Krystal Hartley-World is my Oyster

Krystal Hartley's new kit-the World is my Oyster. So soft and sweet. I used it to highlight my day outside with the youngest. He's such a goofball and I have no idea how he comes by it?!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It was a gorgeous day today. Hit the 60's!!! So we went outside to soak up some vitamin D! Grabbed the little camera and snapped a few of us together. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

We had lots of Green for dinner. Should be fun in a day or so?! LOL

She said YES!

FINALLY!!! Wahoo!! So happy for them! My SIL is now officially engaged! Couldn't be happier!

Kristin Aagard-buggalicious

Kristin teamed up with Allie of lliella designs this week to create BUGGALICIOUS. Oh my word...it's so stinking cute. And their styles of designing are a match made in heaven. Amazing! Kristin would fit in perfectly at SweetShoppe, I'm sure of it! But that's just my opinion. Which I am entitled too!

Pieces of Zander

After a totally crappy evening, I have this to make me smile. I think sometimes he just knows that I need him let go of the serious side and let it all hang out. I was just sitting with at the dining room table and my camera was sitting right next me so I picked it up and said to him, "I'm just going to take a picture of you studying." and the next thing I know he's hamming it up and being super silly. I just kept shooting. He's so serious as a rule and I love this side of him. Now if I could just figure out how I am going to pay my dang taxes. Anyone need a kidney, lung, blood, plasma? I'm willing to sell about anything right about now. Life is cruel but in the end...it doesn't really matter. What matters is that I have my family with me and I have given it my all. I just can't believe that for the first time in my life I have to PAY vs. getting a refund. I'm just in shock. This too shall pass.

No news yet

Still no word on my doctors appt/surgery date. We are playing phone tag. Found a cyst so not sure how that works now? I'm not having any issues with that side though. I think I have phantom pain!! heehee Leave it to me! Thanks for asking, it's just easier to post here than email you all privately. I have nothing to hide! LOL

Catch up

So things have been moving along really well for me and then out of no where...bam. I'm having some female issues that need addressed SOON. So I go tomorrow for an ultrasound and then I will know if I am able to have a procedure done or if I have to have a partial removal of said organs. So let's just pray for the minor procedure that is done in office.

Went to Ikea to with my sister and mom. Had a nice time. But I always feel overwhelmed when I am there. There's so much to see and I want it all and can't afford to have what I want! LOL I want a new kitchen, all new furniture, new bedding, new window treatments, new flooring. You see where this is going, right...I want NEW EVERYTHING! LOL

Found everything I wanted for the bridal shower. Got all the gifts for the guests, the favors, and few pieces for display! Ahh...production is good.

Lunch at applebees. Thanks Mom! 7 points for the day so far and it's 5:45...I need to go eat---again!

New kit coming from Kristin. I'm going buggy about it! I haven't been able to work with it yet either. Off to make dinner.

Oh and thanks for the advice last night Shell. I work her a note with the price I need and we shall see what happens. If nothing else, ebay here I come!

Krystal Hartley-Birds and Bees

She's done it again...Another Stinking cute kit!! Love the colors in this. Could be used for a Disney trip for sure! Love the black, red, yellow combo here! I will be back later with links on how to get this kit! Ok...I'm back!!! Here's where you can find this kit. Digi Files...how I love thee!

Kristin Aagard Collab-Vroom

Kristin has a new kit out!! It's a collab with SuzyQ from SO. And I just might have found a new FAVORITE Kit. This kit is amazing for those vacation photos, road trip, Nascar, motorcycle, Teen Driver, anything ROAD related. It's so awesome. The vehicles in this kit are the best ever. There's a motorcycle, semi, pickup, car, plus a few other vehicles in Suzy's cute part too! Seriously...This kit is a must own! Love it, love it, love it. And I just released...I probably shouldn't have posted this because I don't think it comes out until tomorrow. But I have a busy day tomorrow and you just have to see it NOW! I can't keep it to myseld any longer. Watch for it at SO tomorrow and ShabbyPickle soon!

Tangelo Heaven

Came home to this little package today! Yum...THANK YOU SHELL!!!!

Amazing! I'm glad they weren't frozen solid!! Yummmy!!!

Kristin Aagard-On the wind

Yet again...another kick butt kit from my Cyber Sister. I will never know how she does it because she's the most simple type of girl but has a brain of a monster! LOL Love ya girlie!

This kit is called On the Wind and is only available at the Shabby Pickle! Amazing stuff I tell ya!

Meredith Cardall-Finishing touches

New kit by Meredith with Lucky Smith Designs. It's kinda girly but doesn't have to be. More vintage than anything. Very soft and pretty! Nicely done ladies!

Ettes & Co.-Favorite Faces

Ettes and Company have a new kit coming out today called Favorite Faces! I'm sure you have few favorites. Here are mine!

Will's New Room!

It's DONE!!! Finally...oh my word...It took us 3 weekends to get this done. whew...I pray he loves it for a VERY LONG TIME! It took us long enough to do it.

Scappers overload

So for some reason I got out of the 'habit' of posting my layouts. I have been doing them but when I finish them, the designers don't have the kit available in the stores yet so I wait thinking I will post it when it DOES go in the store.. umm...well...I am lacking in memory cells, time, and motivation lately so I just simply dropped the ball. But it's time to get serious again. So here goes nothing....ready for layout overload?
By Meredith Cardall:

By Kristin Aagard:By Krystal Hartley:By Jennifer Fox:By The Ettes:

Winter Storm!!

Finally finally finally. We got snow! WAHOOO!! Hard to really tell how much due to blowing but I'd say more than 8" for sure. It's all light and fluffy! The windy will pick up today and they say 30 mph windy will cause 3-4 foot drifts! AHhhh...this is a MICHIGAN WINTER!! No school today! All but 2 of my patients have cancelled for today. I have a 3 & 4 o'clock and was told I don't have to come in if I don't want to so the jury is still out on whether I want to or not! LOL
My guess is no but we shall see. I might have to make the decision. Those two pts might just cancel on me! Then I won't feel bad about not going in.

Pics to come later. I have NOT ventured out yet. I have been taking pics from the house! I will be going out later today. We are going sledding after Zander's friend gets here. I'll take my little camera with us.

Oh...and guess who's lost even more weight this morning. I'm cooking with gas again!! FINALLY! Feels so good! Have I said yet how PROUD I am of myself? I truly I am. I'm so motivated and loving this journey. I just need to get that exercising thing down better. I will in the spring...promise.

Plateau GONE!

It took me 6 weeks to move out of the last 10 pound weight bracket. Then this BAM...I have lost 4.8 in ONE WEEK? WTH?? I have not done anything different this week than ever before. Other than less working out? My foot has been bothering me and with my crazy schedule I have not had time nor energy to bother with Wii fit stuff.

So I have officially lost 41.8 pounds! Now I will admit that sounds like a lot. Finally. And I think people are finally starting to notice. I had a patient walk in on Thursday and ask how long I have worked there? I laughed at her and go, oh 7 just years. And she looked at me and then goes...Oh my! You are my normal girl!? LOL She said, you look different. I said, Yeah, I cut my hair. And then the receptionist yells in, 'tell her the truth, you've lost nearly 40 pounds.'

So even in my baggie scrubs people are starting to see it. Finally. I think I need to go scrub shopping some time too but I just HATE it. I have to order from a catalog and I have no clue what size to get. Will I ever get to the point that I love to shop and try on clothes?? It's always been so depressing and ugly that I have just grown to hate it.

So anyways....YAY ME!!

Busy still

Can't seem to catch up. Need to get my house cleaned. It's killing me. I don't know how on earth it can collect so much stuff in just a matter of week. Geez...Off to get it done.

Out of sorts

I'm going through something draining and it's really bringing me down. Spent the last couple of days with a ton of tears rolling down my checks. Not sure exactly what my issue(s) are but I'm ready to have it move on out of the head/heart. This too shall pass.

On ward and upward. Sunshine is what I really need. I love my snow but I'm ready for some sun for sure. It can be cold..just shine!

I have had the honor of working with a huge collab coming to shabby pickle soon. And a super soft and lovely (purple) kit by KH and someone else! So life is not sooo bad, right! I need to learn to let things roll off my back. I don't need to carry any more weight on my shoulders right now. I hit 38 pounds gone today! I smell 40 and it smells so wonderful! Think I will feel the same when I say 40 in November?! LOL I doubt it! heehee

List Girl has a store front!

So as many of you know from little rants here, that I just adore List Girl AKA Christine Newman. I followed her Project 365 last year and was amazed when I saw the templates she was kicking out too. So, I find out today that she is now at Little Dreamers Designs!! Whoot!! And she's have a sale! I just picked up all the letter templates she has in her store to date. They are 25% off for then few days. I get NOTHING in return for saying this...I just adore her work and want to share my finds with you. I actually spent hard earned money on myself! Shocking, I know~

Anywho...for what it worth...I adore this lady. I feel like she's gonna think I am stalking her or something...which I guess in my own odd way, I am! LOL I know good things when I see them! And this is a real good thing!

Having a Camp-In tonight

Will has been having issues keeping himself in "check" at school lately and so I told him if he was good ALL WEEK we could have a Family Camp-In in the livingroom on the weekend. Camp-In=Blanket fort in the livingroom. Sleeping on the floor under a makeshift tent of blankets! That's what it's all about! Well he did it! So guess where I am sleeping tonight. Hope my back holds out. I might have to steal the couch cushions. Hmm...wonder if we could rig it up OVER my bed?! LOL

I'll report on the fun tomorrow if I am not too stiff to move! heehee

Designs by Sine-Retiring

Ladies, don't forget about the big retirement sale by Sine over at ScrapOrchard.com
ALL HER STUFF IS $1.oo. NO JOKE! Hurry. The 31st is the last day!

Shape Collage

dot com....nuff said. Heaven!

where's January going??

Wow...time is flying. I can't believe we are winding down the month of Jan. Didn't we just have Christmas? I spent the weekend with my sister. We had fun. We worked on centerpieces for her wedding in July. Then went to a bridal show. Then shopping real fast at Target. Found out I dropped yet another size. They are a tad tight but I could get them on and zipped and I could sit down in them! LOL Down 2 from last sundays' skinny jeans weigh in. Moving in the right direction.

I am having issues with my shoulder/back. Tense feeling. Think I need to go have a massage done. My right shoulder blade area has been really bugging me again. I had it worked before and it seemed to really help. It's been almost a year and it's really bugging me again. I think it's stress but it could also be job related. Not sure. But asprin doesn't seem to help so I think it's time to have the kinks worked out. Josh tries but he isn't successful. I think he just enjoys hurting me more than helping.

We are saving to redo Will's room and I would love to have the foyer/upstairs hall redone too. Just paint. Nothing too major. I'm ready for a change in the house as well as my life, job, etc. I'm just mixing it all up lately!

Remember the winds of change?

Well, I told you they were blowing. My work schedule has been put in a blender on puree. I am still only working 2 days but I am now on a floating schedule. I think I am really going to enjoy it. I'm ready for a change. Well, sorta, kinda. I mean, I wasn't looking to quit and go to a new office but I was ready to mix up my days a little. And this is it. Time will tell if I really like, I guess. I felt really good today though to know that the boss was willing to keep looking for another RDH if I wasn't willing to mix up my days. That meant a lot to me. So, starting in Feb. my schedule will be different each week. I have my days for the whole month of Feb and I will notify my family and friends with that schedule so you can keep up with me! wink wink

So yep, the winds of change blew! And so far, I like it! Let's hope the scale is kind to me on sunday for the skinny jeans weigh in! Last week it hated me. grr..and frankly...I was ready to take a hammer to IT.

Staying with my sis!

I'm heading to my sister's on Saturday to spend the day with her working on wedding stuff and then going to a bridal show on sunday. Looking forward to it! Of course I will take my camera and laptop. Watch for photos!

Charity Collab for Haiti

Some kicking hot designers got together and are creating a kit to benefit Haiti victims.

I know for sure that Kristin and Krystal will be a part of it. You can see the sneak peek at the colors. I will be sure to link you all up once it is done. So start saving those pennys. I know I will be buying it. How about you?

Grab a drink and get comfy...

This is gonna be long and deep.

So I went with Zander tonight to see the Blind Side. Best dang movie I've seen in a LONG TIME. But back to the post. So...I have these really deep thoughts that run through my head on a regular basis. Many of you know how deep my heart is. I would do anything for anybody. And as I am watching this show, it occurs to me, that I am the mom on this show. I would so totally do what she did. And it then hits me. My god, some day, I will be in her shoes. It won't be an adopted child but yet my own. My oldest has the same personality traits that I saw in Michael. He's so darn giving, caring, protective, extremely smart, and has a passion for football. So as I see Michael walk across the stage at his gradution my mind starts to go as it often does. Reflecting, transfering, making what is happening at that moment become ME in the future. I saw Zander walking across the stage at graduation and I was there full of pride and crying. I can't even imagine what I am going to be like as mom when these milestones hit. I pictured some of those plays on the field as if it was Z doing what he does. Will he be awesome, will he love the sport, will he hate, will he not even play it after all? My mind goes crazy at times. All I really know, is that I want my boys, my family to be happy and love life. That movie hit me. It moved me. I can so totally relate to type of family they were and what they did. I could do it, I would do it. I do do it. I give a lot. And frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Go see the blind side. Awesome movie. I hope it wins an award of some kind. They did it without a ton of bad language, no sex scene, no killings. Just a nice family doing a good thing. That's how the world should be. We need a few more of those families in the world.

Good Bye Sine!

Designs by Sine is having a huge retirement sale. She's taking a break. Not going to a new store or anything just plain retiring. I pray she will come back later but that's her choice. She needs a break and you get the benefits of it. This starts on the 15th. Just letting you know so you can prepare your wallets! I will miss her terribly. She has touched my heart to the core and I wish her and her family nothing but the best. I hope she keeps in touch with me. She's my favorite Denmark friend ever! Ok fine...she's my only friend from Denmark but she's "da bomb". I will miss you and your templates, ZEENUH!! not Sign!

Swan Creek Candles

well I have a new love! My coworker bought me one of their candles for my birthday. Gingerbread. Well, I found out they have REFILL kits!!! You save $5 by buying the refill kit vs. a new candle. Hey, $5 is $5! And it was fun! Took me 5 min, if that, to do it. I am thinking it would be fun to pour up some small containers to use as shower gifts! Oh AmyJo...I have a project for use! LOL

Anywho...just wanted to share what I did this morning. Needed something to cheer me up. I woke and know why I have been feeling "out of it". UGH...No wonder I couldn't get enough to eat the last couple of days! LOL Mystery solved!

I get my stitches out today. Yippee. I'm sick of not being able to wear my strap up. I feel lopesided. I think I might dust off Photoshop today. Maybe. It haven't touched it in a while and it's been sorta nice. But I think I have a few designers who might be wondering where I am.

So busy

I can't believe I haven't posted in awhile. I've been busy. I had breakfast with Bev today! It was so great to see her. I really needed that time with her to laugh and share life. My next goal is to visit with my sister Amy. I'm really needing some sister time with her for some reason. I saw her at Christmas but it was so rushed. Plus I want to work on some wedding stuff!

I'm feeling out of sorts lately too. I am not sure what's happening but I just feel overwhelmed. And honestly, I have less on my plate than before. I am not doing as much at the school lately and trying to focus on me. Maybe that's the problem...I'm taking care of me and not doing enough for others. My body is shock! LOL

onward and upward!

I WON!

See!!! I am a winner again!!

36.4

I'm happy to report that I am finally losing again! I was at a sluggish point over the holidays. I didn't gain but I didn't lose either. BUT remember, winds of change...they be blowing!

I am officially at 36.4 pounds GONE! I've lost a toddler from my body!! ahh...I just wanna hit 40 gone so bad I can almost taste it. I'm not sure why? Other than I have been stuck in the 30's for so long and I am sick of it. I wanna be able to say, I have lost over 40 pounds on WW! I'll get there! I know that! Slow and steady wins the race! This is a lifestyle change and nothing more. So if it takes me two years...so be it! But I do see my Sister's Wedding date screaming at me sometimes. Or is that really just my Sister herself screaming at me? Hmm..

Project 365 revisit

My plans are this: I am going to attempt to do a photo a day. No plans, no pressure. I feel like right now my direction/focus is weight loss and I have to stick with my JOURNEY. If I do not make a photo a day, I will still have weekly photos of ME and my journey! I can only handle so much and I am taking over Skinny Jeans 3 so that is going to be my main focus.

I have a designer retiring this month and I am going to scale back the rest. I need to keep my energy on the REVEAL. It's my mission. It's what I am all about and I want to do it for ME. I am kind of tired of doing things for everyone else first. I've done that ALL my life and I ready to make ME a priority. I sounds so selfish when I type it out. Does it really come across that way to others or am I just being too sensitive about it? This is all new, uncharted territory for me. So I am not sure if I am saying it right or presenting my feelings in the proper way. I mean let's face it, I am a MOM first and foremost. So of course my children will be a top priority, as will the hubby. But all the EXTRA stuff is just that to me now, Extra. I still enjoy helping others and will never be able to let it all go but the winds of change are blowing.

Skinny Jeans 3 is starting!

I'm going to take over and run this round! Anyone want in? Starts 1-10-10 and runs to 4-4-10
Let me know here if you want in and I will get you the info! Come on...you know you wanna!

3rd Place in Skinny Jeans

I took 3rd place in the skinny jeans contest!!! I lost 6.14% in 66 days!!! Wahooo!!! I'm so darn happy!! I am going to miss those weekly photos. I am going to keep up with them as I really love seeing the change as much as I hate seeing "myself" being put out there. Maybe if I get the courage....I will share my photos here. MAYBE.

A look back at 09

Here's a look back at my 09. I was thinking it was sorta a crap year but you know what...looking at these photos...it wasn't THAT bad! We did a bunch of cool stuff last year as a family and I am so glad I keep up with my family's memories!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

ETA::: Here's where I bought the template:

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!