I'm working on it...

Basketball

2010-01-28T15:12:00.002-05:00

The next to the last game is this weekend I think. Johnathan has really had fun this year. Check out Clark Kent in the background. Superman you've let yourself go.

Busy Weekend - Fun Weekend

2009-04-05T13:51:00.008-04:00

The kiddos finally got to try out their new saddles. Meganne and Braden are starting to learn and Johnathan pretty much has it down since he rode most of the trails by himself last summer and fall. Hopefully we'll have the other two riding soon. I'm not pushing Braden and Meganne I have to remind them all the time that their brother didn't start riding by himself until last summer. After years of wanting them to be able to ride now I'm nervous that they might actually be old enough to do it. Mom-worry sets in but I have to let them go right? I have to let them learn. No one told me what a struggle being a mom would be. I want them to fly but on the other hand I'm afraid to let them try. I want them to be confident but I'm afraid they'll get hurt during the learning process. UGH! Mom-worry...it's a disease I tell ya. I'll let the photos pretty much speak for themselves.

She loves the Saddle Club...it's her very favorite show...not reallly a surprise is it. Oh and we rescued this horse. A friend found him for us. He found Magic a couple of years ago and he is the most broke horse ever especially being as young as he is. This horse "Lance" (Meganne calls him Sir Lancealot) was on his way to auction when we found him. While he's older he is going to be great for the kids. The best part he was free. He'll earn his keep if he keeps my kids safe on the trail. Although he's not much to look at, Meg just loves him. There is nothing she'd rather do then go to the barn with an apple or carrot for her buddy.

This little guy can hardly wait for his turn

Sticking out his tongue must help his riding skills. LOL!

I'm only allowed to post this photo of Derek. This is a rare sight. Even more rare is the photo of him in the saddle which I'm not allowed to post. He's changed his horsepower in for a car these days.

This one thinks he's a pro now and not too crazy about the pink saddle. I seriously think he's lives in these pants. But he's rough on cloths and that is an understatement. I had no idea that Carhart made pants like this for kids but they are definitely durable and worth every penny. I'm bummed he's growing out of them so fast but at least there are no holes in the knees and I'll just save them for his brother.

Saturday - Play with Photoshop.

2009-04-04T14:12:00.005-04:00

This is the before...

Playing around with my post processing...this is the after.

Saturday afternoon is pretty much the only time I get to play with photos these days. I know I over did it a bit but I like how this turned out.

Breakfast with Peter Cotton Tail

2009-04-04T13:48:00.005-04:00

It's hard to believe that Easter is next weekend especially since yesterday I had to drag by butt out of bed to have breakfast with the egg hiding guy. But the kids throughly enjoyed their cafeteria style breakfast pizza and I was very grateful for the strong coffee...I was not into the breakfast pizza at all. Laurel went with and I think was perhaps a little overwhelmed by the people and kiddos. Just wait until she has kids and they start school. She has no idea and I can't wait. Glad I took my camera. Meganne is a social butterfly while Johnathan runs from the girls but is so over the top ornery with them. I wonder how long it will be until he turns around and starts chasing THEM instead. It won't be long and no one will pose with the Easter Bunny except for me. Hmmmm I wonder where that photo of my sister and I are posing with the Easter Bunny in high school just might have to blackmail her with that. LOL!

Spring is really almost here.

2009-03-26T13:27:00.006-04:00

These lovelies are starting to bud in my yard. That means that wild mushrooms are right around the corner. As soon as the lilacs bloom we'll be out in the woods searching for this seasonal delicacy. I can hardly wait. With spring comes mower season and we are out of our minds crazy busy right now. My DH sends me in every possible direction all at the same time. Really, our early morning conversation usually starts off with "this is what I've got going on today and I need you to do:"

1. Go to the bank

2. Pay that bill

3. Find that invoice

4. Do you remember that guy that bought that mower? Remember that guy two years ago? You remember who I'm talking about right? UGH!!!

While he is telling me what I need to do I'm usually thinking about...

1. the laundry that needs done

2. Which kid has what practice after school

3. What I'll be making for dinner.

4. Can I consolidate any of those practices with a possible trip to the bank????

5. Perhaps I really should go buy toilet paper and milk TODAY!

6. NO, I DO NOT REMEMBER THAT GUY!!!????!!!! Are you trying to make me crazy?

Are your days like this? Does time seem to accelerate to breakneck speed during a specific time of year for you too? Does it sneak up on you like it does here? Seems we're in the throes of winter and plowing snow and then suddenly people are dropping of mowers by the minute and the phone is ringin' off the hook. Man! I love spring! It's beautiful and busy, it smells so good just to walk outside but really stinks that it will fly right by and before I know it summer will be here.

Lesson Learned

2009-02-25T15:13:00.004-05:00

I nearly lost every single photo I've taken for the past two years and it really was my own dumb fault. The mother board and power source of my went out of my computer and after nearly $400.00 paying for the extended super warranty for Dell (the warranty was 3 months out) they found my hard drive also had a glitch. Ugh! So I had to pay for the software warranty to the tune of $247.00 and some change. I could have bought a new camera body I've been eyeing for that! Dell really knows how to get you when you are down. I've determined that I would have paid any price, walked through hell and back for those engagement photos of my daughter and my kiddos on vacation etc. I cried...and cursed and then cried some more. Then put on my big girl panties and called my computer guy. Who saved the day!!! I probably should have just called him in the first place. He would have fixed my computer and Mr. Fix It (who doesn't fix computers by the way) would have only had to sharpen his chain saw chains for the next couple of years. But noooo, I had to call Dell and they had to rake me over the coals in extended warranty prices. But I'm thankful to have my photos back and copied to the external hard-drive that I'm now using religiously and should have been using every day for the past two years. STUPID!!! I know! I have an external hard-drive and never use it. I only think about using it to back up my files. You would think that after my last computer got struck by lightening that I would be very careful. You'd think that right? Nope not me...what were the chances of it happening again. Some sort of power glitch the tech guy said. A freak thing my computer guy said. Yes of course it's going to happen again and it's going to happen to me. The good thing is that if my computer pukes again before 2011 everything is covered! It damn well better be! The bad thing is my computer will die one day later. That's my luck.

Valentine's Day Revisited

2009-02-16T16:42:00.010-05:00

What a weekend. The kids have had a 4 day weekend this week. Their Valentine's party at school was on Thursday. Early in the week I couldn't figure out why they were having the parties on Thursday. It just didn't make sense until Wednesday when they brought home the reminder paper that Friday was a teacher in-service day. So we packed everyone up on Friday and went out to breakfast at our favorite amish restaurant and then on to the horse and tack sale they have every friday in Amish country. I try not to go and see the horses that are being auctioned. Mr. Fix It overheard a conversation with one of the auctioneers saying that there were a lot of horses that just kept getting dropped off each week. They have no idea who the owners are...I guess just people who can no longer take care of their animals. Actually it happens a little this time each year when people start running out of hay and can't feed the horses. It's sad the condition that some of these horses come to this place in. So that is why I try and concentrate on the tack they are selling. We actually got 2 kids saddles dirt cheap and now the only thing we need are helmets for Meganne and Braden and we will be ready to hit the trails as soon as it warms up just a wee bit. This will be the first year in 10 years that we can all ride together or I'll stay back and read a book. I've stayed back with the kids for all those years and who knew that the kiddos would actually grow up and want to ride. But they have and now it's my turn to just enjoy the camping on my own if I choose or if I'm so inclined...I'll ride too.

Back to Valentines Day, I baked cupcakes for DS's class and packed up enough conversation hearts for both classes to play conversation heart chopsticks (who can pick up the most conversation hearts in 30 seconds) loads of fun and the kids just love this game. Mine have become pros and Johnathan gave his prize to the second place winner. He's a good boy...when he wants to be. There was just myself and another mom in his class. Meganne's class had eight moms volunteer so I just dropped off the game and headed to Johnathan's room (Braden in tow). Braden was completely overwhelmed by the big kids because they kept telling him he looked EXACTLY like his brother. He was actually very mad about it all weekend long. Here are the cupcakes I baked. Suddenly, I've become very good at baking cupcakes...I've never been interested in baking but I love baking cupcakes (probably because they are easy). The heart toothpicks were so easy too. Just two Martha Stewart heart punched shapes glued back to back on a toothpick. Johnathan made a really cute picture frame during his party and they both got way too much candy. We're still recovering from the sugar coma. Johnathan was definitely hyped up after the party...can you tell from the photos above. Tomorrow they go back to school ~ YEAH!!!~ Actual Valentine's daywas very relaxed here at the Boyd house. Mr. Fix It and I wished each other a Happy Valentine's Day early in the morning and then got busy with our day. Meganne made us both Valentines, and the boys gave me a foot massage without my asking later in the evening. I was surprised by a phone call from Derek who was running all around the county with some of the guys from the Delphian choir. He said "mom, hold on a minute". They sang "Let me call you sweet heart" to me from the car. Singing valentine's are one of the choirs biggest fund raisers each year. They had just stopped at my mom's house to sing to her (all on his own with no prompting from me...gosh I love when my kids are good all on their own) and then the boys sang to me over the phone. They were on their way to a Valentine's wedding to sing. How cool was that???

Seeing Green Today

2009-02-11T07:37:00.006-05:00

I'm glad I sweated and slaved in a 200 degree kitchen canning these babies in September. Right now I've got two jars of beans sitting on the counter of my kitchen just waiting to be turned into green bean casserole for dinner tonight. I swear if you want your kids to eat green beans then you've got to have them plant the seeds, water and weed them on hot summer days and then pick them until their tiny little fingers are raw, and sit and snap them for hours....then and only then will your children appreciate and love green beans. Ugh! What a job but oh so yummy! Oh and I'm a little ahead of the game since Valentines day is this week LOL! But I made this St. Patrick's Day card awhile ago and thought it was time to post. The plastic shamrock was from some cupcakes I bought last year :)

My Funny Little Valentine

2009-02-09T15:52:00.004-05:00

Sigh! I love this kid so much but he's really not much help when I'm trying to figure out the settings on my camera. Perhaps Meg will be more willing to help me when she gets home from school today. Most likely not.

Knit one, Purl two

2009-02-09T13:39:00.005-05:00

She made this scarf all by herself. Actually, we went together and bought the knifty knitter after Christmas with some Christmas cash. I am so proud of her and she of herself. We've made several hats, scarves, and dishcloths since. We've sat knitting together a lot this winter. Even the boys get in on the action...if you can call knitting action LOL! Several visitors to our house can't believe that the boys and even Meganne are sitting knitting. But then what else is there to do indoors besides rip the house apart and that has been done so many times it's lost it's entertainment.

I'm in the mood for LOVE

2009-02-08T15:02:00.003-05:00

Simply because you're near me.....La La La. This old song is on my mind today. Probably because I'm packing treat bags for the kiddos at school and working on Valentines boxes today. I need to find those boxes of Valentines I scored for .25 cents after Valentines day last year. Now where did I put those???? Why are boys so hard. I have no idea what to do for my son but Meg's will be easy peasy. For her the frillier the better but what to do about Johnathan...hmmmmm. In honor of the holiday of love I'm posting this. An old layout, yes because scrapping just isn't coming to me these days. This is okay though... I'm still taking photos.

Sad little dude

2009-02-08T14:32:00.008-05:00

Poor little guy. He was not happy that I had to go in and dry my camera. He wanted photos of him snowboarding but he had to wait. You can see that my lens is a little fogged up. I actually like the soft look of this ... makes it a little dreamy and the black and white makes it look even a little more sad. It's thawing out around here at them moment and I know I'm not in the majority but I hate when the snow melts. I prefer everything covered in white. I like the snow...probably because I don't have to go out in it very often and when it melts everything is just so gray and brown. I wish we could go right from white to green :).

and then he got over it.

2009-02-02T13:43:00.005-05:00

It's a definite sign that I'm getting cabin fever. I've only been out to the grocery store once in the past week and I'm starting to get a little restless. How can I tell? I can tell because I've been going back through some of the photos I took over the summer and they are making me wish it was summer again. Especially these:)

2009-01-29T12:53:00.003-05:00

Another recent photo of Meganne. I need to get some photos of all the kids in the snow but it's just too darn cold for me to go outside. I need to get brave and get over it or I'm going to miss the photo op LOL!

Photo of the day - January 28, 2009

2009-01-28T17:16:00.003-05:00

Just a recent favorite of Meganne and her favorite kitty :)

Photo of the Day - January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T12:41:00.003-05:00

I could just kiss every single freckle on his face even though he drives me crazy. He's creative and sensitive. I hurt his feelings when I tell him he can't make a bookshelf in the basement because he doesn't clean up the saw dust and he drilled through the carpet the last time he got creative. He's getting so big but still I want to kiss every single freckle and I'm certain I always will

The Carhart Family

2009-01-21T15:48:00.004-05:00

My boys sledding and snow boarding last week. I just decided to get these photos off the camera and found this one. I laughed when I saw it. There is a lot of history in this photo. You see the little one struggling with the sled. He's wearing my oldest sons first Carhart coat. The one struggling to get up the hill he's wearing another Carhart hand-me-down of the oldest son. I can remember the oldest one wearing the one the youngest is wearing like it was yesterday. I remember the day my husband bought it for him. He was so proud and beamed at me when they picked me up from work for lunch out with them. He even wore it to his afternoon pre-school that day. His lastest coat was a gift from his grandpa who past away last year. So even though this photo ain't the best it sure makes me feel good to look at it. I might be playing catch up on blogging over the course of the next few days because I have lots of photos I want to post.

Celebratin' in Style....Happy New Year

2008-12-31T19:53:00.009-05:00

I've been busy today, cooking and cleaning. I'm proud to say that these two laundry baskets are completely empty now...Amen.

I just couldn't see starting the new year facing laundry that needed to be put away. So we're celebrating in style :) How, do you ask? For sure we are putting fenders on the tractor that "Mr. Fix It" is restoring. Mr. Fix It can fix anything.

He makes old broken run down things new again. Kinda like he did to me about 12 years ago *ahem* but that's a whole 'nother story in itself. Restoring tractors is just one of the things DH does in the winter time when the mower business is slow. I can't tell you how many of these he's done in the past several years...minus last year when he couldn't paint because he had pnemonia. That was a rough and macaroni and cheese kinda winter. My job when he's reassembling and along the way is to take photos of his progress. Currently he has three tractors in various stages of completion. Not to be braggin' but he's really good at it. Most men have things they are really good at. This is what he's good at. This one is almost done and he's putting on the fenders and tires tonight. Wahhhoooo! What a way to celebrate the new year. Truely, I wouldn't have it any other way. Sure in the old days I'd be downing rum and cokes and dancing until the wee hours. I/we must be getting old or perhaps I just really do enjoy watching Mr. Fix It work. I Especially love to watch him teach the boys how to wrench and our daughter what nuts, bolts and lock washers are. Granted it's New Year's Eve but I wouldn't want to do anything else. Oh yeah, I did pinch my finger holding the fender. Wrenching and tractor restoration is not something I am good at. Plus, I got this one of the youngest two loafing on the job.

Happy New Year's everyone. I have very high hopes for 2009. Or, at least it's gotta be better right?

~ Shelly

Party Weekend and a blast from the past

2008-12-07T09:17:00.005-05:00

Today, I'm putting up the tree FINALLY! It should have been finished last weekend but my getting the flu put a big dent in my holiday decorating. So we'll try again today after I get back from the church group Christmas party. After my oldest son's Christmas concert, I picked up my Christmas cards yesterday and finished the holiday ornaments for each of the church group members. I just need to mail all my cards. I usually hand address them but I'm thinking this year I just might do a mail merge. This year I'm trying to make Christmas a little less work for myself and a lot more fun. I love watching my kids faces on Christmas morning but I'm telling you being a grown up at Christmas is just so much work. Trying to put it all together and making sure that it's special for the kids. Not to mention trying to remember from one year to the next which stories you fed to which kid in order to assure that they do believe. I figure, I just have a couple more years and then it just won't be as magical until grandchildren come along. Oh how I miss them when they were little. Evidence that the ornery-ness started years ago and I just might have forgotten if it weren't for photos like these. I'm sure she didn't mean or know she was calling her brother a loser in this photo but it sure does look like it.

Because it's so cold today...

2008-12-06T12:27:00.002-05:00

This layout makes me warm and cozy. While it's not snowing here (and hopefully it snows buckets soon) I can't wait to take snow pictures. It's my favorite time of year to take photos.

Counting Down to Super Simple Christmas

2008-12-06T10:19:00.008-05:00

I'm making my list and checking it twice, three times. I'm so indecisive I keep waffling on gifts for my children...do you ever do that? I did a walk through Walmart the other night just scoping out the toys for my kids. There was not one thing that I felt they must have. NOT ONE THING! I guess when you've got 22 years of toys in the house there really isn't a thing that they NEED. And really not much that they want. Oh sure they want a Wii or an Xbox, perhaps Nintendo DS for each of them. I keep thinking that with the exception of the Wii it would be a pretty quiet Christmas if I went that route. But then my kids are country kids who play outside the majority of the time but they don't need bikes or scooters or ATV's or even a pony of that matter. We've got it all. I am blessed. I know that. But still I have this nagging feeling about what to get them. The first child in me wants them to have the best Christmas ever but what makes this Christmas the best ever? My 16-year-old and 22-year-old haven't even told me what they would like. So that same first child is making a list. I'll keep you updated. Everyone else will be pretty easy this year. Here are my projects and lists (really why not just keep it here...I'm here anyway...plus this is the first time I've actually written it down...can you tell I like these little dots. What the heck are they called? I must look that up.):

I'm putting the finishing touches on some blankets I've made. Super simple really and when I get them done I'll post a photo.

Today, I'm making ornaments for the ladies group I belong too. Super simple project is really just some leftover foam circles from Valentine's Day and I'm using my Making Memories Slice to cut some snowflakes. I'm going to attach them to the gift bag I've put the cookie cutters I purchased for each of them in.
Super simple project three was my Christmas cards. Normally I'll spend the end of November and early December working my fingers too the bone and into the wee hours of the night making handmade Christmas Cards. Today, I will pick up my digital cards at Walmart. And before you think I've completely caved on creativity this year, I did design them myself and it did take two days for my to finally push the order button. See photo above. I'm kinda getting the hang of digital stuff. I don't love it. I still like touching paper too much to love digital but it is fun.
Super simple project four is photography gift certificates for my family. My brother, sister, daughter, Brother and Sister in-laws and John's entire family are getting photography sessions from yours truly. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time and each year I've put it off. I'm finally going to get started...the photography bug has bitten me. This spring/summer the Boyd men will finally have their tractors, kids and entire farm family in a photo so help me God! Really God, I'm probably going to need some help with that one for sure!

Oh and I'm not really worried about anyone seeing this. Plus, I've already warned them all no peeking :).

Ugh! The Flu and some photos

2008-12-03T20:47:00.004-05:00

Where have I been since Thanksgiving. I've had the flu and not just the 24 hour feel better the next day bug but the full blown, every single symptom possible FOR A WEEK flu. I-AM-DRAINED. Literally. Trying to suck it up now and finally decorate my tree which should have been finished over the weekend. Trying to complete 500 homemade gifts and projects before Christmas that should all be done now. Why do I do this to myself each year. UGH! Did I mention I am weak. Barely made it down the steps to post. But my Grandma Cox always said you must get up and get moving when you are sick. The sooner the better and as I look around the house that has been destroyed by the good intentioned deer hunter husband and the munchkins. I know it is time to get better. Whether my body is ready or not. Ugh! Again. I'll leave you with a few photos from Thanksgiving. My family has this thing about rainbows now. We like to think that they are my dad's way of being with us. Ever since my sister and I saw one outside the plane on the way to get our mom in Florida last April when he passed away. I've never seen as many rainbows as I have this year in my entire life. Anyway check out the rainbow in my niece's hair on Thanksgiving day *heavy sigh*.

Happy Thanksgiving and a pile of leaves

2008-11-26T17:53:00.001-05:00

This will be a difficult Thanksgiving without Jud at the head of our family table. It will be also be different in a good way with a new member of our family (my daughters future MIL and husband) will be joining us. He's been joining us for a couple of years but this year since there will be a wedding next year and his mother has lost her husband and mother in the past few years, we asked her to join us. Why not just have one big dinner for both families. My daughter has no idea how lucky she will be to have just one dinner to go to on Thanksgiving and not drag out to several different places and all in one day. EXHAUSTING! We're having Thanksgiving at my in-laws the day after Thanksgiving because several of them have to work on Thursday. To spruce up the table at my mom's tomorrow I made these. WITH.MY.SLICE. I just love it and grateful that I had a few minutes to create them in this crazy busy week. Grateful really for so many things. Happy Thanksgiving. Oh and should I go shopping or decorate the tree on Black Friday. Typically I stay in and decorate but since we're having the dinner at the in-laws on Friday I will not be able to get it all done in one day. So I thought perhaps I should go shopping and catch some really good deals for a change. Yep! I think it's a plan :)

I wonder what happened to Mabel?

2008-11-21T14:29:00.002-05:00

...that sweet little old lady we overhear in pre-op two days ago. While waiting for my DS to have surgery. We thought she was sleeping but when a nurse walked over to talk to her she loudly said "good afternoon" in the sweetest little old voice you've ever heard. She told the nurse she needed to use the restroom before surgery but the nurse had a few questions first. She asked her for her birthdate. Mabel responded with Febuary 6, 10. That is 1910...I know I looked shocked as I did the math in my head. Yep, that is right dear Mabel was 98 years old almost 99 and having surgery. I was also thinking why on earth you would bother with surgery when you've firming got at least one foot planted in the ground but evidently not Mabel. Who promptly told the nurse "you sure are ugly without make-up". To which the nurse responded "well thanks a lot". Mabel quickly corrected herself and said "no dear, I meant me". Mabel sure did have her wits about her and I laughed so hard as she quickly got out of bed to go to the potty. I can only dream of being so spry or heck even alive at her age. So I wonder what happened to Mabel?

Not the plan

2008-11-21T13:07:00.001-05:00

Well that was not the plan. I figured I'd update my blog two nights ago to let everyone know that the surgery went well and I'd blog about some new creation I was working on....wrong answer! We arrived at the hospital at 11:00 am. Where a friendly nurse told us that surgery would be at 2:00. I have no idea why we had to be there so early. We just sat and waited. The first friendly nurse told us the surgery should last about 1/2 hour. Okay, I'll still be out of here and home in time for dinner and Meg's baton lesson. 2:00 pm they take us to the pre-operating room. Which is just a large room/assembly line of operation candidates. They tell us the surgeon will be with us in 5 to 10 minutes because we have questions about the surgery but ask us if we want chairs to sit in. No, we reply if it's only going to be 5 to 10 minutes we'll just stand. An hour later the surgeon shows up. We talk to him and he tells us surgery will be about an hour. I'm revamping my schedule in my head. Perhaps I'll just pick something quick up on my way home at 6:00 or 7:00 PM. Surgery lasts 2-1/2 hours and he comes out and tells us that my son will be spending the night for observation and major doses of antibiotics. So much for my schedule we were spending the night. They screwed him together and sawed part of his heel off to help stabilize the bone and screw, re-attached tendons and ligaments. The going was slow because they were afraid the screw would shatter the bone because of where the break was located. I must say here that my son walked into the surgery...there was no walking out and I did not prepare him well enough for the pain. When asked in recovery if he wanted his mom or dad he told the nurse that he wanted his mommy. Funny because he hasn't called me mommy for several years. I knew it must hurt a lot! Needless to say I wasn't prepared for this. I made arrangements from the hospital for my family to take over. They are so good that whipping things into action that dinner and Meg's baton lesson where handled, as well as cloths and baths. They all even remembered hats and gloves the next morning and managed to get to the bus on time. My well oiled home machine ran so well I'm wondering now if I'm really needed at all. So I spent the evening nursing my oldest boy back to health and worrying which is something I do best. Then I spent the night in a hospital bed with my oldest daughter who thought it was funny spoonin' her mom like she did years ago. I forgot that she breaths funny I told her in the morning. I was beyond exhausted yesterday but still managed dinner, took my middle son to tutoring and then a trip to Walmart was in order...my bed never felt so good last night! Here's a little something I made before my daily blog post got knocked off track. Made with my new slice that I haven't gotten to play with nearly enough. Next week has to be better right? I'm thinkin' so but if not at least I'm prepared and have put a toothbrush in my purse.

Poor kid/His words "bad ass"

2008-11-19T09:51:00.001-05:00

My oldest son is having surgery today. He broke his foot seven weeks ago playing football. Of course he didn't want to miss any game so he didn't tell anyone, not his dad, not the trainers or coaches. He just kept playing. Then in the last game of the season my sister and I are watching the game and she asks...why is he limping. He had mentioned to me about 4 weeks ago that he thought his foot was broken. I said your foot is not broken...you wouldn't be able to walk on it. I should have known better than to say that. See he broke his foot when he was 5 jumping out of the barn loft onto a sawdust pile...he missed and I made him walk to the car. All the while he insisted it was broken. Insisted in the car, insisted in the emergency room, insisted at the specialist's office where we confirmed yes indeed it was broken. Then when he was 15 he jumped from one hay wagon to another and missed. I could tell it was broken. But still when he walked in the house holding his bent forearm I said "what? no you didn't". He broke his wrist at the growth plate and had to have surgery and so many x-rays to make sure he was healing and growing correctly that he glows a little now. He walked off the field smiling a little after that last game and said yep I'm officially a bad ass. I know my foot is broken. It's broken so bad that we are looking at pins to reattach the tendons and ligaments and a possible bone graft this morning....more like dumb ass. Don't complain to me how bad your foot hurts and the pins make you cold when you are 40 or when you try to get through airport security! I'm such a compassionate mother. I did promise that I wouldn't let them stick him 100 times like the last time trying to get an IV site.

A little freedom

2008-11-18T08:21:00.001-05:00

Who is that lady in the photo... it's a rare site to see indeed. Poor kids aren't going to have many photos of me some day. but I'm trying. I did this for Classy Coordinates a couple of months ago before I decided to quit the design team. Things have just been too much this year. And you get to a point where something has to give. I hate to give up my design team positions. I feel like I worked very hard to get where I'm at scrapbooking wise but then you get past it. Oh I still love to scrapbook but on my terms, when I have time and when I want to. No more assignments, no more posting unless I want to. It's a new freedom for me. One I haven't had for several years. It just gets to be less important. Sure the free stuff is nice and the teams I've worked with have been over the top wonderful. I may have made a mistake stepping away for a while but I felt the time was right. Plus there are other things I want to do. Perhaps there will be more time now for me to be included in photos :).

Etsy Excitement

2008-11-17T09:45:00.001-05:00

Last week I finally jumped on the bandwagon and started selling on Etsy. I'm so thrilled that I had my first sale on Saturday. Some wonderful gentleman bought one of my hand painted umbrellas on Etsy for his wife who didn't want a black and boring umbrella. What a guy! She's a lucky girl. I've got several orders for umbrellas locally and hope to sell bunches on Etsy through the winter. I've also got some of the cards I've made lately listed there. Those kinds of things tend to pile up around here and I'm working through a huge pile to add to my store. So if you are interested in an umbrella or special card let me know. I'm taking orders through December 15th for the umbrellas. A fun and practical gift at the same time makes me happy! If you feel like a little shopping check out my little store and let me know what you think. The linky is over there on the left :)

Please....................

2008-11-16T12:06:00.001-05:00

says it all for me in this photo. Please can I keep him? Don't you want him? Please get allergy shots so I can keep him? Please mom, PLEASE. So I said yes and WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING. 4 kittens and their momma are now hanging out on my front porch and a few more lovely little strays have joined the party since then...good thing its a farm and I have no neighbors. Now when I go outside I sneeze and wheeze and my eyes are watering daily just because I'm such a sucker for the word please. UGH! But so worth making my kiddos happy right? Normally we tell people to drop cats off at the barn. Where they earn their keep keeping the rodents under control. We sweeten the deal with daily treats and occasional milk. It's a pretty even trade. Until all of a sudden the cats have decided they no longer like the barn and would much rather live on my porch. The kids walk from the barn each day and it never fails there is a cat following them. We take them back to the barn and then repeat the process the next day but not before I hear please can we keep him one more time. I guess I should just be happy that we haven't had one single mouse in the house yet this winter. But if we do you can be the whole lot of them even snuffles is going back to the barn. This month look for a layout featuring this photo at scrapbooks.com.

Party!!!

2008-11-15T09:14:00.001-05:00

I've got to take my daughter to a roller skating party today. I think I'll take my camera just because she has never gone roller skating before. That should be funny to watch and yes that is all I'm doing is watching. I haven't skated for years and it so wouldn't be funny to watch me. My husband has just recovered from a broken leg. My oldest son broke his foot playing football 6 weeks ago and only told us after the last game. He's having surgery next week pins, bone graft and then a cast the whole nine yards. So while it would be fun, I think I'll ere on the safe side and stay off the skates. Yeah, I'm practical like that. Ohhhh and I'm picking up the save the date cards I created for my daughters wedding. I can't wait to see them. They are getting married at The Shores Resort in Datona Beach Florida. On one of their trips down there to make arrangements she took her camera and I had her grab someone to take photos of them on the beach and told her how I wanted the photo to look. So she handed her camera over to a stranger and snapped away. This is how they turned out. Now we just need to get them mailed and I can move on to the 75 "message in a bottle" invitations she wants for the wedding down there and then the 250 invitations for the reception at the country club when we get back. Somewhere in there I'm going to have to make my Christmas cards. I'm looking at these photos remembering it wasn't so long ago that I was driving my oldest daughter to skating parties. Where did the time go?

Some engagement photos

2008-11-14T17:24:00.000-05:00

I posted one earlier but decided I'd also post some of my favorites from my daughters engagement shoot. I wanted a friend to do them for me but just couldn't afford it right now. The wedding alone is going to cost me an arm and a leg and my first born for that matter LOL! So I'm doing as much as I can myself...so yeah I took these and while I wasn't thrilled with them the happy couple is very happy. I'm waiting for prints and memory book to arrive so that I can see the results. Trust me I won't be quitting my day job over these.

Where the heck have you been

2008-11-14T17:11:00.001-05:00

It's been a really rough year at the Boyd house and that's all I'm going to say about that. No need to dwell on what is past. Bring on 2009 is what I've been saying over and over again for the past 6 months. That said, I've got a lot I'm working on. My daughter is getting married next year. That alone is keeping me busy times 100. Engagement photos, invitations, water bottle lables...yes don't ask. I've opened a little etsy shop (you can find the link in the side bar). So many of the things I've created over the years are just sitting here gathering dust so I thought why not pass them along. Hee Hee. Perhaps someone else will love them. I want to try and start something new on this blog. I'm going to feature a random favorite photo each day. No rhyme or reason to them. Just a way to prompt my creativity and perhaps prompt yours as well.

You just know your going to have a bad day when...

2008-03-26T15:51:00.000-04:00

The washing machine stopped working yesterday and the power was out all morning. The cell phone died but has since come back to life. Just as I was ready to call for technical support (yeah, love when that happens). But you know your going to have a bad day when the bathroom light goes on at 6:00 AM and you hear crying. Crying because your 8-year-old is battling the flu and has poo-ed his bed. Did I mention the washing machine that is not scheduled for repair until tomorrow and is less than 2 years old. But we've got poo TODAY. Yeah! I must go the youngest is crying with an ear ache and we are still flooded in. Good times at the Boyd house today.

Flood tour continued...

2008-03-19T20:41:00.000-04:00

Yes I'm bored out of my mind...the kids are ripping the house apart and who said spring break. I think that really means breaking things while you get to spend quality time with your parents in doors during the last few days of winter. Yep that is what it means to me and my children who have somehow managed to use three whole rolls of tape and a couple of glue sticks in less then 24 hours. Who knows on what...I'm sure I will find out eventually but for now no one is talking. NOW WHAT DO I DO? Oh let's go for a little drive and continue our tour. The first photo is our neighbors farm. He passed away last year...he was 97 years old his wife is in a nursing home. They were supposed to auction this farm last weekend but couldn't because of the snow and rising water. Ummmm it's not happening this week either but is scheduled for next week. Any bets on whether or not it will be dry enough? I'm thinking not.

Some alternative routes...honey, I think we need to turn around. Actually about an hour before this DH drove through the water with two of the wee ones to take some supplies to the ambulance they are now keeping on the other side. The water was much lower then the guardrail he assured me.

Finally some photos down by the barn. We'll be moving these guys to higher ground in about 7 more feet of water. For now they are safe. We'll also need to move the cows that are in the barn and the goat oh and the stud horse that we board for a friend. DH will think it funny that I said "we" but I'll watch and help if he actually needs my help but he won't.

When it rains it pours

2008-03-19T19:30:00.000-04:00

Well it looks like the kiddos will be home all this week since they just cancelled school for the rest of the week. They are supposed to have spring break next week but that is not looking promising either. I'm thinking we'll be in school until July. Now if I was a homeschoolin' mom this would not be a problem at all. It would just be business as usual with some extra credit studies of the power of mother nature. But that idea got shut down by the man so as it is they are all driving me crazy including the man who has been stuck inside all day because of the rain and insists that wrestling with the children all day is the very best way to entertain them. Did someone say vacation? I need one but it looks like a little rum and coke and a jacuzzi bubble bath is going to have to do for now. I'm counting the minutes until they konk out for the night! Anyway this is what it looks like in my neck of the woods. Let me give you a little tour. The first photo is from the flood of 2005. I find it really funny that the Army Corp. of Engineers have upgraded their living quarters so extremely in two years. The poor freezing guys in Jan. of '05 went to Lowes to build this little shanty. I guess they figured it out in two years and decided that this nice grey office would be much better suited for the elements during this flood. I knew last weekend when I went out for groceries before the snow storm that this was coming. They had a bull dozer leveling and dumptruck loads of gravel dumped here preparing. They don't do that unless they are serious and ready for the long haul.

So lets continue the tour... photo three is the flood gate below our house. They close the gate which runs under the railroad (a natural dam) and pump water through those culverts just under the tracks. See those blue pipes in photo three? They are using those to pump the water over the tracks to prevent our only way out besides through grandmas field (literally through John's grandma's field) open to traffic.

You can't really tell in photo 4 but the Corp. of Engineers is doing a fine job of keeping this road open...it must be their shiny new office (see photo 2).

Photo five is of the sign at the bottom of Somerdale Road. I think you can see it a little better in my last post.

Lake Front Property

2008-03-14T13:28:00.000-04:00

It's a typical day here. We're flooded again. It's no surprise really with the rain and snow that we've gotten this year. I actually think the bus has had to go around the lake more this winter than it's been able to travel down our road. It's a good thing that the bus drivers are great and can swing into our driveway. I'd hate to have my kids go across the railroad tracks or out to the state route that is in front of our house. The view of our lake is just gorgeous. Those are not shrubs or bushes sticking out of the water. They are full grown trees. You can see the sign at the bottom of the hill behind the road closed sign. When it comes across this section of the road it's getting bad. Right now they've shut the flood gate that sits below our house and are pumping water through a pipe under the railroad tracks. The last time we saw this was in 2005. The kids didn't have school for two weeks because of the flooding and my poor sister-in-law who was 8 months pregnant had to get across this lake by boat. They were completely flooded in...it was January cold but not frozen like the photo with the horses in the foreground. We're waiting and hoping that it doesn't get that bad this time. Down the road from our house the water is at the edge of the road. I've got the pantry stocked and seriously don't mind being stuck here. The kids hate it. Especially since we don't let them go outside when it's flooded like this. It's just too tempting to try and get a closer look and that scares me to death. I know spring is right around the corner and soon that field/lake will be planted with corn and soybeans just like every other year. We will most likely flood again and lose it but theres always the chance that it will be a perfect year with no flooding. If I could only convince hubby to plant rice. Or if they'd just make this permanent then we would have lake front property year round.

Egads I've been tagged.

2008-03-06T13:22:00.000-05:00

I think this is the first time and I also think Aimee was not subtly telling me it's time to update my blog (thank you very much). So here are seven (gosh I hope I can think of that many) random things about me. Here's the dealio I've been tagged by the amazing Aimee, who was tagged by fantastic Paula, who was tagged by the wonderful Celeste, who was tagged by the awesome Tina, who was tagged by the fabulous Angie and that's as far back as I know. ;)

Here's what I have to do:* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.* Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I have five children. (Why was that the first thing that popped into my head?) I think because my 16-year-old son is getting his drivers license tomorrow (Lord, help me).
2. I started a diet this week but I'm motivated this time. Seriously, I've been riding the exercise bike every morning for 30 minutes and 400 crunches every evening. I hurt but it feels so good :)
3.This weekend is the home and garden show at the mall. John has his booth with all the new mowers set up there as I type. Nothing says spring like the home and garden show or the robins in my front yard yesterday or the fact that one of the cows had a calf yesterday. Yes indeed spring is right around the corner!
4. A year ago I was in Florida visiting my parents and having a great time with my sister. *Sigh* I wish I was on the beach with an umbrella drink RIGHT NOW. Especially since it's supposed to snow this weekend (reminder to put some food out for the robins)
5. My little kids are sick. Johnathan is home from school today terrorizing his little brother today. He's going to school tomorrow and that is all there is to it.
6. My youngest has kindergarten registration on Monday. The kid can't write his name but if I tell him to print out business cards on the computer he can do it. Is this a problem? Maybe he'll be my computer whiz kid. I am seriously freaked out about him going to kindergarten...can't I keep him home just one more year. I'M NOT READY!
7. When I was 16 I ran over my little brother dropping him and my other younger brothers off at school (his leg got stuck in the car and I thought all the doors had closed). Poor kid just got a sprained ankle but when I put the car in gear to stop to see what I had done he yelled DON'T BACK UP. Imagine having to go home to tell your mom that you had run over your little brother when you are 16 and had just gotten your license. Please see my #1. Once again Lord help me.

I'm tagging Tiare, Dawn, Pat, Michelle, Becky, Adriann and Margo :) I just know their going to LOVE me LOL Oh and sorry Michelle I see now that you were double tagged.

Some layouts

2008-02-25T15:55:00.000-05:00

I keep forgetting to post layouts here. Ummm yeah this is supposed to be my scrapbooking blog and I neglect that a lot. I know. These are some of my favorite layouts from http://www.classycoordinates.com/. Tiare runs an awesome kit club and you should check it out. She is the sweetest and knows how to put it all together and gently nudges me each month to push me creatively. I just love her. She's seriously awesome. I'm not just saying that 'cause because this awesome pack arrives at my doorstep like clockwork each month I'm telling you because I know you'll love her too :)

Just playing

2008-02-23T23:46:00.000-05:00

So I've discovered brushes and finally figured out how to install them and use them. However now I can't seem to stop using them and think I might be overdoing it just a bit. Let me know what you think :). I'll take all the constructive criticism I can get so don't hold back!

Very cool classes at Epson

2008-02-18T10:12:00.000-05:00

My friend Judy at Classy Coordinates pointed these classes that Epson is holding in their creative learning zone. These are perfect for me. I have an Epson printer and I use Adobe Photoshop Elements. If you have time check them out and thank you Judy :)

Inky Dinky Doo

2008-02-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

Do you have the same trouble that I do figuring out what inks will work with your project. I put together this little chart to help me out and thought I'd share :) You can print it out and view it.

My favorite company has done it!

2008-02-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

I've been a Making Memories fan for YEARS. Ever since they came out with all those metal embellishements years ago I've been faithful. There are other companies l love but not like Making Memories. I think I have just about every product or at least a little of every product line they've ever released and most of the tools I use are theirs. I even had someone shop for me a few years ago at one of their warehouse sales. Someone I didn't even know volunteered from my posted plea for help to be my personal shopper. I told her don't go over $50.00 but you can get me whatever you like. She is a friend for life. It was so fun opening that suprise box of goodies when it arrived...seriously Christmas. Now Making Memories has done it again for me. I love this new Slice diecutter. I don't think I even care what it costs. It's been a long time since I've seen a product that I MUST have. I've been casually searching for the perfect die cut machine since they first came out and I've held off. Each of the machines from other companies just didn't thrill me for some reason or another. That is until I saw the Slice. I know it's what I want and if I could I'd buy it TODAY I most certainly would. But, I guess I'll have to wait until they are released in July but you can bet I will be one of the first in line :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2007-12-18T19:23:00.001-05:00

And I really hope that the family has forgotten about my blog. Most likely if not family do not look here. I'm making a few of these for the grans and a few others this Christmas. SUPER EASY! Here is the linkyloo to the instructions if you feel inclined to make these yourself. This is five years of Christmas photos. I was a little weepy making it. My kids have grown so much. Where does the time go???http://expressioncenter.wetpaint.com/page/Photo%20Cube

The Kool-Aid Kid

2007-11-13T15:22:00.001-05:00

I almost forgot to post a photo of Johnathan by himself at Halloween. I didn't actually forget I just had such a hard time getting a photo of him. He's usually not looking at the camera or talking or completely twisted by his brother or sister. Plus now he only wants me to take his photos on his own terms...you know like riding his bike over the ramp in the front yard without a helmet. That boy's gonna give me a heart attack! I wasn't thrilled with this photo either...I seriously wanted him to wipe the kool-aid from his mouth but of course I didn't notice until AFTER I had taken 100+ photos. My kids don't drink kool-aid on a regular basis he had just come home from his class party. He got a ton of cool candy and treats. One was this felt appliqued bag that I am coveting with a cat face on one side and trick-or-treat sewn on the other. Here I thought I had been out-crafted. ME!!!! I thought someone had made each of these for all of the kids in his class. I looked at the handmade tag on the bag and at the very bottom it said....................made in China. HA! I knew it! And I felt so much better even if all I did was send candy.

Ridin' buckin bulls

2007-11-12T22:12:00.000-05:00

He's ready...actually he's been ready his entire life. It's what he wants to be when he grows up. He REALLY wants to ride a buckin' bull and to hear him say it is hilarious. He's so serious and he means it. All 35 pounds of him soaking wet really thinks he can ride a buckin' bull. I've seen him go for a ride on the crazy goat at the barn. He means business. I know I know two posts in one day. I just had to show you this picture-----------------snotty nosed mustache and all LOL!

Won't you be my neighbor?

2007-11-12T14:54:00.000-05:00

This little guy cracks me up on a daily basis. How fortunate am I that I blissfully get to spend five days a week just him and I? I'd like to tell you that we spend the whole day playing and learning wonderful new things while the older two siblings are at school but that's not the case. Usually he pretty much just runs amuck while I'm working in the garage or am doing the 10th load of laundry for the day. No not really I only do two loads of laundry EVERY stinkin' day. On this day he asked me to 'nuggle'. At four he still loves to snuggle...I love that. Normally I would have said just a minute. But not today.Mr. Rogers had just come on tv and he was sitting waiting for me on the couch with nee nee (his very tattered blankey) and his thumb in his mouth. I knew he'd be sound asleep in just a minute and was really hoping I could finish the stack of mower invoices before they toppled over. Mr. Rogers has that mind numbing, boring nap-time effect on my kids. I'm so glad he comes on about nap time. Depending on the day my kids will either run from the house screaming when Mr. Rogers comes on or they will fall straight to sleep. Today must have been one of those running from the house screaming kinda days because just as Mr. Rogers was singing "oh won't you be my neighbor" My ever so smart 4-year-old pops his thumb out of his mouth and annouces. "I AIN'T GONNA BE THAT GUYS NEIGHBOR". I nearly peed my pants and tried not to laugh because he was just so serious. No need to worry buddy.

Simple Inspiration Blog

2007-11-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

I volunteered to post this month's challenge on the Simple Inspirations blog at www.scrapbooks.com this month. So head on over there and check it out :). I hope that you'll join us!

Kiss your brain...

2007-11-01T14:27:00.000-04:00

I was at Meganne's 1st grade Halloween party yesterday. My little indian princess's teacher did the cutest thing. I've never seen it before but the kids had really been behaving so the teacher told them to give themselves 5 pats on the back which they did in unison and then she told them to kiss their brain so all together they kissed their hands and then put the kiss on their foreheads...perhaps I need to do that. Kiss my brain when I actually come up with a good idea. Maybe they would happen more frequently LOL! So kiss your brain today :) It worked for the kids.

My favorite card ever

2007-10-27T13:41:00.000-04:00

I did this last month for http://www.classycoordinates.com/. I normally just like the cards I create. This one I love. I seriously would have a hard time giving it away. I haven't been submitting anything for publication. I think I'm over it. It just doesn't seem important anymore and there just isn't time in the day. Oh don't get me wrong if I definitely had something I thought would fit a call I would submit. I don't even feel the need to enter contests. I'm just happy where I'm at. I'm getting ready to start planning my Christmas cards and the kids are starting to get busy. Winter is pretty much the only time of year that the kids can participate in sports. So I signed Johnathan up for wrestling. I initially thought it was just going to be a one day clinic....ummm I was wrong. It's a whole season of wrestling. I think he seriously needs to be involved with something and I think this will be good for him. He's a rough and tumble kid who rarely gets to rough and tumble other than fighting with his brother and sister. The only thing is I'm not a fan of wrestling. I was a matmaid in high school and saw the way the boys would try and make weight. I didn't think that this would apply to second graders. We haven't even had a practice yet and he came home from school yesterday and said "mom, if you wrestle you can't have sugar". WHAT? See this is just what I was worried about. No way is my kid going to try and make weight like that. No ifs ands or buts about it. It's not going to happen and if it does there will be no more wrestling. I think it's sorta ridiculous that he's going to have practice three times a week and the "season" will last for seven weeks. Maybe this isn't a good idea but like I said winter is the only season John's business doesn't keep us from letting the kids be involved in extra-cirrcular activities. Also, Meganne will be starting baton lessons and here we go. I should be hopeful that practices won't overlap. I have no idea what I'll do when all three of them are involved in things. Hopefully it'll work out that one or two will be playing and the other will be cheering but I don't see that working out until they are all in high school...I've got a LONG way to go!

Halloween Fun?

2007-10-25T13:03:00.000-04:00

The candle is one of two that I made for the kids teachers for Halloween gifts. I don't usually make teachers gifts for Halloween but I had some scraps left over from my projects at http://www.scrapbooks.com/. The other one went to school this morning because someone couldn't wait to give it to her teacher. Even though I hadn't taken photos yet. The little spider is just a plastic kids toy I picked up a pack of 50 at Walmart the other day for the kids to take to their class treasure box and kept a few for myself. Seriously, I kept them for the kids and then when I was altering the candles thought hmmmmmmm and decided they were fun or weird. Either way I thought they were perfect.

What's with the early Halloween you ask? A town near here has their Halloween parade usually the week before Halloween and my DH takes the winners from the costume contest through the parade with the truck and one of our hay wagons. The winners this year included three little babies dressed as crayons in a wagon disguised as a crayon box. How cute was that. Although I thought it was way too cold for babies to be riding in a haywagon last night. I guess they were snug as a crayon in a crayon box because I didn't hear a peep out of them. We were riding in the truck and throwing candy to the kids along the route. Such fun but note to self be careful to throw it towards their feet and do not buy lollipops...I think they probably hurt more than a tootsie roll if you get hit by one. This is the first year we threw candy and I should have bought A LOT more candy. I'll make sure I do next year :). My kids had a blast and even the grumpy cowboy had a good time.

So Johnathan isn't lookin' so thrilled. Why you wonder? Because he couldn't carry his cap gun and what's the fun of being a cowboy if you can't carry a gun...isn't that the whole point? How is a sherriff supposed to keep the peace if he doesn't carry a gun. Explain that will ya? This from a 7-year-olds point of view. The Indian and the little cowpoke couldn't be happier...although the Indian was a little chilly (This is why I told you to put that shirt on UNDER your costume Meg...but of course I know nothing and am stupid according to the 6-year-old). At least Braden told me he loves his costume and thanked me when I tucked him in last night. That sure made it all better especially after I spent hours slaving over those vests and chaps well not really slaving they were super simple. I just like my kids to THINK that I slaved. Okay cloths are dry/frozen out on the line and I must go take them down....notice a trend? It's getting colder but freeze dried is just as cheap as sun dried I've found and it's only gonna get colder :)

Oh and I've got news for the cowboys and indian...they will get along well enough for me to get as many photos as I want.

XOXO

Update

2007-10-22T12:13:00.000-04:00

I think the reason I haven't updated my blog is because it was such a dark and dreary place...and while sometimes it's good to be kept in the dark. I was a little bored with my blogs look. So I got rid of the dark background. HTML makes me nervous but somehow I managed and didn't lose anything. So perhaps now I'll be a little more inclined to actually use this thing. We had more fun then anyone should have this weekend. Nothing special just working around the house and two football games for different high schools HUH???. Derek's reserve game was in Coshocton and Meganne was cheering at the Tusky Valley reserve football game AT THE SAME TIME. I had to flip a coin to decide which one I had to go to. Of course Meganne insisted I go to see her cheer. She wanted the whole family there but sadly I was her only fan. Dad and Laurel had to work, Derek had his game and the boys said B-O-R-I-N-G. They'd rather go to the dentist then have to sit and watch their sister cheer. She did great. Of course she did...her lifetime goal is to be a cheerleader. I'm hoping that eventually she'll aim a little higher. Not that there is anything wrong with cheerleading I just think it's a wee bit difficult to make it a career. But who knows. She ended up spending the night at her sister's house so it was just me and the boys (all of them) watching the Indians lose. We couldn't even watch. We all just went to bed disappointed. Derek was looking forward to going to the world series with my sister...there's always next year.

Speaking of Derek he seriously needs to get a job and save some money (as long as his grades stay up). Fortunately football is over this week and he can start looking. He's going on a cruise with the high school choir in June next year. NOT something I am excited about. I don't think a bunch of teenagers have any business going on a cruise. I don't care how much adult supervision there is. It's just dangerous. Is that the mom in me talking? Would you let your 16-year-old go on a cruise?

Well my cloths are dry. I've been hanging them out every day I can. Saved $40 on my energy bill last month so that keeps me motivated to do it regardless of how cold it gets... I'm committed. The weather hasn't been that great the past week and I only got to dry a few loads outdoors. It's sunny here today so I was out first thing to try and take advantage :). The smell and crispness of cloths dried on a line YUMMY! I actually think it might make things last longer. Tumbling cloths in a dryer has got to be hard on them.

XOXO

Some things I've been working on

2007-10-11T16:56:00.000-04:00

This is the note card I created for a card swap at Classy Coordinates this month. What a fun and super creative group of ladies. Their cards were all just amazing :)

So where have you been

2007-10-10T15:47:00.001-04:00

Asked the blog :). LOL! I've been busy dear blog that's where I've been! I don't know where the summer went but It's down right chilly here right now. Seriously it was 90* on Monday and I'm planning chili soup for supper tonight. I promise to keep better care of this blog from now on. I know I've said it before but I REALLY mean it this time. More goodies to come I promise :)

2007-07-16T14:15:00.000-04:00

2007-07-16T13:41:00.000-04:00

2007-07-16T13:23:00.000-04:00

Some random photos

2007-07-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

It's been so long since I posted I almost forgot how...seriously. We've been so busy camping, working, swimming and just enjoying the summer that I haven't spent much time on the computer. Here are some random photos from what we've been up too.

2007-01-09T16:38:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine sent me this and I think a lot of it could be great scrapbook page material :). I know I did a lot of these things and my kids would love to hear about them. Hope you enjoy! ~ Shelly

Close your eyes...And go back
Before the Internet or PC or the MAC
Before semi-automatics and crack
Before Playstation, SEGA, Super Nintendo, even before Atari
Before cell phones, CD's, DVD's, voicemail and e-mail
way back.... ....way.....way.....way back.
I'm talkin' bout hide and seek at dusk
Red light, Green light
Red Rover....Red Rover
Playing kickball & dodgeball until thefirst...no...second...no...third Streetlight came on
Ring around the Rosie
London Bridge
Hot potato
Hop Scotch
Jump rope
Duck....duck....GOOSE!!!YOU'RE IT!!
Parents stood on the front porch and yelled (or whistled) for you to come home - no pagers or cell phones
Mother May I?
Hula Hoops
Seeing shapes in the clouds
Endless summer days and hot summer nights (no A/C) with the windows open
The sound of crickets
Running through the sprinkler
Happy Meals
Cereal boxes with that GREAT prize in the bottom
Cracker jacks with the same thing
Ice pops with 2 sticks you could break and share with a friend
Watchin' Saturday Morning cartoons Fat Albert, Road Runner, Smurfs, Picture Pages, G-Force & He-Man,Schoolhouse Rock (Conjunction Juction whats your funtion?)
Watchin' Sunday morning oldies (Abbott & Costello, Three Stooges)Wonder Woman & Super Man Underoos FONZIE.....AYYYYYYYY
Playing Dukes of Hazard
Catchin' lightning bugs in a jar
Christmas morning
Your first day of school
Bedtime Prayers and Goodnight Kisses
Climbing trees
Swinging as high as you could to try and reach the sky
Getting an Ice Cream off the Good Humor Truck
A million mosquito bites and sticky fingers
Jumpin' down the steps
Jumpin' on the bed
Pillow fights
Sleep-overs
A 13" black and white TV in your room meant you were RICH
Runnin' till you were out of breath
Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt
Being tired from PLAYING
WORK: meant taking out the garbage or doing the dishes
Your first crushYour first kiss (I mean the one that you kept your mouth CLOSED and your eyes OPEN
Rainy days at school meant playing "Heads up 7UP" or hangman" in the classroom, Remember that?
Kool-Aid was the drink of the summer So was a swig from the hose
Giving your friends a ride on your handlebars
Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school
Class Field Trips with soggy sandwiches
When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there
When a quarter seemed like a fair allowance; and another quarter a MIRACLE
When ANY parent could discipline ANY kid, or feed him, or use himto carry groceries...And nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it.
When your parents took you to McDonalds and you were COOL
When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared tothe fate that awaited you at home.Basically, we were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because ofdrive by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc.Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! And some of us are still afraid of em!
Didn't that feel good? Just to go back and say, "Yeah, I remember that!"Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo"
Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "do over!"
"Race issues" meant arguing about who ran the fastest.
Money issues were handled by whoever was the banker in "monopoly"Catching fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening
It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends.
Being old, referred to anyone over 20.
The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties.
Nobody was prettier than Mom
Scrapes and bruises were kissed by mom or grandma and made better
It was a big deal to finally be tall enough to ride the "big people"rides at the amusement park. Getting a foot of snow was a dream come true.
Abilities were discovered because of a "double-dog-dare"
Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles.
The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team.
Water balloons were the ultimate, ultimate weapon.
Older siblings were your worst tormentors, but also your fiercestprotector

If you can remember most or all of these, then you have LIVED!!!Pass this on to anyone who may need a break from their "grown up"life......I TRIPLE DOG DARE YA!!!!!!

And a couple more...

2007-01-08T16:45:00.000-05:00

I've been on a roll lately scrapbooking wise that is and getting my house organized. I feel good when I'm really productive and I'm focused on things that need done. I think I've always been the queen of lists and things to do. I've been doing a page a day practically since Christmas. Which is rare for me. But this past month has been very productive and I'm happy with what I've created for KMA, Classy Coordinates and Scrapbook Supply Store. I know I am very lucky to work with such great companies. I just uploaded a couple of layouts at www.scrapbooks.com if anyone would like to take a peek here is the link to my gallery http://www.scrapbooks.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=1071

New layouts

2007-01-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

I found some time to scrapbook while the kids were off on Christmas break. These were for Scrapbook Supply Store www.scrapbooksupplystore.com using the KI Memories Alpine line. I just can't seem to get enough KI products lately. But I'm like that when I get around to using a companies products I can't seem to stop LOL! Hope you like :)

Finally!

2006-12-28T17:05:00.000-05:00

These photos were from the County Fair in September. Sad that I'm just now getting around to posting the layouts. Perhaps I can start posting a little more frequently now. Okay so a girl can dream right???? Christmas is over and I can get my house and schedule in order again. The kids are wrecking the house on a daily basis and don't seem to know what to play with first. I don't know where I'll put it all but the house just seems to absorb it year after year. Seems like it's been forever since I posted here and it has been forever. We are cleaning up the house right now. By we I mean the kids are "trying" to clean. I've promised them to build the GeoTrax train with all the new parts, pieces, bells and whistles since Christmas day. I think they've got every possible piece to this train set now. At least it's as much as we can have since it takes up the entire basement. But I've been so busy putting other toys together and scrapbooking (just a little) that I haven't gotten 'round to it yet. So I promised TODAY. So much for having some time to post to my blog. Thought I would leave a few not so recent layouts here and wish everyone a happy new year...just in case I don't make it back here before then :)

Looking back

2006-09-08T10:34:00.000-04:00

I was looking back over some layouts I did this past year and came across this one. It just CRACKS me up. Look how serious she looks. I smile every time I look at this photo and think of her telling her brothers they had to listen to her because she was the queen now. I did this a couple of months ago and while I wasn't completely crazy about the layout, I'm crazy about her...she really does reign my world and she KNOWS it *sigh* I think I've created a monster.

What a ride

2006-09-08T10:25:00.000-04:00

I just "fixed" some of the things that were irritating me about my KI Memories album. Some loose corners and a few frayed ribbons. I'm happy to say that it is all buttoned up and ready to be shipped. Being a finalist in this contest still feels like a dream and I couldn't be more thrilled I just wanted this so bad without even realizing how bad I did. You know how you try not to want something but you just can't help it. I am happy now. I've seen some AMAZING albums that were entered in this contest and I'm still scratching my head and shocked. After seeing all those gorgeous albums, I have no further expectations for this contest. I know I've come as far as possible and boxing up my album to ship it feels weird to me. I can't put my finger on it but it's a strange feeling. It will be nice when the album comes home and I see the idea book. So many people have said congratulations and wished me well. That my friends is the best part :)

Almost...

2006-08-06T22:42:00.000-04:00

Yes, technically three more layouts to go since I'm considering the cover a layout. Almost done. I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I didn't think I would complete this a week ago and thought that yes once again I am ordering product I will never use...it will just sit here but I'm so proud that I've used a least 1/2 of what I ordered. Well maybe not half but I've seriously come to love the KI color theory line. The stuff really makes you think about color combinations. Every time I look at it I swear I think of my color perceptions class in college and finally the light bulb is on (wish that would have happened 20 years ago). I'm not kidding when I tell you that my initial reaction to it was not that great. But now that I've actually worked with it and touched it(by the way did you know it has the most awesome texture...kinda like Bazzill with patterns). I've changed my mind. I'm like that though. Had the same reaction to Basic Grey and then after I used it fell in LOVE and had to have it all. I can see the same thing happening here. I LOVE KI have a TON of it even still love their original release...but rarely use it because I'm not comfortable with it. Does that make sense? Probably not since I'm on scrapbook overdrive and only have a few days left to finish this and then it's back to my regular scheduled scrapbooking. Which is a much more relaxed pace. I barely do 10 pages a month and I whipped up a little more than that in one weekend. Yeah I know... I'm not even sure how I did it myself.

Optimistic?????

2006-08-05T17:27:00.000-04:00

I know I said I'd keep track of my progress with my KI last minute album...Perhaps that is what I should call it and it could be my theme as well. I have made progress and that's exactly why I haven't documented it...see my blog title...I'm seriously working on it. I've even told John about it which is something I never do. He just doesn't get it. Although he was seriously eyeing up my crop-o-dile that arrived with my order on Friday. I could see steam rolling and ideas just boucing around in his head LOL! Men. But I'm off topic. My order for the KI color theory line arrived on Wednesday but I had some serious running to do that included a trip into work for some changes to the catalog I'm working on (don't they know I'm on a mission to complete this album???) Tuesday night I printed out all the photos I wanted to use and worked through a major printer malfunction...never did figure out why all my photos were orange. I just changed all the ink cartridges and started over. Nothing like ruining $70.00 bucks worth of ink and six premium sheets of photo paper. I know for a fact now I'm not saving any money printing at home...I'm just saving time LOL! Had to pick up more ink and paper while I was out running errands on Wednesday because I knew I'd run out of paper and I'd need it for printing the photos of the completed album...remember I'm completely optimistic at this point. So Wednesday night I clean the house like a mad woman so nothing would be neglected while I'm working on the album. I even had dinner planned for Thursday night...we were set. NOT! Work calls in the morning on Thursday and wants to come out to the house for a work session. That means I'm making changes while someone is standing over my shoulder going "make that font smaller" so for 4 hours Thursday morning and afternoon that is what I did. While I was working, my sister called. My step-father had to go to the hospital for emergency surgery to remove his gall bladder. She is going out of town for the weekend and could I come and sit with my mom at the hospital. Okay no big deal. I can do that. So I spent the rest of the day and evening at the hospital. My step-dad is fine now and recovering at home. Laurel stayed with my mom on Thursday night and he had his surgery on Friday. So I spent the day at the hospital. I've lost two days on the album but I'm optimist right??? Thankfully, my SIL had asked if the kids could spend Friday night at her house since they were having a camp out in the back yard. YES, YES, YES. So I've had a kid free evening and most of the day today to work on the album and it is coming together. I am committed. I've finished five pages so I'm almost half way there. Everything is falling into place and if I can get another day or two to finish the pages and then go back and make sure that I'm satisfied with each of them I just might make it. So I'm still optimistic. Until the thought runs through my head...they've probably already picked a winner what the hell am I doing this for???? So much for optimism.

So excited that I can finally spill the beans

2006-08-03T22:34:00.000-04:00

I'm working with some AWESOME new products called Technicolor Transparencies by ScrapWear Designs. If you haven't heard of them I'm sure you will. You can check them out here and I'm sooooo super excited to have the opportunity to be one of the first to work with them. I love this layout...possibly another all time favorite. I'm so serious. I love each and every one of Tenika's designs. Make sure you let me know what you think. I think you are gonna love them as much as I do.

Procrastination is an ugly word.

2006-08-01T11:30:00.000-04:00

But it's just what I've done. I've procrastinated BIG time! I'm not usually one to enter big contests. I always think I should and then when it comes right down to it I don't. I have no idea why I just don't. Well today I am. I know it's VERY late in the game but in May when I saw the contest for KI Memories I instantly had an idea in my head and I wanted to do it and even printed out the rules and entry form. Then it fell to the back of my mind and I got busy with lots of other things. Well on Saturday I ran across the entry form and that's when I decided to put my butt in gear. So I'm going to try and keep track of the progress here as I frantically work to completely this album from start to finish in just about 10 short days. I think I'm going to need more than luck. Here's my progress so far.

Placed my online order for the Color Theory line on Saturday...yep Saturday July 31st. Will it get here in time????
While waiting for product to arrive I clean up my scrap area...nothing says "scrap me and make a mess here" more than an cleaned off scrap table. At least as far as I'm concerned.
Make the album...yep that is right I said make the album. I've got something different in mind and I hope that KI Memories will appreciate the coolness of my idea. Yes I know providing they ever see the thing. There are lots of "IF'S" at this point but I'm optimistic.
Pull all (and hanging my head in shame...dust) all KI Memories products that exist in my scrap room. Ummm I just finished this and I obviously have a KI fetish I didn't realize I had. I'm a collector and I SERIOUSLY need to use this stuff. Making this album win or lose is the perfect opportunitiy to do just that.
I found out today that my order shipped. VERY COOL!

On the agenda for this evening: I will print the photos I'm planning on working with and work up the cover. I'm pretty sure I can do that without Color Theory products in my hands. Might be a little tricky but remember I'm optimistic.

It's paying off

2006-07-28T18:35:00.000-04:00

Well I haven't had my resume at www.scrapbookresumes.com for even a month yet and I've already got my first gig. It's very cool but a secret for now. I should be able to tell in a few weeks :) Now I just have to remember to come here and shout about it. I'm so bloggin' irresponsible.

Finally took the plunge

2006-07-06T13:30:00.000-04:00

and set up a resume at www.scrapbookresumes.com. It was fun setting up the custom header although I didn't really know what I was doing. In the process I think I need to come up with another photo of myself. I'm quite sick of the one I have as my avatar and on everything but my drivers license...which is much worse by the way LOL! For now I guess what I came up with will do so check me out at www.scrapbookresumes.com/ShellyBoyd. I'm really hoping that this will be a better investment then the money I spent on a NSA membership. I did get some really cool adhesive out of that deal though.

My All Time FAVORITE Layout

2006-06-21T17:29:00.000-04:00

I did this a couple of months ago for a DT I'm on. It didn't get much response but I absolutely love it and now I'm in a slump...do you ever do that after you've done a layout you love so much *sigh*

Dancing in the rain

2006-02-08T20:33:00.000-05:00

Sophia C. on 2peas issued this blog challenge about something we enjoyed as a child that we would want our children to do. I remember as a child getting to dance in the summer rain. It was such a treat when my mom would let us do this. My brothers, sister and I would beg to go out in the rain. It was so much fun and she'd even get the shampoo out and let us wash our hair. I let my kids do just that this past summer when we had a very hard rain and no thunder and lightning which usually accompanies Ohio storms. I loved the surprised looks on their faces when I told them what I wanted them to do. I think they kinda thought I had lost it. Their expressions said: "you want us to do what?" But once they got out there they had a blast...just like I did when I was a kid. I even did a layout about it for them. ~ Shelly

2006-02-06T12:53:00.000-05:00

Another layout I did for my book of me. This one had to be about my favorite drink. I love coffee. The taste, the smell, hot, warm, cold doesn't matter to me. I challenged myself since I'm the worlds slowest scrapper to do this quickly. I really surprised myself that I completed it in 15 minutes. Yeah it's not that great but it's done :).

What a weekend. I spent it creating a few layouts and working on John's tax stuff. I get so bored entering numbers that I take frequent breaks and must scrapbook or I'd be out of my mind. I'm waiting on a call back from Allied about changes I know they will want to make to the latest brochure I'm working on. I'm sure we'll be changing changes with this round. It's never what they want the first time around and comittees must approve everything. That's the one thing I miss about the office. I could usually convince them that the fifth round of changes weren't really necessary. Oh well I'll get over it because I'd much rather work from home. Working away at a card swap that needs to be in the mail on Wednesday or Thursday. I also uploaded a few layouts from people who use Scrap Submit to enter the DT contest at www.scrapbooksupplystore.com. So if you are looking for a new DT gig one of my favorite online hang outs is looking :) ~ Shelly

Horsin' Around

2006-01-29T18:15:00.000-05:00

Photos from yesterday. The kids really enjoyed riding the horses around the corral. We had a scare though. John picked up a stick to throw it out of the corral and when he did it spooked the horse that Johnathan and Braden were on. The horse ran from one side of the arena to the other with the boys holding on tight...that's all Braden has talked about today and he's been galloping around on the stick horse with a new appreciation and fascination with the horses. So does anyone have any idea on names for the new horse (the brown and white painted one?) He's my new baby

:)

Where you'll find me.

2006-01-29T15:25:00.000-05:00

I've got spring fever baaaaad. I came across this photo yesterday and realized it would be perfect for a layout I wanted to do for "my addiction" layout for the book of me challenge at Classy Coordinates. Even though I'm not in my garden right now. It feels so good to do a layout of it while I wait for spring. It's been so gray here and without snow since December. UGLY! We did get to go for a short horseback ride yesterday with the kids. I was in the 50's and so nice to be outside. The weekend has flown by. I can't believe it is Sunday. I'm heading to my parents house for a visit with them tomorrow before they leave for Florida for two months. I think I'll just jump in their suit case and they can take me with them :)

2006-01-22T01:09:00.000-05:00

I had this brilliant idea early this evening around 4:00 that my scraproom was overwhelming me so I thought I'd clean. I seriously hope I never get this urge again! Something bad is bound to happen! 1 Move sterlite drawers because they won't wheel around anymore the wheel has broken off from...too much weight???? 2. Decide to remove EVERYTHING from two tables including huge accumulated mess so that sterlite drawers can fit under table that doesn't have stupid diagonal supports. 3. Including computer monitor, speakers and scanner 4. Huge monitor swivels. Swivels right out of my hands at knee level. 5. Monitor is DEAD 6. Try to finish cleaning and try to revive monitor. NO LUCK! 6. Call work to tell them what I did. 7. Work makes a phone call 8. Two hours later on a Saturday night I've got a replacement monitor. Not as nice but it'll do until they can get me a new one hopefully flat screen this time. 9. Scraproom is clean but sterlite drawers are still leaning! 10. I don't like my tables set up this way but I'm not changing it back!!!! What a night!

Big Hairy UGGGGLY....

2006-01-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

Spider in my scrap stuff today. Nearly scared the crap out of me. I can usually handle spiders but when they are big hair and ugly like this dude I run screaming. My knight in shining armor totally failed me too. I didn't want it squished into my patterned paper stash and insisted he get it to move and THEN kill it. Well it moved way too fast and I think it's still hiding under my hard drive or better yet in his best interest he's moved out of the house. I've been very cautious in here today and constantly looking all around wondering when it will appear again. I posted this photo on www.keepingmemoriesalive.com today and freaked everyone else out to. Misery loves company :)

SCHOOL Grrrrr!

2006-01-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

The tooth fairy came last night :) and there are stories floating around about how she saw the tooth fairy and her wand. Johnathan is mad that the tooth fairy didn't leave him any money under his pillow for a tooth that he lost months ago. Ummm Johnathan you "ALREADY" got paid for that tooth honey. You'll just have to lose another one. Now they are both wiggling their teeth to get more. SO funny.

Got a note from the school today. Johnathan has been tardy 6 times. Ummmm I thought he'd been tardy once. They are supposed to send a letter after the 4th time and contact family services at 6 times. Where the "eff" was my warning and why didn't I know about all the other times? I know it's not a good thing but I can't stand the principal or the secretary at the school. I get major hair flip attitude from them ALL the time. Not sure what the hell I did. I know I can be intimidating... I'm not the typical mom who's kids attend this school and just goes with the flow. Ahhh I wish we'd send them to another school but John just won't have it. Every time I bring it up I get "I went to that school and it was good enough for me" So he's only in kindergarten and here we go. I wonder if I should just go ahead and call family services and set up a freaking appointment. I'm just sick about this! The thing is John has been insisting they ride the bus but I won't have it. I know this will make him more insistent that they ride the bus. If they do and something happens to them then it'll be his fault. They are just too little. *Heavy Sigh*

The tooth fairy

2006-01-16T18:22:00.000-05:00

Will be paying this house a visit sometime tonight. Meganne lost her first tooth. It fell out while she was eating a hamburger at lunch today. She's got it already under her pillow and wants to take it to preschool with her tomorrow. Wonder what the teachers will think of that? I'm sure it's considered a biohazard.

2006-01-16T16:27:00.000-05:00

Wedding Invitation

I'm so excited about this! Not only the invitation but the wedding as well. My best friend is getting married in October and I'm making the invitations for her. I just showed them and they love them. Now to get this assembly line started :)

Today

2006-01-16T10:50:00.000-05:00

I'm working on the tax junk and I'll probably mix it up with a little Allied stuff. Gotta pay the tax man and have to have money to do it. The boys are probably riding their ATV's today...perhaps I'll finally get some photos of Johnathan riding his new bike :). Wonder what's for dinner. Need to plan that. I'll post a recipe here if I come up with something good stay tuned.

A matter of perspective.

2006-01-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

I love how my kids think. This is an example of the things I hear in my every day life. Yesterday we were driving to grandma's house and the kids were in the back. We nearly hit a dog on the way there. It ran right out in front of us. Johnathan the 6-year-old said "wow we almost hit that dog." I didn't think they could see it from the back seat so I said "you saw that?" His response: "yeah I saw it , what do you think I'm blonde or something?" Ummmm I think he meant "blind".

What a riot!

Things I love about...

2006-01-16T00:03:00.000-05:00

The sites I design for: (this is not an advertisement...just thought I'd post some of this since Valentines day is coming soon and I "love" this holiday and love these sites.

eI'm working on a BOM at Classy Coordinates and write a weekly tip. These girls are such a great bunch. Check out www.classycoordinates.com if you are looking for a kick butt kit of the month club. We have so much fun on the message board.

eScrapbook Supply Store is looking for new design team members...anyone interested? The message boards and virtual crops are a blast. So are the dt members such a friendly helpful group! Mary Beth, the owner is such a sweetheart to work for. She has big plans for the site this year. The gallery there is LOADED with awesome layouts. Check it out www.scrapbooksupplystore.com

eMy new love KMA. www.keepingmemoriesalive.com I've been completely WOWED! by the stuff the new dt members have been posting in the gallery already. The girls on the message board are so super friendly. We are going to have lots of fun this year :)

Look at that...I posted entries two days in a row. I know when I show my buddies this they are going to be IMPRESSED.

She's going to lose it.

2006-01-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

My youngest dd has a very loose tooth. She came running completely freaked out a little while ago. It's been loose for awhile now and the dental hygenist said the last time we were in before Christmas said to expect a visit from the tooth fairy before Santa showed up this year. She doesn't want to lose her teeth. She cried huge crocodile tears until I calmed them with promises that the tooth fairy would come and put a dollar under her pillow. So after a long soak in a bubble bath and tucked in she's fine now. I did take some loose tooth photos because I'm pretty certain that one day this week it will be gone. Now I'm the one who's upset...when did she get big enough to start losing teeth. Waaaaah! I'm not ready yet.

I think she's got the prettiest smile ever (but then I'm partial) I was so shocked when the hygenist said her tooth was loose in the first place. I so didn't think she was old enough to be losing teeth but she said that they start losing them between 4 and 7 years old...and my daughter is the reason that 4 is the low end of the average. She just turned five. Oh and here is something I didn't know... the earlier they lose them the more likely that they'll end up with braces because their mouths aren't big enough for the larger permanent teeth. GREAT!

2006-01-15T17:50:00.000-05:00

I keep forgetting to update my blog...it's been since September and lots has happened since then. Probably why I haven't made an entry. Let's see maybe it'll help to make a list.

1. Lost the RMH contest. That was okay though. I thought I would be hugely disappointed but I wasn't. Got an awesome prize package from the owner and felt really good about my entry. Hey top five wasn't bad at all :) I was proud of myself.
2. Have had three layouts picked up one by Paper Trends and the other two by Cantata Books I can't wait to see them in print.
3. Won the DT contest at www.keepingmemoriesalive.com a complete surprise. (Check out my work there if you have a minute) :) I'm so excited about this. I see lots of potential and the other DT members are AWESOME and so inspiring.
4. Finally said yes to a DT position with the LSS www.scrappincabin.com. The owner had asked me twice and I didn't think she'd ask me a third time.
5. Busy with work at Allied. I finally finished the 150 page catalog and I'm currently working on a 12 page brocure for them. I love my job but it's trying at times working from home.
6. Trying to get the financial and tax information for DH's business in order. It's gotta get done :) and since I'm the only one who can do it I better get moving :)

Speaking of