THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...and 2 LO's

Where has the week gone?? One minute it was Sunday, I blinked, and now the week is nearly over!! Guess time flies when you're scrappin'!! *giggles*

I had to spend several hours at the library yesterday to check e-mail and visit all of my galleries. WHY?? Well, once again, my procrastination took over and I forgot to pay the electric bill. ARGH!! So I had to rush out the door at 9:45am, (on 3 hours of sleep) to go to the bank to get the $$, rush to the electric company to pay the bill and reconnect fee, then off to the library to kill time until it was turned back on. (From past experience, turn-on usually is between 5-8pm) So, 11am-3pm Kat & I found a quiet little corner where I could set up my laptop and she could catch up on some reading. Then we picked up OS at a friend's house, took him home to get ready for work...and got a nice surprise!! The power was back on!! WHOO HOOO!! I took OS to work, came home, and celebrated the power being back on the best way I knew how...by taking a well deserved nap until it was time to pick up OS from work!!

(click each page for full credits and gallery views)

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...and 3 new LO's!!

It's not a very amusing or fun day so far. My R.A. decided to scream in protest while I was getting ready for bed last night. So much so, that I'm still awake!! *sigh* So, trying keep my mind off of the pain, I decided to scrap...

I've got to tell ya, scrapping does wonders for me on these long nights. Not only for keeping my mind off of the pain, but for allowing me to wander down Memory Lane with each photo that I use. This particular trip had me remembering my daughter and my Momma.

(click eack page for full credits and gallery view)

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...Challenges and LO's!!

Ever have one of those days that EVERYTHING just seemed funny to you?? Well, today was one of those days for me!! HEHEHE

It began this morning when I woke up from a dream where I was trying to fight my way through all of my loving kitties. I'd move an inch, and more would come running up for love. I woke to find myself fighting with my covers instead...lol...somehow I ended up being wrapped like a burrito and couldn't find my way out!! ROFL

Speaking of burrito...it's the name we've given one of the 2 newborns that are left of Little-Bit's siblings. Each day we clean her eyes and give her a bottle...just like we did with the last two. This one, however, is strong, and is growing, and is very active!! We named her Burrito because we have to wrap her in a towel, like a burrito, to keep her still when we are feeding her a bottle. She's the cutest thing you've ever seen!! Remember my little Runt?? Well Runt is half the size of the 1st batch of kittens, and Burrito is half the size of Runt. When she's sitting on my hand, she only takes up half of my palm!! Soon as I can, I'll take a few pics to share!!

Spent most of the day at the water/theme park again. Our high reached 96 today, so I decided I would do nothing more than lie on a tube floating around the lazy river. Of course, my daughter Kat talked me into going down the enclosed water slides again. FAIR WARNING: if ya ever have the pleasure of visiting Alabama Adventures Theme Park, you'll end up with a wedgie the size of King Kong once ya hit the pool at the bottom!! *giggles*

At the moment, I'm participating in 2 challenges hosted by Idgie at Tina Williams Designs Yahoo Group... "Beauty QP Exchange" & "YaYa Box." The Beauty QP's are created using Tina's Beauty kit. So far we have 8 entries!! The deadline is June 14th, so there is plenty of time for you to join!! *wink* My first QP is from the LO "Back In Time" that I uploaded to this past Tuesday's post found HERE!! My second QP is from a LO I posted to all of my galleries today: "Elegant Beauty"

The Journaling Reads:
Though you were gone, long before I was born, I've always
been fascinated with the photographs my Momma had of you.
This one, in particular, is my favorite, because it shows a
glimpse of your elegance, grace and beauty that my
Momma often spoke of.

Credits: Kit: Beauty by Tina Williams Designs
(found HERE)
Font: AL Afternoon Delight
Layout Designer: AlabamaStoneThrower Creations©
Title: Elegant Beauty
Photo: Great Aunt Lucy Griswell
Created: June 7, 2007
Program: PSP-9

Layout Designer: AlabamaStoneThrower Creations©
Title: ASTC_YaYa-Box-Challenge_Outside
Photos: Matt, Robert, Kat, Tommy and Me
Created: June 7, 2007
Program: PSP-9

The YaYa Box, is a family tradition in certain Latino cultures, much like a Hope Chest, and while it did serve the purpose of protecting embroidered linens and handmade quilts, its true meaning and purpose went much deeper than the storage factor. The YaYa Box was filled with Hopes and Dreams -

A father or grandfather would build the box, which would then belong to the matriarch of the family. She would paint, decoupage, or in some way adorn a section on the outside of the box with a memorable scene from her life - wedding, birth, whatever was important to her. However, it was the underside of the lid that became the magic canvas - Here, the current owner of the box was to paint her most longed for Hope, Wish, Desire...This portion was kept secret until the box was passed on to the eldest daughter when she married, or daughter-in-law if there were no female children. The cycle continued until the box was completely covered by generations of art, inside and out.. Much thought went into the images on both the outside and inside of the box as each generation only has one space on each section to call her own.

SO...Idgie has devised a 2 Part - 2 Page Challenge:

Using any of Tina William's Kits that you desire, or a combination of Tina's kits, we're to SCRAP our own "YaYa Box". Page 1 will be your Outside Memorable Moment, and Page 2, the Inside of the Lid - Your Hope, Wish, Desire; Something that has yet to be fulfilled.

Here's my 1st page: The Outside of my YaYa Box

My first page represents the outside of my YaYa box,
featuring some of the things that means the most to me.
(My children; my love of music; my love letters from Tommy
from when we were "long-distance" dating - that I keep tied
together with pink ribbons; and our wedding day.)

All Elements From Tina Williams Designs
(Trunk, Notebook, Postcard) - Echoes Of Yesterday
(Pink Lace, Flowers, Pink Ribbon, Pink Bow) - Beauty
(White Lace, Blue Ribbon, Buttons, Red knotted Ribbon,
BG of Matt's Grad Photo) - Grandma's Kitchen
(Sheet Music) - Cool Summer

Layout Designer: AlabamaStoneThrower Creations©
Title: ASTC_YaYa-Box-Challenge_Outside
Photos: Matt, Robert, Kat, Tommy and Me
Created: June 7, 2007
Program: PSP-9

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...

Hmmm...I was hoping to post something to get you rolling on the floor with laughter...but all I can think about is SCRATCHING!! Let's see...I'm covered in Poison Oak on both of my arms (from wrists to elbows), the tops of both of my feetsies, across my tummy, on my outter right thigh, and under my chin. I really must do an awful lot of scratching in my sleep, cause I didn't have this many places yesterday.

Guess the comical thing to do would be to bandage my nails and tie my hands together when going to sleep...but I think I'll pass!! I'm too afraid my hubby or daughter would get the lovely idea to snap photos while I'm comatosed and expose to the world my mouth hanging open, drool running down the side of my face, and me in an embarrassing position exposing my naughty bits!! *giggles* YUP!! I'm gonna pass!!

I do have a bit of good news to share...it seems I've caught the attention of someone's eye!! *giggles* I was having a bit of a chat with Deb over at Deco-pages yesterday, and she let me know if I'm ever interested in becoming a designer and need a place to offer my kits...to look her up!! WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! That just meant the WORLD to me!! Not sure if I have the time to devote to being a full-time designer, but she said no pressure, and that I could be a guest designer temporarily to get my feet wet!! I still need to give it a bit more thought, especially since I don't have any new kits to offer...but it's truly WONDERFUL NEWS!!

*doing happy dance while scratching...scratching...scratching*

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...and a bit of a rant

I suddenly find myself drowning under a sea of stress again. One of the main reasons I had to give up my "always list" tag group and the 7 groups that I offered personalized tags was the stress had become to much for me to handle. It stopped being fun and had become more about meeting deadlines. Wanting to be a member of 4 CT's may have been biting off more than I can chew.

I have tried to make it as easy as possible for me by making detailed folders for each CT. I even went so far as to RETYPE each CT's rules and eliminate the unnecessary chit-chat that was mixed in. (I need just the facts so I can find it easier...) I'm now familiar with the required LO's for each CT, and I've created a daily planner to break down how long I can work on each page per day, and how long it should take for posting each page. (That way I'm still able to have a life outside of scrappin') However, doing all of this hasn't relieved my stress.

I'm used to deadlines and stress...once upon a time I was an assistant manager of a bank. What I'm not used to is the massive amounts of places I need to post my LO's. So, once again, I made a list for each CT of the required galleries and groups to post. You would think that with all of these detailed & over-excessive lists, things would be run smoother. NOOOOOO...not so much!!

There are 10+ galleries that I am a member and post my LO's. Some of these galleries, I have been at for a while. Some I'm just starting. I know my way around galleries, and feel very comfortable posting at any gallery that is requested. What I'm not used to is posting to groups that have their messages set to be approved by the owner or mod. When I've written out a detailed list broken down by specific times each day, having to post at groups that do not go through immediately throws the rest of my list off for the day. (Part of my OCD...I'm a list maker, and if my list isn't followed to the T-it's a bad thing.) Not being on my schedule stresses me. It causes my nerves to blow up, and makes me a very unpleasant person to be around. This makes for an unhappy hubby and kids. This also causes my blood pressure to go sky high which I'm suppose to avoid due to already having a stroke a few years ago.

So, now I'm searching for new groups that do not have moderated posts, so I can maintain my schedule and post to all galleries and groups at one time and know it's done. Until then, I'll just add an empty slot into my lists for instances like today, try not to lose my cool, and remain calm if/when I hit another snag.

SORRY FOR MY RANT...but having someplace to vent helps me get it off my chest, and actually calms me...so enough of that stuff-how about a funny??
Then pop on over to my PERSONAL BLOG and get ready to fall in the floor with laughter!! (Don't forget to browse through some of the comments, cause they ended up being as funny as the story...hehehe)

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...

Wednesday was one of those "BLAH" cloudy, rainy, icky days...so I figured that there was no better way of passing the time than with me lying in bed and scrapping my photos of how I spent my Mother's Day!!
(Click each photo to see larger images and page credits)

RUNTMIESTER UPDATE:
My hubby and I went to the store late Tuesday night to pick up kitten formula and a tiny bottle to feed it, since none of the momma cats appeared to be letting her nurse. Well, yesterday hubby prepared the bottle and Runtmiester started to nurse...up until she chewed half the nipple off!! HAHAHA!! I guess THAT is why they won't let her nurse anymore...she's a biter...lol

UTILITY ROOM/BATH UPDATE:
The water has been shut off at the meter. The gas has been shut off at the valve. The gas water heater has been drained and disconnected. The entire floor of the utility room has been removed to expose an old hardwood floor beneath that has seen much better days. Again, with severe water and termite damage. Hubby is busting tail trying to get most of the flooring laid at this very moment so he can get the gas water heater reconnected and everything back on before we call it a night.

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...and me brought to tears!!

Last week I posted the scrap pages featuring my wonderful hubby sleeping. This week, no such creativity. However, I do have a funny I'd like to share...

The Hormone Hostage knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his very life into his own hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, or significant other!!

DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?

SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?

SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SAFER: Gee, you look good in brown.

SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
SAFER: What did I do wrong?
SAFEST: Here's fifty dollars.
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some chocolate.

DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
SAFER: I hope you didn't overdo it today.
SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
ULTRASAFE: Here, have some more chocolate

13 Things PMS Stands For:
1. Pass My Shotgun
2. Psychotic Mood Shift
3. Perpetual Munching Spree
4. Puffy Mid-Section
5. People Make me Sick
6. Provide Me with Sweets
7. Pardon My Sobbing
8. Pimples May Surface
9. Pass My Sweat pants
10. Pissy Mood Syndrome
11. Plainly; Men Suck
12. Pack My Stuff

........And my favorite one...
13. Potential Murder Suspect

Hopefully, you've made it this far and I can share with you what brought me to tears. Last night, while hubby was diligently ripping up my utility room floor (with new washer & dryer sitting in my den) I received an e-mail letting me know that someone had commented on my Wednesday Wishes blog post. I went to read it, and OMG!! It was Kathryn Balint HERSELF, from KB and Friends!! WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! What an honor that she would take the time to leave me a few words!! But what really had me bawling, was her sending me a gift of appreciation!! I was so overwhelmed, that I had to stop hubby from ripping up the floor to share the news with him. What a thoughtful and sweet woman!! If I'm ever financially able to purchase digital kits, I will DEFINITELY be spending the $$ in her store.

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...and MY Pleasant Surprise!!

The journaling reads: After working non-stop all day on various things, you'd sat down beside me to talk a bit and relax. not two minutes had passed, when I'd heard this loud noise coming from your direction that frightened me. It sounded like someone was using a chainsaw, but on closer inspection, it was coming from you!!

I was talking to my dear friend, Faye at the time, and we both decided that I just HAD to take photos!! The hardest part was remaining quiet and not laughing. Was doing really good too, until a snort escaped me, caused you to move and nearly catch me in the act!!

I think the journaling says it all...ROFL!!
And I should note: HUBBY HAS NOT SEEN THIS!! *giggles*

KIT: Grass & Dirt by KariQ
(The 3 backgrounds, zipper, filmstrip)
INSPIRED: by akida29's "Kyle the Kutie" page featuring zippers
LAYOUT DESIGNER: AlabamaStoneThrower Creations©
TITLE: Attracting Insects
CREATED: May 1, 2007
PHOTO: My Hubby
PROGRAM: PSP9
(Used eraser & dropshadow)

Grunge Overlay by Nancie Rowe Janitz
Frog & Bee tubed by Neros
Faerie In Thought tubed by Brooke
Dragonfly tube shared through PSP group
Newspaper from Newspaper Clipping Generator

This is the 2nd part of hubby's page. I originally was going to title it, "FAYE MADE ME DO IT!" but I didn't want Faye to get into trouble when hubby eventually discovers these pages...LOL!!

KIT: Grass&Dirt by Kari Q
(3 backgrounds & zipper)
FONT: VivianXtremeByWiescher Design
Stir The Clouds by Queen Faerie tubed by Cheryl
Flies from Fishing Set Tubes shared through PSP group
Dragonfly tubed by Jody Bergsma
Bee tubed by Neros
Daisys in Baking Powder Can tube shared through PSP group
Grass tube shared through PSP group
Daisys from Flower Set by Jazzi

And now for my surprise...I was on my way to Digitalscrapbooking.de to upload a new page, when I was greeted with a pleasant surprise!! One of the layouts I had created for Nayyan this week, A Blushing Bride, was chosen LAYOUT OF THE WEEK!! How cool is that?!?!

THURSDAY TOM FOOLERY...

As I was sitting here trying to think of a funny story to share, I was reading one of my dear friend's blog about her past week when I nearly fell off of my chair with laughter!! Her family is originally from Canada, but have been living in the states for the past 5 years. She and her hubby have 2 beautiful daughters, both of which are in school-youngest being in kindergarten.

The school had sent home a letter to my friend saying they were thrilled at her youngest daughter rating Superior in her English Language Proficiency Test, but would continue to monitor her for a couple years to make sure no problems arose when it came to written language. Confused, my friend wrote to the school asking what all of that meant...leading the assistant principal to call her at home.

The assistant principal said that the International Student Center was thrilled with youngest daughters language, she got the hightest marks on many of the tests and is almost proficient. Again, my friend asked what that meant, and what was she being specially monitored for?

Then the assistant principal speaks in a very slow, clear voice that as far as an English as a second language student goes, she is excelling....

My friend replied in a very slow, clear voice that English was their only language...and that she would hope her youngest daughter was more than just proficient...

This caused the assistant principal to become embarrassed, because they had all assumed that the family spoke French since they were from Canada!! *LOL* With all of the money spent on the expensive and extensive tests for the past year with a third party speech and language pathologist, why did they not know to ASK about which language she spoke at home??

Makes ya really wonder where all of your hard earned tax money is going...and me glad that I chose homeschooling!!