Shawnna Samples ...the ramblings of a mother in the thralls of a Nursing Program.

Email = SMILES

2011-07-05T17:48:00.002-05:00

So excited to see fall Nursing Assignments in my inbox.
Strange isn't it... I spent the end of last semester fighting burnout
and now I can't wait for school to start again.

Call me crazy but I sincerely miss it.
I think I have become addicted to the stress/ the chaos of it all ???!?!?

INSANE

I made it

2011-06-01T12:50:00.003-05:00

Just a quick update to say that I survived my third semester and only have one semester left before graduation :)

Oh Happy Day!

I must admit that it was a bittersweet victory because we literally lost about 1/3 of our class this semester. Nursing Programs are BRUTAL. This was by far the hardest semester (for me anyway).

I am hoping to bring some fun to the ol' blog this summer as soon as I get my crafty space in order. See you soon :)

Shawnna

The End of Week 4....I think?

2011-02-04T23:26:00.002-06:00

I am really not even sure what week this is but I think we just wrapped up week four. I am exhausted. Today was hard. It was our first experience with having 2 patients and it was a little chaotic. We do ALL the care related to these patients so it is like we are both the CNA's and the RN's for them......makes for a lot of running around. We were also dismissed early due to weather conditions so that added to the chaos.

We have already had 5 Snow Days this Semester. You would think this tidbit would have me jumping for joy but they don't tack on a few extra days at the end of the semester when you go to college.....NOPE! They put the info on tegrity and you have to listen to a recording all on your own. I know some people would much rather listen to a tegrity lecture than actually go to school but rest assured, I am not one of THOSE people. I sit down to listen to a lecture and my mind starts to wander and the next thing I know, I have gone into the kitchen to take meat out of the freezer for dinner, or written 5 to do lists and prioritized all activities on the list. It is sad but true. So needles to say I am a wee bit behind on the mountain of tegrity lectures I need to listen to.

Since I last posted I have taken multiple quizzes, my first exam, and completed check-offs. Everything is going well so far grade wise. Knock on wood. I just need someone to figure out how to add extra hours to each day, this would enable me to get some sleep and hopefully have the time to finish up those tegrity lectures. So get working on that for me, would ya?!?

Blessings
Shawnna

3rd Semester - Week 1.... a special kind of hell

2011-01-17T18:32:00.005-06:00

Photo Credit

I survived the first week of school.

For those of you who don't know, I am in my third semester of the Nursing Program. Upon completion of this semester I will have one semester left until graduation. As excited as I am to say that out loud, I am currently in the midst of what I like to refer to as "nursing student hell". We endure this special hell reserved only for nursing students the first two weeks of each and every semester. We are required to attend class/seminar all day every day for the first two weeks, while still keeping up with our studies. Our ever stressful checkoffs are also during this time. I can't describe the torture really.... but simply stating that we endure hours upon hours of mind numbing lecture/orientation just doesn't seem to do it justice. The workload assigned for a single lecture can seem down right impossible.

Example: For one 3 hour lecture in Med-Surg over Hematology we are assigned to read 5 chapters in 3 different textbooks as well as reading from our Laboratory and Diagnostic Book. This does not include Study Guides and additional handouts. And this is just 3 out of the 8 hours we are in school on a single day. It doesn't take a mathematician to see how quickly the tasks add up.

This Semesters checkoffs will include Central Lines (dressing changes, cap changes, flusing/med administration) and Infusaports (accessing and deaccessing). While I am excited about the prospect of working with these devices, I am reminded just how serious they are and how great of a responsibility it is to care for a patient that has one. It is a little overwhelming. Thankfully check-offs aren't until Friday so I have a wee bit of time to get over my anxiety.

And now I must get back to my studies. I will update as soon as I can.

Time Marches On

2010-12-30T13:52:00.005-06:00

I intended to update the blog religiously during my holiday break, and by religiously I mean at least three times a week. Everyday seemed to slip by in the blink of an eye and now the end of the year is near.

"Where did it go" you ask.

"I haven't a clue."

I took my last test for the semester on Dec. 14th. Noah had his tonsils and adenoids removed on the 16th which resulted in what I like to refer to as "The Great Puke Fest of 2010" lasting over five days. Oh and I forgot to mention we got a new puppy, Zeus, on the 17th.

Really though I bring this chaos on myself. I should have flat out vetoed the whole puppy decision. I truly believe that my husband has some sort of magical power over me, you know like the Walt Disney type. He asks sweetly, bats those beautiful dark eyelashes, and I turn into mush. It is sickening really. And now while he is at work I am stuck cleaning up puppy puddles, feeding this thing 3-4 times a day, and of course taking him outside a zillion times a day.....rain, sleet, or shine.

I really should be spending my time working on the Mental Health Learning Activity that was assigned for us to do over the break, the 6 hours of Community Service, or the Mental Heath Teaching Plan. But then again, I have 10 more days until I have to be at school.

Isn't it "Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow" ;) ha ha

Oh and on a positive note, I ended the semester with straight A's!

P.S. Today's photo is brought to you because I need to be reminded that my kids love this puppy so as frustrating as he can be...........He is staying. ;)

Another one bites the dust......

2010-12-14T17:55:00.002-06:00

Finished my last test this morning (dosage calculations) and I am happy to report that I made a 100%. We are required to make a 90% or above, if not we have to enroll in an additional math class the following semester. So if you think about it I just saved my family some money.

After hours upon hours of studying, I ended up getting A's on all of my finals. My hard work definitely paid off this semester as it looks like I will either have all "A's" or A's and one "B". No matter which way it ends up I am a very thankful girl. This semester was exponentially harder than last semester and I struggled in Theory and made a HORRIBLE grade on the first test (fluid and electrolytes). I spent the remainder of the semester trying to make a comeback.

Another semester bites the dust and I am that much closer to graduation. Only two more semesters left. I can't believe it! Thank you so much for your continued support and daily encouragement.

Finals have begun

2010-12-03T07:54:00.006-06:00

Eeeek!

Part of me is so thankful the semester is coming to a close because it was a tough one and the other part of me seems to be turning my head back and forth because I am not sure how it zoomed by so quickly.

I had my last clinical day on Monday and turned in my 30 page Care Plan/Health History. As soon as I handed that over to my instructor I felt a huge weight being lifted. I had 2 different Clinical instructors (both for 5wks each), went to two different hospitals, and worked on 3 different floors this semester and I must say that both settings had a lot to offer. While I didn't enjoy having to figure out the in's and out's of two totally different hospitals it did show me that hospital settings can be very different. One with a plethora of alcohol preps and one with a scant supply ;)

On Tuesday we had our first final which was in Role I. I made it out with an excellent grade of 96%. But to be fair the test was mostly over Communication/Ethics/Legal. The black and white type of questions come pretty easy for me, that is how my brain works. It is the actual Nursing Scenario questions that tend to trip me up. In those questions there are typically 2 or more "right" answers and you have to pick the "best" one.

Thursday ushered in the last exam of Nursing Theory I and while I didn't make a "bad" grade I really hoped I would have done a little better given that I put in loads of extra study time for this exam. All in all I should have a solid B on the exam but if they throw out 3 or more questions I should have an A ;) so my fingers are crossed. I know there are several others who are hoping that some of those questions get thrown out as well.

Only two more finals and then the dreaded Dosage Calculations test.

I am dreading that math test most of all, mainly because I hate being told I have to make a 90% on a test. That is a lot of pressure. I understand that being able to calculate proper dosages can mean the difference between life and death in some instances, this type of pressure sends my test anxiety through the roof.

Wish me luck ;)

When opportunity strikes.......a nasty bug will seize the day

2010-11-29T19:45:00.003-06:00

I really should be thankful that I am not sick more often given my current job choice and the fact that I spend a lot of time with ill patients.

But alas, I am not feeling so thankful. You see finals start tomorrow and I have been sick since Wednesday night. NOT GOOD PEOPLE. Not Good At All.

I have tried theraflu, emergen C, chloroseptic, tylenol, ibuprofen, and have downed approximately 400 cough drops in attempts to stifle this bug.

I have been defeated.

I broke down today and hauled my rear to the doctor. Hopefully the antibiotics will do what the $50+ in OTC meds could not because this girl has some serious studying to do.

Over and Out
Shawnna

Seriously.......no really

2010-11-17T18:46:00.002-06:00

Do you ever have that feeling
You know
The one were things finally seem to be falling into place
The one were the fog seems to lift and it feels like you
can finally see more than 2 feet in front of your face.

I had that last week and now suddenly it seems things
have taken a 180 degree turn.

So frustrated that I find myself just yelling out "SERIOUSLY!"

I can't see how this is going to work out
but I am confident that He must have a better plan

Do you ever just wish that God would just spell it out for us
Just tell us exactly what to do
like leave an anonymous sticky note or something?

Okay - so I really should get back to studying The Nurse Practice Act.

Midterms are over :)

2010-10-23T22:25:00.003-05:00

Midterms are over and I made it out alive.

By the grace of God, I managed to make it out with all A's except for one 89.8%.

So thankful!

Our family took some time to explore our current surroundings and headed to Petit Jean State Park for some hiking and a picnic. I can't even describe the beauty all I can say are the pictures don't do it justice.

it happened

2010-10-11T16:26:00.003-05:00

it happened....

you know

the moment every other nursing student talks about

THE WALL

the moment were you are sitting in the floor, surrounded by books.

You're barely surviving on the 16 hourse of sleep you've had in the last 5 nights.

The realization that you are no where near being caught up on assignments and you are currently on page 20 of a paper that is due the next day.

You stumble

and in that moment you quietly think to yourself

"WHY am I doing this?"

Mine happened this weekend

I hit my wall

I had a good cry

and then I remembered all the reasons why I AM DOING this.

I cried some more.

Then I hoisted my fat butt over that wall :)

Here is to not being afraid of failure and becoming all that God has destined you to be.

Caution

2010-10-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Do you ever feel like something is dragging you closer and closer to the edge of a cliff? Do you have moments where you feel like taking a running start and jumping off so at least you have control of your own demise? Instead you dig your heels in and try to grab ahold of any tree/shrub/bush you can to keep from getting closer to the end of the line.

Good, I am glad I am not the only one.

Here is to "digging in" and knowing that even if you go over the edge HE will pull you back up.

Photo Credit

Hard Work

2010-10-01T14:17:00.002-05:00

I had a important exam on Thursday this week. It was imperative that I do well because quite honestly I did horribly on our first exam which was over fluid and electrolytes. The pressure was intense. It is much harder to recover from a bad grade than it is to coast by with a B. Thankfully I have a great group of girls to study with and we were burning the candle at both ends on Wednesday. We put in over 17 hours of study time that day....INSANE right!?

But the good news is that all the hard work paid off. We all made great grades on the exam. We were exhausted but we really do push each other. I am so thankful to call them my friends.

Iron sharpening Iron

PAPERWORK

2010-09-27T17:22:00.004-05:00

This semester of the Nursing Program has me buried in PAPERWORK.

We are required to do PAPERWORK for our PAPERWORK. And just when we have handwritten all of our PAPERWORK, we then have a class over how to do said PAPERWORK, only to realize we have been doing it wrong and must start all over.

Okay now that I have gotten that off my chest I will REJOICE in today's tiny accomplishment. Today my PAPERWORK was turned in with time to spare. I am not saying it was absolutely 100% correct, but I did my best {insert me doing the happy dance here}.

We must celebrate the little things, right?!

To and Fro

2010-09-24T20:04:00.005-05:00

Spent the day running to and fro.

to = the doctor's office

fro = the pharmacy and the house

the remainder of the day was spent

trying to appease the natives and when

that didn't work I decided to hide away

and edit photos.

This weekend I will be immersed in adhesive,

scissors, and paper for The Scrap-Room. I

am really looking forward to it especially since

I took last month off from designing.

I was delighted to discover this gem of a photo

on my camera. Seldom do I get a REAL picture

of Noah. You know, a picture where his personality

really shines through. I love this one. It made my day,

and also made my weekend scrapbooking quest that much

more enjoyable.

The story of the No Good, Rotten Blogger

2010-09-23T20:24:00.002-05:00

So the good news is I am alive.
and the bad news is ..........

I am a No Good Rotten Blogger.

In my defense though I feel I need to add that I have had a good excuse.....several in fact.
The cliff notes version goes a little like this:
We moved....again. Into a house that needed lots of "love".
Heath broke his styloid process during said move.
After completing the Spring semester (my first in the Nursing Program) I decided I was sad to leave the hospital for the summer so I got a job there.
I also took Microbiology during the summer .....while I worked 12 hr night shifts at the hospital.
Dealt with many repairs on our home in Houston.
Made it through another cancer scare involving "concerning" lymph nodes.
Survived Shingles (and now know that a. Shingles hurt like the dickens and b. They aren't just for the elderly)
And now I am hitting the books harder than ever.

See, I told you I have been busy.

I'm Back!!

2010-04-09T17:36:00.002-05:00

I realized I had a little extra time on my hands today so I thought I would stop by for an update. Okay, so that's a lie. I should really be studing for an A&PII test that I have next week but why not put that off so I can check in with you guys. :)

Isn't it "Always put off today what you can do tomorrow", or is it "Never put off"?

Either way I am here now so let's get to it.

Today is Noah's 11th birthday. I can't believe it. Heath and I were talking about his birth last night and I could remember tons of little details. I know everyone says this but really it seems like it was only yesterday.

Heath and I had lunch with him today. There is a whole other story in that alone, but I will save that for another day.

Tomorrow is his birthday party and we are taking some of his friends to see "How to Train Your Dragon." We always let the kids go out to eat for their birthday and they love getting to choose where we are going. Noah wanted to go to Doe's Eat Place. We have never been but I hear they have the BEST steaks around so I am really looking forward to it.

School is going well. Still trucking along. Clinicals are AMAZING! I am learning so much that I often wonder just how my brain holds all the info. I will be able to take my LPN exam after this semester. When I stop and think about it it is almost frightening.

So there is my little quickie update. I would love to hear how you all are doing as well so update me in the comments or at least share the link to your blog.

Week 4

2010-02-02T16:02:00.002-06:00

Worked on taxes all weekend long - thinking that next year I may farm this job out. Seriously, I have done my own taxes for ummmmmm 13+ years now. I deserve a break, don't ya think.

Working on taxes seriously put me behind on school work. I was so focused on tax preparation that I didn't even realize I had a test (NRS Fundamentals) on Monday morning until 10:30pm on Sunday night ...... whooopsie!

Monday - TEST - ended up with an 89.7% not bad but really wished I would have been more on top of my schedule. Lab was exciting and our next check off is catheters - I love that we are actually learning the skills now. Hands on stuff seems to be much easier for me to learn.

Tuesday- Still trying to learn how the heart blood flows and more importantly WHY everything works together the way it does. I just have to keep at it.

Wednesday- Spring School pictures today for my kiddos. Nice arguement this morning on how I wanted hair to be fixed compared to how they wanted it. School was...well school. Dinner with some friends at Chili's.

Thursday- SCHOOL again ..... worked on lung and heart assessments. Came home and watched tv. Sometimes I miss just being able to watch a 30 min or 1 hour show in the evening. I was a rebel and do absolutely NOTHING all night.

Friday - up and at em' early took kiddos to school and then worked on checkbooks and bills ..... still need to study

OK seriously this blog is getting boring
I'm taking a break
Will Return when I have something positive to say

Wk 3 Heart

2010-02-01T19:13:00.004-06:00

So this week I have branched out a little and have had lunch with a few new people. Guess what? It was actually FUN. I know you are thinking not my hermit friend, Shawnna. But YES me -- HERMIT no more!!! Aren't you PROUD! I am enjoying getting to know others that have embarked on this wild adventure with me. We are all so different and yet very similar....very interesting.

This week was a FULL WEEK - no fun holidays to lighten the load. We checked off on Vitals on Monday. I get to redo blood pressure because some of my classmates were being loud outside the exam room. Lucky me because I couldn't hear a darn thing through that stethoscope. I am partial to my own stethoscope- creature of habit you know.

Going over the HEART in Anatomy and Physiology II. I am determined to really understand this chapter.

Learned about the "Nursing Process" and the difference between "medical" diagnosis and "nursing" diagnosis. Who knew?? I had no clue we had our OWN diagnosis.

I did horrible on an A&PII test because I chose to take cold medicine and go to sleep rather than study. I really needed it, and I am learning that I have to take care of myself.

Week 2 - Thank you Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-24T22:00:00.002-06:00

I would like to thank Martin Luther King Jr. for both the great strides he helped to make in our country and for allowing me to have Monday off. :) Yep, no clinical day this week due to MLK.

Had two tests this week and somehow I made a 91 on both of them. I'm not complaining just thought it was odd that I made the same grade on both. The first was A&P II and we had to label the parts of the eye, ear, and brain. The second test was in Health Assessment Theory. I was pretty nervous about this one as I didn't know what to expect but it wasn't as bad as I had thought. It was all scenerios and there were always two "right" answers, given the situation we had to choose the BEST answer. It was strange not having a black and white answer but I am sure I will get used to it.

On the medical front, my lab work came back and it was all normal. SO THANKFUL!

Scrapbooked all weekend working on projects for TSR. I didn't get any homework done but now that my DT deadlines are met for the month I can catch up this week.

Planning to work on taxes this coming weekend.....just thinking about it gives me a headache.

Week 1 - Heavy

2010-01-16T17:06:00.005-06:00

So far so good.
We are working on Vital Signs.
I bought a new bp cuff and matching stethoscope
in the closest color to turquoise I could find of course.
We went over infection control and endured a long and painful hospital orientation. This may quite possibly be one of the longest weeks ever. Most days I left the house before the sun had risen and rushed home to get the kids off the bus at 3:30. I have about 15 chapters to read this week and it's ummmmm Saturday....so I better get crackin'.

Thursday was my first oncologist appoint here in AR. I always seem to feel depressed at these appointments. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for my status and that I now longer have cancer. But you can't help but feel guilty when you go into a waiting room with people who are extremely ill and here you are HEALED. I always leave with the "why me" feelings. Why did HE choose to HEAL me and not them. Similar to survivors guilt I guess.

This week has felt HEAVY both physically and emotionally.
looking forward
Shawnna

Orientation

2010-01-06T21:34:00.002-06:00

Today was orientation for the nursing program.
I thought it might be fun to chronicle my experience through out this process so batten down the hatches cause I am going to share the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY.

Orientation was much better than expected. I was prepared for the horror that I had heard of and seeing as though I have been pursuing this degree for several years I have had ample time to accumulate plenty of horror stories. I figured the nursing faculty would be detached and hard core. While they were definitely HARD CORE, they were also friendly and personable.

I took four pages of notes and that doesn't include the folder with the mountain of hand outs they gave us. Lots of information. Lots of things to buy. Classes start on Monday and I am feeling a little stressed about the money.
The required books are alone are $665.75 BEFORE TAX which doesn't include the additional "preferred material". ~OUCH~ Let's not forget tuition, scrubs, medical kit, background check, malpractice insurance, blood pressure cuff, etc..... the list goes on and on. I feel as if we are hemorrhaging money.

A New Year .... a clearer focus

2009-12-30T22:50:00.002-06:00

all day I have been thinking about the New Year
praying about what my focus should be
**do I want to resolve to lose weight
(all the weight I have added through out my thyroid issues/cancer) 70lbs
can't believe I even typed that... hurts to hear that number out loud
**do I want to focus on being a better wife...a better mother, spending QUALITY time not just the quantity of time
**do I want to work on being a better student, being more diligent in my studies, and managing my time more efficiently

I think all of these are important, and worthy of my focus
but when I saw this video on Leslie Ashe's Blog I knew that this would be my focus for this year

Loving .... even when that means that I have to step out of my box, my comfort zone. Loving my family, strangers, and even myself.

I loved this song. It plays on Air 1 all the time. I know the words and can sing along, but I had never seen the video. When I watched it this evening I immediately knew that it was what my focus should be. Almost as if I had been walking around without glasses and put them on and was immediately able to see CLEARLY.
You know that feeling?
The moment when you know that THIS is it!
I love moments like that.

many blessings to you and yours this year

12 days of Christmas

2009-12-30T15:13:00.001-06:00

This year instead of doing a complete Advent Calendar
I opted to do only 12 days - thinking that would be a more realistic goal
This is a list of our activities (I hope to post pictures next week)

Dec 14th was Hot Cocoa
Dec 15th was a hershey's kiss
Dec 16th was Happy Meals for dinner
Dec 17th was M & M's
Dec 18th was ice cream after dinner
Dec 19th was watching Prep and Landing (a christmas show)
Dec 20th
Dec 21st the kids got to open one gift

and that's as far as we got this year... sadly I didn't even manage to get through 12days. I had surgery on Dec 22nd and failed to put an effective plan together to make sure the FUN ACTIVITES and SWEET TREATS were handed out while I was dosed up on Percocet. The kids still had a great time and hopefully when they are in their 30's and in therapy tales of their mother's inability to follow through will not come up. A mother can dream right.

2009-12-04T14:25:00.002-06:00

I know, I know
I have been a horrible blogger.
I really don't have a good excuse, just
been busy with school, family, and life in general.

I made it through midterms....barely and now finals are next week.
Really trying to focus on school right now as I have an 81 in A&P (not to far from a C). I have never had a C before and only a few B's so I will really have to study hard for the final. I am barely holding onto an A in History so that is another one that I really need to prepare for. My other classes are doing ok so as long as I stay the course with those I will be fine.

Not sure how this happened but it seems I forgot to post that I MADE it into the NURSING PROGRAM. I was ecstatic to learn of the news. My A&P grade suddenly dropped from an A to a B right before midterms so I was afraid I wouldn't get in but by the GRACE of GOD it worked out. ASUB only accepts about 24 students per year so they have pretty stiff requirements. Feeling very BLESSED and so EXCITED! So who will be the first to volunteer to be my guinea pig for IV's ;)

In all seriousness though, thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement. It has been a long road to get to this point and I still have a lot of hard work to do.

Lastly I leave you with a layout I made with the December Doubleshot Kit from The Scrap Room I love WOODGRAIN so this is my attempt at free handing it onto a chipboard house.

EEEEKKkkkkkkk

2009-11-16T08:22:00.004-06:00

drove the kids to school this morning and upon leaving the school parking lot, I almost caused an accident. It would have been completely my fault.

There was a very tall white Tahoe next to me, waiting to turn right. I couldn't see over her vehicle but when she finally pulled out I looked left, I looked right, let my foot off the brake and as my eye was going back to the right I saw a white van pulling in front of me to turn into the parking lot. I applied my breaks and mouthed "I am so sorry" she mouthed something in return but it wasn't "it's okay" and it started with an "F" EEEEKKKKkkkkkkkk!!!!!

so to the lady I almost hit this morning:
Ma'am I am truly sorry. Please forgive me.

please note: I have an excellent driving record. I have never (knock on wood) caused an accident.

Not sure what happened this morning but I am totally blaming it on the fact that I did not have coffee. I think my eyes must have registered both white vehicles as only one vehicle??

it was just one of THOSE kinda days --

2009-11-16T06:43:00.000-06:00

Probably my favorite layout this month. Makenna is still an "early to bed, early to rise" kind of girl. I love her to pieces and it was fun to pull out some older photos of her this month. She was only 3 in this photo and still had those full baby cheeks. Love me some chubby cheeks.

Papers and most embellishments were from The Scrap Room.
The Shiny Stars and the Teal Mesh behind the photo were from Gauche Alchemy, as well as the tiny eye balls I used for the owl. Those were originally pin heads and I just cut the pin portion off.

November Cards

2009-11-15T08:34:00.000-06:00

These are the rest of my November Cards, nothing to crazy. I used my Fiskars Threading Water punch on the first one. I love that punch. Seriously, it is my go to border punch, kinda like a favorite pair of worn jeans. You know the feeling. The second card actually has "faux" rub on stitching. Is it just me or does it look REAL to you too? The third was actually going to be something else entirely but never really came to fruition. Don't you just hate that, when you have a plan and can't seem to pull it together. Products for these projects came from The Scrap Room's Double Shot kit.

2009-11-13T16:42:00.000-06:00

This month my layouts seemed to really be scaled down. Not as much layering going on but I must say they were easy and painless...except for that pencil bouquet project where I burned myself with my new "high heat" glue gun. OUCH!

You can get these scrapbooking items as well as others at The Scrap Room.

A Family of Owls

2009-11-11T15:30:00.002-06:00

Really simple card that I designed for
The Scrap Room. Lots of fun working
with the Double-Shot Kits for November.
Hope you enjoy!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T16:15:00.001-06:00

This year I was blessed to have a

MERMAID and an UNKNOWN PHANTOM (not to be confused with the Grim Reaper - He will correct you)

Sometimes

2009-10-29T20:24:00.002-05:00

Makenna came home today and told me that she cried at school today. She was overwhelmed with emotion. Sad that she never met her big brother. She said she just couldn't hold it in any longer.
As with any parent - it hurts me when my children hurt. I want to fix this for her, wave my magic mommy wand and make everything right. Seems there well always be a "empty" spot at our table where he should be sitting.
I miss him everyday but sometimes on days like today it feels as if I have lost him all over again
________________________
related posts
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Bouquets of Newly Sharpened Pencils

2009-10-29T05:55:00.001-05:00

Sneak peek for November's Doubleshot Kit at The Scrap Room

This week I have made three pencil bouquets - one for each of the kids teachers along with a card.

I was playing with my craft supplies all day while watching/listening to You've Got Mail. Seriously one of my favorite movies.

I love watching movies while I scrap - What is your favorite movie

tell me about one you love to watch over and over again.

So Excited!

2009-10-28T15:22:00.002-05:00

My "Riverwalk" layout was featured here on craftgossip.com
go check it out :)

12 Year Anniversary

2009-10-28T14:45:00.002-05:00

Sunday was our 12th Anniversary ....

We made a cake

Heath bought me a card and flowers and let me take some pictures of him

Makenna bought a stick on mustache from the gumball machine. I had seen one earlier in the week at Tasty Freeze and said I was going to get one and wear that as a halloween costume. We are deciding between Charlie Chaplin style and a classic handle bar ;) good times

ended the day playing Cranium with the kids.

Great Day!

Blog Maintenance

2009-10-23T22:33:00.002-05:00

sprucing up around the bloggity blog
now I just need to find a perfect 3 column format and make a new banner.
Hope you like it.
:)

personal updates

2009-10-15T14:28:00.006-05:00

Scrolling through my blog and I can't help but notice that I have been posting mostly "crafty" things and not so much personal "schtuff". It seems that this is my life, either I am coasting through with craft projects or there is so much drama that I can't find my mojo. I will say I love how things have been going. Knock on Wood. But in an effort to give you a little peek into my life I will sum it up in a song......just kidding. How about bullet points.

Going to school full-time. Still working on becoming a Registered Nurse. A&P is really giving me a run for my money.
Recently became a CNA. Requirement here to enter the Nursing Program.
My littles are growing faster than the speed of light. Noah is away as I type on his first overnight school trip.....tear
My husband has helped in ways I never knew he could (starting to think he was only pretending that he couldn't do laundry for all those years).
Member of the Doubleshot Design Team at The Scrap Room. Love having deadlines and having a reason to make myself scrap. A lot of time my fun scrapping time gets put on the back burner but no longer.
Last but certainly not least --- PUMPKIN SPICE CREAMER is out finally - the moment I wait for all year long.

Happy Times

Layout - Eastside

2009-10-11T05:59:00.000-05:00

Layout of Noah's first day of 4th grade at a new school (it goes with the layout featured here)
Items used are from The Scrap-Room's October Doubleshot kit. I loved the Jillibean Alphabet Soup Paper - perfect for those back to school photos. Additional items that I used were Heidi Swapp chipboard alpha's, acrylic paint, and bazzill cardstock. Hope you enjoy ;)

Card - Thank You

2009-10-10T05:54:00.000-05:00

Thank you card using items from my Doubleshot Kit at the SCRAP ROOM
Added Heidi Swapp chipboard alphas
Kraft Cardstock
American Craft Thickers
Jillibean Pattern Paper
Bazzill Cardstock
buttons
ribbon
used my charcoal cat eye ink
Stampin up punch
sewing machine to zig zag
raffia to tie on the buttons

Card - We make a Great Pear

2009-10-09T06:39:00.002-05:00

Super Simple Card used items from October's Doubleshot kit at the SCRAP ROOM
Kraft Cardstock
Cosmo Cricket Patterned Paper and Chipboard embellie
American Crafts Thickers
and Making Memories tiny alphas
zig zaged the edge of the patterned paper on my sewing machine
and inked almost everything with a charcoal cat eye

Sneak Peek

2009-09-29T17:01:00.004-05:00

This was my Sneak Peek for The Scrap-Room's Double Shot Kit this month

products used were:

TSR's Double Shot kit containing Jillibean pp, bazzill cardstock, American Crafts Junior Buttons, and Coordinating Ribbon

Items added from my stash were:

We R Memory Keepers Eyelets set with my crop-a-dile

bazzill cardstock

large paper clip (rak from my friend shellbowie)

Heidi Swapp Chipboard letters (black and orange)

Making Memories tiny alphas

acrylic paint

I used a toilet paper roll to stamp the circular images on the cardstock

mi casa es su casa

2009-09-25T19:10:00.000-05:00

"My house is your house"
So join me on a tour of my scraproom.
We just moved out of state and while I always dread moving, this new house had a perk that my apartment did not have..... A SCRAPROOM. I am still trying to figure things out but all in all I really like how I have things laid out/organized.
This is my main organization unit. I purchased it from Ikea and it was worth every penny. My scraproom is right off of my living room. I think it was supposed to be a sun room. It has a beautiful set of french doors, and once inside the room, to the right is this shelving unit.

In the middle of the room (not pictured) I have a large dining room table, seats 8, that I have raised with bed raisers that I purchased from Walmart. My workspace is now at counter top height. I also have some Rubbermaid storage drawers under the table and plan to "someday" make a skirt for the table to cover all the junk I hide under there.
Here are my buttons. I used to have them in tiny bottles all sorted by color but this works for me and I end up using more random colors. Also hedgie... a gift from my kids.

I store my chipboard letters in these plastic cases. They are sorted by letter. I like to mix and match different letter styles. This way I can just Grab N Go ;) My Clip It Up! Ah, do you feel the love. I simply adore this item. If I could afford it I would have about 10 of these. I love that everything is VISIBLE! I don't know about you gals but if something isn't right in front of my face, I sometimes forget I have it. I keep my dwindling supply of Thickers on the Clip It Up as well as my favorite "go to" embellies.

Okay, you caught me. I admit it. Hello, my name is Shawnna and I have a messy desk. Seriously though I love this "desk". I use the term loosely because it is merely two file cabinets (which I already owned) and I purchased a $50 6ft. counter top from Lowe's. This is on the left side of the room. When you enter the room there are 3 large windows straight ahead, thus the lovely lighting. Sorry for the blown out photo.

I keep my embellishments sorted by color in the same plastic cases as my chipboard letters. I have a ton of these (one for each color plus metals and clear) and I purchased all of them when Hobby Lobby had a 1/2 off sale.

In the two cubbies to the left you can see my kits. I sort them in alphabetical order by the name of the manufacturer, except for Scenic Route Kits, they get their own Cropper Hopper Vertical Paper Holder. I do show favoritism.
I house many of my mini albums in baskets. This allows easy access for my family and visitors.

These owls and sign sit on top of my Ikea Shelving unit. These were all 3 gifts that make me smile every time I see them. It is so important to surround yourself with things that make you happy, things you love.

I keep my paper scraps (both cardstock and patterned paper) stored by color in these 12x12 drawers. This way I can go here first before grabbing a fresh sheet of paper. Reduce Reuse Recycle People. Also my kids know that they can use this paper for their own craft projects.

My paper storage is a little tricky. I couldn't decide on just one way to store so I have a few different categories of storage. First is cardstock, it is stored by color in vertical Cropper Hopper Paper Holders. I used to buy several sheets of every color of Bazzill, now I buy several sheets of only the colors I tend to use over and over. It took a little time to figure this out but it has saved me so much money.

Second is Patterned Paper -- OH HOW I LOVE THEE -- I have Scenic Route in a Cropper Hopper of it's own. I also have paper sorted by theme.... like Halloween/Christmas etc. If a piece of paper doesn't have a set theme then I file it by color unless it is one of my favorite manufacturers then it is filed by name alphabetically. See, I told you it was tricky. I keep my most recent Scrap-Room kits all the way to the right and in the same cubby I have a Cropper Hopper for kit left overs that I use to make cards. Ribbon is stored one of two ways. If it is long enough it is wrapped around a cardboard insert and placed by color in this basket pictured. If it isn't very long I have a large jar (same size as the button jar) that I keep snippets of ribbon in.

I use this Cropper Hopper box to store all my stickers and rub-ons. Most are by theme but I also have a section for each child, I use this area to store things I bought to use in their specific albums (think birthday party themed stickers/embellies).

Last but not least, my cart of drawers. My husband purchased this for me several years ago from Costco when I began outgrowing my wheeled totes. This is stored to the left of my desk, within arms reach, and houses tools, extra adhesive, and stamps. My Clip It Up sits on top of this cart.

So there you have it. Hope you enjoyed peeking inside my scraproom. Please leave links to your scraproom photos in the comment section. I would love to check them out.

Shades of Summer

2009-09-15T17:17:00.002-05:00

This summer, shortly after our move, I was able to participate in Liz Kartchner's SHADES OF SUMMER. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to see the completed project with bits and pieces of everyone. So go check it out. My photo is in the second grouping and is on the top far right corner :)

Designing for TSR

2009-09-07T18:31:00.006-05:00

This month was my first month Designing for the Doubleshots Kits at TSR. Getting the kit in the mail was a euphoric high. Nothing like opening your front door to a box of scrapping goodies. You can click here to see the entire Coffee House of Ideas. All the Designers did such an incredible job. I am honored to be listed among them. I also designed another two page layout along with specific instructions (Recipe Card) but it can only be viewed if you are a member of The Scrap-Room...... So what are you waiting for???? GO SIGN UP ;)

It's Me

2009-08-25T19:12:00.001-05:00

Hey You!
Yep, I'm talkin to You.
Remember me?
It's Shawnna, your long lost buddy.

Chicken Pox

2009-08-15T19:50:00.003-05:00

Although I fully intended to be back up and blogging

by now, another blogging hiatus has ensued.

Makenna has the Chicken Pox. Regular blogging

will ensue once all spots are fully scabbed over.

I wouldn't want you to catch the pox virtually.

Plus this will insure that I am available to answer

"Mommy, how much longer till the chicken pox are gone?"

for the 5 millionth time.

send prayers and calamine lotion ;)

Barista

2009-08-02T22:48:00.005-05:00

Need to interrupt this blogging hiatus with Breaking News

Just found out that I made the Design Team at The Scrap-Room.

That is right, I am now a Barista

I keep having to reassure myself, it doesn't seem real.

Feeling so so so BLESSED!!!

Can't wait for the September kit to arrive in my mailbox.

Blogging Hiatus

2009-07-31T18:57:00.002-05:00

I have been taking a CNA class all week, and I will be in class and doing clinicals next week as well. A short blogging hiatus has ensued. Will return as soon as I master all my new skills which include but are not limited to: pulse and respiration, blood pressure, perineal care, bed bathing, and etc.

Crafty Goodness

2009-07-25T19:09:00.005-05:00

Just received my Gauche Alchemy order and I am in

♥ LOVE ♥ ...seriously

They had me at Hello

The kids were ecstatic because they thought the Postman delivered us pizza (the box resembles a pizza box, at least to a 9 and 10 year old).

Once I opened the box I was elated. It was even wrapped neatly. I totally felt like I was opening a gift and at their prices it was practically true.

For the love of crafty holiness run and place an order....did I say I was in love ♥ (have a pic to post but need to find my connecty cord thingy...yeah I'm all technical and stuff )

13 years

2009-07-20T18:25:00.002-05:00

Another year
Another anniversary
tough day
always is
wonder if that will ever change

I love my first born son so much
forever and always

I wonder what he would be like
what sports would he play
would he even like sports at all
what would he look like
what would his personality be like
serious, organized, type A
or goofy and spontaneous

I miss him
I wish he could still be here with me
but my wishing doesn't change things
my only comfort comes from believing
I will see him again

Today I hugged my other children tighter and longer than usual
and today they let me without pulling away
I needed that and I think HE knew it
Thanks BIG GUY (I like to call God that sometimes)
____________________
back story:
Part One
Part Two
Part Three

My Tiny Dancer

2009-07-15T07:54:00.002-05:00

Another Girl Friday Layout. I love this paper :) and the TSR KIT was loaded :)
Title and Journaling: My tiny Dancer. Life is Beautiful. it is such a joy watching you at dance class. Photo 2007
Products
cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Crickt Girl Friday
Vintage Lace
assorted ric rac
Flowers: Prima and Making Memories
White paint (to distress the letters, they were a little bright for the layout)
Puff paint
Letters: Making Memories, American Crafts Thickers, and Cosmo Cricket
Embellishments Cosmo Cricket and Heidi Swapp

Isn't She Lovely

2009-07-14T13:04:00.005-05:00

These were photos of Makenna from 3/22/07 in the bluebonnets out west of Houston toward the Hill Country.

Most products came from The Scrap-Room's April 2009 kit :)

Products:

Cardstock:Bazzill

Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday

Buttons: Making Memories & assorted

Ribbon: Making Memories

Letter Stickers: American Crafts and Making Memories

Embellishments: Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday :)

Hidden Journaling reads:

I know that all too soon you will be finished with letting me fix your hair and posing for photos. I cherish these fleeting moments. I {heart} you!

Superficial Stuff

2009-07-12T15:14:00.003-05:00

posted about this layout on the TSR BLOG a bit ago. This one is filled with random superficial stuff that makes me happy :) Many of the items used were from The Scrap-Room's April 2009 kit.

Cardstock: Bazzill

Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket Girl friday, Imaginisce

Letters: Thickers, EK Success Sticko, Cosmo Cricket

Random Labels

Making Memories and assorted buttons

Prima flowers

a Scenic Route Button from CHA 2008

and a drink topper I got at Shogun ;)

Journaling: Superficial Stuff that Makes me HAPPY - mermaids, owls, and hedgies. Thickers, Cosmo Cricket, Old Navy, Gap, Scenic Route, anthropologie, love elsie, October Afternoon, and 7 jeans

I like to scrapbook....so sue me

2009-07-11T20:47:00.000-05:00

Here is a layout I made of my ubber hunky husband.

Almost all items are from The Scrap Room's 4/09 Making Memories Love Notes kit

full product list:

Cardstock: Bazzill

Patterned Paper: Making Memories

Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin tickets and bingo card

black bracket from The Paper Studio

Staples

Felt heart

black lace

black zig pen

Journaling:

You're the best friend that I've ever had

I've been with you such a ling time

You're my sunshine and I want you to know

That my feelings are true I really

love you. You're my best friend.

lyrics by Queen

I'm Alive ;)

2009-06-15T16:17:00.002-05:00

Alive and well in Arkansas
Trying to get used to the slower
pace of life in such a small town.

We did go into Little Rock on Saturday
to check out Gusano's Chicago style pizza
and hit up the farmers market

I am almost finished unpacking
Still have Noah's room and my scraproom
We worked on the garage on Saturday evening
and I ended up hurting my back so we took Sunday
to try out a new church and relax

Missing my kiddos who are visiting family in
Houston and excited to see their reaction when
they finally see the house

A Whirlwind

2009-05-19T10:48:00.002-05:00

Lots of stuff has happened in the past few weeks.

I had my doctor scare.
Heath was offered a job in another state.
He accepted said job and found out on Wednesday that he had to report to work Monday morning (May 18th)in Little Rock.
We took the kids to Aunt Christi's on Friday and then drove to Little Rock.
While we were in route we received a call from our realtor, who was going to show us about 20 houses for rent (or houses that have been on the market for a while and the owners are willing to rent) over the weekend, saying that his wife was in labor and we were on our own for the weekend.
We arrived in Little Rock after 1 a.m. and began composing a list from newspaper/internet ads and started calling Saturday morning to try to set up showings because we needed a realtor to view all the houses we had previously planned to look at.
We had a difficult time getting a hold of people and were only able to walk inside about 6 houses all weekend. We spent most of our time driving through neighbor hoods that we had heard had good school districts looking for FOR RENT signs.
This weekend just so happend to coinside with my PMS so one minute I was saying "it's ok God is going to lead us to the PERFECT house for us with/without a realtor", and the next minute I was fighting back tears thinking ARE WE REALLY DOING THIS AGAIN?
Saturday the kids stayed the night with my mom and my mother met me here in Tulsa on Sunday night.
Heath is staying in Little Rock throughout the week and will be coming home on the weekends, until we can find housing there and the kids are out of school. He also found out yesterday (his first day on the job)that he will be traveling to the Jonesboro, AR area for at least the next couple of months. Isn't that like bait and switch or something?
We were told in the beginning that his relocation package would be the same amount if not a little bit more than last time. We found out on Friday that the amount was $3500 less than what we had expected. Then today after some recalculations it is $2000 less than what we expected and that is the final number.

I am so frustrated with all of this. It has been a uphill battle but I know that my husband made the right decision taking this job. I know that God has blessed him with this opportunity and I know that God will see this move through to the end. He is with us and is going before us. I just have to keep reminding myself of this. It is easy to just throw your hands up and say "I QUIT" it is much harder to do what you feel God is calling you to do. Too bad it can't be the other way around! LOL!! :)

Moles

2009-05-13T21:58:00.002-05:00

had a dermatologist appointment today
and I must say I don't think there is
anything more humiliating than having
someone look over your entire body with
some sort of odd magnifying apparatus

Cause REALLY some parts of me just don't
need to be magnified.

on a side note: I can't even think about the word
MOLES without thinking of Larry the Cable Guy

2009-05-11T11:07:00.002-05:00

I was tagged by my sweet friend Ashlee last week, and due to all the hair pulling finals I had to take, I am just now getting to it.

What's your current obsession? music,owls, hedgehogs, toadstools, and mermaids
What's your weirdest obsession? ummm....see the list above
What are you wearing today? flip flops with jeans and a tee of course
Why is today special? well.... I'm breathing so I say it's off to a good start ;)
What would you like to learn to do? I would love to learn to play the piano, sew something more than straight lines, knit/crochet..... the list is endless
What's the last thing you bought? Fish .... it's what's for dinner
What are you listening to right now? Jason Mraz and my new neighbors russelling around upstairs.
What's your favorite weather? I like it HOT HOT HOT (I have some sort of weird cold intolerance that I blame on my thyroid or lack there of)
What's your most challenging goal right now? becoming a NURSE....finishing my degree, with all these moves it seems to be getting further and further out of reach
What do you think about the person who tagged you? Ashlee is super sweet and creative.
What's your favorite guilty pleasure? No Bake Cookies --- I just luv em' but only make them once or twice a year because I just can't resist them
Favorite vacation spot? I like Mexico .... but there is the swine flu issue
What would you like to have in your hands right now? a cup of coffee I am freezing but don't want to turn the heat on
What would you like to get rid of? All of our excess STUFF ..... living in a tiny apartment with the majority of your belongings in a storage building for a year really makes you think
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Italy or Iran
What language do you want to learn? spanish for work purposes but italian just because it is such a beautiful language
What super power would you like to possess? i don't know
What's your favorite thing about the city you live in? ummmm.... the fact that there is virtually NO TRAFFIC
What's your favorite piece of clothing in your closet? my seven jeans and my simple shoes
What's your dream job? NURSE
If you had $150 now what would you spend it on? if I was spending it on myself probably some actions for Photoshop
Do you admire anyone's style? I think there is something unique about everyone's individual style so I guess I admire you ALL!!
Describe your personal style. comfy and casual
Who's fashion show would you want tickets to? could I stay home and read instead
Who's closet would you like to raid? no clue
What are you most proud of? My family .... our love for Christ and each other
If you could choose one person who had passed to have lunch with who would it be and why? my son
If you're tagged...get to answering! Copy the questions and tag some of your friends just to tick them off!!(love that)
1. aloughridge
2. Nicole Maki
3. Janine
4. Angela

Ultrasound

2009-05-08T17:27:00.003-05:00

I had my ultrasound yesterday and everything went really well. He did see some scar tissue and commented that my carotid artery was smaller than normal and asked if I was getting adequate blood flow to my head.

Ummmmm I hope so

LOL!!

then again maybe that is why i am so crazy

The best news is that I don't have to see an endo for 6months. That is BIG people. HUGE
I have been seeing a doctor every 6 wks (lots of blood work) for nearly 2 years now.

Super excited.

Now I can focus on more important things :)
thank you all so much for your prayers and support

Finally... heard from the dr. today

2009-04-30T13:29:00.003-05:00

they finally received the full report - the doctor reviewed it in it's entirety and called me
The doc thinks that what showed up on the scan may be my throat or more precisely the saliva in it. He wants to do an ultrasound to be sure, but because my tumor markers are low (thyroglobulin levels) he is leaning toward that. Thank you so much for your prayers.

In other news it looks like we will soon be relocating to Little Rock, AR.
We are still waiting to find out the specific relocation package we will be receiving but as long as it is similar to what we have received in the past it will be all systems go.

Heath scored some tickets to see the Jason Mraz concert last night. It was amazing and I must say the Plain White T's also rocked the house. We had a great time thanks to some friends of ours who were willing to keep our kiddos. It was the second time Heath and I have gone out on a "date" since moving here in 2007. Really fun night!!!

just wanted to say

2009-04-25T10:34:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to say that I am in a much better place today.
No more gloom and doom.
I think this stuff is always scary for me but when I look at the big picture, really, what is there to be afraid of. This can only go down a few different ways.

A. it is a growth of cells that we just need to watch closely
B. it is a growth of cells that we want to eliminate via more radiation
C. it is a growth of cells that require both surgery and radiation
D. it is a growth of cells that may require surgery, radiation, and chemo (or any combo of these)

The good news is, this isn't my first rodeo. And as crazy as that sounds it does make this less scary, for me at least. I haven't said anything to the kids yet and I probably won't until I have more info. Hopefully my doctor will have the full report (scans and write-up) on Monday. At this point we are just waiting on 1 doctor.

fingers crossed for option A

Abnormal

2009-04-24T17:34:00.003-05:00

So I broke down and called the dr's office late this morning
only to have to leave a message of course

and when my phone call was returned it seemed that I would
soon wish I would have never called at all.

Apparently I had some abnormal results but because they didn't
have the full report yet I am not any closer to knowing what that means
Is it BAD, REALLY BAD, or just something we need to watch?

My dr's office was very kind and understanding and apologized that they didn't have a full answer, assuring me as soon as the info gets to them they will call me immediately. They also put in a call to the dr. who was supposed to read the scan at the hospital but she doubted they would hear back today.

All of this should make me feel better but ....

So I made my hubby take me to Chipotle to lunch and I hit up a few garage sales then to top it off I treated myself to a pedicure. I'm feeling better ;)

Thanks for your prayers

Turn of Events

2009-04-23T17:30:00.001-05:00

Today in an odd turn of events
it seems hubby was offered the
same position he applied for, only in another state.

hmmmmm

did I mention it was over 6 hours away from where
we live now..... and not anywhere closer to Houston

darn decisions

Shock and Awe

2009-04-22T22:47:00.003-05:00

So we did get some news tonight

Not mine but my husbands

Sadly he didn't get the job he applied for

I feel horrible

I can't change the outcome

and I have no control

It seemed as though he was a shoe in but I guess it just
wasn't meant to be.

Waiting (im)patiently

2009-04-21T21:28:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to pop in and say I am still here...waiting impatiently
This week is just a week of waiting I guess.
Me waiting to hear about the cancer stuff.
And Heath had a interview for a job last week that would give him some more freedom and a raise. He was told he would hear something on or before Friday. This will determine if we stay in this city or if we continue to push forward with heading further south.

Exciting times!!!!

Have I said how d*mn impatient I am.

Scan Day

2009-04-17T23:00:00.001-05:00

Today marked the end of a week and a half of appointments. :) I had my Whole Body Scan today, but it will be next week before I get the results. The hospital here has only one doctor who reads these scans so hopefully it won't take too long. The waiting is always the hardest for me. I am not the most patient person. The technician did let me see the scans and there was some radio iodine accumulation in my thyroid bed, as well as my bladder and colon. Since I no longer have a thyroid I am not sure if there is supposed to be accumulation in the thyroid bed but I do know that having it present in the bladder and colon is normal. I will update when I know more.
Thanks for all of your prayers.
God Bless

Radioactive once again

2009-04-15T21:24:00.000-05:00

So this morning, after getting the kids to school, I had a couple of appointments. The first was somewhat of a surprise. I had some blood work to check my thyroglobulin levels. It was really funny because I looked at the tech and said "I don't think I am supposed to be getting my blood drawn", to which he replied "ummm well ma'am that's what it says here"
WELL ALL RIGHTY THEN
at this point what is one more stick gonna matter ;)

Then it was on to the Nuclear Medicine department where I was privileged to meet and visit with 2 other families. Families who were there for cancer testing as well. I was able to meet a young boy. I listened as he complained of his IV, asking his mother if they could take it out now or if he had to have it in all day. I listened as his mother tried to make him comfortable. Before long we struck up a conversation on the usual hospital talk, how extremely cold they kept it and how we wished we had brought in jackets. They were there to find out if he had cancer. A boy no older than my own 10 year old son. A sweet and funny boy who told me how he loved his surprise baby sister even though they were 8 years apart. How is 13 year old sister wasn't as thrilled with the announcement of a new sibling. How he looks out for his little sister, and funny stories of his corgi who can catch a baseball. A boy I won't soon forget and a boy I plan to spend some serious time on my knees in prayer for. I encourage you to pray for him too.

There is such a strange bond between people who have experienced this monstrosity and even those who have come so close to the edge of it. It can't be explained in words. Sometimes it is a look - sometimes in words shared - but most importantly it is the strength we draw from one another. I don't know how to describe it but every person that I have met either online or in person who has faced cancer has given me something, a piece of them. Something that tells me over and over that no matter how much I want to shove this cancer thing in the closet forget about it and pretend it never happened, that I can't, that I shouldn't. That I have to go to these appointments, I have to do everything in my power to make sure this doesn't come back. And if one day it does come back we will catch it early, because of these tests.

That being said I found it so ironic today that I voluntarily ingested a radioactive pill that had to be encased in a protective lead container as it traveled across the country to protect others. hmmmmm....... ok I had to get my funny in

Injection Two

2009-04-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was injection #2
much less side effects - a little nausea
and a monster of a headache but other
than that all was good.

Whooo hoo!!!

injection day one

2009-04-13T22:00:00.000-05:00

Today started as most, getting up, getting the kids ready for school, fed, and out the door.

But then I made my way to the doctor's office for the first injection. My week is filled with appointments. Injections on Monday and Tuesday. Ingest radiation on Wednesday. Then a Whole Body Scan (WBS) on Friday.

I have had these injections only once before and had only mild side effects (headaches with some tiredness). This time around it doesn't seem like I will have it as easy. My injection was at 9am and before noon I had some nausea, by 3 it was dizzyness, mild headache, nausea. I layed down from about 4-6. Then tonight it was full on vomitting - out the mouth and nose to the point of micturition. There were moments I was wondering when I would get my next breath. Disgusting I know but it is the raw/unedited truth.

Fingers crossed that tomorrow's injection comes with fewer side effects.
Now to try to muster up some energy to get a little bit of school work done. If not I may just go to bed.

getting real

2009-04-13T00:00:00.002-05:00

let me preface this by saying - Most days I am so thankful - I have been blessed beyond measure. However - last week was particularly difficult and I wrote this post which I thought about deleting, but then realized it is important that we admit to ourselves and to each other that we don't always feel the way we want to or the way we feel we should. These are my feelings and this is my blog it is about time they were reintroduced....

I don't know what it is lately. I just haven't felt like myself. I like to analyze and make excuses like, "Well, it could be PMS" or "I am just stressed out because of school". But in reality I think it has more to do with the fact that I am about to go through another round of testing. Testing to see if the cancer has returned. I don't really understand why these tests that are designed to save my life (early detection) can trigger these feelings. I think it is mainly fear. Fear in something that is out of my control. I feel frustrated because something that I didn't want - something I never asked for still has such a hold on my life. It dictates that I take pills for the rest of my life at the same time each day. It dictates never ending doctor appointments that leave me with statistics that may be good for "cancer patients" but don't really feel good for ME. It leaves me feeling angry, and then in full circle fashion I feel disappointed in myself for having these feelings because so many others have it so much worse.

Easter

2009-04-12T23:05:00.003-05:00

a boring narrative to follow:

This was our week to volunteer in the Nursery at church and since we were going out of town we switched to the early service. This meant we had to get up SUPER EARLY to get everyone ready and out the door.

After Church we had to stop by the house to let Gracie out and then we were on the road.

About 2 hours later we met 2 of my 3 younger brothers, my niece, and my parents at Pizza Inn were we had our Easter dinner buffet style.

Visted friends while my parents took the kids to get presents for Noah's birthday and something for Makenna as well.

Drove to my parents house were I was able to meet my newest niece (she is about 2.5 wks old) Honor Marie. Photo still to come.

Headed back home stopped at Taco Mayo and Dairy Queen

Didn't take one single photo of my kids this Easter- weird - totally didn't feel like Easter and the weather was nasty - cold and rainy

preggers?!? are you kidding

2009-04-08T21:36:00.001-05:00

Imagine my surprise when I recieve a phone call from my doctors office saying they need me to go in for a pregnancy test on Thursday. Here is how it went:

Me: What?? Are you sure because there is NO WAY I could be pregnant. That door has been closed for quite some time.
She: Have you been surgically sterilized?
Me: Well "I" haven't but..... and then there are those darn pills the doctor has prescribed to help level out my hormones.
She: I am sorry Mrs. Samples but we are required to have you take the test before we administer radiation. Radiation can cause severe birth defects and even death in a fetus.
Me: Well that make sense.

guess what --- I took the test and I am NOT pregnant
not to mention the amount of radiation I have had has probably shriveled my eggs to where they now resemble raisins anyway

Spring Break Recap (Part 2)

2009-04-05T18:14:00.013-05:00

So I must say that I had a wonderful nights sleep at the Hilton Hill Country Hotel Spa. The bed was one of the most comfy beds I have ever slept in. We purchased a Sea World package with the hotel that included breakfast. I was thinking it would be something like bagels, donuts, and cereal. I was WRONG and it was delicious. It was a buffet with anything you could have dreamed for breakfast. YUMM-O

We were off to Sea World from there. It took us 1 hour to get there and we were only1.1 miles away. That should have been our first clue but we were just excited to be taking the kids for the first time. It was a complete mad house once we arrived. Apparently it had rained the 3 days prior to our arrival so everyone had came on the same day. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. Noah was in his wheelchair and was bumped/leaned on/ and practically ran over the majority of the day. I could tell he was frustrated so we are hoping to try it again when he is no longer handicapped. It was pretty sad ... we even had people crowding us in the handicapped seating section (people who were not handicapped and were not with someone who was - they just arrived to the show late and didn't have seats) My mother in-law even had some grown man yelling at her. The worst part is that there wasn't staff anywhere to be found. Totally had me wanting to yell SECURITY like Bon Qui Qui. If you haven't seen it click this link. It is hilarious!!!

The kids loved the shows. We saw Viva.

Believe (the Shamu show).

The Cannery Caper (this was the kids favorite)
Makenna and Heath rode the following rides
Steel Eel

Journey to Atlantis

After our day at Sea World we were on the road back to Houston and arrived around 1a.m. We were exhausted.

Tuesday afternoon we spent with the Railey's (some of our bestest friends) enjoyed some turkey burgers and that evening we headed to Melissa's (heath's sister)for a sleep over.

Wednesday Melissa made yummy waffles for breakfast and we spent hanging out with Melissa and the kids - Heath went to the golf course with Cris for a bit.

Thursday we had a play date with Molly and family (Konrad and Levi too). It was so great to catch up. The kids got to play with one of Levi's bunnies. It was so cute.That evening Heath and I went back over to the Railey's and we had a Game Night. The Richert's came over too. It was a blast.

Friday morning I had breakfast with Tonya and her daughter at Panera. For lunch we ate out at my FAV restaurant in Houston, LUPE TORTILLA. Their margaritas are seriously the best I have ever had and the beef fajitas melt in your mouth like candy. Saturday was our last day in Houston. Melissa and the kids came over to play during the day and that night we went to Melissa's for dinner and one final hoo-raw. I think we all had tears in our eyes when we left. I miss the kids being able to spend time with their cousins and I know they miss it to. Thankfully summer vacation is right around the corner.

Spring Break Recap (part 1)

2009-04-03T20:19:00.010-05:00

We started our trip out with the LONG drive to Houston. It rained the majority of the trip. We did stop outside of Dallas to have lunch with Wendy at Olive Garden. Since she is preggers we let her pick the eating establishment. I didn't get any pics of our lunch we were too busy visiting and eating, but let's just say she is quite possibly the cutest little preggo person I have ever seen.

We ended up arriving in Houston just in time for dinner. Melissa and the kiddos where at Ken and Drema's to meet us and the PAR-TA had officially begun. The kids had a great time. Heath hooked up the Wii for them and they had a blast playing American Idol.
Saturday we hung out. Makenna, Drema, and I went and got mani/pedis and around dinner time we began a game of Monopoly that lasted until about 1:30 am when I finally gave up and surrendered to Drema and all her da-gum hotels ;)Sunday we were up bright and early to begin the drive to San Antonio. We had a yummy breakfast about half way there at this lovely place.

I plan to photoshop these people out of the photo at some point just haven't yet. Upon arrival we headed toward the ALAMO and after a small fortune in parking fees we started walking (Noah of course was in his wheelchair) The place was packed and when we realized we wouldn't be able to maneuver Noah and his chair inside with all the people we decided to just tour the grounds and take in the scenery.

Then it was up toward the Market for us. I loved that you could just walk everywhere. The architecture was beautiful.

Some shopping

Early dinner at Mi Tierra

A little of the Riverwalk (wasn't really wheelchair friendly)

Off to the hotel

Making smores in the hotel firepits

I am having some blogger trouble getting photos uploaded so tomorrow I will update with our adventures at Sea World and the rest of our vacation.

Home Again

2009-03-23T16:09:00.002-05:00

Home again, Home again, jiggity jig

We made it :) We had a wonderful vacation. Only wish it was a week longer so we weren't GO GO GOING the entire time. I think we need a vacation from our vacation. The kids both ended up sick. Noah puked in my car (mostly on the throw he was using to snuggle up with) and Makenna doused the bathroom last night. Not sure if it was car sickness, bad food, or some sort of virus. They are both better today and unless someone pukes again, they will return to school tomorrow.

Planning to update with vacation details and photos later this week but for now I have to focus on my school work because, well school wasn't out last week but I was gone for 9 days. You do the math. ;)

What's been up?

2009-03-04T09:57:00.004-06:00

I have been trying to be more productive by spending less time on the pc and more time getting things done. Thus the lack of blog posts. I am a little behind on school work, not really behind but I was trying to stay 1 week ahead due to our upcoming vacation and now I have resigned to turning in assignments on their due dates.

Yep, you heard me right! I said VACATION. We are heading south for that warm sunshine. First to Houston. I seriously {HEART} that city. Then to San Antonio. Lots of fun ahead! We have never taken the kids on vacation. We usually just take a week off and visit family or relax. But this year we have decided to spend two days in San Antonio and one full day at SeaWorld. Now if you know my children you will understand why this was an obvious choice for us. Noah has said that if he could go anywhere in the world he would go to Austraila and his second choice was SeaWorld in SanAntonio, and Makenna, well she just likes to GO and she loves her grandmommy so anything involving the two is perfect for her.

I can't wait but if you don't see me much for the next week just know that I am trying to get things in order for our trip.

Many Blessings

Been awhile

2009-02-26T09:14:00.006-06:00

Seems to have been awhile since I last posted. Things have been a little crazy here with Noah's surgery and then just adjusting. Noah was in a lot of pain for the first 5 days or so. He is doing so much better now. Now we are just adjusting our schedules and for the last two days I have made it to the school with time to spare. By the time he is out of the wheel chair my arms will be so toned ;) you wouldn't imagine the workout you can get by pushing a 100 or so lb. boy around and loading and unloading him and the wheelchair several times a day.

OK now that I have posted and don't feel quite as guilty about abandoning my blog I can move on to the rest of my to do list..... which includes enjoying these ;) (photo to come)

Hope you all have a blessed day.

:(

2009-02-15T17:36:00.003-06:00

Noah was running a fever of 102.6 degrees and complaining of a sore throat so we took him to an Urgent Care facility. His rapid strep test was negative but his throat was really red as well as one ear so the doctor wrote an Rx for antibiotics.

I have to admit that this getting up in the middle of the night is not as easy as I remember. I have been getting up with Noah every 2 hours to give alternating pain meds. Usually by 6 I start begging Heath to get up with him. All of this lack of sleep has us both ragged.

Hoping that tomorrow will be a better day for us all.

The good, the bad, and the ugly

2009-02-14T22:50:00.004-06:00

The Good: Noah and Makenna played on walkie talkies and Makenna took the dinosaur bingo game in the bedroom to play with Noah :)

The Bad: Noah was in pain all day even with the pain meds that he is taking.

The Ugly: I am sleepy, grumpy, and not a very patient mommy to my daughter today :(

Really seem to be struggling with her. I know she is having a hard time seeing her brother hurting and a lot of it is because of that but I am going to have to have some boundries with this girl or I am gonna pull my hair out. Sounds like she and I need to have a "big girl" talk.

Valentine's Day Surprise!

2009-02-14T22:48:00.002-06:00

Heath and I usually don't do much for Valentine's Day for each other, usually we just do a card with a handwritten message. So imagine my surprise when he comes through the door with this.

He picked out the vase and all of the flowers himself...he did GOOD...REAL GOOD!

I'm just sayin'

2009-02-13T19:33:00.002-06:00

(Photo of Noah and Makenna watching Zach and Cody on the Disney Chanel before surgery.)

Thank you all so very much for the prayers you have been sending up for Noah and our family. They are being answered. God is so good!

Noah is doing really well today and just had his first meal since 6pm on Wednesday. He did have some trouble yesterday/last night with nausea/vomiting, but nothing that a carpet cleaner can't handle.

We were originally told he would be in walking cast and that he would be able to walk from his wheel chair to the toilet. However, last night upon discharge from the hospital we were told that there was to be no weight bearing on his legs what so ever. Thankfully I talked to the doctor a few today and he said after about 48 hours that Noah could go to the restroom on the casts but the rest of the time he needed to be in the chair and have his legs elevated.

The heel cord/Achilles tendon is made up of several vertical strands which connect the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf to the heel bone. The surgeon went in and made several cuts halfway into this tendon alternating from one side to the next. He then casted Noah just below the knee with his toes peeking out. His feet are flexed upward to enable the heel cords to grow back together lengthened.

Noah picked red casts, and he is very excited that Bruce Joy (Heath's favorite local tattoo artist) is going to draw some artwork on them. Noah will get these casts taken off in 4 weeks, they will do mold impressions for his braces, and then he will go immediately into a second cast for 2 more weeks. Following the casts he will wear the braces for 6 months.

Please continue to pray for peace and a quick recovery for Noah, that his heel cords will have lengthened sufficiently and that the procedure will not need to be repeated again.

PLEASE remember not to give your child a full hershey's chocolate bar .....even if they really want it .... and even if you feel bad that they had to have surgery.... and even if the doctor says he can eat whatever he wants

because you just might end up having a car that smells like hershey's flavored puke ..... I'm just sayin'

Surgery

2009-02-11T22:31:00.004-06:00

Noah's surgery is tomorrow and my stomach is starting to turn. Nerves I guess. He will be having surgery on at 3:15 to lengthen the heel cords on both legs. He will be in a wheel chair for 6 weeks (casts on both legs)and then braces for 6 months. I am not sure how we are going to keep him from getting antsy being restricted for so long. He is like any other little boy I know -- FULL of ENERGY ;) Nicole suggested a few new video games and I am thinking that might do the trick LOL. He loves to draw so I am thinking a cool sketch pad and some new pencils too.
Any suggestions?

Neighbors and a little NOT ME!!

2009-02-09T21:59:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
________________________________________
Neighbors can be a blessing and a curse it seems.
Now that I am dwelling in an apartment I have come
to realize that I have some of both kinds of neighbors.

these yummies were from Kat and Summer.

and no I DID NOT let my kids eat them for breakfast.... nope not me ;)

Blackberry

2009-02-07T21:20:00.003-06:00

Heath got me a blackberry curve and I must admit I love it. I already feel more efficient. Plan to get a fun bright case for it soon.

orthopedic

2009-02-05T13:56:00.007-06:00

Noah had an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic today in OKC. The appointment didn't go exactly as I had expected. We found out that Noah will have to have surgery to lengthen his heel cords. He will be in a wheel chair for 6 weeks and braces for 6 months. Hopefully with successful physical therapy he won't have to have a repeat surgery.

I am feeling a little overwhelmed - feeling guilty - remembering all the times I told him not to give up, to try harder -- and coming to realize that it wasn't that he wasn't trying. He couldn't help it.

He can't even put one of his feet in a neutral position (think making a 90 degree angle out of your foot and leg).

I am hoping this surgery will give him the flexibility he needs to be able to do basic boy activities such as riding a bike.

Love that lasts

2009-02-02T20:09:00.006-06:00

snapped some photos of my great grand parents who have been married for over 70 years. My grandma is in the hospital with cancer and she had just had surgery. My grandpa woke up at 2 in the morning and decided to drive to the hospital where she was (over 2 hours away).

earlier today he was talking to a gentlemen in the sun room who was up walking around with his iv (my grandpa has never met a stranger) anyway they were teasing about walking the hospital checking out the ladies and then my grandpa told the his new friend that he had long since realized that he could search to the ends of the earth and never find another like Betty (my grandma).

I love them, and I love that even after all these years their love for each other is strong.

As a child I loved spending time with them watching birds or working in the garden (not so much working but eating strawberries just as quick as I could pick them)

If your children are being too quite

2009-01-29T14:39:00.003-06:00

OK the kids have now been out of school for 3 days due to massive amounts of sleet/snow/freezing rain ...... So maybe not massive but for this girl who loves the Houston climate it seemed like a lot.
anyway day 1 and day 2 seemed fine but by day 3 I was pulling out my hair :)

and I DID NOT threaten to take my kids to school ice or no ice whether their were teachers there or not..... NOPE that wasn't me

So here is a glimpse into what just might happen if your children stop fighting with one another and decide to co-conspire to devise a plan to use Barbies and Bionicles to TAKE OVER THE WORLD.... in short, if they are being too quiet you should check on them ....and bring your camera

fa fa fa fa FREEZING

2009-01-27T20:49:00.004-06:00

School is out due to ice today so we went sledding

All is well, except for the fact that we moved here from Houston

and don't own a sled .... we decided to improvise.

If you are in a similar predicament and happen to be an organizing Nazi like myself just pop the top off of one of your Rubbermaid containers and WAAAH LAAAA :)

BLOG AWARD

2009-01-22T18:05:00.001-06:00

Angela passed this "Your Blog is Fabulous!" award to me. I am thrilled that she chose me. If you haven't had the chance to check out her blog before please do so now. So fun!!! If I understand this correctly I have to list five of my addictions and then I get to choose 5 people I would like to pass the award onto.

Addictions
1. Anything scrap related (buttons, ribbon, and you can't forget paper.... oh that glorious paper)
2. the kits and my friends at THE SCRAPROOM
3. Hedgehogs, mermaids, owls, toadstools, and of course FLIP FLOPS
4. Bible Study workbooks ( I am on the hunt for a new study ....feel free to leave suggestions)
5. Target and their Archer Farms BLACK PEPPER and SEA SALT potato chips

Award Winners
1. Steph and all her HOMEGROWN HOSPITALITY
2. Ashlee with all of her craftiness
3. nienie her story just tugs at my heart
4. Big Mama - love her sense of humor and well she lives in TEXAS .... she totally deserves a shout out ;)
5. Nitty Gritty - love her willingness to share so that others may see HIM
6. Angie Smith's blog BRING THE RAIN - because she has been through the ringer (or is that wringer?) and yet HIS love still shines -- and she is a great writer

Please don't forget to check out the links- their blogs are so inspiring :)

GIVEAWAY

2009-01-21T22:19:00.002-06:00

Head over to Emily Anderson's BLOG and take a look at the giveaway she is offering today. It is from my UBER talented CrEAtIve friend Ashlee super easy to win. So what are you waiting for??? GO, GO FAST ;)

surgery

2009-01-20T11:27:00.003-06:00

Heath had surgery on his hand today. They removed a giant cell tumor (about the size of a marble) from the palm of his hand. Everything went exactly as planned in surgery and Heath is resting comfortably on his pain medication. There may even be some drool involved ;)

I must admit I had my moments last night. I began to feel anxious about his surgery and about all the things that "could" happen. I know it sounds horrible but my mind was wondering and even the thought of something bad happening made my palms sweaty and my eyes well up with tears. I even stooped as low as to say "Are you sure you don't want to just cancel this altogether? It's totally up to you, you know. You don't have to do it.? "

Today I will admit that I am disappointed in myself. I shouldn't have made those comments. I am sure it didn't ease his mind any.

On a more positive note though I must add that Heath was hilarious after he woke up from anesthesia. Cracking Jokes with the nurse and other things that I won't mention here but he was sooooo funny.

Happy Birthday Heath

2009-01-16T11:07:00.011-06:00

Today you are 30
and just so you know how much I love you
I decided to post a blog tribute...

Heath with Melissa and Christi
1. I love how you were the cutest little boy (just like our son)
2. I love how you are a little spoiled by your parents...and your sisters, you are the baby of the family after all

3. I love that you came along and saved me in every possible way.... from myself and from the world.
4. You showed me how to love HIM with all of my {HEART} by example and not by bossing me .... cause we both know that would never work ;)

Heath with Noah
5. I love how you always comfort me when I have nightmares.
6. I love how excited you were to start our family

Heath with Makenna
7. I love how you would always get up at night when the kids were babies and change their diaper and bring them to me to be fed.
8. I love that you are the "FUN PARENT" and how the kids look forward to your days off.

9. I love how you still call me your "smokin hot wife" even though I couldn't get my knee into those size 2 pants that used to swallow me whole
10. I love how you still aren't sure about what you want to be when you grow up

11. I love that we are BEST FRIENDS
12. I love how even after 11 years of marriage we still stay up until the wee hours of the morning talking

13. I love that you will load the kids up in the car and drive over an hour just so I can get pictures of us in the bluebonnets.
14. I love that you are not afraid to tell me when I am wrong.

15. I love how you think THIS is your sexy face ..... and how when I want to take your picture you ask if i want to see your "sexy face"
16. I love how silly you are, you constantly have me CRACKING UP
17. I love that you love THE OFFICE just as much as I do .... and that you aren't threatened by my innocent school girl crush on JIM

18. I love how you instantly go to a silly face everytime I point my Canon Lens at you.
19. I love that you are spontaneous. You don't need a 'to do' list to leave the house or an iteneary on vacation.
20. I love that you help me by doing the laundry

21. I love that you LOVE our FAMILY and WORK HARD for us every single day 22. I love that you will take me to see a 'chick flick' even when you would rather see a 'shoot em up bang bang' guy movie.

23. I love that you love me so deeply even though I have done nothing to deserve it
24. I love how you defend my honor just like the Karate Kid (well except for the violence ... you aren't one for violence ...unless it is absolutely necessary)
25. I love that you support my dream of being a nurse and let me go to school full-
time even though I really need to be bringing home some $GREEN$
26. I love that you still run me bubble baths with candles

27. I love that you hold me and wipe my tears when I cry
28. I love that you let me buy scrap supplies even though I could start a store with the products I already have.
29. I love that you love JESUS and want to live your life for HIM
30. I love how you seem to get even more handsome every year.... really how is that even possible

I love you and can't imagine my life without you!
Happy Birthday Babe

Thursday

2009-01-15T21:14:00.004-06:00

1-15-2009

today we had a small dusting of snow -- pretty but not enough to really do anything with.

I kept the kiddos home from school today. Both have made multiple trips to the nurse's office this week. It seems they may be fighting off a cold, but are just run down in general. They spent the day in jammies on the couch or in bed and by this evening they seem to be doing much better. Makenna still has a runny nose but other than that all is well. I guess there is nothing that a little chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwhich can't cure. :) ;)

Today 1-14-09

2009-01-14T13:10:00.005-06:00

Makenna and I had cleanings/check-ups at the dentist this morning
this is the loot she left with .... :) Groucho Marx glasses, Spongebob toothpaste and a toothbrush. Best of all, NO CAVATIES!

It was fun being able to be with her by myself. We don't get to do that often but I am going to really try to spend more one on one time with her. We even went through the drive through at McDonalds for breakfast burritos, hash browns, and juice. Special Treat.

Under Construction

2009-01-13T12:27:00.003-06:00

Decided to give the blog a fresh look
so i will be "under construction" for the
next little bit :)

Thanks for your patience

_________________________________
Update: I think my redecorating is done
I added a new banner some "curtains"
feeling romantic today I guess
.... Valentine's Day is just around the corner

Oh also added new music.... some of my
favorites right now

Totally loving YOU FOUND ME by The Fray
was going to list it as #1 on the playlist
but it doesn't really go with my theme so
I added it a little further down on the list.
Be sure to check it out though.

Hope you likey :)

A Photo A Day Stamp Set

2009-01-10T12:57:00.005-06:00

this message is copied from the website .... www.scrap-room.com
"A PHOTO A DAY" Stamp Set: $18.00 please click on photo to view full image

A little bit about the features of this stamp set...
*Set of 26 Stamps
*Journaling lines stamp is a separate stamp from the journal block stamp for more journal card options. (Journal block measures 2-7/8""x3-7/8.")
*Set includes (2) different Days of the Week Labeling option stamps.
*Circle Days of the Week stamps are sized for use with a 1/2" circle punch.
*Accent stamps sized to fit journaling block for embellishing the journal cards.
*Use Staz-On Ink to stamp Days of the Week Stamp directly onto the top of the page protectors after slipping photos into the 4"x6" slotted page protectors.

To create this "Photo A Day" Album...
*Use 4"x6" slotted page protectors (which we have available for preorder below). Each 2-page weekly spread will include (12) 4"x6" slots.
*Use (1) 4"x6" slot for the "WEEK OF" title block. (Embellish a 4"x6" piece of patterned paper or cardstock any way you want to and add the "WEEK OF" information to this block. This will allow you to use different papers and embellishments each week if you want to to "mix it up" throughout the year.)
*Use (7) 4"x6" slots for (7) photos - taken one each day of the week.
*Use (4) 4"x6" slots for (7) journaling cards. (Two cards will fit side-by-side into each 4"x6" slot. One of the slots will only contain (1) journaling card, so you can embellish that block with some additional patterned paper and embellishments to add some "flair" to your page.)

If you missed out on Becky's kit and would still like to keep up with this project, you can preorder this stamp set by e-mailing us at admin@scrap-room.com with your order. (We will be adding this item to our "Specials" page shortly, but if you want to have one reserved in your name now, then feel free to send an e-mail. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the stamp set out. I don't have a definite ship date yet, but the stamps are in production now, and we are anticipating a ship date in early February.

If you are a ScrapRoom Member and we are able to ship this set with your next available shipment, then there will be not additional shipping charges. All stamp sets that are shipped separately will be charged $2.50 for shipping.

Finally, we will be hosting a "PROJECT 365 CATCH-UP PARTY" after the stamp sets have shipped out on our message board. We'll be scheduling an online crop, complete with prizes, to encourage everyone to get their albums caught up, using the new stamp set to get your journaling cards created and your pages put together! We'll announce more details when we get closer.

Domestic Goddess

2009-01-08T22:37:00.007-06:00

Made the bestest dinner tonight ...so yummy
lemon and rosemary fish
roasted asparagus with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper
Mashed potatoes (for my hubby who doesn't love all the green stuff)

Not everyone loved the asparagus (i did) but everything else was eaten up.... no leftovers at all. I also made homemade banana bread today and cleaned the house (except for the bathrooms....put that off till the weekend) Feeling like quiet the DOMESTIC GODDESS today!! Ok so maybe that is over kill but I am pretty pleased with my accomplishments today.

In other news I got my Project 365 kit today ....very exciting stuff! Also looking forward to the new stamps that TSR is going to be producing to go along with this theme. I will update my blog when we have details.

Fig Newtons

2009-01-07T16:10:00.005-06:00

Makenna on Fig Newtons

"I have always HATED those things....just the smell of them makes me want to throw up."

I guess that means more for the rest of the family ;)

Heath's Favorite Movies

2009-01-06T00:14:00.002-06:00

Just a random question I asked him tonight just cause I wanted to know
Silverado (??)
Smokey and the Bandit (I totally knew this one)
Silence of the Lambs (that one is kinda creepy)

Link to Project 365 Giveaway

2009-01-05T17:44:00.001-06:00

http://happydaisyaz.blogspot.com/2009/01/project-365-giveaway.html

I know there are several of you who weren't able to purchase the Project 365 kit from CK ..... but you are in luck .... you can follow the link above to enter to win one of the kits.