Jay's Scrappin' Adventures

Where DOES The Time Go?

2011-07-22T11:27:00.003-05:00

I guess the saying is true...time flies when you're having fun (and as busy as a little bee!!) Who knew that in all of my fun, that my poor blog would be the one to pay the price. I know!! I know!! I still spend an awful lot of time on facebook, (farmville is my newest gaming addiction) keeping up with my day-to-day things, so why can't I come here to do the same? Maybe because my lack of time to

Looking For A New Christmas & Winter Scrap Kit

2010-12-04T17:14:00.006-06:00

A couple of years ago, I'd purchased a gorgeous, digital colab kit called Knocking On Winters Door by Jen Ulasiewicz & Phuong Ton. I wore that kit out scrapping photos, making our Christmas cards, creating stationary for holiday letters and even used it through the winter season for the occasional snow photo. Sadly, I lost that kit last year during a HD crash. (Yeah, go ahead an tell me I SHOULD

Catching Up On My Scrapping...

2010-12-04T16:58:00.003-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010KITS: Recreation Add-On by Create WingsWhere Dreams Begin Add-On by Create WingsFree Cottage Critters by Amy HutchinsonGreen Christmas by Jofia DesignsFrench Touch by Elo DesignsFont: Eye CatchingA NEW MEKIT: Green Christmas by Jofia DesignsGrunge frame1 mask by Bunny's AtticProgram:PSP-9 (Clarified Brightness & Contrast)FONT: Tall PaulLIZ & JASONKIT: I'm Still Loving You by

Recovering From A Turkey Induced Coma

2010-12-02T01:12:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine turned out a lot different than other T-day celebrations...For one, Kat left at noon to spend the day with her BF, Matt, and his family in Hueytown.For two, we were an hour late getting started because MY Matt had to pick up his GF, Amber, in Hueytown and stop by here on their way to her Nanny's house.For three, hubby made a HUGE production of

Latest Books From The Library...

2010-11-13T20:11:00.003-06:00

Piper Kincaid is 30 years old and has already endured three years of treatment for breast cancer. As she considers life with metastatic breast disease, she also returns to the year she was 14, when her mother left and she came to understand how lives get broken. In Greenwood's third novel (after Breathing Water and Nearer Than the Sky), chapters alternate between Piper's story today

Thankful Thursday - 11/11/10

2010-11-11T19:18:00.002-06:00

Today I am thankful for:Heat that works in both cars.Central heat in my house.LOTS of hot water.Knowing how to stretch $50 worth of groceries into meals for the next 7 days.A hubby that just knows what I need without asking.My recent phone calls with Robert & his GF, Felicia. (I miss him SO much)Bills paid for another month.My amazing kids (including my "adopted-heart" ones)Learning how to let go

My Latest Scrap Pages

2010-11-11T18:58:00.008-06:00

Cloud Background & Word Art - Trick or Treat Freebie by sussieMMoon Background - free desktop wallpaper from irishviews.comCauldron & Black Cat - Outlaw DesignsHalloween Quote - Author UnknownWhite Cat - My dear own SNOWBALLDiva Witch - ME!!Font: Jenkins v2.0Program: PSP-9Journaling Reads: When witches go riding,and black cats are seen,the moon laughs and whispers,'tis near HalloweenNearly

Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping

2010-11-02T11:12:00.004-05:00

MEALS:TUESDAY - Gyro Salad & Tzatziki Dressing (had leftover Taco Soup this past Sunday)WEDNESDAY- 3 Cheese Rice LasagnaTHURSDAY - Chicken Athena (have made before and LOVE)FRIDAY - Seafood Casserole GROCERY LIST: $24.46CrabShrimpPimientosSpaghetti Sauce4 1/2 oz mushrooms8oz cottage cheese4oz Mozzarella cheeseBrown Rice1lb ground beef1 bag salad mix

In Search For The Perfect B'day Gift...

2010-10-29T04:05:00.008-05:00

Tonight at 7pm, Kat & I will be at our church celebrating Stephanie's 18th b'day!! (A Harvest Youth member.) For the past couple of weeks I had been wracking my brain for gift ideas. Finally, after talking with her mom, I found something I could create...JEWELRY!! I learned what her favorite colors were and the type of jewelry she likes and took off from there.SILVER--PINK--BLACK...hmmmIt took me

Discovering A New Craft...Fingerless Gloves!!

2010-10-29T03:55:00.000-05:00

I came across this website (The Crafting Chicks) early Wednesday morning and found THIS blog post on how to make Arm Warmers/Half Gloves. I nearly jumped for joy at how simple they were to make considering I'd just started searching for some to prepare for the cooler weather and most were out of my price range.Having rheumatoid arthritis, gloves help control the pain in my wrists...however, the

Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping

2010-10-28T18:17:00.001-05:00

MEALS:Wednesday (pasta)- TOO BUSY!! Grabbed pizza for dinner.Thursday (turkey/chicken)- Chicken with Pecan Sweet Potato Salad (missed making it Tuesday cause we ate leftovers instead.Friday (fish)- Tomato Walnut Tilapia with RiceSaturday (soup)-Taco SoupSunday (giving in to hubby needing MEAT)- Gyro Salad & Tzatziki DressingMonday (meatless)- Greek Style Ravioli & SaladGROCERY LIST: $32.29 +

Thankful Thursday...

2010-10-28T00:05:00.003-05:00

I'm thankful...That another month of bills have been paid with enough left over for groceries!!For my incredibly sweet hubby. (Is it possible to fall MORE in love with your spouse with each passing day?)For the rain we've received and that all of the severe weather went around us.For talented jewelry designers/crafters/artists that share their ideas and tutorials online. (I've found SO MANY cool

My Jewelry Pieces...

2010-10-26T13:17:00.004-05:00

From the encouragement of a friend, (Catherine Readshaw) I started creating my own jewelry a few years ago. Because of arthritic pain I had put it away but tried to keep up with new tutorials and jewelry designs. Now I've picked the hobby back up and wanted to share some of the pieces I've recently created.I've got several new pieces in the works and will upload as they are completed...

Latest Books From The Library...

2010-10-23T21:05:00.008-05:00

Almost a year after the death of his wife, Kate, former high-tech executive Ian finds a letter that will change his life. It contains Kate’s final wish – a plea for him to take their ten-year-old daughter, Mattie, on a trip across Asia, through all the countries they had planned to visit to celebrate their fifteenth anniversary. Eager to honor the wife and mother they loved, Ian and

Meal Planning & Grocery Shopping

2010-10-23T13:07:00.003-05:00

MEALS:SATURDAY (soup)- White Turkey ChiliSUNDAY (seafood)- Shrimp & Crab SaladMONDAY (meatless)- White Bean, Sweet Potato & Pepper RagoutTUESDAY (turkey/chicken)- Chicken with Pecan Sweet Potato SaladAfternoon Snack - Pumpkin Pie ShakeGROCERY LIST: $47.561 gal milksour cream1 lg can pumpkinold fashioned oatsmaple syrup dried cranberries4 cans cannellini beans 1 can cream of chicken1 cans Italian

Friday Freebie, Shopping & A Weekend Without Hubby...

2010-10-22T15:58:00.004-05:00

FRIDAY FREEBIE-This is a list of samples/gifts I received in the mail this week...$10 GC to Victoria's Secret$5 GC to Barnes & NobleSample of Jergens Ultra Healing and Overnight Repair MoisturizersSample of Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum ProtectionSHOPPING-After we cashed Kat's check this morning we went to the thrift store where Kat picked up 2 t-shirts and I found 2 dresses & 1 blouse.WEEKEND

I'm Part of a JAM!!

2010-10-21T22:14:00.003-05:00

My friend, Bunny Cates, created these adorable ATC's and asked if anyone would be interested in participating in a JAM.-----A Jam is where several people (usually 3) get together and make a project together. If 3 people are in the Jam then 3 copies of the project are made. For instance: Person one does the backgrounds and sends to person two. Person two adds something and sends to person Three.

THURSDAY'S DINNER

2010-10-21T13:59:00.003-05:00

Vegetarian Egg Strata

THANKFUL THURSDAY

2010-10-21T10:26:00.004-05:00

Thankful Thursday, for me, started a long time ago between a group of friends that blogged on Multiply. Though I'd stopped blogging on Multiply and then finally here, I've continued to create a (mental) list of ten things I'm thankful for each Thursday morning. So to get myself back into the swing of things, I'm bringing this blog post back...TEN THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR TODAY:Waking this morning

Wednesday Dinner

2010-10-20T16:16:00.003-05:00

Seafood EnchiladasHome-Style Refried BeansRice with Chilies 'n' Veggies

Waste Not Wednesday

2010-10-20T10:40:00.003-05:00

Items I'm donating to the local thrift store:7" TV/Radio2 dishwashers1 garbage bag full of small/med clothes (teen girl)1 garbage bag full of small/med clothes (male)1 box of craft itemsI'm hoping to have a lot more in the next couple of weeks. The plan is to go thru my "little house" in the back and tossing things we no longer need or will use. (Sadly, this is a yearly thing because my hubby

My Latest Scrap Pages

2010-10-20T10:14:00.007-05:00

These are my scrap pages since March...GOOFY KATScrap Kit: Alchimie by GaliscrapFont: Tall PaulProgram: PSP-9(March 28, 2010)KAT'S NEW HAIRBackground: Alchimie by GaliscrapGrunge Overlay by Miss FoxyFont: Fiolex GirlsEyeCandy 3.0 - GlassEyeCandy 4000 - ChromeProgram: PSP-9(June 15, 2010)LETTING GOPhotos taken of me 5/13/10Timeworn SampleTexture by Paint The MoonGrass from Easter Freebie by Lily

Trying To Get In The Swing Of Things

2010-10-19T12:17:00.004-05:00

It's pretty sad when you let another 7 months pass by before you post. It's not that I don't WANT to blog, I've just found it easier to update statuses on facebook. THAT and Farmville has me in it's grasp. *giggles*Let me see if I can do a quick recap of my life...I've completely changed my eating habits and have now gone from a size 14 to a 10.Since last year, I've lost a total of 60lbs (still

After A Long Hiatus

2010-03-24T16:18:00.005-05:00

It's been so long since I've posted over here I had half a mind to remove it...but then thought NAH!! I've too much invested to just get rid of it.So let's see if I can remember everything that has happened over the past year...Liz and Shea got their car back from us, only to have it immediately towed away for non-payment to a loan/title company.Matt bought an '88 Ford Mustang.The holidays were

It's Thursday And I Know I Should Be Thankful...

2009-06-18T04:34:00.000-05:00

but right now my chest hurts, my heart is racing 90mph, and I just had the most terrifying 2 mile ride in the car!!For those of you with teens...well...you'll understand my traumatic experience!! I let Kat get behind the wheel of the car this morning. *hands and body is still shaking*Let me do some back tracking as to WHY I let her...lolLast night, after church, Laura (the youth minister) was

Thankful Thursday...6/4/09

2009-06-04T11:02:00.000-05:00

I am thankful that while we are still waiting on truck parts, Liz and Shea have continued to let me borrow her car for errands and "Taxi-Cab" services.I am thankful that the bills for this month are much less than last month.I am thankful that we have "extra" cash for this month and have offered $$ to Liz and Shae for new car tag while car is in my possession.I am thankful that this week hubby

Ten Thoughts...6/2/09

2009-06-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

I wonder how long it will be before I see the new Multiply changes.I must have been really tired...or the weather is playing havoc with me...I slept on and off until 4pm today!!It's awfully quiet with Kat being gone.Yesterday I spent some time downloading new scrap kits and working on a new page. (YES! I had to drag myself away from YoVille to do it...lol)Speaking of YoVille...I am on a desperate

I Had An AMAZING Saturday...

2009-05-30T23:17:00.000-05:00

After sleeping in late (11am to be exact) I got up, checked emails, blogs & YoVille. By 1pm, Kat and Amber meandered there way to the backporch where I was enjoying the sunshine. We chatted for a few minutes when the most hilarious thing happened...all of our tummies made this HUGE growling noise at the same time. So I said, I'm thinking Arby's...no wait, I want an iced caramel coffee....NO, I

Ten Thoughts...5/26/09

2009-05-26T15:03:00.000-05:00

22 years ago today, I gave birth to my oldest son.No big party today, just me baking his fave yellow cake with peanut butter icing.Took advantage of the break in severe thunderstorms this afternoon and cleaned off my back porch. (Daybed from FreeCycle last year has now been taken apart and is going to my friend Liz for her son Jr.)Cleaned kitchen, den & bathrooms...ewww...my family sure can make

It's Suddenly Sunday...

2009-05-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

and I wonder where the week has gone. It just seemed that yesterday was Sunday, and here it is again. I try to think back at what I did this past week...why did it rush by so fast to make me miss it. Sadly, I can't remember. I know I bought groceries, cleaned the house, did laundry and paid bills...but none of those thing really stick out as a clear memory. I played online, I scrapped a new page

My Saturday Has Gone To The Birds...

2009-05-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

LITERALLY!!When I woke today, I went through my normal routine of uncovering both bird cages and changing water and food. Today I got a surprise...MO wanted out. Usually he is allowed to fly free in the late afternoons and early evenings, but this morning he was hanging on the door when I gave him food and water so I let him roam. His first stop? The top of Edward and Bella's cage so he could

Thankful Thursday

2009-05-21T02:07:00.000-05:00

I'm thankful my brain is still working...though I wish it would shut down just long enough for me to get some sleep.I'm thankful that we have had pleasant spring days...but the chilly mornings are killing my joints.I'm thankful that I have a friend that takes me to church...but I wish she would give me more than 10 minutes notice when she decides she'd rather stay home to watch A.I. instead so

This Or That...

2009-05-12T17:29:00.000-05:00

(borrowed from Mister E.)Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival's version or Ike and Tina Turner's version? CCR...most definitely!! Pepsi or Coke? Neither...Crystal Light or Sprite ZeroPositive or Negative? Positive Stripes or Polka-dots? Stripes Tea or Coffee? Coffee Paper or Plastic? Plastic or my denim shopping bag Answer or Question? AnswerHappy or Sad? Happy Beer or Wine Cooler? Wine

Just Plain Ol' Tired...

2009-05-11T18:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday night, Kat kept me up until 4am chit chatting.Sunday, we got up early for church where Vickie Yohe was the guest singer for our Mother's Day service. Once we got back home, I spent nearly the entire afternoon chatting with Robert on the computer. (He had to work all day at the dorm's front desk, and had his laptop with him.) As for flowers, cards, or pretty wrapped gifts...I didn't get

Only My Husband...

2009-05-06T02:46:00.000-05:00

Can cause me to burst into a fit of giggles while explaining his pain. ROFLMAO!!So, I was playing in YoVille yesterday afternoon, chatting with one of my grade-school girlfriends, when hubby came running in the backdoor asking me to look at his head above his eye. I tell him he has a red mark but that I didn't see anything wrong with him...then he procedes to tell me the following:Fatty and

A to Z...

2009-05-04T18:35:00.000-05:00

Swiped from Mister E.Answer these questions marked a to z. Just post short answers. Repost in your blog, or answer in my comments.A - Attached or Single: hmmm...attached to laptop at the momentB - Bed size: California KingC - Chore you hate: Cleaning ToiletsD - Drink of Choice: Pomegranate Crystal LightE - Essential Item: glucose meterF - Favorite color: Greens and BluesG - Gold or Silver:

Did You Miss Me...

2009-04-26T08:13:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I've been M.I.A. since Wednesday. Most of my disappearance can be blamed on YoVille. That place is SO addicting that they seriously need to create a 12 step program to get people off of it!! No lie...one day I was logged in for 19 hours!! (In my defense, the house was cleaned the day before, all children were gone, and dinner was left overs...lol...so it wasn't like I was neglected

Wednesday Wishes...

2009-04-22T05:51:00.001-05:00

My wishes for today have led me to one of my fave designers...Jen Ulasiewicz Designs. Her specialty is in the highest qualityall natural real-life designs. Whether you are looking fornature, vintage, antique, grungy, primitive, or shabby chic,she has all you'll ever need in life-like elements!!Isn't this "With This Ring" kit just gorgeous?!

Ten Thought Tuesday...4-21-09

2009-04-21T10:04:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I've gone nearly the entire day thinking it was Wednesday!!Between the hours of 7am-1pm I steamed cleaned the den carpet, rearranged the den furniture, threw the "Ugly Chair" to the curb, washed/dried/folded 3 loads of regular laundry, and washed another load of just curtains.Did I mention that I'm TIRED?I'm about to leave with hubby to take Kat to work.Someone just shoot me...

My Boring Monday...

2009-04-20T13:59:00.000-05:00

I realize that Mondays are suppose to be the least favorite day for most folks...but today was just ridiculously boring!!I woke at 7am and started a load of laundry. Checked email. Put wet clothes in dryer and started another load of laundry. I managed to hang a few more photos in my dining room. Rode with hubby to drop off Kat at work and then picked up a few groceries, a few more picture frames

Creating A Scene -- My Final Product!!

2009-04-17T12:42:00.000-05:00

For two days I have diligently worked on the Creating A Scene tutorial found HERE. Every free moment was spent searching for the perfect birds, plant life, and photo of Kat. This morning, while zoned out on allergy medication, I put the final touches on my scene, saved my work and uploaded it to a few of my scrapbook galleries.It wasn't until 3 hours later, when I got back home from running

Thankful Thursday...4-16-09

2009-04-16T07:46:00.000-05:00

I'm going to Montgomery, Alabama this afternoon.I spent most of the morning transferring unused graphics from my laptop to my external hard drive to free up some space.I started working on the "Create A Scene" tutorial last night and really love how it's turning out.Kat & I did an hour photoshoot yesterday afternoon and had a blast coming up with different poses.I was able to go to church last

Creating A Scene...

2009-04-15T08:17:00.000-05:00

OMGoodness...this layout caught my eye in the Scrapbookgraphics gallery and I just HAD to share it!! The credits can be found HERE.And LOOK...she even has a tutorial explaining how she achieved this layout!! You can find it HERE.

Wednesday Wishes...

2009-04-15T07:28:00.001-05:00

I actually found two kits this week to place in my WISH FOLDER, but only one made it in the folder...I couldn't help myself...I gathered all of my change and discovered I had just enough to purchase one of them!! *grins*LATEST ITEM FOR WISH FOLDER1001 Nights by NewlifeDreamsLATEST ITEM PURCHASEDRainy Sunday by Jofia Designs

Eegads!! It's Waste Not Wednesday...

2009-04-15T06:55:00.000-05:00

and I haven't found a single item to donate or list on ebay for this week!!Dare I say that I'm finally finished with the purging of clutter?!?! Mind you, I would still like Kat to be rid of half of her stuffed animals, but as far as my own stuff It's almost shocking that I've reached this point. Do you realize that I started on this journey nearly a year ago? A journey to rid myself of excess

Today, PSP Took Over...

2009-04-14T14:47:00.001-05:00

The original plan was to do yard work but it was put on hold due to hubby not waking up until 2pm to rush Kat off to work. To top it off, it was very windy and cold outside and I just felt better staying in bed snuggled under my electric blankie!!What did I do to occupy my time? I brought the candle Carol made me into my room, I read blogs, scanned digiscrap galleries for inspiration and then

The Big Things...

2009-04-14T11:07:00.000-05:00

After church on Easter Sunday, we came home to eat a huge dinner and had planned on spending the afternoon mud riding in my hubby's truck. The outing was canceled due to an axle problem, so my daughter and I decided to drag a blanket and pillows way out in the back yard to enjoy the sunshine. Within half an hour, my daughter was wrapped in the blanket and fast asleep. I grabbed my camera, snapped

Scrap Page Featuring Hubby...

2009-04-14T06:22:00.000-05:00

I thought it only fitting to call this page "Tommy's Smile" because the day I shot this photo he had shaved his mustache off!! For those of you with hubby's that have gone YEARS without shaving, know it's a huge change to get used to...lol!!Bunnies, Bees and The Birds' Big Balloon ~ A Spring Collection ~ by Lorie Davisonhttp://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/product.php?productid=24107&cat=0&page=1

My FREE GIFT Arrived From Carol!!

2009-04-14T05:57:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Carol blogged about giving away FREE GIFTS to people who responded to her post. There was a catch though, you had to repost and give away free gifts to those that responded to your own blog.Yesterday afternoon, I had to sign for a package...the return address was Carol's!! I rushed inside to rip open the package...ignoring everything else around me. I was only

My 10 Thoughts...4-14/09

2009-04-14T05:08:00.000-05:00

1. Though we got rain again last night, the severe storms missed us, so we'll be finishing the yard work today.2. Some of my local friends have been without power since Sunday night's storms...may take as long as tomorrow to get it restored.3. Kat didn't have to work yesterday due to power outage at the YMCA...their power was restored yesterday evening so she'll be working this afternoon.4. I'm

My Easter 2009 Layout...

2009-04-12T14:40:00.000-05:00

Kat & Me Easter morning...before church.Bunnies, Bees and The Birds' Big Balloon~ A Spring Collection ~by Lorie DavisonORIGINAL PHOTOS:

My Latest Scrapbook Pages...

2009-04-11T13:33:00.000-05:00

Created for Judy's 45th wedding anniversary (my friend at SBF!!)Door, Grass, Flower: My Garden by Ivonka85r Backgrounds, hearts, clouds, grass, rainbow: Morgane de toi by Digiscrapbooking-chCreated for mine and Kat's passion for the Twilight series!!Dark Angel by Lily DesignsBunnies, Bees and The Birds' Big Balloon~ A Spring Collection ~by Lorie DavisonBunnies, Bees and The Birds' Big Balloon~ A

Thankful Thursday...4-9-09

2009-04-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

I'm thankful...Hubby knows how to do all kinds of jobs. (automotive, plumbing, electrical, construction, building PC's from scratch and keeping them running efficiently)Today is Thursday and I'll be spending most of the afternoon at a friend's house scrapbooking.My house is still clean.I have 4 freshly charged batteries so I can take photos of each room to show you the finished product...sorry...

When Did Hubby Get So Thoughtful?!?!

2009-04-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

While out shopping for more groceries today, we stopped at another thrift store to browse. I found a gorgeous basket to use for Kat's Easter basket (several years ago she had me stop making them for her, but then last year she complained she didn't get one so I'm back to making them again...ROFL!!) I even found the most adorable stuffed Easter Bunny wearing a Purple Rain Coat and matching hat and

Waste Not Wednesday

2009-04-08T11:08:00.000-05:00

Items going to the thrift store this week...2 pair of jeans1 beach bagseveral Mardi Gras beads3 sheets of stickers1 box of unused Christmas cardsItems to list on ebay...'NSync Collectible Marionette - Justin Timberlake (10" tall)'NSync Collectible Marionette - JC Chasez (10" tall)

Insomnia Strikes Again...

2009-04-08T01:35:00.001-05:00

Once upon a time, insomnia was my middle name. It wasn't unusual for me to go several days at a time with little to no sleep. I don't remember exactly when my sleeping patterns changed to include a full night of sleep, but it's been a long enough time that I've forgotten how it feels to be awake at this time of night!!I wonder if my insomnia was brought on by the fact that I'm finally finished

TenThoughtTuesday...4-7-09

2009-04-07T23:03:00.001-05:00

Today is April 7th...HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEGGY!!I'm so glad that my Spring Cleaning is finally finished!!Hubby is not playing nice with me today...he knows I need to run some errands and pick up groceries, but he's dragging his feet getting ready!! ARGH!!If I've been busting my tail everyday for the past 6 days, then why are my muscles still hurting?? I thought the more you did, the more the soreness

Oops...I Still Have One Room To Spring Clean

2009-04-07T08:44:00.001-05:00

The fridge has been in place since 9pm last night. (Hubby got a late start moving it inside due to him working on his truck and then having to search the neighborhood for Jack-Jack because he wandered off!! -- will go into THAT in a bit) He hooked up the ice maker, attached the new bottom cardboard panel and then I spent the next 3 hours decorating. (Hung more commemorative church plates, and a

HALLELUJAH...We Have A Fridge Again!!

2009-04-06T16:03:00.000-05:00

After an entire week of continuous spraying, a couple of days of using my "bug killing balls" and 3 days of sprinkling baking soda on all of the shelves and in the drawers and spreading a baking soda paste on all of the rubber seals...the fridge is completely bug free, funky smell free, and has been working beautifully for the past 2 days on my back porch. In just a few minutes, hubby will be

An Unexpected Visitor...

2009-04-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

It's a good thing that I busted tail in my house with the Spring Cleaning... because this morning, at 10am, my brother from Michigan showed up at my door!! He told me he had been to Mobile, AL to visit his bio-father, and that his health was very poorly. He'd also been to see some of his highschool friends, and several of their parents that he was close to.During the 2 hours, we wandered through

Waaa Hooo!! My Spring Cleaning Is Done!!

2009-04-05T15:57:00.000-05:00

Kat's furniture has been rearranged and dusted, carpet vacuumed and steam cleaned, bed stripped and new linens put on.My furniture has been moved and dusted, carpet vacuumed and steam cleaned, furniture put back (since I really liked my furniture arrangement), bed stripped and new linens put on.Dining room furniture has been rearranged and dusted, carpet vacuumed and steam cleaned.Piano now along

So Many Things Left To Do...

2009-04-04T10:43:00.000-05:00

So why am I lounging around instead of doing them? I have a perfectly logical explanation...I'm watching one of my fave movies!! SECONDHAND LIONS!! It came on TBS this morning not long after I woke and I just couldn't resist watching it!! *grins*Just as soon as it goes off, then I'll be back into Kat's room finishing up what I had left from yesterday. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to get to my

My Plans For The Weekend...(UPDATED)

2009-04-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

THURSDAY:Move MO's cage to Kat's room (DONE)Clean MO's cage (DONE)Clean Edward & Bella's cage (DONE)Vacuum Kat's room (DONE)Vacuum dining room (DONE)Wash all birds' cover (DONE)Rearrange dining room furniture (DONE)Steam clean dining room carpet (DONE)FRIDAY:Rearrange Kat's bedroom furniture (DONE)Steam clean Kat's carpet (DONE)Go with hubby to take Matt to work (DONE)Cash Matt's paycheck (DONE)

It's Thursday...Are You Thankful?

2009-04-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

My health is good. I've not had an arthritis flair up in a while. My sugar and BP are within a normal range. I'm full of energy. And though I am experiencing a few sore muscles from all of the vigorous fridge cleaning lately, I feel amazing.My house is nearly in order again. We still have the bathroom project and the kitchen floor to finish, so there are building materials stacked in the den...

What's "Bugging" Me Today...

2009-04-01T13:13:00.000-05:00

In all actuality, I've not seen a bug in or around the fridge on my patio since late Monday night. I'm hoping that with the removal of all of the stuck on food and water along with spraying inside the fridge every couple of hours since Monday afternoon we're on our way to eliminating the bug problem. As a way to ensure they are completely gone, we are purchasing bug traps and gel to place all

Wishful Wednesday...4-1-09

2009-04-01T09:21:00.001-05:00

The latest kits I've added to my "WISH FOLDER"Spring Flings & Easter Things by: Newlife Dreams DesignThe Bright Nightby: Jofia DevoeThe Boy Is A Boy by: Lily Design

Waste Not Wednesday...4-1-09

2009-04-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

Nothing to donate to the thrift store this week,but I do have a few items gathered that I'm listing on ebay later today.pursesporcelain dollsbird housesjewelry

Ten Thought Tuseday...3-31-09

2009-03-31T21:23:00.000-05:00

I'm FREEZING!! Hubby and I woke at 6am to drive to the salvage yard to drop off the two refrigerators that didn't work. Unfortunately, the top was off of the truck and it was raining. We've been home nearly 2 hours and I'm still not warm.To answer someone's question on my last post about my fridge infested with bugs...in the past 12 years, other than the occasional wood roach (the kind with wings

OMG!! OMG!! OMG!!

2009-03-30T23:32:00.000-05:00

...trying to remain calm......trying to focus on breathing......trying not to panic......thankful hubby was able to save me...I had found my groove...was doing the final cleaning on the fridge door before I put the metal strips and plastic brackets back on them when a roach crawled from under the rubber seal and across my hand. I nearly peed my pants. I grabbed both doors and took them to the

I'm Exhausted...But It's SO Worth It!!

2009-03-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

Hubby and I picked up the fridge my friend offered at 5:45pm. I was prepared for the dried food and liquid stains inside and lots of dust on the outside from her warning me that it was gonna take some soapy water, bleach & elbow grease to get it clean from her mom (and then her sister's) lack of house-keeping skills. She wasn't over exaggerating that fact.What I wasn't prepared for was all of the

Making A Sacrifice...

2009-03-29T14:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I was given the choice of two refrigerators. One is an hour's drive from here...a side by side in excellent condition, filtered water and ice in the door, and within our budget at $275.00. Hubby talked to the elderly couple yesterday and scheduled to pick it up Monday morning.THEN...Last night, someone that I knew from grade school that contacted me through Facebook, sent me a message

KEEP FINGERS CROSSED!!

2009-03-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

We may have a fridge by the end of today!! I was just contacted by someone from Craig's List about a fridge I'm interested in. Original offer was for $350, he said he would take $300. However, another person is interested in it as well. If the person doesn't pick it up today, then he will call me and tell me it's mine.This fridge is BRAND NEW, NEVER USED and looks exactly like the one we just

Saturday Morning At The Thrift Store...

2009-03-28T10:40:00.001-05:00

This morning, Matt had to be at work at 9am, so I got up and dressed and went with hubby to drop him off. On the way home, hubby and I stopped at my fave thrift store to drop off the garbage bag full of clothes and to browse for me a few cute blouses. I found 3 blouses, 1 sweater set and 1 pair of denim capris. (WHOO HOOO...everything FITS!!)I was going to stop at just the clothing, but I lost

Our Replacement Fridge...

2009-03-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

It's been 4 1/2 weeks since our fridge started having breathing problems. For the first two weeks, it was only breathing enough to keep the upper portion at "refrigeration" temps. So what food we were able to save either went to the upper portion or in an ice chest. I contacted my cousin that does heating/air/refrigerators...but his diagnosis was very grim news. There was nothing he could do for

An Empty Closet & Fridge...

2009-03-26T11:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, while I was getting ready for church, I was searching through my closet for something cute to wear. Every pair of pants, blouse, skirt and dress that I tried on ended up being too big!! It's a good and bad thing. Good that I've lost more weight, but bad that I now have to get rid of some of my fave clothes!!The past three hours I gathered all of the clothing that are falling

Waste Not Wednesday & Wishes...

2009-03-25T19:46:00.000-05:00

Well how 'bout that? This is the second week in a row that I don't have anything to donate to the thrift store!! *is in shock* But then again, I didn't really have time to sort or organize anything since last Wednesday. I'm hoping that this week will be different now that things are finally slowing down and the stress levels have mellowed.As for my latest wishes, I just added the following

A New "DO"

2009-03-21T19:48:00.000-05:00

Several months ago I was trying to decide if I wanted to cut my bangs. I got tired of my hair being all one length and the only thing I ever seem to do with it was just pull it all back into a ponytail. After going back and forth with "DO I" or "DON'T I"...I finally decided to cut them.OK...I didn't cut them...my hairstylist, Peggy, cut them. *giggles* I called her yesterday and she squeezed me

My Chaotic Layers

2009-03-19T22:36:00.000-05:00

Layer One:Name: Jay Elliott, AKA-AlabamaStoneThrowerBirth date: June 28Birthplace: Somewhere in Central AlabamaCurrent Location: IdiotsvilleEye color: Hazel (Green w/gold specks)Hair Color: Do you want original, current "box" color, or color when I don't use a "box" color?Height: 5' 0"Righty or Lefty: Both...I can write with both, but favor my right hand when picking up items.Zodiac sign:

B Is For...(REDO)

2009-03-19T11:13:00.002-05:00

We came up with more B-words that needed to be added...lol (I won't be creating any more alphabet pages until I know for certain that we have everything listed...hahaha)My brother, Bubba.My niece, Brooke.The antique bottles that I collect.The birds that visit my backyard.The butterflies that represent so many things in my life.Blowing bubbles that always makes me feel like a kid.Books that we all

Waste Not Wednesday & Wishes

2009-03-18T15:53:00.001-05:00

With all the cleaning that I managed to get done Monday & yesterday, you would think that I would have found something to donate this week. Sadly, that just didn't happen. (Though I might have something by this evening since I'm reorganizing my dresser drawers later this afternoon.)Here's the latest kit that I have added to my WISH FOLDER:The Grass is Green II by Jofia Devoe

A IS FOR...(REDO)

2009-03-18T14:04:00.001-05:00

After chatting with my son Robert last night, I decided to add several more items to my "A PAGE" that are important to our family.A IS FOR...Amber-Matt's girlfriend.Asa-Kat's best friend.Angels-that Kat collects.Ants-to which Matt is severely allergic.Anime-that Kat loves to draw.CREDITS:Font: StoneSerif SCIN SmBd v.1 and Batik RegularBackground: November Freebie by Chaos LoungeBackground and

B Is For...

2009-03-17T21:29:00.002-05:00

My brother, Bubba.My niece, Brooke.The antique bottles that I collect.The birds that visit my backyard.The butterflies that represent so many things in my life.CREDITS:ALL BIRDS by Jay Elliott (ASTC) -- ME!!BOTTLES by Jen UlasiewiczFONT: StoneSerif SCIN SmBd v.1 and Batik RegularBUTTERFLIES: by Lily Designs and KimBBACKGROUNDS: by Chaos Lounge

Alphabet Scrapping & Playing With PSP Filters

2009-03-17T11:57:00.002-05:00

After getting lost in PSP-land yesterday evening, I decided to start an alphabet scrapbook. A huge undertaking considering I need to come up with a subject for each letter...hahaha...but I think it's doable!!A IS FOR AMBER & ASA(Matt's girlfriend & Kat's best friend)CREDITS:Font: StoneSerif SCIN SmBd v.1Background: November Freebie by Chaos LoungeBackground and Ribbon: Candy Jar 28 by Chaos

Cleaning My Room Put On Hold...

2009-03-16T17:52:00.004-05:00

So that I could create this:With Kat being gone for the week, I felt it was the perfect time to clean hers and my rooms. Was finished with her room by lunchtime, then went with hubby to pick up OS and stopped by Walmart to order new pair of glasses, refill prescriptions and grab a few groceries. When we got back home I began to clean my room...but then an idea started floating around in my head

In Celebration Of Kat's Birthday...

2009-03-15T17:25:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it's been 17 years since my daughter came into this world!! So many emotions flood me as I think of all that has happened since that day...but the majority of those memories will be put on shelf for another day. Today I just want to celebrate, be happy, and remember how my heart swelled so big with love the moment she was placed in my arms.Even though today is officially her

My Creativity Is Slowly Returning...

2009-02-26T13:56:00.004-06:00

My Secret Apple Garden by SheDevil:(BG, Tree, Arbor, Bird on Swing, Clouds, Word Art)Grass from Grandmothers Garden by Jen UlasiewiczWordart from I Am You WA Freebie by MonindaProgram: PSP-9***********************************************I was browsing through some of my favorite designersstores today and ran across...Flying Dreams Storybook Collection by Lorie Davisonand immediately fell in love

Ten Thought Tuesday...2/24/09

2009-02-24T14:16:00.000-06:00

1. I feel amazing today.2. Today's plan...to install flat river rock on the wall so that hubby can finally install the toilet. I'm TIRED of using the guy's bathroom next to the office.3. I am actually loving the new eating habits...and have even started to learn how to do the diet exchange of meats, starches, fruits, milk, veggies & fats. I can't wait to see the dietitian next week to discuss my

ADSR4 Challenges #11 - #12...

2009-02-22T13:49:00.000-06:00

Better late than never...CHALLENGE #11:This challenge was hosted at Scrap Orchard.THE QUESTION IS:You know the drill!You can ask any one person (dead or alive; family, friend, famous or foe) one question. Who would it be and what would you ask them?Hmmm… interesting. But let’s up the ante a bit, shall we? (if you are familiar with my “Bring It” Challenge, you know I’m not gonna let you get off

See That Fool Jumping All Over The Place?

2009-02-22T13:06:00.001-06:00

Well...that's me doing a happy dance!!As of this afternoon, I've had 4 consecutive glucose tests come back below 200!!146167186133And this last one was almost at NORMAL levels!! I can't begin to say how happy this makes me!! OH...and let's not forget, that all day yesterday and today, my energy levels are close to normal again. I've been out of bed each day cleaning, and even ran a few errands

A Moment Of Terror...

2009-02-21T14:35:00.000-06:00

Night before last, Kat and I were lying in my bed reading when I had a coughing fit and couldn't catch my breath. Kat said one minute I was sitting up, the next I had fell backwards on my pillows. She poked me and I didn't move. She called my name and I didn't respond. SHE FREAKED...and thought I died...and went screaming through the house to get Tommy.By the time she made it to the kitchen, I

A Careless Mistake...

2009-02-21T08:44:00.000-06:00

Late yesterday afternoon most of my energy came back, so I spent it cleaning the kitchen. Hubby even caught some of my energy and finished working on my built-in spice shelves that are now hanging above the stove. (He made them out of pieces of the hard wood flooring that I got through FreeCycle last year that was intended to use on the kitchen floor, but they got water damaged waiting for me to

Have You Seen My Energy? I Can't Find It...

2009-02-20T14:09:00.000-06:00

There are so many things I want to be doing right now...like attaching more river rock around my tub, cleaning my kitchen, rearranging my den and dining room, sorting through more Christmas decorations to donate, steam cleaning the carpets, dusting the furniture...but when I get up to do these things, my energy is all gone and I can't physically do them.I tried to dust the furniture in the den,

My Lunch/Dinner Meal Planning List...

2009-02-20T08:56:00.002-06:00

LUNCH/DINNERDinner-Select 2 FAT ServingsMEATSelect 4 Servings1 Serving Equals:lean beeflean porkchicken, turkey(no skin)fishshrimp (4 large)low fat cheesefat free cheesecrab meatOR1/4 c tuna or salmon(water packed)1/4 cup cottage cheese(1-2% fat)2 Tbsp peanut butter(Limit 2 serv. per week)2 Tbsp fat free cr cheeseVEGETABLEFREE1 Serving Equals:1 cup raw1/2 cup cookedgreen

My Breakfast Meal Planning List...

2009-02-19T16:17:00.001-06:00

BREAKFASTMEAT1 Serving Equals:1 egg (4 per week)1/4 c. Egg Substitute2 Egg Whites1 oz Canadian Bacon1 oz Ham1 oz Low Fat Cheese1 oz Fat Free Cheese1/4 c Cottage Cheese (1-2%)2 Tbsp Fat Free Cream CheeseMAY SELECT 1-2 MEAL/WEEK2 Tbsp Peanut Butter1oz Reg Amer. or Ched. CheeseFAT1 Serving Equals:1 tsp Reg. Margarine2 tsp Soft or Whipped Margarine3 tsp Diet Margarine1 Strip Bacon1 Tbsp Cream Cheese2

Thankful Thursday...2/19/09

2009-02-19T11:14:00.000-06:00

What I'm thankful for today...1. I was able to spend several hours out of bed yesterday and today without coughing my brains out, or zapping all of my energy.2. My pantry and fridge is now stocked with lots of sugar free items, fat free items, whole wheat items, fruits & veggies, skinless chicken, fish & lean meats.3. After following this diet for nearly a week, it's becoming second nature to fix

Keeping A Journal...

2009-02-18T02:41:00.000-06:00

Before being discharged from the hospital, the doctor and the dietitian suggested that I keep an journal of my BP, sugar & meals. Since Sunday morning, I had been writing it in a small book, but then last night I thought it would be a good idea to keep an online journal as well.YUP...I created another blog. LOLFor those of you that want to follow my daily journey living with diabetes, you can

Ten Thought Tuesday...02/17/09

2009-02-17T11:42:00.000-06:00

1. I'll be glad when I'm able to spend more than 2-3 hours out of bed without becoming so exhausted that I end up in bed again. Healing and returning to a normal routine is taking longer than I thought it would. I just stay so tired now...2. The coughing up tons of thick phlegm has turned to coughing up lots of foamy spit now that I'm on an acid reducer medication. Very glad I'm not gagging

Lovely Surprises...

2009-02-17T04:52:00.000-06:00

When I was released from the hospital Saturday afternoon, I came home and logged in to the ADSR4 forum/gallery to catch up on what I'd missed and to upload the last challenge layout. I was greeted by a lovely surprise...I had won Round #2 of the Blinkie Challenge hosted by Little Dragon and received a $5 CG to her store!!This is what I grabbed for myself...THEN...this morning I was browsing

A New Lifestyle...

2009-02-15T16:50:00.000-06:00

Those of you that have known me forever know how long I have struggled with my weight and eating habits. I've never been one to eat breakfast, and most days (when I'd run errands) I'd skip lunch too and just have a really big dinner or have a late lunch and a late dinner. Sadly, the years of my poor eating habits combined with hereditary health problems, have taken their toil and have forced me

I'm Now Home From The Hospital

2009-02-14T16:00:00.000-06:00

After my last post about my face, it was 3am when I had another episode of coughing/gagging/eye burning...i honestly didn't think I could wait the few hours until the doctor appointment and had Tommy take me to the ER.They rushed me back immediately and did blood work, urine tests & a catscan. They couldn't find any signs of a mini or major stroke. However, they discovered my blood sugar was