the boring life-and-times

well my mom says that Jan's birthday card is pretty but she's tired of looking at it. so I'm being forced into a blog post when I'm not sure what to say!

I'll see what I can do.

*I'm getting over a very bad sunburn from the pool - forehead and shoulders are now peeling. joy.

*I'm doing great with my weight loss now that I figured out how to get passed the 8 lb freeze I had. I'll share more on that soon.

*I'd love a candy bar but the above statement would be out the window if I had one.

*Mexican food and french fries, too. :)

*my mom will be here in 13 days! the kids will drive me nuts until then!

*Oklahoma is in an excessive heat warning - it's 102 right now as I type this.

*swim lessons start on the 6th. I don't see Hailee passing this year either. she's too afraid.

*Braden...oh my Braden. that child scares me. he has KILLED one of his front teeth (at the young age of 3) and I pretty much think there's more to come from the natural born clutz

*Darren isn't happy with the weather either. especially when he has a lot of customers asking for extra stuff this year that they normally don't ask for.

*suppose those said customers don't like the excessive heat warning we're in.

*why is it a warning? it's here. nothing more to be warned about.

*our hot tub is {mostly} fixed and I'm so happy! we keep it at about 93 in the summer and just soak in nice comfy water while everything outside dies from the heat.

*I've been SUPER busy with stuff for the Aug/Sept issue of Ready, Set, Create and the Use Your Stash blog! can't share though. hehehehe

okay - 2 pictures is all I have - not many photo ops when we're staying indoors.

Hailee and her sunkissed cheeks - spf 50 couldn't keep the red off of her.



and Braden's dead tooth. see the lovely shade of grayish/brown (it's actually darker now)

Jan! oh Jan!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday DEAR JAAA-AAAN!

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!!! ♪ ♪ ♫

big WAHOO! for Kimmie!

everybody give a big shout out to Kimmie! She had her first card picked up for publication!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will be appearing in the November issue of Scrapbook Trends so make sure you buy your copy when it hits the shelves!!!



Congrats Kim - I'm so proud of you!

#19

Well "pebblesjns" never got in touch with me so a new winner is being posted. I had Hailee pick a number and that is our winner.

so post #19 - congratulations! you are my new winner!

Kelly said...

i hoard bling! I love my stickles and self adhesive rhinestones!

6/01/2009 12:26 PM

PLEASE email me (link on right) by Friday with an address so I can mark you down as my winner!!!!

busy busy me!

I've been a "mad scrappin woman"! LOL

first - this card I made a few weeks ago but couldn't share it. It was made as an example for the fabric challenge on the UYS BLOG that was posted yesterday. The bird was cut out of fabric using my Big Shot and a Nestabilities die.

The rest of these layouts were made for challenges over at SCRAPPY JO'S.

this was for a layout about MY favorite outdoor past-time.

this was for a layout about what roughing it camping is like -

here's the layout based off of the week #1 sketch

and finally a "recipe" challenge - 3 pictures, 1 photo corner, 2 patterned papers, 1 cardstock & 1 "outdoor" embellishment (the frog).

there's one more layout that I did but I'm not sharing because it's ugly. LOL

here are some more pictures from a few days ago...





I think that's it. I darn hot here and I hate it. I'm ready for FALL!!!!

and the winner is.....

PEBBLESJNS!!!!!


Congrats - please send your mailing address to useyourstash@gmail.com with the subject "Corey's Blog Winner" and I will get this ready for mailing at the end of the month!


thank you all for your posts - looks like we all have issues hoarding our stash! and THAT is why you need to participate in our challenges from now on! :)

look for the first challenge on Monday the 8th over at UYS!!!!

even more fun!

there is another fun post over at UYS! go check it out!

come back here tomorrow to see my randomly chosen winner of a mini album and some shiny chipboard letters!!!

Welcome Welcome!

If you're here then you are at the end of the Use Your Stash blog hop! (if that's not how you got here then you need to go to www.useyourstash.blogspot.com and read the info!)

Make sure you leave a comment on this post telling me what supply you are hoarding in your stash and I will randomly pick a winner for a fun little prize from ME! maybe if ya'll beg I'll share a picture of what you can win!

so - if you have commented on everyone's blogs go back to UYS and leave a comment there telling us that you've completed the hop - that will get you into the drawing for the Core'dinations prize pack!

and don't forget to wish UYS a happy 1st anniversary - thank you all for a great year and let's hope the 2nd one is just as fun and exciting!


**prize will be mailed at the end of the month**

RSC calls

August/September 2009 Page/Project calls for Ready-Set-Create

1. Color combo: green and yellow
2. Back to school
3. Labor day (the holiday OR pregnancy!)
4. Layouts or cards featuring Woodland/wildlife creatures (deer, owls, birds etc)
5. Family reunions

SUBMISSION FORM:
Email:
Project title:
By:
Supplies:

Deadline: July 10, 2009 MST at midnight

Please copy and paste the short submission form into an email to Jen@readysetcreate.com.
If your work is selected you will be notified, and receive a free downloadable copy of the issue your work appears in

Submissions must not be included in any online galleries, blogs, or stores until at least 30 days after the issue your work appears in has been released.

www.readysetcreate.com

Sprinkler Fun

Here's what the kids did on Saturday! (yes, I know he's in undies - swim suits haven't been purchased this year yet!)







when they were done I gave them baths and got them dressed for a few errands we had to run. They sat together on the couch and waited for Darren and I to be ready. Pictures like this just make me all mushy inside!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

the garden gnomes

ha! gnomes! that's a new funny name for my little people!

this is the latest we have ever planted our garden - but when you get 23+ days of rain what can you do? we thought of skipping it but the thought of not having our candy corn made us sad!

so here's little man with daddy's hat and rake - off to work he goes!




and here's little gal......dancing I do believe. maybe it's a good luck dance for the garden?? lol




and here she is again. supervising. "good work, dad. keep it up."


and no, you won't see me in the garden. believe me - it's better I stay out of it and behind the camera! :)

SUPER kids day!

Yesterday was Hailee's "Super Kids Day" (aka field day) at school. OF COURSE Braden and I went! Here are some photos.


{Braden outside before we left for the school - what a handsome little Devil}





{Hailee at the basketball "center". The playground was divided with different activities and every 15 minutes the groups would move. This was the only time I was able to get pictures of her. But I'll tell you now - she is NOT going to be pro basketball when she grows up! lol}




{and the after. one minute he's smiling at me because I'm taking him to Starbucks for chocolate milk...the next he's folded in half almost snoring!}

CBI31

The challenge at Cuttlebug challenges this week is to make a 3D project - and their sponsor is Create & Treasure! How perfect that I just made a mini using their board books! I also used my CB embossing folders so GO ME! This is a mini for Hailee's 7th birthday! enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

did you hear???

Use Your Stash is having a party! check it out!

www.useyourstash.blogspot.com

let's see...

first I have to say I'm excited that this morning my mom and I booked her flight and she'll be here July 7th! The kids will be in swim lessons so she'll get to watch them and take pictures for me!

next - I've been busy with the upcoming issue of RSC and the June stuff for the UYS blog - that means in June I'll be able to post pictures. Some of the things I've made are cards and they will be for sale - if you want to see them before I can show them publicly - just contact me and I'll send you the images.

what else....well, Hailee is almost done with 1st grade! Her last day is May 28th and that's late because of snow days.

I need to give a hout out to Neil and Jennifer - today is their 1 year anniversary!!!! Congrats you two!

I can't think of anything else so I'll just share a few things I've made for an online crop I did this weekend at Scrappy Jo's.

my journey.

March 23, 2009 I started a new weight loss journey. I know, I’ve said it before….but believe me, this time it’s different. I even surprised myself when I realized that this time it IS for real.

My realization came on Darren’s birthday, April 21^st. We were out to dinner and I had to really look at the menu and figure out what I could eat that would keep me under my 15 grams of fat maximum (I’ll explain that later). As I’m looking over the menu I think to myself “I can’t wait until I can order whatever I want without counting fat grams”. Later – as I’m eating – it hit me. I will NEVER be able to eat what I want. I’ve had a weight problem my entire life and that’s not going to change. So I need to change. This time I have. Here’s what I’m doing different.

1. I gave up candy – I haven’t had a Twizzler since day one, March 23^rd. That’s big for me. I like candy and I like sugar. (I do keep mini York Peppermint Patties in the freezer for emergencies - but I've only had a couple)
   

2. I no longer use sugar in my brewed coffee. I’m using Splenda along with fat-free creamer.

3. I drink water. Lots of water. I really don’t like it, but know it’s beneficial to my health and weight loss.

4. I gave up diet coke…at home☺ I still drink it when we go out, but at home it’s just water and coffee.

5. I don’t use butter or margarine. If I have toast for breakfast I use a small amount of peanut butter instead – it has the protein I need as well as the healthy fats I’m allowed.

6. I am no longer making myself 3 latte’s a day. Yes, I love my espresso machine and would drink 3 each day – but now I allow myself one, knowing the calories aren’t good – but the rest of the time it’s just brewed coffee. Yes, I do drink a lot of coffee – but after reading 1-5 I would think you could allow me my coffee without shaking any fingers at me! ♥

7. I’m taking Alli. On the Alli plan you can only have up to 15 grams of fat per meal. At first that was hard, but now I’m having a hard time getting enough. But with watching calories at the same time it can get confusing – it’s still something I’m working on but it is becoming easier every day. I’m learning what I can eat and how much and those are skills I need.

8. and here’s the kicker folks – I exercise! I bought a Jillian Michael’s DVD and I like it! In fact – my Mother’s Day present is 2 more of her video’s along with her book! I can’t believe one person has affected me so much! She’s the push I’ve needed.

Well, I’m down 8 pounds. No, it’s not much – but the best way to lose weight is to lose it slow. SOOO, if I keep at this pace I will be at my goal by March 23^rd of next year! With the support of my family, Darren especially, and my dearest friend, Kimmie (aka My Cheerleader), I know I can do it!

I’ve heard my daughter comment on my belly and butt on more than one occasion and that really hit home. I realized I needed to do something not only for myself, but for my kids. I am so strict about them eating healthy and playing outside for exercise that I must set a good example.

This is a life change – and I’m finally ready to make it. I wish I would’ve done this 20 pounds ago – or after Braden was born….would’ve made this task a lot easier! But – better late than never I hope.

If you’ve read this far – thank you. I just wanted to tell my story so my friends and family know where I’m at right now. I don’t want to be the fat sister – the fat daughter – or the fat mommy anymore.

I also know that you need a support team – so if anyone out there ever wants to talk – click on my email link on the side and drop me a line! I’m more than happy to listen!♥

GLITTER!

the new challenge has been posted at UYS - and it's to use GLITTER!

I had so many plans on using my glue pen and Martha glitter - but when I sat down to do my layout I ended up with glittery letters instead - which saved me a big mess :)

it goes so fast...

...time that is.

Seems like yesterday I brought this little guy home. There are days I want to turn back the clock and enjoy those chubby cheeks and arms a little longer.


Especially when this is him now! Look at my handsome little boy! He's turned out to be quite a lively, sweet, fun, busy addition to our family - and we wouldn't have it any other way!


Happy 3rd Birthday, Bubby!

We love you very much!!!

♥ ♥ ♥ Mommy, Daddy & Hailee

Challenge at Cornish Heritage Farms!

I don't normally do these - but I made a card for the sketch/product challenge over at the CHF Blog.

I used Bazzill and Paper Reflections cardstock, Crate Paper, Happy Trails and Tag You're It stamps from CHF, twill, embossing plates from QuicKutz and Cuttlebug, and staz on ink.




this will be the card I give Braden for his birthday....thanks for looking :)

Here's what we've been doing...

...blowing bubbles, riding bikes, swinging, and rototilling the flower bed for flower planting.....




this was only his 2nd day riding his bike - we're so happy his legs are now long enough because he's REALLY having fun!













Darren let her loose in the yard - it was FUNNY watching her try to keep up as she pulled the "trigger"!

happy birthday, daddy!

from the kiddos








(picture taken yesterday after they both got new hair cuts!!!!)

38!

Happy Birthday to my super terrific husband!!!!! I love you more and more every day - I'm looking forward to another wonderful year!


I love you!!!
(picture taken on his birthday last year!)

Cross your fingers for me!!!

I just put myself in the drawing for a chance to go to Pioneer Woman's Ranch for a cooking demo!!!! That would be such a dream! She's my cooking idol you know :)

if you haven't checked it out yet - her blog link is on the left - you must pick a recipe and cook it today - you won't be disappointed!

Monkey-do Scraps

I couldn't let the scraps from the "Monkey-do" layout go to waste so I made a card! The ribbon is from my mom - I think she got it from the Target dollar spot - it matches the papers perfectly!

what a day!

wow!

first - Hailee had a soccer game at 9:00 am - that is NOT easy for a family that doesn't do mornings very well! but we made it on time - better than 3 of the other girls! Hailee got in some great, effective kicks, and one of them scored a goal - her FIRST!!!! Because of her first goal she received the MVP award for the day - it's tradition with this coach....all the other girls received their first goal awards one or two seasons ago :)

second - in the parking lot, in the backseat, while buckling Braden in, Hailee was eating the last Oreo from her soccer snack. Out of no-where she jumped out of her seat hysterical and crying. Her tooth came out and was in her hand! LOL Darren and I just laughed! She does this with each tooth (hates the sight of blood and her teeth bleed for a bit when they come out) and it's just too funny to watch!

After we got home, we all changed and went to the walking trail that runs along the turnpike - Braden in his stroller, Hailee on her bike, Sammy on his leash - we walked 2 miles each direction for a total of 4 miles! My butt muscles hurt (I pushed the stroller!) and Hailee was ready to call it quits at 3 miles - but we had to get back! LOL

AFTER THAT we dropped the dog back at home and took the kids to McDonald's for lunch to celebrate Hailee's great game. (don't worry I ordered food I'm allowed to eat!)

Braden wouldn't nap after all this - not sure why....Darren had no trouble! Hailee played outside and I tried to nap during the hour and a half I tried to make Braden nap!

Anyway - it was a great day and we all really enjoyed just being together! Fun start to the weekend!


Here's a picture sure to make you smile (this was after the game, before the walk)

this one was SO fun!

I've wanted to make a layout with this title for a long time now! Braden is often called "monkey-do" for the things he does! We love it! He'll see Darren doing something in the garage so he'll go find something to pick up so that he can mimic him. Hailee will walk around the house on her hands and knees acting like a tiger...Braden will follow right behind. But he mimics good things too - like counting, saying abc's, and so much more. It's a learning technique for him as much as it is just something fun to do.

In these pictures he is showing me his teeth. Hailee had a super loose tooth and I wanted to see it - next thing I see is this face and Braden saying "tee mine mommy?" So I took the pictures!

I also LOVED working with Bungle Jungle from Sassafras! They have become one of my FAVORITE manufacturers!!! You'll see more from this collection - I promise!!!

Dinner tonight!

One of my favorite cookbooks is called "Land of Cotton". My dad and step-mom gave it to me for Christmas in 1993. I use this cookbook more than any of my others.

tonight I'm making this recipe and everyone loves it! We eat it at least once a month!

Alabama's Pepper Steak

2 pounds beef round steak
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1 medium onion, sliced
1 (10 oz.) can beef consomme'
4 tbsp flour
1/2 cup water
black pepper to taste
2 cups diced or sliced bell pepper rings
2 cups chopped celery
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 cups cooked rice (we use regular white - so good with the sauce!)

Cut beef into slices. Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook and stir beef over high heat about 5 minutes or until meat is browned. Add salt, pepper, bell pepper, celery, onion, and consomme'. Cover and cook over low heat until meat and vegetables are tender. Blend flour, water, and soy sauce. Stir into mixture. Cook and stir until mixture is slightly thickened. Serve over bed of rice.


MMMMMM......let me know if you try this! It really is SOOO good!

want to get your TUSH kicked?

then this is for you! I love Jillian and the way she pushes people beyond their limit! and I have to say, even though she isn't IN the room with me, hearing her say things like "flat abs don't come for free" keep me going!



and the fact that she's kicking my butt makes it easy to not eat the things I normally would - because I know she'd have to kick me even harder to get it off! LOL

this can be purchased online from Amazon, Wal-mart, or Target - I bought mine from Amazon and with shipping it was under $12! deal! but - maybe you live in a town that actually carries it in stores - I'm not in one of those towns. sigh.

do YOU like deals???

Jen is offering a great special over at RSC! check it out here ---> April "NO FOOLS" deal!!!









offer ends April 2nd at midnight!