Catching up

I can't believe I haven't blogged since Thursday! Not much different going on. Still looking for houses. Chris needs to start the process on getting us pre approved.... he's a slow one. We drove around yesterday for hours trying to find *the* cactus that is blooming so I could take a pic. Found one after too many hours of searching. There were many in town, but I wanted a photo without the city elements in the background.
Only 3 months until we are on our way to SC! I am so ready to leave NM. Too many spiders for one. Not fun seeing black widows around your house... scary!

Blog challenge from ally scraps:

Answer the following questions in your blog:

If you go back and change anything in your teen years, what would it be and why?
I would not have skipped school. I did fairly well, but if I would have applied myself, I could have done better.

If you could go to heaven for an hour to see a loved one, who would you pick and why?
My mom, because I miss her dearly. I would like to catch her up on my life and show her photos of Courtney.

What is one thing you can NOT do without besides your family?
No brainer.. computer/internet. I'm an addict. Sad, really.

What your dream day consist of?
SILENCE, not having to cook any meals, computer, scrapping - with all the pages turning out perfectly.

How much time do you spend on the computer per day? and you can't say "too much" really try and figure it out.
Hmm, well, on average, probably 6-8 hours. wow!

The past 24 hours

Yesterday was a whirlwind! I have been searching for information online about home loans. Also got our credit report and learned more about it. It's going to be a process to get a house, I tell ya. Thanks to Tawnya for helping us!!! Means the world to me that she is taking time for us. :) Still looking at houses online and hoping this will all get together by the first of Aug. The phone rang all day with family members and I trying to sort things out. Who can watch this animal and when will we be at the base. Are we packing ourselves or letting the movers/airforce, etc etc. ::big deep breath::
Court calls and needs me to pick her up from school. Why? I have no idea. Our answering machine was shocked my static electricity and it is broken and you can barely hear the person leaving the message. I have been looking for a new one, but I can't find one I want. So, I go pick her up. She's upset she can't find her boyfriend to say goodbye. We get home and she calls him a few hours later. The boy cracked his hip falling at school onto a big boulder!!! Poor kid! Court is a mess, crying and worrying about him. It's been a day already. At 8pm she brings her algebra homework in for help. 8pm! She had 40 problems. I had to brush up on algebra that I haven't done in oh, 15-17 years - learn it all in a couple hours while she has had 5-6 weeks to learn. She was so stressed out from her boyfriend getting hurt, she is sleeping on my desk while I try to figure out these problems. She has dyslexia, so algebra is pretty hard for her, but she could try to listen to me and try to get the problems worked. We sat here until 11:30 trying to get all 40 problems done between waking her up and me learning everything in the chapter. Whirlwind is definitely a title for yesterday. She wakes me up this morning asking for lunch money. I forgot to go to the ATM and get her money! I had all that algebra in my head I had to go to bed, lol. So, now, I have to take her lunch. I have a feeling today is going to be one of those days, too. I feel the urge to stop and get a coffee!! THis is a must for today. I'm still waiting on my new espresso machine. The BX (on base) ordered me a new one, just waiting (im)patiently for it to arrive.

Scrapbook Dreamer Blog Challenge for today:

Complete these statements:
1. My current favorite song: hmm, so many - Bad Day by Daniel Powter, probably
2. The last book I read: I can't remember
3. What I'm wearing right now: PJ's, haha
4. The last cd I bought: Kelly Clarkson
5. The last gift I bought for someone: Courtney - roses/balloons for her bday and 2 movies

SD Blog Challenge

I will update more later, just wanted to get the blog challenge done before I forget. :)

Today's Challenge:
I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Rising:: falling
2. Third:: grade
3. Disruptive:: quiet
4. Surround:: sound
5. Distant:: far
6. Suction:: cup
7. Fried:: chicken
8. Nuggets:: wendy's
9. Clip:: clop
10. San Antonio:: texas

A new home....

I know I keep going back and forth, back and forth. Where are we going to live. This is on my mind day and night. It is consuming me. After some issues yesterday, Chris and I decided (still not 100%, rofl) that we will go ahead and move to SC. We want to buy a house and live happily ever after. Anyone have any house buying tips for us? We have always lived in base housing or rented. This is a new beginning for us. Exciting, but scary. Chris will be leaving for Korea as soon as we sign the papers, it seems. ::sigh:: So, searching the internet all day for houses is my new obsession. Thankfully, Chris knows a guy in Sumter. He was in Korea with him in 1999-2000. They are pretty good friends, so he can help us with the area. Funny thing is, he is going back to Korea the same time Chris is going. They are going to different bases, though. Bummer for them. Now, to tell family. Some think we should go ahead to SC anyway. My sisters think it's a good idea. Chris' family on the other hand will not take the news very well. We need to do what is best for our family (the 3 of us). Sometimes it isn't what others want, but we can't do what others want. We have to do what is right for us. I'm excited to be moving to the east. We have been away for so long. Green grass!! ; )

I keep forgetting to post this layout I did Sunday.

Another one down

It's Monday! Another week in NM gone, woohoo! We are still undecided where we are going to live in Aug. The uncertainty is overwhelming. We are leaning toward WV at this point. Courtney would like to go home for a year. I am concerned about her mental health, so this is probably what we will do. If living near family for a year will help her cope, then I can deal with it, as well. The good and the bad. Still praying for the right thing to do, so, we will see.



Monday's Blog Challenge
With the warm weather here and lots of Spring cleaning going on - what are some of your goals of things to accomplish for the spring/summer season? These can be for anything - household, scrapping, etc.

I will be packing my house to move. I plan to clean out all the unnecessary items and purge purge purge! I need to get started. We have a truck reserved for the end of June!!!

We're Moving!

We finally know our follow on base! Shaw AFB, SC. The base is right outside Sumter, SC. We are pretty excited about this base, so this is a good thing. THis is where I figured we would go, so it's all good. It is 6 hours from our families in WV, and 2 1/2 hours from my sister/dad in NC. We will be near family, wahoo! Not like we can go see them every day, but MUCH closer than NM. Now, to figure out where to go for the year Chris is in Korea. WV or SC?????? We'll figure it out, soon, I hope. Did I mention the base is 2 hours from Myrtle Beach!!!!!!


(from scrapbook dreamer)
Here is today's challenge:
Four for Friday: List 4 things that you love/admire about your DH, DW or Significant Other. I know that it is hard to limit it down to 4 things when we all have the best spouses on the planet...so list the top 4 things!

1. He loves me and isn't afraid to show it
2. He is a very hard worker outside the home and has always taken care of his family
3. He makes me laugh, even when I don't want to, lol
4. I know he will always be there for me, in the good days and bad.

Random thoughts for today

Not much to say today

Allergies suck
My days are boring
Angel the rabbit escaped his pen while I was asleep
-do not know how long he was out of his pen???!!!
Have to clean so I can scrap all weekend
Courtney is home for the day-school is out
Treating a dogs ear infection is not fun
Thank God they hooked up our swamp cooler yesterday
Cleaned out my big sticker drawer last night
-Giving half of it away
Candles are heavenly

and the kicker...
Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?"

Another day...

April 19th Blog Challenge

What are the top 5 websites that you visit on a daily basis? What is one thing that keeps you going back to that site? (P.S. They do not have to be scrapbook related)

1. www.allyscraps.com love to chat there

2. www.scrapbookdreamer.com love to chat there, too

3. www.realtor.com We are in the process of moving and I just look....

4. www.twopeasinabucket.com Just look in the gallery

5. www.scrapsubmit.com To see if anything new has come out that I could possibly try for.

Yes, it is insanity!

Monday... Monday...
What has happened today? Not too much.
Chores: cleaned the fish tank, that's always a joy. That's all I did, but it seems like the day is gone already.
Mail: Received my "wish list" from ally scraps mb. Austin granted my wish and wowser!! He sent me lots of MM boho chic stuff!! SO excited! Thanks Austin!!!
Moving update: Not really... just that Chris is upset with his mom, so we may not be going to WV to stay afterall. Also, he called today about our follow on base. They said they do not even start on the Sept people until May! So, we have to wait a few more weeks. BUT, they did say that since we claim residence in Alaska, they will put us before anyone else (that isn't a resident) wanting to go to AK. That is actually good news. Chris wants to go back very badly. I wouldnt' mind going back, but I was also looking forward to a year back *home* in WV. Whatever happens.. it will be for the best. I have said many prayers for our next base and what we should do, so I know whatever happens is supposed to happen.

Super quick layout I did last night. I was in a very nasty mood so my creativity wasn't at it's best, lol. It's done and will not be redone is all I have to say! Didn't turn out like I was thinking.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone!

Do you ever wonder what happens in Heaven on Easter? I can just imagine the celebrations. I keep having dreams about my mom (she passed away 9 years ago), and they are just weird dreams like normal. It just makes me wonder what is going on in Heaven and what she is doing today. Easter and Christmas always make me so happy to think of the joys she is going through, the celebrations in Heaven. I miss her so much, but I know I'll see her again some day. For now, I just want to think she is having a wonderful time celebrating with Jesus.

4 for Friday

Here is today's blog challenge....4 for Friday!!!

What are 4 things that the Easter Bunny puts in your kid(s) Easter basket?

Chocolate bunny (this year it's white chocolate)
Cadbury eggs
bubble gum
reese eggs

mmmmm

Scrap Fest

I did 3 layouts today! Made up for a very sucky morning. Sometimes you have to relax. :)

They are quick and simple, but it's what is happening these days.

Crab Walk

Before Courtney learned to walk, she did NOT like to crawl on her knees, especially outside. She would only crawl on her knees if she had on long pants. She was so funny. She would do this little crawl that reminded me of a crab. I found written on the back of one of the photos "her crab walk" which brought about the title of the layout. I just realized I should journal this on the layout - will add it now.

Click to enlarge

Newest LO

Here is my latest layout :)
Courtney at 1 1/2. She was so darn sweet at that age. ::sigh::

Going to scrap tonight, too. I'll post them tomorrow, with hopefully a longer entry, too.

long monday

I haven't done a thing all day, but the day is almost over! It's almost time for dinner. Today was very nonproductive to say the least. We did get the Jeep from the shop today, but it's still not fixed. I swear, I'm ready to scream. There is something wrong with the driver's side mirror. The memory feature will not work for each driver's settings. Aggrivating. They did offer Chris a good deal on a new one.... ummmm.. no thanks! This one isn't even paid off yet. I was getting rather happy with the idea that we only have 1 1/2 years left to pay on this one. Car payments are just too much. Would like to go a few years without one.
Oh, and you know how my espresso maker is burning my coffee? According to the manufacturer, this is normal!! So, burnt coffee it is. If we can return this one, we will. Have to find the receipt. I can't believe they said this is normal. Who enjoys burnt coffee? I can see strong, since it IS an espresso machine, but burnt?? ::insert big scream::
I plan to scrap this evening. We shall see if I do.......

Holy Crap!

I was sitting in bed this morning, dreading to get up, and realized.. HOLY CRAP, we only have 2 1/2 months before we move our stuff to WV!!! I have only packed 3 boxes!! It takes me a while to pack because of getting tired and also my back, but I SOOOOO need to get a move on it. I am never going to get it all done if I don't start soon. We are getting ready to go get more boxes, but I haven't packed the ones we already have! You may not see me online for a while because I will be packing! Ok.. I will be here, didn't want to scare anyone. I do have to take breaks, ya know. Ok.. off the computer to start organizing some things. Have to take the dining room table down today so we can put all the packed boxes in the dining room. These next few months are going to be chaotic!!

scrappin'

It's technically Sunday, but I'm still up at midnight! What else is new??

Couple layouts I did for a scraplift challenge at Scrapbook Dreamer. I scraplifted 2 layouts from TamiinKS. Thanks for the inspiration!!

Chris and I way back in the spring of 1990


Snow in Fairbanks Alaska, 2002


Sunday's Blog Challenge
What do you like to do for "You" time? Most of us would say scrapbooking but also include other things that you enjoy doing with your quiet time. Do you have a set time for "You" time? If so, when is it?

I'm either on the computer or scrapping. Sometimes I pop some popcorn and veg out in my bedroom watching a movie. I'm a boring one, lol.

Where it happens!

Not much going on today. Just a boring Saturday. Finally had some film developed. Below are pics of my scrap area in my scrap room. I didn't take photos of the rest of the room. The computer is in here and so are the rabbits.

SD's Saturday Blog Challenge
Show us your scrap space!!! Whether it be a corner in the dining room or an awesome scrapping room we want to see it!

Here is my space
This is my desk with the hutch closed


with the hutch open


my cabinet (The baskets on the 4th shelf have 3 compartments and I use them for loose ribbon)


book shelves and carts and ribbon rack


hanging paper file systems Top is cardstock, bottom is cardstock and pattern paper. I have more in the desk.


Now for the CUTE photos! We saw these adorable little bunnies outside the other day. These photos are for the spring photo challenge at SD.








(I took this one with my icky digital, when I get the film photos back, I'll upload it.)

SD Blog Challenge and a LO

Today's Blog Challenge
List four things you plan on accomplishing this weekend.

1. scrapping a few pages
2. calling a friend I keep forgetting to call
3. vacuum (blah)
4. laundry

Scraplift challenge at AllyScraps - I scraplifted JudgeLisa.
This is Chris' basic training photo from 1992

Blog Challenge #2 (for today)

I'm going to give you some words, you say the first thing you think of:

Color = combination
Paper = pretty
Scrapbooking = generations
Season = winter
Reality TV = boring
Salad dressing = outback steakhouse
Blog = journal
Animal = awww
Dreams = scary
Love = chris

Things that make me happy/smile

Blog Challege for April 6th
List 5-10 things that make you happy, smile, laugh...things that always put you in a good mood no matter what.

1. Kiss and/or hug from Chris (dh)
2. my bunnies being cute
3. certain cd's (billy joel, elton john, etc.)
4. looking at my scrapbook albums
5. going home to visit family (usually)
6. taking pictures
7. clean house (even better if I didn't have to do it)
8. talking with good friends
9. seeing courtney happy
10. not having to cook dinner... hahhaha

After making my list, I realized how much I enjoy when Chris comes in and kisses me goodbye every morning. Although I am asleep, just getting that first kiss from him is so special. I'm not sure if he realized this is a start to a good day for me.

Song for today - Faith Hill: This Kiss
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/f/faith-hill/52531.html

This page is for a sewing challenge. My first time sewing on a lo. My kitty princess. She is so cute in these photos. I don't remember what she was looking at, out the window, but it's just so cute!



Not much going on today. Stressed for some reason. COuld it be because we are moving soon and I have only packed 3 boxes?? More tomorrow.....

Songs of all time

Today's Blog Challenge
List any songs that have been a theme song or a song that has really hit close to home with you throughout your life. These songs can be anything from your wedding song to a song that helped you thru hard times or even good times.

Green Day: Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Bad English: When I see you smile (*our* song)
Kelly Clarkson: Where is your heart
Kelly Clarkson: You found me
Daniel Powter: Bad Day
Christina Aguilera: Beautiful
Chumbawamba - Tubthumping (I get knocked down)
Billy Joel: James
Billy Joel: Just the way you are
Jimmy Eat World: The Middle
Nickleback: Photograph
Monkees: I'll spend my life with you
Monkees: I'm a Believer
3 Doors Down: When I'm Gone
3 Doors Down: Landing in London
Elton John: Blue Eyes
Hootie and the Blowfish: I will wait

I'm sure there are more.. I'll add them as they pop into my head.

Alone *edited*

I was driving home from walmart this afternoon and a song made me realize.. I'm alone. Of course I have Chris and Courtney, and my online friends, but... I'm alone. I have no real friends. I actually did this on purpose, so I have no one to blame but myself. When we moved here, I said I was not going to try to make friends because every time I do, they stab me in the back (most, not all) and I'm tired of dealing with all the crap. Living a military life - especially living on base - can be rough on your social life. We do not party, we do not back stab our friends, we do not cheat on each other, we do not do alot of the things that it seems cool to do these days. We are just laid back people that enjoy a friend to chit chat and confide in. Is this too much to ask? Why is everyone out to get each other? I am always on high alert because I have been hurt so many times by people. So.. I walk alone.

Song of the day - Green Day: Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Blogger isn't letting me post the link to the lyrics, it's doing something crazy to my template. Look them up if you want.
http://www.azlyrics.com/g/greenday.html - scroll down to album: american idiot.
There is a naughty word in this song - but it's not played on the radio, so I didn't know it was there, lol

****edit****
Today's Blog Challenge
List your Top 10 favorite movies of all time.

(in no specific order)
1. Pretty Woman
2. Sixteen Candles
3. Breakfast Club
4. Grease
5. The Notebook
6. Miss Congeniality
7. Hope Floats
8. City of Angels
9. Sleepless in Seattle
10. Proof of Life
11. Sweet Home Alabama
12. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
13. While You Were Sleeping
14. Monster In Law

Had to add a few more. ;)

It's Monday, get out of bed

I have been sleeping so late these days. Chris snores and wakes me up all night long. The man needs to go to a sleep clinic! I love him, but his snoring needs help. So, I slept until 10. If we didn't turn the clocks ahead, that would be 9.. so maybe it isn't SO bad. I hate this time of year, losing an hour. Those sleeping hours are precious!
So, here I sit, listening to AOL radio, wondering what I will do for the day, knowing I need to clean, not wanting to do a thing. I'm a bum....
Maybe I will clean, maybe I will scrap, maybe I will do both. Today just feels like an icky day. I need to make it a better day. Maybe I'll go get a coffee. ;)

Today's blog challenge.
List the 5 people who you are closest to...since most of us have multple children we will exclude them from the list. Also list one reason why they are so important to you or one quality that you admire about them.

Chris: he is my man! my soul mate! He makes me smile, laugh, cry, scream, etc, but I love him with all my heart.

Martha: my sister closest in age. We are 15 months apart. She has always been there for me and always will. She understands me only like a sister can.

Leslie: my sister in law. We are far apart in age, 15 years apart, but she is the sweetest and is always there for me, too. She is wise beyond her years.

Jody: My newest friend, but feels like I have known her forever. I'm so glad to have run into her. She gets me, understands my silly quirks. I am her mini me!

I can't list 5, only 4. May sound sad, but I am picky who I am close to. These 4 people I feel I can tell anything to and they will not judge me. Thanks for being there, and know I love you guys!!!

If my mom were alive, she would be on the list. I still talk to her, so maybe she should be on the list anyway. :)

Saturday, busy Saturday

Today went too fast. Didn't help that I didn't get to bed until 2am, then didn't get out of bed until 10am! Chris was catching up on the computer, so I made breakfast, started the dishes and also started a layout. He was sweet enough to offer to go the commissary for me if I would make a list. I started the list and realized it would just be easier if I went, too. So, did the grocery shopping, cleaned the fridge and kitchen, but I still have a ton of stuff to do. I decided to finish my layout instead!!!! Here are my bunnies in all their glory. I sure do love these little balls of fur!!




Song for today: GooGoo Dolls: Better Days
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/googoodolls/betterdays.html

Shades

After Courtney spilled Mt Dew on some photos, I had to reprint them. Mt Dew disloves the ink (or something) on photos printed from your computer, just an fyi! ANyway, I did a scan and print fest all evening. I enlarged a few and just zoomed in on the rest. The two in this layout were zoomed. Just a simple layout. I can't get into these photos lately and the layouts are all so simple. I started putting the title on and realized I had no "D"'s!! So, I just put a "P" upside down. Not sure how much I like it, but it's staying. Not sure I even like the layout, but it's staying, too!