Layout Share.

These layouts are from are family vacation in 2007. I have at least 4 more to do.
Sorry about the camera flash.

Playing with Photos

Here is a a couple photos I played around with in Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9. I'm not that good at it but I do have fun when I find the time.

Week 1 of Decluttering is now Week 2

I didn't get my kitchen done so I can't move on to another room, but you can.

Remember if you have to second guess it pitch it.

Digital Scrapping

I had alot of fun making a couple digital layouts. I don't think I would want to do it all the time because I want to see my layouts anytime. I did it in Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9.

Cruise Layouts (Liberty of The Seas)

I got 5 layouts done and I have alot more to do. I will share more when there done.

Another Card

I have been having fun working on the cards. I hope I find time to do more.
Thanks Scrapbooklane for the fun card challenges.

Card Crop

I had lots of fun making four cards. I hope this gets me back into scrapbooking.

I used old Christmas cards to make this card.

My Snowmen colection is Growing 2008

The little trees bells (decorations) have snowmen faces painted on them to.

Alan got me these. There all metal except the tree of cource.

I'm Behind

Its Wednesday and I haven't even started in my kitchen, but I did get all my Christmas stuff down and put away except my snowmen.

I'm hoping to get some more done tomorrow morning and do some scraping in the afternoon.

Anyone can do any amount of work provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at the moment.
Robert Benchley

Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are so much fun to make and you can save money making them. Buy all year from the clearance isles, watch for things to go on sale, or make everything in the basket.

You can go with any theme a person likes. You don't have to pick a basket to put everything in either, you can get a bucket, hat, flower pot, even a pan so they can cook the soup mix that you put inside it.

So start with a list of people you got to buy for, what do they like to do.

Examples:

Gardening- flower pot, seeds (look at the dates), gloves, hat, shovel, spade, garden statue, live flowers, etc.

Tea and Hot Chocolate- tea pot, mugs, tea bags, hot chocolate, and don't for get the marsh mellows.

Cleaners for there Vehicle

If you search Gift Baskets online you will find hundreds of ideas.

Have fun shopping and making things.

Decluttering My House

I'm sitting here telling myself I need to declutter, but that means I need to add something to my list of things I got to do everyday. Oh when will house cleaning ever be done???

I know it will never be done, but decluttering will help me be able to find things easier, enjoy playing with the kids, reading a book, or going to my scrap room to play. I will reward myself with things I enjoy doing.

So get out the garbage bags and start decluttering.

1. Pick one room a week or maybe for as long as it takes to get it cleaned, don't over whelm yourself it will make you walk away and never get it done.
2. Look around and find the area that needs your help the most.
3. If you don't use it pitch it, ask your friends and family if they need it, take it to goodwill.
4. Separate everything as you go- burn, shredded, friend, etc.
5. At the end of everyday if there are things you can burn or put in the garbage or find a new home for do it. It will make the biggest difference
6. Don't forget to look and see what you have done and pat yourself on the back.

These are my goals for decluttering.

Tell me what yours are and maybe it will help me out.

Decluttering my Kitchen Week 1

As I was doing my dishes I looked around my kitchen and I thought where did all my counter space go. I don't have allot of it, but what I have I need to use. Cleaning it is another story because I don't like wiping everything off all the time and moving it to clean under it. If you have a house like mine I'm not the only one that cooks and the other once that cook don't think about making a mess because they don't clean it.

So here is what I'm going to do:

1. Clean my counters

The appliances that I don't use once a week are finding a new home or getting put under the steps on the shelf. They will be easy to get to when I need them.

2. Clean inside of my cupboards.

Get rid of unused, broken, chipped cups, plates, plastic containers, etc.

3. Clean stove, fridge, and microwave.

Don't forget the Windex it will make it shine.

4. Clean the outside of my cabinets.

5. Scrub my floor on my hands and knees.

The kids like doing this maybe they will help.

I hope I find my kitchen .

Oh I forgot to tell you the reason I picked my kitchen is I got a bread maker for Christmas and the bread taste so good, but I don't have room for it on my counter. If you have any good recipes please pass them on. I know my family would love to try them.

Christmas 2008

Christmas morning started at 7:30. I was shocked the kids slept that long. Everyone seemed to like everything. I didn't have to take anything back so me and Santa must have done good.

Paint Stirring Snowmen

Supplies:
1 paint-stirring stick
Tempera paint; white, black and orange
Strip of Christmas or winter fabric for the scarf
Blush make-up for the cheeks
Small strip of thin wood for the hat brim
Hot glue gun or Elmer's glue
Heavy string or yarn to hang ornament
Bit of greenery or a bell for hat decoration


Instructions:
Using a clean new stirring stick, paint the majority of the stick white, leaving some space at the top to paint black for the hat.
Paint the top of the stick and small strip of wood black.
When all the paint has completely dried, glue the black strip of wood to the hat.
Use the Tempera paint to make the face and buttons.
Tie the material around the narrowest part of the stick, which is the neck of the snowman.
OPTIONAL: Glue some decorative greenery, holly, or bell to the hat.
Glue the yarn to the back of the hat forming a hanging loop.
Let dry overnight.

http://www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/ys/crafts/snowman.htm

Please colgon take me away

Oh what a day. the kids are driving me nuts my house needs put back together

When will school Start

I hope everyone is having more fun then me.

One thing I'm am thankful for is no one is sick today. The stomach virus started the last day of school and ended yesterday. All 7 of us got it. Yuck remember to take your vitimans and drink lots of fluids.

Monday I will be getting back to were I was before Christmas, plus adding things to this years schedule.

So if there is anyone out there that would love to declutter there house please join me and let me know I'm not the only one that has junk.

Touch of Snow Bookmark

I have not tried this yet but I would like to. Please share if you do.

TOUCH OF SNOW BOOKMARK

1 Ball of knit cro sheen (225 Yd ball) color of your choic Or white will make several Bookmarks.
1 Size 6 crochet hook
1 Stiffener
size 9" long (snowflake is 2" in diameter
gauge: over sc 8 sts=1"
ch4, join w/slst to form ring
rnd 1: ch3, 13dc in ring-14 dc, counting beg ch3 as one dc. join w/slst to top of beg ch3
rnd 2: ch1, sc in same st as join, ch4, *sk next st, sc in next st, ch4, rep from * around, join w/slst to beg sc-7 lps
rnd 3: (sc, hdc, 2hdc, sc) in each lp around, join w/slst in first sc
rnd 4: ch1, sc in same st as join, *ch4, sk next 2 sts, sc in next st, rep from * around, end ch4, join w/slst in first sc-14 lps
rnd 5: rep rnd 3. do not fasten off.
rnd 6 (tail): ch 48, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 46 ch, join w/slst in first sc of rnd 5. fasten off.
tassel:
cut 11 3" strands of thread and 2 6" strands. tie 11 3" strands in center with one 6" strand and tie ends of 6" strand to end of tail. fold strands in half and wind second 6" strand several times around tassel 1/2" below fold and tie in knot. trim ends evenly. tie tassel to end of tail. starch lightly.

http://www.mkdesigner.com/c-sno-bm.html

Snowman ornament

Oh I love it and I even have everything here to make it.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/snowpeople/ss/gbsnowman.htm

Please send me a link if you make one.

New Years Eve

What will I do in 2009 that I didn't do in 2008? Hmm

1. Well one thing is I am going to try to pull my family back together. There is allot that happened in 2008 that I would like to forget but at that same time they were learning experience's that I wouldn't want to do with out or again.
2. I would like to spend as much time with my parents as I can.
3. Go to camp more.
4. Take the kids to the park more.
5. Work on my Christmas goals
6. Go away for a weekend with dh.
7. and of cource I would like to shed some pounds.

What goals do you have?

Snowman craft

This is so cute and adorable.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/snowpeople/ss/buttonsnowman.htm

If you make it please share picture.

For the person that Loves Snowmen

Here is a really cute outside snowman.

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=12097&campaign-NLC-NL_Wkdr&link=Feature%20Photo

After Christmas Goals

Christmas is over and I wish it wasn't. I love to give to others and see there faces light up. I have goals I would like to set for Christmas next year and there is no better time but the present to start on them. I will need you to help so if you have any ideas to help me please pass them on to me.

Here is what I want to do.

1. I would like to be able to help one other child have a great Christmas morning.
2. I would like to make more gifts.
3. Start my Christmas shopping in Feb.
4. Start decorating my house begining of Nov.
5. Get my Christmas cards made before Nov.

I don't feel like I have pressured myself at all. Do you have any goals you would like to do for Christmas 2009?

My Christmas Letter

This year Christmas is a little different around here. We didn't have the money to buy alot of gifts but we have the love to share and that is more inportant then any gift.

There are loved once that are not able to be here with us but they are here in are hearts.

At Christmas time there are know rules, you make the best out of what you have. We have are family and friends and we are the lucky once to have each other.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Tree 2008

Decorating the tree is always fun with the kids.
This year Alan cut the tree down, put it in the stand and brought it in the house.
The kids were so excited, they couldn't wait.
I put the lights and the beads on it.
And here is the kids having fun.

Holiday Tip

Tempted to give your teens gift cards?
Go one better: take them shopping.
They'll get what they want, and more importantly, you'll get time together.

http://www.bhg.com/

Holiday Tip

Use lighter-colored cookie sheets to keep cookie bottoms from over-browning. Or, line dark cookie sheets with parchment paper.

http://www.bhg.com/

Holiday Tip

Is it looking fabulous? Take a photo. You can use your photos next year as a guide for what worked beautifully, and what you might want to tweak.

www.bhg.com

Holiday Tip

Make sure you got all your batteries and film for your cameras and toys.

Christmas Concert

We had a great afternoon watching the kids sing. They put so much work into learning there songs.

Holiday Tip

Add a personal touch to your decor by stringing your prettiest holiday cards on bright ribbon and draping over chair backs, along mantels, or over doorways.

www.bhg.com

Holiday Tip

Add a sweet family touch to gifts:
pick up plain wrapping paper and let your kids decorate it with drawings, cutouts, stamps, and glued-on pom-poms.

www.bhg.com

Make a Snow Flake

http://snowflake.bhg.com/?sssdmh=dm17.351879&esrc=nwwr25_09&email=847010344

Christmas Tree

Today is the day we get ready to get the big Christmas tree.

Three years ago today we adopted 3 wonderful children. On that same day we try are hardest to get are tree and have pizza while we decorate it. It is always a fun day and its a day we all don't want to forget.

Young Children always bring so much joy to Christmas. All the other children are grow so what a joy to have the chance to start over again.

I Love You Guys

The Day We Adopted You
Submitted by: akr7677
Author: Unknown

If we had it to do over again
Adoption is what we'd choose
We got more than we had hoped for
The day we adopted you
For you have given us more in life
Than we could ever want or need
You made our house into a home
And made our family complete
We love you more than life itself for all the things you say and do
And if we had it to do over again
You'd be the only one we'd choose.

No-Waste Gift-Wrapping Ideas

• Wrap the gift in a drawstring bag and use an inexpensive luggage tag for the gift tag.
• Decorate oversized gifts with just a bow that can be used again.
• Put toy animals in a cowboy hat and wrap a cowboy scarf around it.
• Use a jewelry box for some flea market 'jewels.'
• Use a knit hat to wrap a small gift. Close the hat with a barrette or a decorative hat pin.
• Games or toys for a child can go in a new backpack designed pillow case.
• For a person who is handy, wrap a gift in a tool box.
• Put blouses and other gifts in decorative hat boxes and tie with a hair ribbon.
• For the sewing enthusiast, wrap a gift in a fabric remnant and tie it with a piece of lace or ribbon.
• Any kitchen gift can be wrapped in a colorful dish towel. Kitchen utensils can pop out of an oven mitt.
• Place home-baked cookies in a reusable tin box, a kitchen container, or a decorated oatmeal box.
• Use a colorful tablecloth to wrap dishes or dining room gifts.
• For a reader, wrap a book in a reusable canvas shopping sack.
• Wrap tools for a gardener in the pocket of an apron, planter, or bucket.
• Hang earrings, bracelets, or necklaces right on the Christmas tree, or put them inside or around an open ornament.
• Search the flea market, garage sales, and thrift stores for interesting old boxes that can be used as decorative packages.
• Search the attic for old family photos and mementos and give them to your favorite relative wrapped in grandma's old hat and a lace curtain.
• Salvation Army and Goodwill thrift shops often have good prices on leftover holiday wrapping paper.
• Purchase gift bags from your local dollar stores and reuse them each year.
• Used, but attractive, gift baskets are often offered at local thrift shops.
• Christmas-theme fabric, with Velcro strips attached, can become reusable holiday wrap.

http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/publiced/holidays/NoWaste.htm

Oyster Cracker

Fun snack to make with the kids.

2 bags of oyster crackers
1 package of dry ranch dressing
a dash of dill (to taste)
a dash of garlic powder ( to taste)
1 cup of oil

Mix all ingredients in large bowl

Cinnamon and Pie Crust

My kids call these poptarts.

All you need is to make a pie crust, roll it out, cut into rectangles
put butter, cinnamon, and sugar on half of it
the other half is to cover the butter, cinnamon, and sugar
use a fork to seal the edges and bake until brown.

Its make a good breakfast or snack.

Biblical Birth-day Verse

http://www.mybirthverse.com/

Mine is:

Matthew 5:9 NIVBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes:

4 large sweet potatoes peedled and sliced (my father gives me his sweet potatoes and when I say large, I mean large)

3 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and cubed (or your favorite sweet baking apples)

1/4 lb butter melted
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c apple juice (I just use water)
1 t. cinnamon1/2 t. nutmeg (optional)

The Recipe says:

Layer sweet potatoes and apples in slow cooker. Mix melted butter and brown sugar, spoon over the top of the sweet potatoes and apples. Pour the apple juice or water over the entire mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cook on low 6 to 8 hours.

Stir and serve.

I admit it - I'm lazy when it comes to cooking - and I like quick recipes without a lot of prep time so I usually don't bother melting the butter and mixing it with the sugar, I just cut up the butter and put it, the brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the layered sweet potatoes and apples, pour the water in and stir everything about 1/2 way through cooking. My crock pot has a low, high and autoshift setting (the setting I use) so my cook time is about 4 hours. It comes out like a dark apple sauce and can be eaten hot or cold. My boys eat this as a side dish, I have a small serving in place of my desert.

Recipe by dcfrances (Butlercafe)

OVER NIGHT SWEET ROLLS

6 pm, mix together
½ cup lukewarm water
2 tsp sugar
2 pg dry yeast

Let mix and stand for 10 minutes

Add 4 cups lukewarm water
1 ½ cup sugar
1 egg
3 tsp. Salt
1 cup oil or melted margarine
15 cups flour

Knead 8 to 10 minutes

Place in greased bowl, cover & set aside
Let stand 2 ½ to 3 hours or 9 pm
Shape rolls, put in pans, cover well, but not tightly,
Let rise on table overnight.

Bake at 350 degrees till brown, when you get up

Depending on how you shape, you will get between 4 and 5 dozen.

Recipe by Lenora (Butlercafe)

Christmas Ornaments

I have been making some ornaments, there are so many to choice from. Here are a couple I have made. Sorry the color is off, I guess scanning wasn't the best way to do it.





http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/christmas_ornaments.php

If you find a site you like or would like to share what you have made I would love to see it.

Christmas Decorations-Crafts

Here is a website I have found, there is so much to do here. If you make anything I would love to see it or hear about it. If you have a favorite sight I would love to see it.

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/index.shtml

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Check this site out. Yum makes me hungry looking at it.
Make the Most of Yesterday's Leftover Turkey

Christmas is coming

and what fun stuff there is to do. Yes I still have my cleaning and it is not on
my fun list, but someone has to do it.

This year I have been making some gifts and cards.

My cards are made from odds and ends I have in my stash. I didn't go buy anything not even the stamps I bought them earlier in the year because I new I wouldn't have the money to get them now. The nice thing is some of the materials were gifts from some very special friends.

Material:
Christmas cards and envelopes
stamp- front of card Tis The Season- inside To Be Jolly
winter wonderland embossing powder
sizzix cut outs

Happy Thanksgiving

Give us this day our daily bread, O Father in heaven, and grant that we who are filled with good things from Your open hand, may never close our hearts to the hungry, the homeless, and the poor; in the name of the Father, and of the Sone, and of the Holy Spirit.

- from the abbey of New Clairvaux, Viña, California

Cleaning

I am still cleaning everyday. I don't think I will ever be done. Here is the bingo list for today. don't forget if anyone wants it in bingo form email me. If I don't send a new one grab a old one. Have A Great Day and I hope you get lots done.


spend 15 mins picking up living room
run vaccum
find a hotspot anywhere in your house and clear it
movers-let's unpack 3 boxes. YOU CHOOSE...everyone else..pick a room and spend 15 mins cleaning in there.
light a candle
work on crafts or christmas cards set timer 20 mins
make beds
figure out what's for dinner
clear dining room/kitchen table
sweep kitchen
run any errands you need to do today
pick up and put away 10 things out of place
Laundry or Go find another hot spot and attack it
spend 15 mins in your bedroom doing whatever cleaning or organizing you need to do
deal with dishes
clear off kitchen counter
see if you can find any clutter to list on freecycle
spend 15mins on cleaning up computer arrea or another area if computer is done (mine's not)
pick up stray laundry..shoes..coats
etc..and change washer loads
spend 15 mins in a room that's screaming for attention
(like your bedroom)
spend 15 minutes in YOUR play area picking up and putting away
spend 15 mins in dining room
do something you been needing to do..hang a picture..wrap it for christmas..dust it..etc..don't have to be a picture just something you been "meaning to do"
tidy up the bathrooms
find 10 things that need put away..movers you know you got em!!

Cleaning Not

Today just didn't work out the way I wanted it to. I did a little cleaning but not alot. I hope others got more done then me.

Day 5 Cleaning

Here is another bingo card if you would like to see it in bingo format e-mail me at juggaloonfire@zoominternet.net

I hope you get lots done.



spend 15 mins picking up living room floor
run vaccum
Organize all books and movies
clean lampshades
/globes
light a candle
load of laundry
if done do something else small
make beds
swish toilets and swipe sinks & mirror
clear dining room/kitchen table
sweep kitchen
spend 10 mins in a childs room picking up before it gets majorly outta hand in there (or your room)
pick up and put away 10 things out of place
find one thing you've been "meaning" to do, like unpack a box, or fix a frame..file papers.,etc
load of laundry if done do something else small
deal with dishes
clear off kitchen counter
see if you can find any clutter to list on freecycle
spend 15mins on cleaning up computer arrea
load of laundry if done do something else small
spend 15 mins in a room that's screaming for attention
(like your bedroom)
spend 15 minutes in YOUR play area picking up and putting away
spend 20 mins working on a craft (we should do this one together)
Go in your bedroom and find 6 things that do not belong in there and put them where they go
spend 15 mins on craft table cleaning not playing
spend 15 minutes clearing something in your room..dresser..nite stand..closet..etc..

Day 4 Cleaning

This was a cleaning bingo card, I see on here it isn't working. So I guess its just become a list of things to do today. Have a Great Day.


spend 15 mins picking up living room floor
run vaccum
clean off a hotspot in living room
wipe tv sceen and monitor to if it needs it
light a candle
load of laundry
make beds
clean bathroom
clear dining room/kitchen table
sweep kitchen
spend 10 mins in a childs room picking up before it gets majorly outta hand in there (or your room)
pick up and put away 10 things out of place
find one thing you've been "meaning" to do, like unpack a box, or fix a frame..etc
load of laundry
put dishes away that need to be put where they belong
clear off kitchen counter
spend 10 minutes tidying the fridge
spend 15mins on cleaning up computer arrea
load of laundry
spend 15 mins in a room that's screaming for attention
spend 15 minutes in YOUR play area picking up and putting away
find something that need organized and spend 10 mins doing that
pick up 10 things that need thrown away
spend 15 mins on craft table
check all trash and see if it needs empty

Day 3 Cleaning NOT

Chris is coming home for a visit this weekend Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. I went to the store today and got some of his favorite food. So that means I didn't get my cleaning done. Tomorrow is another day.
I also picked up a couple more little Christmas gifts.

Day 3 Cleaning

Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don't do
it. ~Author Unknown

8:30-9:00
Get dressed.
Turn off TV and turn on the radio.
Chat
9:00- 9:30
Fold clothes, put them away, wipe off washer and dryer.
9:30-9:45
Chat
9:45-10:00
Clean steps (wash or sweep) inside or outside.
10:00-10:15
Chat
10:15-10:30
Find 10 things you need to put away or throw away.
10:30-10:45
Chat
10:45-11:15
Go to 1 of your bedrooms pick up and dust it.
11:15-11:30
Chat
11:30-12:00
Sweep the bedroom and the hallway.
12:00-
Chat, eat lunch and work on the rest of the list we have for are everyday stuff.

Day 2 cleaning

Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy.
~Author Unknown

8:30-9:00
Get dressed.
Turn off TV and turn on the radio.
Chat
9:00- 9:30
Go into 1 of your bathrooms and take everything out that you can (waste basket, brushes and combs, shower curtain, rugs, hand soap, etc) Spray everything down and make it shine. 9:30-9:30-9:45
Chat
9:45-10:00
Clean brushes and combs and sweep bathroom floor. If you have time wash floor.
10:00-10:15
Chat
10:15-10:30
Put everything back in bathroom.
10:30-10:45
Chat
10:45-11:15
Go look at your diningroom and find that spot that has everything you tried to hide. Get rid of or put away as much as you can. Wipe of table
11:15-11:30
Chat
11:30-12:00
Wipe chairs and sweep the floor.
12:00-
Chat, eat lunch and work on the rest of the list we have for are everyday stuff.

Day 1 Cleaning

House Cleaning Blues
by Ellen Bailey


I have the house cleaning blues
I look around and see so much to do
I look at the walls, the windows, and the floors
I see heaps of dust layered like boards

What I need is a good house cleaning crew
But where to get one, I haven't a clue
I asked for volunteers, but none would relent
Their community spirit, it seems, had been spent

I could wish for an occasional hurricane
For me, that may not be such a bad thing
I could raise the windows and open the doors
And be done with these house cleaning chores

But hurricanes don't occur where I live
So its left up to me to clean this crib
I have devised a plan to get the job done
Since I can no longer depend on anyone

My plan is as simple as it can be
One that is not very taxing on me
My walking shoes I will lace up tight
And from this nightmare I will take flight



8:30-9:00
Get dressed.
Turn off TV and turn on the radio.
Chat
9:00- 9:30
Do dishes and pick up 10 things that don't belong in there and put them away or throw them away.
9:30-9:45
Chat
9:45-10:00
Clean out microwave- if clean scrub kitchen sink and counter
10:00 -10:15
Chat
10:15-10:45
Clean out one shelf or cupboard- now we all have to have a untiedied shelf or cupboard.
10:45-11:00
Chat
11:00-11:15
Put away the mess that you have made. If done sweep floor.
11:15-11:30
Chat
11:30-12:00
Clean outside of stove- if clean, clean off cupboard doors.
12:00-
Chat, eat lunch and work on the rest of the list we have for are everyday stuff.

Getting ready for Christmas

CLEAN THE HOUSE

There are 3 of us girls that have a bad habit of chatting in the morning, sometimes all day and we don't get to the extra house work (well at least I don't). So everyday one of us will make a list and we will follow it as close as possible to get are house ready.

I want to start getting out the decoration next week, but I can't put them in the different rooms until there clean.

A Mother's Child

A Mother's Child
by Mom
A mother's child is every breath that she takes,
walking hand in hand, they are every step that she makes.

And as their steps will grow to strides,
still a child, in mother's eyes.

Every ache and pain they shall feel,
mother will share and with love she will kneel.

She will pray to God to take care of her child,
to protect and guide them through every mile.

Her child is the very core of her soul,
from baby in arms to an adult they will grow.

For to a mother, her child will stay,
the precious infant she held that day.

Have a safe Halloween Everyone

The Night Wind
by Eugene Field

Have you ever heard the wind go "Yooooo"?
'Tis a pitiful sound to hear!
It seems to chill you through and through
With a strange and speechless fear.
'Tis the voice of the night that broods outside
When folk should be asleep,
And many and many's the time I've cried
To the darkness brooding far and wide Over the land and the deep:
"Whom do you want, O lonely night,
That you wail the long hours through?"
And the night would say in its ghostly way:
"Yoooooooo! Yoooooooo! Yoooooooo!"

My mother told me long ago
(When I was a little tad)
That when the night went wailing so,
Somebody had been bad;
And then, when I was snug in bed,
Whither I had been sent,
With the blankets pulled up round my head,
I'd think of what my mother'd said,
And wonder what boy she meant!
And "Who's been bad to-day?"
I'd ask Of the wind that hoarsely blew;
And the voice would say in its meaningful way:
"Yoooooooo! Yoooooooo! Yoooooooo!"

That this was true I must allow--
You'll not believe it, though!
Yes, though I'm quite a model now,
I was not always so.
And if you doubt what things I say,
Suppose you make the test;
Suppose, when you've been bad some day
And up to bed are sent away
From mother and the rest--
Suppose you ask, "Who has been bad?"
And then you'll hear what's true;
For the wind will moan in its ruefulest tone:
"Yoooooooo! Yoooooooo! Yoooooooo!"

Chris is off to PTI

October 18, 2008 mom, dad, and me moved Chris into his apartment to go to school. It is very hard for me to let him go. We talk everyday, sometimes more then once. He tells me he misses me and of cource I miss him.
He has been there a week and I said I was not going to go see him, and I'm not. Mom, Dad and Miya went to see him and to take him a computer, drafting table, and left overs that I know he will love to eat. They are going shopping for a couple more things he needs. Boy do I wish I would of went, but dh is working and I am home with the other 2 kids.
Here are some pics on his apartment.

Time Out

Time out isn't always the way to go. I am puting one foot in front of the other and moving on.

Quote

I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have.

-Coleman Cox

It's Christmas Time Again

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.
Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don't let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It's a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

(by Bob Lazzar-Atwood)

Vacation on the Liberty of the Seas

Hi,
I have missed everyone, but I would leave again tomorrow to go back.

We left home at 3:30 AM Saturday got to PIT and ran into Aunt Barb and Ly. They helped us get are luggage into the airport while dad parked the truck in extended parking. PIT airport was easy to get around. We were flying out on US Airway, they had some problems getting the wheelchair into the plane. what a pain they came on the plane to find me to ask how they can get the chair into the plane. Anyways we made it and we were in the air. The flight was good but of course none of us could sleep we were just to excited.

We landed in FLL. around 11:00 PM got the wheelchair it had a couple scratches but it still worked fine and at that point that is all that mattered to us. We had to wait until a bus came with a lift ( I was just looking for a place to have a smoke). That took another 30 minutes. We went outside around 11:30, it was hot and humid. Wouldn't you know the bus lift didn't work, they played with it for a hour. Not a good thing. RC ended up getting us a taxi that took us to the ship. About 40 minutes later Yaaaaaaaaaaa we made it to the ship. Liberty of the Seas is a big ship.

Embankment went pretty smooth after we found out were we needed to go. We got are sea passes and on the ship we went. We went right to are stateroom 10th floor JS 1328 and dropped off are carry on bags we had 7 of them oh what fun it was making sure we didn't lose any of them. We all were hungry so off to the Jade and Windjammer buffets. Everyone had to eat here it was the only thing open. There were lots of people just as excited as we were but getting through with a wheelchair was not fun. The rest of the day we spent walking around the ship, we didn't want to be lost all week. It was so pretty, elegant, and there was so much to look at.

Sep. 7, 2008 was a sea day, we got to catch up on some of are sleep and look at places on the ship we didn't have time to the day before ( there is still places we didn't get to see ).
Of course we went shopping and played in the casino ( we all lost but had fun doing it ), I went to a scrapbooking class ( Yaaaaaaaaaa ) we made a page and they shared some ideas. There was food everywhere and I think that was one of the things we did most LOL. It was all good and if you didn't like it they gave you something else. It was great not having to do dishes or cook.

Sep. 8, 2008 we sailed into Cozumel, Mexico we didn't book any excursions here so we just went shopping. Pushy people but we got some deals. Chris didn't bring a hat or sun classes so we got him some sunglasses. We only spent about 2 hours there and back to the ship we went. It was a nice and sunny day but very hot. After dinner we went swimming and then to a show. We are still trying to catch up on a sleep but who wants to miss all the fun.


Sep. 9, 2008 we were suppose to go to Grand Cayman but the water was to chopping for the tenders to safely get us to shore so we were not able to go. So it was another day at sea. There was lots to do Chris got online ( pricey but he had fun ). Me and Chris went swimming, of course there was breakfast, lunch and dinner ( YUM ), and finding more views to see on the ship. Mom, dad, Chris, me, Aunt Barb and Ly went to the Hoof and Claw bar to listen to a guy play guitar and we all sang along.

Sep. 10, 2008 we went to Ochio Rio, Jamaica. Mom and dad went to Duns Falls and to see some gardens. Since we were not booked to go here we didn't have anything set up for Chris in a wheelchair, so me and Chris went swimming and shopping. I got my hair braided ( love it). We had fun but it was a different place and I don't think I would ever want to go back there without a excursion booked. I was asked if I wanted to by weed or any thing else. There were cement walls and barbwire on top of them around the shores, cops everywhere, and lots of people wanting to sell you something. On the ship we went swimming and to the show.

Sep. 11, 2008 we went to Labbade, Haiti it is so pretty there I could of moved in. Labbade is RC island me and Chris rented floating mats and did some sopping, mom and dad went on a walking tour of the island and went shopping, Aunt Barb and Ly went shopping. We all had lunch and back to the ship. Me and Chris got sunburned I guess 2 hours in the ocean was a little to much. We still went swimming on the ship and walked around.

Sep. 12, 2008 was a sea day. It rained for about 3 minutes and we got to see a rainbow. We did the normal of lounging around, ate to much and went to the show, I was in tears it was so funny,and I got to scrapbook again,. We had to get are luggage packed and set outside are rooms by 11:00pm. we didn't want to go, but we couldn't afford another week.

Sep. 13, 2008 up at 5:30am got some breakfast and off the ship we went at 6: 30. Everything went smooth until it came time to catch a bus to Miami airport. The ship told us someone would be waiting for us ( that didn't happen ) we waited about a hour and a bus came to get us ( this one worked ). We got to the airport 3 hours before but wouldn't you no the elevator we needed to use didn't work, so we were off walking again. I would never fly into or out of this airport if I didn't have to. We made it home the flight was great. I slept the hold time. We stopped and got something to eat, Last time to be pampered and not have to cook or clean.

All and all it was a great trip the only thing i have to say to RC is you need more elevators 8 is not enough when you are in a wheelchair, and I would work on the airport to ship and ship to airport transfers. PIT airport was the best out of the 3.

Cards

Here are a couple cards that I made for a sketch challenge.