Oh, by the way Mom....

Don't you just love those "Oh, by the way"s? I got one this morning at 7am. I was dressed and ready to go. I was getting the two younger ones fed (in the kitchen of course) when I hear this heart stopping statement coming from upstairs. "Oh, by the way Mom, can you drop me off at school at 8:30? I need to make-up some work from when I was out the other day." You know the day you had to miss work because I was sick. Okay, she didn't say that last sentence, but you KNOW I was thinking it. (insert HEAVY sigh here)

"Yes, dear, I will drop you off at school at 8:30 this morning." Keeping in my urge to add that I will be late to work by doing this. After all it isn't her fault she got sick and had to miss school. Is it? Nevermind....

So here I am ready to get going. I have the two little ones ready to catch the bus, and now I have an hour and a half. What to do????? Didn't take more than a second to decide my activity.

I had just purchased scrapbook paper (yes, more) last night at the Dollar Tree. Along with several other items, thanks to my darling little spendy angels

and decided that this paper would look great on the clipboard I will be using for Stacy J's LOM class which starts tomorrow. (nothing like waiting until the last minute. kind of a rush, don't you think)

I glued the paper down and looked up at these naked clothespins just screaming for a little color. So I obliged.

Well, I have to get back to work now.

Maybe those "Oh, by the way"s aren't so bad after all....

Monday Catch-Up (sorta)

Welcome to MONDAY. Mine is not going too badly. How's yours going? This is the wall of my darling middle daughters bedroom. If this doesn't wake you up, you are in a coma and in need of medical attention. Call 911, fast.

This weekend was so productive for me. I am tooting my horn here. I made TONS of progress in my Scraproom.

The desk is now cleared.

Both on top and underneath.

I only have 3 out of 25 cubbies in my shelf unit to go through.

My scraps drawer has been purged. I saved nothing smaller that 4x4, or strips of paper narrower than 2 inches. (Quickutz) I still have alot, but, not as much.

I took part in the BPS Get Organized, Be Inspired Super Saturday event. I was pooped at the end of the day. I think I may make a habit of jumping up every 45 minutes and running to the computer (or wherever) on a regular basis. I am altering the "recipe" so to speak. (I am not known for following directions, recipes, etc...So why start with following a class agenda!!?!?!?) The class calls for totally emptying your scrap space. I really don't think I can do that and stay married. I kinda like my husband, so I am taking this in bits and pieces. For the most part it is working. Except the really cool pictures of everything emptied out that everyone else is posting. I won't be able to post those. Anyway, I still need to figure out what to do with the stuff on the shelves above the desk. I have some ideas, so don't despair.

I have also decided to give my fabric stash to some organization. If you look below in the pictures, you will see a smaller bookshelf. It is loaded with fabric from my Quilting days. This is the stash I wish to release to a good home. The local chapter of Project Linus is not accepting fabric. They have too much. Go figure. I finally am ready to purge, and I can't give the stuff away. Let me know if you have any ideas. I thought I might open an ETSY shop. But it really seems like a lot of work. (Have I mentioned that I am somewhat lazy???)

Once the fabric is gone, I will have more space to display mini albums. Which I LOVE!!! They are cute and easy to make and they are done in almost no time.

Slow and steady wins the race. Not that I am racing, but I am not a patient person either.

I want it all and I want it NOW.

Okay, now for the pretty pictures. Here are a few of my favorite things:

Plumerias - I just love the texture and fragrance.

Coffee - Nothing further to note.

Turtles - Right up there with Owls for me.

Until next time. Take it easy.

Hoot, Hoot, It's Friday

Happy Friday.

This week just DRAGGGGGGGGGGGGED on forever for me.

Hurray. It is now the weekend.

Just wanted to share the cutest little owl. Hi Rosemary!! ;-} tee hee hee



Or how about her cousin.



Or her other cousin.

Found them all on ETSY.

The little green one on top is now mine. I just HAD to have her. She will look fabulous in my Newly revamped Scraproom. Don't you think?!?!?!?!

Messy Me, Sick DD and Great Finds

I am late in posting today, but it still is Thursday, so I figure that I am doing well.
Daughter number 1 (D1) came home Tuesday afternoon with a slight headache. So like the good parents that we are, DH and I sent her to dance class and told her she would feel better with some activity. (Now, if you were to actually view DH and I, you would know that we are SO not experts in the area of physical activity, so how in the bleeping heck could we in good conscious make such a statement. I’ll tell you how, we paid for these classes, and they aren’t cheap.) Wednesday morning rolls around and D1 is moaning in pain. Her head hurts, her tummy is upset, her throat hurts and her nose is stuffed up. Just confirms my unknown until now theory, physical activity isn’t as good for you as they say. Anyhow, I called DH at work and gave him the news. I have to tell you that DH leaves for work before the birds wake up. We have to juggle our work schedules to accommodate the DD’s school schedules. The 2 younger ones start school at 8am and get out at 2:30pm and the older DD starts at 9:05am (weird huh?) and gets out at 3:40pm (weird again!). Anyhow, DH leaves the house at 5:50am (sick, if you ask me), and works from 6:30am to 3pm. This allows for him to pick up D1. There isn’t an after school program for middle school kids here. (The little ones go to an after school program until DH picks them up at 4ish.) OKAY – I get the girls up and going in the mornings. I get them up by 7 and the 2 littler ones on the bus by 7:30. Then take D1 to a before school program at the Y. Now the point to all of this is this: If one of the girls wakes up sick, I “get” to stay home with them. Hardly fair, in my opinion. So this time, I call DH and tell him he has to come home to take care of D1 so I can get to work. She is 13 and old enough to stay home alone for a while, but Mommy Bear can’t stand the thought of my sick baby being by herself for a minute, never mind for 30-45 minutes. So, I call my office and explain the situation. They are the BEST office in the world to work for.
Today, same thing. But this time I told DH to work until 11:30. This way we could BOTH get something done in the office. I know, I know, what a GREAT WIFE.

So, back to the good stuff. I promised a while back to post newer photos of my fabulous Scraproom. Well, here is the before organized Scraproom. I am taking Get Organized, Be Inspired through Big Picture Scrapbooking, so in another month (or so) I will post the after photos. Also, showing some great deals I got at Michaels. Don’t you just love the buttons in this glass bowl. I got it for $7. What a steal. And the container behind it was only $3. The bowl with the embroidery floss was only $7 too. And I got a really cool clock for $3. I am so happy with my deals. The framed butterflies are a spin on Ali Edwards' Weekend Creative Challenge from a week ago. I thought these little guys were bright and cheery and would look great in D2's room. (Okay, I admit, I had D1 in mind, but she doesn't want them. Brat.) Whadda ya think!!!

Gotta run for now. I will try to post again soon. Remind me to tell you about last weekends science experiments…….

Strep-ed of my sleep, again...

This is D3 looking through one of the crystal balls at the Smithsonian. I am feeling about as clear headed these days....

I was actually looking forward to waking up this morning and going in to the office. I have some ideas about how to make things flow easier. But my darling little girl (D3) had other plans for my day. She came into my room at a VERY early 5:30am and promptly informed me that her throat hurt. I did what any good mom does at 5:30am, and had her get in bed with me, but on her father's side. (he was in the shower). The guilt took over and I was up and giving her ibuprofen at 5:34am. She and I got back in bed and I slept for another 30 minutes. Time to get her sisters up for school. Silly me. D2 comes into the room and shows me her rash covered tummy and sides. Hmmm. I vaguely remember something about this and strep. Can't be good for me. (or them) I get coffee going. An absolute must today. Thankfully D1 claimed no aches or pains, so I send her off to school.

Long story short, D3 was seen by Dr G and has tested positive for strep throat, again. She just finished taking the antibiotic a week ago for her last bout. D2 was deemed to have an allergic reaction, according to the nurse over the phone. "But, if it gets worse call us in the morning and you can bring her in." (another trip to the pediatric offices - if we have to take D2 in, it will be the fourth trip in the last couple of weeks) We had strep (D3), regularly scheduled check-ups, and strep (D3, again). Stopped at WalMart for the $170 prescription. (But the medicine comes with a lot of other cool stuff, you know, Barbie, movies, scrapbooking stuff, etc...actual medicine was about $8, but it sounds so much better this way).

All of the above added to the fact that DH has been SNORING loudly for the last couple of weeks makes for one sleep deprived mommy. I may just sleep on the couch tonight, as I type this I can hear him from the bedroom. ARRRGGGGGGGG.

Well, good night. I'll let you know how it went. Or you will just hear about me on the news..... Temporary insanity, and you are my witness.

A Womans prerogative....

I would really like a dog like this one. Isn't it cute.

I am changing my mind. I do this on a minute by minute basis. And usually I go back to what I said in the first place. Except this time. I really, really mean it this time. I am going to make my regular entries on Thursdays. I can't do Wednesdays. I just found this out. My schedule, or rather my kid's schedules, are making this a mandatory change. In general, I don't mind change. But I prefer when it when I am the one that decides to make the change.



I don't have time to wipe my, ... , well you know. Mondays are taken up with carting kids around. So are Tuesdays. Finally, Wednesdays I get the break, but then I have to stop and catch my breath. Finally empty out the sink (I know you are thinking "YUCK", but there really isn't much in there. We just throw the fast food wrappers away from Monday and Tuesday).

See you here again tomorrow. Maybe I'll post a picture of my clean sink. :-D

And the Winner is....

JeniB - You are the winner!!!! I can't go to Disney without finding Goofy. It just isn't complete without a Goofy sighting. I have MANY favorites about Disney, but Goofy has a special place in my heart. (don't ask why, cuz I don't know.)

Froggy - You are the runner up!!!

You both can expect packages in the mail. I need your snail mail addresses, so send me an email. Froggy - I have yours.

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES.

Disney Give Away continues....

So far, no one has gotten the answer. I really didn't think it would be this hard. I guess that's because it's something I have been doing for years. Okay there is a hint in the photo today. Good Luck.

Fantasmic isn’t it. As a matter of fact, it isn’t a show. Indiana Jones, Turtle Talk, Shows in front of the CASTLE, Little Mermaid, The Muppets, Country Bear Jamboree, Philharmagic: I try to get to them all, but they aren’t it.

Not a ride either. So, It’s A Small World, Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride, Soarin, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan Ride, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Safari, Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster, Test Track, Kali River Rapids, Everest, Train ride around Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth, Star Tours, Jungle Cruise, Dumbo, Tea Cups, Riding the Monorail while I love them all, they aren’t it either.

I have to admit, I LOVE Mickey’s Ice Cream bars. I try to eat one everyday while I am there. YUMMY. But, it isn’t food or eating at one of the wonderful restaurants. Character meals, Dole Whips, Turkey legs, churros, Breakfast at Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace are all not it.

“Wishes”, Tinkerbell flying down from the Castle, Fireworks from the California Grill, all make my heart swell from the Pure Magic of it all. But, again, not it.

SpectroMagic and all of the other parades are fantabulous, but not it.

Walking around the World Showcase, sitting on a bench at the Magic Kingdom people watching, animal watching at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, shopping in The World of Disney store in Downtown Disney, trying on the Disney Hats, trading Pins with other guests and castmembers, getting my picture taken with Mickey, sitting on Main Street listening to the piano player tickling those ivories: just thinking about these things makes me want to go there today, but they aren’t it. (Waking Tinkerbell up at her Gift Shop just isn’t an option for this sleepyhead. LOL)

Main Street, the Parades, Figment, Mickey Balloons, who could even think about going to Disney and missing these. But, they aren’t it either.

I believe that the Disney Magic is in my heart, so I take it with me wherever I am. Being there is fantastic and I love the Magic of just being there and breathing in the Magic. But that isn’t what I was thinking when I thought of this thing.

You have all made phenomenal guesses. I am smiling knowing that my cyber friends and I LOVE a lot of the same things about Disney. So I am sure that one of you will key in on this thing.

When I was a kid, we lived in San Diego. My mom is a Disney fan and so we went several times a year. I remember finding a shoebox filled with Disney tickets. It was a short lived thrill. They were all “A”, “B” and “C” tickets. DUH! All of the “E” and “D” tickets were used up everytime we went. We used to have several things that we had to do. It’s A Small World, Storybook Boats, Matterhorn Bobsled, frozen bananas, pineapple spears, Pirates of the Caribbean. But this other thing we also did. My mother started this thing. We would always do this everytime we went, and I have continued to do this. Not because of tradition, but because to me, the trip isn’t complete without it.

GOOD LUCK to you all. (Again, this pic isn't a hint.)

You are all wonderful guessers. And one of you came pretty close. Keep guessing......

(This isn't a clue, just another picture I really like. Oh to be stuck on a ship full of Sparrows....)

I didn't get a chance to take the picture of the treasure. ARGGG! Alas, t'will be up by Saturday. I can't guarantee before then.

DISNEY Package Up for Grabs

You may guess more than once.

Make sure you put some sort of ID in your guess, so I know to whom to award the grand prize.

So far, it isn't:

It's A Small World, one of my fav's, Yes, but sadly, not #1

The Castle is a good guess, and it is up there on my list, but not at the top.

Funnel cakes aren't on the fav list at all. I like them, but they aren't fav's.

Keep guessing.

Lights, Motors, Action

Good Morning Sir. I realize that the report on Ship A is due, and the Admiral wants the status of Project S, but I can’t get to them until this afternoon. I have to update my blog.

Thank you for understanding. There are thousands (insert uncontrollable laughter here) of my fans counting on me. I told them there would be more and they are expecting more.

Do not try this at your place of work. It won’t work. It didn’t for me. Of course, it took place in my head, and NOT out loud. But, I think you see my point. Do I have a point?!?!
I have been caffeinated this morning. That’s what it is, CAFFEINE. ‘Nuf said here.

Okay on to the real stuff, my Giveaway. I think I need to make you work for it. Sorta. More of a guessing game. I will send this box off to the person who can guess my favorite thing about going to Disney. If someone guesses it today, then I mail the box tomorrow. (But I am pleading with you to take your time, I have to still pack the box.)
I will post a picture of the contents of the box tomorrow, or tonight. I will try tonight, but I have a sick hubby at home. (May as well be half a dozen sick kids at home, he is such a baby when he is sick. You would think he is on his death bed. UGH!!! Drives me nuts.) Anyhow, I will try to get the pic up tonight.

Well, no one else is gonna get the report on Ship A to my boss, or the status of Project S to the Admiral, so I better get movin……..

Oh yeah, the pic is one I just love. It isn’t the answer to my favorite thing about Disney. It is one of many favs. But there is ONE thing above all others that I just LOVE. It is on my must list when we go to Disney.

Good Luck with your guesses....

Don't ask what is for dinner, I am NOT cooking today. I have to make a book.

My poor family had to suffer this weekend. Well, they didn't REALLY suffer, I mean they got food. It was almost at regular meal times too.

I may have mentioned that I am taking a couple (few) Big Picture Scrapbooking classes. Well, the February Handmade Book of the Month project is so cool, I couldn't make myself wait to make it in stages, like I did with the January book. (see Feb 1 entry for that one)

Isn't this the coolest book!??!?!?!? I am Art Journaling my life for a year. So far, I am doing great. I have all three days in Feb done.

Okay enough for now. Just had to post these pictures. I am going to bed now. But, before I go, I am going to leave you with this....

I am going to put together a Priority Mail Box (flat rate) FULL of Disney Scrapbooking items that I have. I had a really lame brain idea a couple years ago that didn't quite work out, so now I have all this Disney Scrabooking Stuff that I am going to mail to some lucky winner. I am going to pull the winner from this blog. My problem is that I am having a hard time deciding how to choose the winner. I will have this all figured out by Wednesday, you know, the day I am supposed make these entries. So, come back then, and I will let you know how I am going t0 make a winner out of one of you.

Until then, have a Great Monday and Tuesday, and probably Wednesday morning. I will probably get to post by Noon EST on Wednesday.

Happy February

Happy February. I can't believe that January is OVER. I have decided to post weekly. I might change my mind, but that remains to be seen, or not. So you can count on a post to this little blog about every Wednesday. I like Wednesdays. They are the Happy Little Hump Days. Everything is downhill from then on out. So, I choose Wednesdays. I may sneak a post in between Wednesdays, but I am going to commit to Wednesdays for now. I can't take the time needed for daily posts, so you will all have to find other ways to make up the remainder of your weeks. So sorry to let you all down, as I know that you hang on my every word and picture. ROFLMAO.

I made this Japanese Stab binding book for the BPS January Handmade Book of the Month Club. It isn't finished, but I like it so far. It is supposed to be a celebration of friendships. The handmade class relates to the Book Reading Club. I am going to make mine about me and my "Wild" adventures with my "Wild" girl friends. "Wild" being a relative term, in this case. Pretty tame really. But, once I remember Rosemary and I having several pitchers of Margaritas in one evening. We were a bit slow the next day. But really happy!!!

I am really enjoying taking the BPS classes. I like that I don't HAVE to do any of the work. Or even attend class, for that matter. I just HAVE to ENJOY it. Which I do. A lot. I have reached a point in my life in which I want to refine who I am. I am pretty much who I am at this point. But I need to polish up the rough edges and start SPARKLING.

These classes are all about ME. I guess I am comfortable now with concentrating on ME for short periods of time. My kids are old enough to get themselves a bowl of cereal, or heat up a hot pocket. Hubby, well, never mind. Let's just say he won't starve any time soon. But neither will I. I think I could last considerably longer, but this isn't a contest, so I won't go there.

Found a link, I think on Stacy J's website, to this cool little movie. http://www.eightprinciples.com/ You really have to check it out. It is PERFECT for this time in my selfish little life. Lots of pretty colors flying around on the screen. Thought provoking words whizzing by. It has me thinking in the right direction.