HeartScraps

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

We have an Elf on The Shelf, but he's not staying on his shelf! Elfis (cute, right?) is very mischievous! Here's what the little guy's been up to since he moved in.

He got into the Skittles!

Mistook my ceramic turkey for a horse!

Found him swinging on the light fixture!

Obviously, he's one of the Elf designers on the DS.

And today, we found a flour angel in the middle of the stove top!

Elfis has been really fun to have around for sure, and Jake cannot wait to see what he's been up to while we've been away all day.

I'm enjoying preparing for Christmas this year much more than last. My tree is up and decorated, and I've actually finished with Santa Claus already. Still have other gifts to get, but I feel good knowing Jake's all taken care of.

I found these snowflakes at Publix really cheap. I think they look cute in the window.

Our tree and mantle. My friend, Lisa, gave me the Santa portrait. I just love it! And hey, is that neck and those ears not the sweetest stuff?

I have always wanted some apothecary jars and found these for half off at Joann's. I love my grandmother's ornaments displayed in them.

My other grandmother will turn 90 in April. This past Sunday she hosted her traditional Christmas dinner for our extended family. There's usually anywhere from 25 to 40 people depending on who makes it. This year I think I counted 37. She cooks all of the food herself still, but does let my step-mom bring a couple of dishes and desserts. Everything was delish as usual, but dang it, that tradition of letting the men prepare their plates first has got to go! Most of the piggers are back in line for seconds before us gals get kids' plates prepared and then our own! Seriously, I believe her mother did dinners this way and she's kept that tradition. I'd like to think it's to get them out of the way and hush them up! Ha!

My dad. I'm so thankful he's done so well since his prostate cancer and radiation.

This is the lovely Carson D. I kind of like her a little.

And you know Rudolph.

Green beans, potatoes, corn, turkey, sweet potato souffle, dressing, gravy, nom nom nom!

In my opinion, you have never tasted a German chocolate cake as good as my step-mom's. About 2 minutes after I took this picture, the plate was completely empty.

My cousin, Hope, has connections with the big guy from the North Pole. He made an appearance at my grandmother's! The kids were very excited!

Carson had NEVER sat to talk with Santa before!! We were all very proud of her!

Will was NOT afraid to talk to Santa!

Carson's "brudder" Jackson. I kind of like him, too!

My boy letting Santa know what to bring.

Hope, who made Santa possible, with her hubby Curtis. Thanks, Hopie!

All the kids with Santa.

Another good time at my grandmother's and we're all hoping next year is just as nice!

It's only going to get busier from here. I have to finish cleaning the house for this weekend when us girls get together for my great aunt's birthday. We're all meeting here, and I'm very excited for some of them who will see my new place for the first time. I also have Christmas dinner at my dad's Saturday evening. Jake's out of school after this week and then it will be Christmas Eve before you know it! We'll go to my mom's and then Christmas morning to my grandmother's again. Hmmm...I feel the need to make a list. I have way too much to do!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Our New Place-The Living Room Part 1

2011-09-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

I know I've posted pictures on Facebook of our new place, but I wanted to share what ideas I have for decorating and see if anyone out there has some suggestions or some assurance that what I'm doing looks good. I do have a problem though and that is I love too many different styles. I'd have to have a 100 room house to incorporate all the styles I love. I love French country and sorry, but shabby chic still remains on my list, but maybe only certain elements of it at this point. I love the look of a warm cabin, a sweet cottage, or the retro look of a 1950's Formica and chrome kitchen table and chairs. I love it all and that makes it really hard to pin down MY style and exactly what I want in my own home.

This is so cozy and warm. I can hear the rain on the roof.

And this little cottage is perfection.

Do you know what I'd give for this retro pink fridge??

I love the cleanliness and crispness of white, but I must face facts that
white furniture and an 8 year old boy do not mix!

Just look at this French country kitchen design. I don't even care about cooking!

This farmhouse style calls to me, also.

I can remember my grandmother's set. Why is this so awesome??

This is so Samantha Stevens! Simple? Linear? It just appeals to me in a big way. Not the color scheme mind you, but the style of the furniture.

Do you see what I mean? How on earth could I incorporate all the styles I like into one cohesive design? Possible or impossible? And, do I have to stick with a decor that "fits" the townhome we live in now? If you didn't see the pictures, here's our new home:

I love the kitchen. The cabinets are a cream, not white.
Sure, I'd love granite counter tops, but down the road maybe.
I'm thinking an island since there's plenty of room and of course, there's
a refrigerator now as well as some items hanging on the backsplash walls.

So here's the outside. I like the stone and brick combination
and the shrubs are gardenias, which are a big favorite of mine.

I definitely need updated pictures, but the living room is more rectangular than square with patio doors on the left of the fireplace, the dining area entry to the right. There's also a double window on the left as well. My one dislike? The flooring. It feels and sounds like plastic. I hate it. But that's another something I can live with for a while and perhaps an area rug will help.

So, I have my first real purchase coming and that's my sofa. I saw it a while back at Pier One and fell in love with it. My first choice in color was going to be the sage green, but now I've decided on taupe and that's what will be here in two weeks! It is also on sale for $100 off until the end of September. Here's a picture:

I love the shape of the back, like a sweetheart neckline on a dress, giving it a feminine look, but not too much. I think it also has a retro feel with the clean lines. It's also firm without being too hard. I don't like sinking into a sofa and not being able to get out of it without the assistance of a crane.

So, my next purchase at some point will be a storage piece/bookcases for (of course) my books, photo albums, and other items. My first choice is an Ikea piece. It comes in white, which is probably my first choice since there is white moldings through the house. I'll show you a little trick I found to liven it up though further along in the post. I do like the gray/brown pictured first, but I think it would be hard to find other pieces that go with it color-wise. The chocolate brown is way too dark, I think. What I like about these are the drawers and doors that could hide things I don't necessarily want on display such as pictures not yet in albums, some old books that don't need to be subject to the light, etc.

So, I saw this idea that gives the white bookcase some pop, and I could do something like this, adding my accent color, which I think is going to be a shade of blue.

See how they painted the backs of the cases?

I love it! Not so stark, especially if the piece is bright white.

Then there is always a much more inexpensive way to have what you need. The description of this says these are wine crates stacked and secured together to make the unit. You can also purchase crates unfinished at Micheal's or Joann's, stain them, and assemble them like so. Instant bookcase/storage. Can you get wine crates around here? Is this too rustic for what I'm going for? I'm thinking maybe it is, but I could live with it.

One more shelving option is to take inexpensive bookcases, say 3 of them, stand them as close together as possible. Secure them together and add inexpensive molding at the top and to hide the joinings, making them look like one unit. If I want them white, this would more than likely require painting, which means more labor. Here's an example someone put together for their craft storage:

Pricing for the bookcases? Ikea's piece is $910. Really expensive and out of my price range if I'm honest. Perhaps I can find something similar at a lesser price? The crate system is cheap! The crates run about $5, add in some screws and paint, and I bet you could come in under $100. The other idea, with bookcases I saw at a surplus store here in town for $47 each would total under $200 once you purchased 3, the hardware and moldings, and the paint.

I'm going to ponder on this for a while and make a decision. I'd definitely need some help with the crate system or the 3 bookcases idea. I'll look for similar pieces to the Ikea item as well, to compare pricing. It would be nice not to have to do all the work and painting involved in options 2 and 3. LOL

Suggestions? Ideas? What do you think?

Back in the Saddle

2011-09-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

I have ignored my little blog and other things I enjoy doing for way too long now. The past year and a half has been tumultuous, stressful, and full of changes, and I’m still praying for things to settle down to anything close to normalcy for Jake and me. But what is normal, right? I know what it used to be, but who knows if it will ever be close to that again.

To recap:

May 2010 Jake and I moved out of our home with Pat into an apartment that Jake and I ended up hating. LOL! There were a few good things: the pool, Jake won a Halloween costume contest; things like that. Overall, the apartment was too small for us and I felt closed in. I guess Jake picked up on that.

If it weren’t for my parents, my good friends Lisa and Mandy, and Kelly P, I’m not sure what I would have done. My cousins helped me through it by letting me vent endlessly about the breakup, the apartment, money issues, and I’m sure it felt like on and on and on to them.

Around June 2010, I realized Pat had met someone else already. Interesting to me considering it happened so quickly, and they were already seemingly “in love”. (Gag me with a spoon!) However, the denial of any cheating again was made, so whatever! I did speak my peace concerning this person interacting with Jake at this point, so hopefully we are on the same page, and my wishes will be respected in that regard.

We actually worked out a support agreement between the two of us concerning Jake and expenses for school, medical bills, etc. for him, and so far that is working out well. Honestly, I never expected us to agree on anything and for this, I’m very grateful.

Jake and I made it through our first holidays. Pat came over Christmas morning and watched him open his gifts. Jake wasn’t happy when she left and didn’t do anything else with us.

During the holiday time, I was VERY blessed to have a lady at work and her parents sponsor Jake and me. They helped out so much with gifts for him, groceries, gift cards for me to spend on anything else he needed, and even cash. This really got us through the holidays and I felt so much better knowing Jake had the things he wanted from Santa. Despite that I never really decorated our tree and my mood was a little somber, we got through it.

Jake finished up 1^st grade in the spring of 2011. I could not believe my baby would be headed to second grade come fall! This summer he really enjoyed summer camp at Kickin’ Kids. He met his first best friend, Don Criss, and two other boys he enjoys playing with, Noah and Emerson. We still need to set up play dates for Noah and Emerson, but Jake and Don Criss are very insistent on seeing each other outside of school! They are best buddies and it’s really cute to listen to Jake’s side of the conversation when they talk on the phone. I think at one point, he was giving Don Criss a virtual tour of our place over the phone! Too cute!

Once our lease was up at the apartment and after looking for a new place for us, I found a townhouse that I am renting to own. I guess it was meant to be since it all came together the way it did, but the worrier in me is concerned that I did the right thing, that I can afford it, and that at the end of the three years I can actually purchase the home. Luckily, the owner said if I needed extra time, it was no problem.

We moved in at the end of June. My sister was a huge help along with my parents and a friend of my dad’s. Lisa B. came over and helped me unpack the kitchen and set it up. Kelly P. helped me move boxes around, up to the attic, etc. And a friend of mine, Joan, was amazing helping with moving boxes from downstairs to upstairs as well. I’d recently been in a walking boot after hurting my ankle so her climbing the stairs for me like that was a godsend!

We’re settling in slowly. There are still boxes in the garage that need to be unpacked and an organized stack of them in the living room waiting for bookcases. We need furniture, storage type pieces as well as a couch (more on that later) and a few other things. It’ll all come in time, and I’m hoping to create some artwork of my own for the walls.

Things are better than they were all the way around. Pat and I get along for the most part; we have our agreement on financial support as well as visitation so I guess we’re okay.

Jake isn’t enjoying 2^nd grade as much as 1^st, but hopefully that will change. He’s been back for about a month and a half so I’m hoping it’s a matter of him adjusting to the increase in schoolwork as well as homework, no naps or rest times like in kindergarten and first grade, and a lot more structure thrown into the mix.

My mom has been a blessing for us as well. She helps with Jake when she can, and I enjoy spending time with her and wish we could spend more together. Thanks to her, my wonderful Pier One Imports sofa is on its way and should be in our home in 2 weeks. I’m so excited to know it’s coming- a good start to decorating our new home. I’ll definitely be posting my ideas on decorating soon.

I’m seeing a little more of Amy, (my sister)not like I’d wish, but more than in the past. I hope she’s doing well and can accomplish some of her goals, too. She deserves to be happy, and I think if the two of us can overcome our own self-doubt, it make work out for both of us.

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is over halfway through his radiation treatments after surgery. I’m so glad he’s doing so well and pray every day that he is cured from this. It’s been so hard on him and my stepmom, but also on my grandmother. She has worried herself so over her son, and who can blame her? Overall though, my dad is great, feeling well with no radiation side effects, and we are so grateful.

I still enjoy my job for the most part. There’s really no room for advancement of any type, and this company really isn’t known for giving raises, but I have insurance, the pay could be a lot worse, and one thing that gets me through it is I have my own office. Although people come in and out during the day, I’m basically alone and that’s how I like it. I’m hopeful that next year I will not use up all of my PTO time on Jake or me being sick. We both had the flu, I hurt my ankle at work, but still had to take PTO time to see the doctor, which I think is wrong, but oh well, and I’ve had some other health issues so not one of my 128 hours of PTO was used for any fun. Jake and I have started a vacation $ jar and we’re planning on no sickness to use up my PTO and a fun vacation for us, even if it is a trip down to the beach for a long weekend. I’d love to take him to Disney because I think he’d really enjoy himself, but I may be reaching too far.

My friends, Lisa and Mandy-what can I say? They are wonderful to Jake and me, and I appreciate them so much. Kelly P.-gosh, he's helped us so much and Jake has a Wii competitor, too.

Lastly, and I’ll write more about this later, I have discovered something about myself. I may have blogged previously about seeing a counselor and dealing with weight/eating issues. After changing counselors (because the previous counselor was one that Pat and I both saw for couples’ counseling as well as individually), I know now that I have a true eating disorder. It’s really hard for my family to understand. I think they just see me as someone who enjoys food and over eats. Well sure, I do enjoy food. Who doesn’t? But, they don’t understand the binging, the night eating, the compulsiveness about it all, and how it is much, much more than overeating and not exercising or needing to diet. Perhaps also they think I'm just using that as an excuse? I think my cousins understand and are very empathetic because they too struggle with food issues. I think my friends understand although perhaps they think it’s simply a lack of willpower? I’m not sure. Hopefully, I can explain enough in later blog posts to help them understand more about eating disorders.

For now, I’ll leave off here. I can’t catch up a year’s worth of events and changes in one post, but I’m planning to start doing the things I love again, the things that keep me going on another level, things that allow me to be creative, and that inspire me to be a better mom and a better person all the way around.

Project Comfort-Still Here and Crocheting!

2011-03-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

I'm almost finished with a beautiful yellow shawl for a co-worker. I can't wait to finish it and give it to her! I used this yarn mainly because it was the perfect shade of yellow, but it does unravel easily and splits like the one review on the site says if you aren't careful.

I have a pink shawl finished except for fringe and I have got to get that finished. I think I'm finally back in the crochet groove so hopefully I can take care of that pretty quickly.

Remember, if you'd like a shawl for someone send me an e-mail. I've reprinted the paragraph below from another post that tells you what Project Comfort is if you're new to my blog.

I started Project Comfort when I learned about the Prayer Shawl Ministry. About the same time, I learned of a woman diagnosed with cancer, someone close to my age, and it made me realize how fast things can change in our lives. Half of the proceeds from the sell of any comfort shawls go back into Project Comfort so that shawls can be made and donated to anyone undergoing a difficult time in their life such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or grieving of a passed loved one. Many choose to have the shawls blessed by their pastor or priest before giving it to the recipient. My crocheted shawls may have slight imperfections, but these should not be anything you notice. Items are from a smoke-free and pet-free home. If you have any allergies to yarn materials such as silk, alpaca, wool, etc. please let me know and I can choose a yarn made without any of these materials.

Trailing Roses

2011-02-14T19:36:00.001-08:00

I have always wondered what our dreams are saying about what's going on inside us and/or what they mean. I have been dreaming weird, scary, reminiscent, and even repeat dreams for quite a while now. Last night I was completely in the past.

At first I was with someone who I realize after this dream probably contributed more to my self-esteem issues than I ever realized. I lived with a home-away-from home family in Atlanta for one semester, and I can remember before I even met them, the husband saying to me they wanted someone to be a part of their family and not close up in their bedroom all the time. Didn't take me long to figure out WHY their previous students shut themselves in their room! His wife was awful! Doing chores in return for being given a free place to stay is NOT a problem. Being forced to do certain chores like "Cinderella" is another. I said "no thank you" to something at dinner one night and got a lecture in my room about how I should eat whatever she cooks so that her kids will eat it as well. She wasn't that great a cook, and I was a picky eater. I already stashed food in my dresser. One day, they grilled steaks and we're eating outside, a very nice day. I take a steak from the platter, and she says asks me if I'm going to eat the entire steak. I know I turned beet red, cut the steak in half, and put half back on the platter. It was demeaning and hurtful and she was a bitch to even ask. Here I was, away from home for the first time. I was trying to act like an adult and take on my new responsibilities at a new job as well as being a good student, and no matter what I did, this woman had something negative to say to me. Needless to say, I shut myself in my room and ended up getting an apartment for second semester.

As far as the dream with her in it, sorry for digressing, she was letting some auction company take all of my grandmother's things that were stored in an attic. My mother and I had been trying to get rid of everything, but we were also going through it all in order to keep things like photos and other personal items. I spoke to the woman in charge of the auction, explaining everything and she promised I'd be able to go through everything. This didn't happen for whatever reason, and all through the dream I was doing my best to get through every section of this huge building where they were selling my grandmother's belongings. I was finding things that in reality I don't have and I know are not in my grandmother's attic or home, but it was as if I was completely reliving my time with her. I was picking up pictures I'd never seen before (and have never seen in real life). I was finding old toys that belonged to my sister and I. I came across items that hung in her kitchen or living room. The kitchen cabinets and drawers were in a room and I knew I wanted the drawers for some reason and I pulled four of them out and put them in a box with all the other things I'd collected. I had the worst time in the dream keeping up with my boxes, my sister and my son. I'd go from one thing to the other, leave a box somewhere and have to get back to it before someone took it. It was so unnerving and frustrating. It felt like I did this all night long, fighting to keep what was my grandmother's and see what every item was they were bringing out of the attic. I remember being half awake and still fighting to keep up with everything before completely waking up.

It's hard not to wonder what all of this is about. Yes, I miss this grandmother terribly. I miss being able to go to her home and talk to her. I think how I'd like to talk to my mother and her siblings about possibly tackling the HUGE project of fixing up the small house and bringing it all back to life again right down to the barn and the chicken coop so that my son can grow up in fresh air, and play in the barn and pick the blackberries and where we can have a garden and plant the entire front acre in corn. Perhaps this is just a longing for simpler times, but gosh how I do long for that. I'm not sure my mother's brother would be amenable to this since he feels he should "inherit" it all once my grandfather, who lives with him, passes away. Oh, what death and greed does to people. Do I dare ask? Could I take on such a project? Would I want to live so far away from everything? Would I be just as happy if I could create this simpler life somewhere else?

Another part of the past crept into my dreams last night. For a while, way back when, I did some wedding photography. Most was done for people in my family, but there were a few people I photographed their weddings who I didn't know well at all. Last night I was AT a wedding that I had photographed and I actually had the photos from that wedding with me. In other words, I had taken the pictures, the couple had gotten married already, but for some strange reason, it was all happening again. I had to keep the pictures in my hands hidden so that no one would see that I already had all the photos. Strange, I know. I had originally attended this wedding with my other grandmother (in the dream), but this time was with my bestest friend, Lisa. As we were leaving the wedding, I was gathering up boxes and boxes of photos, all photos of weddings of family members and friends. Again, it was a constant struggle to keep all my boxes together and get them all in my car. This dream continued on and on, and all of it seemed to be a repeat of a dream I'd had before. So strange.

Now, I guess you would like to know where the trailing roses comes into play? The grandmother I spoke of whose personal things I was trying to collect in the first dream? In real life, she had these gorgeous pink and white roses in her yard. They were small, cabbage-type roses. When I first started my photography classes, I would come home on weekends and click away at the roses and the barn, the tractor and the chicken coop. Somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, the image came to my mind of her with the roses. She didn't "prune" them, but when the trailing branches become so long, she would simply take a large rock, pull the branch to the ground and place the rock on top. She told me the rose branch would create a new rooting system and simply start new growth. Her rose bush was huge and full of roses, so I guess she knew what she was talking about. This makes me wonder...do I hold on to the original rose bush or do I create a branch of my own? Do I grow off in another direction and let the past go? Or do I need to take a step back into my past to find what I'm looking for?

1 comments:

Leah Crowe said...

While reading this it feels like you are fighting to hold on to something, or struggling to keep what is yours. I feel this way when I go to my mom's house now. She was 2/3 of the way of kicking her husband out, and in he waltzes the morning she passed away and moves back into her house. Feel like I'm fighting to get anything of hers, because none of it meant anything to him. Eeeks. sorry for venting here... I loved hearing about your dreams, and your grandmother roses.

January 17, 2011 5:10 PM

A Month to the Day

2010-09-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, it was August 6 when I last blogged, and here it is Labor Day, September 6. I am having blogger's block these days because so much is happening and so much is changing. I just hope I can handle it all. It's very scary. I didn't expect to be raising my son alone, doing everything on my own, and it's overwhelming if I think about it. So I'm trying not to think and just do.

I'm trying not to be angry, but that's the toughest! My friends say it's time to be angry. Maybe so.

It's hard to get over the hurt and sadness that someone can inflict, but you have to, don't you? Especially if you have a child involved in it all. And I'm just trying to do what's best for him, my top priority.

What I don't understand and what hurts the most is how someone can move on so quickly after 16 years. I'm thinking take this time and find myself again, get back that "self" I lost in the relationship and spend some time on my own. I assume that my ex would do the same. And yes, there may have been a little part of me that wondered if we just might patch things up. Nope! New woman already sleeping in what was my bedroom, visiting the people I love and taking my place. So I ask myself: Can the ex really have found someone so quickly or were they seeing this person for quite some time even while we were in counseling in hopes to repair our relationship? I choose B, but I guess I'll never know for sure.

And where does our boy stand? How do I explain to him what's going on if this family he's known since birth disappears from his life? I know divorce happens to everyone, break-ups happen, and family dissolve. But it's happening right now, it's fresh and painful, and I have to find a way to explain all of this to Jake. As I look at him sleeping beside me, I worry about him and yet I try to tell myself he'll be just fine. Dear God, I hope so. It's up to me now.

Progress...At least Mommie thinks so...

2010-08-06T17:12:00.001-07:00

Back before school was out this past May, this is the way Jake would draw people. We all had rectangles for bodies and lots of fingers and circular feet attached to stick legs. I love them! This is a drawing of his classmate, Corianne.

Over the past three months, he has really come a long way in how he draws people now. I would love it if he enjoyed art as much as I do (or did it seems these days), so I definitely encourage him to draw and paint. Tonight, he was in the mood to draw so he picked up his Jessie and Woody figures from Toy Story 3, similar looking to the one in the pictures below. I told him just to look at them and draw what he saw.

Here's Woody! I think in three short months he has really come a long way! Look at Woody's spurs! And he has a bandanna around his neck! And a holster!

And here's Jessie! She has cow hide print chaps and yellow cuffs on her sleeves! Her hair is red and her eyes are green! Okay, her feet aren't quite right yet, but hey, I see progress!

School starts in a week or so and I can't believe it's FIRST GRADE for Jake already. I still want him to be my baby. I want to hold him and smooch on his chubby cheeks and blow raspberries on his belly! I want him this size again:

Yet, today at our doctor's visit, he measured 4 feet 1-1/2 inches tall and 47 pounds. He's a bit thin, but before you know it, he'll be taller than me!

Here he is at Fine Arts Day Camp Family Day with his friend, Evangeline. Where'd my baby go?

Has it really been two months?

2010-05-30T18:22:00.001-07:00

I honestly can't believe my blog has sat idle for so long. Of course, there has been an incredible amount of "stuff" going on, some fun and some not so fun. Things are settling down a bit, and I hope they continue to do so.

How about some kindergarten graduation photos!? Jake graduated from kindergarten Thursday, May 27! I am so proud of my sweet boy, and he had a great report card, too! We did forget to return a library book that happened to get mixed up with our own books in our move, but I found it and we'll take it to the school on Tuesday. Oops!

This was taken before we left for graduation. Handsome!

Waiting to hear his name and receive his diploma. (See video at the end.)

Oh boy, does Jake adore this little girl, Sarah! They certainly do make a cute couple!

Here's Jake and Bethany. This little girl has the sweetest smile!

Mrs. Sullivan, Jake's teacher. She's super nice!

Mrs. Browning, Jake's teacher, also. Super sweet lady!

Jake and Andrew. They were also buddies in the after-school program.

Graduation Video:

So what else is new? Jake and I have moved and I guess things are okay. I'm super worried that I won't be able to afford everything, so definitely send a prayer my way. In the meantime, I can only take one day at a time. I'll have some photos of the apartment up soon. We're still unpacking, and it feels like I'll never be finished.

I took some time off from work to make this a long weekend, and Jake and I have spent some time in the pool. He's doing a terrific job with learning to swim.

More updates later. Time for bed around here!

Toof Fairy Comes Tonight!

2010-03-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

Most of you know how concerned I have been about this tooth. About 30 minutes ago while Jake was playing Wii, I heard "My toof fell out!" I ran into the living room and hallelujah, the tooth was out!

He still has another on the bottom just hanging there. Can you say "braces"? lol!

Look at that sweet face! I do dread going through this for the rest of his baby teeth. This is only the second one he's lost. Help!

Back from Hiatus

2010-03-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

I used to be a little better at keeping up with my blogs. I have more of the Home Place story to post as soon as I get some pictures sorted out, and there's lots of things coming up, but since I started my job, which I really like, it's been tough to find any time for all the things I love. I haven't scrapbooked in close to a year, but I actually have a scrapbook to create for someone else! I'm nervous about it, hope I can do a good job, and she likes my style. Plus, her little one is a girl! I get to use pink and flowers and all kind of girlie stuff!

Thinking of selling the house, may be putting it up for sale around the end of April. We don't need a house as large as this one. It costs way too much to heat and cool. I can't keep up with all the cleaning either. I love the idea of simplifying and downsizing, and to prepare, we've started cleaning out and organizing!

I figured we'd start with a small space, and we picked the master bedroom closet/laundry room. I'm not sure I ever want the laundry room inside the closet again. I guess it's nice because all the laundry is hidden, and you just have to toss your dirty stuff in the basket, but it just seemed to stay a mess all the time. It was also kind of weird to have the washer repairman in the closet the other day.

Do I even have to say that small space took all freaking day? I still have to pull the washer and dryer out and clean the floor there, but otherwise, we're done with that. Hopefully, we can keep it clean and not have to start over once we get the rest of the house done.

I didn't take before pictures because that would have shown what a slob I've become, but here are some after shots. LOL!

The laundry area. Can you believe I actually had to call the Maytag Repairman? Washer was just a year old, and the transmission went out.

It's sad how few clothes I have. I definitely need to shop for clothes. Can't wear my PJs to work like I have for the past 8 years. IGNORE the horrible floral border. We never did get that down.

Towels and sheets. I love neatly folded towels!

As I mentioned, I really like my new job. It's so close to home and to Jake's school, that the extra gas isn't too big a factor. My insurance started this month! BIG YAY! I feel more like a real person again instead of someone struggling with everything. AND...look where I got to park the whole month of February!

I'd like to say I earned "employee of the month", but they draw names! : ) I'll take it!

Okay, so the tooth fairy paid her first visit a while back. Jake had one of the baby teeth on the bottom front so loose that I couldn't believe it just didn't fall out. I managed to get him to let his Papa "feel" of the tooth, and Papa just popped it right out! I think the little bit of blood was scary, but Jake got over it pretty quick. Now though, he will not let me wiggle any of the REALLY loose teeth basically hanging out of his mouth. Look!

See that front tooth? It's almost horizontal, it's so loose! He won't let me wiggle it and he won't wiggle it himself. It's driving me nuts! It's the same thing with the other front bottom tooth. The little thing is just dangling, and his permanent teeth are already in! I managed to get him to agree to go to a dentist here in town, a kids' dentist, so that he can get a cleaning, and if I have anything to do with it, have these teeth pulled! Well...the dentist could blow on them and they'll probably come right out. My silly boy!

What else? We had Bella spayed. She was out of it the day of and the day after, but then she was basically back to her wild-girl self. WILD! She's really a sweet girl, has learned to sit for her biscuit, but the potty training sucks! We take her out and she'll do her business. Then, we bring her in, and she does her business again in the dining room! In a few weeks, she's going for some training, and my friend Stephanie recommended a great trainer who specializes in potty training. I can't wait! We need the leash training, too, because Bella runs on the leash likes she pulling an Alaskan sled dog team...as the lead dog of course.

I will leave you with this...

Bella says...Spring is almost here!

2010 - A Week In

2010-01-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

I am definitely looking forward to the New Year, definitely hoping for positive changes, and I have lots of plans, but I am feeling:

mel⋅an⋅chol⋅y
noun, plural -chol⋅ies, adjective–noun

1. a gloomy state of mind, esp. when habitual or prolonged; depression.
2. sober thoughtfulness; pensiveness.

Definition #2 fits the best, I believe.

My great aunt passed away the day after Christmas. She was 88. Although I didn't see her as much as my immediate family, every time I did see her, she always had a hug for me, a squeeze of my hand, and since Jake came along, would always tell me how special he was. She was a wonderful lady.

Her passing perhaps brought about some reflection, and I'll admit I also heard Kenny G's rendition of Auld Lang Syne and although this sounds silly, the clips played of people from the past, from events that happened over the years all made me realize how much has happened in my lifetime: events that changed us all, some that shocked and astounded us, and how many people were a part of this world and are no longer with us.

In reflecting back on my own life, I realized how much I miss certain people. My mom's mother, my dad's brothers, my stepbrother, Pat's mom, and others are no longer with us and I truly miss them.

There will never be another time when I walk through the screen door at my grandmother's house and call out "yooooohoooo!" and have her call it back to me. No more walking in her bedroom and seeing a quilt in progress on top of her bed and watching her applique while we talk.

No more e-mails to my uncle, Bob, sent just to make him laugh with a smart-ass comment sent back to me, and I can't delete him from my address book because I miss him so much.

At the wake for my great aunt, a lady was telling my dad she had 5 kids, and when she asked my dad how many he had he said well, we lost one, but we have 5. My stepbrother, Jim, passed away an unbelievable 10 years ago after an auto accident. I still see how much my stepmom misses him and I can feel it when his name is mentioned or it's his birthday or the anniversary of his death. I miss him, too.

Pat's sister and her family were here visiting and brought in the New Year with us. We were talking about their mom and laughing about some of her silly sayings, some I can't even put in print here! Let's just say she loved the phrase "horse's ass" and used it regularly. What a beautiful lady she was and again, I can feel how much Pat and Karen miss her. I cannot imagine not having my mother here on earth with me.

I got to visit with my best friend, Maria, as well. I went over after work to spend some time with her and her family before they had to drive back to Raleigh. We figured it up, and we have been friends for 30 years. Do you know she looks exactly the same to me? I practically grew up in her house and her family feels like my own. Gosh, it was wonderful being there again. I even discovered that the wall we all wrote on downstairs in their workout room still has everyone's signatures on it. Her dad said, he looks at while he works out and it gives him a good feeling. Maria was going to have her kids sign the wall as well. I wish I had my camera with me that night to get a photo. That's high on my list for next time!

One of my biggest wishes for 2010 is that my personal life improves. For every step we take forward, we seem to take one back, just spinning our wheels. I just hope that we can work things out and no matter what, it will be in Jake's best interest. I'm so sad that things have turned out the way they have.

This post was actually interrupted since I started it a few days ago. I woke up this past Tuesday feeling horrible, aching all over. I made it to work, but after about 2 hours I ended up back home. I crawled into bed, called my mom to pick up Jake, and then slept off and on. I would wake myself up moaning. I don't think I've ever been in so much pain.

When my mom brought Jake home, she took one look at me and called my doctor. My flu test was negative, but with the back and neck pain I was having, he was concerned for possible viral meningitis and had me go to the ER. Once there, they gave me fluids and started some tests. Luckily, the doctor did not think I had viral meningitis, but definitely a viral illness. He said he could still be the flu despite a negative test. I was given more fluids, some pain meds, and eventually sent home.

I'm still feeling weak from it all and now Jake and I both have stuffy noses, cough, and low-grade fevers. Oh the joy of winter and school kids passing colds and such back and forth to each other!

HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-11-07T13:45:00.001-08:00

Despite the rain, there were kids everywhere in the neighborhood. It was great! Jake was Mario this year and what a cutie! Mario is a little chubbier than Jake so I kind of thought he looked like a blue pencil with a big red eraser.

We went to Olive Garden for an early dinner and then back home for trick or treat!

See? Skinny blue pencil, red eraser!

Add 1 mustache!

We had a great night and the rain started again right as we turned onto our street to walk home!

What a haul! He had a very full pun'kin!

Even Bella got a new toy!

That toy is now toast! No toy will get the best of Bella!

Lots of Changes

2009-10-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

It's been pretty busy around here the past few weeks. I've gone from having a job I was so fed up with to a job I really like and actually make money doing! Whoo hoo! It's amazing how things fell into place with this job. Honestly, I was worried about going to work outside the house again. I'd been at home for 8 years and thought that, along with my age, would make it hard for me to find something. Prayers were answered though every step of the way. I really felt after the interview that I had the job, but was worried about the hours. They wanted to start me out 10 am until 7 pm. What on earth would I do with Jake? I couldn't afford daycare of any sort right away and my mom was backing out on picking up Jake for me if I got a job. Instead of worrying though, I just prayed. When I got the call on Labor Day, prayers were answered when my boss told me she needed me to start out part time 8 to 2:30. YES! I readily accepted without thinking twice. When I started, the job was a busy one, which I like, and it was what I call mindless. Oh, you still need to know what you're doing, but for me it was perfect. No stopping to look up drugs or medical terms, no listening over and over to try and figure out what some sloppy dictation was supposed to be. It was great.

I was to be one of two people doing this job, and when the young girl came back from family medical leave, it seemed to work out fine. I think though because I get in there and work and don't slack off, that it made her slacking off more noticeable. I'm not bragging or anything; it was just the way it was. She was constantly texting on her cell phone or talking on the phone at work, constantly up and down from her desk and talking. I was worried for her myself that she may get fired.

My boss approached me one day and asked me how soon I could go full time. Telling her the truth, I said it would be as soon as I could figure out care for my son after school and that my mom had kind of backed out of what she and I had discussed. My boss also said that the hours would be 9 to 6, which would be a bit better than 10 to 7.

All along though, I had this feeling that the girl I was working with would not be staying long, and sure enough, she came back from lunch one day and quit. I hate it that she quit so soon, but I was offered her hours of 7:30 to 4:30! Another prayer answered because I really wanted to have evenings with Jake and not have to come home, slap some kind of dinner on the table and then put him to bed. I also found out that his school had an after school program, and it was so simple to get him enrolled in that. He's fine with it, with only a little bit of fuss, and I feel good about him being there.

I just completed my first full time week and it went very well. This coming Friday I will have a full paycheck working full time. I will not know what to do with myself!! After 8 years of struggling with money and going back and forth between transcription companies, I feel like a person with a real job again. I don't feel like I'm some loser struggling to make ends meet, that I can't buy clothes for myself when I need them so badly or spend too much at the grocery store for fear of not having gas in the car of at least a bit of cash in my pocket in case of emergency. I feel like those times are over and I'm on my way to standing on my own two feet again! My prayers were definitely answered!

What else is new? My baby turned 6!!! Unbelievable! For the first time, we decided to have his party somewhere other than here at the house. We chose a great new park with two covered picnic areas, great playground setups, and most importantly, restrooms! Of course, it was freezing cold! Last October, Jake was in shorts, it was sunny and warm. This time, we're all cold and couldn't wait to get back home! Of course, the kids didn't seem to mind at all.

Jake and Kimberly, from his class.

Lucian! What a climber!

Jackson, Jake's cousin. What a cutie!

Jake was very protective of Kimberly. Jake's cousin Will has his eyes closed in this one! He's a cutie, too! Lucian is behind Will.

Nana made the cake. Sponge Bob, of course!

Since Jake had his first birthday, it's been my tradition to take his photo on October 19 at 10:07 pm, the date and time of his birth. Here's my baby this year. (Forgot to put his pillowcase on his pillow, duh!) How do you like those Sponge Bob Jammies?

Lastly, we have a new addition to the family. Oh, it's taking some getting used to, but she's pretty cute.

Bella is supposed to be Jake's puppy, but she really loves Pat. Luckily though, she's good with all of us. Explaining to a child how to be gentle with a puppy is tough! Jake is beginning to understand that he could hurt her if he's not careful. Of course, SHE thinks she is a big dog. Pat said at the vet's office the other day, Bella saw a big dog come out of the exam room and started to bark and growl at him. Pat said the dog could have swallowed her in one gulp, but Bella didn't let that stop her!

Bella dreams big for sure!

Getting Up For School

2009-09-13T11:27:00.001-07:00

I remember how hard it was to get up and get ready, don't you? If you rode the bus like we did, you probably had to get up that much earlier, too. Compared to what time I had to get up as a kid, Jake's got it pretty easy since we start waking him up at 6:45. Noticed I said "start." He'll eventually come into the living room where I've turned on Play With Me Sesame, a half hour take off show of Sesame Street. He never wanted to watch it or Sesame Street when he was smaller, but Play With Me Sesame has been a hit since school started. I love hearing him laugh at Elmo and Grover dancing or Ernie annoying the crap out of Bert.

He still grumps and complains while I'm cooking breakfast, and as I was doing so Friday morning, I peeked into the living room to make sure he was up.

This is what I saw...Bert, Ernie, and that blob on the couch.

Guess the blob is not quite awake yet, but I did hear a little laughter coming from it.

Project Comfort

2009-09-08T04:42:00.000-07:00

What is Project Comfort?

If you've never heard of a prayer shawl or a comfort shawl, this site called The Prayer Shawl Ministry can enlighten you on what they are and their uses. Basically, they are handmade shawls given to someone undergoing any type of change in their life, such as an illness or grieving, where a bit of comfort is needed. They can be knitted, crocheted, and quilted. Often, they are blessed by a minister or priest before being given to the recipient.

My plan is to make as many as possible to donate to our local hospital's cancer center, to anyone, or any hospital. I'm working on different patterns, including some with more of an open weave for the warmer months. I personally know that doctor's offices and clinics can be quite chilly even in the summer if you have to wait for long periods of time.

If you would like to donate yarn or make a monetary donation, it would be greatly appreciated and certainly be for a good cause. You may contact me at jks4690 "at" aol "dot" com. Also, if you are a knitter, crocheter, or quilter and would like to volunteer for Project Comfort, use the same address to contact me. I'd love to have your help!

Some VERY Interesting History Here in Town

2009-08-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

I was going to say "Family" history, but I think I'll just say that the main person in this story was the husband of my relative, so we're not technically related.

I'm talking about my relative, Dot Cooper, who we called Uncle Dot for some reason even though she was an Aunt. Uncle Dot was the younger sister of my great, great grandmother. She married T. Earl Robertson, whom this bit of history is about. The story below is something I had heard only bits and pieces of and today my cousin, Lisa, who said it took her FOREVER to put enough information together to find this article, sent an e-mail to all of us "cuzins" containing the following. I've changed the wording a bit and removed the names of the deceased and injured. I do not want to offend any readers!

And also, if you take the ghost tour in downtown Spartanburg, you get to go down to where this happened. According to my cousin Andrea, who took the tour the claim is there are voices to be heard and lots of "ghostly activity." Apparently, this was something the city would not forget.

Here goes:

The Spartanburg Journal

August 1, 1929

FOUR KILLED BY CRAZED MAN

Shipping Clerk Runs Amuck at Bell Mill Wielding Hand Axe

T. Earl Robertson in Bloody Rampage Fatally Wounds _____, _____, _____, and _____

African American Worker Badly Cut, May Die

Four persons all white men, were killed or fatally wounded, another probably mortally injured and the west end of the city thrown into confusion here shortly after noon when T. Earl Robertson, 55, shipping clerk at the J.W. Bell mill on West Main street became insane and ran amuck with a hand axe.

The dead are:

_____, 30, 170 Pine street, sales manager for the J. W. Bell company.

_____, 58 321 South Converse street extension, bookkeeper and cashier for the J.W. Bell company.

_____, 36, South Church street extension, car repairer for the C and W C railway.

_____, 47, South Church street extension, car repairer for the C and W C railway.

_____, about 40 years of age, residing on Brush street and employed with the Bell company, was at the county hospital his skull crushed also by a blow from the ax. He was resting quietly, however, about 9:10 o’clock this afternoon.

Preparations were being made this afternoon to take the insane man to the Columbia asylum. Physicians who visited him in the county jail declared he was violently insane, although he appeared to have lucid moments. Every precaution was taken by officials to prevent him from doing himself bodily harm.

Effort was being made to locate Coroner John S. Turner, who was out of the city, to learn what action would be taken concerning an inquest.

_____ was killed instantly in the office of the J. W. Bell company and _____ died while en route to the hospital. Their heads were split open by the maniac who crept upon his unsuspecting victims who were defenseless and without an avenue of escape from the building.

_____ died at the Mary Black clinic an hour after he had been carried to the institution. His head was crushed by a heavy blow from the ax in the hands of Robertson. _____ succumbed at the Mary Black clinic three hours after he was struck down by the insane man.

Both _____ and _____ were taken unawares by the ax-slayer as they were eating their noonday lunch in a box car in the yard of the C & W C, a short distance from the J.W. Bell plant.

Reports from the Spartanburg county hospital were to the effect that _____ is suffering from injuries to his head, the evidence being that he was struck two blows. His forehead is cut and bruised but it has not been determined whether or not his skull is fractured. He also has a cut on the top of his head. The man was unconscious when he reached the hospital but a short time afterward revived but was unable to give a coherent account of what had taken place.

TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

Robertson was taken into custody by Constable Frank Johnson of Judge JJ Gentry’s court. The insane man was captured by S.J. Lanier, foreman of car repairs for the C. And E.C. railway, who held him until the arrival of the officer.

Mr. Lanier had noticed the maniac walking along the platform of the Bell company and saw him throw something away, he said. Mr. Lanier had found both the bodies of _____ and _____ and then noticed Robertson.

He met him on the sidewalk near a pole and asked him what he meant by killing the two men. “I don’t know what made me do it,” the maniac replied; and later on “just crazy; just crazy,” he repeated.

BEGGED FOR ARREST

He kept begging Lanier to have him arrested, the C. and W. C. foreman said. Lanier caught the maniac about the waist and so held him until the arrival of Constable Johnson.

_____ and _____ were found by J.B. O’Neale, C. and W.C. engineer, Bussey having been slain at his desk.

After Robertson had been on his death-dealing trail, he stood in a door of the establishment and refused to let people come in, It was said. A traveling salesman coming up to the door asked to see Mr. Bell, but was told by the maniac, it was said, “You can’t come in here. I am the only one in this place.”

ACTED QUEERLY

The traveling man noticed something queer about Robertson’s eyes and left.

The slain men were all married and have families. _____ wife and young daughter were expected back from Chattanooga, where they have been visiting this afternoon.

Some signs of Robertson’s having acted strangely had been manifested for several days, several persons said. But J.W. King, traffic manager, who was at lunch at the time of the accident noticed nothing particularly.

Robertson was “worrying possibly a little” at times, but he had not noted queer behavior during the morning.

Robertson explained he hadn’t been able to eat dinner. He had tried to kill himself two or three Sundays ago, he told the physician, by throwing a chain over a high voltage wire.

He had thought of putting his head into a revolving wheel at the Bell plant, he said. He had had no quarrel with anybody, he explained, and he thought _____ and _____ were still at their work.

His breath had been bad and he had been undergoing treatment, the maniac told the physicians he had asked his brother to have him locked up for he knew he was crazy.

On being further questioned he admitted he “might have” hurt somebody during the day.

He had formerly worked with the county and elsewhere, including on a farm. Robertson said he had been with Bell several years.

IN EAST SPARTANBURG

Robertson lives with his wife and son in East Spartanburg. He was interviewed at the jail by Dr. L.J. Blake and Dr. J.E. Cudd, county physicians.

When asked his name he replied he didn’t know, and again gave a negative answer when the question was repeated. He has two brothers he said living above the city, Andrew and John.

The only thing he could remember about the incident the maniac first claimed was asking someone to arrest him.

Mrs. Robertson and their son T.E. Robertson, Jr. arrived at the jail about 3 o’clock and visited Robertson in his cell.

Her husband had been having spells for several weeks, Mrs. Robertson explained. Their home is on the Union highway near the junction with the Spartanburg Country Club road.

HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR

John Simpson, employee at the Bell plant was probably the nearest to the warehouse victims and gave a coherent account of the events, although he was not an eye witness. He was eating dinner near the platform of the warehouse and was facing the railroad track.

The man said he heard a loud cry for help issue from the interior of the building. Soon Robertson appeared carrying the handax in his hand. It was stained with blood and he had blood spots on his face he said. As he approached him Simpson said he became frightened and moved away.

CHASED OTHER MEN

Simpson said he evaded the man who walked around several freight cars and again entered the building. It was then that Robertson attacked several of the employees who fled from the building. Among the number was Clarence Guess, who narrowly escaped the fate of _____, who was struck twice by the insane man.

Simpson said he fled toward Main street but turned around in time to see Robertson emerge from the building behind several of the workmen and walk directly across the railroad track to the car in which _____ and _____ were seated. He then went to the telephone and called the police station, he said.

FORMER MOTORMAN

Robertson had been in the employee of the Bell company for about 8 years in the capacity of shipping clerk. He lived at East Spartanburg and for a number of years was employed as street car motorman. He is married and has one son. His wife visited him in the jail shortly after being apprised of the tragedy.

AUGUST 2, 1929

…………While the city was reeling under the shock of the tragedy precipitated by the erstwhile meek shipping clerk, the man who in his frenzy snapped out four lives, was being spirited away to the state hospital for the insane at Columbia. The party, in charge of Chief J.H. Barnett of the county rural police, left here about 3:30 o’clock after making hasty arrangements for the commitment of the mentally unbalanced man to the institution.

They arrived in the capital about 4:15 o’clock when he was immediately admitted to the asylum and placed under observation.

TRIED TO KILL HIMSELF

Three times during the trip Robertson attempted to kill himself, the officers said, but each time his efforts were restrained. He kept muttering, they said, that he wanted to die. Every precaution was taken by those in charge of him to prevent him from doing himself bodily harm and hospital attaches are exercising every care with the same object in view, according to reports from Columbia.

Wish I could figure out why they mentioned that "his breath had been bad." Such an odd comment, don't you think?

I understand that Earl Robertson's son, who was also named after him, worked all of his life to "pay the families" of the men who were killed. I'm sure this must have been something to deal with during that time. My grandmother, who was 7 years old when this happened, said she can remember someone coming to the house to inform them all of what happened. It's so tragic and sad and an unfortunate part of Spartanburg History.

Two Funnies (or not so funny) in One Day

2009-08-24T18:00:00.001-07:00

Jake said on the way out to school today:

"I wish a big rock would drop on school!"

Nice, right?

Jake said later:

"School is like a microwave....BAD!"

What?????

Physique 57

2009-08-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks so my friend, Tami, I found out about this give-away! I'd love to win this! For a chance, visit Fitness NYC!

Bubbles, SpongeBob and Six-Year-Old Feet,

2009-08-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

In just another 2 months my baby boy will be 6 years old. I really cannot believe it. He's only a foot or so away from being my height. I can't keep him in shoes for more than a season or pants either for that matter. I know everyone says they grow up too fast, but I had no idea how true it was until I had a child of my own.

Yesterday, Jake and I played outside, drawing on the driveway with chalk. I had to draw everything SpongeBob Squarepants and hopscotch, of course.

Do you recognize the houses of the SB characters? I even added the Krusty Krab! haha!

Today, we were out again with bubbles. He received some as a party favor over the weekend.

Notice they are peppermint scented.

I love the cheeks in this one.

After I had enough bubble pictures, I once again started to wonder how many pairs of shoes we would go through before his feet stopped growing. Those thoughts led to these:

Bubbly Boy Feet

Squatty Boy Feet.

Right Boy Foot

Size 13 Boy Feet

Dear Nike,
Please send shoes. Thank you.

Fun Weekend!

2009-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

This Saturday was Carson's first birthday! She invited Jake to a pool party at her Marmie's house and we had lots of fun.

Here's the birthday girl and her mommie!

Having a little snackie.

There were hotdogs and chips, ice cream sundaes, and of course birthday cake!

Carson had her own, of course!

Yummy!

Sweet Carson got lots of presents including a tea set, a baby doll, and a trike!

Jake is learning how to swim and did great with the swimmies. At first I wasn't going in with him, so Hope volunteered to help out.

It was so hot, though, I broke down and went in the pool. The water felt great, but after playing with the kids, lifting Jake out of the pool so he could slide into the water about 100 times, and of course getting more sun than I needed to, I was pooped! I really wanted to do this:

Instead, I had to deal with this little guy:

Don't you love those goggles? : )

Why is it....

2009-08-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

that the taste of that tiny McDonald's hamburger is so wonderful with those McDonald's fries???

Bringing it Back to Life, Part 3 - Inside Prior to Demo

2009-08-04T13:49:00.001-07:00

The point of my blogging about the house is to get the story down for the family. I plan on showing my grandmother what I've written and have her add or delete anything needed. I've asked other family members to write down their memories of the house and the family members who lived there as well. I want every detail, "lest we forget."

That being said, you may want to return to previous posts where I've added another picture or two or little tidbits that I've discovered. I'll try not to backtrack from here on out though.

On the agenda this week is to borrow all the pictures my dad and his wife, Mackie, took along the way and copy them for my collection.

In the meantime, how about a look at the inside of the house before demolition started?

After my aunt and uncle moved out, they did rent the house a couple of times. We all know that can be bad or good depending on your tenants. Basically though, the house needed an overhaul of huge proportion in order for it to survive and remain a family landmark.

The layout of the house I remember looked like this: (Sorry for the blurriness.)

The day demo was to start, I went down to help pull up carpets and also to take pictures. Wow! Let me just say, there was never a shortage of dogs who also shared the house, and the carpets had some more odor! Floors were rotting, it was filthy, and lots of junk was left behind by previous renters. I personally wondered how on earth my dad was ever going to manage such an undertaking. I might have been too overwhelmed after that first day and called it quits, but not my dad.

My dad and his brother looking over the hallway. Masks were certainly a necessity!

This bedroom is now part of the new kitchen.

This photo was taken from the oldest part of the house, the dining room, straight through to the front door.

Here you see how the plaster was done originally in the house.

This is the front bedroom. I'll have some more detailed photos of the original ceiling in this room, but it's beautiful! The straps that held a quilting frame long ago still hang there. The door you see in this photo now leads into a new bathroom.

The fireplace in the living room. The brick was added sometime in the 1970s and then the wood stove later.

All of the carpets were taken up, and the cabinets in the hallway were taken down. Both sides of the hall were lined with cabinets similar to this one, all added in the 1970s.

Here's the kitchen as it was. This is in the very back room of the house and for now is still this way. It's in the oldest part of the house that my dad has done nothing with yet. I think I mentioned, he may not be able to save the older rooms.

Basically after that day, my dad moved in. He knew once he began bringing in his tools, saws, and supplies that he would need to be there so nothing was stolen or ransacked once he started working. He worked during the day and into the evening and then after a trip up to my grandmother's house for a shower and dinner, he would go back to the house to sleep. I'm not sure how he decided what to do first or how he did anything without sketches, but he had everything in his head just how he wanted it to be. Just wait...

Bringing it Back to Life, Part 2 - Some of the People

2009-07-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

I don't remember my great, great grandmother of course, but I know she was a woman petite in height, and she was a civil war veteran's wife. The picture below is of her and her son, Wales, my great grandfather. I have to find out, but I think they are standing in front of the hog pen where the (duh) pigs were kept.

In a book my grandmother wrote for her three sons, she tells about "Mama."

"She despised wash-day and would give away a Sunday dress to get a woman to help do the washing. She was a confederate widow. In July each year she received a pension (around $130). We would load up in the T-Model car and go to Spartanburg. It bought all of us shoes, cloth for dresses, curtain material, white sheeting, baloney, and each of us sat in the car and had a greasy hot dog with lots of onions."

"She loved her church, my babies, pretty clothes, and cheese, and she was as reserved and noble as a queen."

"She married my grandfather, Henry Johnson, when she was very young. I wonder if she ever loved him very much. He was almost twice her age and died when my father was four years old. She never married again."

"She disliked the dark, loved new moons and things done right. She taught me things I will never forget-you never chewed with your mouth open-you put a knife, fork, and spoon at every place." (All the time I might add and not just special occasions and MY grandmother taught me the same thing.) "Every night she knelt by her bedside and said her prayers, her hair hanging down her back in a single pigtail."

Wales and his mother Lillian Cooper Johnson

Below is Layton Cooper, or Uncle Layt as everyone called him. He worked very hard on finishing the house as a young man.

The picture below is of Wales again. I have a teensy memory of him. He passed away when I was 4 or so. Some excerpts from my grandmother's book about her father:

"He had a funny way of teasing without laughing. How he loved my boys when they came along. He was so very special. I feel he's enjoying Heaven, for if he's not there, there is no use for anyone to try to get there."

"His hands I will never forget. He made a trip to Woodruff for crop fertilizer in a wagon and was caught in a severe thunderstorm. Seeing those hands with the wet, torn bag and the pink and white squares of coconut candy was too much."

This lady is Wale's wife, Clara Jackson Johnson. Everyone called her Mother except my dad and his brothers and they called her Granny. I call her Mother, too, and it suits her much more than Granny does in my opinion. She passed away my senior year in high school. I can remember when she lived in the home house a little. I remember staying overnight with my cousins Hope and Judy.

My grandmother wrote these things about her mother.

"I can always remember how my Mother kept flowers in the house. Always starched scarves on the tables and dressers. Pillow cases, too, were starched, and the sheets were ironed nice and smooth."

I know she was a wonderful cook. I know she like to dress up for church on Sundays. She always wore dresses and always had a broach or necklace on. She taught me how to crochet and I can still see her hands showing me the stitches.

Daddy Wales at Christmas.

Check out that plate of fried chicken!

My grandmother, Mary Kathryn, was born in the house. This is her as a baby.

There were lots of babies. This is my grandmother's younger sister and my grandmother's first son, Bob.

Here's my dad.

My cousin, Hope. I know it gets confusing, but Hope is my grandmother's niece, my dad's first cousin and my second. She's closer in age to me, and I consider her my sister!

Look! It's me with my great grandparents. My grandmother told me that Daddy Wales would never hold us, but he'd touch us in some way. I love this picture of him holding my hand. Notice the broach at Mother's collar?

There were special events at the house, too. Here's a picture of my mom's bridal shower. My great aunt is in the center. On the left is Emily, and don't ask me to make that family connection or you'll be so confused you won't know whether to scratch your watch or wind your butt!

Another bridal shower: this time it's my dad's youngest brother's wife or soon to be wife, Judy.

While I look for more photos of the house and pictures taken in and around the house, I'll leave you with this:

Snort! This is my great aunt, my grandmother's sister, Hope's mom. Don't you love the hair? I wonder how long it took her exactly to get it that high and how much AquaNet she had to use? She was at a family picnic in this photo and my guess is she fishing a bug from her iced tea with that spoon and thinking how much she would like to ring the photographer's neck.

Life goes on doesn't it?

Jake in Papa's new window...

Bringing it Back to Life, Part 1

2009-07-30T17:02:00.001-07:00

See this house?

Looks like it needs major TLC, right?

Boy, does it ever!

See the back section in the third photo? It's basically two rooms: what I remember to be the kitchen and the dining room of my great-grandmother's and then my great aunt's home. I vaguely remember there being a pantry or mud room of sorts where you see that door when I was a little girl.

That back section of the house, from what I understand, is around 175 years old. It's had "cosmetic" repairs done over the years, but when something is that old, there comes a point where it needs more than just some makeup. At this point, it's resting on the ground and my dad isn't sure he'll be able to save it.

The front part of the house? Well, it's not quite that old. It's maybe 140 or 150 years old. She's had some makeup added, too, bless her heart.

My great, great, great grandfather, David Cooper built this house. He and his family lived in the two back rooms until he could start on the larger front section. He and his wife, Mary Jane Layton Cooper, and their family are buried in the family cemetery that's behind the house a bit. He died before he could finish the house at age 40.

Mary Jane passed away at age 75. Sorry for the bad picture here. There was a tree casting a shadow. She was born in 1846 and died in 1921.

If you're wondering where these grave markers came from, well, my dad poured the concrete and my cousin, Hope, wrote the names on them. The cemetery is another story for another day.

This is Mary Jane. I wouldn't want to upset her, would you? To our knowledge, there are no pictures of David.

I have something of his though. This hammer and tool box were his. My grandmother gave them to me. I treasure them.

The land on which the house was built was handed down by my great, great, great, great grandfather Coleman Layton. This was Mary Jane's father. Mary Jane married David Cooper. Have I confused you yet? Mary Jane and David had 9 children. Their son, Layton Cooper finished the house as he could.

The house has been lived in by descendants of the Layton-Cooper family ever since. David and his family, then my great, great grandmother, my great grandparents, and my grandmother and her sister were born in the house. Later, my grandmother's sister lived in the house and raised her family there. When it became difficult for my great aunt to move around easily in the house, she and her husband moved. The house itself had been left to dad's first cousin, Hope, by my great-grandmother. Hope in turn sold it to my dad for $1.

Look at my grandmother's face between my dad and Hope. She's happier than a (insert witty southern saying of your choice) knowing my dad's getting the house. He's worked since 2002 bringing the old girl back to life, doing most of the work on his own, getting help when he needed it. If you'd like to stick around, I'll show you just how he's done it!

We Interrupt This...

2009-07-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

I thought once Jake got a little older things would be different as far as my work-at-home job, being able to complete my household chores, and even taking a shower. By different, I mean less interruptions-that since I could talk to him, reason with him, and make him understand what my job is, that he'd know not to interrupt. Not only has that changed only a little as far as Jake is concerned, but last night was proof that the other adult in this household can't seem to go 10 minutes without my attention.

First of all, I had been to the dentist yesterday for an impression redo that I wasn't expecting to have to do, and on top of that I wasn't expecting more Novocaine and my jaw was hurting pretty badly last night. Once we got home from dinner out, I just wanted to rest on the sofa. I asked P if she'd trade nights with me putting Jake to bed so that I could rest. I got a maybe on that. Not a "Sure, I'll do it." but a maybe.

The minute my rear end hit the couch, Jake wants more Sponge Bob cutouts. (More on those later.) I explained to him that I did not feel well and that I'd help him with this the next day. It was after 8:30 and he was about to have his pre-bedtime meltdown where he's very sleepy and doesn't want to admit it. I told him that if he did not stop his behavior that I would not help him with what he wanted and that was that. With him finally okay, I then have to get up and put aloe gel on someone's back who didn't use sunscreen at the pool. I go back to the sofa and the phone rings. I tell my friend I'll call her back once everyone was in bed.

Now P knows that Jake is to be in bed no later than 9:30 for the summer months. Instead of getting him ready for bed, she decides she is going to sit and watch the show I wanted to watch at 10 pm even though she "hates" the show. Meanwhile, Jake is asking for a snack. I get the snack, grab the phone, and head to my office to call my friend. I'd had enough of trying to rest.

I'm talking on the phone and hear comes Jake and P. She's decided to clean the Hamster cage at 10:30 pm. Jake is on the hippity hop. I can barely hear my friend and I look down and Toot the Hamster is in his ball right under my feet. I go to another room in hopes to hear better and thinking that bedtime would be next. Instead, I get the meltdown cry, my name is being called, and P is yelling. My friends says she'll let me go, but I told her to hold on. I finally round both "kids" up and shut them in the bedroom telling them GOOD NIGHT!

By this time, I'd lost all train of thought, missed my show, and a phone call that should have taken no more than 15 or 20 minutes had lasted an hour and I can't remember a damned thing I was going to tell my friend.

There's such an imbalance when it comes to our responsibilities for Jake. I forsake even my job to take care of him. I can't meet production requirements because of the constant interruptions, and although I'm not working right now and in the process of starting a new job, I still have a few weeks before school starts that could make or break my position with this company. I don't get up for every little request, but there are times when I have to respond to what he wants or needs.

At night, I only get quiet time once EVERYONE is in bed, and even then I sometimes hear squabbling going on between P and Jake before he finally falls asleep or gets up and comes running to me. Then what's the point of taking turns with bedtime? I may as well do it all the time.

I'm the mom and I know that comes first before anything. I know this. My looks, my personal time, anything I want to do or need to do all get put aside until my obligations as a mom are fulfilled for the day. There has been better balance between Jake and me lately. He and I tend to have easy days, no fussing back from him when I ask him to do something, and even if there is, I can usually handle it without it escalating. He's never been an unruly child or temperamental. He simply wants the normal attention any child would want from his parents.

P knows she lacks patience at times and that her reactions are sometimes the cause of the arguing between she and Jake. What I don't get is, if that's not working for her (as Dr. Phil says) then why doesn't she change it? She says she wants him to react to her the way he does me. I've told her my thoughts behind how I respond to Jake, but still there's no change.

I want her to handle things on her own without my having to come in and referee. I want her to respond like a parent and not a sibling. Most of all, I don't want to worry about this when they are out together or when she takes him to Wilmington to see her sister. I don't want to worry that her impatience and lack of empathy to the fact that he's a 5 year old turn someone who has always been a well behaved child into one that isn't. I see it happening though because he wants to argue back not just with her, but now with me, and I have to undo this somehow.

There's no good way to end this post because I could keep going and going. Hopefully someone will say I'm not the only one dealing with an imbalance between themselves and their partner or spouse and how the kids are handled. UGH!

No, it's not funny...

2009-07-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

Why are cats so smart yet so dumb? And why are there so many stray cats in our neighborhood that like to congregate in our yard? Last week Pat saw a kitten sitting under the front of my car, and when she went out to see how friendly it was, it jumped up into the engine area. I never saw the kitten and hadn't given it a second thought. Yesterday, Jake and I were going to get some lunch so I settled him in his car seat and then we left. About 15 minutes later we arrive home and I immediately see this kitten laying on our driveway. I knew exactly what had happened. UGH! I parked and told Jake there was something on the driveway I didn't want him to see and that I was going to cover his eyes until we got inside. Of course, he questioned me, and I explained that one of the neighborhood kittens was hurt and I needed to help it. I get Jake inside and settled down with his Happy Meal. Then I try to decide what on earth to do about this cat. I call my dad, he laughs and then tells me the story of how he saw a bunny rabbit on the road that had been hit by a car, but wasn't dead and he knew he had to put the bunny out of its misery. Thanks, Daddy, that helped so much!

Okay, so I tell Jake to stay in the house and head out to the garage for a shovel, garbage bag, and then decided on a box, too. Of course, I try to shovel up the poor animal and it just scoots along the driveway. Oh great! No way am I touching it so I have to go find something to help me get it on the shovel. Mind you, the driveway looks like, well, it was I guess, a murder scene. There's "stuff" everywhere! All I could find was some kind of wooden stick in the garage, but I knew I just couldn't do this. I go back in the house and decide to call my neighbors, Kent and Katie. They're super nice and I'm sure when they gave us their numbers, they didn't mean for us to call with this type of situation, but I'm at a loss here. Sweet Kent comes out and gets the cat up and into the bag and box. He finally tells me to go inside and he'd clean up the driveway. I was very upset that I had taken this kitty's life and I guess Kent could tell. I thanked him over and over again. Geez, what a good neighbor!!! Later, you couldn't even tell what had happened except for the "box" sitting next to the garage door.

I called Pat and left a message for her not to come home and think she had a surprise waiting by the garage and go tearing into the box. I let her know what happened. Afterward, my lunch was not looking very appetizing. Oh well.

This morning, I wake up kind of, and Pat's telling me the mama cat was going nuts. I told Pat not to say another word, that I knew I killed her baby and it was bad enough; I didn't need to hear the mama was grieving! She keeps talking though, telling me that Mama was trying to get into the box. ACK! Now I feel so much better!

Getting Ready for the Toof Fairy!

2009-07-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

For a couple of weeks, Jake has mentioned that his "toof" hurt, and he pointed to his bottom front tooth on the right. When he'd let me, I'd check to see if it was loose and it never was. I still thought the permanent tooth was working on pushing the baby tooth out. The other morning, he said to me, "My toof is loose!" I checked it and told him I thought it was and how great that was! I must have been overly excited because he started to cry and said, "This can't be happening!" Poor little guy was pretty upset that he was going to lose a tooth.

Later that same day, I asked him if I could check it again and at the angle I was, I saw this!

Yep, his permanent tooth is coming in behind the baby tooth. You would not believe the bribing I had to do to get this picture! Anyway, after some on-line searching and a call to the dentist, we're letting nature take it's course. Of course, I tried to persuade the boy to start wiggling that baby tooth, but promptly was told "no way." Geez....I'm really looking forward to playing "Toof Fairy" and my kid can't even be persuaded to wiggle the thing even after I offered him a new SpongeBob movie!

Sale in the Old Etsy Store!

2009-06-23T06:50:00.001-07:00

I'm putting my market bags on sale for $8 each, three or more for $7 each. I'll make any color you'd like!

I'm also currently working on 5 comfort shawls for someone! I love it! This lady actually won the pink shawl in our Relay for Life Raffle and loved it so much that she wanted some for friends of her who will soon be undergoing surgery or chemotherapy. I'm so happy to do these for her. One of her first color choices is a beautiful lavender. I can't wait to finish so I can share it with you!

Be on the lookout for some scrapbooking supplies added to the store soon!

I really need to update all that's been going on around here, but I'll be back for that! Think black widow spiders, Wilmington, NC, and painting a bathroom!

Crocheted Market Bags

2009-06-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

I have so enjoyed making these! I've been crocheting like a fool lately and discovered this great pattern for market bags. I'll have more colors available in my etsy store very soon. Hot pink is coming today!

I've also made a comfort shawl for our Relay for Life team to raffle off. The tickets are $2 each and if you'd like to purchase a "cyber raffle ticket" just contact me! Here's a photo of the shawl we're raffling off.

What a mess!

2009-05-23T11:10:00.001-07:00

I really can't believe what a stupid mistake I made. Have you ever NOT gone with what your gut was telling you and did something anyway? I took a job that sounded way too good to be true and it most definitely turned out to be. Long story short, it was the old bait and switch deal. They lure you in with promises and elude to things that you can expect and then you discover you're dealing with crooks, basically. Yeah, they are crooks. I started this new job March 13 and worked for four pay periods. I've received one check that I had to fight to get to clear the bank. I'm still owed over $900 and all I get is one lie after another from this "Christian based" company, it's owner and his excutive vice president. I don't care if you know you they are either.

DIT TRANSCRIPTION

FORT MILL, SC

OWNER: HADI DANA

EVP: MICHELLE WEST

IF you are a transcriptionist looking for work, please do not be fooled by anything these people might tell you. You won't believe the number of past and current employees still waiting for their money.

I have written to the Fort Mill Times, will be borrowing the f-ing money to go the magistrate's office on Tuesday of this week to file a breech of contract, and am getting ready to file my complaint with the Office of Investigations and Enforcement who are responsible for investigating complaints involving violation of a professional or occupational practice, labor complaints, wage disputes, child labor, etc. There seems to be some employees rounding up others for a civil action suit, but I'm not sure where that stands right now.

Since this started, it seems time has stopped for me. I can't do anything normal. Go to the post office for stamps? Oh crap, no money. Grocery store? Dang, can I borrow...? I'm sick to my stomach constantly and can't think about anything else. I know this world is filled with bad people, but I really wonder how anyone who does something like this feels about what they're doing.

On a much, much lighter note, my sweet boy graduated from 4-kindergarten. It was the sweetest little ceremony. The whole week prior to this, he fretted over it, even cried during practice, and I finally had to tell him this was something to be so proud of and how proud everyone in his family was of how well he'd done in school. I was so glad when both sets of grandparents showed up so that he could see that we all really were so excited and proud of him.

His teacher, Miss Lisa. She's such a sweet lady.

This is Jakira, who he talked about all year.

We have to schedule play dates this summer or I'll get in big trouble!

Ketchup, Catsup, Catch-up!

2009-05-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

I hate Ketchup by the way. I don't eat any condiments actually. Mayo is horrible and mustard is even worse!

Crocheted pansies and other flower designs are in my Etsy shop!

It's, otherwise, just the same-old same-old around here. I think I did about 15 loads of laundry over the weekend and this time I put it all away! That makes me really happy.

I also cleaned house. We really need to do some renovating, but just can't afford to right now. Ive said it before. Whoever lived here before us must have NEVER mopped the floors. Even after 4 years here, they are actually still filthy. I never go barefoot because I see how dirty my Swiffer mop pads are when I mop and I cringe! Pat even got down on her hands and knees and scrubbed the kitchen tile and it's no better. The carpet needs to come up, too. Paint would be simple and not expensive. It's the flooring/carpeting and the entire kitchen that needs gutting that will cost out the ass. We have tile on the counter tops. I hate grout! I hate tile counter tops. Whose idea was that? And white with white grout! AAAGGHHH! Anyway, we'll get to it eventually maybe.

Visited my dad this weekend so he could laugh at Jake. That seems to be all he does. He adores Jake and just thinks everything he does is hilarious. Of course, I forgot my camera. Jake played in the rain and afterwards was so dirty that I decided to give him a bath. Now I always bring PJs and for the first time forgot them. My dad gave me one of his t-shirts to put on Jake. Well, Jake is SUPER skinny and my dad is 6'3" and a pretty big guy. You should have seen my dad working the duct tape on this t-shirt to get it to stay on just until we got home. LOL! The worst part was that Jake had it in his head that he'd get arrested for wearing Papa's t-shirt. I never did figure out why he thought that. The poor boy really was upset. I finally got him home though and into his own jammies so that no policeman would arrest him. Whew!

Another Shawl

2009-05-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

I finished this shawl last night. I really like the way it turned out. It's in my etsy store with the hopes of a sale so I can use half the proceeds to buy more yarn and donate those shawls. This is a rosy pink and the design is a double crochet pattern. It was very easy and fast to make. This is also 100% cotton and very lightweight. I'm thinking I'll use some yellow bamboo yarn I have to make another one!

What the???

2009-04-28T11:09:00.001-07:00

Can you explain this? You see what I'm talking about, right? hehe

COMFORT SHAWL WINNER!!

2009-04-24T09:45:00.001-07:00

I'm so excited to annouce that the winner of the comfort shawl is Paula Highower! See Paula's post below! Thanks everyone for your comments and I hope to do another give-away soon!!!

Congrats, Paula!!

Jan,

One of my coworkers has a 13 year old Down's Syndrome child that has an unusual neurological condition where she has had a series of strokes. She is facing two brain surgeries in the very near future. The shawl would be a comfort to her mother as she sits and waits for her daughter to go through surgery and then spend countless hours in the ICU.

Paula Highower

pbh1212@embarqmail.com

Spring Hope, NC

Project Comfort Give-Away

2009-04-20T09:30:00.001-07:00

I've decided to not keep my first shawl, but to give it away here on my blog! My mom is my model here and will probably kill me for posting this picture, but oh well! I wanted to show you the length of the shawl. My mom is 5' 6" so you can see where the shawl ends, just above her knees. The shawl is made from Lion Brand Homespun yarn which is 98% acrylic and 2% polyester. It's very soft, and the color is Sierra with reds, browns, golds, tans-really pretty earth tones.

If you know someone in need of a comfort/prayer shawl or would like the shawl yourself, simply post a comment and I'll enter you for the drawing to be held this Friday, April 24 around lunch time.

To learn more about Project Comfort, click the banner to the right.

Egg Coloring Saturday and Easter Sunday

2009-04-13T12:36:00.001-07:00

I know I've said it before, but there is nothing more pleasant to me than being at my grandmother's and it's even more pleasant when it's a holiday or special occasion. Yes, we've done the same thing for my 45 years of life every Easter Sunday, but most of us never grow tired of it, never stop showing up, and always have a great time together.

I'm a little ahead of myself though. Saturday was egg coloring day around here. I like just the regular Paas egg dying kit. No camo eggs or glitter eggs. I did have some egg markers that I'd gotten for Jake a few years ago and he likes using those, too. We only had two broken eggs out of 3 dozen after boiling them. Jake got his first taste of a boiled egg white with salt and pepper. He wanted to then break more eggs so he could eat them!

I think Jake enjoys coloring eggs as much as I do!

Sunday morning, the Easter Bunny made a visit while Jake and Pat were outside taking some photos. We figure he was on his way home!

My sweet guy:

Here are some of the flowers my grandmother has growing this year. I have no idea what they are.

My mom has a green thumb when it comes to hens and chicks, well everything really, but these things are everywhere! She says they desparately need separating. I think they're one of the neatest plants!

I really hope your Easter was a pleasant one!

Project Comfort

2009-04-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have finished my first shawl! It has been a while since I've crocheted, not since before Jake came along and I worked on a blanket for him. I think this shawl I will keep simply because I now know what to watch out for in order to keep the stitches even. Even so, I think it turned out pretty nice. This Lion Brand Sierra yarn is so pretty and extra soft! The shawl is about 75 inches long.

Again, if you would like a shawl for someone or would like to donate to Project Comfort, please contact me by clicking on the Project Comfort link!

General Stuff Going On

2009-04-02T11:34:00.001-07:00

Today is my grandmother's 87th birthday! This is a photo of her and my uncle, her first son. Is she not beautiful?

This is my grandmother with me!

And my grandmother with Jake!

She is so important to me and such a supportive part of my life. Happy Birthday, Nannie!

I'm anxious to hear from my dad tonight. He was found to have atrial fibrillation on his preop testing before his knee replacement surgery. During his stay in the hospital after, they moved him up to the heart center and scared us all to death. He follows up with his cardiologist today. It's a bit frightening since his older brother had two valve replacements and then we think his younger brother also had a heart problem and passed unexpectedly in 2003. My grandmother, of course, is beside herself with worry. Say a prayer that he's going to be okay with nothing more found than the irregular heartbeat or that even that isn't an issue at this point!

I will have pictures of my completed prayer shawl up soon! I'm so excited to get one finished. Being that it is my first, I may keep it since it's not going to be my best work. I did start another last night with a different, more compact stitch that I like a lot better. I'm really enjoying the work on these.

Look for a special give-away coming up soon!

Prayer/Comfort Shawls

2009-03-30T11:55:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would take any kind of break from scrapbooking, and I'm sure it's only a short one, but I have had the "need" to do something for someone else. I've thought and thought about this, scanned the Internet, and finally came up with something. If you've never heard of a prayer shawl or a comfort shawl, this site called The Prayer Shawl Ministry can enlighten you on what they are and their uses. Basically, they are handmade shawls given to someone undergoing any type of change in their life, such as an illness or grieving, where a bit of comfort is needed.

My plan is to make as many as possible to donate to our local hospital's cancer center. I am hoping to also make one for the auction at our upcoming Scrapping From the Heart fundraiser. I'm working on different patterns, including some with more of an open weave for the warmer months. I personally know that doctor's offices and clinics can be quite chilly even in the summer if you have to wait for long periods of time.

I am also selling the shawls in my etsy store with part of the proceeds going back into Project Comfort in order to be able to donate more shawls. Also, if you would like to donate yarn or make a monetary donation, it would be greatly appreciated and certainly be for a good cause. You may contact me at jks4690 "at" aol "dot" com.

I'm currently working on my first shawl, so pictures will follow soon!

My Neglected Blog

2009-03-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say? From two months of one sickness or another, visits to the dentist, and lack of scrapping mojo, I have completely neglected my little blog here.

Let's see. What's going on? Looking forward to a root canal this Thursday. Care to join me?

Pat has gone to visit her sister and neice for the week since she's on spring break.

Jake is now registered for 5K! That's a hard one to believe.

I have a new transcription job. I'm working as a subcontractor for a company. I love the work they're giving me so far. It's easy and when I'm finished with the dictation files, then I'm finished. No work constantly waiting to be done and making me feel like I should be working all the time. I wish I were an employee instead of a subcontractor because I really don't want any problems at tax time, but I'm really hoping I can be disciplined and put the money needed back for taxes. My "people" at H&R Block are going to help me with this once I get a couple of months under my belt. Sandy at the H&R Block that I go to is so great!

My dad had his right knee replacement. Now both knees are done. I hope he does as well from this one as he did the first. He was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation before the surgery and had some issues with the irregular heartbeat while he was in the hospital, but I'm hopeful that this will require nothing more than the blood thinner he'll take. Jake and I have spent the last two Sundays at Papa's and Nana's and enjoyed some really wonderful Sunday dinners. Of course, this does not help me at all with Weight Watchers.

And speaking of WW, I have lost a total of 17 pounds sincen December. I'm so happy about this and really hope I can keep it up. These past two weeks have been kind of rough, but I'm hoping to get back on track, and my mom is joining this Wednesday so having a buddy to go with is great!

I guess that's really it for now. Considering I've spent more time in bed or on the couch these past couple of months, there's not really a whole lot to write about! LOL!

Shhh....Don't tell anyone, but...

2009-02-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

I feel normal today! No chills, no fever, no aches, no head/eye pain! I've even had a VERY productive morning. I'm just afraid to talk about it too much...

Please tell me it's over?

2009-02-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

So I'm a couple days out from my 10-day fog, and on Wednesday I'm feeling a little odd. By noon, I've got chills and muscle aches coming in waves. What The Hell? I get through work and collapse. I'm so cold I can't get warm. I don't sleep much that night because I'm shivering so that I can't relax. On Thursday comes this horrendous headache. I'm still taking Lyrica for my facial pain, and after the drug reaction from the other weekend, I'm a little wary of taking anything for the headache. Then, let's add some stomach pain to the headache, shall we? I can tell I'm dehydrated, but nothing sits well. I managed a shower Thursday after work and by 11 pm I was feeling a bit better. I slept better than I had the previous night and this morning, I feel okay. I've just managed to eat a bit for lunch, all this while gagging over the ravioli I made for Jake.

So is this it? Please? Not sure I can take anything else right now.

Ten Days Lost

2009-02-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

If you read my previous post, Ashley got it right on my germ warfare idea. No matter what you call it-mucous, postnasal drip, snot-it's some bad stuff! I truly think I'm right on this course of action. We could defeat any terrorist group! : )

So, yes, for about a week and a half I had a horrible cold or sinus infection, but I woke up during that time to horrible face pain. Great, I thought, the damned nerve pain is back and great again that I have this horrible cold already. Let's see, this was on Friday, January 23. I decided to go ahead and take some medication my mom had brought to me, CVS's version of DayQuil. So every four hours, I took it. Friday night, I kept waking up with the feeling I was suffocating. Saturday morning, I was all but in a full fledged panic attack. I had Pat take me to minor care where they proceeded to take me right in since I mentioned I was having shortness of breath. (Keep in mind that my face hurt so badly by this time and was so swollen around my left eye that it was basically closed. Can you say "Arrrghh!") I get three shots in the ass, an antibiotic, and what the nurse said was a steroid for my eye swelling. I felt a little better as far as the breathing and everything, but the eye pain continued to increase and my left eye just was not going to open. Forget bright lights, moving my head to fast, anything like that. Sunday, I was out of it all day. Nothing relieved the pain. About $200 spent so far.

Thanks to my dad (I couldn't drive at all.), on Monday, I went to my regular doctor who after finding out all my symptoms suggested I see an ophthalmologist because he was afraid I had acute angle glaucoma. I explained that the last time I had this pain I had seen an ophthalmologist, and my eyes were fine. Still, he wanted me to do this. Okey dokey. Oh, and that steroid for the eye swelling...an antihistamine. Dang nurse. $62.00

On Tuesday, my poor dad came up again to take me to the ophthalmologist. Nothing wrong with my eyes. Steroid eye drops. Knew that. $217 poorer.

The worst of it was after we left the ophthalmologist. I already had nausea with this pain, so I guess after the eye exam really stirred things up, that was all I could take. We didn't get very far when I had to tell my dad to stop the car. Guess it's just good we didn't stop in a restaurant parking lot or customers would have ran screaming. And let this be known that I would rather have 1000 needles stuck anywhere on my body than to vomit. Oh. My. Goodness.

The rest of Tuesday was spent trying to sleep through the pain with the help of some tramadol, but as much as it had worked for me in the past for another type of pain, it wasn't cutting it with this. Wednesday was no better and finally when I woke up on Thursday with still no relief, I called my doctor again. I begged him to look at my chart and see that I was given Lyrica in the past for this. Lyrica is a drug given to people with fibromyalgia and nerve pain specifically. I asked for a prescription to be called in. Well, another $236 later, that I would gladly spend again, I had my prescription. By late Thursday night, I could feel some relief coming. Friday morning, I could raise my head and even touch my face a little. Yes, even touching my face was like sending an electric current through my head.

By Saturday, the light sensitivity wasn't too bad, the swelling had gone down considerably, but I had blurred vision and it seemed my eyes didn't want to work together. I'm sure with my eye being closed for so long that it has to accomodate again to working like it should. Sunday was a tad better.

Now it is Tuesday and although I am so much better, I still have some facial numbness at my temple and my left eye is struggling with peripheral vision and focus when I move my head. I basically have to close my eye, turn my head to the left or right, and then open my eye. Turning my head with the eye open, I have double vision.

Hopefully, things will be close to normal by the end of the week. I'm getting new eyeglasses on Thursday, which I've needed for quite some time.

Thanks to all my friends for their thoughts and prayers and to Pat, my mom, and dad for their help as well. Let's hope this doesn't come back anytime soon.

On a lighter note, Last Friday Mr. Jake was invited by my friends, Lisa and Mandy, to go see Hotel for Dogs with them and Lisa's neice, Haleigh, who Jake just adores. He was very excited, but nervous to be going alone, without Mommie. After some persuasion, he went, and he is still talking about the movie. It's so funny listening to a 5 year old tell you about a movie he's just seen. I'll be anxious to see it for myself.

Put away your guns! It's GERM WARFARE!

2009-01-23T06:13:00.001-08:00

I have it! I have the solution to winning the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and any war from here on out!

What I have discovered makes most people toss their cookies. NO ONE wants to touch it or have it touch them. It's better than any net because of it's stickiness and viscosity. It sends most GROWN MEN running! Once you have it, it's almost impossible to get rid of. It can close off any opening, i.e. a cave where the Taliban are hiding, and insures there is no escape.

What I haven't figured out is how to harvest this, but I do know that giant balloons filled with the stuff dropped on our enemies is all it will take! It could even be used in minimal amounts to break up disruptive protesters in our own country, fighting teenagers, and wives could purchase small balloons of the stuff to use on unruly children/husbands.

Another thing on harvesting is that it would take place mostly in the winter months, but I THINK we could probably have a stockpile in no time at all.

Do you know what it is--What my solution to guns and war and all that is? It's not Ricin (sp) or any of those other horrible agents. Nah, those are certainly dangerous, but there's something about this agent that...well, if you're a mom, you know JUST what I'm talking about...

Maybe I'll let you guess! : )

Gutter Girlz Sneak!

2009-01-11T11:47:00.001-08:00

The latest Gutter Girlz challenge will be revealed on the 15th! If you haven't jumped in to play with us, this prompt is a great one to start with! Here's a little sneaky from me!

TallyScrapper DT Tryouts

2008-12-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

It's that time again, and I would SO love to make the DT over at TallyScrapper again. I don't care about other design teams simply because no other sites compare to the Tally, in my opinion! Anyway, here are my submissions. They're all kind of related to the season.

I LOVE the Sugar Snow layout. I so rarely use pink and it was fun doing so for a change!

This is page one of a two-page layout. It's all about the fun we had at my grandmother's Christmas Dinner. I so look forward to this dinner every year!

Page 2

My sweet boy. I loved how this photo turned out.

And, because I finally had some scrappy time, I did this layout about all the hats Jake has made in 4-K this year. How cute is it to see the kids lined up with their creations!

Get over to TallyScrapper and vote for your DT choices! There are also LOTS of new challenges happening, too!

Dec. 30th Gutter Girlz Prompt-Sneak Peek

2008-12-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

The upcoming prompt is a good one, and with our new Gutter Girlz playing along, you are going to be amazed at their layouts! Here's a little sneak peek at mine. Be sure to check out the blog on the 30th!!

Our Weekend

2008-12-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Friday night was Family Game Night, and instead of staying home, we took Jake bowling. He had been once before when he and Pat visited her sister in Wilmington and really had a fun time. Took me a minute to realize they pull up these bumper rails so the balls don't get stuck in the gutter. I could use those most of the time!

It was really a fun night. Jake did fall and bump his chin on his bowling ball, but once he got over that, all was fine. I bowled a 112 with two strikes! How's that for a score? ha! Pat's score was 88, and Jake's was 55. We're so good!

Aren't these things neat for the kids? They just place the ball up there and push it down the ramp. Makes it easy for them. I think ours was a little warped though. Jake's ball veered to the right.

Who knew they made bowling shoes for little kids?!

Where Pat's standing is where she started. She didn't want to stand behind the line (not sure what it's called) and start from there. I'd say this was a little cheatage!

Cute little man!

On Saturday, we had our candy making day at my mom's. Unfortunately, my sister didn't make it until late in the day and my mom and I were stuck doing most of the work. My mom made four batches of fudge and just couldn't seem to get it right. She said she'd always heard that making fudge on a rainy day wasn't a good idea. Must be true! It mainly just got a little too hard.

I made pecan logs, home-made mounds, butterscotch crunchies, and tried the 100-grand bar recipe that my friend Tami had sent me. I think I got too much chocolate on the 100-grand bars, but they taste good otherwise.

Two recipes call for powdered sugar. I'd left a bit of a mess and along comes Jake. I hear him say, "Snow!" I'm wondering what the heck he's talking about and I see him tasting the powdered sugar. I told him what it was and gave him a little bit on a plate. Not really a good idea and let's just say I'm glad I hadn't bathed him for dinner at my dad's yet when this happened.

Once he stood up, you could see that it went all the way down his pants.

Powdered sugar everywhere!

We had a great dinner at my dad's. We had breakfast for dinner and boy, was it good! Swedish pancakes, eggs, grits, bacon, sausage, gravy, and biscuits. YUMMMMMMMY!!! Wish I had more right now!

We did help decorate their tree, which took a tumble. We'd just finished and I'm not sure what happened, but I heard the fall. We got it back up though and re-decorated it.

I was glad to get home though. After being on my feet all day cooking, I was super tired. Jake went back to sleep for me, (He'd fallen asleep in the car.) and I had a little time to myself.

Very excited about this week. Seeing the anticipation of Christmas Eve and Santa coming in Jake's eyes is the best!

Happy Holidays!!!

Lots to Talk About!

2008-12-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

We have NEW GUTTER GIRLZ!!! Head over and check out the new members of our Design Team! Welcome, to everyone!!! Can't wait to play in the gutter with all of you!

AND...

Did you know that if you tell a UPS driver and his superior NOT to leave a package at your neighbor's, which is not the correct address anyway, because they have a huge dog that chews up your packages that either they totally ignore you or the driver does it anyway?

Earlier last week, my cousin let me know that a package of hers and one of mine were mistakenly delivered to her neighbor's house. My package wasn't touched luckily, but only parts of 3 items out of 9 were able to found of what was supposed to be in my cousin's box. Needless to say, she immediately called UPS and Amazon. A claim was filed and Amazon immediately sent her items out to her again.

Well, guess what? I didn't get so lucky on Saturday. Once again, the UPS guy decided to feed her neighbor's dog a package...my package! It contained a LeapTag System and an extra book. Below is what's left. Target was not as good with the customer service as Amazon. I was told I could return the item for 20% of the purchase price??? Uh....is this even worth 20%?? WTF? My cousin did talk to UPS and they're contacting Target so we'll see if the situation changes. In the meantime, I can only wait. I'm just glad this wasn't a gift actually on his list, but one I thought he might like and learn with. I'm hoping my cousin will feed the UPS man to the dog if this happens again! UPDATE: UPS contacted Target and they've resent my package! YAY!

FINALLY...

I want to share what a great time we had at my grandmother's Christmas dinner. We even had a surprise guest!

When Jake and I arrived, only my dad and his wife were there along with my great aunt and uncle. We didn't have long, though, before the house started filling up. If my count is right, my grandmother fed 36 of us, cooking every single dish by herself with the exception of a couple of desserts. The food was so wonderful and consisted of sweet potato souffle, turkey, dressing, rice and gravy, creamed corn, macaroni and cheese, peas, ham, green beans, potato salad, fruit salad, cranberry sauce, and I know I'm forgetting something! The desserts were heavenly. My grandmother made Japanese fruit cake, chocolate cake, pecan pies, coconut cake, and her quick-to-disappear Christmas custard, which is like an egg nog. My stepmom made a pound cake and everyone's favorite, German chocolate cake.

My great aunt has a birthday on December 17th so we all sang Happy Birthday in her honor, and one way or another we all squeeze into my grandmother's living room so we can hold hands during grace.

I think everyone ate their fill and I know several people (Vince, Hope, and Anne I won't mention your names.) who cleaned out most of the custard! The punch bowl was completely empty at the end of the day. I regret not getting a photo.

After everyone had their bellies full, my cousin, Leigh, called all the little kids to the living room to stand by the tree for a special surprise! Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door and guess who walked in??? Santa Claus!!!!

Here's everyone wondering what's going on.

That's Jackson in the front...look at that face!

Jackson was also first in line to talk to the Big Guy, too. Trucks!

This is Sarah...check out the striped tights!

Here's Anna Elizabeth...She and Jake play really well together.

Will Layton...he has not sat on Santa's lap since he was a baby! This is the first year he's been brave enough to do it-big chicken.

My Jake...definitely going to let Santa know what he wants!

This is Taylor. She cried at first, but calmed down enough to talk a bit and pose for the camera.

Uh...Carson says, "Get me outta here, Mommie!!"

We managed to get my grandmother in to pose with Santa. The funniest thing was she kept asking me who played Santa, and when I told her who it was she didn't believe me!

Mel, not too shy at all to sit on Santa's Lap.

Leigh figured since her brother was playing Santa, she'd let him know that she wanted him to finish up some remodeling in her house for Christmas. Not sure he really paid attention to her.

My great aunt...she got a little bag of coal...

Jake again...

Jake with Papa and Nana. I LOVE this photo!!

And, would you say a prayer for Layne? January 5, 2009 he leaves for Parris Island...he's joined the Marines. We're very proud of him, but worried at the same time, of course.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Christmas Spirit - Part 2

2008-12-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm a little afraid to speak too soon, but I'm beginning to feel a bit better about the holidays now. I've got tons to do, but it's a little more under control now that I've gotten the house cleaned. That's such a chore for me anymore. I used to love cleaning...it was like a therapy for me, but now I can't stand to think about it! At least it's done now and we can start decorating, albeit late for us, for Christmas.

I have a few gifts purchased, which makes me feel a little more in control, also. I have lists made for everything I need to do, where I need to go, etc. I feel much more in control with my lists!

Perhaps after this week I can relax a bit and enjoy things. It always seem that I'm so stressed out that I am disappointed when the holidays are over because I wonder where the relaxation part of it went? Maybe that's what you get when you're single and not a parent?

This Sunday is my grandmother's HUGE Christmas dinner with extended family. It is always such a fun day despite being so closely piled into her house. The food is over-the-top delicious and done all by my grandmother. You bring something to try and help her out other than maybe a dessert and whatever you've brought does not get put out! Huge no-no!! This day is one of my very favorites each year and I'll always remember these dinners.

I have dinner at my dad's house on the 20th. We all just get together to be together, no gifts for anyone except the little kids. We're having breakfast for dinner with Swedish pancakes! My dad's wife makes the best ones!!! This will be exciting for Jake because it will probably be the first gift he gets to open.

We go to my mom's on Christmas Eve for dinner and gifts and then my grandmother's on Christmas morning. Even with just the immediate family, it's pretty darn crowded, but I love it and everyone knows that my chair is designated and no one can sit in it except me!! Ah, to be the oldest grand-daughter! haha!

This year, I don't have to do any Christmas Day cooking and I'm kind of glad in a way. It will give me the chance to come home and play with Jake and all his goodies, and we can have a relaxed bit of family time. Oh...and maybe a nap, too!

Peeeee-Yeeeew!

2008-12-05T15:04:00.001-08:00

How do you spell "pee-yew?" lol

All I know is I stink! I did the popcorn popping for movie night at Jake's school this morning. It was not bad at all and in 2 hours I had 100 bags of popcorn ready. They had one of those cute red/glass popcorn poppers like you can get at Sam's or Costco, kind of like the ones at the movie theaters. It was fun to use and made great tasting popcorn, but all day I've smelled of popcorn! YUCK! I'm sure I will not want any popcorn for quite a while.

I got my hair cut last night, just a trim, and since he had time, I asked Ralph, my hair guy, if I could try a different color. I wanted to change it up and we decided on a brunette with a little red. Well, you know that commercial where the woman dyes her hair and it looks the same each time she takes the towel off her head? (At least I think this was a commercial.) Well, that's me. Maybe we didn't use enough brown, but I'm still red, just darker. I even think it's been this color before. No problem though. We'll try again next time.

Time to cook the dinner now...wish I knew what I was cooking! : )

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

I think it's finally creeping up on me! I've been kind of bah-humbug lately, but I was even able to listen to Christmas music today in the car. Of course, one radio station has been playing since the day after Halloween. I refused to listen at all until after Thanksgiving. Drives me nuts that retailers rush us into Christmas.

It has been a lot of fun seeing Jake watching all the classic Christmas shows on TV this year. Previous years, he just didn't seem interested. I even watched the How the Grinch Stole Chrismas myself the other night.

I have done a bit of shopping via the Internet so maybe that has helped my spirit some.

Tomorrow morning after I drop Jake off, I get to stay at school and help with popping the popcorn for the school's movie night this weekend. It's out of my comfort zone, but I do want to be involved with Jake's school as much as I can, and I thought popping the corn was an easy way to start! LOL!

These came back yesterday. I wonder if the people who take school pictures purposely snap the pics of the odd smile or the eyes closed? I've never seen Jake smile this way. He's still kind of cute though and it is his very first school pic.

I think I need to clean my scanner by the looks of this!

Lots of Catching Up!

2008-12-01T11:50:00.001-08:00

First off, the latest GUTTER GIRLZ challenge is up! It's a great one, too! We have our first ever Honorary Gutter Girl! It's Linda Woods! Linda, along with her sister Karen Dinino, are authors of two amazing books about creating and being art, Visual Chronicles and Journal Revolution. You can also see and purchase more of Linda's art in her etsy shop. Hop on over and check out the great layouts from the Design Team!

Can you believe it's December 1 already? I certainly can't. One thing I'm very grateful for is that my great hair stylist, Ralph, keeps me busy starting in November doing upwards of 250 Christmas cards! All year long I get my hair cut and colored (not that I would ever do that), and at the end of the year I "pay" him in however many Christmas cards he wants! This year was not quite as hard as years past with only 160 to do. Here are some of the designs:

I'm really proud of the cards this year. It's always a challenge to find different ideas each year especially after, gosh, maybe 10 or 12 years.

And since I'm ahead of the game with getting the cards done, I actually did a little scrapbooking this weekend. I needed some "scrapping for me" time and I took it. I'd spent two and a half days reorganizing my office/scraproom and rather than move on to my next cleaning project in getting ready for Christmas, I decided to sit and scrap a bit. Of course, Jake was the subject as usual:

Every year on his birthday I photograph him at the time he was born whether he's sleeping or still up playing with birthday presents. So far, I haven't roused him while taking those sleeping pics!
This photo was so sweet to me, pardon the pun...just look at that face!

And this...well...that face just gets me every time. What kid doesn't love playing in the leaves that so desperately need to be raked? Except for the alphabet tape, the buttons, and the transparency blackground, everything on this layout is from Tallyscrapper's Autumnal Inspiration kit. Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE this kit. If you've never purchased a Tallyscrapper kit, then you are definitely missing out!

What else? I still haven't posted pictures from the Tally Rally. What a loser! I am still working on an album about the weekend so maybe I'll just post the album. I love how it's coming along.

If you're in need of scrapbooking supplies, I've got a huge assortment for sale on e-bay. After two and a half days of cleaning and sorting, the winner of this lot will get lots of great papers and embellishments! It really is a good deal...I'd imagine well over $300 retail value.

Thanksgiving! Well, let's just say it was nice not to have to cook this year. My mom cooked a great dinner, and even though I didn't get to see my nephew, it was nice to see my sister.

Okay, so back to work and cleaning and making Christmas shopping lists!!

Why do I like this Elf thing so much??

2008-11-20T09:40:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

So sweet! I just couldn't help myself!

2008-11-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

Is this not the sweetest thing? There's nothing like the back of a baby's neck...that's where all the sugar is stored!

Here's where I couldn't help myself...

I'm sorry, Carson!

I can't believe it!

2008-11-04T10:05:00.001-08:00

Have I been so busy that I haven't even updated my blog with pictures and tales from the SC Tally Rally??? Geez! And now, Jake's birthday has passed us as well as Halloween and November is already five days in with today being the day after Election Day! Incredible!

I am so proud of our country right now. I think most Americans were so anxious for change, and the way this election went it was so obvious. I pray for President Obama, his safety, and that the congress will realize they need to work with this President for change. Surely, the American vote proves that we are all tired of how this country has been run.

Halloween in our neighborhood was not as active this year as it has been. Not as many trick-or-treaters and not as many homes participating in giving out treats. Jake wasn't disappointed though. He dressed up as Indiana Jones this year. He's never seen an Indiana Jones movie, and I'm not sure how he came up with the idea, but that was who he wanted to be.

Also, my little guy turned 5 this year!!! It seems impossible to me that he's 5 years old. We had another party at home this year. Maybe next year we'll do something different, but I like having family come as well, and I know his grandparents might not enjoy the noise of a place like Chuckie Cheese. He picked Mario Bros. as his theme this year, and I thought the bakery did a great job on his cake!

Playing EleFun!

Look at my boy!

Today though, Pat took Jake to the doctor and he has both ears infected and bronchitis! I can't believe we've gone this long without any ear problems, but I guess we've been blessed in that department.

Look for some pics from the SC Tally Rally soon!

AND! A very special thank you to Rachel W. (aka TallyHo) for designing my wonderful new banner! I love it!!

An exciting weekend is coming!

2008-10-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

We are less than three days away from the South Carolina Tally Rally!! About 12 of us TallyScrapper gals are meeting up at Scrapbook Creations here in Spartanburg and I am absolutely beside myself with excitement!

Couldn't wait any longer!

2008-10-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's October and Halloween is so close! I just couldn't wait to put up a spooky banner for Halloween! I may change it several times since I made a few different ones!

My Son is Full of Funny!

2008-10-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Jake said today: "Mom, do you know why I love you so much? " and I said "Why?"
"It's because you're so snuggly."

He also said (while playing 'Mater National on the computer): "Mom, why does the building look that way?" and I said, "It's a round building."
"Oh, like your head!"

2008-10-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Lovely Leah! Thanks for loving on my blog!

So here are the rules!
1. If you've been tagged, you can put the logo on your blog.
2. Link the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you've nominated.

Easy peasy lemon squeazy! Blogs I love (in no particular order....)

1. Rachel
2. Minda
3. Tami
4. Laura
5. StaciC
6. Gina
7. Kammie

Meeting Friends and Beautiful Mansions

2008-09-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Vacation was good, but the GREAT part was meeting fellow TallyScrappers, Gina in Long Island and Tami and Chris who drove to Newport.

Can I just say I was misplaced when I was born in the south? I LOVE New England, LOVE Falmouth, Martha's Vineyard, Provincetown, Newport, etc. and really want to visit Vermont and more of the New England states...New Hampshire maybe? Tami??

Let's see, we made it to NJ on Sunday at lunch time. This was after the previous day of a car sick little boy who was also fighting a cold that I thought was getting better, but took a turn for the worst.

Monday, we took care of some things for Pat's dad. I helped him pick out a digital camera, as he's wanted one for a while now.

Tuesday we drove to Long Island to meet Gina! Gina was so lovely, and she was such a gracious hostess. I loved her home with its beachy feel! She was so sweet to have a gift for Jake and SHUT UP! An ENTIRE box of Yankee Doodles for me. (Inside joke! LOL!) She drove us to Port Jefferson for lunch, and we also walked around taking photos of the sites. Sophia is the most adorable little girl ever! And YES! She is crazy for buggies!

NYC sklyine as we crossed over to Long Island

Jake and Sophia. I had no clue that Jake would love a jack-in-the-box! Poor kid has never had one and loved Sophia's!

Look at this! YUMMY!

Gina and me in Port Jefferson with Jake and Sophia who was having a pop.

Is Gina not beautiful??

Thank you, Gina, for a wonderful time! I hope I can visit again!

Wednesday we headed to Newport, RI. This was supposed to be a 3-1/2 hour drive, but actually took about 4-1/2 because of traffic.

We picked up tickets to tour some of the Newport mansions. The three we toured were just wonderful! I'll have pics of those later. After that, it was back to the hotel. We were all wiped out and Jake and I were more than ready to sleep, which is what we did after arguing over what time to get up, explaining what a wake-up-call was, and telling Grandpa Q to turn the television down so we didn't get tossed from the hotel.

With excellent timing, we saw the windmill and our third mansion and made it back to Bowen's Wharf in plenty of time to wait for Tami and Chris.

I was never so happy to see two people I'd never met walk down a street in my life! LOL! I really was though! Tami and Chris are wonderful ladies and I'd love to live closer and be able to spend more time with them both.

Tami is Tami, just like she is on the boards, on the phone. Chris is much taller than I expected and so bright and bubbly. I felt comfortable with both of them, not nervous at all.

Tami was wonderful to bring Jake a car and two books, and may I recommend Handy Manny's interactive auto repair book? Jake played with it all the way back to NJ! Thank you, Tami!

I also got from Chris the adorable knitted baby rattle for Carson, and I cannot wait to give it to her!

Tami and Pat were very agreeable on what junk food they preferred, too.

We were at lunch here and this was about the third or fourth try at a picture with my eyes open!

My favorite picture!

We figured we'd better let Pat get in at least one shot.

Honestly, I hated to leave once it got closer to 2:15. We did end up going over our time limit though, standing around talking at the car. You'll be happy to know we made it back to NJ before the sun went down!

Thank you Tami and Chris for driving to Newport just for little old me!

Look for more vacation pics once I've finished going through them. These of my Tally friends were most important!

Vacation

2008-09-15T05:56:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we are leaving for New Jersey to spend time with Pat's dad and take him to Newport, RI for a little mini vacation. I dread the drive, but I'm really looking forward to being up north. I think I was misplaced, really I do.

What makes this vacation even more special is that I get to meet two really wonderful women that I've "met" through TallyScrapper. On Tuesday, I get to meet Gina in Long Island. SHUT UP!!! Yes, I do! lol! Our plan is to meet at Gina's house and go over to Port Jefferson for lunch and a little shopping. I really can't wait!

Once we're in Newport, I'll have lunch with Tami!! I am so looking forward to meeting her and honestly, I think it will be very emotional doing so. We've talked about so much and I feel like I've known her for a long time already. Just a few more days, Tami!!!

Thank goodness, I'll have Internet while at Pat's dad's so I won't feel isolated! LOL!

Apothescary Swap Item Complete and Upcoming Gutter Girlz Challenge

2008-09-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Whew! I don't think I want to tie anymore bows for a while! Here is the completed project for my part of the ApotheScary Swap. I think it turnd out pretty neat!

Also, on the 15th there will be a new challenge up on the Gutter Girlz blog! I have a little sneaky peeky for you!

Remember! Gutter Girlz! The 15th! Be there!

ApotheScarey Swap 2008

2008-09-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Just a sneak peek! I have a few more touches to add and then they're off!

D-day! The First Day of 4K!

2008-09-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

We all got up early and Pat made pancakes and eggs for breakfast. Jake was fine until it was time for him to get dressed and he got all teary-eyed and said he didn't want to go. I got around that by telling him that I'd wait in the car the whole time and not leave the school. He was fine after that. Of course, I had no intention of sitting there, but hey, you do what you have to do, right?

Once he was dressed, we realized we had almost an hour to wait. Pat likes to be prepared! We took pictures, too, and then finally went on over to the school. I was amazed at how he was doing, but once we went into the theater where the kids were lining up, he started to cry. All I could do was tell him not to cry, that he was going to have lots of fun, and I'd be right outside waiting for him. Once his teacher, Miss Tammy came over to try and calm him, he tried to reach for me and started crying even harder and calling, "Mom!" I turned then and left because I was going to cry and there was nothing I could do.

Pat and I did wait for a while just in case, but we went back home and jumped every time the phone rang. Everyone was calling to see how things went for him. It was so sweet!

We went back to get him at 10:30 and as I was walking to the door, he came running out saying what a good time he had and with a big smile on his face! I was so glad! His teacher, Miss Lisa (He has two.), waved me over and said he cried for about an hour, but then he was okay. What a relief! He even told me he wanted to go back. I really hope Monday will be much easier for both of us.

Anyway, here are the pictures:

Having Breakfast

All ready to go...How sweet is he??

First Day of School Count Down!

2008-09-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my baby boy starts school Thursday morning! I'm hoping after talking with Pat's neice, Kelly, who Jake adores, he feels a little better about it. She told him how she loved kindergarten and wishes she could go back. She talked it up and Pat said he did say to her that he wasn't scared to go. The truth though will come Thursday morning when I drop him off.

We got his tote bag (no backpacks they said) and I put some extra "school supplies" in there for him. I'm getting all the laundry done so we can pick out a back to school outfit. It's still so hot here that we can forget jeans for a while longer, but he did get new jeans and a shirt from Grammie.

I've been praying a lot about this, not just about him going to school, but about his fear of "losing me". Even in the house, if he doesn't know I'm in the laundry room and can't find me, he goes into a panic and starts to cry. One time, he didn't realize I'd gone outside for something and I heard him screaming "Mommie" because he couldn't find me. I've told him over and over that I would never leave him, but he still gets upset. Would you believe, that he gets upset if I need privacy in the bathroom and close/lock the door? He stands outside the door and cries for me. I don't know what on earth makes him do this. It's not as if I've ever lost track of him in a store or anything like that. He's never been "lost" from me. Anyway, I can see my 20-second goodbye that I'm supposed to stick to on Thursday (according to the teacher) turning into something really awful. I really hope not though!

Indiana Jones or Minnesota Cuke?

2008-08-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

We're already talking Halloween around here because it's one of my favorite times of the year. Of course, I've joined the ApotheSCARY swap over at Mine to Thine, and we've started asking Jake about his costume this year. He told Pat the other night he wanted to be Indiana Jones. I'm curious how he knows about Indiana Jones, but Pat says commercials. Okay. She also says Indiana Jones resembles Minnesota Cuke. Perhaps she's right! What do you think?

Please, Oh Please!

2008-08-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

I am so hopeful tonight! I spoke with a friend of mine today about my job search, and she is going to talk to another supervisor where she works about the possibility of my filling one of three available positions! I will be praying hard over this one. I don't want to give any details just yet! Stay tuned, and please say a prayer, cross your fingers, light a candle, think good thoughts, whatever you do! Thanks!!!

Dress Up, Bunny Baths, and No Training Wheels!

2008-08-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

One night I heard Jake and Pat talking about playing dress-up. Not sure whose idea this was, but here's what I saw at the fashion show. Amazing how Pat had such boyish looking clothes for him to wear!

He had a blast doing this and was quite the model. Thank goodness for Pat's clothes considering the only other option would have been Mommie's, and although I would have thought him cute, I'm sure those pictures would be much more embarrassing than these!

On the bunny front, Ginger is settling right in. She knows when Pat walks in at night that it's feeding time, but I swear she's a bunny pig! She wants to eat all the time!

Here's her "help me" shot during bath time the other day:

"This just isn't right, humans."

And here is her "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful." shot: Hehe

"You WISH your facial hair looked this good!"

And now for the big news! My baby is riding his bike WITHOUT training wheels! My heart stops watching him, but after one afternoon of instructions from Pat, he's doing it! She's so good at teaching him things like this. I'm amazed at her sometimes. He's a pretty quick learner, too.

Amazing! Where's my baby?

Jake Tested for 4K

2008-08-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our appointment for Jake's testing for 4-year-old kindergarten. It's based on need they say, and I'm not sure if that's financial need or educational need, and it may even be both since they asked for related information on the tons of paperwork I had to fill out. I think he needs to start for his socialization skills, but I guess we just wait to hear at this point.

He was not happy about going for this test. I tried to explain it all to him, say every good thing I could think of about kindergarten, but nothing worked especially once he realized he was going to be taken to another room for his testing. He cried so until he was splotchy with hives. Finally, one of the teachers told me that if I'd wait until they'd finished with everyone else, I could stay with him for the testing, something they aren't supposed to do. I didn't just want to give up so I was grateful they offered this to us.

First, he had to catch a bean bag thrown at him with both hands and then with his right arm behind his back. Then he had to use blocks to build the same configuration the teacher built. Out of the four, he did the first two and the last one, which was the hardest. He had to draw some shapes and write some letters, both of which need work.

I don't know the names for these tests, but next they showed him pictures of things like a plane and a car and asking him what you did with them. He got most of them except the plane and the thermometer, but when she redirected the question, like which one do you fly in and which one tells you whether it's hot or cold, he could point those two out.

Then there was counting, 1-20, and he did great with that. For some reason he would not say his ABCs, but he did identify letters for her. He needs work on the sounds the letters make. Then colors and shapes matching, all of which he did well on.

I guess it's just a wait and see thing now. In a way, I want him to go because, again, he needs to get away from Mommie some and needs friends. I just wish that he wouldn't cry so about my leaving him. It makes it that much harder for me to keep my composure, which I know I have to do. The thing is, and I would never share this with him, I was exactly the same way! My mom took me into my first grade class, told me bye, and I made it back to the car before she did. She sat with me until the teacher convinced me to go back in with her. Thing was, Jake wouldn't even listen to the teachers. He just kept saying "I won't do it." over and over.

I'd love any advice you have!

Shhh...Be vewy quiet...I'm hunting Wabbit!

2008-08-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

I always LOVED Bugs Bunny...I'm just not sure I ever wanted a REAL bunny!

Yep, she's real, and at least we THINK it's a girl! She's a Lionhead rabbit. Pat thought the lady who had them was pulling her leg about the name, but once she got home, Google proved her wrong. Lionhead bunnies are a fairly new breed, supposed to be pretty docile, and make great pets.

I'm not sure what came over Pat as she held this bunny and talked to the lady about them...not sure why she thought this would be a great first pet for Jake, but she did and she's here and well, I don't know what else to say! LOL!

This lovely creature's name is GingerSnap, and now that she has her own cage, a bell with something attached for her to chew on, food, water, a fresh baby carrot once a day, and alfalfa also for chewing, she seems to be settling in. Oh yeah, Pat even gave her a bath on Sunday so she's clean, too! Oh, she's not full grown yet, but we're not sure of her age, as Pat forgot to ask, but we know she's a couple of months at least.

Jake seems to like her. I know he likes to sit and watch her and talk to her, and then when Pat takes her out of her cage for exercise, he really laughs at her hopping around. Her furry feet slide on our wood floor and she's more flopping than hopping!

I guess we'll see how it goes, but I was kind of hoping for a cat or puppy. LOL!

What could this be?

2008-08-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

The last time I ever went through something like this I was 19 or 20. I'd come home from classes and work, shower, and go to bed. If I managed to get myself up to start the next day, it would be exactly the same routine. In bed by 6 pm or even earlier depending on how quickly I got back to my apartment in the afternoons. I could look back on that time and see that I was depressed. Had to be because for Heaven's sake I lived in Atlanta, and there's tons to do in Atlanta and no reason really for plain old boredom. Weekends were spent in bed, and I mean I would sleep the entire weekend away. I might get up to go to the grocery store, but I'd be right back in bed once the groceries were put away and I had a bite to eat.

I eventually ended up back home before finishing the last two quarters I had to go towards getting my degree. I don't necessarily regret it because I believe things happen for a reason. My life underwent many changes once I got home and I personally did some self discovery and eventually felt like I was on the right track. I took the good with the bad because I've never been one of those "lucky" people, but I could handle most of whatever came my way.

Now I'm 44 years old and I feel like I'm that 19 year old girl again. I SHOULD NOT feel this way! I have a wonderful family and a son that I treasure more than anyone or anything on this earth. I also have so much coming up to look forward to: A great vacation and a weekend that I cannot wait to get here in October! I know how blessed I am, but why am I feeling so...I don't know even how to describe it. All I want to do is sleep.

I finished work last night and immediately decided not to watch any television...just curled up in the chair in the living room that for some reason has been my bed for a while and went right to sleep. I slept like a rock until 7:30 this morning, 7 hours of sleep, when I heard Jake get out of bed. I made him breakfast, checked e-mail and Tallyscrapper. I talked to Pat a bit before she left for work. Then, I curled up in my chair and just sat there. I don't let myself sleep because, of course, I have Jake to watch, but I didn't even have the sound up on the television, just sat there talking to Jake or in silence if he was off in his room playing. I didn't move until 2:00 pm! Um...I'm supposed to start work at noon! What the hay?? I've done this for more than 2 weeks now. NOT GOOD!

Yes, I take an anti-anxiety/depression med faithfully. Maybe my dose needs an increase? Who knows? Maybe it's just PMS again because I know that I get cuckoo around that time, or can being so discontented with my job make me feel this way? I've started sending out the old resume again and perhaps getting no response is dragging me down?

This feeling comes around a lot, but usually I get over it and buckle down, realizing Jake has to start school before I can go to work outside the home. This time, though, it's not going away. Perhaps Mommie is so freaking bored out of her mind that I HAVE to get out of this house? I'd never have thought that I would want to go back to work outside the home after getting my work-at-home job, and sometimes I think I'm nuts for even thinking about it, but now I think I need it. I need it for my own sanity, I think.

Wish me luck, say a prayer, or light a candle. Thanks!!

Update on Tally Rally!

2008-08-05T12:04:00.001-07:00

Click the link on the right to see updated info on the SC Tally Rally. It's about two months away!!! Woohoo!!

GUTTER GIRLZ PROMPT IS UP!!

2008-07-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

This one is a great prompt so check it out!! I'm even thinking of doing a second layout for this one.

Here's my first take:

Join in the fun over at the Gutter! Remember there's a prize up for grabs as well as a Guest Design Team Member spot!

GUTTER GIRLZ SNEAK PEEK!

2008-07-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is the 30th and you know what that means?? Another Gutter Girlz challenge! This is a good one, too. Wish I could tell you about it, but it's still a secret!

Here's a sneak peek at my take on this challenge!

Isn't this beautiful??

2008-07-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Norah Jones.

Fight of the Conchords

2008-07-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Christi Coffee (hehe) I have spent (wasted) so much time this morning on YouTube watching Flight of the Conchords videos! This one is my favorite I think:

What's even funnier is that those mutton chops and odd glasses and large lips are disturbingly attractive! LOL!

Upcoming Gutter Girlz Challenge!

2008-07-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that on the 30th, the next Gutter Girlz challenge will be posted! Plus, you'll get to see what us Girlz have created for the challenge, too! Thanks to all of you who have visited the site and jumped in the Gutter with us!

It's so nice to be loved, and to LOVE YOU BACK!

2008-07-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

Leah!! Thank you for the loving!! You are the sweetest!! I'm so dissappointed that you can't make it to the TallyRally in SC because you remind so much of my bestest friend Maria, and I really wanted to see how we clicked IRL. Someday!!!

My Brilliant Weblog Awards go to:

Tami has become one of the greatest friends I've ever NOT met! I think we'll get along so great when we meet in September that I'll decide to move up north!

The Ho and she knows I call her that lovingly! I wanna be the HO! Between her great job at Tally and as my Gutter Girlz boss I just love this woman! Plus, her mommie tricks and tips are the BEST! She even taught me what a "merkin" is...uh not that it has anything to do with parenting!

Amy This girl's art, the realness and rawness of it makes me so envious! I wanna find that inner me!

Christine What more can you say about Christine other than she's the owner of TallyScrapper and a genius! I admire this woman so much!

Minda I so want to meet this woman!! Her spirit is palpable!

Staci Love me some Cflatop style! I admire her courage and strength so much!

Christi I don't drink coffee, but I love this Latte-Grande!!

You all have a special place in my heart and I'm so glad that I know you!!

Now here are the rules to follow if you have been nominated:
1) Put the logo on your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on yours
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

Winner of my Scrappy Giveaway is.....

2008-07-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Susan Alton!!! Congrats!!!

I'm not sure what I'm sending yet...have a few ideas...so I'll let you be surprised! : ) If you're on TallyScrapper, TM your addy to me!

Thanks for playing ladies and...

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

What do you think?

2008-07-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

I have met a group of women who let me be me, and I love them for that. And since I can be who I am, I decided to change things up a bit. Kind of let some of the real me out in the open. With that, I'm changing my blog, livening it up a bit. Opinions on the blog design? I still want to do a custom header, but I probably won't get to that before the weekend.

Don't forget I'll be announcing the winner of my scrappy give-away on Friday. You can click on the link for my previous blog and sign up to win!