I'm Back!

So I'm back from D.C. and I had a wonderful time! My cousins were soooo much fun! They're crazy I tell ya!! My cousin's house is gorgeous too!! She has SIX BATHROOMS!!! That's right, I said SIX!! Anyway, I hadn't seen them since my brother's funeral (which wasn't a fun time for anyone) so we really had a good time. I did a lot of scrapping while I was there so I came back with lots to upload!

Before I left, I went in for a visit with my nutritionist and my diabetes counselor. All I can say is I thought I knew so much about food before this visit. Now I know I knew nothing! What a wealth of knowledge these ladies have!! Anyway, I got a food plan from my nutritionist Michelle and I have been dedicated in following it. This lady really knows what she's doing. She taught me what food combinations I should eat at each meal and explained to me the rationale behind it. It totally made sense. Here are the biggest things I learned.

1. Carbohydrates and sugars are synonyms because all carbs turn into sugar!
2. Do not waste money on fat-free items. Manufacturers replace the missing fat with carbs! (which is sugar to
make up for the missing taste!)
3. Just because something is fat-free doesn't mean that it's low in calories!
4. Protien is our friend!
6. Portion control is the biggest factor in losing and maintaining our desired weight!
7. Eat regular food in smaller controlled portions. This way you won't feel deprived!
8. Use a measuring cup to measure out your portions.
9. Do not skip meals!
10. Don't say you are on a diet. You are simply making positive changes in your life-long eating habits!

I could go on for days with the valuable information I learned, but I won't! Hey, following my food plan I lost
4 pounds while I was in D.C.!! And I ate what everyone else ate, just smaller portions! I'm feeling really good guys!!

Here is one of the pages I made while on vacation. It's actually a remake of a page I did over a year ago that I never liked. Take care of yourself and be blessed!!

D.C. Baby!!

Well, in the morning I'll be flying to Washington D.C. to attend the Great American Scrapbook Convention with two of my favorite ,crazy, scrap-happy cousins! I am sooooo excited I could scream! One of my cousins lives there so I'll be chilling with her and her family until Monday. I am super-psyched to go, but Gregory and Michael seem to be losing their minds over it! Gregory decided to pick an arguement with me so that I would be mad and maybe say I wasn't going. YEAH RIGHT!! DREAM ON BROTHER!!! Why are men so much like little boys? They both act just alike except one is 50 and the other is 4!! I have a big one and a little one flipping out over here because Momma is gonna be gone away without them! Michael is sticking to me like glue! I can't even go to the bathroom without him coming too! I guess I should be happy that someone cares, but they sure have a weird way of showing it!! Now all Brittany was worried about was if I was gonna let her have the keys to my car so she can go crazy this weekend too! Hey, if anybody is gonna be there, be on the lookout for me!! I look just like my avatar...just a whole lot bigger!!(LOL- I know that was corny!!) Anyway, here is a page I did called," Life Without You? Never!" Be blessed!

So I'm Not Mad Anymore

I know I was complaining about not being able to get my submission in to MME, but not I am sooooo excited for the new members cause I know 2 of the lucky scrappers and let me tell you that they ROCK!!! DT member Rachel C. from Scraptastic and former Scrap-Tastic DT member Michelle W. are fabulously talented!!! Oh, did I mention that these ladies are not only fantastic scrapper's, but they are truly sweet and wonderful women as well. The entire team is stellar and they couldn't have chosen a finer team! So, CONGRATULATIONS ladies!!

I've been working on trying some new stuff in my pages lately. I see so many cool things people are doing with their stuff , so I thought it might be fun to try some! Here is a page I did called,"Lil' Cutie Pie". It features Britt when she was 9. Gotta go! Be blessed!!

On My Soapbox!

How many of you tried out for the My Mind's Eye design team? Well I made the pages I posted in my last blog entry for the contest, but I never got them in to MME! Did anyone else have trouble with their e-mail coming back saying MME's mailbox was full? I sure did! I know I sent, re-sent, and sent my entry in at least 6 times before I got tired of sending it! Don't get me wrong. I totally love MME! They have some of the most beautiful papers out there , but I don't like how they handled the the process of submitting. Okay, I'm done! On a lighter note, have you seen this blog: http://scrapblogs.blogspot.com/ ? It is totally fabulous! They have (it seems like) everyone's blog listed here and if yours isn't, just e-mail it to them and you'll be on it lickity split!! To my surprise mine was posted on there when I went to check it out! Go check it out and all of the blog entries. It is very cool!! Here is a page I did of Ms. Brittany when she was 2 years old. She was such a cutie pie, girly girl baby!! Well, she still is!! Be Blessed!!

I really don't have anything to talk about today. I'm feeling good, having a nice day. I sat and actually scrapped all day and that was nice. So, I'm just gonna share what I made. Be Blessed!

I'm A Thief!!

So, those of you with small children or anyone who has had children will probably relate to this story. Well, I had some errands to run this morning and it was gonna be a trip with only Michael (4 years old) and myself. I knew to take all the regular precautions one must take when taking a 4 year old boy to run errands. I fed him, made sure he had pottied, let him choose his favorite small toy for the car, threatened him with bodily harm...you know, all the usual stuff . Anyway, we went several places and all went well! We even went to Wal Mart to shop in the Garden area! We browsed, chose some bedding plants, checked out and went home. He had been so good that I let him choose where we would have lunch, which was Burger King. Well, as I unloaded the car I noticed there were some barbecue tools laying on the back seat. It was a spatula, a grill brush, and some tongs. I wondered how the heck they got there because I didn't buy them. I asked Michael but all I could get out of him was "From the store, Mommy." Then it hit me. When we were in Wal Mart I was looking at them and I said I needed some new ones. I did pick them up, but I put them back on the rack. Well, this is a time when having a child with autism and a language delay isn't so good. I know Michael must have picked them up and carried them out of the store, but he couldn't tell me. All he could tell me was where they came from. Hey, that's actually a great thing! 6 months ago he couldn't tell me that! So there you have it. I'm a thief! And no I didn't take them back. I think I'm gonna use them tonight!(LOL) Here's a page I did for a challenge between myself and the fabulous Tiffany B-J. Be Blessed!!

WOW!! What a week!!

So this is the first week of my summer vacation and man does it feel good! I don't think I've looked decent all week! (LOL) Gregory has started looking at me really funny, but he hasn't said anything yet. I know he's wondering why I haven't had on any make-up, done my hair, and worn these same old sweat pants and tee-shirt all week! I have been showering though(LOL)! My scanner broke and I was all messed up because with it being the first of the month, I had projects to upload and I couldn't scan them! Uuggg!!! I did get a new one and I'm back in business. Anyway, guess who made the Paper House Design Team??? Yep! That would be MEEEEEE!! I'm so doing the happy dance! In honor of that I'm gonna give you two layouts!! On My Cutie Pie the paper is SEI ( I'm loving their new stuff!) and on Love You the paper and stickers are from 3 Bugs in a Rug Sugar collection. Be Blessed!!!

So I Went to the Doctor...

and I left her office in tears. I was so overwhelmed with what she told me. She said that I had full blown diabetes. My glucose was 233! It's supposed to be between 65-99. It was like I was watching a movie of the week or something. I just sat there and stared at her. This is not what this office visit was for. I went so I could get the appetite suppressant Appedex, but it's not gonna happen. I have had trouble losing weight ever since I had Michael 4 years ago. I mean to tell you that nothing worked, so I decided to go the route of many of my friends and get some diet pills. In order to get them I had to have blood work done first. I've gotta tell you that after thinking about this I'm not all that surprised. I had gestational diabetes with Brittany (which was over 17 years ago) and again with Michael. I was untreated with Britt which resulted in a very difficult delivery and Brittany weighing in at over 10 pounds!! Michael was taken 2 1/2 weeks early and he still weighed 8 pounds! I have had signs too. I've been experiencing terrible lows of energy during my day where I felt dizzy, and definately faint. Gregory says I've been extra crabby for a long time (but what does he know?) Of course my mother says it's a blessing because I will be forced to take care of myself now ( she gets on my nerves always being right about stuff!). So, I must follow a strict diet, take my insulin, check my blood levels twice a day, and exercise. Hey, maybe this is gonna be alright after all. I'll keep you posted! Get to the doctor and take care of you! Here is a card I made for Scrappin' With Grace. Hugs and Be blessed!!

Amy To the Rescue!!

Hey, did you notice I have a banner now??? I am soooo happy. Well, it's only because my dear friend Amy came and rescued me again! I just love her! Ain't it great to have friends who know how to do stuff? Here is a page I did in honor of the Amazing Amy! I hope you like it Amy! Hugs to all and be blessed!

So I Messed Up!!

Okay, as you know I've been a begging fool asking everyone to help me change my banner on this blog. Well, my wonderfully talented friend Amy W. volunteered to help me. She even sent me the code to put in but sure enough I jacked up my blog. I went too far. I got into the codes and went crazy! I was completely out of control. Well, I ended up losing some of the stuff I had on before, therefore I must change templates to get the original coding back! Believe me, I won't mess this up again! Thanks Amy for trying to help a completely insane woman!! Here is a page I did tonight of my oldest, Miss Erica! I love her sooooo much! She just finished her freshman year away at college and I can't believe how grown up she's gotten!! Here is her page, Erica. Be blessed!!

What A Week!

I've been trying to update and post for a week, but it's just been a whirlwind around here! One thing I want to say is I am sooooo excited because I am a finalist for the Paper House Productions Design Team!! I want this soooooo bad, but it really is gonna be a competition for the 4 spots. You should see the list of finalists...all I can say is WOW!! I am so stinkin' honored to be on it!! They will narrow it down some more and then the remaining finalists will have to make a layout from a kit. Pray for me cause I'm really wanting this! Here is a page I did this week of Michael. It was an ad challenge for ICS. I got the idea for the journaling from his favorite book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Be blessed!!

I Got It!!

Remember I said I had won a font as a prize on NSD? Well, I've got it and you can have it to...that is if you want it. All you have to do is email me your email address and I will get it to you as soon as I can. It's really kinda weird to see my own handwriting on the computer, but hey technology is wild! It does look like my writing so of course I don't really like it that much, but it is fun to see! The fabulously talented Michelle Hubbart (an X Girl at Creative Xpress) is responsible for making it for me. She really is awesome and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for thinking my handwriting was worth making a font of. She even let me put in a few doodles. All I have to say about that is "Wow!" Here is a DT assignment I did for Scrappin With Grace. The papers are from the American Traditional Designs Recipe Time collection. Here is Family Recipe. Take care and be blessed!

What A Great Weekend!

Have you ever had one of those times in your life where everything was just right? Well that's the kind of weekend I had. Everything was just right. My family is well and great. My work is great because we only have 3 more weeks until summer vacation! And.... I won 2 challenges over at one of my favorite sites-Creative Xpress http://www.creativexpress.com !!! I am sooo happy! The first challenge I won was an ad inspiration hosted by the wonderfully talented Cari Locken! I made the page I posted in my last blog entry, Brittany, and it won!!! I get a box of goodies from her and I can't wait! The second challenge I won was hosted by the amazing Michelle Hubbart! She offered a font for the best handwriting. That's right, I said a FONT and I won!!! I'm gonna have my own font!! How fabulous is that?!!! Let me tell you that I feel like I just won the Miss America Pageant!!(LOL) I'll let you know when the font's ready and you can have it too! Well, I've gotta go write some lesson plans, so I'll leave you with this page I did for and art inspiration challenge at Scrap-Tastic by our head rockin' girlie Becky T.!! This is Almost 5. Be Blessed!!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!

Today is National Scrapbooking Day! How exciting is that??? I've gotta tell you that I am so hyped up today!! I've got my supplies out and I'm ready to scrap! I've got my own little personal challenge going on to organize my scrap area today too! I love this day because it's where you can go from site to site to participate in all sorts of challenges. Anyone who knows me knows that I do love a challenge! Anyway, I'll be hosting at Scrappin With Grace http://www.scrappinwithgrace.com from 12-4 . You really need to get by there because there are some awesome things going on over there! Run, don't walk!! I started my challeges last night because Creative Xpress started their celebration on Friday. Here is a page I did for an Ad Inspiration challenge there. I used some of the yummy Sassafrass Lass goodies from Scrap-Tastic's store. It's called, Brittany. Well, I've gotta go! Have fun today and be blessed!

Becoming Us

It's been so long since I've updated this blog that I forgot that I had one! This past week has been such a busy week! Between work, family, and design team assignments, I haven't had a chance to catch my breath! Well, tonight is the first night I've had to work on a layout I've wanted to do for some time. I've been wanting to scrap this photo of me and Gregory for forever! It is one of my favorite photos because it was taken on our first date on October 2, 1992! Yep! That's how long we've been together, 14 years! Anyway, here it is..Becoming Us. Be blessed!!

Man Am I Tired!

I've gotta tell you that if you've never gone to a "Slumber Crop" you need to make sure you get to ICS's http://www.imaginecreatescrap.com next one! It was held at Studio C which is in South Bend, Indiana. I can not begin to tell you how awesome this place is and about how much crazy fun we had! I absolutely got no sleep! That's why I'm so tired and had to take today off from work! The store, Studio C, is actually a two story house that has been renovated into a fantabulous scrapping store! I've never seen anything like this! I actually only did 3 pages in the 2 1/2 days I was there, but I stayed busy! I played and had fun the rest of the time. And the people who where there are just the best bunch of talented ladies I've ever had the pleasure of meeting! I'll tell you, I will love these folks forever! On another note, I've got great news! Scrap-Tastichttp://www.scrap-tastic.com is open!!! Let me tell you that this is one rockin' site! The owner, Becky and the rest of terribly talented women I'm on the team( Rachel, Kelly, Nicole, and Michelle) with are nothing less than amazing! So get on over there and check us out! I'm also on another great team over at Scrappin' With Grace http://www.scrappinwithgrace.com . I'm telling you, I am on the most wonderful Design Teams ever! I just love the people and the tons of talent they have. It is totally an honor to be on such teams! Well, I'll leave you with one of the layouts I did at the Slumber Crop. It's featuring Michael and his new bike. Be Blessed!!

I'm Outta Here!

I am just sooooo excited! This is the week dd Brittany and I are going on a girl trip to South Bend, Indiana! We're going to meet my ICS sister's (http://imaginecreatescrap.com) for a scrappin' slumber party! How fun is that?! I've never traveled this far to go to a sleepover or to scrap, so I'm totally hyped up! Yep, we're leaving dh and ds at home to survive on their own! Of course we're leaving on Friday morning and I haven't even thought about what I'm taking with me. I am so last minute that it drives me crazy! I'm sure I won't forget anything because this is what I do before I go anywhere. I think about what I'll need, then I'll just put it together when it's time to go! Actually, I am thinking about taking off from work on Thursday so I won't forget anything. If you don't see me hanging around this weekend, you'll know why! You'll also know that I'm having a blast! I'll leave you with a page I just did. I did a ton of sewing on this but I'm not sure you can see it. Anyway, this is my little cousin being cute on a layout I call Blooming. I'm outta here! Be blessed all!

Man It's Hot!!!

Okay, the news reported that St. Louis broke the record for the hottest day in St. Louis history yesterday! It got up to 92 degrees!!! Now that's June weather in April!! I don't see this as being a good sign for the summer! I've got a feeling that we'll stay in or near the 100's all June, July, and August! I can tell you why it's so hot. The earth is getting hotter every year because of the break down of the ozone layer. It's a fact. I have to teach the kids some ecology and let me tell you that what's happening to our earth is scary! Take it from me, Al Gore totally knows what he's talking about!! And if you're thinking that I'm a geek, I would have to answer that with a big fat,"YES!" Anyway, it was my daddy's birthday and he turned 74 years old!! Wow! I never think of his age, but he's getting up there. Let me tell you that I have the smartest, kindest, and most handsome daddy in the world!! (You can't tell that I'm the baby girl can you?)
Anyway, here is a photo of my lovable, handsome, and intellegent daddy! Have a Happy Easter!!

I Made 2 Peas POTD!!

Okay, I get up this morning and go into my normal routine before work. I shower, do my hair, wake the kids, and check in on my DT's. Well, today I had the layout of the day at ICS-http://imaginecreatescrap.com . Well I truly was excited about that, but as I read the thread, the fabulous Sandi Minchuk, one of my fellow ICS DT Sister's, informed me that I was Pubster Of the Day on 2 Peas! Well color me surprised!!! I am soooooo excited about this!! Man, what an honor! I never thought I would be chosen to be POTD!! And what great comments I've received from all of the wonderful pea' s out there! This is a great day and a great way to start off my week! Here is my layout that was Layout of the Day called The Prettiest Pick of the Bunch. Have a blessed day!

CKC-St. Louis

Today was my day to work as a teacher's assistant at Creating Keepsake's Convention here in St. Louis. Boy did I have a blast! I worked 3 classes. Two classes taught by the owner of Quotable Quotes and one SEI class where they made an entire 8x8 album! I loved working with the people and being among them. What was really great was I got tons of kits and a SEI 8x8 album kit and an 8 1/2 x 11 album!! I got 2 CKC shirts too! I'll tell you that you can't beat this! I spent $0 today and I had more bags than anyone leaving! I had a great time, but I must confess one thing. I haven't been this tired in a long, long time! I stood and walked from 8 am to 1 pm!! My back hurt, my feet hurt, my legs hurt, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much! I came home and slept for about 3 hours and I'm getting ready to go back to bed in a few minutes! Eventhough I am dead tired, it was all worth it!! I will do this again!!Can't wait for next year!! Here's a page I just did called Just Chillin'. Be blessed!!