Another one...

done!! Once again I dug deep into my pile of stash and came up with a mix of papers from both AAM and SEI. I'm liking how these papers went pretty well together. I've got to keep doing this and maybe in about 6 months or so, if I don't buy another sheet of paper(yeah, right!!) I can dwindle this pile down to a reasonable size and feel less guilty. That's what I'm trying hard to do for the new year -- buy less and use more!! You're going to do the same, right Cheri????? LOL

This is a layout of my two nieces who showed up to Collin's birthday partying wearing the exact same outfit and it wasn't planned. Had they been a little older this might have been a fashion disaster as they are both very aware of their clothing style...their mother's are training them right! ha ha ha :^)

Finally scrapped!

It feels like it's been forever even though I think it's only been about 10 days. I feel like when I go that long I don't know where to start when I begin a layout. Well, this time I used that big old book of mine for inspiration and came up with this layout. It's one of my husband that I had pulled the picture and papers for a long time ago and they were just sitting on my scrap counter. I'm so happy to have finally used that KI paper that I bought ions ago. Who says you never go back to that old paper...lol

The title is the nickname that they gave Dave at work. It's actually from a song by Notorious B.I.G for all you rap fans...lol The lyrics go -- I love it when they call me big papa... I can hear the song now. It's a good one. Maybe I can squeeze in another one tomorrow to help me get back into the scrappy mode before my Back Porch Memories January design team kit arrives. It's going to be a good one!!

Merry Christmas!!

A day late, I know, but we were quite busy the last couple days. Christmas Eve was here at the house with my family. We had THE BEST time!! Everyone got along with no nit-picking, well just a little, but nothing that bothered anyone. My brothers have a way of picking with you that can get on your nerves. The food here was awesome with a few libations...lol Just two on my part for the whole eight hours because I know very well not to overdue it. The kids were GREAT!! I finally got the whole basement cleaned up since the last big party so all the kids played down there and you didn't hear a peep out of them. Usually they're fighting, running through the house, screaming, and then ultimately Dave ends up having a stress-induced attack...lol We both agreed that this year's party was the best!

Collin & Kaylynn

Pam & my sister-in-law Rose

Do you think my sister, Pam, liked the boots I got her...lol

Tagged!

by Leah from Willow Traders -- sorry it took me so long to post this...lol Crazy busy!

A - Available/Single? Married
B- Best Friend? Pam
C - Cake or Pie? Both –yum!!
D - Drink Of Choice? Coffee in the morning and Pepsi in the evening with water in between
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? Makeup..lol
F - Favorite Color? I have so many I can’t name one, but I’ll name a couple – green, purple, red….
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Worms – I like slurping them…lol
H - Home or Homesick? Home
I - Indulgence? Hot fudge ice cream cake from Big Boys
J - January Or February? February because it’s one month closer to spring
K - Kids & Their Names? Marisa 7yrs. and Collin 4 yrs. and my step-son Travis who will be turning the big 1-3 next month!!
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? My hubby and kids! (ditto)
M - Marriage date? 8/15/1998
N - Number Of Siblings? 3 (2 brothers and a sister all younger)
O - Oranges Or Apples? Apples
P - Phobias/Fears? Bugs of any kind!
Q - Favorite Quote: To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world. ~~ Anonymous
S - Season? Fall and Summer
T - Tag 3 or 4 people? Erica, Kathy Carr, Julie, Erin, and Shanna
U - Unknown Fact About Me? I snore – that’s what I’ve been told anyway. I’ve never heard myself so I don’t know whether to believe hubby or not…lol
V - Vegetable you don’t like? There’s a lot of them, but I’ll go with okra
W - Worst Habit? Nit-picking at my husband and kids
X - X-rays You’ve Had? Oh, I’ve had tons – dental, cat scans,
Y - Your Favorite Food? Now this could be quite a list but I’ll go with chicken fettuccine alfredo
Z - Zodiac Sign? Cancer

Funny stuff!!

I was reading Shanna's blog and she posted this video...hilarious!! Bud Light

Oh, I've been...

a really bad blogger this time around...lol Sorry! It's been almost two months...eek! Well, I won't update you with all my boring life details, so how about some new layouts and stuff that I've created using the fabulous Back Porch Memories kits -- gosh, I love 'em!! I'm like a kid at a candy store when that package arrives! So this month I started doing the double page layouts with instructions. What a stretch for me! I never, make the never ever, do double-page layouts. It was fun, though, I have to admit. I've got lots of leftovers and and need to get back to the lab to finish creating...dry humor I know.
December's layouts and project:






Here's one I did really quick using up some scraps from my BPM kit in September I believe. I have just discovered heat embossing, and boy was it fun using the clear embossing powder to make the stamps pop.

Erica's Blog Challenge

List 5 websites that I visit everyday (just 5??? LOL)

1. Just 4 Keeps
2. Willow Traders
3. Back Porch Memories
4. Keepsake Trends
5. Two Peas in a Bucket
6. Linne Cards

Boy oh boy

I've stunk at keeping up on this blog. There's so much that happened since I last posted. First off at the beginning of the month, I took a trip to Oklahoma to meet my online scrappy friends. It was such a blast and I wish it didn't have to end. The flights there and back weren't bad, but the experience I had dealing with Northwest Airlines left a little to be desired. I shopped and shopped and bought some great new stuff. I finally got to go to a Hobby Lobby while in Oklahoma and I was in HEAVEN!!!

I stayed with the coolest gal, Cheri. Man, was she quite the hostess!! Shanna Lamb from AZ stayed there, too. Jeez, that was just too much fun!

Came back home to a husband and kids that missed me so much! It's nice to be missed, but now were back to the same old you know what...LOL

The middle of the month brought about my 8 year anniversary. Dave and I didn't do anything to celebrate on that particular day, but just this past weekend, August 26th, we went to see Kenny Chesney. It was fun, but man it was expensive!! The tickets themselves ran $100 a piece and I couldn't believe that we had to pay $30 to park!!! I've never paid more than $15 to park at an event. I have to say that that was probably the last concert I'll be going to downtown for quite a while. I prefer to go out to the Palace -- which is just a tad bit cheaper. Actually, it's probably the last concert I'll go to in a while because I just haven't been impressed by these past two concerts I've attended. For all the money you pay, it just hasn't been worth it.

I've been a scrap-shopping fool lately!!! I've tried to calm down a bit -- yeah right!! When I went to the LSS last Friday, one I don't frequent much but has some great stuff, I picked up the new A2Z papers, some Prima flowers and Petaloo flowers, MME Wild Berry papers, alphabets to match and some other goodies. I didn't go too crazy. However, my online shopping was way more fun...LOL I just got two packages yesterday -- my kit from a new kit club I joined Scrap Hype and then I got another package containing new goodies from My Mind's Eye and Making Memories -- fun stuff!! Scrap Hype's owner included a bunch of extra papers for joining the club -- I couldn't believe all the great paper she put in there. I was in paper glory!! I also picked up a stamp set from a new company -- Wild Flower Stamps. Super fast shipping and great stamp selection. I was impressed that it was a great quality stamp set I received. I'm waiting on my new paper to get here from In A Blink of an Eye . I ordered the new UL papers, Rhonna Farrer papers, and MOD papers. I think I have enough paper to last a lifetime at this point. As my great step-son Travis put it when I said I better stop shopping, he said, "Well, as long as you start scrapping and using what you have, there's no need to stop"...love that kid!!

That's been about it. No real scrapping here lately. I'm trying to get out of a funk. My DT kit is on it's way from Back Porch Memories with lots of new cool papers -- BG Gypsy, Daisy D's Harvest and some others. If you haven't ever checked them out, you should.

Just for Fun

1. FIRST NAME? Tami
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I "think" I was named after Tammy Wynette. My dad loved her. My mom didn't like that name, so my real name is Tamara, but I've always been called Tami
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Two days ago -- dog is peeing all over and driving me crazy!
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Some times when I write nice and slow
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Either smoked turkey, roast beef, or corned beef fresh from the deli
6. KIDS? Marisa, Collin, and my step-son Travis
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Definitely!
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? No hand-written journal. The most I can keep up with is this blog.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? I don't think I do, but my husband and sister will tell you different..LOL
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? YES! I wish I didn't though. I constantly get tonsillitis during the winter months
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NEVER!!!!!!
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I love cereal so there's too many to list. But if I'm being really good I like Kashi or Raisin Bran
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Never. I'm trying to scuttle kids into the house without falling down the basement steps.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I used to be really strong, but I'm weakening with age...ugh! I best do something about it soon!
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Again, too many to list...LOL Two of my most favorites would be chocolate chip mint and Moose Tracks....mmmmm
16. SHOE SIZE? 8 - 8 1/2
17. RED OR PINK? Pink
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Lately it's the hair. Don't like my feet either in the summer -- flip flops and walking barefoot make the soles crack--yuck!
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My dad
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No. I'm just doing this for Shanna...LOL
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Khaki colored shorts and no shoes
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? Entemann's cinnamon coffe cake
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The TV -- Collin is watching Scooby Doo
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green or purple
25. FAVORITE SMELL? Chocolate chip cookies, banana bread or apple pie cooking.
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? I called Dave on his way home from work this morning to ask him to stop and buy me some coffee cream. He did-- my sweetie!
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO. Their facial features
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Well, of course!! Can't wait to meet her in person this week!
29. FAVORITE DRINK? My first cup of coffee in the morning or iced tea -- sweetened
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Bowling...LOL
31. EYE COLOR? Hazel
32. HAT SIZE? Ummm....don't know that. I don't wear hats
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No. The doc says I need glasses for reading, but I think he's wrong....LOL
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Once again, too many to list!! But I do love pasta and cheese, so I guess anything Italian or Mexican.
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? No more scary movies for me! I like the happy ending kind
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIES? I took my kids to see Monster House -- didn't like it much.
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink tank top
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both Please!
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Hot fudge cake with chocolate chip mint ice cream
41. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? None at the present. I'll be reading one this week on my plane trip though -- have to figure out which one will distract me from my fear!
42. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse pad
43. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? The Contender with Dave
44. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Laughter and waves rolling in the beat at the lake -- no ocean around these parts!
45. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Ummmm...neither
46. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Either Florida or my up-coming trip to Oklahoma
47. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I can scrapbook...LOL I cook pretty darn good too when I want.
48. WORST FEAR? Besides spiders??? My husband, one of my children, or my sister dying before me
49. DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN? Conservative Democrat
50. What’s your favorite thing about Shanna’s blog and should I add/change anything? I love it all!! No changes accept to find more time to post...LOL Stop letting that new man distract you from our reading enjoyment...LOL

YIPPEE!!

My first DT kit arrived yesterday for Back Porch Memories and it's AWESOME!! The papers are just so lovely! I can't wait to start scrapping with them. If you haven't ever seen their kits, make sure to check them out.

In less than two weeks I'll be leaving for Edmond, Oklahoma to meet all my online friends at Just4Keeps. I'll be staying with my new bestest online friend Cheri. I can't wait to meet her. She's cracks me up with her humor and I'll tell ya she's just the sweetest person. Also, the famous Ms. Shanna Lamb from the Quickutz and Bo Bunny DT will be sharing the same household so maybe her creativity will seep into my suitcase so I can take some home with me...LOL The countdown is on!! I can't wait -- I just wish I didn't have to fly!

I've done a couple layouts for the Amy's clean & simple challenges at J4K. She can scrap some mean C&S layouts. Give her a few pieces of cardstock and some letters and you'd be amazed at what she comes up with. It's hard for me to be clean and simple. I like messy and over done...LOL

Where does the time go?

I've been so bad with this blogging thing now that summer's here and the kids have me hopping. Yesterday was my 37th birthday...ugh the number keeps getting bigger...lol I had a laid back day with no big plans. I took the kids to see Monster House. Okay, so I never saw the previews and I went based on Marisa's incessant begging. That was a pretty scary movie for the little ones. Travis handled it fine, of course, but Marisa held onto his arm and covered her eyes in it. Collin kept jumping on my lap and cramming his head into my chest. I thought we might have to leave, but we made it through. It was an "okay" movie by my standards. I still like Cars the best.

Dave took me out to the new Abuelo's mexican restaurant and then we went for a drive, looked at some used cars and then went for coffee. We were going to go to a movie, but it was impromptu and we missed all the start times. It was nice though just getting out alone. We've got to do more of that.

I was in the Last Scrapper Standing Constest at Just4Keeps and that took up most of my brain power. The contest was awesome and helped me produce some of the best layouts. That contest always helps to stretch you out of your comfort zone to create layouts or albums you wouldn't otherwise. I ended up making to the final round. I completed the second only mini album I ever attempted and love how it turned out. I didn't win, but the prize went to an awesome scrapper who's book deserved the ultimate prize...Erica! Through the whole challenge this super woman renovated her new home. She would get home in the wee hours and scrap for this challenge. Now that's some motivation because I know sleep would've won me over and I would've had to drop out. Congratulations to you again, Erica!!

Here are my layouts:

WK. 1 We had to use Henna inspiration on our layouts.


WK. 2 We had to use shapes


WK. 3 How you want to be remembered and use a quote on your layout


WK. 4 We had to use our five senses to remember where we were when an event occured


WK. 5 We had to use a Shel Silverstein poem or create one that was inspired by his type of poetry


WK. 6 The mini album!! We had to create one based on a life's journey about any adult, but we couldn't indicate by pictures or names that we were the scrapper. HARD!

My baby boy..

turned the big "4" today. What fun we had having a little party at Chuck E. Cheese with my side of the family and then my in-laws came over with another cake to celebrate. Collin got lots of neat stuff and lots of clothes -- which of course he could care less about, but Mom's thankful. Where has the time gone? I looked at him today and can recall with the utmost detail the events of his being born. He's no longer a toddler and he's a full-fledged pre-schooler! I love you, baby boy -- Happy Birthday!!

PS Marisa drew that picture for him of his favorites -- Lightening McQueen and Mater from Cars

I got the best news!!

Okay, so the other day I check in on my email and I see I've received a private message on a scrapbook forum I frequent. Low and behold, it was from Paula, the owner of Back Porch Memories an awesome kit club. I had made a comment on the Willow Trader's board about her up-and-coming July kits and from that post she took a look at my gallery at the veggie site. Well her private message about made me fall over!!! She said that she had peeked at my stuff and was looking for another DT member and would I be interested.....WHAT!!!! WOULD I!!!! I'm a little nervous as this is the first time I will be designing for a kit club and I truly hope I have what it takes.....sometimes I make myself more worked up than I should be. I'll give it my best shot---WOO HOO!! I'm totally excited!!! Thanks Paula for giving me a shot!!!

Erica's Blogger Challenge

What was your favorite book as a child? How old were you? What made it your favorite?

This is sad because I don't honestly remember reading a lot as a child. I do remember while in elementary school having library as a class. I always chose the Encylopedia Brown books. I remember reading a few of the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Little House on the Prairie books. However, for the life of me, none of the main details of these books have stuck with me. I was never much of a reader, unless it was magazines, until recently. It once took me over a year to finish a book that I absolutely loved -- Songs of Ordinary Times. I just didn't make it a priority.

I LOVE to read now! I just finished the book Rules of Prey and man was that a psychotic thriller! It kind of scares me to think there are people out in the world like this! The main character, Lieutenant Lucas Davenport, was very appealing -- a game player that was good at what he does. I would highly recommend it. I might have to track down the other books in this series from the library. However, there's a new book being introduced in our little J4K book club, Eden Close, which I will now search for at the library -- sounds like a good one!

Catching Up!

Well, I've fallen behind on keeping up with the blog. That happens when you're chasing kiddies and puppy around. The summer vacation has been uneventful so far. We've just been hanging out in the backyard and swimming in our little pool.

Marisa's dance recital was yesterday. She was so sweet!! I can't believe how well she does in dance. She has kind of said she doesn't want to go back because she would like to start ice skating, but I think I'm going to have her take one class. She is good and that's not being biased. She really gets into it! Here's a picture of her in her costume -- she looks like a teenager!




Travis bleached his hair for the summer. He always does this as a tradition for the past few years. This time his step-dad Howard had the priviledge of doing it. I swear he did a better job than both his mother or myself!!! I told Travis to tell Howard I'm coming over so he can hook me up with some highlights!!



Lil' Cooper is getting bigger and better as far as the housetraining. He still has his accidents, but they are fewer. He's gotten pretty smart with going to the bathroom in one spot behind the garage and so far we've all done pretty good with keeping up on scooping the poop. I cannot stand to have funky brown spotted grass with big hunks of poo! That was the agreement that we would all take part in picking this up. Now, it makes it easier being they are very small, but one day as I remember very well from our last GSP, they will become BIG!!!


Today was Father's Day and ours was pretty low key and laid back. We like it that way. I let Dave sleep in late partly because he was up with Cooper on and off during the nigh...ugh! I made him breakfast and we bought him a present which wasn't much -- shoes shoes and more shoes. He asked for work shoes, so we bought him those. Then I bought him a pair of dress shoes and a pair of gym shoes. He's set for the next decade....lol Here's a quick picture of him and his kids minus Collin who is going through the stage of not wanting to be in front of the camera.


We did go out to dinner yesterday evening to celebrate Marisa's recital and Father's Day all in one. We made the big trip to Olive Garden and believe me when I say big trip because my husband is not one to go out to dinner with the kids. Plus my mom, sister, and niece came along too. Gosh, I love their food even though it's too expensive for freaking noodles!

That's all for now folks! Have a great night!!!

Sappy

that's how I would describe my most recent mood. I cry over a drop of a dime. At first I thought it was lack of sleep from the new puppy and it still might be, but I really think it is because come this time of year when school ends it hits me that my baby girl is getting older. Another year has come and gone and she's now moving on to second grade and the next thing you know, she'll be graduating.

For the past week she has told me that she doesn't want school to end. She wants to stay in Miss Hasse's class forever because she loves her. That shows what a positive impact her teacher and school has had on her. I picked her up today and she bawled her eyes out hugging me in the hallway. I had to gasp back my tears and explain to her that just because she would no longer be in Miss Hasse's class didn't mean she would never see her again. That poor girl cried and cried and even passed up swimming in the pool this afternoon and took a nap. Whew -- I must be super PMSing because I can't stop crying thinking about that moment and the past year in general. She has grown up so much learning to read and write, mathematics, science and all the neat projects she has brought home. Gosh, I love that little girl of mine for the sensitive caring soul she is!!! Now to find a tissue again!!

Another mother and myself put together a book for the Miss Hasse. Each child had to complete a sentence that stated why Miss Hasse was special. Of course 7 kids didn't turn theirs in, so Sheri and I made simple layouts of those kids with their names on it. I think the book turned out simplistically nice. Miss Hasse loved it, and thanked me for taking the time. She even said I was sooo creative...thanks Miss Hasse!

blogger challenge

We're talking about cooking today!

I love to cook especially when it's appreciated. I'm always willing to try new recipes that have ingredients that I like. Sometimes I take the leap and try new things. My favorite things to make are desserts, but I'm also a big fan of Mexican and Italian dishes.

I'm trying to think of what I'm known for cooking. I know my brother used to love when I made homemade Slim Jims with my own recipe for tartar sauce. I make these awesome chicken enchiladas. Oh, I make this meatloaf that is truly delicious. It must be good because my husband couldn't stand meatloaf before and now he loves this one. There's lots of other things I make -- cookies, pies, pasta dishes....all this talk of food is making me hungry!! I'm back to the Weight Watchers way and I am continually hungry!!!! Somebody pass me some carrot sticks!!!

Oh, I'll share a quick recipe I found the other day for anyone who likes strawberry shortcake. This recipe is called "Better Than Strawberry Shortcake"

Mix: one pack of cream cheese (1/3 reduced fat)
one regular sized tub of light cool whip
1/2 cup Splenda

Buy: an angel food cake (or make your favorite recipe) and cut it up into medium sized cubes

Clean: and cut fresh strawberries in half (remove the green leaves from the top).

Layer:Take a deep glass dish and add a base of angel food cake cubes, add half of the cream cheese/cool whip/splenda mixture, and add a layer of strawberries,

...add another round of angel food cake cubes, the last of the cream cheese/cool whip/splenda mixture, and top it off with strawberries.


*And if you are a blueberry fan, add those, too! It gives it a more patriotic look for an independence day celebration.

It's delicious!!!! Enjoy it!

We're going

to have a new addition in our family. No, I'm not pregnant....lol We've decided to take the plunge again on Dave's instistence and get another dog. Actually, we will be getting the same type of dog that we had before -- a German Shorthair pointer or a bird dog. I think, or at least I hope, this will be a better experience for all of us especially since the kids are a little older. It was too hard for me to take care of the Rusty when the kids were little. He required lots and lots of attention and I just didn't have it in me. We found him a great home to go to, but Dave has been whining a lot lately about giving his dog up. He now has let the cat out of the bag by saying he didn't really want to give Rusty away, but only did so because I insisted. Uh, okay, but you had a voice in the matter, MISTER, and I didn't see you saying NO.

We've been feeling really guilty lately just thinking about Rusty. He really was a good dog. He just had a lot of goofy things about him like eating socks and plastic bags!!! He loved kids and was a great watch dog. I miss him, too!

Well, this time it's going to be different. I will have the patience and this little guy will be trained at obedience school. I told Dave that is the one condition I am making that he will take him and train him. So on that note, here's the little guy we've picked and if all works out like it should, we will be picking him up on Saturday. He'll be six weeks old and is just so darn cute!! We've decided to name him Cooper.

Blog Challenge

List five to ten people you are thankful for; your relationship to them; and why you are thankful for them.

1. My dad -- even though my father passed away 3 1/2 years ago I am still ever so thankful to have had him as a father. He made life difficult when we were younger, but he taught me so many invaluable lessons in life that I can never forget. He really was sooooo wise and if he had practiced what he'd preached who knows if he'd still be around.

2. My mother -- for being the strong person she always has been. Life has always been rough for my mom, but her faith in God has always remained strong. She is a wonderful grandma to all her grandchildren. I just love my mom even though I may not always show it.

3. My sister Pam -- she is just the most caring person who really deserves better. She has a heart of gold and I'd do anything for her. She is my best friend!

4. My children-- Marisa & Collin -- they drive me crazy at times, but I wouldn't want my life any other way. They put so much joy in my heart. I love seeing them grow and succeed in life.

5. My brother Tony -- he is just the funniest guy who got my dad's sense of humor and knowledge. He, too, is very wise but doesn't always practice what he preaches. I love how he's the best dad to his children -- so loving and patient. He's just an awesome guy!!

It's been beautiful!!

The last two days have been the most gorgeous weather and we have been out and about enjoying it. Yesterday we met up with some friends at their camp site. The kids played and we went on the paddle boats. We sat around a camp fire getting all smokey smelling -- love that smell! So much fun, but we were totally exhausted on the ride home.

Today, I took the kids to Metro Beach. I haven't hung out there since I was a child. My mom used to take my brothers, sister, and I ALL the time! Just walking on the beach brought back so much nostolgia. The beach was a little dirtier than I remember, so we played in the squirt zone. Now I'm back home getting ready to BBQ some steaks and eat delicious corn on the cob and greek pasta salad...mmmmm So hungry right now!

I forgot my camera up at the campsite and was so bummed I didn't get any good beach pictures. That's okay though because I bought a season pass so I'm sure we'll be heading back there soon!

Dave put the pool up on Saturday and it finally finished filling today. The kids are dying to get in there and swim. A little cold though, so they might have to wait for a couple more 80 degree days.

I did marathon scrapping on Thursday night because Erica put a guilt trip on me....lol It felt so good to scrap though. I missed scrapping -- I was in a little funk. Now it's gone so I feel like scrapping a lot but of course we've had all this stuff going on. I'm going to sneak in the basement later.