Expecting Sweet Stuff layouts!

All 4 of the layouts below were created with kits from the Expecting Sweet Stuff Collection created by Christy Lyle and Robin Carlton at Sweet Shoppe Designs! This collection will be available tomorrow (July 1st)! It's a must have collection of kits because they are all so versitile and come on, if Christy & Robin designed it, you know you want it anyway! LOL







I didn't get everything crossed off the list of things to do yesterday but I did make a pretty good dent. I still need to get packed for the weekend. We are heading up to Lake Ossipee to enjoy some R&R with Scott's parents. (Again, robbers, please note that we are NOT leaving the house empty... my Dad & Steve will be ready to kick your butt upon your breaking and entering, LOL).

Have a super awesome totally safe fantabulous fun weekend! & don't forget the sunscreen! ;) XO

Summer in the 90's....

I was just listening to my iPod and a Journey song came on. It reminded me of hangin' out with Heather in 1993. I realized that the song didn't release then but that I associate it with that summer because we spent many nights cruising the Hampton Beach strip listening to that song cranked on the radio in the Ford Probe. Bear with me on this train of thought, would you? LOL

I realized that many of my summers were jam packed & filled with milestones in the 90's.
1991: I graduated high school and moved out on my own
1992: I had Victoria
1993: Raising hell
1994: Trip to FL with Sherri, pregnant with Megan
1995: Scott & I separated... More hell raising
1996: Unaccounted for, LOL
1997: Pregnant with Dane
1998: Pregnant with Dylan... Met my Dad
1999: Moved from Derry to Manchester

See? isn't that totally crazy!? The summers of the 90's were a wild time for me! 4 kids in 6 years will do that for ya, I guess! :)

So here I am 15 years after my graduation from Pinkerton Academy wondering if this is where I ever dreamed I would be. Whether I could have imagined my life here or not, I couldn't be more thrilled with where I am. Though I have no use for high school reunions, I certainly wish I could go this year and show off my amazing family and the wonderful oppoturtunities I have received in the sb'ing industry even without that damned college diploma they pushed on us in AP classes in high school! :)

Over & out dudes! Smooches!

Things to do!

My list of things to do today is growing by the minute! Thankfully I put "blog" on my list or I might have had to skip this! ;)

So, to revisit the idea of Rachael-isms from a few months back, I remembered another one that I hadn't added. I like fun underwear. Not necessarily lacey or small (although I do like those qualities in panties), I really prefer undies with fun pictures or words! One of my favorites have Fozzy Bear on them and "Wokka Wokka" on the butt! :) I think Happy Bunny must make underwear and I believe I must find a place to purchase them! Uh huh, yep, thanks to my friends at Google, I was able to find this in a just about 30 seconds! LOL I think the "Hi Loser" ones might be first on my list!
Oh my gosh, I found more. I am just dying laughing here! Check these out:



Dude, seriously, the ones on the left have me LMAO..... this is so not on my list of things to do today but everyone needs some comic relief, right? ;)

Things I should really be doing: Showering, Laundry, Trip to WalMart, Pack for this weekend, Creating class samples for Scrappin Soul Sisters, Running on the treadmill, Creating a layout for De-Zine at The Digi Chick, etc, etc, etc! LOL

Outta here...until tomorrow... be good! XO

My Wednesday is my Friday... and other mixed up things!

Since last week, even before the kiddos got out of school, I haven't been able to keep my days straight. Since today is my last work day this week, it's my Friday, although it FEELS like Thursday since that is normally my last work day! Argh! Will I ever get it straight?

Speaking of Thursday, Scott actually has a day off tomorrow! YEAH! The kids are going to be SO excited to see him! Hopefully he is in a good mood! ;)

I still havent scanned my new layouts from the weekend. I am hoping to remember to bring them into work today so I can get them scanned and posted! Nothing all that exciting really, but just another way I am behind! lol

I paid bills yesterday... as many as I could with Scott still not having a check yet. I also went grocery shopping! It felt good to get some things done. I always forget how time consuming it is to actually run a household.

At the moment, I am not able to log into AOL as it suddenly says I am not a known user. I am quite displeased, so I must sign off to deal with this. It's always something, right? LOL

Grumblings of a working woman!

OK, I have been thinking about this recently... take a look and tell me what you think......
I work half as many hours as my full time counterparts! They receive several paid holidays. Do I receive half? No. They receive at least 2 weeks paid vacation. Do I receive 1? No. They have sick days. I have none. Not only do I have none, but I am encouraged to work even when I am sick because "I only work part time so I better not miss a day or it's like missing a whole week!". Hmmmmmmm, what is wrong with this picture? Now please don't misunderstand and think this is any reflection on my specific employer, my comentary is really a lot more about society as a whole. It seems wrong that because I choose to work 20 hours rather than 40 I receive none of the benefits or respect that come with being a full time employee. Food for thought!

I received an email from Scrapbook Trends yesterday. And another. And another. And another! I had FOUR layouts picked up for the October issue! WOOHOO! 2 were paper layouts and 2 were digital! 2 Halloween, 1 All About Me and 1 Teen (although it's actually Megan who is NOT a teen but I guess that's not the point, LOL). Man, it feels GOOD to have these requests... it feels like I am coming back from my very long break this winter!

Movie Review: I watched The Final Cut with Robin Williams this week. The ending wasn't great but it was a pretty good movie. It reminded me so much of scrapbooking in general, the way we determine what is remembered by the things we choose to record. Of course, I have always tried to record the "not so good times" and a lot of "real life" stuff in my albums, but there are definitely some things that are even too horrible for words that have not been documented. Does that really change history?

Have you checked out Robin Carlton's blog lately? It's finally my turn to be scraplifted by her amazing CT! Robin posted her lift in this post... course it's WAAAAY better than my original.... guess that's whay she is the Ultimate Digi Scrapper! LOL I am so blessed to be able to work with her designs! Be sure to check out Robin's blog for a peek at the super secret project she & Christy have been working on! I have a few layouts up my sleeve in conjunction with it and I can't wait to share!

Well, it's after 11am and I am still in my jammies so I must close for today! Have a super awesome fantabulous Tuesday! :) XO

Monday morning comes early!

Hit snooze twice and then forced myself to get out of bed... Monday morning comes much too early!

I was a scrapping fool again yesterday so here are a couple new favorites....


Several others are in my gallery! :) I also completed 4 paper pages but those need to be scanned.

As you might imagine, I am up early because I am working today. My summer schedule begins this morning and it's already mass chaos around here because Scott is working today! Steve is going to watch the kids this morning (and drive Megan to the school to meet up weith the Girl Scouts for a field trip) and then Scott's Mom is coming over to watch the boys. I *hate* asking for help, but we are really stuck thanks to Scott not letting me know he wasn't off today until late Saturday night.

My neighbor from Circuit City dropped off the EHD and old machine last night. Should I even be surprised that less than 1/2 of the files were actually moved? I am extremely frustrated..... was I not being clear when I said "Move ALL files on the C Drive"??

Sittin' here trying to think of some witty randomness for you but it's just not happening today... need more coffee and a shower.... closing this for now! Have an awesome day! XO

Misc Musings of Post #152

So, how is your Saturday? Mine didn't start off too well... randomly, we lost electricity for several hours this morning! It's crazy how much we rely on power without even realizing it until we don't have it, lol

Despite that fact, I still managed to create 7 layouts so far today! Not too shabby, eh? Here are a couple of my favorites from the day. You can view the credits for these as well as my other new layouts in my gallery right here!



A big huge thanks to Theresa Hernandez for her post on this layout! One of my goals as a parent is to give my children more opportunities than I had as child. Her post really drives home that I am achieving that goal one tiny event at a time and I have the layouts to prove it, LOL I was just thinking the very day the photo on this layout was taken about how I never did such fun things as a child. The one time I was going to go water skiing with my aunt, the boat ran out of gas. :( So, for now, water skiing remains on my "Top 100 Things To Do Before I Die" list.

If you haven't already voted in the Carolee's Creations contest, you must go do so with each email account you have registered! Why? Because I say so! Just kidding! LOL Seriously, though, what a phenominal opportunity this is for these digital designers! I am definitely not too shy to tell you should vote for Angela Barton or Heather Roselli! Both girls are TOP NOTCH and deserve this honor! You can read more about all of the finalists here! The designs shown behind each artists name (when you vote) are not a very good representation of what the actual designs look like at all. I hope to find some of the live product in my lss. If so, I will create and share here! :)

In husband related news, it appears that Scott has been promoted just 4 days after starting at his new job. The Executive Chef quit this morning and Scott has been asked to take on the position. Honestly, it's probably where he belonged to begin with. I know I've told you before, but I will say it again, he is the hardest working person I have ever met. He is dedicated and loyal to a fault and always gives 200%! I just hope that the reward for this promotion is COLD HARD CASH in my pocket, LOL

Phew! Didn't mean to go all Gina Miller there on you with this super long post, LOL... that's what happens when I take a couple days off! ;) Speaking of which, I will be away next weekend for the long Fourth of July holiday! Just wanted to give you a heads up, so you can leave all your lovin' for me before I go, LOL

Have a fabulous Saturday night! :)

MIA.....

Hi everyone! Sorry I have been MIA... I have been so enthralled with my new desktop that I can hardly stop myself from digi scrapping! Seriously, this machine moves SO fast! Here are a few layouts I have done since Wednesday...



You can find many more by clicking on "Gallery" at the top of this page! :)

I did hook up my EHD Wednesday only to find that NONE of the files from my hard drive were moved onto it. I can't imagine what the heck the guys were talking about when they told Steve they had never seen so many files since they didn't move 90% of them! I have access to very few kits right now so that's why you may see the same kit used several ways until I have access to my old data again.

The kids are officially out for the summer! That makes me the proud momma of a 2nd grader, 4th grader, 6th grader and 8th grader (and step Mom to a JUNIOR in high school)! Man alive, time sure does fly! Anyway, each of the kids had a friend over yesterday and we went to Moo's Place in Derry for our annual tradition! I enjoyed Cake Batter Ice Cream in a waffle cone! Yum! Megan's friend Sarah stayed over and today we went to the mall. I got new swimsuits for the boys and a pair of shorts for Megan. I would have loved to have looked for a swimsuit for myself but with 4 kids in tow, it just wasn't going to happen, LOL

We are planning a quiet weekend here... maybe some scrapping... maybe some house cleaning... definitely some relaxing! Give me a jingle if you are around! :)

What a day!

What a day! I love days when I actually find the motivation and energy to get lots done! Go me! :) I was up before 7am, showered, checked email and drove Victoria to her last day of school. From there, I went to Wal-Mart, then to the bank and then to the salon for a cut, color, foil and brow wax! I was back to Chester for 12:30pm to pick up Victoria and her friend from school and we headed into Derry for our last day of school tradition- a trip to Moo's Place for ice cream! Afterwards, we went to Shaws to grab some groceries, came home, unloaded and put them all away, folded a load of laundry, and downloaded my pictures from this weekend on my NEW computer (which Steve just picked up and set up in a flash)! All this and the other 3 kids aren't even home from school yet! LOL

I am still working to get my programs downloaded onto my new machine! I also need to hook up my new EHD with all the data from my old machine. I had to laugh when Steve said the guys at Circuit City had never seen the transfer take so long or so many large files... guess those guys aren't digi scrappers, huh? lol I hope to get Photoshop back on here so I can scrap tonight and really test this baby out!

Off to check on the girls and greet the kids! Enjoy your afternoon! :)

Feelin' guilty....

I bought a new computer. I feel guilty. Here I have been worrying about money for 3 weeks now and yet I went and charged a new computer. I needed it, I really did because this beast is shutting down every 5 minutes and I am fearful that I will lose all my files soon. I can't imagine what I would do if I lost my pictures/layouts/digi downloads! Truly, I know I deserve this and the debt won't set me that far back, but for now I am feeling the guilt.

I am looking forward to getting everything reinstalled. If I disappear for a few days, you'll know why. I am not as techno inclined as you might think, LOL

TOOT: Thanks to Simple Scrapbooks magazine for requesting a layout for the November/December issue!

I am swamped in paperwork right now... how is it that the kids can bring home hundreds of papers every week and yet at the end of the year still have thousands of things to bring home? It feels like all I have done this afternoon is sort through school work! LOL Victoria is done tomorrow and the rest of the kiddos are done on Thursday! Yeah!

Scott started his new job today! I wish I had more to report but I haven't heard a single word from him all day! He must be working hard! ;)

I better close this for tonight... I am over my allotted 5 minutes which means this computer will be going down any minute and I really want to get this posted so I don't have to reboot! If all goes as planned, I should be speeding around the internet by the end of the week (with oodles of new layouts created in record time to share)! Have a fantastic night!

Weekend Update

Hey all... I was hoping to update with photos since I took 400 this weekend but my computer keeps going *BLIP* before I can get them downloaded. It happened like 4 times last night. I will be looking for a new computer as soon as this week.

ANYWAY, the biggest news is that Scott accepted a job as we were boating around on the lake on Saturday. It's for quite a bit less than he was making and it's in Maine so it has its own issues, LOL, but it is a job, nonetheless so we are thrilled! I can't thank you all enough for your prayers over the past 3 weeks. Seriously, THANK YOU!

A few Friday updates....

I am off from work today so I wanted it to be all about digi scrapping but of course life has other plans for me so I was only able to create 2 layouts this morning! The first uses a kit called "A Bit East" by Jan Crowley. The second uses a kit called "Cold Pizza Hot Coffee" by Valerie Fowler.




To follow up on yesterday's post, I couldn't stop thinking about Dane and his broken heart that I would be missing such a special day for him. It weighed on my mind all the way to work. I finally realized (what I should have known all along) that leaving an hour and 15 mins early was not going to make or break me, so that's what I did! Dane was the door greeter (since he thought he had no parents coming). When he saw me, he was thrilled and rushed to hug me saying "You got out of work early!" I leaned down and whispered "You are more important than work every day of the week!" The class presentation was great! Mrs. Boucher put together 3 DVDs with photos, art projects and music (her husband is a local dj). I had to wipe away a tear now and then. The most poignant moment for me, though, was when one little boy, sitting with the other kids on the floor, his face in his hands, shoulders began heaving. One of the moms alerted the teacher and said "He is crying because his Mom couldn't come." My heart was breaking for this little boy and there was nothing I could do, no way to comfort him. There are some things only a mother can provide. I am 100% sure I made the right decision to leave work early yesterday.

On a similar note, I made a similar choice last night. Melissa's husband doesn't need Scott to work with him this weekend. There isn't anything Scott can do here that he can't do up north. So, there you have it... we are leaving shortly to grab the kids and head up to the lake for the weekend! The weather is supposed to be in the 90's, Scott just got his boating license so I can't imagine a more perfect way to spend this weekend than as a family! Note to robbers: My Dad & Steve will still be here so don't even THINK of coming to steal my mismatched hand-me-down furniture from the 80's or this computer that is slower than a dinosaur after a nap! ;)

Don't expect a blog update from me until Sunday night or Monday morning! You can definitely miss me if you want to, though! :) Be good! XO

Unemployment by the numbers

Unemployment by the numbers: 16 days. 1 trip to unemployment. Nearly 100 resumes and applications sent. Hundreds of miles driven. Endless hours spent searching internet job sites. 3 states. 3 1st interviews. 1 2nd interview. 1 phone interview. No job.

Why? Why is it so hard for Scott to find a job?? This is really killin' me! He has 2 more interviews today, one being 58 miles from home. My body hurts from crossing all the parts I have crossed for him and I bet you all are sick of hearing me talk about this, huh? LOL

I was happy to find that my prescriptions were covered yesterday. Now, I am left to wonder if they can last me 3 months? And if we choose to not take the COBRA option, can I afford to pay full price for them for another 9 months after that? Insurance stinks! It's so overpriced and the rules are just crazy! It's so frustrating to me that I have already dropped medications I need because I can't afford to pay for them. Man, if I wasn't so lazy, I would become an activist for sure! lol

Today Dane's class is having a special end of the year presentation for parents and I can't go. His heart is broken. Mine is broken. Another one of those things that just plain bites. It won't be the same to see his artwork come home shoved in a folder as it would be to watch him proudly show it off on the walls sharing his third grade experience with me. Part of me wants to leave work early to go, but as much as I want to, I know that's not the responsible thing to do. *sigh*

OK, ok, I am definitely in a rut here..... gotta shake this bad attitude I have going on, LOL........ hmmmmmm, maybe it's a good time for to post 5 things I am thankful for this very minute (not counting the obvious choices of family, health, etc)!
1. I am thankful it's raining again to water our newly planted grass seed.
2. I am thankful there was still 1/4 gallon of milk left this morning so I could have some in my coffee.
3. I am thankful for having this blog that I use as my personal journal and to have so many great friends come by to see what's important to me.
4. I am thankful for a pile of clean laundry to bring upstairs because it means I am caught up again!
5. I am thankful it is PAYDAY!

Phew, I thought I would never get through that list... I swear it took me so long, it's already next week, LOL..... and NO, I *never* exaggerate! lol

K, folks, gotta scoot to get showered and head into the ole office! I *think* I might be off tomorrow... if that's the case I plan to get caught up on some digi CT stuff so be watching for a gallery that will burst at the seams! lol

[Some rAnDom Wednesday]

A little scraplift of myself for the Scraplift Challenge with Heather Roselli!

My original can be found here!

Thank you all so much for the well wishes, thoughts and prayers yesterday. Both interviews went really well. Unfortunately there were no offers made at the interviews, but today is a new day. Scott also had a phone interview and another restaurant call to schedule an interview for next week. Scott is convinced he will be employed before then, though. His spirits were so much brighter yesterday which makes me happy, too!

The last day of school for the kiddos is a week from tomorrow! I can't believe the school year is almost over! Who am I kidding? I can't even believe all of my kids are school aged, LOL

So, here is a random thought for ya... I have been grinding my teeth like crazy lately. I am trying to get in the habit of wearing my night guard to prevent that. I was thinking, though, most bodily things occur because of nature. For example, we have eyelashes to protect our eyes from things like dust (and glue?) falling in them. Since I am a vegetarian, maybe I am grinding my teeth subconciously to remove the sharp biting and grinding that is not required but of meat eaters! Ya think? LOL No... probably not, but that's the kind of nonsense that runs through my mind, so I thought I would share!

SDV is one month from yesterday. I *really* need to start thinking about packing so I can be organized and productive! If I end up with Friday off, maybe I will spend the day in the scrap room cleaning, organizing, purging and packing for SDV. Yeah right, maybe not. It's a nice thought, though!

Things to do today: Work (8-2), Pick up Victoria at school, Drop off x-ray at Parkland, Go to Ritz to find out where my missing order went, Pick up prescriptions (hoping & praying our insuarnce isn't cancelled yet)!

Have a fabulous Wednesday! XO

Crossing all the parts.....

Fingers- toes- legs- arms..... I've got everything crossed today because Scott finally has an interview scheduled for today... two, in fact! I don't know if either will be the "perfect job", but at this point I am willing to settle!

I did a couple of digital layouts last night. The first uses Father Knows Best from Heather Roselli and the second uses Basic Red Papers and Textured Ribbon by Christine Smith. Both are available at The Digi Chick.



If you haven't been by NDISB lately, now would be the time. The link to the June NDe*Zine is now on the homepage! Kudos to Anita & Theresa for all they do to make such a wonderful site!

[Yawning on a Monday morning]

Good morning! I don't know why 5am seems so early to me today. I woke up by 6am both days this weekend. Maybe it's something about having the alarm clock grab me and shake me awake, lol...

Anyway, my weekend was very productive on the scrapping front, but I realized last night I can't share any of it. Some of it is for assigments and what isn't, uses product that is not yet released from American Traditional Designs. Isn't that crazy? 14 hours of hard work and I have nothing to show here for it!

If I ever disappear for an extended period of time, let me tell you why. Yesterday my computer went POOF! The screen went completely blank. I thought it might be my monitor but sadly when I rebooted, I learned it wasn't. A monitor would be a heck of a lot cheaper to replace than this whole system. Once I logged back in, I got all sorts of virtual memory errors. I spent 2 hours deleting files and moving layouts to my EHD. I did free up some space but I am going to have to be VERY careful from now on. I am starting to really get nervous about the EHD. I have filled about 50% of it now. My CD writer hasn't been working so I have been backing my photos up to the EHD. If that thing ever fries, I am TOAST! That is the only place I have my digital layouts and many of my digi photos. Once Scott has a job and we are back on our feet, a new computer is top on my list!

Thanks to my friend Patty for sharing this link with me! Simply click on your state to find out where you can take your kiddos to see free movies on Tues and Weds mornings this summer! I was surprised to see so many great movies listed!

A shout out to my girl, Sherry Cartwright! My blog stats reveal you visit quite often without leaving a comment. What's up with that? Hmmmmmmmmm? lol...... I know, I know, I should stop by your blog more often to say hi, too. I will. I promise I will, girl! Hugs!

Speaking of other blog sites (was I speaking of that? LOL Maybe not, but it' s a nice segway....), I stumbled on my own blog from last year right here! It's funny to see the things I said back when I didn't have anyone reading my blog, LOL. If you're bored, give a little looksie... I happen to love the posts in May & July!

To follow up on a few earlier posts... 1. Yes, the glue did come out of my hair! 2. The imposter using my name as her Blogspot blog seems to have closed it down. 3. I am peeling like crazy from my Memorial Day weekend burn! 4. Melissa now has a blog! 5. The Scraplift Challenge at The Digi Chick is going great but please please please don't let me look like a loser by having the fewest lifts. Come help me out, would ya?

Time to grab a second cup of coffee and hit the shower! Have an awesome Monday! XO

A wild adhesive related injury!

OK, folks, I have been scrapping for nearly 10 years now. I have cut myself several times. I have stabbed myself with a piercing tool. Heck, I have even twisted my ankle in a messy scrapbook room. I have NEVER had an adhesive injury. That is, until yesterday! Let me set the scene. I am at work. I am engrossed in creating this super cute little project for Barbara Swanson to use as a supportinmg sample in some upcoming classes. Barbara REALLY likes lots of adhesive. She wants every edge sealed. I know this about her and respect it. I decide that the tape runner I am using is not sealing this one flap like I want so I reach for a liquid adhesive from Adhesive Tech. The tip often clogs as the adhesive dries inside. Sometimes this is an advantage because it helps control the flow of this glue. I visually check the adhesive and it appears to be plugged. Ever so slightly, I squeeze the bottle. An enormous burp of glue comes FLYING OUT, straight into my face and hair!!! Startled, I scream (which is losing it's impact at work since the screaming incident over the inchworm last week)! Stephanie looks over expecting to see blood and instead finds me covered in adhesive! She starts laughing and I ask her to check to see if it's in my eye before I open it. Yep, it is. Darn! She grabs me some tissues and I wipe it out. I am ready to get back to work and she laughs and says "You might want to get it out of your hair". I head to the rest room and low and behold there is so much glue in my hair, I wonder how the bottle even contained that much in the first place! I start rinsing my hair in the sink, trying not to let it go too wet that people start asking questions, LOL. Once my hair dried, there were several patches of clumped hair. I haven't showered yet this morning, but I am SO hopeful that it will come out. I will NOT be getting a haircut over this little disaster!

On a totally different note, Megan had basketball practice last night. She had an excellent practice! Anyway, one of the girls mentioned that she had been visiting my website lots this week! So, a big shout out to Emily & her sister Sarah! Note to self: Keep in mind that all blog readers are not over 18 and some content may not be suitable. ;)

Today's plans: Pick up pictures at Ritz. Buy a gift for Skylar's party. Scrap! Take kids to Skylar's party. Scrap! Pick up kids from Skylar's party. SCRAP MORE! Ignore the fact it's STILL raining in NH. Continue scrapping!

Have an awesome Saturday! XO

A RAK that leaves me speechless......

As you might have guessed, not many things leave me speechless. Today I received a total Random Act of Kindness from a friend. Knowing the financial troubles we face with my husband being unemployed, she sent a very special gift. She knows that it is our family tradition to go out for ice cream on the last day of school. Although we never discussed it, she knew that this would be an expense I couldnt justify so she sent me money through Paypal. I was simply in awe to receive such a special gift. This isn't a gift of money but rather one of friendship. This gesture shows she is the kind of friend that values the same things I do and places importance on the traditions of family, though not even her own. I am truly blessed to have this special friend in my life. Thank you!

Update on the job front: None! :( Scott still has not had an offer and very few interviews. I see him becoming increasingly discouraged and I wish there was something I could do to help. :( Keep those prayers coming!

Tomorrow will be day 5 at work this week. I don't think that has happened in more than a decade, LOL. As much as I gripe, I don't totally hate it. I do prefer to get out at 2pm so I can still do a few things, though! Today I went grocery shopping, came home and did 3 loads of laundry and spent some time with my friend the treadmill. Now *that* is what I call a good day!

Have you heard anything by Teddy Geiger? Man, this guy has a wonderful edgy voice and some really great lyrics....yeah, yeah, I know he sings high school songs, but I just find him heartwarming! Give im a listen and let me know what you think!

Lesley has updated the word of the week (which is definitely not happening every week, lol). I need to give some thought to use this new word in the perfect way! You can find the word on her blog & hopefully you will see a new layout for it here soon, too!

99%

Hee hee, yes I know I scrapped this picture before (or one very similar) and I know that may seen vain (and no, I don't think this song is about me), but I just couldn't resist using it again for this layout! I may have falsified the numbers a little..... it's probably more like 85/15, but hey- it's my story and I will tell it the way I want, LOL

STILL no job for the hubby! It's really killin' me. So far I have been able to get the bills paid, but this certainly can't go on forever. Got any leads in the NH/MA for a hard working chef? Please?

Random: Here's the situation. You're in a public bathroom. You hear a knock at the door. What do you say? Seriously, there should be a standard response... I never know what to say that doesn't sound totally dumb. Hello? No, no, it's not a telephone. Someone's in here. Does that not imply that I don't know who I am? ...Seriously, folks, help me out here. Let's all agree on one phrase that means "Go away in case this is a noisy one!"

Movie Review: Scott and I watched Hostel OnDemand this week. Number 1, I wish I had known that it was R++++ rated because I probably wouldn't have watched it. Number 2, Steve is a really bad movie reviewer. He had me totally believing this movie would give me a panic attack or at the very least nightmares. I didn't find it all that realistic which made it far less scary. So........ I am in the market for some new movie suggestions! I really like thriller movies. I don't care for war movies or sci-fi. I could be convinced to watch a comedy or a drama if you can swear it's great! If you leave a comment today, please leave me a movie suggestion!

Well, I guess that's enough mindless chatter for today! Have a delicious Wednesday! ;)

Yikes!

OK... weirdness... why would someone named Kaitlyn Peterson want to have a Blogspot blog with the address of Rachael Giallongo? Is that totally weird or what!? I hope everyone has this new blog address updated in their links because otherwise they will be ending up in a WEIRD place!

So, it's Tuesday... the day I usually refer to as Guilt Free Digital Tuesday. Today I call it The Day My Boss is Allowing Me To Work An Extra Six Hours So My Family Doesn't Become Poverty Stricken! lol Seriously, it's been 1 week that Scott has been out of work. My stomach is in knots hoping something good will happen and SOON! Today he has 2 interviews with head hunters and 2 contacts that he needs to make to schedule interviews. There seem to be a couple of VERY interesting positions opening up, but time is at a stand still. Gosh already, I just to here Donald Trump's words "You're Hired"!

I was able to scan the 7 layouts I did this weekend and they are now all in my gallery! This one is one of my favorites from the day:

I really love the texture and dimension of My Mind's Eye papers. I was also thrilled because Steve gave such a great reaction to seeing that I scrapped him. Scott & the kids could care less (well, except for Dylan who loves to give me layout advice that often includes the idea that I should journal more and never have white space, lol). Steve on the other hand? He LOVES the idea that a page could be about him. I think part of that reinforces how involved he is in our lives. It's getting on the time where he is looking to move out and I am really going to miss him when he does. He is so laid back and definitely makes me laugh with his silly stories and choice of wording. I know the kids are TOTALLY going to miss him. Who else can they wrestle with until they puke besides "Big Brother Steve"? *sigh* I guess this is good for practice for when my kiddos fly the coop.

Rumor has it, we may see a little sun here in NH! Enjoy it! Be well!

Monday, Monday...

The sun has risen here on the east coast and I am here to witness it. (Notice I did not say enjoy, LOL) I was up till after midnight and the alarm was all too loud at 4:50am. I am working 8-5 today which is my normal Monday, but what freaks me out is that I could work a full 40 hour week if Scott doesn't find a job. Seriously, all you working Moms out there, HOW THE HECK DO YOU DO IT? My house is currently looking like a bomb went off!

Melissa & I scrapped the day away yesterday while Scott went down to work on their house. Melissa & Eric are adding a second floor and the pics she sent look FANTASTIC! I know they are going to LOVE the extra space! As for scrapping, I did 7 pages which I thought was pretty darned good for a girl who had a little too much wine on Saturday night! ;) I hope to scan them at work today because I am not at all pleased with how my layouts look scanned and stitched in Photoshop.


I also finished this digital layout up last night, thinking about how I tend to be all encompassing when it comes to problems... actually I am like that with *all* things, who am I kidding? LOL

Field Day for the kids is this week (Dylan on Monday, Dane on Tuesday and Megan on Wednesday). I am quite disappointed that I am not able to go. :( This is definitely another moment when I question what I am doing working. I stayed home with the kids for so long and I can justify why I work, but I know they still need me and it stings when I have to say no to attending things like this.

Megan has 2 basketball practices this week. It's perfectly timed as my Dad bought the brand new hoop yesterday and Scott should be picking it up TODAY! I really love playing basketball, I think in part because I am surprisingly good for an overweight 30-something Mommy, lol. I love the look of shock on the kids faces when I make the basket and I love playing defense, crowding them, making them giggle. Before you know it, they will be grown up and tower over me on the court.

The warm shower is calling my name.... enjoy your Monday! XO

A rainy June weekend....

I shouldn't really be surprised that it's raining... it's the weekend and it's New England... yep, that means rain! Hopefully next weekend will feel more summer like. I was just telling Scott that I expected my burn to be peeling soon. I was also telling him stories from when I was a kid and I burned ALL the time. My Dad was especially bad about not putting suntain lotion on us. On the flipside, though, he did want to make sure we didn't get lost. He found some charcoal at the beach and used it to write our initials on our backs. I played and splashed in the water with a giant R on my back and my brother with a J. My dad did this so he could glance down from the blanket where he was reading some novel and locate us quickly at the shore with the other kids. Is that crazy or what? LOL My Dad's mental illness may be a story for another day, though, I suppose.

I had planned to spend my day scrapping but Melissa [who needs a blog so I can link to her] didn't come up, so I haven't done much besides surf the internet. I did do one digital layout with the photos of my co-workers from American Traditional Designs. Here it is:

Seriously, this is one funny group of gals... I have known very few people who are as sarcastic as me and these 3 really meet that title! Can you just imagine?

Well, I should go get some photos ordered so I will have something fun to scrap for some upcoming assigmnents! Have an awesome Saturday! Hugs!

Home!

I am home from work and it's not nearly bedtime! Yeah! :) Today actually wasn't too bad and it was 6 hours I usually don't work so I can feel good about doing my part for the family. Scott had his second interview and he left feeling it went well, but we will see. The owner is supposed to call him by the beginning of the week. My fingers will be crossed all weekend! TRhank you all so much for your continued prayers.

In digi related chatter, I am the Scraplift Challenge of the Week at The Digi Chick! Isn't that fun? I always love seeing the different spin other scrappers put on layouts they lift! :) I hope you guys will all consider playing along!

Random: I miss playing the trumpet. It's been my dream for a while now to hook up with a group of 30-somethings and play jazz in some local clubs! Wouldn't that be a hoot? Would you guys totally come and support me? I am really wishing Scott weren't home tonight because I would go down in the basement and belt out a few tunes! ;)

Well, I guess that's it for today! Be watching this weekend and early next week as I should have several new layouts to share! :) Have an awesome night! :)

Queen Bee

I should be the Queen Bee because this Worker Bee stuff is for the birds! I am just not cut out for it. As soon as I drive home and have dinner, I am so exhausted I just want to go to bed. This heat today isn't helping matters. I am so cranky when the air is so thick it feels like breathing water. This is Florida weather! YUCK! I hated it there and I hate it here!

In good news, Scott had an interview today that went very well. He is going back tomorrow to meet the owner and *hopefully* accept a job offer. He has one other interesting option he is looking into as well. When I called him to see how the job hunt was going today, he sounded so happy and I was thrilled for him. He deserves to find a job where he will be treated with respect and make some decent money, too. Of course at this point, I would also take not decent money, LOL.

Work has been interesting this week. We have been very busy preparing for a couple of enormous meetings. Both Barbara and Stephanie have been in with me and we have had more laughs than 3 co-workers should be allowed to have! I got them to pose with me & Colleen for a group photo on Tuesday so I will be sure to scrap & share that soon. ANYWAY, one of the things Barbara and I started talking about was the "Sweet Valley High" book series from when we were kids. Do you remember them? In the discussion, we recalled how Regina tried cocaine once and actually DIED! It was so strange to find another person who so vividly remembers that particular book and was so affected. That book prevented both of us from ever trying cocaine, even just one time. We didn't want to take the chance. I must locate that book and make my kids read it ASAP.

In digi news, a BIG HUGE SHOUT OUT to my girls Ange and Heather for being 2 of 6 finalists in the Carolee's Apprentice contest! I am so super psyched that I will be able to use their product lines in paper format!!!

I am looking forward to getting some scrapping done this weekend. In the meantime, I will have a sleep and a work day! Have a fabulous night! :)