Back to work...

I went back to work yesterday.  The first 4 1/2 hours was spent getting updates to procedures.  The next 1/2 hour was spent driving.  Then an hour of updates with our team. 

I spent the last hour of the day at my new school.  Yes, I'm changing schools!  Yahoo!  I've been working in the clinic at the school I am currently at for 9 years!!!  I have never spent that long in one place.  The tech at my kids' school moved to a different school leaving the position open.  It was offered to me and I jumped at the chance.  Not only does it give me a change of school, I'll have WINDOWS in my office for the first time EVER!!!  I'm so excited.  The nurse is sweet and I believe we are going to work great together AND I get a window!  I'm so going to watch me some storms!

I'm still digiscrapping.  I finished a couple challenges this week.  And I won a kit from Shell's Playground.  Yah!  First kit I've ever won.  *dances*  The page below "Worn Out" was made with that kit.

Breezy's 15th Birthday was done with parts from Scrap Matter's 3rd Birthday Celebration.  Papers by Scrapmuss, word art by Graham Like the Cracker and cluster by Stephanie.

Chaz' 2nd Christmas done with digiscrap kit by Delicious Scraps.

 

Breezy playing in the rain was done with digiscrap kit from Au coin de l'objectif. Yes it's in French. Google Chrome will translate pages written in foreign languages with the click of one spot on the options page.

Chaz' first year of basketball.  Digiscrap kit from the Surfs Up collaboration by Scraps N Pieces & the Scrappy Kat.

Breezy after playing in the rain.  Kit from Teapot Lady at DSO. Font "Love Ya Like a Sister" from dafont.com.

Chaz at his 8th Birthday Party.  Digiscrap kit by Free2Scrap (Tough Enough).

Breezy colored her hair and then spent a half hour trying to get the perfect picture to post to facebook!  LOL  Digiscrap kit from Free2Scrap (Tough Enough).

My sister at Bass Pro.  We all spent time trying on hats.  Here she was testing out the camouflage gear!  Digiscrap kit by Rebecca B and done for a contest.

Hope you enjoyed the digiscrap pages almost as much as I enjoyed making them.

It's my birthday!

And a birthday at ScrapMatters digiscrapping store too! How cool is that?

In honor of the 3rd b'day of ScrapMatters, Happy Scrap Girl has a giveaway.  Check out her giveaway and maybe pick up some amazing digiscrap stuff for your pages!

As for me, I turned 47 today.  I'd like to say I feel different but it's just another day.  I'm extremely grateful to God that I have another day to spend with my amazing children and serving Him.  Some days I don't do so very great but I know that each morning His mercies are new and my page is blank and I get to start all over again.  So I'm taking today to "start all over again."  Thank you God!

different....

I am usually in my own little word over here on my blog.  It's been nice to have visitors again.  Maybe I should post more of these layouts.  Or.... my Mom asked if she could see, maybe I should just create a blog for digi-scrapping?  No idea.  I'd have to tie it to a different email addy though.

Surgery and digiscrapping

I had surgery on my left knee yesterday.  There was a tear in the meniscus.  I'm doing well.  Not a lot of pain fortunately.  Removed the big knee brace last night.  Doctor said start bending knee as soon as possible.  So I'm bending it already.

Did a couple scrap pages last night and today.  

The first is Breezy in crazy high heels.  Kit is Glamouricious by Jabi Scraps.  Didn't it turn out cool?  I tinted the shoe pics to make them coordinate a little bit better.

The second is from Chaz' hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail.  The kit is from Saphira's World Scrapdesign and is part of the Great Outdoors Blog Train.  Word art is from Create with TLC.  She has amazing word art!

That's all for now.  :o)

Digiscrapped

Yes, I have continued to play with digi-scrap kits.  Even spent a little bit on kits that just make my mind spin with possibilities.  I heard that.  Really?  Paid for?  Yes.  And so worth it.  I'll show ya. 

This picture is from Chaz and Breezy's trip to Blue Ridge for the YMCA Christian Values Conference.  Last year's conference made a HUGE difference in their relationship for the good.  This picture was taken at the conference this year.  

The kit "A Perfect Day" was a collaboration kit and I got it at Scrap That Idea.  Isn't it marvelous?

I love these snapshot pictures of Chaz.  I was taking pictures of all the kids in the band preparing for the cd cover art and these ones just tickle me to see.

The kit is "Let's Hear It For the Boy" by Rebecca B.

My friend Debi was having a bit of trouble with her computer so we downloaded her photos from Disney to my computer until hers got fixed.  I think this is such a sweet picture of she and her husband that I had to scrap it.

This is part of the JacaBean Summer Smiles Blog Train Collabration.  This one was free! The papers I used are from Mandy of MandyCrafts.  The frame is also part of the collaboration is by Kala of The Kaleidoscope.

I actually ordered eight 12x12 pages in print from Scrapbooks Please last night.  At 99 cents apiece for matte finish 12x12's, I couldn't resist the savings.  I also ordered the picture of Debi and Dennis that I plan on framing.  Yah!

p.s. I think that's the most links I've ever placed in a blog post!

Men at Work

I finished another layout today.  This one of Chaz.  He was jumping off the wall at Fort Barrancas.  I was on the wrong side to catch the look on his face but loved the picture anyway.

The scrapbook kit is Angel Baby Scraps "Let's Hear It For the Boy!"

Fishy take 2

As I was driving to church for a teaching, I had this great idea for the little fish.  It so matches my daughter's personality.  The picture was taken at a Reimagine event earlier this year.  She was abandoned in her worship.  The place I'd like to be.

Back to School

This layout is for Create with TLC's fish challenge.  The little fish are cute and remind me of time to go back to school.  It's not so far away for us.  Kids start back up on August 22nd.

Scrapbook kit is A Perfect Day by ScrapThatIdea.

Tis been a while.....

Life has been busy as always.  Go figure. 

Working summer school.  It ends on July 22nd.  Kids head to the Blue Ridge Mountains on Saturday.  I'll have surgery on my left knee on August 3rd to fix the tear in the meniscus.  Back to work on August 19th.  It's all good.


What else have I been doing?  Learning about digital scrapbooking and downloading digital kits.  Up until last week, everything I did I've been doing with PhotoShop Elements 6, brushes, and images I have on my computer.  I'm going to learn to use kits to get more variety.

I discovered Create with TLC several days ago.  Paulette has the most fabulous word art I have seen.  I shared her site with my Mom and several friends already.  They are all excited!  Yah!

She is having a creative challenge with a "Park It" theme.  The image below is my submission.  Every image/background on it came from Create with TLC.  Thanks Paulette!

Southern Hospitality is giving away a Silhouette Digital Cutting Tool! WOW! This is the bomb-diggity! Would love one!  My spins with the possibilities.  All those vinyl designs that I would like to put on my walls! Etching glass! Designs for cards and scrapbooks.  Whoa!  

dislike

You know how Facebook has a like button?  Right now, I'd like to have a dislike button.  I'd stamp it on the forehead of my ex.

Breezy has loved her dad although he's only seen them 2 months in the last 10 years. The first year we moved back to the states, I gave her a little photo album with pictures of her dad and her.  A couple years ago, she started scrapbooking those pictures only.  Only the pictures of her and her dad.  About 3 weeks ago, she took those scrapbook pages and tacked them on the walls around her bed.  6 pages of scrapbook pages.

She's still waiting for her dad to be the knight on a white horse who cares for her.

And this week, he blew it again.  He called Sunday.  Told her he couldn't remember if her birthday was the 12th (and had missed it) or if it was the 27th (which it is).  I thought it broke her heart.

Tonight, I said something about calling her dad for Father's Day and she said "maybe I should call him a day late."  Maybe he'd get it.  Or better yet, she is at the point she'd like to forget.  Because if she forgets she can't be hurt again and again and again.  And the knight on a white horse fades.

My heart breaks for her.  She wouldn't sit with me and let me pray for her.  And even now, I think that she is in the shower crying so no one will see.

God please bring healing to my baby.

Memorial Day

For all who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice, I salute you. To those who served and remain, God bless you for your service.  For those currently serving, my eternal thanks.  I LOVE our military!

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, sisters, and beautiful girlfriends who are mothers.  May God tremendously bless you today for all you do for your own children and those around you.

Z's Divine Coffee

I was wandering around my twitter and facebook feeds and found alice.com.

One of the contests it is having is for a giveaway of Z's Divine Coffee.

I started my coffee drinking late in life.  Strange considering the Navy way of life includes coffee and when I retired I had only been drinking it for 2 years!

So anyway, I was reading the descriptions of the different coffees available in the giveaway and the Blue Velvet sounds yummy!  Who knows, I could start drinking coffee at home again!

My nephew came through his knee reconstruction with flying colors. Praise God!  

He was on a roll though with the one liners.

"Do you think they will give us a family discount?"  This is the 2nd time in 16 months he has had his ACL replaced in his knee and this time they had to fix the meniscus as well.  In January, my sister had to have a plate and 10 pins put into her ankle.

"Man, ice cream would be good."  When told it would probably curdle, he said "it will still taste like ice cream going in."

His recovery was much faster than last year and he was able to get himself into the car to go home and onto the crutches to get in the house this time without having assistance.  Last year, we had to half carry him in!

I hung out with he and my sister until a little after 7 this evening.  She made dinner for us.  It was yummy.

The ride home was nice.  I went through Gulf Shores on the way home and stopped at Books-A-Million to pick up the 4th book in the Dragon Series by Chris D'Lacey.  I've been reading the series from the school library.  I'll donate the book to the library when I finish it.

I'm glad to be home though.  My own bed.  Yah.

Anger and Bitterness

I tend to stubbornness.  God is working on me.  I've been hanging on to anger and bitterness for almost 2 years.  He's saying it's time to let it go.  I can't move forward with it.  I can't have true hope in Him with it.

God, I release this anger and bitterness that I have been carrying.  I give it to you.  I ask for your forgiveness for carrying it.  I thank you for redemption.  In Jesus name, Amen.

yah!

I have my computer back. Wait, you mean it was gone?  Alas, yes.  The wireless card went out on my laptop.  The tech at my local BBuy told me the computer would be gone a month!  I took my laptop home, downloaded everything off of it (just in case), and drove to the Spanish Fort BBuy on Saturday.  They told me it would be back in two weeks so I left it there.  It took 11 days for it to be repaired.  That includes the time for shipping, work and return.  Beats the heck out of a month!

EP had their band retreat over Spring Break.  It was nice down time.  The kitchen, living room and porch areas had been renovated and were lovely.  Even got to go on a boat ride to see nesting hawks.  Too bad the camera didn't cooperate.  Kids got plenty of work done.

ReImagine Warrington turned out great.  There were several bands, three or 4 dance/drama teams, food, manicures, haircuts, games for the kids, food and clothing giveaways.  What a joy to be part of what God is doing in our city.  I got some great shots using my camera.

I jerry-rigged my camera to get the flash to work.  The focusing takes longer as does the time it takes for the flash to recharge.  I desperately need to get a good working camera.  I'd really like to have something that I can change lenses on and use filters.

I'm having surgery on my left knee in July after summer school.  I have a small tear to my meniscus.  The pain is extreme some days and milder on others.  I just want it fixed before I don't have the option.  With our "new" healthcare nightmare, I probably won't be able to get it within 2 years.  Really sad.

Still loving our new church.  We've been there for 8 months now.  Time seems to be flying.  I love how Pastor J.P. starts the morning with "hello church, welcome to liberty."  I love that he prays for the other pastors in the area and for their services before we get started.  The visuals are still great and leave a lasting visual in my mind.

Both Chaz and Breezy had good report cards.  They both had mostly As and Bs with a couple Cs each.  I'm grateful Chaz is off probation for his scholarship.

Last summer, Chaz and Breezy went to the YMCA CVC camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Chaz was not pleased that Breezy got to go too.  But when they came back, their relationship had totally changed.  Prior to the trip, they argued or fought about stuff constantly.  They are closer now, more apt to encourage one another.  There is still a competitiveness between them athletically but otherwise, it is so much better.  Thank you Lord for growing them both.

I forgot.  I updated my graphics with a new set from Cutest Blog on the Block.  I may leave it this way for a while.  I really like these colors.

So I sit around and play with photoshop elements when my mind is busy.  It seems so strange at times.  I know I hear God.  But two days ago, I did the flowering tree branch with "Mercy" on it. And on Sunday both at small group and church, I heard about mercy.

Sanctification has been on my mind the last week or so.  Am I allowing myself to be sanctified in Christ?  Or am I fighting every step of the way because of the hurt I've felt over the last couple years?

I almost feel as if I am regressing rather than progressing.  God, I really need to get over this place.

No job.

I'm not sure if it's my resume wasn't good enough, $12 an hour was too much, or the answers to the questions I put weren't good enough.

Or maybe, I'm not supposed to leave the school until the end of the year.

I'm sure God has some idea but I don't at this point.

carts and horses

Today, I got the cart before the horse. Not the first time but probably the worse time.

I am considering a job change. I have a bit of work to do on my resume but it will be ready to submit on Friday. I'm going to apply for 2 or 3 jobs at a local university. Administrative type positions.

The benefits, pay, and working environment are good. No shelter duty either. I know several people who already work there are love it. It would give me employment over the summer as well.

My cart before the horse moment occurred when I let my supervisor know I was going to send in several applications. I've been told that was a really bad thing to do. I think I did it more out of guilt for wanting to leave before the school year is out.

I've been miserable lately. I know I work for God. His opinion is what counts. But lately, it seems there is pretty much nothing I can do that is right. I talk to almost nothing but pre-teens all day long. I don't mind doing behind the scenes work but the last year has been rough. If I screw up, go ahead and chew on me. But when I'm getting chewed for things I didn't do, I'm kind of over it. I'm tired of pre-teen attitude, pants to the knees, and a hundred other things. And I know it's not really a hundred other things but I am tired. Probably the least appreciated job I've ever done. I truly don't feel like I make any difference to anyone there. Is that such a bad feeling? Am I wrong to feel this way?

I'm also ready to go to college. I believe I've finally got it figured out. I want to study Library Science (maybe specializing in Research) with Art on the side. I wanted to be a librarian most of my childhood. I love books, libraries and everything to do with libraries.

We'll see. So if anyone is still around, please say a prayer for me. I've been told my cart before the horse moment could be costly.

Crazy as it may seem, this song comes to mind a lot when I see frost on the ground. It's an old song. It was a number one in 1974.

Country Bumpkin
Cal Smith
Words and Music by Don Wayne

He walked into the bar and parked his lanky frame upon a tall barstool
And with a long soft Southern drawl said
"I'll just have a glass of anything that's cool"
A barroom girl with hard and knowing eyes slowly looked him up and down
And she thought "I wonder how on earth
That country bumpkin found his way to town"

She said "Hello, country bumpkin"
"How's the frost out on the pumpkin?"
"I've seen some sights but, man, you're somethin'"
"Where'd ya come from, country bumpkin?"

It was just a short year later in a bed of joy-filled tears yet death-like pain
Into this wondrous world of many wonders one more wonder came
That same woman's face was wrapped up
In a raptured look of love and tenderness
As she marveled at the soft and warm and cuddly boy-child feeding at her breast

And she said "Hello, country bumpkin"
"Fresh as frost out on the pumpkin"
"I've seen some sights but, babe, you're somethin'"
"Mamma loves her country bumpkin"

Forty years of hard work later in a simple, quiet and peaceful country place
The heavy hand of time had not erased
The raptured wonder from the woman's face
She was lying on her deathbed knowing fully well her race was nearly run
But she softly smiled and looked into the sad eyes of her husband and her son

And she said "So long, country bumpkin"
"The frost is gone now from on the pumpkin"
"I've seen some sights and life's been somethin'"
"See you later, country bumpkin"

She said "So long, country bumpkin"
"The frost is gone now from on the pumpkin"
FADE
"I've seen some sights and life's been somethin'"

God is Good

The year started most interestingly. Our church participated in Awaken21, a call to a 21 day fast for our nation, world, city, families, churches. We started with a Daniel fast but had to modify it after 3 days for various reasons. It wasn't perfect but it was good. It was the first fast for Chaz and Breezy. I think there was some breakthrough for all of us.

Chaz will turn 18 this year. He still has not gotten his learner's permit but now has extra incentive. He has been given a truck. Tomorrow, the title will be signed over to me so I can get it registered and insured. Chaz will get his learner's permit next week or the week after and when he turns 18, he will get his license and start driving he and his sister to school. I will add him to the title then and eventually, he will have the title only in his name. God is so awesome. Our friends are amazing for being willing to listen to God and give him the truck. What a blessing!

My kids have changed so much over the last year. They have such a heart for God. They started in children's ministry when they were still part of children's ministry. Now they are part of a band and have a real live album. Their cd release concert was this past Sunday and it was amazing. There are 10 young people in the band and it gives new meaning to the term "big band!" LOL They are so talented. I love these kids!

WinterJam is next weekend. We all will have the day off. We're going to sit outside the Mitchell Center all day to be sure we get in. We'll have pizza delivered for lunch. Walk down the hill for bathroom breaks. Take a football and soccer ball for entertainment for the kids. It is good. The bands? Third Day, Newsong, Newboys, Tenth Avenue North, Side Walk Prophets. It is good.

Week after next, both Chaz and I will have Ortho appointments for our left knees. We'll see what happens.

Roll Tide Roll

That was a tough game to watch. I feel bad for Colt McCoy. He's done really well this year. The Freshman QB really stepped up.

But in the long run..... Roll Tide Roll.

My letter to Fujifilm:

Dear Fujifilm,

I love my FinePix S700. Since purchasing it on March 19, 2008, I have taken over 20,000 pictures. Crazy I know.

I have several friends who purchased the same camera because they loved the pictures I took with this camera. I gave my daughter the S1500 for Christmas. She wanted a camera like mine so I got her the upgrade.

If you ever need samples, I'd love to share. There are over 3000 images on Facebook from my camera.

I do have a couple of questions though. Does the S700 have a "life expectancy?" My flash no longer pops up and when the camera is focusing I can hear it.

Thank you for making such a great product.

Pondering...

I'm been thinking on the things I'd like to accomplish in 2010. Not resolutions. Resolutions are broken so often. I'm talking about goals. I have several on my mind right now.

First, I want to get into college. I did the financial aid paperwork online a couple weeks ago. I prepared my application for the local university but have not submitted it yet. There are so many questions I have and until today I didn't really know where to go. I'm going to go the university this week and see an adviser about where to start.

Second, photography. I want to continue taking hundreds of pictures. Pictures of cats and trees, birds and window frames, adults and children, whatever comes my way that looks interesting. I'd like to be paid for the time I spend taking pictures. I often feel the pictures I take aren't good enough but lately, I'm happier with what I see.

The third goes along with the second. I wish to be fluent in PhotoShop and PhotoShop Elements. All the geeky little add-ons, filters, patterns, brushes, layers, those I want to use with an artistic eye.

Fourth, is to continue something I started this year but lost focus on. I want to continue to lose weight. I need to do this for my health, for my children, and for our future. I can do this. God is bigger than what I see here. He's bigger than this addiction to food I've had for most of my life. I can do this with his help.

Which leads to the Fifth. I want to run a 5K in 2010. Run. Not walk. No set date. Just in 2010. I've walked many 5K's in the past (mostly 1990's). It's time.

Sixth, I wish to be a better influence for my children. Is all that I do helping them? Am I walking the walk or just talking the talk? In order to lead my household by example, I have to be on the right page. Not the easy page. I've spent too many years on the easy page.

Seventh, HTML/CSS. I wanna remember HTML and learn CSS. It's time to build web pages again. Or at least my own blog layout.

Lastly, but definitely not last, where do I stand when it comes to God? There are days I feel so far away. This was a year of changes for us as a family and for me personally with God. I stayed angry most of the year at God and not particularly happy with my church family. The move we made in September to a different campus did wonders for my attitude and my growth. But I want to grow closer to God. Quiet time and devotion time have to be included in my schedule to make this happen. I have time for everything else. Why do I have so much difficulty putting time for God in there?

Friends

I remember when I used to post several times a day every day. Of course, I was bi-polar/maniac depressive and angry at everyone and everything.

I was thinking about those first 2 years of blog entries yesterday as I was talking to my nurse. I can't even read those first two years worth of entries now. They are permeated with hate and anger at my ex and the world. Profanity abounded.

I am so grateful that God has cleaned up my mouth and changed the song in my heart. You realize how much you have changed when you get hurt. You go from saying "#@$%^ @##$" to saying "poop" or something else slightly less offensive. Yes, that's what I said when I hit the metal medication cart in my office. "Poop!" I actually cut my elbow and had to have help to get the coban around it to wrap it. The kids got a laugh out of it.

Chaz and Breezy are going to watch the Bama/Gator game today. Chaz is going to one household and Breezy will probably watch it with me.

I have through Facebook recently gotten in touch with a friend from Japan. She and I went through base indoctrination at Atsugi together. We hung out every day until the hubby got to Japan and then only hung out a couple times a month. She was such a great friend. She came to visit us while we lived in San Diego and then we lost contact. We have had some marvelous conversations catching up. Somehow, someway, the kids and I are going to go up and see her in Washington State. The kids will probably go visit their grandma while we are there.

Time to get around. I have got to clean the kitchen and put away some boxes so we can put up the Christmas tree. (All the shopping for the kids was done from a comfortable chair using the internet.)

Later.

Hello Hurricane....

I bought this cd for Chaz. Love it! I particularly love the song Hello Hurricane.

Oh, I've been watching the skies
They've been turning blood red
Not a doubt in my mind anymore
There's a storm up ahead

Hello hurricane
You're not enough
Hello hurricane
You can't silence my love
I've got doors and windows boarded up
All your dead end fury is not enough
You can't silence my love
Oh (my love)
Oh

Everything I have I count as loss
Everything I have is stripped away
Before I started building
I counted up these costs
There's nothing left for you to take away

Hello hurricane
You're not enough
Hello hurricane
You can't silence my love
I've got doors and windows boarded up
All your dead end fury is not enough
You can't silence my love
My love

I'm a fighter fighting for control
I'm a fighter fighting for my soul
Everything inside of me surrenders
You can't silence my love

Oh, oh, oh

Hello hurricane
You're not enough
Hello hurricane
You can't silence my love
I've got doors and windows boarded up
All your dead end fury is not enough
You can't silence my love
My love

It has been good. My Christmas shopping for Chaz and Breezy is finished. I have several gifts I want to get for friends and several I want to make. I want to make a couple brooches for friends. Not sure what materials yet but ideas are flowing.

Very long weekend began today. Tomorrow, Chaz, Breezy and I will head to Alabama for Thanksgiving. Friday we will go to my other sister's home for the Iron Bowl.

Things I forgot the other day...

Got a new laptop. It's a Toshiba and it's powerful. I just need to find the last graphic program disk to have all my graphic programs on it.

Work has been incredibly busy. Saw nearly 150 kids total in the last 2 days alone! I think last month set the all time record for visits to the clinic. Over 2000!!!!! Yikes!

Chaz and Breezy are both playing soccer. Last night's game with Chaz was nerve wracking. I cannot believe how poor the sportsmanship was and I wasn't particularly impressed with the ref either. I'm usually all for playing hard. But I'm of the opinion now that every now and again, the head of the referees should come watch a game unannounced so he/she can observe the calls being made on the field.

Spent an hour of Sunday evening at my 4th favorite place.... the ER with Chaz. We thought he broke his right thumb. Fortunately it's only sprained.

Almost time for me to go get the kids from youth. Have a marvelous Thanksgiving.

Today I am grateful for family, friends, my church, a job, a vehicle, a laptop, and the kids' Christmas shopping being done! I am grateful that God loves me no matter what.

Wow! almost 2 months without a post. I'll start with this:



It has been a good 2 months. We are still at the Foley campus. Empty Page's cd has gone off for mastering. Should everything else go as planned, they'll have a cd by the end of December! We have started pre-selling the cds.

Breezy has finished playing volleyball. For a short time she was playing nearly 5 hours of volleyball a day!!!

Chaz and Breezy are both playing soccer. They had games tonight. They are now in Panama City for a birthday party. Yah.

I am sitting here watching Star Trek and uploading cd's onto my laptop. Yes I got a new laptop. The old one has a trojan horse that I cannot get off without reformatting. I managed to save all my data fortunately. I even "skinned" the new one. It's beautimous!

It seems that twittering at 140 characters at a time has left me wordless for anything longer at the moment. How strange. Speechless on my blog.

Change has come. The kids and I officially started at our Foley campus on the 20th. It is awesome. I actually want to go to church for the first time in ages. It had reached a point that I was miserable.

And today (or rather yesterday), God reminded me that I knew in January/February that I was supposed to let go of the position I had at the church in August. When I didn't let go because I thought I had to have the income, it had to become miserable enough to let go.

I am grateful I let go. I feel like we turned the page and are in a new chapter of our lives. Thank you God for putting up with me when I'm hard headed.

In other things, we did get to go to Night of Joy. Other than the teenage D-R-A-M-A, it was a great trip. I spent most of the trip alone and it was a wonderful thing. I took over 900 pictures in EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. I need to get them modified to update my facebook page. I also have already set up our finances to pay for next years trip so that it won't be such a burden when it gets close to time to go.

Work is going well. Busy but well. I can deal with that.

Been downloading my music from iTunes lately. For the cost of an album that may have only 1 or 2 songs I like, I can get up to 10 songs that I really want. And I'm actually dropping them to disk so I can hear them in the car and at home. Yah for technology!

The following lyrics are from TobyMac's new song "City on Our Knees."

If you gotta start somewhere why not here
If you gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave

Tonight’s the night
For the sinners and the saints
Two worlds collide in a beautiful display
It’s all love tonight
When we step across the line
We can sail across the sea
To a city with one king
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

If you gotta start somewhere why not here
If you gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave

Tonight’s the night
For the sinners and the saints
Two worlds collide in a beautiful display
It’s all love tonight
When we step across the line
We can sail across the sea
To a city with one king
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh-oh-oh

Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
Tonight could last forever
Ooh
Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
As family
We’re family
Oh Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
You and me
Ya, you and me
Tonight’s the night
For the sinners and the saints
Two worlds collide
In a glorious display
Cuz its all love tonight
When we step across the line
We can sail across the sea
To a city with one king
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh oh oh
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh oh oh
If we gotta start somewhere why not here
If we gotta start sometime why not now

I once said the only way I'd leave my church is if God forced me to go somewhere else or I married.

Well, I haven't married. But I do feel as if I am being forced out. I prepared a draft of my two weeks notice resignation letter this morning. I feel like crying nearly every time I come through the door lately.

The kids and I are going to start attending one of our other campuses starting the 20th of September. They already love it at the other campus. I've never been but I'm willing to take the chance on it. Everyone I know who has attended there is very pleased. We will still be associated with our church, just a different campus.

School is back in session. Great update on the Novel H1N1 influenza. This may be the first year in over 15 years that I get a flu shot! (kids too!)

Angels Sing

I heard this song on Power 88, my favorite radio station. Angels Sing by Press Play.

You see, see in me what I can't see
Believe in me in my unbelief
Strengthen me when I'm so weak
You know I love you
And you light the corners of darkness in my life
You answer when no one can hear my
Cry for my rescue
The clouds open up and my world sees a savior

Chorus:
And you make the angels stand and sing
You make heavenly melodies
You make my life forever free
You know I love you
You know I love you
You make everything wonderful
You make each day more beautiful
You make life unbelievable
You know I love you
You know I love you

Bridge:
Angels will bow at your feet as they worship
Heavens will open the gates show their splendor
The earth starts to rumble our loved ones we welcome
Trumpets will thunder my world sees a savior.

I will start with gratitude today. I am so grateful for Chaz and Breezy being healthy and following God. I am grateful for a home, electricity, a vehicle to get to work and to church. Grateful for my church family. Grateful for books. I am thankful for a great family.

~

Chaz and Breezy went to North Carolina last week. They had an amazing time. Their friend Sethie got to go with them. One of the guys from the north campus went with them. he's the one who found out about the conference and we were blessed enough to have Chaz, Breezy, and Sethie included. Yah! Next year, Chaz will get to help plan it.

Summer school is over. No regular work until late August. Praying for grace and provision from God to make it through September on what we have. Or what He will provide.

Death. We have had several deaths at church in the last week. A friend who is a couple years younger than me and a child less than one year old. It is so sad. I have been to more funerals in the last 2 years than I have the first 43 years of my life. I don't understand.

And another thing I don't understand. We always tell people they will see their loved ones again in heaven, that they will be together again. But in Matthew 22, it says:

23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 24 "Teacher," they said, "Moses told us that if a man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him. 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died, and since he had no children, he left his wife to his brother. 26 The same thing happened to the second and third brother, right on down to the seventh. 27 Finally, the woman died. 28 Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?"

29 Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. 31 But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, 32'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'[a]? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."

33 When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.

So... then when I get to heaven I won't know my Daddy? my Grandma? my children? I don't understand.

And so there is where my mind is today.

Hero Arts Web Site and Stuff

First, Hero Arts is revealing their new web site on the 15th. They make beautiful rubber stamps and have fabulous stamping ideas! And they have a a fab blog too!

Chaz and Breezy are out of town at a conference. Actually, they're way outta town! As in outta state and several away. They got to go to a YMCA Christian Values Conference. 5 days in the Blue Ridge Mountains! I'm thinking I wanna go next year!

Summer school will be over Thursday. It's been busier since they have 4 times as many students as they have had in previous years. But I did get a little bit of crafting time. Made some lanyards to sell, a couple necklaces, 130+ tags to write on, and about 20 handmade cards using pictures I took and modified or rubber stamps. They turned out great!

I got to see the last episode of Eli Stone online today. I really enjoyed it. I'm sad that it's over and disappointed that there are no more episodes. Still not sure what to do about my general boycott of ABC.

I'm sitting in my favorite coffee shop reading blogs, facebook, listening to music and thinking I really should eat an earlier dinner tonight.

And today, I'm thankful to God for the summer work and believing He will provide the rest of the summer. I'm grateful the kids got the opportunity to go to this conference (and a friend too).

whew, long time

I know, I know. it's been a while. A long while.

Much has happened. School is out. I spent the last week of the school year in the hospital. Um yup.

I've been having really bad headaches for months. Little numbness in my hands every now and again. The last Monday in May, I tried to give blood but my blood pressure was 152/104. To say the least they wouldn't let me give. So I went ahead with the kids and went to the movies.

On Tuesday, I didn't feel right so I let my supervisor know and went to the emergency room. My B/P was 152/98 when I got there. I was having that pins and needle feeling in my left arm. The doctor had me put on a heart monitor and hooked to an iv for fluids. They pulled some blood. He seemed to think it was just my B/P until they got the blood test results back. Everything was normal except I had troponin in my blood. Troponin is only supposed to be in your blood if you have had a heart attack or are going to have a heart attack. So they admitted me to the hospital. The next day, I had a echocardiogram and a stress test. Both turned out normal and later that day they released me with no answer about the troponin levels.

On Thursday, I was getting ready for work when I had an intense pain across the center of my back. I thought geez, I really slept well to cause this much pain in my back. But the pain started getting worse, and then I started thinking women present for heart attacks in their back. I'm pretty sure I panicked because then I started feeling tightness in the chest. I dropped Chaz at school and called a friend to come and pick up Breezy from the hospital.

By the time I got to the ER, my B/P was 198/100. They pulled some blood again, started a heart monitor and iv. Again, there was troponin in my blood but everything else looked ok. I explained what was going on and they decided to send me to a local hospital via ambulance.

Off to the hospital I go. Thank goodness they don't run sirens when they transport someone like that. whew! Within 30 minutes of arriving at the hospital, the cardiologist on call had me in for a heart catheterization. Everything normal. He scheduled me for a CT scan at 5 a.m. the next morning. They slapped nitro patches on me and kept me on the heart monitor all night. Put me on blood pressure medications.

The next morning, the tech came in to take me for the CT scan. I was back in my room by 6. Then I waited. And waited and waited. The doctor never did show up. When I asked about him, I was told he hadn't made rounds of the floor yet. By the time they paged him and he returned the page, he was over 40 miles from Pensacola. He told them to release me, my tests were fine. Excuse me? Did I miss something? To say the least I was pissed.

A friend called someone at the hospital who worked there and she came to see me. They paged the doctor again. He finally called back and said he had the ER doctor write me a prescription for the blood pressure medications and that when he came to see me I was having a test done. Don't even get me started on that comment. I left the hospital over 12 hours after the CT scan with two prescriptions for the blood pressure medications. As I was being discharged, the nurse told me that my troponin levels were normal and had been since just after I arrived at the hospital the day before. Do you think maybe someone should have told me earlier?

I am grateful to God that I am ok. I'm 45 years old and now know that both my heart and lungs are in good condition. I am slowly losing weight (4 pounds already). I'm eatting better. Moving more. I thank God that I will be around for my children.

Last week, I went to a funeral for a friend's nephew. He was under 20 and had committed suicide. Wow! My heart goes out to the family for the unanswered questions left by his death. It was a tough funeral to attend. It was also the first funeral Chaz and Breezy have been to.

After the funeral, I called the kids dad to again encourage him to stay in contact with them. Let him know that they both have Facebook accounts with dozens of pictures. He told me they had trouble connecting to Facebook. (Only people I know with that particular problem.)

They have both had cell phones for 22 months and in all that time he has called 3 times total. I received an email the next day saying not to contact him any longer and if the kids wanted to talk to him that they could call.

How could you not want to keep contact with two of the most amazing kids ever? That's not just my opinion as a Mom. That is the report of everyone who works with them, mentors them, loves them. Amazing children. And I'm angry all over again at him.

So, I'm preparing a draft message to respond to him with. I'll save it. One of these days, I'll need it when they start asking questions. A friend is reviewing it with me to make sure I don't let my emotions override what needs to be said.

I also talked to that friend about what would happen if something happened to me. She told me that she and her husband had already discussed it. They would like the kids to come live with them. I talked to it with Breezy a little bit. She is good with that idea. I've not talked to Chaz about it. After we discuss it, I will be having my will prepared and select the executor of the estate.

Other than that, the last month and a half haven't been bad. I've taken a lot of pictures. I recently figured out how many I have posted on Facebook. Over 2000. One day I'd love to own a DSLR camera (with an autofocus mode too) to take better pictures. My daddy was a photographer on the side. He took beautiful pictures. My mother is a great photographer as well. This apple didn't fall too far from the tree. I'd love to take professional portrait photos, landscape, animals, whatever. Just let me take some pictures.



Saw Joshua Stevens, Steven Cochran and John Michael Montgomery in concert at the base with my sister. Incredible concert. Steven Cochran has quite the testimony. A tour in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was injured in Afghanistan and he said he woke up a month later at Bethesda. He said he was told he would never walk again. He's walking and talking and singing. God is good.

Ah, but Eli Stone was on last night. We watched. I still can't believe ABC canceled it. I'll be sending them another email. It was great!

Chaz and Breezy will be attending a youth conference at the church on Monday and Tuesday. Then Wednesday - Saturday they will be at a worship conference. They are pretty excited about it.

Today, they are spending time with friends out on the water. I thank God for the incredible mentors he has placed in their lives. People who care and show that they care.

I miss you Daddy.

geez

does it get any less busy?

School is nearly out. Only 11 1/2 more days. I will be working summer school though. I'm looking forward to it. It's at one of the best elementary schools I've ever been in!

Breezy and Chaz have been playing soccer. Chaz however is out for the rest of the season after a football injury.

Chaz tried out for wide receiver on the high school team and ended up at defensive end. On Friday, he wanted to skip since he didn't make the spring team but I wouldn't let him. During practice, he broke his left index finger.

We spent 5 hours in the emergency room on Friday night/Saturday morning. They splinted him up and gave us a referral to orthopedics. That appointment was today. He will have to have surgery on his finger. He broke the phalanx between the 1st and 2nd knuckles. The break is so close to the end of the finger that just casting it won't fix it. So on Thursday, he will go in for surgery and have pins put in his finger.

So, for the next 3-6 weeks, no sports and he won't be able to play his guitar either. He's not particularly happy with me either because I made him go to practice.

I had a long rant for this but have calmed down enough not to vent it right now. Maybe if it comes up again and is fresh then I will.

For now, keep us in your prayers.

always

this is an awesome song by Building 429. God is always with us. hard to believe sometimes but true.

I was standing in the pour raining
One dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold
When she caught my eye
Her face was torn and her eyes were filled
And then to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph
And my heart just stopped inside
She said He would have been three today
I miss his smile, I miss his face
What was I supposed to say

But I believe always always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and His promise remains
He will be with you always

He was living in a broken world dreaming of a home
His heart was barely keeping pace
When I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt
When his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears
And the anger locked inside
He's barely holding on to faith
But deliverance is on its way

'Cuz I believe always always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and His promise remains
He will be with you always

Friend I don't know where you are
And I don't know where you've been
Maybe you're fighting for your life
Or just about to throw the towel in
But if you're crying out for mercy
If there's no hope left at all
If you've given everything you've got
And you're still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on

Cuz I believe always always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and His promise remains
Always, Always
He will be with you always
He will be with you always
He will be with you

This crazy life....

Does it slow down? Seems like we are so "plugged in" that we are never still.

Spring break started yesterday. I had hoped for some down time. Not to be. Between band (EP) practices, soccer practices, volleyball games, church, youth, and school, it doesn't stop.

My sister and brother-in-law will be in from Maryland and staying at the beach starting Thursday. We won't get to see them until Sunday. I can't see driving 40+ miles one way to come back a couple hours later for whatever is going on in Pensacola. Yes, I know I don't get to see them often. But sometimes I need to be realistic in how much I can do in the few hours we have.

We are hoping for a trip to Camp Beckwith this week to take pictures. Andrea wants to go up and I'd love to take my twin lens reflex camera up and shot some 'through the viewfinder' photos. I've only gotten to take a couple pictures so far and need to finish up the box I'm shooting through.

We have also had singles get together last weekend. Not sure if I'm glad or aggravated. I'll leave it at that.

And have you ever wished to be anonymous? Even for just a few hours? I do. I think that's why it's nice to go to 722 occasionally. No one knows me there and I can just be quiet and watch rather than having something to do or someone wanting something.

And, I sometimes wish God would send the 'right one' along to help. I know God is with us. He would have to be for my kids to have turned out the way they have (amazing!). But it would be so nice for someone to say "Let me take a look at that" "let me help you with that" or just to turn around and give me a hug when I need it. I know, small things that count little in the day to day things that are going on in the world. But God, it's been 9 years with just the kids and I. We love our church and the help and care they provide. But there are some things they can't do.

I know, I'm complaining. Sorry. I'm tired.

I am grateful for the wonderful friends God has given us. And for family when we get to see them.

Checking email on the Sony with Bri on the netbook. Headed to school soon.

Things have been busy as always and I feel I neglect my blog. It may almost be worth getting internet at home so I'll update more.

I am going to make my own graphics though. I have some marvelous photos I took over the weekend.

I'll put one here. I found this marvelous little red chair at the place we stayed over the weekend while the kids were in studio laying down the vocal tracks for their cd. The chair and I spent about 3 hours touring the property we were staying on.

Eli Stone and ABC

It has been nearly 2 months without Eli Stone.  Thought I'd share my continued disappointment with ABC.  Also, since the cancellation of Eli Stone, my family and I chose not to watch any ABC programming to include our local news.

 

Have a good week.  See you when Eli Stone returns.

 

Sincerely,
Deborah

PCs and Macs and other things...

I priced a macbook to use for graphic type stuff and it could be a while before I buy one. A long while.

In the meantime, I think I will upgrade the ram on the Sony and get a wacom tablet of some variety. Found a reasonably priced one and it would be so nice to do modify stuff with a "pen" rather than a mouse. Also, I'll be able to draw with it. That is the best part. I'm a doodler/artist at heart and being able to draw straight to the computer will be a beautiful thing.

Combine that with the printer that I got last weekend, I will be set for a while. I know. Sounds like a lot but not so bad. All told, less than 1/4rd of the cost of the macbook I was looking at.

........

finishing the post a day later and after my computer at work has been stupid and sent stuff here that shouldn't have been here. *sigh*

Placed an order for a wacom intuos 3 tablet (6x8) and a MSI Wind netbook.

I'm going to find the RAM to upgrade my Sony. I learned tonight that I have 512M of RAM on the computer and need at least 2 Gig!!! No wonder it's locked up so much!

anyway, I'm outta here for now. Kids are staying with Debi tonight.

It should be a misdemeanor if a parent falls to provide appropriate medical information and phone numbers on a student's emergency contact card.

A disturbing sight passed me on the road today. I saw a tractor trailer hauling signs for gas stations. The prices on all 3 windows read $5.559. Hello???

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

There is just something about this song that speaks to me. With God, I am free to be who I am supposed to be. Although at times, I'm not sure who I'm supposed to be. I like that standing with God, I am free to find out who.

Inspiration and Discouragement

I opened a beautiful magazine by Somerset Studio called Artful Blogging this morning to read. Such inspiring images and tremendous words by so many creative women. My eyes welled with tears just from the joy of reading and seeing it. So many words, so many media choices. Vivid. VIVID.

It gives me hope to know that it's possible. Hope to stretch, to reach, to grow. God gave me this talent that I have Not just to hide in this little sphere of mine but to share, to teach, to imagine even more.

And yet, at the same time, I seek direction, a goal. Everything seems so overwhelming and unreachable as well. I don't even know where to begin the majority of the time.

Yesterday I sat with a friend from school and her significant other who used to work at Apple as we discussed macbooks. He is a major graphic/computer geek. Beside him, my little meanderings and piddling creations seem so small and insignificant, so unworthy of... anything compared to just the little mini demonstration of what he does.

I felt so discouraged and insignificant when I left. How does anyone at all ever get past what seems to be a crushing of the spirit to take the first step?

I have to admit, being able to change my layout with a couple clicks is awesome and I didn't have to do any work. Yah

I'm drifting around the net today checking out new stuff. I'm checking out Aviary which I found via a link on a techy web page.

Invite Share which I have no idea what types of invites you might get but hey, if it's graphic related, I'm there.

These awesome pictures were taken by my beautiful daughter who now thinks she wants to study multi-media possibly.

oh! cute birdies. Can you tell I'm easily amused?

The kids are with other Debi. I'm not sure exactly where. Just somewhere east of here. The musicians in the band are laying down the music for their album. Too cool huh?

off to small group. later.

p.s. ABC....

I'd like a response for a change. I know you get a lot of emails. But for once I'd like an acknowledgment that you hear us. Thanks.

Open Letter to ABC

The following is the email I sent to ABC tonight. They have canceled Eli Stone. My family throughly enjoys Eli Stone.

Letter to ABC:

I am very disappointed to see you have canceled Eli Stone. With the loss of this show, I am back to watching only the local news on ABC. I am tired of garbage. You moved EMHE to the 7 pm slot a couple years ago and replaced it with Desperate Housewives. No longer can watch EMHE due to time slot. I'm tired of smut. If I wanted smut, I'd subscribe to cable and watch HBO and Cinemax. I want shows I can watch with my children. Eli Stone was one we all enjoyed.
Sincerely,
Deborah K

I'm over smut.

Happy New Year 2009

Kids spent the evening at a capture the flag New Year party. I went to church for a worship service.

Afterwards, I joined Steph for coffee at Waffle House. Then home to play Animal Crossing City Folk. The image below is of my character at New Year.



Hope everyone had a marvelous New Year start and may the year be filled with blessings!

ah ha!

Hope your Christmas was amazing. We had a great day. The kids got plenty of clothes. Their dad sent them money. They will gradually spend that.

Chaz got me Animal Crossing City Folk edition. Breezy got me smelly stuff from Bath and Body works. We especially liked the Dancing Waters fragrance.

I'm sitting at Martellis (my favorite place other than Hobby Lobby, Books a Million and Liberty) looking up information on ACCF.

Wish you all a Happy New Year in case I forget to check in before then. You'd think I'd get here more often since I come to Martellis a couple times a week. Guess that's what makes the Twitter feed good?

ohhhh

I like this layout. All I need to do is make a title header to replace the text header.

I'm sitting outside the church waiting for everyone to get here for practice and finish preparing for the Christmas program. I'm getting a better signal sitting outside than I do when I'm inside. *grimace*

One more week of school. I have to say I'm totally ready for it. I hope and pray God opens a door for me to be somewhere else come August of next year. Breezy will be finished at the school in high school. Chaz is already there. It's time for a change.

Still need to finish Christmas shopping. I returned the shirt I got for Chaz while in Alabama. I'm going to order him a replica Alabama jersey for his big gift. Still not sure what Breezy's big gift will be. She hasn't given me any clues. Go figure.

Anyway, I'm still alive and kicking. On Twitter and Facebook more often. I use text messages to update Twitter which updates my Facebook account. That way I don't need to be logged in as much and can just use my phone. Good idea huh?

Oh yeah, I got my 1099R from the military today so I'm 1/4 of the way ready to do my taxes!

Happy Thanksgiving

Short week. Only two days of work. Finished up. Completed the monthly report for November that I will email before leaving Martellis.

Laundry is done. Chaz and Breezy are cleaning the kitchen. Groceries are purchased.

I just need to pack my clothes and the car and we are ready to go.

To the few who come by, Happy Thanksgiving. May your day be full of blessings!
~Deb

That was the easiest template change I have ever done thanks to "The Cutest Blog on the Block."

It has been crazy busy as always. Between soccer and band practices.

Chaz has been playing varsity soccer at the high school but as of December 1st, he's off the team. His grades are horrendous. The only thing left to take away is soccer. He's not only hurting himself, he's hurting the team. I want to scream in frustration but I know it will do no good.

Breezy is playing with one of the church teams. They have a tournament on Saturday and we'll be finished with that.

We'll gain 2 free days back with the end of soccer. We need days at home. This always on the go is tiring.

This morning, Chaz told me that he had no long pants. He's been wearing shorts to school every day. He has one pair of jeans that fit and two pairs of sweatpants. He wore sweatpants to school today and actually looked good. So this weekend, we'll have to find him at least a couple pairs. I'm so thankful Breezy has as many pairs as she does.

I'm sitting at A's updating facebook and the blog, checking email and just hanging out.

Today I recovered a couple examination books with pretty covers. I may do them all with nice covers and give them away. I know that I want to do several to add to my Christmas stuff to record Christmas memories in. I'll post a picture later this week when I get the camera out.

I discovered an awesome photo web page. Picnik. Wow. What a great page.

I need to start picking up the kids Christmas stuff. No clue what they want but got to find something. Maybe clothes? Game? Watch? Suggestions?

It has been crazy the last week or so. Between work, the kids, soccer and church.

Chaz made varsity. This is good but it also means soccer every single weeknight and at least one day of the weekend.

I did get a revelation this weekend. I never thought of myself as prideful but missed the part about leaving home and my attitude toward it. Nor did I realize the shame I feel toward what I thought I'd do and what I am doing.

I have realized that there are certain people in the body of Christ that I'd just as soon never speak to or see for that matter. They are wolves in sheeps clothing. And when your children can see it too, then there is a problem. When outsiders see it, there is really a problem.

I voted yesterday. Voter 5,136 at the poll I went to.

Anyway, that's enough for now. Later. Catch you on twitter.

oh yeah

I also made ETSY purchases 2 and 3. I bought 2 rings for Breezy and 1 for Chaz for their birthday's. Breezy got one that says "true" on the outside of the band and "love waits" on the inside. The other ring has her name on it. Chaz' says "roll tide" on one side and his name on the other side. I got a ring with both their names on it for me. I'm wearing it on my left ring finger. Definitely turned a few heads with the ring.

The other purchase was a beautiful journal. Pleasing to the touch and eye!

Happy Birthday Chaz

My baby turned 16. He's not so much of a baby anymore! We are going to O'Charleys for dinner.

After trying out for soccer, he has decided that he wants to play basketball instead. It's been a rough two days because of the way this was announced. He made the varsity soccer team and now we need to tell coach he isn't going to play. Chaz thinks he will have better chance at a basketball scholarship than at a soccer scholarship. I don't know. The only person I knew to ask passed away last year. He was a scout for several universitys/colleges.

Anyway, more later. Niters.

how I spent my day off.....

With friends.

Meet Jeff Miller before he took the stage. (no this is the picture after he took the stage.)

Saw Governor Crist.

And seeing Sarah Palin in person. I am impressed. I like this woman. I believe she and McCain will be good for the country. I also believe she is being groomed for further down the line.

oh yeah. I made my first Etsy purchase today.

I get to go see Sarah Palin when she comes into Pensacola next Tuesday. I called a friend of mine on Wednesday night to tell her that Palin was coming to town and she and several other friends stood in line to get tickets. I got one!

I've been having a lot of fun with Twitter. Yeah, I know. 120 updates on twitter, 2 updates on blogger. I must admit, 140 characters from text messaging is so much easier!

I discovered House. A friend lent me the first season on dvd. Watched 3 episodes on Wednesday night and 5 episodes last night. I'm a third of the way through the season. I should finish them all by Monday at this rate. LOL

Kids are at band practice. I'm sitting at the church reading the news and will probably read a few blogs soon.

Tomorrow, Chaz will referee for soccer and I'll take Breezy to WF to let her tour the campus. Then it's off to Barktoberfest. Breezy really wants to go so we'll go.

Alabama football at 2:30 p.m. Now to find out what channel it is on.

In other things, I stuck my foot in my mouth. Nothing new I know but hey. By the time it was over, I was as red as my shirt. Pretty bad. *sigh* Yes, it was in reference to a man. duh.

Anyway, let me get to blog reading. Later gators and see ya on twitter.

Twitter

Added a twitter feeder box to the right side. At least I can post updates from my phone via text messaging now. :o)

I discovered Twitter last week. I'm going to try to add it to the sidebar.

Chaz is at soccer refereeing. (is that a word?) Beezy and I are sitting at Andrea's house. She made crepes for breakfast. I know now that it's not something I'll be ordering when I go out! LOL

I got my computer back on Thursday. Best Buy did the restoral on the system. I'm still not pleased. The left mouse button that was repaired the very first time I took the computer in is no longer working. It worked when I turned in the computer in June and didn't work when it was returned to me. Of course, because it's out of warranty, it's my problem. Reasonably, I'd expect that if it worked when I turned it in and it doesn't work when it's returned to me, then you (BB) did something to it? *scratches head* I give up. I'm over Best Buy. I'll find someone who can fix it and in the meantime, I've set up a work around using the left corner tap for my short cut menu and converting the right click button to the function of the left click.

Gotta go pick up Chaz. He's done.

oh yeah!

I won tickets to the Winter WonderSlam Tour from Power 88. Oh yeah!


Other things... Hurricane Gustav went to our west. We got lots of rain and wind but no damage. My mom, her husband, my sister, and her two sons came and stayed with Chaz and I. Breezy spent the night with a friend that evening. Played some cards and talked a lot. It was good.

Saturday morning, I went to the Humane Society to sign up to work as a volunteer. I filled out the forms, got the tour and then I got to spend about 2 hours sitting in a room playing with kitties! I love kitties. :o)

Work has been crazy busy. Learning new things. I got to do some basic training type stuff with two new health technicians who are going to schools around mine.

Anyway, I need to get busy. I came up here to do some work. Need to get it done. Later.