Happy New Year!

happy new years
Originally uploaded by Darwin Bell

May the new year bring happiness to all my blogging friends.

Sorry for the lack of blog posts, just enjoy my vacation from work.

Season Snowy Greetings!

Soft Christmas trees
Originally uploaded by chocolatenpoudre

Well I do hope everyone is ready for the big day.
I believe I am done. The baking done, along with the shopping & wrapping. The only thing that is missing this year, are those darn Christmas cards. I swear the time to get those done, is getting harder and harder every year. I should start them the day after Christmas, and mail them out at Easter, and then maybe I would be on time. What is sad is that there's a brand new box of card here. I guess I better put that on my 2009 improvement to-do list. At least I will have a brand new box of cards ready to go.
Now could that snow quit falling here. My goodness we have had enough, and it can quit anytime, now. Guess what? It's snowing as I type this, it's the first of the 2 new storms we are suppose to get today & tomorrow. Just lovely for that holiday travel that we get to do tomorrow. So on that last note-
I do wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas, may it be a joyous one for you and your family.

Whoa Momma!

{picture taken within the first 3 hours of storm-there was no snow prior to picture on the ground, also didn't capture the blowing winds were getting. Snowing an 1-2 inches an hour.}
We are getting hit by a big snow storm at this very moment. Guess what this means? Snow day for Moi! Yes, it's coming down that hard. When the snow started this morning at 4:20 AM we had about an inch in 20 minutes. Then it really started to come down and it's still going quite strong. This was also suppose to be my last full day of work, before the holiday vacation was to start. I can't say I mind starting that vacation a day early. LOL
Is everyone done shopping? I plan on getting done this weekend. I do have to rave about www.amazon.com I did some shopping on there Tuesday morning and they shipped (free) 2 hours later. My package arrived the next day, no kidding! Plus by shopping on there, the 2 items I ordered there, I saved $33 on my items, and with the free shipping, I was in shopping heaven.
Well thats the highlights around here. I hope to find more time to blog while I'm on vacation.

Happy Wednesday!

Hope everyone is doing well, and getting their holiday to-do lists done. There is nothing exciting from me to post about, maybe this weekend. Until then, keep safe.

I must share this with you, I think this is funny.

Snow Day

The view out my window today. Lots of yucky snow, but the good thing about it. I got a snow day from work. So I have had one nice long Thanksgiving break. Only a couple of more weeks, and it will be time for Christmas break. Of course more snow days are welcome.
Here is picture of what I have been doing this weekend. They are hand sewn bear dolls from a pattern in Elsie's class. There is one more not in the photo, it's of a bunny that I had to create for Sarah. I have to say they are fun to make, if you like to hand sew.

Okay, that's about all for now! Stay warm.

cards & more

Sorry not a proper photo set up, but I said I would show you what I have been busy doing.

The cards were from the Basic Grey "xmas" kit. I have said many times I am not a card maker so this kit was right up my alley, they were fun to put together.
At the moment I am taking an Elsie class. I have been learning lots of new fun things. Here is a camera album I made from one of her examples. It's done with perler beads. What a fun addicting product to work with. Even Sarah is having fun with them. I also made a couple of coasters with them.
I also broke into my Bazzill Stitches and made the butterfly

So there is a little peek into my creative happenings. I am now gearing up for the Tim's Xmas tag techniques. I have his stamps ready to go.

Oh no she didn't......

Oh yes, she did.... LOL I watched Twilight again, just couldn't help myself.

In other news. I am officially on vacation for the holiday break. It's a nice feeling having an extra day off this year. We have never included the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It's nice! I may do a little shopping today. I just wish I could've slept in a bit longer. I just might need a nap later.

I have a few projects to show. I will do that a bit later today. I was a bit busy this weekend creating. It's been awhile since that has happen.

O.M.G!

I have already seen Twilight! Loved It!

be back later to make a post, but I won't type about the movie. I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

Yup the "cheezy" Twilight ticker!

Twilight Warm Up!

Paramore - Decode: one of my favorite songs at the moment! I have to say this video is pretty good. A perfect warm up for the upcoming Twilight movie. We have less than a week left until the movie release.

Enjoy!

I can't wait!

For this movie to come out. 10 DAYS! Have you heard the movies music yet? It's Awesome!


Now I have been tagged. I have done this one before, but what the heck, let's do it again.
Seven Random Facts About Me” I was tagged for this one by Lea.

Rules:
Link to your Tagger and list these rules on your blog.
Share seven facts about yourself - some random, some weird.
Tag seven people at the end of your post and link their blogs.
Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

1. My favorite color is Blue
2. Kicked the smoking habit a year ago
3. I like Levi jeans
4. I have read every one of Nora Roberts books.
5. Summer is my favorite season
6. Love watching Football
7. A Making Memories Slice lives here-LOL

I will not name 7 people, but if you have read my 7 answers, you have been officially tagged.

Posting Delay - What can I say

Deck of Me - Week 38 Reflection
PP - Fancy Pants
Paint - dabber Adirondack Ranger
Butterfly Mirror - Heidi Swapp
Flower - Prima
Ribbon- Making Memories
Stamps - (inside flower - something new, can't remember, will add details when I find which one I used - letters PSX on mirror)
Ink - Staz On
Stickles - Ranger

Can you say blog neglect.. Oops! I guess I have just been too busy playing with the MM Slice. People I love this little machine, it's so fun to play around with. Oh and did I say very easy to operate. Easy!!!
I actually heard people say they didn't like this machine. Funny they didn't own it, but they didn't like it, and made sure they commented about it. I just love people who throw in their negative comment, but don't own the item their talking about. Can you say Zip It! Now let me say this, of course you don't have to like everything out here in scrappy land. But really why do you have to throw in your negativity, can't you just not say nothing?? I do think so!

Would anyone like some Girl Scout cookies? It's that time of the year. We must sell the famous GS cookies, and Sarah has been asked to sell 130 boxes, and I must say that is a lot of boxes. I believe we have gotten to 80 boxes, and time is running out. We have until Tuesday, but I think the t-shirt for a 130 boxes, might be a bit too much.

Well, maybe I will post more this week.

Please Vote Today!

Make sure you make your voice heard today!

A Video - Oh My!

Now just so you know, I did not go to makeup and hair before the shoot of this video. LOL Also this was not shot by a professional camera person. So enjoy what it is-

New Post - Coming Tomorrow

may contain a video...new toy to share!

8 long years

Today is the day the new AC DC - Black Ice cd went on sale at Walmart. It's only been 8 yrs since their last studio album, and I do have to say 8 yrs was worth the wait. I listen to the entire album the other day, and I will say, it's good AC DC music.

Talking about music, I have been spending the past couple of days downloading music. I have a couple hundred downloads to do. So I have been search through lots of music. I do think I picked a good batch of old tunes & new tunes, but I still have a lot more music to find.

Other good news, the new blade to cut chipboard, for the Cricut is out. It works pretty good. I am also waiting for the mailman to drop off my MM Slice. I got notice that they are shipping. Love new tools. Now I just need to start creating some things. I can't say I don't have supplies to do so.

My friends may you have a great week, and hopefully when I post again, I will have something creative to show.

Cally is up to another adorable giveaway http://cally-cruze.blogspot.com/2008/10/shes-maniac-its-giveaway.html

New post coming soon....

Out my Window!

The Fall colors are starting to really shine. The photo is outside my scraproom window this morning. It doesn't capture the true colors of the trees, but hey it's a picture to put on the blog today. LOL
Nothing to exciting to report, except it's the weekend and that deserves a little happy dance. Dance, Dance, Dance!
Here's a picture of the latest tool to arrive in my scraproom.

It's the Around the Blocks, Paper Gator. If you don't know what the Paper Gator is, let me tell you. It's a machine that cuts round corners, and it can cut several sheets of cardstock, cork, chipboard & more. Oh and it goes through things like a hot knife going through butter. Just another fun tool to own. Now if my MM Slice would arrive, so I can play with that too.
Well off to enjoy the weekend, it's going to be a very nice one here. I'm sure it will involve some travels, and maybe a photo op here and there.

Enjoy the weekend my Friends!

Cards from the Non-Card Maker

Hope everyone is doing well. I just thought I would share a couple of cards I made. I don't make cards, and when and if I do, it is rare.

Nothing too exciting here. We did get another LSS, good news, there! The new owner use to work for the school system, so we kinda know each other, and she knows a family member of mine, so we had a little chat about that. She has an adorable store, I love adorable stores. I did some birthday shopping, before my birthday there, and then my daughter did some birthday shopping for me, there. Lots of cute product selection. Plus, I must say now, I have lots of shopping options. I love when I can support this hobby. Okay, the fact is I love to shop and with my online options and my local options, I am pretty well set. I believe someday we could actually become scrapbook capital...LOL Hey you should always think positive!

Before I go for now, I am going to give Kid Rock's new video Roll On lots of good raves! If you get a chance to see it, you are going to get a real peek of Detroit. Also, his last video was filmed up at Torch Lake, which is a great place to vacation at. Check out www.vh1.com
I must add David Cook's new single "Light On" is kick butt, and a must listen to release.

Ooh pretty purple!

Isn't it pretty? It's my birthday present from Don. It's the brand new I-Pod Nano, and let me tell you it kicks butt, plus it's pretty purple. I really debated between the new green color or this one. Since this the season for purple, I went with the purple one. I like!

Other then that I actually made a couple of cards on Saturday, and I don't even make cards, but I have to admit it was a bit fun to do so. I might share them in another post.

Hope all is well with everyone, can't be better here, life is good!

Birthday Cake Anyone?

Simple Sweet 16
Originally uploaded by fantasy cakes

Ok, this is not my cake, or am I turning sixteen. But I will be celebrating another birthday this weekend. I love when a birthday lands on a weekend, you can enjoy it a bit better, then during the work week.

Cake Time!

The Car and a little Sawdust

A little peek of the new car.

Now I would like to tell you about this woman

meet Nora, she is a local author here in Hemlock, she has a book called "from scratch". Today was our little town's celebration Hemlock Sawdust Day, and Nora was signing copies of her book. The photo you see is her signing my copy of her book. Nora is 87 yrs old, and has been making bread for 51 yrs. I feel pretty honored to have met this woman, and have a personal copy of her book.
Yes our town celebration has a parade, and yup you would see a tractor in the parade, but look at the driver, he's so cute. We even have local tractor pulls on this day.


Or you can head over to the park, like we did and visit the Farmer's market, the classic car show, vendors of all kinds of goodies, lots of food vendors, or listen to the band playing classic country music, or a polka(you know they were dancing to those).
A Good Day!

rain, haircut, new wheels

It's raining, been raining all weekend. Now it's enough and needs to stop, or someone needs to call Noah, and tell him, he has another gig.

Yes, I need a haircut, before it reaches my waist. I swear one minute you find someone who final cuts it the way you like it, then after awhile, you need to find another person to cut it. Just one of those things that is on the list to get done.

Final, my new car is in the driveway. {insert picture here} I am now officially an owner of a Chevy Impala. The car has actually been here since Wednesday, but I just haven't had a chance to take a picture of it yet. Plus it will need to go back to the dealership to have it's rear spoiler put on. They had to order it and when it gets here it will need to be painted. So I guess I'll wait until it has that on, before I take a picture. But I can tell you seating in it's leather seats is like sitting in butter. Or as Sarah would say "it's like sitting on a marshmallow."

Well tomorrow is Monday, the start of another work week. Everyone enjoy your week!

Brady and an Impala

Huh?
I'm sure that is what you are thinking after reading that title. Well not much to chat about at the moment, because my days are filled with work, and new car searching, at the moment. Both have been such a pain.
These new cars that they are making are something else, and I don't believe I am saying that in a good way. The big problem I am having is, that I do not want a V8 engine with rear wheel drive on the vehicle that I will be driving. I must not forget to mention that they are no longer making the Grand Prix. This put a big wrench in the new car shopping. I had pre-planned that I was going to buy another one of these cars, because my Grand Prix has been such a great car. I really think I had a tear in my eye when I heard this news from the salesman. (no kidding) Well since 2008 was the last year for this model of car, the salesman did a search for me to see if he could find a Grand Prix like I wanted, we had no luck. Now that Pontinac doesn't have a car I like, this sent me looking else where. Well I looked at the Dodge Charger, very sweet car, but the sport package I want has the word DUB written on the leather seats. I'm sorry that doesn't impress me any. The one that doesn't have that written on the leather seats, has a V8 and rear wheel drive. Hello someone please check gas prices for me, today's gas price was $3.94, and no one is paying my gas bill, but my pocketbook, also Michigan just happens to have Winter, I need my front wheel drive. So to make this story a bit shorter, and after test driving many different type of vehicles. It's looking like it might be the Chevy Impala LTZ that I ended up buying. It's the only mid-size car with a V6 3.9 engine, fully loaded & leather seats sport package, with front wheel drive that I like. I have to say I do love that it has a BOSE in it. You know I love my music, and I like it to sound good. Don will be heading back tomorrow morning and work the paper work and see if this is the one we will bring home. I have a funny feeling this is the one.
Ok, did anyone else see the Patriots game this past Sunday? OMG!
Then you seen this, and you just knew it wasn't going to be good news.

My man Tom Brady is out for the whole season with a torn ACL (bad knee injury). I am just sadden, who am I going to cheer for now, the Lions... yeah right! LOL No Dawn no cheese either. hee hee Ok I need to sign off for now, and my friends I will blog hop soon.

Jimmy Cricket!

Jimmy Cricket
Originally uploaded by wonderful_world_of_Hilary

You might be asking why a photo of Jimmy Cricket. Well I have a cricket story to share with you. The other night I went to put a load of clothes in the washer. This is something I do pretty much everyday, so I don't have ton of laundry to do. So I go and open the lid to the washer, and lo & behold, there is this big huge black field cricket in my washer. Yikes! First, thing that comes to mind, is how the heck does a cricket get inside a closed washer, and second I must get this critter out of my washer (insert Don was at work). Since I am such an expert at capturing crickets, NOT! I go and get a paper towel and make the attempt to capture him that why. Let's just say the first 3 attempts were unsuccessful, with the result of an escape. Yes, you read that correct. I have a cricket escapee in my house. Guess what? Crickets aren't quiet. LOL This one is singing his darn head off, and believe me a cricket in the house, is a lot louder then one outside. I think I need a professional to get this bugger out of my house. hee hee

Well I made it through the first week of work. Just let me say it's going to be a long school season. I would also like to send out a "stay safe" to all my Florida and East Coast friends. These hurricanes/tropical storms look quite nasty. Stay Safe!

creative moment?

Could it be? Did I actually work in my scraproom? Yes I did! Here are a couple of the atc's I made. I have a couple more, but didn't upload them for this post. I believe if you right click on the image, you can open it up for a better view of the cards.


(1) friends - paper-(new)Bo Bunny; stamp-catslife press; stickers-7 Gypsies; stickles-Ranger
(2) just because - paper-(new)Bo Bunny; butterfly-Cuttlebug die cut/embossing folder; gold pen-Fiskars gel pen; flocking-We Are Memory Keepers
(3) dead end- stamp-Stamper's Anonymous (Tim Holtz collection); grungeboard-Tim Holtz idea-ology; color wash, embossing powder, embossing inks-Adirondack by Ranger
(4) time- stickers - 7 Gypsies

Final week of Summer Vacation

I have two things to say about that title.
First it went by way to fast, and I mean way too fast. Second is a new car worth going back to work? That is what Don put on the table. I go back to work and I get a new car, or I can retire and keep my car that I have at the moment, which I love. Oh I will go back to work, just not sure what my true decision will be. But after 20+ years, this job I have is getting really old. Well enough of that for now.
Here is what Sarah and I did on Saturday, while poor Don was at work.

Not the best photo to actually see the Tall Ship, but Sarah and I went onto two of these types of ships that were docked in Bay City, MI. Allowing visitors to aboard and get a good view of what it's like to be on this kind of boat. It was fun! Sarah and I enjoyed going aboard, but felt bad that Don couldn't be there with us.

Captain Sarah!

Long Time

Since I drove a go-cart or played putt-putt golf, but that's what we did yesterday. I have to say it was a lot of fun, and since I won a free game of putt-putt, we will probably take another trip there soon. The girls enjoyed a ride in the water bumper boats, the rest of us avoid those, knowing that you would not come out dry. We were quite right about that one, the girls were soaked, of course they chased each other around and aimed their squirters are each other.

After the fun time at Komoko's, the party of 10 headed to Friday's for dinner. The food was awesome and our waitress was really nice, but boy was the waiting for the food to arrive very slow. As you can see my niece Amanda with the sunglasses on, was something we were doing to pass the time, those are actually Samantha's sunglasses, and we kinda took turns wearing them. But I am taking the picture of Amanda to put on the blog, because this is my niece that is heading to College in a couple of days, so it won't be until Christmas when we will get to see her again.

It was a good day! Sad to think that Summer is coming to end so soon. I don't think I am done having fun yet.

Renaissance Festival + Fishing Day

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our weekend - I have to say it was perfect weather, usually when we go to the Renaissance Festival it is usually way to hot, but it ended up being a very nice day. As like anytime you go to the Ren. Fest. you see some interesting things. So I am sharing you with you just a tad of my photos that were taken. (Shocking..I know, I took photos)
I do have to clear up one thing, about me. I do like to go on rides, just not the ones at a local carnivals(aka fairs). Take me to Michigan Adventure or Cedar Point, and I will go on any of the rides there. Call me a daredevil. LOL As you can see from the photos we did a little fishing. Okay I didn't fish. I had a nice comfy chair and caught some sun rays. Sarah was the one who wanted to go fishing, and she was well equip with her snoopy fishing pool. She did manage to catch a little fish. Don't worry no harm came to the fish. The fish was returned back to the water.
Someday, I may post some crafting. I did play with some Cuttlebug dies last night, does that count? LOL
Finally, tonight the new season for The Hills start, cannot wait to see this seasons drama.

More Summer Adventures

There are two things I would careless if I ever attend. First it would be a circus, and second would be a Fair. Now if you live in Michigan like I do, the Summer is full of Festivals & Fairs. Also if you have kids and live in Michigan, attending one of these events is unavoidable. You will get sucked in!

Thank goodness the oldest child can take youngest child on these rides. Now I did find the face of this ride interesting

Ok the oldest has her arms up, but you cannot see the youngest, maybe that would be because she is hiding so hard in that seat. Poor Samantha looks like she is riding solo. After the Fair we visited the Tridge. I prefer this to a Fair any day. (please click on photos to see larger photos)

The Tridge is a bridge that has 3 cross overs to different parks. People go here to ride bikes, run, skateboard, splash park, baseball, and fish in the river. It's really an interesting and pretty place to visit. The statue you are seeing in the picture, is called Couples. I love they are set up to view the Tridge. Gosh can you believe I actually had a camera with me and took pictures. I believe we are going somewhere this weekend. I'm just not sure exactly where this road trip will take us.
On a different note. I am now finished with the Twilight series. Wow, was that a lot of reading. I enjoy the stories, and believe they are a great read for teenagers. I do plan on seeing the movie when it comes out in December, the trailers for the movie look really good.

vacation slide show

fun times

Is what we are having right now. This is also the reason why my blog is kinda of post "less", at the moment. But I thought I would share this photo with you, and will share more when, the week is done. At least I can say that, I actually used my camera on this trip. LOL
(photo - we had just stopped in Harbor Beach for some ice cream.)
chat soon - take care everyone!

The Plane has Landed!

The excitement today is my BIL from New York has arrived. It's that time of the Summer, when he makes his annual visit. This happens to be his second visit this year, the first was in June, when he came here for our nephew's graduation party, which also was involved Sarah's birthday, this photo is of her and her "uncle spider pig", yes that is the sweet name she has for her uncle, which came about when he was here for a visit, and they went to see "The Simpson" movie. She adores her Uncle!
I'm not quite sure what this year adventures going to be, but I'm sure we will be heading somewhere. We always do when he is here. I guess I better get the camera ready.
Have a Great Weekend everyone!

We have a Winner!

First, I would like to say Thank You to everyone that entered and posted a message on their blog. I had fun visiting your blogs! I also want to let everyone know, that I will be doing another giveaway toward the end of August. This is something,I am going to try doing, once a month, this was fun. Ok let's get to the winner - drawn in my lucky Ryan Newman autographed hat.


The winner of the MM Giveaway - Congratulations to -
Jeanne said...

Told you I'd be here. And I put it in my blog today(which happens to be Sky Watch Friday so lots of visitors) Mmwwaaaahhhhhh

7/24/2008 7:17 PM

But let's not stop there, I think I will give two more RAK's away -

Wendy said...

I would love this little collection of things. I am posting today. Thanks

7/29/2008 1:57 PM

AND

scrapshe said...

Wowsers, I just saw this on Fiskateers and enjoyed seeing all the stuff you won. I am in love with the SLice and can't wait for it to come out. I have posted on my blog and your lucky wins. http://scrapshe.wordpress.com/

Ok, I need all the winners to email me at Macbeth423@aol.com - as soon as I get your mailing info, I will have these out.
Thank you again, Everyone!