College wk 1

Yeah!!!!
i survived the first week and even pulled some pretty stellar grades on my first quizzes (89, 100, 98) who00000 hooooooo ! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

I will say though that it is actually A LOT of work and though i haven't managed to get more than 4-5 hours per sleep each night - I am so blessed to finally be in a place in my life to be accomplishing some of my dreams.

SIStv - shameless plug :)

Ok - I am not ashamed to admit -- I am not above "plugging" for a chance to WIN

that is write SIStv is having a give away but in order to win you have to advertise --

pretty smart marketing strategy if you ask me

I think this kit is SUPER COOL -- I can't wait to get it -in all of it's glory- into my little hands

From the Tim Holtz numbers to the Maya Road clear ribbon - It is FABULOUS - who wouldn't want to win. This kit is Available For PreOrder Until 8.24.08 at http://sistvboutique.com/ and if you spend $50 you can Get A $10 Gift Card! Isn't that Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

First day of actual college classes

ok so this is the second time around for me but it has been so so so long ago --
I have to admit I was so nervous -- I felt like I was going to throw up -- was I wearing something COOL enough ....... is cool still a good word to use???? Was I going to be the oldest person in the class.

So once I arrived I realized there really wasn't anything to be nervous about ..... it was pretty much the same as I had left it over nine years ago. And in all honesty i was probably a little OVER DRESSED -- considering many of my peers were in short shorts and flipflops. But most importantly NO i wasn't the oldest person in the class.

Poor GUY -- tooth woes

Today the 3rd day of school (about 10:30ish) Heath got a call from the school nurse saying that Noah broke part of his tooth off in PE class- and did we want to come and pick him up -- I asked to speak to Noah and I could tell he was trying not to cry so I asked "Do you want me to come get you" so he could just say yes or no - with out having to sound like a baby in front of the nurse and other students in the office. He is starting to be concerned about those things. Anyway he said yes and Heath went after him - while I phoned the dentist. The dentist said to put the piece of tooth in milk and bring him in immediately. Heath brought Noah to me and I drove him to the dentist -- Poor Guy -- It was a HUGE chunk of his tooth - i would say almost half of it was gone -- (well not gone but in the cup with milk) I can't even believe the nurse even gave us the option of letting him stay at school - it almost seemed as if she was just letting us know what happened and was going to send him back to class. CRAZY!

So at the dentist they did x-rays to see if the nerve was exposed. It looked kind of iffy the dentist was showing me the images so that I knew what he was talking about -- Noah was saying it didn't hurt but when the dentist went to touch the tooth he flinched -- anyway the dentist said it looked a little fleshy but he wasn't sure if the nerve was exposed or not so he just bonded it all back together and we will just have to watch him -- The dentist said there is about a 50/50 chance of having to have a root canal ----- OUCH --

so my poor little guy is camping out with me today
and I will never look at a glass of milk the same again

1st Day of School

Today was the kids first day of school
a BRAND NEW school -- it is actually still being finished
the playground isn't finished and either is the cafeteria
it didn't seem to bother them - they had a great day

I will say I was worried when I found out that they were
being transferred to the new school -- after all they had only
been at the previous school for the end of the school year (April-May)

Thankfully they seem to be making new friends and getting along
just fine. Kids are so resilient. I am so grateful.

my little kenna

posting this pic for a friend :)

busy busy busy

seems like it has been a little while since i last posted

lots going on here

we had a very sick nephew - he is home now and doing much better

the kids came home a little earlier than expected -- I was thrilled to have them home - lots of fun

we have already purchased all their school supplies - still need a few clothing items but they have enough to get started

The kids and I both will be returning to school in the next week -- I am so ExCiTed -- I put my college on hold when we had our second child and that was over 8 years ago -- so i have waited patiently for so long -- NOW IS THE TIME -- it is going to be a little tough financially -- I have had to scale back on working (only going to be working one weekend a month) so that will be less income coming in and more money going out for tuition ---- But I am tired of waiting for the "perfect" time to go - this is my dream - I don't know if the conditions would ever be PERFECT. ya know what I mean???

so exciting stuff around the bend!!!!

Bloggin from KS

so here i am - at E's - having a blast - scrapping - participating in the online crop at www.scrap-room.com GOOD TIMES i tell ya
my last hooray of the summer
my kiddos are finally returning next weekend
and I have decided to NEVER let them leave my sight AGAIN
I intend to smoother them in hugs and kisses as they try their best to squirm out of my death grip.

Keairra

Finally getting around to posting some pics of my little niece. Who is doing FABULOUS by the way - today she was moved to the isolete and tomorrow my brother is supposed to get to hold her for the first time. She is such a little miracle.

• My brother was talking to her and she was smiling in her sleep
• This one is so you can see how tiny she is compared to my brothers hand
• Sleeping so sweetly
• Her Birthday 7/15/08

Where did the month go

looks like i have been slacking on my blog again.....
The kids are still at the in-laws and I have been filling my days with loads of fun.
I have read 2 whole books (almost anyway still have about 30 pages on the 2nd one)

and I have been working on the bible study I received from a dear friend. I work on it diligently for a few weeks then set it aside then I go back to it only to start from the very beginning again. So needless to say I haven't made it very far but each time I REread it I am learning more. Thanks Ash..

I have of course been working A TON -- even had some overtime on a few paychecks

Went to the college and enrolled in school.... shortly after i UNenrolled (is that even a word? who knows?) Heath and I decided I will start back to school next semester in January. I can't wait!!! I feel like I have waited my whole life to become a nurse. Well in all honesty I had hoped to become a pediatrician but then I married and had kids. Nursing suits me better anyhow ;)

We went to Houston to visit the kiddos last week -- they are so tan .... they look like cooked pinto beans. I got a huge chuckle out of it. They are both swimming so well now. They could swim before but they now have a confidence about them.

Unfortunately on the first day of our visit we found out that Heath's cousin Shirley passed away. She was a wonderful woman. We stayed with her and her husband when we first moved to Texas. I can't tell you the number of nights we stayed up talking -- watching 7th Heaven reruns -- and just sharing our lives with each other. She was there for me before she even knew who I was, at the wreck. I am so thankful I took the time to tell her how much that meant to me .... How much she meant to me ... She was the most loving, caring, giving, and godly woman I have ever met. She will be missed greatly but I know we will meet again.

The day after we arrived home from Houston Johnny and Crissee had their baby. A little girl born at 30 weeks gestation. She is so tiny only 2lbs and 2oz and 15 inches long. I was able to see her in the NICU. I will add pictures when i finally get them off of my camera ;)

so that is a quick outline
what have YOU been up to this summer

A Note to my kiddos

First let me say I miss you guys SO MUCH!!

You will be happy to know that I haven't cried in 2 days.

Don't laugh, that is a huge accomplishment.

I hope you are having a lot of fun with Grandmommy and Grandad.

Have fun at Vacation Bible School this week -- soak up all the Jesus you can - and be sure to call me as soon as it is over everyday so you can tell me all about it.

love you bunches
momma

Another layout

My Weakness - Jim Halpert - The Officefrom

September to May every Thursday at 8pm

journaling reads: it's true... I [heart] Jim Halpert from NBC's show The Office. But don't worry it doesn't bother my husband at all because he doesn't BELIEVE in Jim - he says he is NOT A REAL PERSON - but I know different.

Supplies used

BazzillBasic Grey

Kaiser Craft

Post it

Colorbox Ink

Making Memories tiny alphas

thickers

Sticko stickers

7gypsies

various office supplies

piece of cardboard

Bella Bella Dancerella

Journaling reads: Makenna - Your first dance class and you look like a pro. Even Ms. Carol asked me where you were taking lessons. She was taken back when I said this was your first time except for your bella bella dancerella DVD

all product are My Mind's Eye and I through in some Bazzill Bling

did someone put a hit out on me

ok so Walgreen's tried to kill me ;P
Wrong Rx dosage
and they don't even have the right dosage
it is aparently backordered
nevermind that I waited almost a whole week
for them to feel this Rx INCORRECTLY

ok that is the end of my rant - I feel better :)
please resume your regular programming

It's A New Day

entry for Create My Keepsakes - Last Scrapper Standing Challenge - FUN!

this layout represents the trials our family faced this past year

-- I found great comfort in the song that I quoted lyrics from -- Thanks for looking :)

Journaling Reads: Photo taken 5-07 Journaling 6/08 This past year was the roughest one we have faced together. My Surgery and Cancer - You getting an new promotion and relocating in the middle of my treatment. My Radiation -- Trying to sell our house. Moving in with friends in Oklahoma just so we no longer had to be over 500 miles apart. Moving into a tiny apartment. Struggling to make two house payments - Body Scans - Bloodwork - follow up Dr. appointments.

But we made it through it all and we are stronger than ever.

[Song lyrics] "the world keeps spinning round - yesterday's gone and today is waiting on you to show your face. It might not be the prettiest thing that you'll ever see. But it's a new day. And it might not look like a beautiful sunrise but it's a new day.... Me and You in love and everythings alright. Standing in the rain w/ no where to go. Laughing and we're spinning and I hope that you REMEMBER this day for the rest of your live. ME & YOU in LOVE - everythings gonna be alright. And it just might be the prettiest thing that you'll ever see. It's A NEW DAY."

[robbie seay band]

I lifted elements from 2 of Kate O'Brien's Layouts
Just Go with It:

Lifted

the Thicker Title

used patterned paper to anchor the photo

Journaled about life

http://www.createmykeepsake.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30960&cat=859
Target Love:

lifted

the tab on the photo

used ONE photo

used black words on white paper and cut apart
http://www.createmykeepsake.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=34029&cat=859&limit=recent
Items used

Bazzill Cardstock

Making Memories Noteworthy Patterned Paper

black and Chestnut Roan Chalk Ink

Hambly birds in cage rubon

October Afternoon brown heart rub on and You & Me Rubon

Felt Thickers

Brown Paper Flower from Prima

Felt and vinyl flower from MM

Journaling tab by MM {journaling is hidden under photo}

Misc. Silver "Love" tab

Circular polka dot clip from MM

Bracket's on title came from an embellie swap

puppy love

So Gracie's puppies are 6 weeks old -- you know what that means -- time to find them new homes. :(

I must admit, if we weren't currently in an apartment

(you don't know anyone who wants to buy a house in houston do ya?)

we would have kept at least one of them.

So here is some puppy cuteness to brighten your day!

Which TV Mom are YOU??

Which TV Mom Are You?

My Result: Claire Huxtable

You are Claire Huxtable from The Cosby Show. You have high expectations for your children, just like you have high expectations for yourself. You've probably got your own life and your own career, but nothing is more fun than spending time with your family. You may be a professional woman, but you enjoy getting silly with the kids sometimes.

You want good kids, but you also want them to be successful, smart individuals who can speak their minds — as long as they do so respectfully. While you enjoy being the kind of mom that your kids can come to with a problem, you are not afraid to set them straight when they're acting badly. When it comes to discipline, you try treat your kids like adults, talking calmly and coolly. And that's ultimately why they're going to grow up with such unwavering respect for you — as both a mother and a successful person.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=tvmomogt&c=50652

Holy Spirit and Honeybuns

This story was too cute not to post so here goes

Makenna was supposed to eat breakfast at school - they were scheduled to have Cereal, whole wheat toast, and milk. She decided for some reason to eat a honeybun at home but declared she still wanted to eat breakfast at school too -- I didn't mind because that honeybun had no nutrional value anyway.

When I picked her up in the carpool line she was upset --
Makenna: Are you sure they were supposed to have cereal today?
Me: Yes honey - that is what was on the menu.
Makenna: Well it is a good thing that I ate that honeybun because they DIDN'T have cereal they had muffins with raisins - And you KNOW I don't like those.
Me: Yes I guess it IS good
Makenna: I don't know why I even wanted a honeybun
then Noah chimed in
Noah: Makenna that was the Holy Spirit looking out for you - it told you to eat the honeybun - God knows the future you know -- so He knew they weren't have cereal today -- He knows EVERYTHING

Whistle While you Work

Haven't blogged in a while - been busy working
Started a part-time gig with a nearby Scrapbook Store
LOVE IT THERE - love being so close to all those lovely
products everyday - it is so inspiring -- ALL THE BAZZILL
arranged by color is probably my favorite thing - all those fun
colors just make my heart happy -- it is the simple things right :D

Puppy Alert continued (6-9 five days old)

PUPPY ALERT (1-5 five days old)

GRACIE HAD PUPPIES

My Gracie Girl had puppies today!!!!

Moved and Getting Settled

We have moved in to our apartment. Unpacked everything in 8 days - wouldn't usually take that long but I had to seperate some stuff for STORAGE and also getting ready to have a garage sale so that stuff all had to be sorted.

So far I am liking the apartment - it is a little cramped but I vacuumed and swept the whole thing today in about 15 minutes - GOTTA LUV THAT -- I think the kids are beginning to feel the squeeze of sharing a room -- Had to break up a few fights over who didn't do their share of CLEANING.

Can't wait for summer -- I think the kids will love being able to just walk to the pool

Started working at the Local Scrapbook Store (LSS) yesterday - actually it really isn't "local" to me as I have to drive a bit to get there but I love the owners and I it is going to be SUPER FUN -- I worked there for a little while when we lived in Owasso a few years ago. They have a great store and I love the VIBE.

Heading North Soon

We will be heading back to Oklahoma this week (Wednesday)
Looking forward to getting the keys to our apartment on Thursday.
The movers will arrive with our stuff on Friday.

Even though we will move into a small apartment, we are looking forward to all being together under the same roof again! And I plan to take full advantage of all the perks of apartment living -- POOL and GYM and best of all NO YARD WORK or MAINTENANCE

AND IT's GOOD

I know it isn't football season but I thought it was a fun title
and can't you just picture me holding up my arms like a football ref
IT IS GOOD
Got my scan results and everything looks good

still working on getting my levels regulated but in the big scheme of things I am feeling so so VERY BLESSED

3/25

Doctor said they still don't have my scan results - he said he would contact me tomorrow


dooo dooo do do dooo dooo doo
do
do do
do
do do do
(that was supposed to be the jeopardy music)

So what should a girl do while she is waiting for UBER important news????
who knows but I am thinking I should surf the net
watch some shows I DVR'ed
and then ... maybe ... I will balance my checkbook

ok who am i kidding -- it will be too late to tackle that last one
i will put it off till tomorrow :D

3/24 crazy drama ... but what did you expect

We made it here safely a week and a half ago and we are STILL HERE

we have had several hiccups in our planned mini "VACATION".

Right before we left a gentleman wanted to rent our house - we didn't think much of it at first but he was very persistant so we met with him here in houston and decided we would rent it to him -- at the last minute (paperwork in hand) he tells us there is another house he is interested in that is closer to his exwife (he is a police officer here and he and his wife have recently divorced but share custody of their 2 children)anyway he didn't think the owners of the other house were willing to take it off the market for the year so he didn't think it would work out - he said he would let us know in two days

He ended up getting the other house and at this point we hadn't packed a single thing - because if he was going to rent it we would have the relocation company send out the movers (which is paid for by dh's company) with the $$ from the rent we would have just paid for an extra storage building to hold the stuff that won't fit into our apartment

so now we were trying to pack in a flash only to find out that all the things we needed like CLOTHES BEDS COUCH LOVESEAT TABLE wouldn't fit in the trailor we had hauled all the way to houston (the one we had to borrow my moms gas guzzling yukon to pull to houston AGAINST the wind ) so once everything was loaded we had no room for our table / any office stuff / or coffee table / or my scrap stuff

-- THAT WAS THE KICKER --

I thought i was going to break down at the point we ended up deciding to unload all the stuff in the living room -- and call the relocation company anyway -- SO we packed all that stuff for NOTHING

all this and i didn't even mention the medical drama

first it started off with the dr. office they didn't order enough thyrogen serum -- so i was only give 2 injections instead of 3 ??? not sure if it make a difference but it stinks when people drop the ball -- then on the day i was supposed to have the scan I get to the hospital (at crack 30 in the morning - and yall know i am NOT a morning person) and they take me back to nuclear medicine only to find out that they had me down for the WRONG scan -- i needed a whole body scan and they had me down for a whole body BONE scan -- so then I am told I will have to come back later that afternoon to take the radioactive iodine and I will have to stay in houston another day and a half to have the scan i planned the "vacation" around --- UGGGGH -- so it wasn't huge but dh had to call his district manager and take extra time off when their store is having a HORRIBLE month (which made me feel so guilty)

anyway I go back to the hospital to get the radioactive iodine and it hasn't arrived -- apparently it was stuck in new england due to bad weather and the flight was delayed -- OMGosh -- i am really freaking at this point because we CANNOT delay this any longer (keep in mind i was still trying to pack the house at this time) all I kept thinking was DH is going to loose his job - not to mention the stress i was under just about taking the test - I think i might have slept a total of 2 hours the night before at 4:30 I finally get to take the radioactive iodine (they closed at 5)

now LUCKY ME - i can't kiss dh or anyone for that matter -- or share a bed with him -- and i was back to flushing the toilet twice (very similar restrictions as my radiation back in oct)But I was rejoicing because this meant I was that much closer to getting the FREAKIN scan over with -- which wouldn't take place for another 48 hours

so skip two days which envolved packing and then dissappointment when it didn't fit

and that brings you to SCAN DAY (Friday) Heath and I had decided to leave Houston once the scan was over that after noon - even though we wouldn't get back to Tulsa until midnight. I was supposed to start the scan as soon as i arrived but there was an emergency in ER that required the machine so i was set back about an hour - they finally take me back and start the scan which takes about 50 minutes or so after it is all finished i am asked to wait - and then a gentleman comes to talk to me about possibly having to have more pics taken and would it be possible for me to stay in town until MONDAY because they wouldn't be able to do them until then ?? now I am freakin -- thinking OMG do i have cancer again??? so anyway he says that he wants me to hang around town and he will put a rush on it and see if 2 of the dr's can look over it and he will call me within two hours -- What was i gonna say..... ummm..... OK ???

so now we are waiting and we get a call about an hour and a half later saying I CAN LEAVE ???? still a little perplexed but I will take it

but now hubby and i realize we will not arrive back in Tulsa until after 2 in the morning so we will leave SATURDAY morning -- anyway we get to talking and realize it didn't make much sense for me to go back to Tulsa when i was going to have to come back and meet the movers in a week or two - and with gas prices being as high as they are it was more cost effective to just stay

so here i am in houston -- at my in laws house (my house is still packed up) with no car and with no Dh to cuddle with at night

BUT The GOOD NEWS is I will talk to my doctor tomorrow about the results of my scan so KEEP Your Fingers crossed for me ...... I will let you guys know as soon as I do but I am expecting SUPER FAB RESULTS

March 12

We are heading to Houston for the week :D
We will be going to Houston tomorrow to visit and to pack up the essentials from our house (which still hasn't sold) We are going to be moving into an apartment soon.

I will also be doing my first full body scan since becoming cancer free in November.

We originally planned this as a VACATION trip then I found out I needed the scan - which was totally fine-- i thought it would be an in and out kind of thing -- but it turns out I will be going to the dr. 4 out of the 7 days we will be in Houston - BUMMER -- I have to get 3 days worth of injections and lab work and then the final day will be the scan - Please pray that I will get a clean bill of health and that the doctor will be able to adjust my meds so that my thyroid levels will be in the appropriate range.

We will also be packing up the things we need from our house so that we will be able to move into an apartment in April --(can you say 2 house payments OUCH) They are saying that the apartment won't be ready until April 11 but I have my fingers crossed that it may be available sooner. Please pray that God will go before us and make this as smooth of a transition as possible

we will be enrolling the kids in school after we return from Houston. They are both excited and nervous.

I will be going back to work part time to help with the apartment costs -- but it is at a LSS - the one I worked at when we lived in OK before -- SUPER EXCITED about that

LOTS of changes coming up

Thanks for your prayers

March 5

Another year has past and now my first born son would have been 12 years old. This was the first year I was able to stay focused on all the positive he brought into my life. It has taken 12 long years to get to that point. It seems sad to me, how this time of year, in the past, has brought me to such a sorrowful place - a place of deep saddness. I can't help but think of how much time I have wasted feeling sorry for myself. This year was different. I filled my day with thoughts of thankfulness. I am so thankful that I was blessed with my little boy. He changed the course of my life - put me on a new path. And though my heart still climbs into my throat when I think of how much I miss him, I can't help but smile when I remember his sweet little face.

February 1st ALREADY

I feel like days .... weeks even .... have just flown by
where is the time going ????

Our house is on the market (it was off for about 2weeks - while we searched for a new realtor) We haven't had any showings other than 4 realtors who have seen it -- but I have a great feeling about this weekend and I am excited to see God move in a MIGHTY way :D :D :D

I started a new bible study today - it was a Christmas gift from a friend - It is called
Keepers of the Home
and is based around the book
A Woman After God's Own Heart
so far it is fabulous -- There are already a ton of marks in my book and it is only day one so that is very exciting for me :D :D I am a big note taker - can't help it -

The kids are doing well -- they actually did extra school work this week so that they could have Friday OFF ;) -- I was happy for them - and happy for me a little too -- I hope to get some scrapping done tonight -- FINGERS CROSSED

p.s. Thank to all you have recently visited or revisited my blog -- I mainly write this stuff for me but it is always fun to know that others get something from it every now and again ;)

here is a small portion of my reading today that really moved me ---- it is a prayer of a China Inland Misson worker - Betty Scott Stam -- she and her husband were led through the streets of China to their execution by decapitation, while their baby lay behind in its crib. This was her daily prayer:

Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my time, my all, utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever.