Project 365 or 52

So...I really really really want to attempt this but...Do I really have the time?? I mean it's a matter of one second...CLICK...it's done. But...it's the having to remember to do it. I have just been informed by Shell that I MUST continue my weekly Skinny Jeans photos. So I guess I could do the weekly photos over the daily option. I take pictures, don't get me wrong. But I really want to do a "PROJECT". I love the idea of doing a MONTHLY THEME. I saw one project done with legos. It was the coolest thing ever! So yes or no? Do it or not?

Dec 25

Credits on this are as long as my arm. So I am not going to list them all...but know that Kristin Aagard, Krystal Hartley, Meredith Cardall, and Jennifer Fox had a hand in it! This one was just for me! Not doing it for their benefit today! LOL I just wanted to get this done since it was brewing in my head. I adore Christmas time but I'm secretly glad it's over!

Your WORD of the year

So in light of the soon to be NEW YEAR...I have been thinking about my WORD...You know, that ONE WORD that describes you or something about you. My word for the year is going to be REVEAL! Think LAYERS. To quote the big green oger, Shrek, an onion has layers and ogers have layers. Well I have layers too that need to be gently revealed! I thought I would use the word LAYERS but, um well, it didn't feel right like REVEAL does to me. So there you have it~ My word for 2010. REVEAL!

Was that nice enough? I'm coming out of my MOOD. I just needed time and now I can REVEAL my true self. Onward and upward!

in a moment

Funny how your whole outlook on things can change in a moment. I'm signing off for the rest of the year...whoopy...a whole 3 days but I'm soooo not in the chatty mood right now that its probably best I say nothing. Taking the advice of momma...if you don't have anything nice to say, say NOTHING.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, I guess.

It's over...

The tree is down and most holiday decor is put away for another year. It is so sad for me to do it but at the same time it feels so refreshing to know that a new year is coming and I am really excited for this year! So many great events to look forward too! My sister is getting married! I'm so excited for her. My home life is going great, weight loss is going well, Family appears to be healthy, finally. 2010 is OUR YEAR!! I'm really looking forward to this year. I guess I need to get my resolutions figured out this week. We all know what is in the #1 spot already but what else can I add? hmm...

Ho Ho Ho!!!

He came!!!^^^Pass back Football!^^^
Family Gift! ^^^^

Will and his Pokemon stuff!

And finally...the gift that keeps on giving! Started in 1991 and still going strong!

We just got a phone call from GERMANY!!! Thank you Marta!! Love you!!

Merry Christmas!

It's here officially!!! Santa has stopped by and we are just reflecting on traditions. I miss my Grandpa Bill soooo much. We watched some old Christmas movies tonight and I saw him at the last Christmas we had together. I lost it. Then we saw our first Dog, Halli...bittersweet moments for sure. I am so glad we video tape every Christmas morning. I always hate it when we are doing it but it sure is fun to look back on the moment. We have some very lucky boys at our house. I hope they realize how blessed they are to have all that they do!
We did NOT have our traditional Chili Dogs but we talked about it. I am so excited to see what they boys got from Santa in the morning. I want to go wake them up now! LOL Who cares that it's only 1 am!!! SANTA CAME!!! Wahooo Santa rocks my world!!

Merry Christmas SHELL!!!

We see on NORADsanta.com that you have been visited by SANTA!!! We wish you a very Merry Christmas from Michigan!!!

Warm Winter Wishes-Jennifer Fox & Nikki Epperson

This is from last winter since we can't seem to get any measureable snowfall here yet this year.
This kit is adorable! Available today at PolkaDotPlum.com

I lied

My little sister called me today to see if I can sub for her on Wed. Soooo.....still ONE MORE DAY of work this year. I gotta help out my sister!

Last day of work for the year

ahhhh....nuff said.

No battery

Went to the work party last night and took my little camera with me and once I got there I found out the battery was dead. Wouldn't even turn on the camera. So we missed pictures of us in a fountain downtown Perrysburg. (sorta) Cathy took some pictures but not sure how they turned out. We did take a few on her camera but since she was the one drinking, who knows what they will look like. Overall it was fun.

Now it's off to Will's first basketball game. A family photoshoot for someone, take Zander to Aunt Abby's then off to a Family Christmas Party. whew...let the craziness begin.

Back to normal

After a few days of being UP in my weight due to situations beyond my control...I am finally back to "NORMAL". Now I need to get my but in gear and lose before Sundays weighin.

Seven Swans a Swimming. ONE WEEK TO GO!!! I am really looking forward to it. I have my Work Party tonight. Which was just confirmed at 7pm LAST NIGHT. Gotta love a boss who waits until last minute and then expects that we can make it. grrr... in the spirit, in the spirit, in the spirit. Free food, free food, free food, One drink, one drink, one drink. I will laugh and have fun.

Tempting, No?!

This is a little photo of my rant on Facebook. Darn reindeer cookies...How I loath you. You taste like scum from the bottom of the Bean Creek. But then why I am smiling? Did I have one? Two? or worse yet, three? The world may never know!

And here are the 5th grade gifts for the students.

9 ladies dancing...

More like ONE LADY RUNNING! I just finished up the last of my school projects/gifts for the kids in the boys classrooms. Yes, I'm that nice! I do it every year. This year my oldest has 28 in his class though...ouch on the wallet. But hey it's the last time I will get to do this for him. He leaves Elementary this year remember! Took pictures of them all stacked up. Will post it later.

Off to town to get one last gift for the Adopt a Student program. We were asked to take the donation that was given and just shop. Heck, yes we will take someone elses money and shop for someone! How fun!!! This one is 17 and we are super excited that we can help out a teenager. They need it more than anyone. Gotta show them that Santa is REAL! We believe and I hope they will too! It's great how life works sometimes. Pay it forward that's my motto!

Shell THANK YOU

Got the card for the boys and a beautiful mini booklet for us. THANK YOU...Wow...such a beautiful area. I MUST VISIT at some point in my life. I'll go there even over Hawaii. Lucky gal! Keep the pics coming!

Designs by Sine Fans!!

Today only!!! HURRY!!! 50% off!!! Can't beat it!

Click the image to go to her store!

12 days before Christmas

Capturing the meaning of Christmas for our family. This is always a special time for us to reflect on what we have and to give to those who don't. We struggle just like any other family right now with times being what they are but we can always find a way to give. Even if it means going without for us. My kids get that and for that I am forever grateful. I have done an awesome job raising these boys and I am proud of who they are becoming. I hope they never forget what I have work so hard to teach them. It is always better to give than receive.

Attention Kristin Aagard Fans!!

ONE DAY ONLY!!!

Not valid on Collabs but hey! Who could ask for anything more?

Peta Boardman-Warm Wishes

Love love love this kit by Peta Boardman. I'm so Country in my home decor style and this kit screamed ME!

Happy Birthday Ettes!

The Ettes are turning ONE!! And of course we all have Birthday photos that need scrapped! Go check it out.

On a personal note: The holidays are upon my household. BUSY BUSY BUSY. So if you don't hear from me in awhile, all is well, just enjoying the season. I promised myself I was going to ENJOY this Christmas and not "work" all the time. And so far, I am holding true to that!

Random Pics

So here's what the wind did to our trampoline. It was propped up over the swing set. Not the best idea (thanks anyways, Josh!) I said it wouldn't work!

This was out the front door at 11pm Tues

Our new TV in front of the old one. HUGE difference in size! LOL
This is for Shell...Thank you. Not sure the shirt is very becoming now. I look 9 months pregnant in it?! Oh great...It is really cute in person! LOL Josh just doesn't know how to take pics!

Met my Christmas Goal!

I wanted to hit 30 pounds by Christmas. I hit it this morning!! Ahh....I'm 10 pounds away from my next goal too! Which is pointless as I will have 15 goals or more after that one! LOL But hey, it keeps me driving forward. Just 90 pounds to go. hahahaha Oh my! That sounds horrible. Let's stick with 30 lost! It's a good day!

Sunday Morning

Well, I'm home alone on a Sunday Morning. Most people would love that but I hate. It's far too quiet for my liking. Need some Holiday Music! I have been making things like crazy the past couple of days. Kristin Aagard and her CT are going to be doing a little give away on her blog soon. Don't go out and buy a ton of tags for gifts is all I am saying! I did up 4 yesterday and they are sooo cute and fun. I think I missed my calling! LOL hahaha I love doing stuff like that!

I helped with a gift for the Football Coaches too. And I finally saw the finished product and man, it turned out awesome!! Good Job Cousin Wendy! Your idea was great and I love how it turned out. I was told by the Wife of one that he knew it had Rachel written all over it! LOL He knows me so well! hahahaha I have it on good measure that he was extremely touched by the gift. It now graces the walls of his work office!

WW is still happening, folks!! I am down 29 pounds and it pleases me. I have been a little more RELAXED this month with all the goodies. But still counting. I just won't NOT eat something this time of year. But I will, keep it in check. One bite is usually enough. Before it would have been a whole piece and probably 2 or 3. So I figure that one small bite or even half of serving is fine. It's called life and I have to live it too! I refuse to be one of those people who freak out about things and tell you shouldn't be eating that or worse..."do you know how many calories that is?" yes, I do, thank you very much! Munch munch munch! LOL

My Dear Friend Shell is Half a world away right now visiting her homeland. And funny, even though I never "see" her. I miss her. I feel like part of my support system is missing! LOL I need to get around and meet with Bev too. I'm missing her big time. There are a few people who I just need to see around the holidays. Keeps me happy. Amy K...I know we don't get together but once a year but I am looking forward to seeing you in the new year. So even if the RDH reunion doesn't work out...let's still meet up for a day of shopping in Lansing or whatever.

Ok...I've rambled on enough. I need to get working on the yearbook. But I have Zero Drive for that right now. I think I might just back burner it until the new year and then come out like gang busters then. I really want this holiday season to be relaxed and I want to ENJOY it for what it was meant for. Shopping is mostly done. Just have a couple of gifts for the Ireland Name Drawing to get. But we have to DRAW FIRST! LOL I have a nice little surprise up my sleeve for one special friend too. I can't wait to see their face when they see it! I love that I am skilled enough to create some great gifts! Makes it so much more enjoyable than buying something! And I think it is appreciated far more too. Just wish the shipping time was faster! Hurry MyPicTales! Hurry!

Travel Mugs- Hybrid

So I found these adorable travel mugs at the dollar store a few weeks ago. I knew I wanted to do them up for my little nephews but wasn't sure what theme. I sat and went through my kits and bam...it hit me. Kristin Aagard's Camp Out kit would be perfect for two little boys. So gave way to these:

They are A DOOR A BULL! I have two other boys around here that now think they need one also! LOL Figures! Anywho...if you are out and see them, pick them up. I created a template for them and I am willing to share it. It has a flaw in one corner that I didn't notice until I printed it but it so minor you'd never know. I'd fix but I am way to lazy! LOL

Happy Birthday Ettes and Co!

29!

Nope not my new age but my weigh loss #!! I don't think the 29 and holding thing would work very well in this situation.

So...Let's talk Biggest Loser. What in the world...59 pounds in 60 days?? WOWSERS...And he's co cute!! I am on the fence for who to vote for amongst the girls. I see positive reasons for both. But I think my heart is telling me-help out the older one! LOL I cried so much last night during that show. Dang, I hate that I am so wrapped up in this emotionally but I truly feel like I can relate and it hits home on so many levels. And I love Amanda because she is me. I have ALWAYS been the big girl. So I can totally understand what her heart feels too. Ahh...We have 10 votes. I gave one away already and I need to use the other 9! LOL Thoughts from those who watch, let's talk!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?

This was a QuickPage by Libby Weifenbach of SweetShoppeDesigns. I bought the bundle. I have over 400 pictures to scrap. So if any of my designers wanna do a football kit, feel free! LOL So Proud of my little Cousin Drew. He is amazing and I love to watch him but without that fabulous team behind (or in front of him as it actually is) he couldn't do what he does best. This WHOLE TEAM this year has done something that we havent' seen since my little Brother played back in 2003 at the state finals. (which I missed because I was in NYC) So this was my first experience at State. WOW! Amazing!!

Tigers are State Runner ups!

Our season is over but it was an amazing ride!! WOW!! So proud of those boys!

I'm 39 today!!!

Wahooo!!!! My last year in my 30's starts today! It's going to be an awesome year! I am really looking forward to what I have to offer now! There better be a HUGE PARTY next year! It will be on BLACK FRIDAY!! and it turn 40! How fitting! Shell, you better plan your arrival for then! LOL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

Christmas Carols by the Ettes

The Ettes have a new HUGE Christmas kit coming out very soon. Here's a couple layouts and a card that I did with it. Also, they are gearing up for a HUGE Birthday Celebration too. No not for me, for them! LOL hahahaha

GalleryStandOut.com Picked me!!!

Holy Crud!!! I just got a message that my I CAN DO THIS layout was picked for Gallery Stand Out for today?! WHAT??? You mean to tell me the layout I almost didn't share is now going to be FEATURED?? Ironic, no?! Oh dear. I have such mixed feelings about this. I am totally honored but at the same time, I feel so humiliated, embarrassed, scared. I'm happy that Krystal's great kit will be noticed but my fat body is probably not the best way to show it off?! LOL Oh well, it's who I am and I am working on fixing it!

So go peek!! And I'd love for you leave a comment since I put myself out there like that. It's the least you could do! LOL Wait...don't! LOL ahhhh...I can't believe I shared that layout with the world. hahahaha If I motivate ONE PERSON, I'm happy!

Thank you GSO for picking me! what an honor!!!

Weigh in day!

Well I'm up .4 pounds from Sunday (water!) but...I hit my 25 star and I am so close to earning a 10% star too! Ahh...Even though I was up a little from Sundays Skinny Jeans weigh in, I am still thrilled. I have lost 4.75 inches in my waist and 3" in my hips! And...Do not repeat this...but I am feeling the urge to walk more. HUH? I got home from work last night and almost called my MIL to go for a walk with me but it was dark and I know she doens't like to walk in the dark. So I didn't. But I wanted too! That's more than I can say a few weeks ago!

Krystal Hartley-Fortitude

Krystal Hartley release this bold, strong kit called Fortitude on Saturday but I was a tad busy cheering on a few Tigers!! So here's my take on this emotion packed kit.
These are the pictures for my Skinny Jeans Contest that I am doing until the end of the year. I am at 9.6 pounds for that contest now! Or 26.6 overall!! I am really starting to "SEE IT". Finally.

Tiger Fans in the house!

I can't even begin to show you how many people showed to this game! This was our section and then there were people lining the whole fence too all the way over to the visitors side! It literally made me want to cry when you realize just how many people came out to cheer our tigers on to victory! I can only hope we do the same on Saturday at Ford Field!!! Keep in mind, I live in a town with a population of about 2600! I think the whole darn town was there!! AMAZING!!!

HUDSON FANS vs. UBLY FANS

who wins?!

I'd say HUDSON TIGERS had a little more fan following this year!

TIGERS In the house!!!

We did it!!! VICTORY!!! 26-6!!! WHOOT GO TIGERS!!!

HUGE DAY TODAY!! GO TIGERS!!

We are off the Semi Finals!!! I'd say wish us luck but those boys are so in tune they are only one heartbeat. They got it covered! So excited I could puke!! Someone get busy making me some Orange and black paper and a tiger!! GO TIGERS!!! WE BELIEVE!!!

25 pounds!!! I DID IT!

Twenty-five point zero!! I DID IT!! I officially did it! Right to the .4 mark! I kid you not!!! I lost 25 pounds BEFORE my BIRTHDAY!!! 7 weeks!!! I am in shock!! I was just complaining to my sister that I was so tired of going up on my weigh in days but hey...I'll take this a day late!!

Biggest loser

How boring? Not quite what I was expecting for the make over show. Hmm... The reunion show next wed sounds good though!

New outfit...new size!

So yep...went shopping today and low and behold...I can fit into yet another size down!! They are a little tight compared to what I would normally wear but they close!!! Wahoo!! It's my Birthday outfit and it is NOT ORANGE!! I bought a red top! Because it is a red letter moment! And I got a new hair do today. I love it! THANK YOU MORGAN! It's super short.

Tuesday!!!

It's weigh in day! Dropped 1.8 from last weeks numbers. I'll take it! But...up a pound from sunday?? Must have had too much salt! LOL I can't give it up! But I'm still down so all is well. As of today, 22.6 or 23.6 depending on which day I use, is enough to make me smile! I want to be down 25 by my Birthday. I think I will make it! I have 9 days. I am using the treadmill more too. Hate it but I am doing it. I have parent group meeting tonight and it better be fast so I can get home to watch Biggest Loser. I need my weekly motivation!

Off to get groceries today, hair cut, and try on some pants. I don't even need to unbutton my jeans to take them off and on now. Probably not a good idea to wear them like that...I'm not into the pants half falling off look. Not my style. Makes me a little sad as I just bought these jeans just before I started WW and I love them. I need to find them in a size smaller. hmmm...Kohl's here I come! I don't like the idea of buying new right now but I need ONE PAIR that will stay on while I am out and about.

Moving on...

This post will be a couple Moving on things:

1. Tigers are moving on in the playoffs! WHOOT!! 42-41 win in double overtime!!! Victory is so sweet!
2. Moving on with the weight loss! I finally broke another tough battle. I had been at tiny little stand still of sorts. Losing just one pound/week over the past two weeks and this week I did 2.8!! Whoot! Well for my Skinny Jeans contest anyways. My True weigh in day for WW isn't until Tuesday. But hey, I'll take it!
3. I have been MOVING! I went 5 out of 7 days with some form of exercising!!

So there you have it! The word for today is MOVING!! See that little ticker down there on the left side of the ole blog? It now reads 23.6 pounds lost!! It's moving!!!

What's your word for the day?!

Varney

Click here to view this photo book larger

BEST GAME EVER!!!

We won in DOUBLE OVERTIME!!! 42-41 WOW!! JUST WOW!! Sorry to my sister for screaming in her ear over the phone. But it was well worth it...WOW!

GO TIGERS!!!

Wheeee!!! It's almost FOOTBALL FRIDAY!!! ahhhh....I'm so stinking excited for this weeks game. We are playing an 11-0 Team and we are also 11-0 (soon to be 12-0!) Its going to be the game of all games!! I can't wait. GO ORANGE! GO BLACK!! TIGERS FIGHT BACK!!!
Wahoooo....I hope I can sleep tonight! ahhh....Gotta love that Tiger spirit!

Amy Jo

For some reason, I've been thinking about you non stop tonight. Everything ok??

Thank you Shell!!!

So yeah....I have the BEST FRIENDS EVER!! Look at what I got in the mail on Monday! I had a Sh*tty day on Sunday for whatever reason, felt like I was failing at everything and just cried a lot. Well then Monday I am home from work with a sick child and this comes. How does she always know when I need it the most? Seriously! Love you dearly my Friend!!

Meredith Cardall-Girl Time

Meredith Cardall's Girl time kit was perfect for my photos of the annual Girls only weekend with my BFF of all time! I love this girl. Truly deep down, with all my heart, love this girl. I see her once a year (usually) sometimes less and it doesn't ever matter. We pick up right where we left off just like no time has ever gone by. That is true friendship right there!

Krystal Hartley- All in the Family

Krystal has a new collab out with Christy Lyle at SSD called All in the Family. Pretty fall colors and great labels with family titles on them! That flower is my favorite part of the kit. It's huge and wanted to use it like she intended it! Love it!

Biggest Loser???

I'm not sure what to think about this week..hmmm....Wish I could say more but I can't since my dear friend is 3 hours behind me and would kill me for spilling the beans. It's a very cool moment for one though!

Tooth Layouts

Bought (yes you read that right) this cute kit over the weekend. I have been dying to scrap these pictures of Will but not one of my designers has a tooth kit. I guess I should make them do one! He is FINALLY just now starting to get his top front right tooth coming in. He's so toothless right now. It's so adorable! This kit is by Armina and Lliella over at SSD.

Jennifer Fox layouts

Jennifer has really stepped up her game lately. She's growing by leaps and bounds with her designing skills and I am sooo proud of her!! The last few kits are just amazing! Loved them!

Lots and lots of Ettes layouts!

These are all by the Ettes! I'll do my best to come back later and link them.