Sept 25th

just realized I haven't posted in a while
not a lot going on the kids were sick last week
Noah had strep and I guess Makenna had some little stomach bug

I haven't been feeling well for a couple of weeks my neck was tender and honestly I just thought my lymph nodes were a little swollen - maybe I was trying to come down with something -- and with the hours I have been keeping trying to stay on top of all of my school work it would make sense that it would all contribute to my immune system being compromised.

Anyway two weeks later my neck still hurts and I have been getting a lot of headaches as well - so I decided to go to the dr. today maybe she would put me on some antibiotics or something?

She found a nodule :(

Could be nothing at all - she gave me some meds and we are going to look at it again next week to see if it has gone down - if not I will go to an ENT and have it biopsied - she debated on sending me on over there but I REALLY HATED those biopsies so I would rather wait a week and see - I am praying there is no need for it

in good news though - my mom is coming to visit tomorrow - she had her birthday on Monday so this will be a little belated b-day celebration. Should be fun. The kids will be in school so I will have her all to myself :)

Kim- we love you and will miss you

On the way to take the kids to school this morning I heard a song on the radio by Jeremy Camp titled There will be a Day. I couldn't help but think of Kim and her entire family. I pray that God will bring them peace and be with them during this time of sorrow.

I wanted to add the song or a video but I couldn't figure it out so here is a link for now

Sad day today

So hurricane Ike made it's way through Houston. Most everyone we know evacuated except for a handful. The power is still out in the area where our house is and the schools are closed until at least Thurs. of next week. They are estimating that the power will be out for 2 to 4 weeks. Our prayers go out to all those that this massive hurricane has effected.

As scary as the hurricane was, it isn't the cause of our saddness today. We found out after church that Kim (my husbands cousin) passed away in her sleep today. She was so young, only 31, just a few years older than we are. She left behind a little boy who is 5. She will be greatly missed. We love you Kim.

it's been ONE YEAR

It has been one year

http://shawnnas.blogspot.com/2007/09/perspective-on-sale-for-1015-september.html

It doesn't seem like it has been that long. 1 year is a long time ..... it feels more like a few months ... 6 tops. I am sure this has a lot to do with my current health stuff. Still not up to par. Still having my medicine switched up a lot, and everytime they change it I end up feeling like I was hit by a MAC TRUCK for a good 2 weeks if not longer. I guess I thought I would be back to "normal" by now. Even though I am not there yet I am excited by the fact that I am still cancer free - haven't had any reoccurances. Such a blessing!

When I think about all that we went through with the cancer stuff. I am reminded that no matter what - GOD will PROVIDE - it doesn't always come in the package you expected - people you thought you could count on aren't always there - but GOD works it out - and it was so amazing to have friends who stepped in and helped us out - I never would have imagined that they would be willing to do so much

I am still amazed when I set back and think about it.

Guest Designer for The Scrap-Room

a few more creations to share. See post below for more info.

Guest Designer for The Scrap-Room

I am super stoked to have been asked to be the guest designer for TSR http://www.scrap-room.com/ this month. It was so fun getting to work with all the fun kits. Here are some of my creations. Also you can go here www.scrap-room.com/ideas.htm to see all of the Design Team Creations.

JUST FINE

Most of you who know me, know that I have a very eclectic taste in music. One minute I am rockin' out to Kutless and the next I may be bobbin my head to Mary J. Blige -- the latter is the case right now

I love her song JUST FINE
It is so positive and uplifting
I can't help but feel so grateful for my life everytime I hear it
seems crazy because it isn't a worship song ... it isn't even a christian song
I guess that just shows that you can get what you want out of music (and life)
you can choose to focus on the POSITIVE -- or the negative

I don't have it all figured out ...... my life isn't perfect....... the death of my son ..... my battle with cancer.... and the fact that the chance of reoccurence is so high ..... the struggles I am having with weight and just general health issues ....... just everyday trials and struggles can sometimes hang over my head like a dark cloud but every time I hear this song I am reminded that I have to appreciate this wonderful life I have. God has blessed me TREMENDOUSLY. And everything I have made it through is only because of HIM and HIS GLORY.

So here is to smiling and praising God .....whether in rain or sunshine.

CKC TULSA

I had the pleasure of attending this convention with a good friend. We had a great time and scored some awesome product, all the while trying to keep our ice cream (free skinny cow) out of sight from a certain someone. FUN STUFF!

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!!!!