downloaded a free study guide :-) ), I must be finger printed.. $53.... and pay for the whole process itself...$20.... Do you know how much scrap stuff I could buy for $313??? Or gas? or food ? It drives me crazy!!! But I will jump through all my hoops, and become state certified. Maybe even get a job next year. I am getting excited about teaching again. I really do enjoy it.

Is anyone else getting tired of hearing about the "man" who is pregnant??? IT IS NOT A MAN!! It is a confused woman.... looks like a man.... wants to be a man..... but still has all her girl parts. Why the big deal?

Off to clean some windows.... can't remember the last time I did that....

The Jonas Brothers

2008-04-07T09:01:00.003-05:00

Please tell me I am not the only person over the age of 13 with a slight infatuation with them. Disney is often on in my house, and I just have to stop and watch when I see the video for "When you look me in the eyes"......sigh....

The EvEnT

2008-04-04T21:00:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to be on the Scrap Etc. Event team. I have helped pack kits for classes, and let me tell you- it is good stuff. Everyone will get an amazing amount of product, and take home some wonderful projects! I am thrilled to just be a small part of it! And I get to hang out with some amazing people.... I am so glad to get to know some of these ladies ( and guy :-) ) better. I will miss hanging out with them when it is over. Off to work on a cool kit from Virginia's creative brain ! Have a great night!
Well, I thought I had figured out how to add a link... guess not... blackflipflops.blogspot.com ....go see Virginia here!!!!

proof.....

2008-03-29T22:43:00.003-05:00

My kids are growing.......

Holden's first page!

2008-03-29T22:39:00.001-05:00

Isn't it awesome!!!! He asked to do some more- he even picked out some paper today at SE!!

Spring Break- some pics!!

2008-03-29T21:48:00.005-05:00

We started off in Orlando, with a sushi birthday birthday party for Hannah, then I went to lunch with my Mom and 2 sisters at PF changs. Then we went shopping, then went to dinner at Emerils!!! We had champagne, seared ahi tuna, barbecue shrimp, sea bass over lump crab meat, fillet mignon, and duck. I also had a 1942 mai tai for the 1st time- Thanks Leah for introducing me to that! Then we had 5 desserts!! I have NEVER eaten like that before!! And may never again! My sister's neighbor is a chef there, and he worked some magic for us!! oh- in the pic of the shrimp, it is just the tails... they looked so good, I ate them before I remembered to take a pic!
The kids had a great time with their cousins... in and out of the pool, playing and holding hamsters!
Blogger only lets me get 5 pics at a time, so this will be kind of out of order!
We left Orlando and headed to my parents. While there, we played at the pond, caught fish, went to the beach and visited family. It was great! Oh- Holden lost his first tooth, and was VERY happy about that!! There seems to be a water theme here... in the pool, in the gulf, in the pond.....

We came home Sat. ( with more stuff on the roof- thanks Mom and Dad!Keep remodeling!!) Easter was a very quiet day.... the kids got cd/dvd and we just relaxed.I felt badly at first for not having baskets for them, but they seemed fine with it! Hannah and Holden fixed us breakfast, then I went back to bed.... I was wore out!
I worked 1 day last week, and I think it was my last. Too much drama has been going on...... I will miss the chocolate and the ribbon!! Maybe I can still get my fixes... I won't burn any bridges!!! Hope you all have a great night, and a great day of worship tomorrow!

Spring Break!

2008-03-24T12:20:00.002-05:00

We had a great trip to FL! Shopping and dinner (at Emeril's!) with my Mom and sisters, Hanging out with family, trips to the beach...... it was good! I will post pics later! I haven't unpacked the camera yet.....
Hope you all had a wonderful spring break, and joyous, reflective Easter. He Lives!!

The chicks are hatching!!!

2008-03-12T15:49:00.001-05:00

Go to this website to see them!! http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/Embryology/eggcamera.shtml

Party weekend is over!!

2008-03-09T14:59:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics from Hannah's Party! Petite Fours, little sandwiches, her friends and the table for the tea party. They also had fruit salad (yummy yummy!) lobster dip (only Hannah ate that!) carrots and celery and some chocolate ( of course!) It was fun... but I was so glad to see parents starting to pull up in the driveway on Sat!!!
So today, I am taking it easy... SCRAPPING!! It has been too long. I have done 2 pages so far, and Holden wanted to do some pages-so cute- I will post them soon.

party time....

2008-03-07T18:35:00.002-06:00

The nice "movie and pizza" party night has changed.... I am now in the midst of 5 10-11 years olds... 1 boy and 4 girls.... listening to kids' music ( and it is loud...) and starting a dance contest!!! They also played hide and seek- in the house- my house is not that big.... there are like 3 places to hide... but they did it!! But they are all having fun! More later......

35 minutes

2008-03-05T10:17:00.002-06:00

That's how long I was on hold with brighthouse this morning....... And my question took about 18 seconds to ask and to have it answered. I tried to think of something else to ask just to make my call last longer!!!!! uugghhhh

OK_ I tried to put a link on here... I just can't do it... so here it is... cut and paste it!! http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/Embryology/eggcamera.shtml It is an egg cam.... I LOVE chickens, esp. hatching them, but since I am not in a classroom this year, this is the next best thing!!! It is kind of boring untill the eggs start to hatch- then it is soooo cool! At least to me!!!

BOYS!

2008-02-29T10:28:00.003-06:00

Hannah is having her birthday party next Fri. night. And BOYS are invited..... boys!! What the heck? My baby is not so much my baby anymore.....
But, on the flip side, the boys leave at 8, then the girls are staying over and having a tea party on Sat., complete with petite fours and cucumber sandwiches!! I guess I can handle the boy part since she still wants a tea party!!! I will post pics- of the boys, and the tea party!!

My boy is 6!!

2008-02-24T19:52:00.002-06:00

I almost forgot to post some pics... He wanted just a family party, with Transformer decorations. So We went to dinner at IHOP ( he loves his pancakes!), then it was cake and present time!!! He is such a sweet boy.... can't believe he is 6. In one picture , he is holding up Hannah's gift to him.... coupons! For a movie rental, ice cream, gum, a hot wheels car, a snack and a drink. He loved it!!!!!!