Happy Birthday Beth

Happy Birthday Crop Diva!!

Hope your day is the BESTEST!!

YOU deserve the royal treatment !!

have you seen me?

do you see the resemblance? We have our very own Santa Baby Boy here....and he is already in the movies.

And it is Koda's favorite holiday movie.... :-)

Hope everyone is enjoying their final preparations and shopping for the holiday....I was off today for my floating holiday....I was at Meijer before 7am getting groceries then I took all 3 boys out to shop for one another! Met the girls from work for lunch at Los Tres Amigos and then off to Target....now we are home hoping to get some R & R!

Feeling much better today.....for those of you unaware....I've been having gallbladder or pancreatic attacks...spent an evening in Express Care- now planning for some tests next week that will make some final decisions for me......is this a true sign we are getting OLD?

Hope everyone is healthy and enjoying our snowless holiday season.

where did it go?

I cannot keep up....time is just flying by! I am losing control....help me, Dear Santa- please!!
Work has been just plain CRAZY- our schedules have been NUTS! Appointments and more appointments...ugh. I am NOT done shopping- are we ever?
I have been busy making angels...will post one later...they are so simple yet just adorable.
Making cookies by the dozens....need to send a bunch to school Thursday with the boys so I bought the pre cut ones from Gordon's....thankfully they know the working moms just do not have enough daylight hours to do it all...lol
Mom, I did NOT get your box out in time....I am certain it will be late...sorry...extend your Christmas just another sya or two for us...lol

Great news- Dakoda was released from the ortho dr for his shoulder....not so great news...he has decided to just wait until next season to get involved as he missed so much and he is not completely healed.

So here it is 4 more shopping days and I am a NUT- and I need groceries too....have I lost my mind? please do not say the answer out loud. :-)

Hope everyone is prepared and enjoying the holiday season...miss you all.

Traditions

Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition? Have you carried on any traditions with your kids/ family that were from your childhood?

I have carried on a couple of them from my childhood...
1. santa mugs for cocoa on Christmas morning- as kids my Mom always made hot cocoa (not from the little pks either...the good stuff with Hershey's Cocoa.) and peanut butter toast for Christmas morning. I bought a set for each of my brothers so they too could share the memories with their families.
2. as a kid....if you woke before everyone else....you could get the item or items that Santa left for you IF they were unwrapped and your stocking. We have kept that rule and or tradition here too. However, as my mom will assure you...I am still the first one awake...and when I hear the first one wiggle I am up making coffee...and Steve is grumbling something about someday I will grow out of this....LOL doubt it sweetheart....I am 36 and still just as excited!

Now a new tradition we have started in our family....Santa leaves gift cards in our stockings for each of us from the local movie theatre . We go to the movies on Christmas afternoon. My family is all 2 hrs north or further ( my Mom is in CA!) and Steve's family is just too big and he chooses not to fight for air and a plate of food....so we go to the movies and have something fun and easy for dinner on Christmas.

Tell me about yours......

HOORAY

Our new computer is up and running....at last! It really was not our computer having troubles....just the fact that my old modem for dsl and my new computer with Windows XP were not compatible....who knew?
Here is the BEST part.....I bought Adobe Photoshop when I bought the pc! Cannot wait to start playing! Jill- can you tutor me??
**so the shopping weekend was GREAT! Michelle and I had a great time...made great dents in our lists - had a nice dinner with a few (uh huh) drinks. Lynchburg Lemonade? WOW! Kicked my tail quick....the highlight of the night .....when we returned to our hotel, parked the van....and as I was crawling out - I hit the PANIC button on my keys....LOL I had not ever done that and had no idea how to shut it off. OH MY we were laughing so hard! Poor people that were sleeping near where I parked.

Christmas this coming weekend with my family up north! Have been waiting all day to hear when my dad will have his surgery....debating on when I need to make the run for that too....they said they would call today to schedule and he never heard from them.....??? Nope, not at Foote or I would have been making calls...lol. He will be at Hackley and it should be in and out same day.

Today started as a true Monday...just plain poopy doopy! Everyone has looking for a tail to chew on and my was close by and there is plenty of tail to go around....yet, none of it was truly anything they were angry at ME about....just letting their unhappiness flow over into my office. UGH. THEN I decided to check in with my TRUE friend (aka favorite lunch pal) Beth- as she can always make me laugh or smile...and to my surprise we were both sharing the poopy doopy Monday syndrome !! What better than to share the misery...misery loves company - or so my mom always said. Beth and I decided to run off to Target on our lunch and grab lunch on the go- we always have fun laughing and shopping! Thanks Beth for helping me turn my poopy doopy Monday into a more bearable afternoon!

Well the way over due post is being cut short because Steve just woke up crying with a sore throat.........g'night.

I am ready

for the weekend. This is the weekend when I get as much shopping done as I can in 30 hours! Michelle and I meet in Lansing..shop till we drop then have dinner and drinkage. :-)
I am so ready to go....and the snow will NOT stop me this weekend.

• Big Steve now has the crud that lil Steve had....it is rough! He is struggling ... choking down Theraflu and sleeping!!
• Koda went back for a re-check and Dr. Medlar said NO WRESTLING for 4 more weeks....he is not healing as quickly as they hoped....maybe because he is still a male and he doesn't always remember his restrictions?? Hoping he will stick with the team and at least go learn!!
• Lil Steve is doing much better- less crooping. Sleeping much better at night! Thinking about going to 5th grade camp- but a little hesitant. Hoping we can encourage him to go!
• Jakob enjoyed a pizza & pop lunch today with the science teacher because he got a high score on a test that was HARD - 2 from each grade level were rewarded. After the special lunch they were allowed to go to the computer lab and play games until the lunch hour was over. He was very excited.
• Me? finally received my long overdue raise that was promised to me 6 mos ago when I took the new job- which was a relief. Looking forward to a weekend shopping and sleeping in a Queen bed alone....ahhhhhhhh! After a little glass of wine or something- I should sleep GREAT!

Hope this finds everyone staying warm -

The boys have been doing the snow dance all evening hoping for all of the storm we were warned about- SNOW DAY! SNOW DAY!

Good night.

our new friend

Spongebob!!

We were discussing the need for some new decorations for the outside of the house...and the boys found him in the Walgreens ad in Sunday's paper! Could not resist!

He is perched on the porch right now but he is heading for the front yard- maybe? I kind of like him on the porch!

Have you started putting up your holiday decorations??

Below is the reindeer Jakob had to decorate with family over the weekend....he will go up in their hallway at school for the Holidays. Yes, we used Mom's scrapbook stash- but he was totally into it. he was searching through my scraps and punches!! The wreath around his neck is actaully my BIG maple leaf punch and small circle. :-) He came home with just a brown reindeer cut out...and we added all of the colors and decorations. He and I had lots of fun

I am home today with Lil Steve - went to walk in last night with him....he has pharyngitis. The dr said if he wasn't so old she would have diagnosed him with CROUP. He got a steroid shot and is doing breathing treatments every 4 hours!! He woke up sounding a little better but still fighting a yucky nose and fever! Mom- I think he has the same crud I used to have as a kid....and I tried Dimetapp for 3 days and it kept getting worse....it used to work for me! What did they call my constant yuck nose and cough, besides allergies? Rhinitis? something like that?
Well hope you all had a nice weekend....did you go shopping with the NUTS?

We're back

We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner at my brother and sister in laws in Saugatuck. We started out at 815am - picked up my Gram and Michelle's Gram and brought them up for dinner too. it was a nice ride....
No deer yet for my family......closest we came was on the highway in the morning on our way to Saugatuck. We saw a deer try to cross the Highway 6 like the frog on Frogger and the last car he tried to cruise in front of clipped his hind end....sent him doing summersaults into the ditch..and omnce he stopped tumbling he jumped up and ran! He was counting his blessings on Thanksgiving day! YES, HE it was a BUCK! The men in my van were wishing they could get a shot! LOL
Just a few pics to share of our day!!

Relaxing a bit today...thinking about starting some re-arranging for the holidays....need room in my little place for the tree and such! Heading down to do laundry and to get groceries sometime today or tomorrow.

Have a great weekend.

YUM!

Happy Thanksgiving friends. Again this year I was asked to bring this very yummy treat! I thought I would share the recipe....be careful you cannot eat just one small piece BUT it is very rich!!

Pumpkin Crunch
1 package (box) yellow cake mix
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 can (15oz) solid pack pumpkin
½ tsp salt
1 can (12oz) evaporated milk
½ cup chopped pecans
3large eggs
1 cup butter
1 ½ cup sugar
whipped topping

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Pour into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans. Drizzle melted butter over pecans. Bake at 350 F for 50-55 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool….serve chilled. Top with whipped topping when served.

have you

started your Christmas list and /or shopping? I have started all of my lists and picked up 2 gifts! OH MY- and I looked at my calendar today.......it is almost here already!
What is on your wish list this year? Are you a day after Thanksgiving shopper? Are you planning to fight for any of those 'this year's hottest toys'??

Well the weekend was a busy one...I cleaned the dr office after I finshed at Foote on Friday so I would not have to deal with that all weekend.
Then Sat morning I went shopping with Lil Steve in tote...it was also his Reward Sat, so it was a full afternoon!! I invested in a new pillow $$- love it! One of the Memory Foam pillows..JCPenneys had them 50% off....
I'm a :-) Happy girl.
Today I spent the afternoon baking and cooking! I made yummy Pumpkin Choc Chip Cookies.
They are a fluffy cake like cookie...loved by all 5 of us. Sound yummy....I'd be happy to share the recipe!

Update- Koda is feeling good...still not great but better!! Thank you to all of you that left your encouraging posts and sent emails. He is much more optimistic now and planning to tough it out! Therefore, once he gets back to the mat, Miss Beth and Cory- I will let you know what the schedule looks like and hopefully you can come watch one day!!
All else is well here- no deer yet! Koda is out and unable to hunt this year- so it is up to Steve Sr and so far he has only seen one doe. No doe permit for state land. The bummer for him....he has lost all of the contacts he used to have for private land hunting....except for deer camp in the Manistee Forest with my dad and brother. So he hunts state land in the Waterloo area! Maybe soon! I would love a freezer full of venison.
Off to finish my new Danielle Steele book that I started this morning when the house was quiet!

GOOD night!

try this again

UPDATE!
Blogger is not cooperating.....I typed a long post earlier and it kicked me off....UGH!

My injured wrestler....will be ok! He is on 'no contact and no upper body strenthening' for 2 weeks. He dislocated his shoulder (popped back in on it's own!) and is now suffering from a jammed A/C joint! (The joint where the shoulder and collar bone meet!) A 233 lb teammate and he were practicing and Koda was slammed into the floor = shoulder first! OOOPS! OUCH! We saw the Ortho Doc today, Dr. Medlar- he was a HOOT! Koda had fun even though he was in quite a bit of pain after we left! We go back in 2 weeks for a re-check and he will determine then if he can be relased for contact again...it may be longer ? His first meet is the 30th and that is when he goes back to see Dr. Medlar. This whole thing has him quite discouraged so we are trying to keep him upbeat and interested....he feels he will miss this much he may as well QUIT! DID he say that forbidden 4 letter word?

Jake and Steve both had conferences this week....GREAT REPORTS from the teachers and the report cards were great too! Both teachers said the boys were quiet.....I was afraid I was in the WRONG room? MY kids? hmm, I am happy to hear they are that well behaved there!!

I better hurry and post so I can finish my cards!

Good night

is it over again already?

What a weekend...and so quickly it is over...
Quick note to a few of you...tougher for me to find time to post right now...I am working at Foote still and cleaning after work for a pediatrician's office 3 nights a week. Nice for Christmas cash! I am going to try to type up some posts at work if I have free time then it will be just a matter of copying and pasting at home....thanks Beth for the idea! !
Hooray- I heard from my mom....she has landed in CA. This is her cold weather parking spot (for now) and the weather is in the 80s! (can you box it up for me? just a little?) She sounded pleased with the park and is already making plans to join in a water exercise class...get out there and make friends! ( I think we have changed roles....I recall the same chant from her!! when I moved!! LOL)
Sat- Spent the afternoon at Grandma's visiting with her and my dad. The boys had a riot...Gram lives in an assisted living community....and right outside of her apartment is the 'game room'. They have a 3 in 1 table....the boys love to shoot pool as the adults visit....well this time Gram got out there and shot pool with Jake against Steve and Koda. No, I did not bring my camera BUT I did run in and grab hers so I could have the picture!! It was priceless!
Sun- cleaned this morning at the dr office, then came home and baked cookies and made chicken n dumplins! Homemade....and they were yummy! Koda got a replacement hunting licence (his wallet was stolen from his locker during wrestling practice and his license was in it, along with every other thing important to him! and $25.00) and he and Steve went out to scout out a spot on state land for opening day....Steve loves to hunt opening day on state land in Waterloo? and it usually proves to be a good choice...let's hope! I would love to see Dakoda have an opportunity to get a deer his first year!! Good luck boys! After opening day they will hunt an Amish farm outside of Vandercook Lake and possible go up to the McKessy Deer Camp on a weekend which is in the Rothbury area....Manistee Forest.
JHS Wrestling starts tomorrow full force!! Practice every night, and we will soon be doing the all day meets and conferences! I am still amazed that my homophobic, germ-a-phobic son is wrestling but I am anxious and excited that he has found a passion for something...a sport!

Take care, stay warm.....and my big question of the day.....what is on your Christmas list and do you have a hard to find item from someone you will be searching for?
Thanks to Santa Grandpa I think I have mine under control! :-)

Happy Birthhday Mom

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Happy Birthday Mom!!

We hope you are enjoying your western adventures while we are suffering through Michigan's crazy weather! Yes, you escaped just in time - we have had 60s and 30s within hours of one another.

(for those of you who do not know....my Mom furthest on the left the cutest one! is now retired and she and her hubby are now snowbirds come November...and they return to MI in April.

Hope you are enjoying warmer temps and having a great time! Happy Birthday Mom, Grandma- We Love YOU!

XXOOXXOO

Happy Halloween!

Here are this year's creations...they did great again. Pumpkin carving is a huge highlight of each year here...all 4 boys enjoy and anxiously await the time!

L to R Ooogie Boogie - Steve II, Pumpkin King - Steve Sr, Jolly Roger - Koda, Tiki Man- Jakob!

do you see what I see?

The new and improved Steven...he can see !! He was having trouble seeing the overhead boards and having headaches after school. The new glasses are for school and when he feels they are needed. He said tonight "WOW, Mom things look a lot different now!" Scary, huh?

Dakoda is back off from school...the pneumonia is getting worse. He is out until NEXT MONDAY! I was called this morning from J- High to respond to him having troubles breathing.....which is a scary call to a Mom when you hear your son gasping trying to talk.....a combination of asthma and pneumonia.

Off to catch up a couple loads of wash and get ready to watch the Tigers! Who's your Tiger?

it's been a good weekend

It was a LOOOONNNGGG week ! However, the weekend that followed it seems to be making up the dreadful days that got us here!!
Our week....work was NUTS! Just a quick inside peek....there are 3 steps to the intake dept I work in- I am step 1- step 3 is a young mom to be SOON that is more than ready to be done being pregnant and goes home or to L& D a lot. Been there so I do not judge her....but it means a lot of her work from step 3 comes back to 1 after 2 to finish! HELP! In the home health field we are swamped by mid-week as the hospital and all dr offices want their patients out of the hospital and home with care for the weekend....HELP. Sorry to bore you- but this 'splains' my STRESS! LOL Then there is my very sick family....we have all been fighting the fall cold - well we all beat it except for poor Dakoda. He was out of school W, Th and F. They gave him antibiotics on Wed for ear infection, sinus infection and so on....but on Fr he was still coughing BAD and running temps. I called and asked for xrays....sounded too deep for my comfort....well Dr. Mom you are right....PNEUMONIA in his lower rt lung! New antibiotics, steroids and a tired boy that is bored and ready to pick a fight with anyone...LOL. We feared on Fr that they may keep him but he was hydrated enough and old enough to follow instructions they felt he could go home....hello he is a MALE? LOL Truly he is feeling better and hopefully returning to school tomorrow.

My weekend...
It started after spending 3+ hrs in Express Care for xrays...learning Dakoda would not be admitted was the first shine of a bright weekend....got home Jake showed me 2 A tests ( been a rough start this year) which I had made a deal with him....bring me home 2 A's and you will get to have a Special Saturday with Mom or Dad!! Yeah Friday night!!
Good Sat!! Woke up Sat with Dakoda feeling a little better , Big Steve went to get his new meds filled and brought me back a rose and card for Sweetest Day! Jake and I took off for his day which included groceries!! He and I went to lunch - his choice, he rented a video game!
While we were gone Big Steve made cookies and changed the linen on beds AND caught up my laundry....NOW THAT'S a HAPPY SWEETEST DAY! Unfortunately, the one downer to my SAT - the Tigers LOST game 1. C'mon boys this is a MUST. Oh did I mention that everyone else was in bed at 9p, last night and I watched the game alone and cleaned up my scrap area and sorted out some STUFF! ahhhh
Now- my Sunday- woke up at 610am- cleaned the bathroom top to bottom, did a load of whites (the only one he refuses to touch and I appreciate!!), made coffee and got to BLOG! I feel like a QUEEN- and here is my greatest pleasure of the morning- Beth look what I found.....OK Blogger will not let me show you.....
PUMPKIN SPICE creamer....ahh heaven.....here it is 805 and I am zooming with a cup of coffee with my fav creamer!! YUM Now- is the paper boy finally out of bed? The boys are....and they want breakfast! Off to make cinnamon apple pancakes and bacon w/ OJ!
Have a great Sunday....
Any thoughts to our clothing yet for the crop? Can we go for Worst Dressed? Just no desire to wear a formal...lol C'mon creative ladies...

What's new?

Where have I been? No bloggin? I really have the desire to blog and keep up...just seems like I run out of time or energy or lately BOTH before Blogger makes it to the top of my to-do list!

My crew has been busy fighting......off a stinkin fall cold! I believe the weather changes sent us all into allergy/sinus overload which then turned to a chest cold. Hoping I am on the last days of hacking here soon!!

Koda is keeping me busy with wrestling practice and just plain being a teen. Homecoming game is Friday for J High and the dance is Saturday! Pics to come.
Jake is now playing the trombone in the band...which he would like to soon exchange for a bass guitar! This boy has big dreams of being in a band with his old buds!!
Steven is having fun just being busy and has just made a big life change.....we ordered his new glasses. The first in our family of 5 to get glasses. He is a little uneasy about the idea....and I reminded him that Bradley had to get them about a year ago too...and after talking to Beth today, they have the same vision issues.?? I will post soon when we get the glasses!!

We are trying to find a bigger house....which has been absorbing more of my extra time too. Ugh, I am so ready to find one....NOW!

Fall always seems to make my life busier....homework, hunting and fall/winter sports....and the fact we all like to snuggle in to watch tv together more in the evenings....mean computer time for me...is RARE! ( and the fact that Koda is always on here checking out his email, the MySpace accts of everyone he knows...and whatever else)

I am so ready for a break and our Crazy Croppin Chics weekend.....hey did anyone come up with ideas for the 'dress up'?

Have a great night all

TAG

Eight Things About Me:

1. I love FALL! Everything about Fall! (EXCEPT the fact it usually brings on a cold!!) I love the colors, the fun decorating, fall foods, baking, the Farmer's Market...I love Fall!! and PUMPKIN SPICE CAPPUCINO!

2. I love to read....Janet Evanovich is my favorite author but I enjoy many others as well.

3. Green is my favorite color.

4. I am the baby in my family and the only girl....YEP lovin it still after all these years!! My brothers both still act as if I could never do anything wrong! he he They are 7 and 9yrs older...which means by the time I was old enough to be out acting like a wild child they were living in TX!! Spoiled Rotten to say the least!!

5. My newest fav website is www.menus4moms.com they have awesome printable menus recipes AND grocery lists to go along with them. I truly saved some $$ and time last week by using my new method of planning ahead and cooking ahead. Check it out! If you sign up for their emails...the next weeks menu shows up in your inbox early the week before....we'll see how long it lasts?? CHECK IT OUT.

6. I am an optimist! I always see my glass as half FULL! and I am married to a man that has a hole in his glass....it always seems to be half empty....which actually makes for a full cup?....or a good 'DISCUSSION' ! LOL Pessimistic people can really irk me, if ever I had to pinpoint one specific trait about people that heats me up....that is it....Pessimism. How can life be so darn bad?? But I married him anyway...lol Guess I was optimistic that he would change or I could change him?? LOL How about you??

7. I danced for 13 years - Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Gymnastics. I did Ballet and Gymnastics when I was from 3yr-9yr, added Tap in at age 4, then switched Ballet to Toe Ballet at 10 and added Jazz. My final recital was in the spring of 1986 I danced a Jazz solo, Tap and Ballet.

8. I am a licensed cosmetologist! Did you know? YEP! Since 1991.

There ya go......what did you learn? anything new? LOL Cannot tag any of you....as my blog doe not get around much...LOL

YUMMY and EASY

I made this over the weekend and was telling beth how yummy and easy it was....and by the way....it is all gone already!! I was going to make her a copy of the recipe...she thought a blog post would be great that way you could have it too ladies....let me know if you all try it
APPLE NUT SNACK CAKE

1 2/3 cups sugar 2 cups sifted flour
3 eggs 1 t. soda
1 cup oil 1 t. salt
1 t. vanilla 1 t. cinnamon
2 cups chopped apples 1 cup chopped nuts
(your choice of apples and nuts)

Mix sugar and eggs well. Add oil and vanilla; beat till creamy. Sift dry ingredients together then add to batter and mix well. Fold in apples and nuts. Pour into greased/ floured cake pan. Bake @ 375 for 45-50 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while still warm! SO yummy and SO Simple!!

What happens up north.....

The girls weekend away- this pic was taken on our balcony where we enjoyed cocktails after a very long hard day of shopping and touring the island!! :-) WOW- I think I look more like my mom as I grow closer to the 4-0!! Can you see the resemblance?

This is the back of the shirts we found and decided were a MUST HAVE after our WILD weekend away! (we even ran into Joe Morelli- are you a Janet Evanovich fan?) The shirts summed up the weekend well for us.......pssst, I'll tell my girls the stories later :-)

Destination - Unknown!

In August I received an invitation to a girls ONLY weekend away- for just my mom, my sil (Barb) (Tim's wife)and my brother Bill's significant other (Bridget) I call her my sil - lover her to pieces just the same!) We were given the departure time and place and approximate return time and place but the destination was left a mystery!! An RSVP was required by the end of 2nd week of Sept!
Barb, Mom and I were able to get away but we missed Bridget dearly! She is a 4th grade teacher- and I know both Kristin and Beth you understand that in Sept and 4th grade means MEAP prep time and just getting back to school...Bridget was not comfy being away and she also had a new principal!! We missed her!!
So here is how our weekend began! ( P.S. This was also youth hunt weekend- which meant I had to do some major planning to make sure everything went along without a hitch....Thank you Dad for taking the younger two boys!! They loved the special time...and the movie.
Here is how my weekend went.

On Friday Sept 22nd we headed to the destination still unknown to all ....but MOM. I knew we were heading NORTH which I had been doing that and a little WEST since I left home on Thursday- soon I would fall into a body of water of some sort, ya think?? Everytime we asked- Mom said watch the signs....then Barb and I started the annoying "Mom, are we almost there?" "How much longer?" and God love my Mom, just like when I was a kid she kept her cool and just suggested that Barb and I try the sign or license plate game...and soon we would notice if the vehicle came to a stop. IT DID! We came to a STOP around 630 PM- do you know where we were?? Can you guess?? Did you peek??

Mackinaw City! The Bridge! Mackinac City! Kewadin Casinos!

Cast Away

The cast has gone away! HOORAY! Jake saw the doctor yesterday and they decided the bone was fused well and they removed the cast....no brace no PT! However, he is sort of painful today so we are hoping it is just the lack of muscle strength that he is feeling and not the signs that maybe they took the cast off too early!
Better scoot off to work...had to post a positive update :-)

1.06.94-9.13.06

Today we made the toughest decision - we put Mandi to rest. Mandi has been a great little lady and she will be sadly missed by us all.
In 4.94 Steve, Koda and I went to the Paka Plaza and saw this adorable little pup in the showcase! Steve fell in love with her right off the bat. He sent me to the counter to find someone while he stood guard at the case....he was telling complete strangers that he was buying this puppy, pointing her out so that EVERYONE knew NOT to ask to buy HIS puppy. Back then I was a little ( ok, A LOT) embarrassed, now I love the memory!
We purchased her and from day one she has been an awesome pup! She was very easy to train, a great friend for the boys and another Mommy to them when I was not close by! No one could get near the backyard fence without her alerting us! She would not allow anyone to open the doors without letting them know she was right there!!
Some more of my favorite memories of her....how she HATED the newspaper...she would snatch it right out of the paperboys' hand if he made the mistake of opening the screen door and if he did not, she would try to jump through the door to get the paper..LITERALLY!
She had just one toy.....although we attempted to buy her many...in her eyes there was only ONE....a yellow rubber ducky that she STOLE from Koda's kiddie pool! She loved that duck....she would play fetch with it for hours! Even after Steve ran it over with the lawnmower and beheaded the duck....she still loved it!! It was only about 3-4 yrs ago that she stopped playing with the rough looking duck. (yes, we attempted to replace the duck, but NOPE there was only ONE yellow duck!!) I will greatly miss the friendship she and I had- the only 2 girls here we were a team! If ever I was sick and down....you could find her right next to my bed or in cases of the flu....waiting outside the bathroom door....she was my mommy too! Mandi will always be a very special pet to us all....the 2 younger boys came after she did....so they never knew of a time without her. WOWSA! This tough- my vision is a little clouded by the tears=
Tonight was pretty quiet around here....we all felt a little lost! In this little bitty house she is missed! Jackson had a pretty good storm with some big thunder and lightning. I was surprised when a HUGE crack of lightning sounded and Jake yelled out! "Hooray, Mandi bowled a strike!" How sweet that Jake and Steve had been earlier discussing that she was in Heaven- when the rain started they said they were tears from Heaven. They are so sweet.
Yes, the boys are already thinking that they need a new puppy soon.
We will see.....Daddy will need time to heal as he is really struggling!!
Thanks for reading and sharing my memories of my dear Mandi!!

busy night

It is the season finale for Big Brother- will Boogie or Erica win??? and the season opener for Dancing with the Stars- love the show!...what shall a girl do? Channel flip- cannot miss either one! I know you all think I need to get a grip or a real life...but it sure feels like an awesome way to settle in after one very busy day of home care and Hospice referrals! Poor people- so sorry they are ill but gosh golly couldn't they space the referrals out? LOL
Update you all on the outcome of my shows! G'night!

A new week...

Hope everyone has a great Monday.
Weekend was very busy, as always!! Koda and Steve got some practice shooting in with both guns so Koda could decide which he prefers for his first big hunt!! (*youth deer hunt) He now has a 30/30 rifle w/scope, and a 410 shotgun and an awesome bow! (all gifts!! best way to get them!)
Got more painting finished......and I went clothes shopping for ME! YEAH, but of course I came home with something for everyone else too!! LOL
Off for a busy week....have a great week everyone.

Feels like Fall

I think it is beginning to feel and smell like fall. Even my garden is showing signs of fall.

My pumpkin vines took over the yard but have only produced tiny little 'gumpys'. (Jake's term for Pumpkins when he was little..gumpys = pumpkins!)
Most of my marigolds are now hidden beneath my pumpkin vines- UGH!
We spent today cleaning up doing some fall -like cleaning and Steve is still working on painting the house. I made a yummy dinner (pork chops, corn on the cob and fresh green beans w/bacon! YUM!) Now it is time for me to start the dreaded laundry!
Happy weekend to you all.

TGIF

Oh I am so ready to sleep in tomorrow!! I feel worn out and dazed! Steve had a rough time waking me up this morning, much like the kids- I would wake up, lay back down and go back to sleep! LOL

Weekend plans....Hoping to house hunt a little, Koda is going out to practice shooting a few times at a gun range ( do not know anyone that we can target shoot on their property down here.) so they go to a shooting range. Dakoda is going out for the youth hunt this year! Hoping he can bag a BIG ONE in a couple of weeks! He got a rifle and shotgun for his 14th birthday! (Grandpa and Bill (cousin!) ) He is hunting the youth hunt up north and then will go with Dad here during the norm! season! He is very excited! He wants to hunt squirrel too because he wants to stalk his prey! Too funny!

All three boys are loving school now. Yesterday was a great day for all three. YES!!

Better get off to work...thing I need a Pumpkin Spice Cappuchino !!
Happy Friday to all!

school update

HOORAY! The younger boys made it on the bus in the morning and afternoon - AND made it to our house without walking a mile...LOL
Dakoda is adjusting to J High and seems to be liking it more. :>) BIG HOORAY!

WOW! Remember this is info released from my 5th grader!!
Steven had an interesting first day in science. He changes classes and so he met a new teacher too. The teacher was loading a presentation from his pc to be shown on the overhead....the presentation came on...and it was naked people and a title of PORN. The teacher explained it must be a virus...he shut off and re booted and he said INFACT, there is a virus! Ya think? Oh my - now Steve and I are a little shocked BUT also laughed hysterically about it behind closed doors when we imagined what this teacher must have thought and/or felt. Steven said the whole class gasped then started busting out laughing! Hello....5th graders= naked people- hilarious!! Hmm, what else does this new school have to offer??LOL
Hoping for a repeat day! ( minus the PORN!) LOL

back to school

Well we started on an awesome foot yesterday!! Everyone was up and ready in plenty of time...then it began! LOL (Jake and Steve are riding a bus for the first time this year....yes, 5th and 6th graders!!) We were standing at the bus stop and the bus rolled right past us....literally rolled....I could have thrown the boys on she was rolling slow enough...just never came to a stop!! LOL So I drove them and dropped them off....that was cool.
Dakoda started Jackson High- all was ok until he went to all of his classes and found no one he knew! Now he is bummed. ( told him to put on his big girl panties and deal with it.) I will help him if he really needs to get out of a class.....he is an algebra class with 10th graders that are repeating the class and he is UNimpressed!! :-) We had a great chat last night and he started today with a better attitude. (cross your fingers for me)
Oh I almost forgot ...... Jake and Steve rode the bus home yesterday afternoon.....LOL. The bus again rolled past their stop and our house....and they got off when the bus stopped next....which was up by Beth and Kyle's. Luckily, Jake has a built in GPS/ compass in his head and remembers directions when we go places - so they walked home from up there. I explained to them I was proud of them for handling the situation the way they did BUT told them that it is the bus drivers job to get them HOME! Go up and tell her that she missed your spot and she will HAVE to go back! LOL Jake said "no way! I would have been on that bus forever!!" LOL
All in all I , like you all, am so glad school has started! I was able to get dishes done, laundry changed over and the house picked up after my kids were gone and yet before I needed to leave!! ( the bus picks up at 635 AM and Koda gets a ride at 710 AM) LOve it.
Today so far went great! The bus STOPPED today and Koda left with a better frame of mind!!
Can't wait to get caught up on blogs!!
**Is it Novemeer yet??**

if you are ready to start school....

Camping @ YOGIs in Indiana

raise your BROKEN right hand! LOL Just kidding...this was a cute shot I snuck in last weekend at Lake Michigan when Jake got caught down by the lake again without a cover over his cast! Oh Heaven help me, how do you ever keep a boy down and DRY with a cast in the summertime??

At last I can update you all...life has been keeping me on my toes and dealing me a hand full of challenges daily!

Well- We made the camping trip to Yogi's in Indiana....had fun although it was a soggy weekend. Tammy and Bill lost their awning....the downpour we had at 2 am actually was so heavy and hard, although they had their awning tilted...it BROKE! The steel bar actually snapped and tore the awning. Luckily, Dakoda and Kyle were 'sleeping' in the tent under ours and dumped the rain for us....they were still up at 2am and said their pillows were floating in their tent....it was fun! I moved them in around 3am and believe it....Steve Sr, Steve II and Jake never stirred. MEN! Otherwise, we had a good time. Went on my first wine tasting adventure...it was interesting!! Still not a big wine drinker....like the same fruity ones.

The reunion is over- it was a 4 daay get together- lots of fun. We all went to Manistee on a chartered bus on Thursday to the casino...it was fun but we are not rich but the Indians are wealthier thanks to our family!! On Friday we toured the wooden shoe factory in Holland, rode the Dock in Saugatuck/ Douglas, shopped and shopped the outlet mall in Holland. Saturday was an afternoon picnic at Lake Michigan. It was an overcast day but warm enough to enjoy the beach and lake! (the kids did at least) The best part of the whole trip....we stayed with my brother, Bill and his significant other, Bridget and my niece, Alyssa. Every morning we woke up to a hot breakfast.....complete...like eggs, bacon, sausage, frsh fruit....coffee, juice! WOW It was cheaper and better service than a bed and breakfast!! It was tons of fun and it was a great time to make memories with my brother and his family! On Sat night we took the kids all to the drive in....the one where I used to go as a teen...they are closing it after Labor Day for good...selling the land....so sad we had to make one last trip! We saw Invinceable...that was a great movie!
Hmm, what else....on a very sad note....our Mandi is not doing so well. Her time is ticking quickly....she cannot walk very well anymore...her hips are giving up...we are carrying her in and out to 'use the bathroom'- this is very tough for us...as she is only a year younger than Dakoda....basically one of the kids. We will have to make that call very soon. Neither of us can do it yet...however, I know when she has had enough we will know it and we will be able to go.
On a happy note....looking forward to the Crazy Croppin Chics getaway in November!! Glad to hear you can join the fun, Beth and Jill. Wish you could too, Kris but I understand the other stuff all too well...I have been missing all the fun lately!
Hopefully Blogger will play nice and let me come back and play again soon.

Poor baby!

Bike accident last night!! Jake tried to make a turn in a grassy area which hid some steps , he hit a step and flipped his bike...he went up on his front tire and onto his head! His rt arm got caught in the bike frame=
Jake is a mess....road rash on his left side....forehead, face ,arm,shoulder, etc, broken right arm!!
....and yes, I am taking my digi with me when he gets his cast to see if they will let me take pics!!

Now do you all understand where in the world I have been hiding? and I started a new job 'ta boot'! LOL Miss you all.

Here is my hubby's new toy! 2006 Ford F150 4x4. Sweet new toy!! Sorry it took me so long to post!! Life has been a STRONG wirlwind and I just keep spinnin! HELP I am getting very dizzy!
Ok, so after the truck...came Christmas in July

Here is a pic of my oldest brother with a cool hat that we gave as a gift ...it is a Thanksgiving day dinner table hate and it plays "Turkey in the Straw" It was a HIT!! We had a lot of fun again this year!!



After Christmas in July- we came home with the FLU! Started with the kids, then Mom, then Dad! By Wednesday all was back to norm. ewwwww!!

We spent last weekend attempting to do some cleaning but wound up deeper in trouble than we did ahead.....started working on the camper getting it ready for our upcoming trip to Yogis and learned that we had a split in the water heater.....UGH! went to Lowe's to get some parts for this and that to by pass and as we were walking back out to the van I noticed a stream of fluid coming from beneath the van....mentioned it to Steve and he assured me it was from the A/C - hmm, "honey we had the windows down on the way here, no A/C" he hit the pavement made a quick swipe with his hand to learn that there was a leak in the main cooling system line and shouted for me to jump in and drove us home quickly and threw a pail under the van!
YEP- Water issues in the Barton house last weekend.
Took the van in on Tuesday to Extreme - should be covered under the extended warranty!!

Last night- attempting to post a long overdue post of the new truck etc when a screaming child comes in my house screaming that Jake was just in a bad accident ...come see......3.5 hrs in Express Care=

ahhhhhh

1/2 day today then I am off until Monday! A much needed day and a half away!! We have our annual Christmas in July this weekend- which equals loads of fun and many side splittin laughs!! Infact, I think I am adding jello shots to the laughing!! Last year I did my famous frozen vodka slushies......but since I am supposed to be vacationing today and tomorrow jello shots sounds yummy but loads of work..lol
I get my kiddos back tomorrow too....boy do I miss them! It was a good week for them to be away I will say. The most stressful week at work with this job change! It was good for Steve and I to be home together without the boys. He could be my rock and he goes to bed earlier than me so I could chill alone and wind down....all in all....good timing, thanks Pa!
Steve will be adding a new dependent to our monthly expenses today- I will post a new pic as soon as I can. (Beth, he and Kyle just share too many ISSUES as I am sure they also share with with many other men too- just don't know the others as well) Can you guess?
Better get ready for my 1/2 day of work....hey, can I follow 1/2 of the dress code today and wear capri's today since they are only allowed on Fridays and I am off tomorrow? Thanks girls, I knew I could count on you.

Still kicking

and screaming...lol. I have been just bonkers lately.
Started my new job, which I was told would start August 1st! Barely any training I was thrown into the position, which has made me very grumpy I am told....hate that! I am not a truly spontaneous person that is completely free to just blow in and make due...I need a little info before I am thrown in. I literally had on the job training for >4hrs! and it is NOTHING similar to my old job, other than the same company! Ok, done whining! ( need lunch date, Beth...that always seems to make EVERYTHING all better!! LOL)

I am on my 'honeymoon' so my hubby will say! We went north to see ECW (wrestling-yuck, which might I add was postponed and we were notified late Friday night via email, and we were already on our trip there so Steve and the boys went to the arena to learn the bad news...oh well, we visited Pa and I helped him redecorated the boys' bedroom on his $$ love that!!) this weekend and left the kids to spend their one week vacation to be spoiled ROTTEN by G&G! They will be at Grandpa's until Thursday then off to Grandma's for a night with her (hate my mom's sig other so they stay very short visits as he is not a nice man and my kids are not the most comfy after a short visit! long story! but I will assure you they are safe and ok!!) Then we will arrive on Friday (vacation day!!) to snag the kids and go have our Christmas in July!! I will post those crazy photos next week....this is the wild side of my family tree. LOL

DH is on the prowl....seeking a new truck....giving my dad gram's old car....Steve just cannot live any longer without a truck, he says. Thinking he found the one....a F250 Diesel....sounds like a huge push of testosterone....the ruble of a big bad diesel...lol. We will see today! What happened to I cannot live without a new house? I think once again being the only female has allowed me to be overlooked again!! LOL

I better get ready for work....just wanted to catch you all up and let you know....I am alive and INSANE! Happy Monday!

Do you recognize....

this plant? We sure do now. Yes, it is poison ivy and it made it's summer debut in our house!! Poor Dakoda is just covered (and I mean everywhere!!) Luckily he had an appt scheduled with Dr. Wilkins for yesterday , the dermatologist, so went kept the scheduled appt and let him take a peek! The dr is awesome...he took us outside to a wooded little area near his office and showed us the EVIL little bugger (posion ivy) so we could identify it. He pointed out that is has three leaves(heard that LONG ago), the center leaf has 2-3 notches on both sides of it, but the two outside leaves only have one notch on the outside edge the inside edge is smooth.....hmm never knew all of this....they turn red in the fall....and on and on! BEWARE my friends this little plant is evil...and when the kids are sweating they rub the stuff all over before they know what hit them!!
Big Steve is highly allergic to the evil plant....he has been in the ER a few times since I have been with him due to a break out...once he was so sick....he had it internally from it being attached to trees when they were chipping and he inhaled it! EWWWWW and he wants this house out by the lake that is just surrounded by trees and leaves!! Thank God for health insurance!!

Happy 4th to you all!!
The guys are heading out to camp tomorrow (if Dakoda is up to it) at Pleasant Lake. They will be out there until Sunday...I will be driving out for dinner and bombfire nightly, sleeping there then getting up at 5am and driving in to clean up for work Thursday and Friday!
Hence, I doubt I will be blogging again until Sunday when we get back! (Unless I blog when I am home to let our dog out and for Dakoda to do his pet sitting at the Hamlin's :-)

Beth- I hope that you guys have a GREAT time and can get some R & R. ENJOY!! I lok forward to seeing all the pics when you get back...and how about a lunch date??

Look out Emmeril!

Look out Emmeril....Koda is the grill master!! Our favorite cooking method in the warm months is the good old charcoal grill. Koda has been showing lots of interest in grilling so, Voilla Dad handed him the tongs and BBQ sauce and said 'If you have questions, ask!" He did a great job!
He has been shopping aline seeking a new grill...he and his dad keep dropping hints...too funny to see this side of him developing! But we are beginning to love it...he cooks and cleans!!

WOW!

we do clean up good. :-) Had Koda take a few pics of Steve and I before we left for the wedding Sat! Not ususally fond of self portraits but these aren't so bad.
Went to see a house on Friday....I am sold on it, infact I really like it....room to scrapbook!! :-) But Steve wants to look around more.....UGH! Thinking I will be stuck here forever!!
Had a nice time at the wedding and reception on Sat but I thought of all of you .......frequently! I wanna see pics...how about the layouts that I heard you swapped pics for? I wanna see! When is the next get together?
I have been having people ask about a crop planned here? anyone want to help set one up or have any suggestions??
Just not sure I want to do all the work again....or maybe do a group thing at one of the stores again?? ugh
Lazt Sunday....we planted our garden, yeah late start but we started with mature plants so we should be ok. Added flowers along the edge of the garden row...they say that they marigolds help keep varmits out??
I started reading Janet's #12 book, read half of it last night...Kristin are you ready for the twelve twist? Beth I am glad to hear that you are reading three...you will get addicted too. Jill, are you ready to start the series? I guess I am off to

project

This was a little project I worked on the other night....it was FUN! The picture turned out BAD but it is cute as can bed. This is a 20x20 frame that had the 'family' mat in it.....I used my paper behind the word and photos and paper and embellishments in the flower cutouts! Wish the photo would have come out better....

Busy week

Sorry no regular posts...life has been a little crazy! I really miss bloggin! This past week was a little crazy, *Keitha my friend/co-worker that is getting married next Sat came to work Monday with a BROKEN FOOT! She will get married next Sat with an air cast on, she broke the long bone on the outside of your foot at her bachelorette party, stepping off a step she missed the next one. SOBER at that!! anyway, this means double work for me, as I am her cover when she is away! *My boss accepted a new job over at the hospital so we took her to lunch Thursday, then Friday threw her a potluck/farewell. *Kids had a dentist appt....all great reports; however Dakoda will be heading back to the orthodontist soon and he will be having a tooth pulled he has a baby tooth that does not have an adult tooth under it.??weird huh?? Friday we ran up north for the weekend....Father's Day/ Alyssa's bday
Saturday morning Steve, Dad, the kids, my brother Tim and his wife, Barb all went fishing, they left at 5AM! I met my mom and we went shopping together...it was a blast. I think it was the first time she and I ever went clothes shopping together since I realized my mom was cool. LOL (I think the last time was when I was in school!) We ran out of time to play....we had to go to Alyssa's bday party! She had a nice bday party at home with several friends and family, then Sat night we went bowling!
Today I made breakfast for the crew.....11 of us, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, milk, OJ and fruit! Shortly after I cleaned Pa's kitchen we ran for home. Time for a little R & R before we go back to work.

Another fun filled weekend almost over..how time flies when you're having fun!! Here was our weekend at a glance.

Steve and Tim with Steve's Big Lake catch

9.5# steelhead

Jake had fun learning how to fight and reel in a BIG lake catch,

however it broke loose just before they could get it in the boat!

Alyssa and Miah shared a birthday- they have been best of friends for about 7 yrs.

Miah moved to Detroit last year- her Daddy is a State Police officer and is now working with a K9 partner.

It was nice the girls were able to have a party together and have their friends all there too, Miah had her birthday a week before and Alyssa's is Today. 11 yrs ago it was also on Father's Day when she was born, made my brother one happy Daddy! She is his one and only, so far!

**Giggle note for all of you....Sat was the first time Jake and Stevie had been out to fish the Big Lake. The waves were 2-4 ft, so you can imagine it was a little wavy- and all three of my boys were ghostly white and puking! Jake was only one that came out of it and actually wanted to fight a fish...as you can see above. Stevie says he is not meant to be a fisherman for the big lakes now...I doubt we will get him back out again soon. Jake says he is going again as he promised his bud, Cory he would take him Big Lake fishing someday! Koda has gone before and says it was a fluke! LOL Gish golly I think I loved my shopping trip even more after I got that phone call!! LOL

Hope you all had a great weekend.

weekend photos

These pics were from the weekend....
1. Steve II....this is a photo screaming to be a scapbook layout! I love it- those eyes!!
2. Jakob- thought for the day....'More cake or Mt.Dew?' oh my goodness, and he could not figure out why his belly hurt?
3. Here are the Barton boys plus my one neice. She is my 'lil girl' we're missing....she loves her Uncle Steve aka Uncle Donkey Boy! LOL She and I both love Eeyore and when she was 2 she named him Unle Donkey Boy!! ....she will be 11 on Father's Day!

I'm NOT ready!

2010.....I will turn 40, my oldest son will graduate high school at 17!

Help me friends!!

We had 8th grade graduation last night at Paragon...it was amazing. They did a power point presentation of many shots from the school year as well as each student's name appeared on the screen then from preschool to present their school 'mugshot' flashed....I was choked up a bit, tears welled up......oh my cheesy grinning little freckled fac baby is now a young man! OUCH it hurts....where does time go?

He did an amazing job.....they had to give a projected idea of a career and a college(they were given a tshirt from that college they chose).....they chose awhile back when my angel was having a bit of a rough time with an 'attitude!

(really, he had an attitude, thought I could sense you all a little surprised at the thought! HA!!)

So when they called them up for their 'diploma' they also stated their career choice and college. I was scared!!

Dakoda Barton, constuction management , University of Texas! I knew it was going to be off the wall! My dad was a little surprised when I laughed ....and he asked U of T? I said "oh I am sure it was because it was the one furthest away from home!" When all was said and done...I asked why U of T and he said just what I had said....and the career....he said he just made up something as he was not in the mind set at the time to make that sort of decision.

The grand finale...all the girls hugging and squeezing my baby and he was a bit choked up with emotions...and he told me that one year was not enough to get to know all those kids...he wished he had more time!!??? It was amazing.

Take the quiz....tell me your scrapbook strength

I had a completely crappy day at work today, the neighborhood was NUTS when I came home at lunch....10 cop cars, 2 firetrucks, and an ambulance OH and a FREAK! They had me blocked in- I had to call work and explain I was confined my all the cars and an officer told me I had to stay put until the FREAK was in custody and the crime scene was clear! TOO much for one gal!
Ok ladies.....complete the quiz...and tell me your strength.

Quiz: What's your scrapbook strength



Take this fun quiz to start discovering your personal scrapbook style.

1.If you had to choose a career from this list, what would you choose?
A. Writer
B. Photographer
C. Personal Shopper
D. Artist

2. What' article_print.ihtml?index_field="1701&issue=January" mag print_templates a take you when process thought your s DIV photograph?<>

A. My friends won't believe the story behind this photo!

B. I love how the light is perfect for this shot.

C. Hmmm....what's missing from this composition?

D. These lines are going to make an excellent picture.

3. You've been given a $20 gift certificate. What would you buy?

A. A new collection of fonts

B. More photo paper and ink for your printer

C. Enough supplies to complete six or more layouts

D. Something fun and new from the art supply store

4. Which article would you read first?

A. How to Write the Story Behind the Story

B. How to Set Up Your Own Photo Shoot

C. How to Choose Accents for Your Pages

D. How to Use Silver Leafing on Your Pages

5. You have one hour to scrapbook. What do you do?

A. I write the story for my page.

B. I digitally edit my photos.

C. I play with different colors of accents, moving them around until I feel like I have a pleasing layout.

D. I get our my embossing powder, metal accents and a heat gun, and play!

6. When my friends look at my scrapbook pages, they say:

A. What a great story!

B. Look at those pictures!

C. You make this look so easy!

D. What incredible work!

7. You get to choose an assignment from CK. Which one would you take?

A. Create a page featuring a letter to a friend.

B. Create a page showcasing six photographs.

C. Create a page using three new products from your favorite scrapbooking supply line.

D. Create a page using three products from the art supply store, that you wouldn't find in your scrapbook store.

8. When you read an article in CK, what do you focus on first?

A. I read all the journaling on the scrapbook pages first, and I get frustrated when the journaling is too small to read. B. I look at all the photos on all the layouts first.

C. I look at the overall article design and then go back and forth between the text and the visuals.

D. I read the supply lists and look for cool new products.

Now, tally your answers...
If you had mostly As: Your primary strength is Scrapbook Storyteller. You're most interested in sharing the story behind your photos and making sure your memories are chronicled and documented with words.
A challenge for you: Have fun with your journaling. Realize that not all stories need to be sad or serious to be heartwarming. Experiment with different ways of communicating information: use lists, dialogue, quotes from favorite books, hidden journaling and more.
If you had mostly Bs: Your primary strength is a Scrapbook Photographer. You've probably studied your camera manual, taken photography classes and studied photos for what works and what doesn't.
A challenge for you: Continue to develop your photography skills so your pictures tell as much of your scrapbook story as possible. Take photographs of every single person you know and see how many distinct personality traits you can capture.
If you had mostly Cs: Your primary strength is a Scrapbook Stylist. You have an ability to pull together different elements and make them shine on a layout.
A challenge for you: Choose supplies you don't normally use and see what new combos you can create.
If you had mostly Ds: Your primary strength is a Scrapbook Artist. You love playing with scrapbook styles, creating new looks, pushing the envelope and trying new techniques.
A challenge for you: Continue to push the envelope. Realize that you're scrapbooking for the joy of creating something unique. Come up with a new technique you've never seen before.
Improve in other areas! Try a challenge from one of your weaker scrapbook styles.
Quiz from

Hot Looks for Scrapbooks, p. 38

Hypothermia?

Well, the pool is up! Crazy boys were in it...the thermometer only said 70! New pool toys prompted them but the cold water made it a short swim....longer than I could have gone....but they had fun. Actually they were in a half hour or so.
Ready for summer....last week of school....YEAH! Then comes the battling.....3 boys home together all summer! AHHH

AHHHH, field trips are OVER and this was the craziest one BY FAR! Greenfield Village....all the hype I heard and I thought it was a waste of time! I was NOT impressed at all. My mom and I went as chaperones with Jake's class...they gave us 5 kids...and out of those we had one BUCK WILD boy named Jacob. WOW- he was a good kid but in a world of his own ehich in tunr meant he was a wanderer! We lost him for about 35 minutes at one point...he went in the store with my mom and all the kids....and never came out! We had tickets to ride the train , so we scurried and jumped out but ended up on a delayed track....so we made the departure about 25 minutes late....OH BROTHER. Hate to say it but....I am so GLAD that this school year is about over.....and I am sending the boys back to JPS!
Dakoda will have 8th grade graduation Thursday night then my oldest will be a HIFG SCHOOLER! Yes, I just gave myself a few more gray hairs by saying that.....thankfully I went today to have them covered a little. :-) (highlights again)
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend.