I'VE BEEN "TAGGED"!!

Each player starts with 7 random facts about themselves on their Blog. People who are tagged need to blog 7 facts about themselves and post the rules as well. At the end of their blog list 7 people you are tagging. Let them know that they are tagged by leaving them a comment.

And here are my 7 random and Very interesting facts! I'll bet you didn't know half of them!

1. Did you know that I have a "beautiful" TWIN sister? (Wink)
2. I have lived on EVERY coast of the Good ol US of A...Washington State, Montana,
Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Texas. (And Tennessee!)
3. I once flew in a military airplane where the crew allowed me to lie on a plate
glass viewing deck and watch them refuel a HUGE plane. I then got to see inside
volcanoes as we past overhead, and entire islands! COOL!
4. I lived in Korea with my Military Hubby before our children were born...the people
are amazing!
5. I have two amazing teenage daughters. I mean REALLY amazing!
6. My husband is my best friend.
7. Goals..stive to be healthy, change my occupation to something totally different and something that I enjoy,
and learn to love excercise.

I am tagging some of my friends...ANN, KERRI, SUE, JACI, ANGIE, KAREN D, TIFFANY, and STEPHANIE! Have fun...I am going to check your blogs for your LISTS!!!

Pictures Added

Tonight I added photos to the Trip Update posts so you can scroll down to see. To tired to post anything else. Tomorrow...

Aphrodite! hubba hubba

Click LAYOUT to read journaling.


On Kim's 18th Birthday she and I went to Calloways Nursery so that she could choose some Perennial Flowers to plant on this significant day! Little did we know the Hibiscus that she chose is called "Aphrodite"! Not that we study Greek Mythology or anything, but I could not help but think about how Aprodite was the goddess of love and beauty! How appropriate! A pretty neat little factoid as my daughter possesses both of these qualities.

Enjoy this layout, which is the second in a 4 week Photoshop Class I am taking from Jessica Sprague.

Kim and Tiff have arrived safely at the hotel midway point and will be home tomorrow evening!!! yeah!

BFFF Trip Update..what is it 5??

They went boating, tubing, wakeboarding, and skiing. Not everyone tried everything. Here is Kim just before tubing...a safe and "Orthepedic Dr. Approved" sport.

Well, they are coming home after all! teehee...I guess they miss good ole Texas, friends and hopefully family! They are going to take a little more time coming home and stop a little more often to look at the sights. (they were so excited to get to Florida and Nicole that they didn't pay attention to what was wizzing by.) So, say a prayer for safety. I will post photos to highlight their journey in a few days! What a fun trip!

Yes! It's a PAPER Scrapbook!

This post is for Mimi! Just so you know that I DO remember how to Paper Scrapbook! lol...you crack me up! You are so dramatic! I just love it.

But incidentally, I AM scrapbooking with good ol' paper and embellishments, just about as I type! You know, I have missed the "Feel" of it! (Not picking up paper scraps everywhere though!) This is a wedding album for a good friend, who is giving it as a gift to her son and new daughter-in-law. I have to admit, I don't think I could ever give this up for good. Just too theraputic! And think about it, hauling just a laptop to a PAWS retreat....well, that just doesn't sound quite the same! I am planning on coming to the next one, so save me a seat!!! And I will be bringing a full CIS!

BFFF Trip Update #4

Ok........It is official....this kid fears NOTHING! I don't know why I thought she would back out of Bungie Jumping...She went on Tahiti Drop at the Water Park (Nearly a 90 Degree higher than high waterslide)...and of course anything that moves at 6 flags...the higher and faster it is the better...

So...she jumped Twice! The second time HEAD FIRST! All I can say is that I am glad I wasn't there. I will enjoy watching the video since she will be sitting beside me...IN ONE PIECE!

Besides a few Jellyfish stingers (the cute little ones like in SpongeBob!) she has had a pain-free and wonderful day.

Mimi,If she DOESN'T make it home...I am going to need your shoulder...AGAIN! (wink!)

BFFF Trip Update #3

A short one today.....just more beach and shopping. I hear Kim is a lovely shade of Pink!


I also hear rumors of
BUNGIE JUMPING
tomorrow.....we'll see how brave they end up being.

Kerry/Kendra...if you read this...I asked all the right questions....She insists that there will be no "landing" on her leg and that there is a "bouncy blow up type of cushiony thing" at the bottom...

Note to Nana and Grandma Pat......I am sure that it will be a done deal by the time you read this post!

Breathe...

"Officially" Eighteen!

This is the layout I did in a Photoshop Class by Jessica Sprague. If you are interested in info on these classes...reply here and I will email you.
Journaling reads as follows:

It must be frustrating to have the time of your birth so far into the day! You are wanting to turn 18 at the stoke of midnight, but I keep reminding you that you are not “Officially” 18 until 5:06PM! Why do I have to be so technical?? Well, isn’t it obvious?? You will be a young woman and no longer my baby.. and as much as you hate it when I get “sappy” It is difficult for me to “LET” you grow up. You will be driving to Florida with Tiffany on Tuesday! Weren’t you just learning to ride a bike??
I certainly cannot let you two drive 12 hours away by yourselves!! Don’t I have enough gray strands popping up on my head already? I KNOW I have some wrinkles showing their ugly heads! If I forbid you to turn 18 will you listen? Probably not. Will I feel younger....It’s doubtful.
So here you are at the park...it is nearly 5 o’clock. I am taking pictures of the 17 year old you, and I am conflicted. My heart is heavy because our relationship will change.....maybe not instantly...but it will evolve. And yet, this will be a good thing. And then the moment arrives...you are officially 18. I am proud of you Kim...and you know what....Now that these apron strings are loosening a little...Maybe I will find it easier to breathe!

BFFF Trip Update #2

They have arrived! So Kim calls Daddy from the Beach...and says. "Yes, we are here sunning ourselves on the beautiful white sand...The water is so blue...so beautiful.......WE MAY NEVER COME HOME!"

I knew I should have kept her locked up in that closet Home!!!

"BFFF Trip" Update #1

You know "BFF" (Best Friends Forever for those of you without daughters) But....I have named Kim's Girlfriend Trip Blog Updates as "BFFF"......"Best Friends Forever FLORIDA" Trip......so there you are.....Daily updates to follow...
As of today...
They are safely in the hotel at the 3/4 of the way point.....was a breeze...no significant issues other than a little rain on the "last leg" of the "first leg". They have worked out in the Hotel gym....(that bit of news is for Kendra her PT and Dr. J's office! GOOD GIRL KIM! Doctors orders followed even away from home!)

They will head out late tomorrow morning as they only have 4-5 hours left....I don't know what had me Chris so worried! (Hope he doesn't read that...)

And Their Off!

I just said goodbye to Kim and Tiffany as they are off on Kim's Birthday Trip! Wow......what a rite of passage! Driving across the country with your best friend...I will admit I AM more than a little nervous about this. But, I have had a couple of months to wrap my brain around it. I know they are going to have a blast. They are visiting a mutual friend who has moved several states away. So, while they are on the beach sunning, relaxing and having the time of their lives......I will be growing a few years older and a lot more grey hair. Trying NOT to worry...as I told her the 100's of Rules......no rest stops at night, stay together......and so many other things that their heads are swimming. I did tell them though that it would be ok to pick up a hitch hiker or two....you know to help with gas and driving......I hope they knew I was kidding.......

This Girl Turned 18 Today!

Click individual photos for close ups.

Just the other day (or rather 15 years ago!) we were here in Wisconsin and you girls were playing in these flowers! I love the young woman you have grown up to be. A good friend told me recently..."You guys raised a good kid!" I could not agree more...and I am proud of you Kim. (alligator tear...)
Kim would like to extend a huge "Thank you" to all of you for cards and gifts and phone calls, she can't wait to go on her Trip and she will contact you all shortly!
I took Kim to a park this afternoon for a quick photo shoot...enjoy! (NO crying Nana and Grandma!)...wink!

Never say Never!

Public Service Announcement...this in response to earlier post concerning following statement.......

Ok.....so when I said I would NEVER play Dance Dance Revolution....I just meant that I "Might" never play.....turns out that this game is actually FUN! Lindsey was relentless about my trying it and even though I swore I wouldn't I just had to OIL that sqeaky wheel. (that being Lindsey)
Have you read the book Sam I am by Dr. Suess? Sam insists that he will not eat green eggs and ham...he does not like them...(and had never tried them, of course) Well, he finally tries them and Wallaaaa He LIKES them and will eat them here or there.....on a plane or train...and so on....
Well, I am now a Dance Dance Revolution Fanatic.....come on girls....one more song!!

Sweet Sydney

Here is our cat when she was a kitten. My boss found her in the backyard but was allergic so she had to find a new home for her. We had lost our kitty about a year before this so it was time to Love a new one.
Sydney is a one girl cat, however. Lindsey is HER mommy and she will come to her anytime.....the rest of us?....just whenever SHE has an inkling!

The Boogyman

You know....I have never been afraid to be at home alone at night. I can hold down the fort.....no problem. BUT the other night I am here and heard a weird noise and then a "thud". I actually ran to the door to make sure it was locked...The dog was NOT barking.....ugh....so I cracked a window so she could hear where the "boogeyman" was and bark so he would know she was there. The ONE night Chris has been gone in forever!
Lindsey comes downstairs and says "Did you hear THAT?" I said "yes"...and she said "A big branch fell off the tree out front!!" So much for the boogeyman! lol...Aren't we quick to jump to conclusions sometimes? The Neighbors even came out to see what the noise was......but no one could move the branch....

Layout for Today.

Here is a quick layout of the girls playing Pool. I thought the circle paper worked well to mimic the pool balls! Enjoy!

Black Light Bowling

Hi! Here is the layout using the "glowing" bowling photos I had posted earlier! It was pretty fun! It is the first double sided digital layout I have done.

What TIME?

I am glad to be back at work! Didn't think I would be saying THAT! lol I tell ya though, It has been "feast or famine" with my hours! lol....2 hours one day and then 10 today! Kinda hard to know what to expect. I guess it is really a work load issue.....I AM Glad to be back.......I am realizing that I really do enjoy working. You know, sometimes you think that it would be so great to stay home all the time. I loved being with my children...I also love feeling productive and being with you guys at work!
I missed lunching with you Kyla...and then what do you do? .....REFUSE to eat lunch with me today! Ok ok...so I was hungry, it was LUNCHTIME and you were in a meeting with the bosslady...with the door SHUT (Probably talking about that employee in Cubicle #1--don't get me started about HER!). So I hadta eat.....

Lunch....tomorrow.....breakroom....BE THERE!! (wink!)

I will NOT Play!

(To Kim & Lindsey)......Just for the record......I WILL NOT PLAY The Dance Dance Revolution Game that you(Lindsey) Bought Kim for her birthday. I will NOT.....so stop begging me! I will be beside one of you on my Dance Mat fumbling around while you are jamming...I will look foolish.....You will be rocking.....SO..Quit Asking!

Just had to get that out bouncing around into Cyberspace.......just for the record.

ok....I feel Better now...

I'm Late!

shhh...don't tell anyone, but I'm late...I mean REALLY LATE!

Did I Getcha? Well, I went to the Doctor for my 6 week check up. I am healing perfectly and I have finally been cleared for "Take off" if you know what I mean......but no "Frequent Flying" just yet. (blushing) I must say that I am feeling GREAT!!! I am even noticing things that I did not "attribute" to the issues related to surgery. I have a lot of energy I didn't have before. Hmmmmmm....this could really be life altering! I am really glad that I am over everything and back into the everyday activities of life! Even glad to be back at work...when it is there. Thanks you all! This has really been a Journey! Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Layouts from Basketball Nationals

Here are multiple photos of Kim and her team (and the Varsity Boys team) In Oklahoma City in March. Enjoy! I loved getting 11 photos on these pages! So many photos!
ML

HI to EVERYONE at Dr. J's Office!!!

Welcome to a corner of my creative world! This is where I post Scrapbook layouts and ramble on about happenings in our lives. I have Scrapbooked for years, but only with my computer for the past couple of months or so...as It keeps me busy while recovering. Anyway, enjoy some cute photos of OUR GIRLS! I say "OUR" because I feel that you all have "Adopted" Kim and Lindsey as your own. They truly love all of you guys. You have made a couple of very difficult situations much easier for our family to walk through. Thanks!
You guys will need to scroll way down to see a couple of layouts about the girls and recovering from injuries. You can also wave back at me to let me know you were here by leaving me a message in the LIME GREEN box at the top right of my blog! I would LOVE to hear from you!
Love you!

OH and if you want to read the Scrapbook layouts better you can click on it for a larger view! :) YOu have to realize that when I have them printed they will be at least 3 times this size and the journaling will be easy to read!

Nationals 07

Because of Kim's injury, she was not able to play Basketball with her team at Nationals this year.....Yes..It was tough...BUT that did not stop her from being an active part of the team and being there to support them! Here is the first layout of several to come.

We will miss you "Conners"

It is closer than ever and I know that you guys are excited to start your new venture. I am excited for you, REALLY I am. BUT the selfish part of me screams STOP!!!! "Don't go!"

I hate change Bridges. Mostly, I hate saying goodbye to close friends. You have meant the world to me these past (what 5??)years! I have loved working for you and just developing our friendship. I REALLY just hate to see you guys move....and honestly it has everything I mean NOTHING at all to do with the fact that I will desperatly miss the Annual Christmas Cookie Gift Plate!!! NOthing......really! (ok.....that is like #3 on the list!) Here is a layout of our "Funny kids"! It is entirely DIGTAL! (as all the layouts posted here are) Are YOU as proud of your boys as I am of KIM??? They are so silly!!
Love you all!

Layout for Today

This is Kim and her best friend from a couple of years ago...
Enjoy!

SUMMER is Coming!

Most schools are out for Summer! Lots of plans have been made. Vacations are forthcoming as the weather warms up...(NOT my favorite aspect of this time of year...I am a true Northern Girl at heart!)

Kim will be turning 18 this month! All of you who have known us since time began know how difficult a time I had trying to carry a pregnancy before she was born. And yet, here she is, and almost grown. I am so proud of her confidence, personality, and of course beauty. It is very bittersweet...my heart is so full yet feels somehow empty. Not a child anymore. And our relationship will ever be evolving into a newly defined "friendship". She will be traveling to Florida with her best friend (pictured with her above) this month. They will be visiting a mutual third friend who now lives on the Beach! Woohoo...what a fun birthday she will have!

Linsey continues to amaze me! She has a unique and special way of looking at the World. She is usually optimistic and sees allof the COLOR in things. A happy way to be! Last night she brought me a quick 30 minute sketch she had done...Her hand holding a bundle of colored artist pencils. The unique thing about it was that she had added in a little color but ONLY to the lead tips of the pencils! So visually stimulating! Speaking about art.....she will be showcasing all of her drawings at the Josey Ranch Library this month! She is one of two teens who will be there, along with other teens who will read poetry, sing, or play music. Lindsey is so excited and has been on a Matting spree for days!

Have a great summer and let those toes out of your sneakers!!! We are just getting Started!