My Hunk of the World...

DO YOU THINK I'LL NEED TO EXPLAIN...

2009-04-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

memories to my daughter, when I show her this?

This is my high school auditorium - in Lincoln, NE. It's being torn down this week.

(you can use your mouse and drag around a full 360° view)

It's smaller than I remember. And brighter. And starker.

The last time I was in this auditorium it was the final day of my senior year. 24 years ago, next month!

I was involved in plays, talent shows, speech competitions, try-outs and performances over the course of 3 years. After every "show" the tradition was to hide your name somewhere in the wings. What started as "hiding" became "decorating", which quickly turned into "graffiti". But it always so much fun looking at old signatures and trying to figure out what name went with what play.

We tried not to get too reckless when adding our names - but it happened of course. Layers upon layers of names and stories and dates and memories!

I just got an email that the Lincoln High School auditorium is being gutted this spring - and a total remodel is underway.

The cool folks at Roundus.com got into the auditorium and took a bunch of their awesome pictures. High-res, high-def, panoramic, yadda yadda - all I know is I sat here and cried looking at the pictures! Because the memories came flooding back.

I remember walking onto stage as a Senior, to emcee Joy Night (our talent show). I walked out to center stage, the spotlight hit me and I FROZE. I know, it's hard to imagine me speechless - but I was dumb-struck for about 20 seconds. I haven't thought about that moment in years.

I thought about the play I was in my Sophomore year - The Skin of Our Teeth by Thorton Wilder. We had a blast. The rehearsals, the costumes, the make-up, the after party. Yesterday I couldn't have told you the name of this play if you asked me - but right now, I can't stop thinking about it!

Memories are great. Because once we have them, they are ours forever.

So they are tearing down the auditorium. The signatures, the scribbles, the dates, the secrets, the whispers. The walls won't be there. The curtains won't either. And hopefully new seating is on order - but the memories surrounding the auditorium will remain. I just hope someone in Lincoln grabbed a few of the cinder blocks. Lincoln High is the oldest high school in the city and the auditorium is original architecture. Think of the tens of thousands of 17 year olds that passed by those bricks!

Thanks for the walk down memory land Roundus.com.
Thanks for the memories Lincoln High School.

And in case anyone finds a black can light with a 180° skirt on it - with "S. Morris '85" scribbled inside of the can - I'd love to get my hands on it!

until then...

MEDALS AND MORE MEDALS...

2009-04-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

in the house!

The teen finished up her FFA season last night...and brought home a Silver medal! CONGRATS to her and the high school gang!

Considering they are a team of Sophomores - a silver is pretty impressive. (The gold medalists were from a different high school in the district...and were older!)

This brings her semester medal total to TWO. Her bronze was won at the State Competition for Entomology (that's bugs) and her silver, last night at the District Level, for Parliamentary Procedures.

Yep - I'm raising a FFA girl. Who'da thunk?

Congrats girlie - so proud of you!

until then...

A KISS ON THE CHIC...

2009-04-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

rockin' the house this week!

Over at The Scrap Review - I was asked to give a monthly club kit the once over. The club I was assigned is called "A Kiss On The Chic" (the cuter-than-cute name should have clued me in to the fact that I was going to LOVE my assignment!).

But - I was a bit panicky. I've never bought a club kit. I've never used a club kit. I've never even really been tempted by a club kit. Always afraid I was going to get sent a stack of stuff I never would have bought on my own, or supply "dogs".

Hard to be unbiased when I had all of those preconceived opinions - huh?

Well - enter April's kit! When Miss Laura, owner extraordinaire, sent me her box of goodies I knew I loved her when I laid eyes on the supplies. Anyone who picks that much orange and red SURELY is an awesome chick!

But since it was called "Childhood Boy" - there was also a fair dose of turquoise, blue, white and kraft. I love this kit! Full of Sassafras Lass, Jenni Bowlin, Cosmo Cricket, Fancy Pants Designs and two hand fulls of embellies.

OHMY - was one single Priority Mail box going to change my long-standing opinion?

YES IT WAS!

In one afternoon I easily finished these four pages.

non-kit supplies: orange and green cardstock and my QK Holly alphabet!

non-kit supplies: dark green and orange cardstock, and QuicKutz Oatmeal and Marigold fonts. (I also used some of the UPC barcode off of the Cosmo Cricket paper - that's the little orange and turquoise strip that says "this way for more trouble"...TOO CUTE to toss!)

non-kit supplies: white and black carstock, QuicKutz Honeybee, Chicago and Oatmeal fonts.

non-kit supplies: letter stickers from Scenic Route and Carolees.

And you know why this was easy? Because I cleared off my work surface, grabbed my adhesive, 6 pieces matching of cardstock, all of my QuicKutz alphabet dies and went to town.

I wasn't distracted with digging through piles, hunting for ribbon, picking through buttons or thinking I remembered some paper that I bought a while ago. It was all right there - all went together and was all FABULOUS!

Pop over to The Scrap Review - because we're giving away one A Kiss On The Chic - April Kit to a lucky commenter! It could be you!

In slightly humorous family news - check out the 13-year old's newest t-shirt...

Ignore the disaster area that is behind him...I've been on deadline for the past 3 days!

It's amazing how happy a $9 t-shirt from Target can make this kid! His sister tried to inform him that jr. high girls could be totally unamused with mold-jokes. But that didn't phase him!

You just gotta love a kid with confidence!

until then...

HERE'S WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND JOYOUS...

2009-04-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

new year!

Sure, I know it's the end of March - but I've been so busy bloggin' for my "jobs" that I forget to take care of my own!

Isn't there a saying about the cobbler's kid having the worst looking shoes? Yeah - that's me and my blog. I admit it!

My mother reminds me at least once a month though.

So does my husband.

And my daughter.

And Deb.

So finally - I'm here bloggin', and hopefully can start a new routine of doing it more often than once every 3 months!

{I was impressed I remember my password!}

So here are some projects that I've made in the last week or two...just so I can say that I spruced up the place a bit with a fresh pictures...

I'm so into cards lately. Cards with die-cuts, cards with stamps, cards with Copics...cards cards cards. This is die-cut and colored with my Copic markers. Lovin' those things!

More coloring of stamped images. Thanks Terri for letting me borrow your Magnolia stamps - you've convinced me - I'm placing an order this week!

Scrapbook pages with brand new QuicKutz dies. Love these pictures of the kids - taken last December. They truly are superstars in my book!

Another scrapbook page - of the teen. Love this shot of her, and love that she's so excited about that big red "N"!

Had to do a page on this subject - ahhhh - spring time martinis. I make the best, I make the freshest - that's all there is to it! Don't believe me? Happy hour starts at 5:30 here - come taste for yourself!

So I'm blogging all over the place - and much more regularly than I blog for myself!

You can find me over at the Scrapy Land Blog - which is an awesome online store out of Florida. I'm blogging there on a VERY regular basis. I do scrappy challenges once a week, pass on crazy tips and suggestions - and generally try to keep everyone on track to staying crafty!

I'm also a contributing writer over at The Scrap Review - an amazing concept that my gal pal Emilie came up with last year. She gathered a group of awesome scrappers {totally honored to even be associated with this group) and we all pass on reviews and critiques and opinions of all things scrapbooky! This week my article is on kit clubs. Which meant I got to spend last week playing with A Kiss On The Chic's April kit - entitled "Childhood Boy". Loved this kit - loved the supplies - loved the colors and I just so happen to love the pages that I made.

Of course I'm slightly biased. But you'll forgive me - right?

I can't post the pages until they post over at The Scrap Review - but they'll be here tomorrow.

I promise!

until then...

TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHT...

2008-12-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

has been an

year!

Truly it has...

travel
family
friends
experiences
memories
goals
achievements
victories
defeats
blessings
grace
promises
trips
plans
dreams
love
life
faith
resolve
kudos
congratulations
product
pride
determination
perseverance
past
future

A virtual scrapbook of a year - in just a few words! I LOVE IT!

Tonight - as we are watching the snow fall in Vermont, surrounded by family - remembering a great year it really boils down to a few simples things.

Surround yourself with those you love, and the rest of life will work itself out.
Love those that are around you, and you'll make memories.
Remember the good, remember the rest - because together they make up life!
Love the life you have - because it's the only one you get!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you. May 2009 bring health and happiness beyond your dreams!

until then - - -

THIS IS MY BRAIN...

2008-12-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

on any given Monday morning.

This is my brain this morning -

preparing for Christmas week!

(Actually it a Chihuly glass sculpture at the Desert Botanical Gardens...but it's a nice illustration of how I feel!)

AHHHHHHH - how do I get myself so behind in the things that I need to get done.

Oh yeah - it's because I'm a procrastinator. And a slug when it's chilly and cloudy out. And would rather snuggle on the couch with my boy, and watch ELF for the fifteenth time. That's why!

So needless to say...with a billion things to do this weekend all I got done was...

finally got the last of my "100 things I LOVE" custom orders sent off. WHEW!

Waited for the glass guy to bring over my new pane of glass for the back yard window.

And made yet another batch of peanut-clusters! (I shared this recipe with Amie, and she did a video - cuz she's cool like that!)

And worked like the dickens to keep the puppy (on the left here) out of the Christmas tree. He thinks the glass balls on the tree are tennis balls. And heck, they've been left dangling just at his eye level - who can blame him?

That was about the extent of my weekend.

Needless to say, the next 3 days are going to be crazy.

But that's okay - I've always adhered to the saying, "Whatever truly has to get done, usually will!". I like that - it seems to ring true most of the time!

things to accomplish in the next 72 hours:

• clean this house - UGH

• finish wrapping - UGH

• mail out last of cards (okay ALL of the cards!)

• make sugar cookies because the boy is begging me to

• figure out what I'm doing for Christmas dinner

• shop for said Christmas dinner

• finish up last scrapbooky project

• help set up today for big church dinner project

• serve dinner project tomorrow

• clean up said dinner project tomorrow night

• come home and drink large quantities of Sangria

• play Santa Christmas Eve

• deliver chocolate goodies to friends

• rejoice in the reason behind the holiday

PEACE BE WITH YOU...

PICTURE ME...

2008-12-15T22:05:00.001-08:00

throwing myself on my sword.

Because I don't know what else to do. Except ask for forgiveness for being a crappy blogger. A slacker. A loser. A boob!

Hah - I just called myself a boob!

BUT I have renewed energy - this December 15th, 2008. I am no longer blogging for anyone else. I am 4 weeks post final scrapbook convention of the year. And I am sitting in the house alone, looking for something to occupy my time.

Oh yeah, and I'm procrastinating big time. Procrastinating about projects that I have to get finished up. Finished up very, VERY soon! Hah...good thing I work best under pressure!

What has me all excited tonight is the newest QuicKutz release. I've had my stack of dies for quite some time, and have been enjoying them thoroughly. The flourishes, the swirls, the swoops. Oh, and the awesome new alphabet.

Good thing I had some new material to scrapbook over the weekend. We had family pictures taken last week and got some awesome memories captured. We used a photographer here in the East Valley, Amy Fraughton, and I could not be any happier...

Me and the boy - LOVE this one

Me and the BIG boy - totally "US"

The whole fam - sitting in my grandmother's love seat/wedding gift. Love the juxtaposition of antique heirloom and crunchy fall field. Just like I wanted it to turn out!

Had to do the foot shot - it's so scrapbooky!

Then there's my daughter - the one with the eyes! This picture does it for me - it's captures HER!

And finally, there was the laughter - so glad Amy captured this. The giggles, the joke, the snorts - I won't soon forget this. Really, I won't!

So, needless to say, I've been scrapbooking. Because I have fresh material. And I LOVE fresh material. But I haven't JUST been working with pictures - I've also been working with NEW DIES. Because - SHOCKER - I also love new dies!

Here is a little thank you card I whipped up - using the new Damask border. Oh my gosh this die is totally addicting. This is a card that fits in a business sized envelope (love this size) and the border looks awesome on it. But it was screaming for some lime green bling - I couldn't resist! (click on the pictures for a close-up peek)

Here is the exact same border, on a scrapbook page. The openings in the border totally lend itself to weaving something thru it. This hunk of patterned paper fit the bill. Which leaves a nice little space for a date. LOVE IT!

Tonight I've been playing with the new Chandelier die, the other flourish dies, and the cuter-than-cute birds! But I'll save those for later. EDITED TO ADD: finished up this cutie card, and mailed it already. Glad I remember to take a picture of it because I think it turned out adorable.

The inside of the card says "...light up my life!".

This one was QUICK. Love it - the flourishes lend themselves to so many cute and easy cards. Just a hunk of patterned scrap paper, and a solid colored flourish/damask and VIOLA!

I've got about 3 more cards to make before the end of the day. Oh yeah, and the Christmas cards must go out soon!!! I think we're pretty close to D-day for those!!

One more thing before I turn in - an awesome Arizona sunset. This picture is SOOC (straight out of camera). Taken even, with my little point-and-shoot.

This sunset was breath-taking, in fact the boy came inside and asked me to take a picture of it. You gotta love this kid - I mean we're talking sunsets here!

BIG NEWS coming up.

BIG PLANS happening very, very soon.

BIG CLASSES for 2009.

BIG EVENTS also.

BIG DOINGS over the next few days.

Throw in a couple of BIG SURPRISES and let's just say 2008 is going to wrap itself up very, VERY nicely!

Stay tuned. Scrappy inspiration at every turn. I promise!

until then - - -

GIVE YOURSELF THIS PRESENT...

2008-10-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

and realize that it is a true gift!

Friend Stacy started this coolio project and I'd love for you to play along! When her email showed up in my IN BOX, personally inviting me to play along, I couldn't resist. This totally makes sense to me right now. I totally get it (and I could get it done in under an hour...my kind of project!).

Here's what you do...

• snap ten photos of your life, right now

• compile these photos in a super-cute Bazzill Mono-Mini album.

• keep or carry this album with you (in your desk drawer or purse) for one year.

• promise to glance through the album every time you stumble upon it

• on October 1, 2009 create a scrapbook page about your experience. (don't worry - I'll remind you - just keep reading my blog!)

The only problem was that our little care packages were supposed to go out last week. Some of them did and some of them didn't. Mine is en route. No package - no Mono Mini.

No worries! - I improvised! I threw together one of my little "maze books" that I make with one single piece of 12" x 12" paper. Fast, easy and cute! I gathered some pictures that I've snapped recently, picked up my favorite journaling pen and reached for some simple scraps that were closest to my work surface. That's it.

I didn't dig. I didn't search. I didn't sketch. I didn't plan period. I just printed pictures and did it. Does that make sense...scrapbook the PRESENT. Right now. In front of you. Not a big deal. Get it done.

Read up on Stacy's blog - her challenge to us is to carry this with us for one year. Okay - or stick it in your desk drawer or in the center console of your car. Put it somewhere where you'll see it. Run into it unexpectedly, and glance through it. So you'll be reminded about what your life was all about on October 1, 2008. And why your life is a PRESENT!

I LOVE THIS. Totally fits in there with my whole 12-of-12 concept as well. I LOVE IT!

I'm heading out to Hartford, CT this afternoon (got my First Class upgrade...woo hoo!) for the Creating Keepsakes convention this weekend. Classes, cooler weather, new friends and old ones. I can't wait. It's going to be a great weekend. I'll be carrying this little "RIGHT NOW" book with me!

But meanwhile - my package of Mono Minis is somewhere between Stacy's house and my house. They should be here when I get back. Be one of the first ten to leave a comment on this blog post - and I'll stick a Mono Mini in the mail to you!

And come on, admit it, don't you just love getting good mail? OH HAPPY DAY!

Enjoy today. Cherish the present. It's a gift you can give yourself!

PEACE until then - - -

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME...

2008-09-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

oh so very happy this week!

1. NEW FURNITURE.

Picked up a huge new set of bookcases/cabinets for the end of my dining room. The piece goes up against my new yellow wall...and I'm just loving it!

Now to get it all filled. Books, photos, candles, seasonal accessories and other treasured pieces. The best part it that those four big doors hide enough shelves to put all of my good dishes and various other "occasional use" pieces. I even have room left over. So happy about that!

2. FOOTBALL GAMES.

High school football game last Friday - and the marching band ROCKED! After every touchdown the band plays the school fight song, and the baritones always stand out. They sounded great AND yes, this mom is very biased! Good job sweetie!

(Could you tell my camera battery died? Bad band mom. Bad, bad band mom!)

3. MORE FOOTBALL GAMES.

The jr. high plays their first interscholastic game today. Needless to say, the boy is very excited!

He'll be starting today's game at center - which couldn't make him happier. Fun watching him be this excited about something. Even more fun watching his progress over the last few weeks. He's slimming down yet filling out, he's got great tan lines and he has a healthy respect for his coach. Good stuff all the way around!

4. SNACKS.

What is life without good snacks? Brought these goodies home this weekend...

and can't get enough of them. Dipped in Caesar Garlic they are divine!

And then my girlfriend came over this weekend to scrap, and brought these. (I hate her this week!)

If you've never tried these before, and are smart, you won't. If you're a chocolate fiend - then go for it. But don't say I didn't warn you!

5. FLOWERS.

What more do I need to say? Dear husband knows me. And dear husband knows flowers. (Well, he knows where to BUY flowers.) Made my day, my weekend, and at the rate they are holding up, my entire week! Thanks big guy!

6. DOGS.

Dogs who are helpful around the house. Very helpful. This is the 7-month old boy (on the left) and the big girl (on the right) helping dear husband change doorknobs on the new furniture. See how helpful they are being? Sitting right up next to him, and breathing on his shoulder and hand. And see how my husband appears to be so content with the situation, and not fed up at all with their behavior for the past 3 hours!

hahahahaha - they were such big helpers I bought them new bowls and bowl mats.

Black and lime green...doesn't really match my kitchen but no one ever said they had to!

7. LISTS.

The boy has been having a rough time getting out of the house lately, with everything he needs for the day. It's been a struggle - with some good days and some bad days. He decided that a check-list would help him. So he sat down this weekend and typed up his very own list. It's one I'm going to cherish for a long time. I don't know a lot of 13 year olds who would put on their list, as the final thing to do before leaving for school - KISS MOM! Love you dude!

8. BLOG.

The final thing that made me happy was REMEMBERING THAT I HAVE A BLOG! Decided it was time to catch-up, reintroduce myself and begin the documenting process again. Because I love it. I enjoy it. I just got a bit too busy this summer. But the weather is down below 100° now, and that always breathes freshness into my life! GOOD STUFF!

REALLY GOOD STUFF!

until then - - -

SOME EDIBLE AND DRINKABLE...

2008-06-11T11:59:00.001-07:00

goodness to share!

Cuz I'm all about sharing. Really I am. Heck, if you'd have been around last Friday night - I'd have shared all of this, and then some!

Had some girlfriends over last Friday night. They brought their boys along too - but we soon kicked them out for some indoor golfing. Then it was just us. And the fun ensued.

This was some of the goodies we nibbled on - I highly recommend ALL of these recipes!

Blue Cheese Nibblers...she calls them something different, but we decided we liked this name better! And after I took this picture - it was only a few seconds before my basket was empty.

They were heavenly. That's assuming you like blue cheese. And frankly, if you don't like blue cheese why do you bother getting up in the morning?

We also inhaled about a pint of homemade ranch dip. My kids were going crazy. The moms were all moaning. To heck with that Hidden Valley Ranch gobble-dee-guk. I've ruined them. From now on I'm sure this is all that will satisfy them. I didn't even have time to take a picture before pandemonium struck. I didn't use ANY milk in my batch, because I knew we'd be using it purely for dip. And it was just perfect.

But this is some of what we dunked in the delectable dip...

handfuls of my homegrown tomatoes. They are taking over my garden so it was nice to have help in eating up a bunch of them!

And all kinds of crunchy goodies. Breadsticks, flat pretzels and some good flatbread.

OH - you noticed the cocktail sitting there? Have no fear - I was simply saving the best for last!

Susan's Sunset Sangria!

2 tsp. finely shredded lime peel
1 C fresh lime juice (about 12 limes squeezed)
3/4 C sugar
ice
1 750-ml bottle Pinot Noir or Syrah, chilled
1 nectarine, pitted and sliced

In a 1-quart glass measuring cup, combine lime peel. lime juice and sugar; add water to equal 4 cups of liquid. Stir to dissolve sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

To serve, place ice in a 16 oz. glass. Add 2/3 cup of the lime juice mixture. Pouring along the side of the glass, slowing add 1/2 cup wine. Thread nectarine slices on skewers and add to glass.

NOW - I served the first round as written, pouring the wine along the side of the glass, so it makes a nice pretty layer of wine on top of the lime mixture. And that was fine and dandy - until we wanted seconds. And then no one wanted to bother with the fancy service. So I just grabbed a pitcher and mixed the rest up in there! (2 2/3 C of juice mixture and 2 C of wine made a nice sized batch!)

Delish! So totally limey. A perfect summery drink.

The best part? You can make up a batch of the lime juice mixture, and keep it in the fridge in a covered glass container (like a mason jar). And although I rarely do it - wine can be re corked. So you can make these one at a time and a batch of ingredients could last you for several days!

Try it and let me know how you like it! I highly recommend it!

So that was my weekend! Nibbling, sipping, laughing, relaxing, visiting, planning, scheming and bonding. It was simply divine! Sorry you couldn't join us!

Big plans coming up. Dear husband is heading out of town so my mother is coming from Nebraska to hang with us for awhile. Hang on to your hats because this house will be crazy. She keeps talking about cleaning closets, and stripping wallpaper and bricking the patio. I am dreaming of sleeping in late and taking naps on the sofa. I'm sure we'll have a meeting of the minds somewhere in the middle! Definite good times ahead!

hope you have big plans for your upcoming weekend...

until then - - -

SO I FIGURE A TEN WEEK BREAK...

2008-06-04T15:23:00.001-07:00

is just enough time to recharge the blog-batteries!

You know, the batteries that get to feeling a little drained. The batteries that come up empty when you try to post something relevant, humorous, creative or thought provoking.

Yeah - those batteries.

But they are full to capacity right now, and I couldn't be happier. Because I have lots of updates.

What brought me out of the blog-doldrums though, was a post by my friend Lindsay. A post that involved questions, answers and pictures. Sounded fun (and I had an hour to kill before summer school lets out).

The How-To:

1. type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr.com search
2. pick an image from the search results
3. copy and paste the URL for each image into fd's mosaic maker

The Questions:
1. What is your first name? Susan
2. What is your favorite food? any pasta dish
3. What high school did you go to? Lincoln High School, Lincoln, NE
4. What is your favorite color? lime green
5. Who is your celebrity crush? Matthew McConaughey
6. Favorite drink? right now - ice water with lemon
7. Dream vacation? Rome, Italy
8. Favorite dessert? pecan pie
9. What you want to be when you grow up? a totally cool grandma
10. What do you love most in life? my family
11. One word to describe you? lover (of food, of travel, of paper, of old screen door...)
12. My flicker name? semk

The Finished Product:

1. black-eyed Susan, 2. anything pasta, 3. Nebraska school house, 4. lime green , 5. Matthew McConaughey, 6. ice water & lemon wedge., 7. Vatican Museum spiral staircase, Rome, ITALY, 8. pecan pie, 9. a grandma, 10. my family, 11. lover, 12. semk

So there you have it! A few things that you didn't know about me - and some cool pictures to look at! Try it - you end up getting some really weird results from the flickr.com search. It'll totally waste an hour of your time!

My last post was from the top of a mountain. Literally. The family and I were in Show-Low, AZ for the final four days of Spring Break. We had an awesome time...mainly with the snow, good food, good drink and my folks!

But lots has happened since then. Running through the calendar at warp speed...here are the events that stand out:

• friends from Nebraska joined us for four days of Spring Baseball, shopping, and good eats!

• my Aunt and Uncle from Colorado flew in for the final four days of the week, for some sightseeing, resting and relaxation!

• everyone was here for the debut of our newest family member - an 8 week old golden retriever we named Maccabees.

• after 10 days as a family-with-three-dogs, the time had come to let our old boy go. One of the hardest things I've ever had to go through - I'll never forget the car ride to the Vet's office. Not as long as I live. Rest in peace lover boy!

• high school Academic Night - a G.P.A. higher than I knew was possible - so proud of her!

• the teen turned 15 - and is now in countdown mode until she'll be eligible for her driver's permit. Consider yourself warned!

• the Mesa Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention - what a crazy weekend!

• the boy and I head north, with 96 other 6th graders for Science Camp. An amazing weekend - not soon to be forgotten! Reiterated exactly why I love this kid so much!

• high school musical Beauty and the Beast. Blew me away - the talent, the costumes, the scenery. We are so lovin' this thing called high school!

• final high school band concert of the year, and the teen gets the "Above and Beyond" award from the Director. It was surprise so it took me completely off guard. Did the same thing to the teen!

• head to Manchester, NH for another Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention. Great weather, great visit with some family members, and an amazing response from the buying public!

• 6th grade promotion for the boy - so tickled that his teacher had such sweet words for him. Those are the things that make a momma know she's done a good job!

• David Cook WINS! I picked him as the winner from his try-out in Omaha. Seriously, I did! He's got a great voice and a great look. The girls in this house were VERY excited!

• last day of school...my final day as an elementary school mom, and the mom of a Sophomore-to-be!

• am I really old enough to know this many kids graduating from high school? Parties and fun all around!

• the boy and dear husband head to Orlando - for a week of NFL meetings, NHL meetings and family fun.

• had a totally exciting phone call with a scrapbook magazine editor. Teaching classes, doing the on-line thing, getting head shots, writing up emails. SO THRILLED about what lies ahead for me and this scrapbook passion I have!

• my youngest nephew turns NINE. And to think I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday!

• the teen and I enjoy our First Class flight to Buffalo, NY - she's tagging along to work the Buffalo scrapbook convention with me. I think she came away with a new appreciation of what I do!

• my folks celebrated their FORTY-FOURTH wedding anniversary...and their poor-planning daughter forgot to send a card...SORRY MOM AND DAD!

• the teen and I left our mark on Canada as well - we ate, we spent, we took goofy pictures, we got drenched in the falls. A good time was had by all!

• the boy flew home ALONE - because dear husband had to go on to Texas to meet with the Cowboys. For about 30 minutes during that day...all of us were in the air at the same time...ON DIFFERENT AIRPLANES. The teen and I coming home from Buffalo, the boy home from Orlando and dear husband on his way to Texas. CRAZY!

Whew!

I'll try and add some pictures later tonight - because I've got some good one! Really I do. But this just about wore me out!

Big couple of weeks coming up. The head shot thing is freaking me out right now. Oh I can take goofy pictures. I can yuck it up in front of the camera as much as the next person. But serious, posed, professional head shots - not my favorite thing to think about. So I'm stressing, just a bit. But my girlfriend will totally hook me up. And I just know they'll be great. And then I can get on with the more fun parts of class-prep.

I'll keep you posted on class plans as they progress! Really, I will!

Right now - I've got to head back to the airport to pick up dear husband. He's been away from home for ten days. Too long in my book!

So there - consider yourselves "caught up". My mother will want pictures - but that'll have to come later! I've got lots of scrappin' to do in the next 2 weeks, and I'm sure most of my recent shots will find their way onto some new pages!

until then - - -

FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD...

2008-03-21T16:46:00.001-07:00

life doesn't seem as daunting.

As busy
As hectic
As full
As messy
As full of phone ringings
As full of emails
As full of laundry
As full of dog hair
As full of travel
As anticipated
As exhausting

From the top of the world everything in my life seems pretty damn perfect.

The fam is in Show-Low this weekend, crashing at our dear friend's cabin. And oh, life seemed to stop racing yesterday morning, somewhere between Mesa and Payson.

Since then it's been the scent of pine, roaring fires, sleds in the snow, cold ankles, good munchies, wonderful walks in the woods, a view that doesn't end, goofy car songs and the feeling of being perfectly at peace with the world!

I love it!

And the best part? Tonight my husband arrives with my parents in tow. Late afternoon flight from Nebraska makes for an evening arrival into Phoenix. Which makes the trek up the mountain a bit long, but it will be worth it all tomorrow.

Tomorrow when we wake up to hash-brown & sausage casserole baking in the oven, fresh brewed coffee and a bowl of delicious fruit. I can't wait.

The kids want to take Nana & Bubba back up to the snow, but being they just left the Midwest, and are really anxious to see the 80 degree weather, not sure we'll be able to talk them into that!

But who knows!

So from the top of the world - - - a Happy Easter Weekend to everyone. I hope you'll be spending the glorious day surrounded by people you love!

until then - - -

INTRODUCING...

2008-03-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

the chicks.

All five of them. Currently residing on our back patio. Driving the dogs crazy!

During yesterday's morning weigh-in...

Chicklet...wearing the hot pink leg bracelet. She's the palest of the group. But also the loudest. Man can this animal made noise. And did you know that most of their "cheeping" is done with their beaks closed? So I've already learned something!

Lily...sporting the yellow leg accessory. She seems to be one hayseed short of a full load. Mainly because she seems to think freckles are food, which means I end up getting pecked to smithereens whenever I pick her up.

Meet Kung-Pao. The feisty red-head...adorned with lime green. Remind you of anyone? She's a riot. She is the one that has been selected for "sequestering" from the group. And she doesn't mind one little bit. In fact, she's perfectly content without roommates. Too funny!

and Pollo...in orange. The other red-head of the bunch. We think she is the prettiest, mainly because she is already sporting the most feathers on her wings.

and finally, Puddles...decked out in royal blue. The camera-shy one. The one with the black spots on her back. The one who was the most irate when we put the leg bands on. Step-step-shake leg like the dickens - step - step - CHIRP - shake, shake, shake - step! It was hilarious!

To give you an idea of how small a 4-day old chicken is...

they are super tiny. All weighed roughly 50 grams. Go put a pile of paperclips in your hand and see how light that is. And then imagine it's chirping...and chirping...and chirping. It's amazing that this much noise comes out of bodies this small.

But it's been a fun couple of days. Figuring out how to deal with the group. Keeping the coop warm. Keeping the dogs away from said coops. Sharing the cuteness with all of the neighborhood kiddos. Listening to the squeals of cuteness from the little girls. And learning all there is to know about chicks.

All in the name of science. And an "A" for the teen's Honors Lab Biology project.

Which with the effort and energy the teen and her partner have put into the project already, I'm thinking is a given!

Off to finish weekend chores and to-dos. Loving the weather today. Windy and cool! Which makes staying inside an awesome option!

I just announced the dinner menu for Palm Sunday night tonight. And it was met with a ghastly scream.

Guess no one wants BBQ chicken for dinner. Pasta salad was suggested instead...go figure!

until then - - -

FIVE LITTLE CHICKENS...

2008-03-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

in the house!

Oh yeah. Cute, yellow, red, fuzzy, soft, hilarious and loud! Who knew they were so loud. When all five of them cheep in unison it's piercing!

Right now, they know where the food is, they have mastered the water trough, the heat lamp seems to be working...and they seem to enjoy snuggling up next to the towel roll we put against the wall.

So cute! Especially when they sleep...

The teen has her alarm clock set to go off every 2 hours tonight. I'll believe it when I see it, but her intentions are at least admirable!

More chick-news tomorrow.

T MINUS FIFTEEN HOURS...

2008-03-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

and counting.

Translation...

the chicks are going to be here tomorrow right after lunch.

1 chicken wire covered dog kennel - CHECK
1 huge box, altered with chicken wire - CHECK
6 pounds of chicken feed - CHECK
2 water dishes - CHECK
2 feeding trays - CHECK
1 thermometer - CHECK
2 heat lamps - CHECK
1 big, huge stack of newspapers - CHECK
14 web-sites bookmarked for quick reference - CHECK
1 digital scale for tracking weight gain - on my to do list for tomorrow

I'm not even going to tell you how much this science project is going to cost me. I'm not going to mention how many hours the teen has already spent reading, plotting, drawing, planning and organizing. Won't even point out that we're lining up a chick-sitter for a few days next week. And we're currently ignoring the weekend forecast for cooler temps and rain.

Because none of that matters. What matters is that the teen and her science partner are anxious to get started tomorrow. What matters is that they are both excited about the process of gathering data. What matters if that the two of them are totally going to WOW their class with their presentation next month.

And the family and I are just along for the ride.

Well, the ride and the mid-day food and water check.

Thanks to dear husband for jumping in today to finish up the "coop building". They're done, they're ready and they're waiting. Couldn't have done it without you. (And If I'd had to we'd have gone the route of an empty Cropper Hopper XL. At least for a couple of days!)

Tomorrow starts spring break here in Arizona. You know what that means for the upcoming week? It means no BBQ chicken on the patio. I was informed that it would be "quite rude".

So here's to the chirping, cheeping, peeping and scratching. That all starts tomorrow.

hahahahaha - just realized that tomorrow is the last Friday in Lent. No meat. Oh the irony!

until then - - -

OH I JUST KNEW IT WAS GOING TO BE GOOD...

2008-03-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

when I finally talked the boy into gettin' his hair cut.

Just knew it!

He hasn't had a hair cut since school started last August. UGH!

But when we ordered him TWO new pairs of glasses this weekend, we convinced him that a whole new "look" was in order. New glasses in funky, fun styles and a brand new haircut to go along with them...

I couldn't be happier.

His father is going to be thrilled.

Heck, Nana is going to be ecstatic when she gets here next week.

And all-in-all, I think the boy himself was pretty happy when we left the salon. Thought he looked pretty stylish. Pretty snazzy. And of course, much older!

Yeah - I just knew it was going to be good!

Thanks bud, for listening to me. I promise not to lord it over your head the next time you face a big decision!

I promise!

until then - - -

DID YOU KNOW...

2008-03-10T15:54:00.001-07:00

that you can order baby chickens?

The same way you'd order a book from Amazon.com.

YEP. They cost $2.25 apiece. But you have to call the feed store ahead of time to let them know you want some. Because when the new shipment arrives - I guess they fly off the shelves!

hahahaha

Get it? FLY. CHICKENS!

The next shipment arrives at Higley Feed on Friday...

So we have ordered six of the little fluffy yellow buggers. Oh Lord have mercy! All in the name of science. High school science, that is!

Six chickens, two golden retrievers, two adults and two teen-aged punks. For the next three weeks.

But that doesn't include the three groups of visitors we are having over spring break. Grandparents, friends, and an aunt & uncle. All in the same house...AS THE CHICKENS!

How exactly is it that I got talked into this, I'll never know!

Actually, we're looking forward to it. The teen is. And I am. Dear husband was just informed of it last night. But he's been gone for three weeks - so he's a bit out of the loop.

And the boy - well, being the guy punk that he is - is walking around talking about "fried chicken", "kung pao chicken" and "chicken hot wings". But only because it's getting a reaction from his sister.

And a mild reaction from me - because it is kind of funny!

Being that we're going to have six chickens in the house come Friday!

until then - - -

THIS MORNING I CAN SAY I AM FULLY...

2008-03-05T06:53:00.000-08:00

recovered!

Recovered from what? From my spur-of-the-moment-cross-country-flight-to-see-my-sister!

Oh it was priceless. And it was fun. And it was totally spontaneous! LOVE IT!

Last Tuesday I was sitting in my office listening to dear husband tell me about his upcoming weekend. He was going to drop by my sister's house, crash for a couple of nights and fill up on food, drink, nephews and laughter. Basically recharge his Spring Training drained batteries.

And I was totally jealous. Haven't seen my sis in over 2 years and it was making me physically ache. He was going to get to be there and I wasn't.

And so right here, in my office, on Tuesday morning I did it. Placed one call to my brother-in-law, confirmed an Orlando pick-up from the airport with him, and pulled out my stash of Southwest Airlines free tickets (gotta LOVE frequent flyer business miles!).

And it was done. With only 72 hours to go I had just booked a surprise trip to Florida. Found a neighbor to watch the kids. Got a sitter for the dogs. Finished up my weekend chores a day early. And kept talking to my sister like there was nothing going on!

Oh, this was going to be good!

What follows is my crappy video footage. I totally forgot that I can't hold my camera in portrait mode, when I'm filming video. OOPS! So lean to your left...and what the reaction in Florida.

Oh yeah, and listen for the gasp! (note to self...don't wear a lime green shirt when you're trying to sneak around corners and hide behind cars...)

It was an awesome weekend. I was in the state for 50 hours, and we managed to fit a lot in:

we played Wii Rock Band (I stunk, DH was awesome)...

we (make that I) ate boiled peanuts...

we watched my youngest nephew's opening day baseball game...

we ate some of the best BBQ I've ever had (pulled pork, NOT goat)...

we drove around in my sister's new car...

we played ping-pong with my nephews...

and we BOUNCED on the trampoline! The little one bounced...

the blonde one bounced...

and YES - Aunt Susan bounced...

Dear husband decided that Isabelle is the ONLY small dog he likes...

and then Saturday night we grilled...

and then we all slept in because we were absolutely exhausted!

On Sunday morning everyone indulged me and my camera a little bit. My sis and I...

and her entire, all-boy crew...

Thanks guys for the fun....
• thanks bro-in-law for keeping my secret from your wife.
• thanks nephews for making me feel like you just saw me last month.
• thanks dear husband for always staying in hotels that reward you with Southwest flight segments.
• thanks to my kiddos for not whining when I said it was just me who was going.
• thanks Karen for letting my kids crash with you (and for spoiling them rotten for 2 days)
• thanks mom for being so excited for me.
• thank you God for my family. Because I love my family with every fiber of my body. I know that I'm lucky. I know that I am blessed. Because if you don't have family...you don't have it all.

And after last weekend - I truly believe that I do have it all!

(Well, I don't have a new patio set - but other than that I really do have it all!)

Next time - I'm bringing the kids and my folks. Because whooo-doggie, that'd be a family get-together never to be outdone!

WHEW! I need a nap!

until then - - -

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY...

2008-02-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

Leap Day!

In case you hadn't realized - today we get 24 bonus hours. A free day baby! Hours that last year, we weren't enjoying! Today is all gravy. All extra. All free. It's the proverbial cherry-on-top.

Seriously! It is!

Today I am doing something totally insane. Absolutely ridiculous. I'm not even going to tell you right now, for fear I'll jinx it. But it's something that I never could have dreamed I'd do.

Until I realized on Monday...that Friday was Leap Day. And then I said to myself..."Self, you just got handed an extra day...let your hair down and throw caution to the wind!"

So there goes my caution. Bye-bye! SEE YA!

I'm starting early and I'm going all day long. I just might carry it through the weekend. Leap Day gives us so dang much, surely we can give it a whole weekend in return.

So tune in Monday...or Tuesday...for a full report. I think I'll have some witnesses. They'll all vouch for me. Guaranteed there will be cameras. And photographers. And yeah, the witnesses.

Call me crazy - just don't call me late for dinner Friday night. Because I'll have some stories to tell!

Ohmygoodness!

(Attention children...do as I say, NOT as I do!)

until then - - -

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO...

2008-02-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

awwww!

And smile and feel warm all over.

Walking into the office and seeing the teen helping the boy with his math homework.

• uncoerced
• unbribed
• unasked
• unscripted
• unplanned
• simply offered...totally on her own!

I just love it. Makes me happy and smile and glad I've got good kids.

(Of course, then I walked back and looked in their rooms. And THAT is a completely different story.)

So for today - I'll focus on the homework! And the help. And the assistance. And the unselfishness.

And the love!

until then - - -

WHAT AN...sniff...cough...ABSOLUTELY...

2008-02-27T12:06:00.000-08:00

AMAZING...wheeze...gag...WEEK!

So good - that even week 2 of flu in the house can't pull me down!

• passport arrived...which means international airport terminal HERE I COME!
• which leads to great trips coming up...can hardly wait!
• good news from Nebraska...my momma's surgery went AOK and she's headed home tomorrow! Love ya mom!
• dear husband is headed to see my sis...and although I'm jealous as all-get-out, he deserves a fun weekend!
• dear husband gets to watch my youngest nephew's Saturday morning baseball game (don't know who is more excited, dear husband OR my nephew!)
• the boy is almost all caught up on homework, from the week of school he missed due to the flu.
• the teen is stoked to get her new instrument this weekend (note to self, locate earplugs!)
• was asked to teach at two Creating Keepsakes University events this year...KEWL!
• said YES to both events - DUH!
• got a FUN, HUGE, NEVER BEFORE SEEN package of scrapbook goodies in the mail yesterday! (have I mentioned lately that I love my job?)
• almost all caught up on the laundry - 1 week in CA, 1 week with a sick boy, 1 week sick myself...the pile was HUGE!
• our big old boy is still hanging in there - cancer be DAMNED!
• our weather here in Arizona is incredible.
• visitors coming in a couple of weeks for Spring Break & Spring Training...LOVE IT!
• made a new soup recipe that immediately moved to our "favorite" list
• big plans for the weekend include planting tomatoes, planting gardenias, planting roses and napping...my kind of weekend!

And with that - - - I'm exhausted! Still over-the-top happy...just exhausted! The flu sucks - if you can avoid it, I don't recommend getting it. You heard it here.

And with that - I leave you with a picture of the new addition to my kitchen. A phrase I put up on the door leading from the kitchen out to the garage...

everyone loves it. There have been a few eye rolls...a few giggles...and a few smiles. But mainly, it makes me remember why I love life lately - I'm living with a house full of people that I love. And they love me right back!

(And the fact that we all share the same warped sense of humor doesn't hurt either!)

until then - - -

SOME PEOPLE...

2008-02-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

take life just a little too seriously!

Sheesh! If you read yesterday's post about "First Class", make sure you read the comment. Added by the guy I sleep with.

Guess he wants the world to know, and me, that it is his doing that I am eligible for free First Class upgrades. Since he's already achieved "Diamond Encrusted with Ruby Accents Chairman Status" - he gets to nominate some worthy individual for special treatment as well.

Somehow he arrived at the decision that I was that worthy individual!

Thanks hon - seriously thanks! Cuz you just gotta love the royal treatment at the airport!

So I sit here sipping my 'Bucks...

waiting for my plane to board...I'll be dreaming of the trip to Rome you just promised me. I have witnesses and I have the recorded evidence!

Off to CHA - and it's the twelfth of the month. So I'm snapping pictures, smiling at the world and spreading the scrapbooky goodness that I know and love.

Have a terrific Tuesday the Twelfth!

until then - - -

MY THREE FAVORITE WORDS...

2008-02-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

came off the printer today.

The printer that spit out my boarding pass for tomorrow morning.

And what would those words be?

FIRST CLASS BABY!

Okay, USAirways doesn't include the "baby" part...but it should. It really should. So I add it!

Frequent flier membership really DOES have it's privileges. So does the 25,000 miles I flew last year. Perks, gravy, bonuses. Whatever you call it - it's all good!

Because I soooooo love flying first class. And even though my flight is only an hour and 20 minutes - I'll take it. I'll take it for free - and say thank you as I leave!

Then I'll enjoy a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa - and most likely a sticky bun or some fruit and yogurt. All with real silverware.

Ahhhhh - I'm not ashamed to say it - I love it!

CHA here I come. Orange County here I come. I'm coming for work, I'm coming for fun and I'm bringing others with me!

(But they're not flying First Class!)

Updates and pictures from CHA to follow soon. I'm most anxious to see Scenic Route, Making Memories, Maya Road, Sassafras Lass and KI Memories.

until then - - -

EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO TODAY...

2008-02-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

I said the two most important words I have ever said in my life.

I said "I DO".

They were important words.
They were life-altering words.
They were mentally, physically and spiritually challenging words.

And I wouldn't take them back for anything on this earth.

Suffice it to say that the birthday celebration rolled seamlessly into the anniversary celebration.

Phone calls, cards, emails, gifts, food, wine, movies, hugs, Mass, blessings, winks, inside jokes, walks down memory lane and some all-in-all great family time!

What a great weekend.

Thanks babe for 18 years. Thanks for baseball. Thanks for patience. Thanks for laughter. Thanks for love. Thanks for listening. Thanks for explaining (again and again sometimes). Thanks for indulging me. Thanks for taking care of me. Thanks for making me feel beautiful. Thanks for trusting me. Thanks for never screaming. Thanks for trying new things. Thanks for being a great dad. Thanks for never laughing AT me. Thanks for laughing WITH me. Thanks for answering my questions. Thanks for being my computer guy. Thanks for working hard. Thanks for playing hard. Thanks for praying hard. Thanks for overlooking my faults. Thanks for admitting you have your own. Thanks for letting me love you. Thanks for loving me!

Thanks for making ME into a WE.
And thanks for making WE into an ALL OF US.

I love you. From the bottom of my heart.

Happy Anniversary babe!

TOTALLY, COMPLETELY, ENTIRELY...

2008-02-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

an awesome day!

If this is what being 41 means - then bring it on!

• cookies at the front door this morning, from my neighbor. Attached to a lime green card! Delish and adorable at the same time!

• a two-hour pedicure that was heaven on earth. Blissful, relaxing, pampering...and I left with cute toes!

• lunchtime text messages from each of the teen's lunch pals. Gotta love the "Mrs. Keuter..." greetings!

• phone calls, phone calls, phone calls and tons of emails...from all over the country. It's a good thing to have friends, and a great feeling to feel loved!

• a lime green ambush after school today, which can only be summarized in pictures...

a gi-normous cookie-cake, and the greatest lime-green-tie-dyed balloons...

do my girlfriends know me or what? bags, bags, and tissue in appropriate colors...

green necklace, green bracelets, green margarita pitcher, green tote and this...

a green passport cover for my newly applied for passport! LOVE IT!

Funny cards, funny stories, hugs and laughter. So blessed to have a day full of friends, making my day special.

The day wrapped up with some of the best news I've heard in quite a while...I'll consider it a birthday gift on a national level!!

Thanks everyone! From the bottom of my heart.

Dear husband returns home, from the snow, tomorrow night! Which means the celebration will naturally extend through the weekend. Dinner, movie and two days of relaxing. I can't wait. He can't wait. The boy and the teen...well, I think they could wait, but they don't get to!

Happy Friday...happy weekend...

until then - - -

OH THE DAY JUST KEEPS...

2008-02-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

getting better and better.

Cards. Shopping. Lunch. Goodies. Presents. UPS. FedEx. Mail. Surprises. E-mails. Hugs. Love. Phone calls.

And it's still just Birthday Eve!

How awesome is that?!?!

Just got home from Ash Wednesday Mass. Now to pop some popcorn and have a glass of wine...er...um...water. Yeah, popcorn and ice-water-in-a-wine-glass. Let the Lenten season of sacrifice begin.

Amen? Amen!

And so, my last blog post as a forty-year-old...

until then - - -

SUPER-FAT TUESDAY...

2008-02-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

and surviving the freeze!

What a day Tuesday was. What a day indeed.

Yesterday was Fat Tuesday - the translation of the French words Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday is the day Christians, who will be observing Lent over the next several weeks, partake of random silliness, indulging and the final hurrah-ing before today. Today being Ash Wednesday.

Here in Arizona though, yesterday was also our primary election day. So everyone was calling the day "Super-Fat Tuesday". I laughed every time I heard it.

So you can guess what I did yesterday...

I voted.

Which, in and of itself, was quite a production.

My polling place is a mormon church. Was it a coincidence that almost every Suburban in the parking lot when I arrived was displaying a "Romney 2008" bumper sticker? I think not! And I am pretty sure that everyone in that church's congregation was required to show up to vote - because they were all there with me.

So when the two ladies behind me (who were older than me and talking about how this was their first time ever voting in an election) discussed all of the attributes of their candidate, I gritted my teeth. When they broke into the "politics and religion should really go hand-in-hand" routine I couldn't take it. I turned around, smiled sweetly and reminded them that discussions such as the one they were having are not allowed inside the polling place.

Then I crossed myself and turned back around. I might have added an eye-roll in there somewhere as well. It was priceless.

So while I was tempted to walk into the polling booth and simply write in lime green Sharpie "anyone but Mitt"...I didn't. Because no one would have seen it. It would have been wasted effort. And a wasted vote. But it was fun to think about it - and fun to text my husband and tell him that's what I was going to do!

I voted, and I got the heck out of Dodge.

Onto shopping and dinner plans. I've narrowed down what I am giving up for Lent. The list is short, but it's admirable. One of the items on the list is shopping. So I had to get it out of my system (plus, I needed a few things for CHA next week). We also had dinner plans with a bunch of friends - 2nd Annual Fat Tuesday Fest - which was going to indulge me in another item on my list. Whew - all-in-all this could be a rough 40 days.

Which is kindof the idea...but my goals are lofty, to say the least!

Today is Birthday Eve. The last day I'll spend as a forty-year old. The boy marked the occasion by marking up dear husband's car.

It sat outside last night and was covered in frost this morning. We're still in Arizona...right?

For Birthday Eve - I have a day planned with Amy. A little scrapbooky fun, some lunch plans and some scheming for our time together next week in Orange County, CA. Should be big fun!

Pour yourself another cup of coffee - read the election results from yesterday (Mitt did NOT win Arizona!) - and have a wonderful Wednesday.

(oh - my mom and dad asked that I turn the music player off of AUTO START...so I did. See - almost forty one and still listening to my parents! Good Susan!)

until then - - -

THE SHOCKING REVELATION...

2008-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

that I have always been a green-lovin'-gal.

The proof actually. Discovered in the attic yesterday afternoon.

Yesterday I needed my old passport - in order to apply for a new one. New name (married name, that is) new address, 15 years old vs. 40 years old...but they STILL need your old passport. So I had to hunt. And with actually very little effort, I found it. (Yea me!)

When I tossed it down the ladder to dear husband he flipped it open and commented on my handwriting. How it hasn't really changed that much. And then he laughed. He said "actually, a lot of things haven't really changed that much".

As I climbed down from the attic, he pointed at the lime green t-shirt I was wearing. He held open my old passport and pointed out that 25 years ago I was wearing...

GREEN!

Now granted, it was kelly green. Not lime green. But it was green! In fact, it happened to be an awesome cable-knit Izod, kelly green sweater that I loved! (And how about that white turtle neck under it!? Gotta love the 80s!)

So there is my proof. Proof that I'm not a new-comer to the green thing. I've done 'em all...forest green wedding, seafoam green master bedroom in the 90s, bottle green paint in the family room, and now LIME GREEN!

Love it! Just love it!

The dogs are happy today - sunlight is streaming through my front window and filling the foyer with their favorite sun spots. Problem is - the sun and the shadows are wreaking havoc on the old boys cancer lump. Meaning it looks rather disproportionate. Don't get me wrong - it's huge - but it looks rather shocking in this lighting.

And there lies the little girl - right at his haunches, ready for him to move. He sleeps and she just watches. And snuggles in as close as he'll let her.

So sweet. Just love it!

The boys just left for their day at the NFL Experience. Will be anxious to hear and see their experiences. I made dear husband take a camera, and they both were wearing their Patriots gear. Should be a fun guys day out!

I'm off to finalize my grocery list for this weekend. Party plans for both Saturday and Sunday. I'm hostessing an Uppercase Living party tomorrow afternoon...and Sunday is Scrapper-Bowl 2008 here at the house.

Have a great weekend. GO PATRIOTS!

until then - - -

NEW, NEW, NEW...and...ummmmm...

2008-01-31T07:45:00.000-08:00

NEW!

It's only Thursday and I'm already declaring this week FULL.

WHEW...I'm exhausted! But here's a quick run-down of the newness, so you can agree with me!

NEW CAR. No, not for me. Not for my husband. For my girlfriend's husband. But I went shopping with her to pick it out. It's a gift for him - and it's one hot little car!

We took one amazing (hilarious) test drive. I'm sure the salesperson will never look at "Gilbert stay-at-home-moms" the same way again. And let's just say - we can pick out cars! WOWZERS!

NEW Wii GAME. The boy got this for Christmas, but has only really gotten into it in the last few weekends. But now that they're into it - they are IN TO IT! If you don't have Mario and Sonic at the Olympics...go get it! The boy and his crew love it!

Yesterday they were into the swimming and the table tennis...

which really is hilarious with all four of them thrashing about. It's such a good time watching them play. They laugh, they debate, the compare, they keep track, the totally freak the dogs out. It's all good!

(They also drink a lot...

and the shrapnel they leave behind can be quite impressive!)

NEW GOODIES. Today is the last day of January - which means tomorrow is the first day of February. And that means the birthday celebrations are right around the corner. But the birthday shopping has already begun. Got treated to this gorgeous item...

and am simply in love with it. Oh, my partner-in-crime really wanted me to pick the lime green one but I picked the brown and black one instead. It's versatile. It's huge. It's classic. And they are so new that the store had just received them the day before. Love it! But since I wasn't gutsy enough to go lime green for the purse...maybe I need to go back to pick up the lime green wallet?

NEW PRODUCT. Got a big ol' envelope of scrapbooky goodness yesterday. New stuff. New letter stuff. New shape stuff. Oh for cute! Therefore I have some assignments to crank out today. Oh the drudgery of my job! (insert big ear-to-ear grin here)

NEW TO-DO LIST. Had to add one big item to my to-do list for today. As a matter of fact, everything else on my to-do list got crossed off. This has to get done today, no ifs, ands or buts. Apply for my passport. I think I'm going to have to pay for expedited processing. Woo-hoo! I'm off to get started. I'll get everything else done today, but wait to get my pictures taken when the teen comes home. Since she's a "passport picture pro". This is going to be fun!

Did I mention the drudgery of my job? (one more big grin right here)

until then - - -

I KNOW IT'S GOING TO BE AN AWESOME WEEK...

2008-01-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

because of the following things:

The new Pottery Barn catalog arrived Friday afternoon, and my lime-green-lovin' heart jumped for joy!

The whole magazine is filled with green-goodness. Oh - dear husband - this could be a ver-r-ry dangerous month. Birthday, anniversary AND Valentine's Day...and THIS catalog sittin' on my desk. Watch out!

The teen is on a drama-induced-euphoric-high, that is going to carry her though this entire week.

This is her as she headed out the door to work the box office and usher for the performance. She worked all weekend long and was blown away seeing her first high school drama performance. The performance was Shakespeare and she's now chomping at the bit to get even more involved. Love the excitement. Love the friendships. Love the...well...the drama of it all!

Spent the wee hours of the past weekend hanging with my girls. My scrappin' girls, that is.

Lots of productivity. Lots of stories. Lots of laughter. And quite a few cocktails. Thanks ladies for joining me - let's do it again...soon!

And finally, the dogs. The old boy is sick - diagnosis bone cancer. He's slowing down, he's limping, he's a bit on the whiny side. But we feel as a family that he still has some love to give, and he's still comfortable. What's been interesting this weekend is that we realized the little girl has taken on a new role around the house. The role of caretaker.

She rarely leaves his side. She responds to his whines. She repositions herself a million times a day to be "right there" for him. And it makes me feel good. The old boy is loved - by the four humans in this house and by our little girl.

So with an amazing weekend...days full of fun and laughter and love and fur and paper and driving and Mass and singing and CDs and shopping and food and excitement...how could this upcoming week be anything but FANTASTIC?

I don't doubt it for a second!

Super Bowl week is upon us! The boy is spending the day with dear husband on Friday to take part in the NFL Experience. VIP tickets are easy to come by with both teams are customers...and the NFL office in NYC was one of his meetings last week! Can't wait to hear the stories and see some pictures. Good "boys day out" kind of stuff!

until then - - -

SHEESH...

2008-01-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

where the heck has everybody been for the last eighty-four days?

What? You've been here? Hmmmmmm

Well then where the heck have I been all this time?

I walked in to Mystic Paper last week and Jennifer and Kim just about fell over. Seems they were sure I had met my demise while in Seattle! {grin}

My cousin in Boston emailed her father, who emailed his brother because she was worried she should be sending flower arrangements.

My dear aunt in Colorado sent the cutest email mentioning that the ONLY way she knows what is going on in our life is by reading my blog.

Several local friends are asking about my well being - because the word is making its way back to me.

Strangely enough, even former co-workers seem to be waiting for some really good gossip to explain away my lack of blogging.

Well - I'm sorry to say that there is no juicy, convoluted, breath-holding explanation for why I haven't blogged. I just wanted to take some time off.

Let's call it a "surgical removal of the keyboard from my fingertips".

So instead of blogging - I've been traveling. And scrapping. And cleaning. And organizing. And reading. And shopping. And cooking. And writing. And taking pictures. And redecorating. And building. And laughing. And planning. And scheduling. And wife-ing. And mom-ing. And friend-ing. And generally feeling no pressure from anyone, anything or any entity.

And I love it!

But in all honesty - my break can't go on much longer. So I may as well get back to blogging.

I got an amazing new computer for Christmas - from my dear husband...

so I'm all set to start working again - HUGE monitor and all! Love me some MacBook goodness - speedy, shiny white and sporting a built in iSight. Thanks hon - LOVE IT!

There have been all kinds of fun things going on the last 3 months - but one unplanned bit of excitement was this...(click on the picture to enlarge)

a little mention in Simple Scrapbooks magazine by the one-and-only Stacy Julian. How fun that was - and it led to mass hysteria on some message boards that I frequent. It was definitely a great way to kick start my 2008 scrappin'!

I'm heading to CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) in a couple of weeks. Can't wait. I know secrets. I've been told secrets. And I've got secrets that I get to share once I get there! And I LOVE SECRETS! The only bad part is I'll be away from my family on Valentine's Day...but I think we'll celebrate the whole week before, so that'll make up for it!

Thanks for being concerned. Thanks for understanding that a 2-week break often leads to a 6-week break and that ultimately leads to a really L-O-N-G vacation!

I promise - I have lots of scrappy goodness to upload in the next few weeks - stuff to show off, stuff to share and stories to tell!

until then - - -

SEAFOOD, SIGHTSEEING AND SCRAPBOOKING...

2007-10-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

oh my!

Other good things that start with the letter "S"...

Seattle (arrival tomorrow right after lunch)
Snowday (new QK font)
snow globes (new QK packaging of said font)
Southwest Airlines (will experience new check-in procedures tomorrow)
spooky (how fun to travel on Halloween)
steamed (how I prefer the food we'll eat at the Crab Pot tomorrow night)
sold-out (classes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday!)
Starbucks (at least one pit stop at the founding location)
Seattle Grace (maybe a drive-by of the Grey's Anatomy hospital?)
sights (from the pier, out onto the ocean lined horizon)
Scrap-Mart (hanging with Howard again this trip...my giggle muscles have barely recovered from CA)
Scenic Route (a possible dinner/shopping date with this awesome company)
selebration (okay, that's a stretch, but for the last CKC of the year...a party is indicated!)

Just got home Sunday afternoon from California - and I'll do a quick turn-around to head out to Seattle tomorrow morning. Amy and Howard and I had a wonderful visit to Ontario. The crowds were lovely, the individuals rocked and the laughter was memorable! Good times had by all.

But now tomorrow - it's a plunge into the coolness. Make that coldness. Highs in the upper 50s for the weekend - overnight lows in the 30s. HELLO...it was 93 here in AZ yesterday. We're all going to come home with pneumonia. But I"m willing to risk is all.

Amy and I get in tomorrow and then are headed straight down to Pike Place Market - for an afternoon of fun, food and photography. She's not going to believe the flowers and the seafood. Can't wait to show it all to her. I'm sure we'll eat our fill of crab, shrimp and salmon - and try some of the local brews that we tasted last year! Lisa, from SEI is joining us for dinner - so we'll have to ask for a table in the corner - because hilarity will definitely ensue.

Oh yeah, on Thursday we have to work!

But Thursday night - we've got more places to see and people to greet.

Hoping that there is another vendor in Seattle who is carrying the Creative Cafe. We saw it in California for the first time and fell in LOVE with it. But I didn't do enough stocking up - their paper line ROCKS! So my fingers are crossed. If you haven't seen it - scramble yourselves over to Scrapbooks Etc. here in the East Valley and check it out. Felt words, cool paper, neat ribbons and buttons - oh the buttons - buttons for ¢5 each. You can buy bags full at that price. Love it! Totally love it!

I'll load travel pictures - um - well, sometime soon. Right now I've got packing to do. And a halloween costume to finish. And a contribution to tomorrow's neighborhood pot-luck to make. And dipped pretzels to finish...that will match these - - -

Lime green Frankensteins - gotta love it!

Also need to report on basketball games, Homecoming dinner and dance, projects, upcoming events and FUN STUFF!

But it'll have to wait - until I return from the Pacific Northwest. So excited!

until then - - -

CALIFORNIA HERE I COME...

2007-10-24T17:54:00.001-07:00

right back where I started from.

Although, not really. I mean it's Ontatrio I'm going to. And I've never been there before. But you get the idea!

Amy and I are heading out - and YES - we've checked. The hotel is still holding our room and the air quality is still bearable. So the show weekend is a GO in California!

Big crazy week - which was so much fun and oh-so-short. Seems like I was just at the airport last night. Oh wait - I was!

More updates to come - I have serious updating to do...my family keeps reminding me!!

Have a great weekend - cuz you know I'll be having a blast!

until then - - -

I'M GOING TO KANSAS CITY...

2007-10-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Kansas City here I come.

Ready or not. Well, here's to hoping they ARE ready, because I plan to eat my fill of KC BBQ while I'm there.

I've got recommends, maps, web sites, plotted locations. I'm set. Seriously. BBQ here I come. It's going to be obscene!

Heading out tomorrow afternoon for the big convention in Kansas City. Big plans for this weekend - classes, new dies, fun with the Scrap-Mart crew. It's all going to be just grand!

And four full days of non-mom status. Hate to admit it - but it's a nice by-product of this job. No lunches, no laundry, no second and third opinions, no homework. Just me and my pals and the rental car and the city.

Oh sure - we work - we work really hard. We also have a really good time!

So as much as I wanted to update the ol' blog with our Fall Break happenings - I have too much to do before I leave. Amy and I played all day yesterday at the scrapbook store, so I'm behind the power curve.

So update will follow in a few days mom - I promise! Good pix of the mountains, the teen's camping experience and the finished Egypt project!

Lots of goodness. I promise!

For now - I have clothes to pack.

until then - - -

THE BAD NEWS...

2007-10-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

and the good news.

From Sedona, AZ.

The bad news - I'm not leaving this place. Not going home. Not returning to life. Not ever. So, it's been nice knowing ya!!

(dramatic pause)

The good news - I realize that I'm delusional right now - so all will likely return to normal on Sunday evening.

WOW - this place is amazing. This city, this resort, this condo, this balcony. All are amazing and we've had an amazing few days. If it wasn't for my dogs at home - it'd be really hard to make that trek down the mountain to reality.

For the last two full days, we've been hiking, hot-tub soaking, eating, bbqing, drinking and laughing. Today we tackled Devil's Bridge. Which just happens to be the LARGEST natural bridge in the United States...

it was amazing!

YES...that is me - out in the very center of the natural bridge - with an unknown distance of open air beneath me. I wasn't going to walk to the center - but couldn't let the boys show me up. So I did it. And promptly announced my achievement with a gigantic scream!!

It was amazing!

So we'll finish out our trip tomorrow - and then head down the mountain. Back home. Back to reality. Back to phone calls. Back to email. Back to real life!

I'm going to spend all day Monday at the scrapbook store with Amy. Catching up, scrapping and punching and cutting. I'm sure we'll make a few plans for our trip to California too. Hmmmmm - sushi, seafood or Italian. These are the big decisions facing us!

until then - - -

EIGHTEEN YEARS OF LIVING IN ARIZONA...

2007-10-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

and I've never personally run across a scorpion.

So it makes perfect sense, that the first one I do find - - - is a doozie.

And by doozie - I really mean huge. As in 2.5" from head to barbed tail.

UGH! He's here in the bottom of a 20 oz. Dixie cup...after I grabbed him with a pair of needle-nosed pliers. They really are pretty easy to catch...I just reached out with the pliers and grabbed him. There wasn't even a chase or a fight. Just a grab...along with a small shiver of disgust.

And just for the record - he wasn't in my house. But he was in my neighborhood. We were cat sitting this week and yesterday morning when the boy went over to feed the lot of 'em, he called me with a slight panic in his voice. "Mom, I think there's a really big scorpion by the front door." I was never assuming this was what I'd find. But when I got there, he was standing over it with a golf club, trying to make sure it wouldn't scurry behind the couch, and thereby be more difficult to capture. Good thinking boy...but next time, you have my permission to RUN.

So that really had been the extent of our excitement so far this week. Cats and scorpions.

But then last night we got to entertain a baby for the evening - which is always fun. Our neighbors grandson - who we lovingly refer to as Version 3.0 - because he's a "third". He's a cutie - the dogs were totally enamored by him as he was by them. It was pretty hilarious. I took pictures with my big lens - but I thought I should share them with grandma first!

Today though, starts the real fun of the week. Got a phone call last weekend from our friends - who discovered they were unable to use their Sedona time-share for this week. Something about football practice and hospital rounds. So said residence was going to sit empty - unless we agreed to go in their place.

Ummmmmm - YES! Didn't take me long to think about the answer - that's for sure!

This morning, as I'm packing up the last of our food and clothes, I figured I should really look and see what the weather forecast is for the rest of the week...

(click on the picture and you'll be able to read the high temps)

oh-my-goosebumps! We've been in the high 90's during the day for the last couple of days. Guess I'll throw in my flannel jammies - just to be on the cozy side!

So packing, organizing, last minute errands will fill up our morning - and then mountain air here we come! Have to run pick up a new bag of dog cookies for the dog sitter - since we've been giving so many to Lumpy lately. You know, as bribes for getting up. But he's really been good lately - and he loves our sitter because he gets spoiled rotten...moreso than usual!

I'm taking a whole mess of scrappiness with me - the teen and I are going to finally address the Spain pictures. Printed up about 90 of them at Costco the other day - and have my travel kit ready to go. Should be a blast - I just hope we finish!

Behave yourselves - hiking, s'mores, pine trees, babbling brooks and rustic life HERE WE COME!

until then - - -

AMAZING, AWESOME, INCREDIBLE NEWS...

2007-10-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

that won't mean a hill of beans to you, unless you're a diabetic.

Which I am.

Have been since I was nineteen. That's 21 years, for those of you that missed my 40th birthday celebration.

Twenty one years of injections, finger pokes, lab tests, doctors, vials of insulin and numbers. Sometimes I hate numbers - my blood meter shows numbers, my insulin pump asks me for numbers, my CDE (certified diabetic educator) asks me for numbers and my doctor reminds me about numbers. Sometimes the numbers are very good. Sometimes they are - well - just a little bit less than good. I just get tired of being a number. A meter reading. A lab result.

But my doctor has been reminding me for the last 3 weeks that I was due for lab tests. And I finally got around to it this week. Yesterday was my day to go and hear the results. Results that I wasn't all that sure I wanted to listen to. Mainly because I'm usually harder on myself than any physician has ever been. And let's face it, it's been a crazy summer - trips, travels, work, restaurants, family, friends and a whole lot of fun. I just wasn't sure - so I was preparing myself for a bit of a lecture from the doctor.

So when he walked in, with his hand extended to shake mine - and told me my number - I cried.

He smiled at me and then passed me the box of Kleenex. Because it was the best number I've had since right before I got pregnant with the teen.

My number? - SIX POINT OH. Literally, I was blown away. Not because I was expecting a worse number - but because I wasn't expecting a number that good. I'd have been happy with a SEVEN. My doc would have been thrilled with a SEVEN. But this left him practically speechless. In awe. He was thoroughly impressed. And so was I.

It shows that it can be done. So, of course, me being me, now I want to do better!

So that good news - carried me through my Friday.

Half day of school.
Movie for the boy.
Errands with the teen.
Packing the teen.
Dropping the teen off at church, and bidding two full buses a safe return.
One more stop at a grocery store.
Drug store for a new prescription.
Prep work for a neighborhood get-together in honor of Fall Break.
Good burgers, good baseball, good cocktails, good biscotti, good neighbors!
Falling asleep, knowing that my number is, right now, a SIX.

Thanks doctors. Thanks insurance company. Thanks friends. Thanks family. Thanks insulin pump manufacturer.

WHEW.

Today starts fall break - so I'm scrapping, doing laundry, and uploading pictures that the teen took at school yesterday.

The weather is gorgeous. We're all relaxing. Nothing is on the schedule today. How great does that sound?

Another update to come this weekend, because big stuff going on this week. But for now, another cup of coffee is needed.

Have a great weekend!

until then - - -

SHOPPING, SCHEDULES, STUDYING

2007-10-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

all surrounded by a big dose of sanity!

Busy week - but a good week! And we're only half way through it! Which really only means there is more to come. But it's all good - so no worries here!

Have to hit some stores today for the teen. She's heading up north on Friday for a big teen retreat through the church.

She's very excited and her father and I are very excited for her (her brother is also very excited...no sister for three days!). But words like NORTH, MOUNTAINS, CABINS, BON FIRES, and LATRINE all make me realize she is grossly unprepared for the weather. So I'm going shopping today for some "layers". Nothing serious, just things to layer together to keep her cozy. That and some warm jammies!

(But doesn't a nice chilly sleeping bag sound good right about now?)

I added a few things to the family calendar yesterday...for DECEMBER! We are three days in to October and my December is already packed. Basketball practices and games, babysitting jobs, church functions, school commitments, club parties, travel dates, plane schedules, house guests, photo shoots, due dates and weddings. I have several Monday days, Monday nights and Tuesday nights open - so please, anyone who is planning a Christmas party and including the Keuter's on the invite list...those are our best-available-evenings! Thanks in advance! (grin)

Crazy studying in our house the last two evenings - the boy was working hard to commit all of his "land form" vocabulary to memory last night, while the teen is polishing some musical scales for testing today and doing biology lab reports. Love watching them study - it seems controllable and comfortable. When schedules get crazy and they feel a little frazzled - they sit down, check their homework lists, work on the next item and then cross it off. It's controllable. It's doable. It's progress. And with 14 A's between them - it's a job well done! LOVE YOU GUYS - keep up the great work!

After homework last night - the teen and I cranked up the kitchen and stocked the freezer with Bento-makings for the next 10 days. We had a blast - the boy also wandered through the kitchen, in between holes of Wii golf with his father, to add his 2¢. Our task for the night was a pan of "onigiri" (terriyaki pork stuffed rice balls). But they can't just be plain - they have to be cute. Because it's bento - cute is a big factor. Here is what we came up with...

And this morning we used three of them to pack into their bentos...

Three bentos? Yep - three. My neighbor who drives the boy to school each morning has become quite intrigued with our Bento craze. Last night, when she was asking for some details - I offered to pack her one. How fun! She got the blue two-tiered Bento today. Each one includes:

• pork stuffed onigiri (smiley face, squinty kissy face and squinty sumo face)
• lots of star carrots
• gyozas
• edamame
• a hard boiled egg (I added slices to the blue box after the photo)
• mango
• jelly candies
• soy saucies and furikake sprinkle packets I added after the photo too

Can't wait to hear how she liked it!

Contributing to my sanity today will be the fact that I have some time to play. And when I say play - I mean scrap. I got a fun box in the mail yesterday - from my fave company...

new Halloween dies, Thanksgiving dies and Christmas dies. And from the UPS tracking email that came last night - it looks like another box is en route for delivery today. I am assuming it will contain new fonts and new monograms. WOO-HOO! Gotta love it when the brown truck pulls into the cul-de-sac! So I'm going to do some playing with new dies today...doesn't that sound calm and relaxing?

Of course, that'll be after the shopping!

And after a few emails!

And after 2 phone calls!

When the next load is out of the dryer.

And I get dressed.

But then - it'll happen! Trust me!

So take a deep breath, focus on the next task at hand - and just go for it. Because having things to do - sure as heck beats the alternative now, doesn't it?

until then - - -

WHAT CAN I SAY...

2007-10-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

other than "I'm glad it's Monday".

This weekend meant:
- school bbq
- basketball meetings
- early Mass
- good dinner
- better leftovers
- crazy house chores
- FULL scrapbook class at my house on Sunday
- happy scrappers, at the end of said class
- late Mass for the teen
- LifeTeen for the teen, after said Mass
- movie and cocktails with dear husband
- birthday surprise prep for girlfriend
- late to bed, finally, exhausted!

This week means:
- kids off to school
- no morning carpool (!!)
- birthday celebration with girlfriend
- tryouts for the teen
- babysitting for the teen
- more babysitting for the teen
- scrapbook special orders to finish for customers
- lunch date on Wednesday
- basketball practice for the boy
- half day of school on Friday
- sending the teen off for 3-days in the mountains, for a church retreat
- potluck dinner on Friday night with friends
- a COOLER than COOL scrapbook SECRET, that I'm just busting to tell someone about - but the only person here is dear husband, so I guess I'll tell him...can't wait!
- two more plane reservations to make, and one hotel to find in Ontario, CA
- more Bento Box research...and preparations

WHEW! With all of that to look forward to and to get done - I'm not going to have time to focus on my foot. My right foot, which really, really, REALLY hurts!

With that - I have to get started on my Monday...and my week. The first week of OCTOBER - wowzers!

I'll leave you with what the kiddos left for school with - their Monday Bentos...

which included: (from upper left, clockwise) two pork Gyoza, a brick of sticky rice, a hard boiled egg, decorated with star cut-outs, a pouch of mango chunks, another brick of sticky rice, one half of a salmon patty, some baby carrots thrown in for some more color, all surrounding a muffin cup of edamame. On the top tier they will find their fork and some peach gummy candies for dessert.

They continue to love their boxes. I love putting them together in the morning. And neither one has really picked up on the fact that they are so dang healthy. LOVE IT!

Happy Monday - happy week - happy October!

until then - - -

CALLING KIRSTEN...

2007-09-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

about Kansas City BBQ.

Did you mean to type Bryant's in your comment on my "B" post from earlier today??

As in Arthur Bryant's BBQ?

If so, then great mind's think alike, because Bryant's IS on my list! As is Oklahoma Joe's.

Your opinions on either of these please???

(your profile doesn't have an email link - so this public plea is my only way to communicate with you!)

YUMMMMM - I'm getting hungry just thinking 'bout it!

And hey - that's another "B"!!

THANKS!

until then - - -

TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU...

2007-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

by the letter "B".

B as in bowling.
B as in bento.
B as in booking.
B as in boxes.

I have pictures to go with some items - so let's go.

Picked up a van full of kids from the bus stop yesterday. It was a half-day of school here, so everyone was home by 11:45 a.m. We loaded up and headed over to Gilbert's new, fancy-schmancy bowling alley. Two hours of bowling, laughing, pizza and pictures...

What a great bunch of kids. It's fun to spend time with your child's friends...let's you in on the other part of their life. But, it's also fun to be invited to participate...and know that you can hold your own with them. On both a humor AND bowling level (that means I beat them ALL in bowling!).

Noticed a few differences though, from when I was in high school. When we would hang out, invariably there would be a pile of $.99 Bonnie Bell lip glosses and $.59 Goody plastic combs laying on the couch, table or dresser. NOW you see this...

$600 worth of cell phones in the middle of the coffe table. If only they realized!

Day #2 of bento boxes...and these I did all by myself!

The teen took the new, double tier lime green one - while the boy took the blue one. They are both packed exactly the same.

The top tiers includes:
a blue silicone muffin cup, filled with edamame and half of a hard boiled egg - topped with a carrot star, two steamed rice bricks, topped with nori punchies and some flavor sprinkles, two pork gyoza, separated by carrot stars and four shrimps, tucked in along the sides of the rice.

The smaller, bottom tiers include:
a skewer of some more edamame (the teen got chick skewers, while the boy got a manly, bamboo skewer), a plastic pouch of frozen mango chunks, two peach gummy candies and their spoon (mainly for the mango chunks)

All assembled, they look like this.

And no, the boy isn't the least bit worried about opening a blue, Hello Kitty bento box at the lunch table today. He's sure everyone will be more interested in seeing what's IN the box, rather than what's ON the box. Good attitude - don'tcha think?

On to bookings - have a crazy month of October coming up (can you believe it's ALMOST October - already?!). Just finished booking my flights to Kansas City, MO, Ontario, CA need to finalize Seattle, WA today or tomorrow. WHEW! I could never be a travel agent. Totally pumped to get to Kansas City - to get me some real BBQ. Hoping to meet up with some friends, and have a bunch of scrappy fun. Ontario is sure to be a blast - because CA just is! And gal pal Amy has agreed to go with us again, so surely we'll find a bit of trouble to get into. Can't wait!

And speaking of scrappin' goodness - I have boxes en route from QuicKutz! The boxes are full of the new shapes and fonts that were released last week at Memory Trends. Can't wait to start playing with the Halloween shapes and start figuring out my Christmas card plans. Thanks Melanie - thanks Andrea - thanks QuicKutz...seriously!

Okay - now on to my day. Need to call my air conditioning guy again - the squeak is back! Need to address some laundry issues, and totally need to get ready for my scrapbook class this Sunday. I'm so not ready yet!

happy, happy Thursday...Friday here I come!

until then - - -

BENTO, BENTO, BENTO...

2007-09-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

box!

Which is Japanese for boxed lunch.

And the kiddos and I are obsessed with them right now. Bento encompasses all things cute and small. That's the idea. We're all over it.

Monday night, we were graced with a "Bento cooking lesson". Sara came over and brought her arsenal of pans, sauces, samples and ingredients. For three hours she filled our heads with terms, techniques and ideas. Loved it! She even left me with the cutest recipe book - all organized and scrapbooky. THANKS SARA. Totally appreciate you giving up your Monday night. On the random-acts-of-kindness scale...this was a TWENTY!

So - without further ado - here is the first Bento that made its way to the high school yesterday.

This is one of our new Bento boxes. Hello Kitty is BIG in Japan - so it's common to find lots of Bento items adorned with the little cat. It adds to the cute factor! (and the lime green was just a coincidence!)

Here is what we packed inside...

(clockwise, from upper left corner) teriyaki chicken filled rice "ball" (with a squinty-eyed kissy face on it!), two pork gyoza (potstickers) with a shrimp tucked in between, a cucumber slice on top of two more shrimps wrapped in nori, a blue muffin cup full of edemame with a hard boiled egg on top, a pile of Japanese noodles in sauce and a half of a curried croquette with a spear of edemame laying across the top. Tossed in a few carrot stars and VIOLA! The top tier has an itty bottle of soy sauce and two Hello Kitty chocolate filled marshmallows.

Now - you want to know how healthy this is? Veggies, protein, soy beans, more veggies and more protein. What an awesome lunch! She said it filled her up - and it was the talk of the lunch table.

Now the boy wants one too. The only problem is the blue Bento box I have is ALSO decorated with Hello Kitty. But he said he didn't mind...he's that anxious!

So this one Sara helped us pack - now we're on our own. With a half day of school today no one needed lunches, but we've got all afternoon to plan, and plot...and maybe run by the Asian market.

You just have to love things that are fun. And cute. And lime green. And full of kissy-faced rice balls.

Don'tcha?

Half day of school today and we're busier than if it was a full day of school. I'm picking up a car full of teens from the bus stop for an afternoon of bowling. Gilbert's awesome, new, bowling alley is getting our business this afternoon. They are excited, and I'm excited because they asked me to bowl. Not to just drive, pay and pickup. Actually bowl with them. That's a big mom moment. One of the guys offered a personal challenge to me - I think we're having a strike competition! Should be fun.

The boy has a lunch date with the neighborhood kidlets. Right up his alley. Friends, food, fun and some more food. I'm sure they'll find a place that has outdoor eating - because it's been SO BEAUTIFUL here the last few days. Gotta love it!

Busy day, full day, fun day, crazy day. What more could I ask for? Hope yours is the same!

until then - - -

GREAT SATURDAYS ARE MADE UP OF...

2007-09-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

flowers from dear husband

the arrival of a Priority Mail package...with a bonus Blow Pop included with my order

and a handful of pops, in my fave color - from a friend of mine in Nebraska!

AND to further the greatness - we're heading out to a concert tonight. A concert here in Gilbert, put on by this guy! Watch his videos - he looks amazing. We're hoping to get good seats, so I can take some pictures. Very excited!

Laundry is done - dinner for tomorrow is planned - kitchen is cleaned, the teen even baked another loaf of banana bread.

And the best part? There is still one whole day of our weekend left!

Hope yours is a great one as well!

until then - - -

YESTERDAY IT WAS THE GIRL & BASKETBALL...

2007-09-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

today it is the old boy and lumps.

We've had our old boy for just over 9 years. Brought him home the day he turned 10 weeks old. He's spent more nights in this house than any of the human occupants have.

We've called him lots of things, goofy nick names and names of endearment. But now we've got a new name for him. A couple of them in fact...LUMPY. (Like one of Walt Disney's forgotten dwarfs.) Also QUAS - as in Quasimodo...you know, the hunchback of Notre Dame.

The new nicknames are in reference to this...

the huge hump that is taking over his left shoulder.

it's big - and getting bigger.

It doesn't seem to bother him. He'll let us touch it and mash on it, he'll even lay on his left side. But it's growing fast, and he's starting to slow down.

He doesn't eat quite as much lately, he is perfectly content laying in one spot all day long, and he whines when he wants to get up from the floor. The tile is giving him grief lately, he can't sit or stand on it for very long...like he's not strong enough to hold himself there.

So there is our Old Lumpy. We're giving him lots of love (and lots of cookies). He's not in pain, of that we're almost sure. But we're making extra sure he's happy.

We love ya Quas - of that you can be positive!

until then - - -

IF BASKETBALL ISN'T YOUR GAME...

2007-09-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

then don't bother reading any further. Because you probably won't think this is very cute.

But if you have a boy, or a dog, and/or a basketball hoop at your house...by all means, read on!

Got the boy registered Tuesday night for fall basketball. He's very excited. He loves basketball.

Last spring we also noticed that our girl loves basketball. Our girl dog, that is!

She would stand at the kitchen door and watch the boy playing in the driveway. And whine. So we'd let her out. She loved getting the ball, and watching it bounce and chasing it into the rocks. But when the boy threw it to her - we all were shocked when she tried to CATCH IT!

I think I even mentioned it in a blog post last spring. I was asked by my parents for photographic proof. But you don't play basketball in the summer - and you don't take the dogs onto the driveway in the summer. So the proof had to wait.

Until this morning.

The mornings are beautiful right now. There is a little crispness in the air. And the cement isn't 300°. So after breakfast, the boy headed out to the driveway to wait for carpool pickup, and shoot some hoops.

And the whining started right away. Guess she hadn't forgotten!

Door open, gold blur of fur dashing out of the garage and the game is ON.

Since it has been months since they "played", it took a few minutes to get back in the groove...

quite a nice vertical leap though - don'tcha think?

She missed this one completely...

but got points for not crashing backwards!

Here you see her technique - mouth wide open and paws at the ready...

A kind of canine three-point catch.

Once her mojo was flowing, the boy couldn't toss them fast enough. Here she is at full extension...

almost as tall as the boy, and he's about 5' 4"!

One final toss and catch, before it's time for the boy to leave...

and it was a beautiful one, tail wagging the entire time!

But then - she realizes what is happening. The boy is leaving for school...

game off! (Isn't this shot just priceless? You can almost feel the despair!)

She makes a gentle plea with me to continue the fun...

but a second cup of coffee was calling my name. Sorry girlie.

So there ya have it - this will be the routine now for the next several weeks. The boy will gladly jump out of bed in the morning, knowing he'll have an extra few minutes to shoot some hoops and make the girl's day!

And by the way - some extra conditioning might be in order for the girl. She is currently splayed out on the tile, still trying to catch her breath. I doubt she'll be moving for hours Too cute!

until then - - -

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU ROTTEN BANANAS...

2007-09-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

make banana bread!

Woke up this morning and realized that this bunch of bananas is pretty much past its prime (ya think?)!

As I was in mid motion to the trash can I thought about my mother. Not because of the trash can, but because of the bananas. Mom would take these and make banana bread. I just know she would.

Just last night I sat at dinner with our neighbors Vince and Karen, and we discussed childhood memories. Kitchens, and aromas, and scents and food that takes you back to a different time in your life.

So I'm standing in the middle of the kitchen, thinking of last night's conversation - thinking about my mom and my childhood - and the smell of baking banana bread. And I set the bananas back on the kitchen counter.

Kids off to school, email checked and answered, dogs fed and laundry started...and I pulled out my trusty Betty Crocker cookbook that I received for my 12th Christmas.

Thirty minutes later one big loaf of Banana Walnut bread is in the oven - minus the walnuts, because I didn't have any.

And even though it's only been baking for 15 minutes...the entire house smells like cinnamon and bananas. And if I close my eyes I can see the kitchen on 149th street in Omaha, NE. Harvest gold and avocado green plaid wallpaper, with the yellow wall phone next to the refrigerator and the crocks of silk plants lining the tops of the kitchen cupboards.

Yep - just like that.

Thanks to some rotten bananas.

The problem will be keeping the loaf in tact until the kiddos come home. But I'm psyching myself up - really I am!

What aromas take you back? What could you smell right now, and be transported back to a kitchen in a different time?

Think about it - and then treat yourself by making it happen!

until then - - -

SCRAPBOOKING, FRIENDS, CLASSES AND...

2007-09-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

calzones as big as my head. Seriously.

And that was just Friday!

The Phoenix Creating Keepsakes scrapbook convention was this past weekend - and what a weekend it was. Taught a couple of new classes for QuicKutz, got to hang with my girls Amy and Shelly and managed to see a bunch of old friends.

Friday started out kindof crazy, because we had to leave our houses so dang early. None of us are used to the early morning Phoenix commute, so we erred on the side of caution, and left extra early. And it turned out to be a great thing we did.

When we got to the convention center, I found out that I did not have a TA for my morning class. So I kicked it in high gear to get set up in time. Had a great bunch of ladies in class - my presentation went smoothly and I'm pretty sure everyone left extremely happy! Always a good thing!

All the rest of the day, the floor was busy, people were happy, money was changing hands and the QK love was flowing all around. Amy is just as big of a QK fan as I am, so she was doing a great job of pointing out all of the "must haves" and the "don't leave withouts"...good job Amy! And Shelly was holding down the financial end of the booth...thanks Shelly! It was a great team effort - much appreciated girls! Seriously!

The best way to get through the busy times of the day is to focus on what we're going to do for dinner. Trust me - it works! And my Technique Tuesday friend promised us "calzones as big as our heads" for dinner. Being unfamiliar with downtown Phoenix, I had to just trust her. I didn't trust her enough.

I had planned on splitting my calzone with Shelby, from Embellish It!. I was told that I needed more people to share it with. But Shelby and I assured everyone that we were pretty hungry. We thought we were up for the challenge. We were, of course, quite wrong...

and yes, that is the one and only size available on the menu. Holy freaking meatball! Now that's a calzone. Make that a cal-end-zone.

Needless to say, we left a large portion of said calzone untouched!

I had to go back to the convention center after dinner to do a little QK giveaway at the Friday Night Crop - and then it was back to the east valley to sleep in my own bed.

Saturday was basically more of the same, except that I had the teen and the boy with me in the morning. It was fun to hear what their reaction was to the scrapbook convention..."THIS is what you do when you leave town?", "are there always this many people?", "mom, can I have $5 for another bag of fried doughnuts?" It was a great morning. We put them both to work - the boy did the pricing of all the new inventory and the teen knows as much about QK demos as I do. Plus, I made it worth their while - so everyone went home happy!

Big surprise in store for the Keuter kids tonight. I won't even give them any clues and it's just killing them. Check back tomorrow for the photos. It's going to be a great night...I just know it!

until then - - -

THREE CHEERS FOR OLD NAVY...

2007-09-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

hip hip hooray!
hip hip hooray!
hip hip HOORAY!

Gotta love Old Navy.
In the middle of a Wednesday afternoon.
Store practically to yourself.
Clerks just dying to help you.
And all of them in "mark-down-mode" for the weekend.

Gotta love it.
You just do.

Especially when said clerks are standing around a rack of Old Navy fleece. And oh, just the thought of sweatshirts makes you feel cooler...and hopeful that the weather really will cool off SOON.

But, when they finish pricing the navy blue hoodies, and they move down the rack to the LIME GREEN section...my heart skipped a beat.

But I literally came out of my skin when she turned one lime green hoodie around to put a sale sticker on it. Not because of what she did - but because of what was written across the front of the sweatshirt.

I grabbed it out of her hand faster than she could react to my squeals and gasps.

You see - Morris is my maiden name. How fun is that?! Lime green, on clearance, in my size AND sportin' my maiden name! It was fate!

But when I came home to show off my purchase (to my rather unenthusiastic, "our-last-name-is-Keuter" family) I discovered that Morris Park in the Bronx is a real place.

So, for a run-of-the-mill Wednesday, I learned two things...

1. you can knock the wind out of an Old Navy employee, with just your voice, and
2. there is a neighborhood in the Bronx bearing my maiden name (and Regis Philbin grew up there)

OH WAIT! I learned a third thing...

3. there is going to be a "$10 off a $50 Old Navy purchase" in the paper this weekend

I was told that AFTER I paid for my purchase!

Might just have to go pick up some Christmas present sweatshirts this weekend.

until then - - -

I HAD A MOMENTARY PACNIC ATTACK...

2007-09-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

when I saw the email in my "IN BOX" Sunday afternoon.

An email address with the trailer" @gilbert.k12.az.us" could mean a multitude of things. Could be good things, could be not-so-good things. But why do I always assume the not-so-good-things...

- overdue library book
- expired lunch ticket
- using iPods or cell phones at school
- missing assignments
- classroom conflicts or disagreements

I don't know why I always jump to the negative conclusions - but I do. Even when I know from experience that I am usually wrong.

And wrong I was, when I opened the email from the teen's high school Honors Biology teacher. And while I know she's going to roll her eyes and give me that look of "oh muh-ther" - I'm going to brag on her right here, right now!

Mrs. Keuter -

As I'm sure you are well aware, your daughter is amazing! I've been teaching for 15 years, and I can always spot the students who will come back and hang w/ me in AP Bio and (she) is one of them. She's always thoroughly prepared and engaged in what we're doing, she's got a great sense of humor, she's a wonderful participant, she's brilliant, and she thinks her mom is pretty cool!

WOW, you've done a whole bunch of things right!

(signature)

The best part of the entire email for me? The part where she said, "...and she thinks her mom is pretty cool!". Totally loving that. I think I'm going to print it on banner paper and run it down the hallway. Just as a reminder...to both the teen and myself. So proud - so stinkin' proud. So thrilled to have a teacher that would take the time to send me something like this, because it simply made my weekend. So THANK YOU. For what you do, for what you impart in my daughter and for what you said. Much appreciated.

In other weekend news:

Creative Escape was an amazing event. People from all over the world (hi to my new friends from Japan and South Africa) coming to town for this hobby we call scrapbooking. Mind boggling. Saw old friends, made new ones, met blog readers, heard heart-wrenching stories. We laughed, we cried, we joked, we played, we talked and we bonded. I feel like my circle of friends just increased by about 700! But alas, no pictures. Because shortly after snapping the picture of my table set-up...my batteries died. So I settled for mental memories. And it's all good!

Friday night was the high school football game. We went as a family - however the teen ditched us as soon as we got there. Something about sitting next to the band section and smelling cotton candy and slushies, makes you feel 18 again. I managed to track the teen down during half time, to snap at least one picture...

The football team has a neat tradition - when they win the game, they all gather in front of the home bleachers and sing the school fight song to the crowd. So very cool to hear...

so very fun to have witnessed! Hopefully the first of many more to come! GO TEAM!

Saturday night was BUNCO night in our neighborhood. And this time - the Keuters were the big winners. Good food, fun friends, hot dice, cheap drinks and too much laughter to even describe. Plus heading home about $50 richer than we started!

And finally, Sunday night was the big kick-off party for our church's teen program. After Mass we left a happy group of teens in the courtyard, and 90 minutes later picked up a wet, sticky, exhausted group. They were laughing so hard we couldn't make out many of the details they were telling us - but we believe a good time was had by all!

And now, on to this week!

Creating Keepsakes Phoenix is in town this weekend. I'll be there with my girls Amy and Shelly. We've got some secret new product that will be in the Scrap-Mart booth...right next to all things QuicKutz. Classes, demos, crops and some Tee-Pee tamales Friday night - it's going to be a great weekend!

WHEW! Have a great week...if you're local, stop by the convention center and say HI.

until then - - -

I'M PACKED AND READY TO GO...

2007-09-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

work. Teach. Instruct. Converse. Demonstrate. Schmooze.

But you know darn well that I'm going to find some time to PLAY as well (wink wink)!

Because isn't what this whole, crazy scrapbooking life is really all about?

Playing!

I'll have football game updates when I get home.
And maybe a biology lab report thrown in for good measure!
And did you all see the new iPod?? I have plenty to say about that as well.

But for right now...I'm outta here!

until then - - -

THE PROBLEM WITH A 3-DAY WEEKEND...

2007-09-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

is Wednesday creeps up on you like cheap undies.

Before you know it - WHAM - it's midweek. Oh my - which means tomorrow is Thursday.

Tomorrow begins the bigCreative Escape shin-dig. I'm heading up to Scottsdale about 10:30 to begin set-up for the first evening of FUN, LEARNING, CHIT-CHAT and general scrappy goodness.

But today I have to finish the table decorations - and the signage. So my Silhouette has been running at full-tilt.

Cutting out boxes and letters and flourishes and flowers. I just hope it all comes together like it appears in my "vision".

It's been so crazy around here - hubby flying in, hubby flying out, kiddos going this way and that way, me trying to keep pace with all of them. But I've managed to work in quite a bit of fun in the last few days - and have some things to look forward to as well.

Sunday night we had a blow-out scrap fest right here at Casa de Keuter. A handful of girls, a whole bunch of paper and adhesive and some Peach Bellinis to round out the mood. We were seriously in the scrap-groove. And it just continued Monday afternoon. I hit Amy's house and we played for a good chunk of the afternoon. But what we were working on is a secret. Shhhhhh - I'll share soon enough. Just trust me when I say it's a beautiful thing.

With all of that fun to start the week off, it kindof shocked me when I woke up this morning and realized that it is Wednesday already. Got up to pack two lunches - and realized "grocery store" was on my to do list yesterday. OOPS. So today, it's PB&J my loves - good ol' PB&J.

I know it's not their favorite, but hey - I'd eat it if someone made it for me at 12:00 this afternoon.

Big football game this evening. The freshman game is tonight - and after last week's game got called at half time due to lightening, they are chomping at the bit to play! The teen was all decked out this morning, sporting school colors and wearing the necklace she made this weekend. School colors, some bling, and her favorite player's jersey number.

I personally figure she's going to be taking custom orders all day long...cuz it's just that cute! Now if I could just get her to stop texting long enough to actually LOOK at the camera - it'd be a sweet picture!

Okay - off for a pedicure and a haircut. Dear husband is currently hurling across the sky returning from Boston, in his non-stop, first class seat. (How come when HE gets upgraded it's on four-hour flights from the East Coast. When I get upgraded it's on 48 minutes hops to California?) I had a delish dinner planned for tonight - but the teen reminded me about the tailgate party tonight. So my cooking plans were put on hold until Friday. Either way, we'll all be together tonight - SOOOO good!

until then - - -

DOESN'T EVERYONE LOVE...

2007-09-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

a three-day weekend?

An extra 24 hours of relaxing, putzing, and to-doing. Gotta love it.

But also an extra 24 hours to play, enjoy, talk, shop and visit! Just love it!

You just know it's going to be a great weekend when:

our cul-de-sac is witness to a double rainbow - right before a wacky weird storm on Saturday night! Beautiful!

dear husband puts the Nebraska flag out, and our team then makes quick work of the University of Nevada team! GO BIG RED!

the entire family takes on the boy in Wii bowling - and I didn't come in dead last! Woo-hoo - go me, go me!

Two days left of our weekend - and some real fun on the schedule for today.

- teen guy coming over to work on honors English assignment with the teen
- I'm getting some organizing done in my scrap room
- teen Mass tonight at 5:00 pm - followed by Life Teen
- teens coming back to the house, girlfriends coming to the house and the boy's best buddy is joining us - for PIZZA, scrapping, homework and Madden 08 on the Wii. (I'll let you figure out who is doing what!)

and that's just today. Tomorrow is wide open. Just waiting for us to plan some Labor Day fun!

Have a great one. Do something fun. Do something with someone you love. Do something memorable!

until then - - -

HOLY COW...

2007-08-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

horse, sheep and goat!

My to-do list today is jam packed! Been busy all morning. But simply have to stop answering the phone. It's my biggest weakness, and my biggest time-sucker!

So I'm talking to the boy this morning over breakfast - rattling off all of the things I have to do today. Not really looking for a response from him, just filling the kitchen with sound while he was eating.

His solution to my whining - to go to bed early tonight. Because I can control when the day ends. By going to bed...day over!

And you know what...I love it! Don't you just love the wisdom of a twelve-year-old?

Makes sense to me!

Off to tackle 900 piles of paper in my office...file expense reports...get some projects done for next week...and call the home office. Sounds like we're planning some awesome, fun stuff for Phoenix CKC- including me teaching Friday and Saturday classes! LOVE IT!

Eight hours until bedtime!

until then - - -

IN HONOR OF WEDNESDAY...

2007-08-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

a list of things that currently top my "WONDERFUL" list.

In no particular order!

Dear husband coming home from a road trip - bearing flowers.

Lillies, roses, orchids and daisies...for my favorite lime green vase. Not because he was guilty or sorry, but because he missed me...and because I survived August! AWWWWWW - thanks babe - totally LOVE random goodies like this!

This new goodness from Absolute. YUM-OH!

It makes the most delish raspberry martini - with just a splash of Triple Sec and a smidge of Diet Sierra Mist. Refreshing, sparkly and raspberry-ie.

Scrapbook pages that take 15 minutes or less.

And turn out pretty darn cute! Just had to get these sushi pics scrapped - and had to use the new Scenic Route arrows that I got in Chicago. But what I loved were the scraps or orange paper that I found in my scrap stash - do you see it? The circles look like sushi rolls! Totally stumbled into that one by mistake - but I love it!

Also love decorating doors in the middle of the night - but alas, I have no pictures. The flash might have blown our cover. The teen snuck over to teen guy's house last night to plaster his front door with well-wishes for his first football game tonight. Good stuff girlie. We'll be there tonight, cheering the freshman team on to a well played game. Let's hear it for #66!

Okay - enough wonderfulness for today. I'm heading over to Bazzill this morning to get their QuicKutz Silhouette installed and started cutting. They need 800 hearts by next Thursday...and they are new users. So I promised I'd come hold their hand this morning! Very fun. Think I'll stop and pick up some Diet Cherry Limeades from Sonic en route. You know, spread the Wonderful Wednesday LOVE!

Hope you have an equally WONDERFUL Wednesday!

until then - - -

CHICAGO ROCKS MY WORLD...

2007-08-28T09:44:00.001-07:00

even with their crazy weather this past weekend!

A weekend recap - from the Windy City...

This is what the parking lot looked like as we were being evacuated from the convention center. Tornadoes, rain, wind and more rain.

We took up residence in an interior ballroom - only to have the power go out. But with a room full of scrappers - cameras (and flashes) were everywhere!

(for the record, about 3" of rain fell during the entire ordeal - and that's a LOT of water!)

For dinner - what else but some authentic Chicago-style pizza...courtesy of Giordanos.

Just enough cheese and carbs to last us an entire weekend! YUM-O!

I met some great folks during the 2-day convention. Totally pumped up QuicKutz fans. Ladies that love our products and aren't afraid to show it...

it's fun to work for a company that has such a loyal, over-the-top, following. They get excited, I get excited...it's all good fun!

We had another great dinner Friday night - at Dimitris. If we'd have just waited a bit longer, I'm sure we would have been treated to some Greek dancing...because the band was just warming up as we left. Maybe next time!

Saturday included more fun, more fans, more scrappy goodness. We ended the day by sitting down to dinner with the crew from Embellish It!. What a hilarious group of ladies (and gentleman...sorry Steve!). Good food, great conversation and the inevitable convention stories that are priceless!

By Sunday morning everyone was ready to head for home. The lobby was full of vendors loading up and moving out. I had called the day before to arrange for a car to take me to the airport. Well, what a car it was! Can you say stretch limo? What a wonderful 35 mile trip to the airport it was.

And it was cheaper than the taxi-cab mini van I'd used on Wednesday. Go figure!

So I'm home now for two solid weeks. That sounds strange. No boarding passes to print. No cars to reserve. No hotels to confirm. No demos to prepare for.

I think I'm going to paint the hallway. And maybe the dinning room. Who knows...

Next week is Creative Escape 2007. Looking so forward to that. Six hundred crazed scrapbookers, feeding off of each others energy. Should make for an electric weekend, to say the least!

Rest, relax, regroup, recover, reorganize, remember.

And I"d love to get some scrapping done too!

until then - - -

IT'S NOT VERY OFTEN...

2007-08-22T01:10:00.000-07:00

that I get to play the hero role.

Oh sure, to my kids once-in-a-while. And dear husband, a bit more often.

But they're related. And they're easy!

But I'm talking out-and-out hero. Saved my life, what would I do without you HERO!

That was me - today.

Since it's 1:07 a.m. and my last load of laundry is in the dryer - waiting to be put in a suitcase - I'm going to toot my own horn! Totally bragging here!

I got the QuicKutz "bat signal" first thing this morning. I was needed in the West Valley. Laundry and groceries be damned...I grabbed the aforementioned Amy...and we were off!

First stop:

Robek's - for fruit and yogurt smoothies - YUM-OH!!

2nd stop:

"Simply Scrap" for Cookie Cutter dies.

3rd stop (after a screamin' U-turn):

"Scrapbooks Etc." for a Revolution.

4th stop:

potty break and lipstick touch-up

5th and 6th stop:

map confusion, followed by a phone call for clarification

7th stop:

Her
house...to drop off some QuicKutz love. With a few tricks and tips thrown in for good measure :)

8th stop:

no time to make an eighth stop (so always pick a co-pilot who packs snacks!)

So, to borrow an overly used slogan:

• 12 phone calls between AZ and UT - FREE
• 2 yogurt smoothies - $8.47
• 1/3 tank of gas (129 miles round trip) - $18.00
• getting to be a QK hero for the day - PRICELESS

TOOT! TOOT!

To Melanie - thanks for asking...I was tickled to be able to help

To Amy - thanks a gazillion for helping me navigate (and for playing paparazzi)...(and for the snacks!)

To Becky - thanks for being so understanding

until then - - -

I KNOW A ROCK STAR...

2007-08-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

and I don't even think she can carry a tune.

But in my mind she's off the charts, whether she can sing or not!

She's top of the list...numero uno!

A total scrappin' ROCK STAR!

My friend Amy...

is totally basking in the glory today. The creative goodness oozes out of her...all crafty...all the time!

Seriously!

Rock on girlfriend. So looking forward to working with you in Phoenix. Today...PHOENIX...tomorrow the WORLD!

Congrats Amy! Big, huge, gi-freaking-normous CONGRATS!

Now...let's talk about singing (grin)...

until then - - -

HOME SWEET HOME...

2007-08-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

but only for a couple of days!

Home from San Diego...safe and sound and exhausted! I accomplished all that I set out to do:

We got to the beach on Thursday night - it was a bit windy but it made for some great wave-watching!

the Scrap-Mart boys weren't doing any posing for the camera, but I grabbed this shot and love how the water shows their reflections...

we stayed until almost sunset...

and then it was off to Buca di Beppo for some carb-loading!

Friday was a rockin' day. Friendly, happy, California QuicKutz loving ladies all over the convention center. I demoed the Silhouette to approximately 714,000 people - okay, maybe it just felt like I did! But suffice it to say that this week - there are new machines adorning lots of scrapbook spaces all over San Diego!

Friday, after a long day on the convention floor - we were ready for some FUN! The boys and Michelle and I headed out to Taka for an obscene amount of sushi! Being the sushi virgin that I am - I had to put all of my trust in my dining companions. It was a good decision, because every single thing that I tried was over the top delish!

The "rainbows" were my favorites - and the tuna was insanely good. Good company, great city, delish food - what more could we have asked for on a Friday night?

Well, how about some chocolate?! We headed down to the Ghirardelli ice cream parlor and partook of some chocolate...I even brought home a big ol' bag of the 72% Cacoa "Midnight Delight". Love me some dark chocolate - but the fact that it was tied up with lime-green ribbon was simply icing on the proverbial cake!

We ended the evening at a sports bar, in the shadows of Petco Park. A cute little bar with yummy concoctions and hilarious signs scattered about. This was my fave...

because it's oh-so-true!

Saturday was another crazy day. Crazy mainly because we were dealing with teamsters during tear-down. I've decided I want to work for THEM. No dress code, no manners required, mandatory breaks and a sloth-like pace is actually a good thing! My first exposure to this fine group of men, and probably not my last. An education - for sure!

And before I knew it - I was on a plane headed back to the heat. Where we are about to set some ridiculous heat record. I'm hoping we won't make the record books until AFTER I leave for Chicago though. My convention bud Shelly and I are jumping ship Wednesday. We'll be spreading scrapbook love through the fine state of Illinois. The convention has an awesome venue this year...Pheasant Run Resort & Spa. Do you think I can do demos from the steam room? Could I educate about die-cuts during a mud bath? Hmmmmm...might have to research that!

Lots to do before we leave though - like laundry! And stocking the fridge. Some things never change!

until then - - -

TRYING HARD TO REMEMBER...

2007-08-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

how we used to pass time in airports.

You know, before technology.
Before laptop computers.
Before free wireless internet at Sky Harbor Airport.
Before cell phones.
Before text messaging.

I've been at the airport for almost 90 minutes. Since I walked through the security check point I've done the following:

• texted the teen to remind her to call her father after drama club tonight
• chatted with the boys in California about possibly attending the San Diego Padres game tonight
• called dear husband to fill him in on what I left them for dinner tonight
• emailed a group of girlfriends about plans for Sunday
• checked voice mail at home and on my cell phone
• eaten one over-priced Burger King value meal
• read through 5 blogs to keep up with some friends of mine
• checked the weather in San Diego and Chicago (where I'll be next week)

What did we do before? But I know I sure as heck didn't travel that much back then. I'd go stir crazy spending this much time just sitting.

Off to San Diego - where it currently is only 79 degrees. AMEN!

until then - - -

CALIFORNIA HERE I COME...

2007-08-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

and it better be cooler there than it is here in Phoenix!

Sheesh! What is up with the heat here? This is my 17th summer here in the Valley of the Sun - and I've seen some bad ones. But these last few weeks are verging on unbearable!

But tomorrow it ends. Because I'm jumping ship and heading to San Diego!

A fast and furious trip to the Scrapbook Expo to spread some QuicKutz love to the fine folks in California!

I'm meeting up with the Scrap-Mart boys tomorrow. I've made them promise me sushi. I'm a sushi newbie - they're sushi pros. All I really want is some good seafood - raw or otherwise, I'm not that picky right now!

So bring on the sand. Bring on the coolness. Bring on the crazy-California-scrappers. Get me some seafood. Prepare for some laughter.

And when I return later this weekend...this boy will be preparing to enter a new realm...

the new world or tween-dom!

Lord help us all!

until then - - -

THERE'S NO SUBTLE WAY TO SAY IT...

2007-08-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

other than to just scream it!

Out loud! So plug your ears...

I LOVE MY LIFE RIGHT NOW!

Seriously!

Right this very second - 10:27 a.m. And most likely later too, but maybe not. But for right now - LOVIN' LIFE! My life!

Today - - -

• the teen had an awesome first day of high school...friends, great teachers, old acquaintances, new faces, lunch outside, fun text message to mom during lunch, great newness for this year, and a phenom bus route to boot! PRAYERS ANSWERED!

• the boy had an equally awesome first day of sixth grade...loving the "top dog" position this year, is star-struck with his new teacher, had some great stories to share about summer, got "the best seat in the class", got to sit next to buddies from the other class at lunch because "6th graders get to sit anywhere we want", and claims he is so happy now that school has started up! BUSTING WITH JOY!

• dear husband called and he's coming home a day early. And you know what THAT means (wink, wink). YEP - I have to cook dinner tonight - but I actually have something planned. BIG WHEW!

• had an awesome mom's brunch yesterday - to celebrate back to school. Gotta love girlfriends. How would I get through life without them? SUCH A BLESSING!

• carpool schedule totally rocks this year. Think I'll be driving 10 afternoons a month...and that's IT! Again, neighbors and friends - thanks. LOVE 'EM ALL!

• the pile of scrapbooking goodies sitting in front of me have me tickled pink. Well, pink and teal and blue and green. The new Scenic Route and BoBunny are just insane. Ridiculously delicious. APPRECIATE YOU GUYS!

• trip to the podiatrist yesterday showed me that my foot woes actually have a solution. Hooray. Gotta love having a diagnosis. Now to deal with it - not a ton of fun...but doable, and much better than the alternative! WHAT A RELIEF!

• solidified my September schedule yesterday and know now that I'll be attending the big Creative Escape shin-dig. So tickled to be in such a creative, inspirational setting. So excited to see all the good stuff coming out of that event. COUNTING THE DAYS!

• got a day's worth of hilarious text messages from some co-workers yesterday. So happy to be working with such fun, funny people. Thanks for letting me live through you this weekend, since I had to back out of San Jose, CA. Fun to be a part of yesterday - have a blast...and behave yourselves. GRINNING FROM EAR TO EAR!

• feeling so blessed - friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and regular everyday folks. For the most part, people are great. They add to our lives. They add fun, excitement, laughter and excitment. But they also add support, encouragement and assistance. I'm honored to have such a huge circle of all of these people...TOTALLY HUMBLED.

So that's it. How I'm feeling right now, this very second. I love it.

What are you lovin' right now? Have you made a list recently? Have you taken a picture of it? Have you told them? I'm literally busting out of my skin today - so people might get tired of hearing me today. But that won't stop me. You know it won't!

Stand on something and scream it out loud. I LOVE MY LIFE!

until then - - -

SHHHHHHHH...BE VERY VERY QUIET...

2007-08-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

because I'm totally enjoy the solitude.

No teenage daughter trying to plan outfits.
No boy packing and repacking his backpack.
No husband growling in between phone calls.
Heck, even the dogs are snoozing.

It's completely quiet here at Casa de Keuter. And I'm lovin' it! Totally lovin' it!

This is due to the fact that school started today! All moms - come on - let's do the wave....HOORAY!

Monday night was 6th grade "Meet the Teacher" night, last night was high school "Meet and Great" - and this morning proves that it was all worth it.

The boy was actually ready first...

finally having permission to wear his aforementioned new white tennies. (I wore KSwiss back in jr. high, but I haven't had the heart to tell him that yet!)

The teen was raring to go, albeit quite sleepy (I don't think she slept much last night...too excited!)...

he put his arm around her all on his own - ya just gotta love spontaneous sibling affection!

For those of you that know me - you know that I am NOT a morning person. But when 7:15 a.m. rolled around I was clean and dressed and ready to head to the bus stop with the teen. I was so proud of myself (because I'm usually at the bus stop in my jammies!)...

I did the best thing this morning - and didn't take my camera to the bus stop. But that's not saying I won't be there tonight - lens focused and ready to shoot. I did that last year - and survived. I think I can eek out one more year of first-day-stalking! I'm crossing my fingers!

After the teen was delivered to the bus stop - the boy had to wait around for almost an HOUR until it was his turn to leave. I pointed out that in the near future, he could probably sleep until after his sister leaves the house. He thought that was a brilliant idea...but he also thought it implied that he could stay up later than she does. Nice try big guy...sorry!

After getting everyone started in the right direction - it was time for the moms to celebrate. We headed to brunch at the Good Egg here in Gilbert. YUM-O! Catching up, visiting, comparing notes, checking out digital pix, and making plans for upcoming weeks - much needed mom time! So fun.

So they're gone. Out of the house - and into their big years, respectively. The boy in his final year at elementary school - and the teen in her first year of high school. Big years. Exciting years. Years that they are going to cherish.

But we get to share in all of it. The joys and the sorrows. The victories and the losses. The successes and the failures. The good and the bad. It's all going to be incredible. Because we have two awesome kiddos. Full of happiness, full of love, full of good spirits and full of compassion.

My mind is spinning in things to accomplish this year.

But for right now, I'm going to enjoy the quiet.

until then - - -

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM...

2007-08-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

is what I'm calling today.

But I don't mean it in a bad way. I just mean it in a fast-and-furious-insane-hair-on-fire-lots-to-do-and-lots-to-finish kind of way.

You know...CRAZY. And I love it. Isn't it amazing what all gets done - when it all has to get done?

This is what my email IN box looked like yesterday afternoon...

I got all of my flight travel booked for the next 6 weeks! WHEW! Got two of the hotels booked as well. But that is a little easier to save until closer to actual travel dates.

- Charlotte, North Carolina (CK convention)
– San Diego, California (Scrapbook Expo)
– Chicago, Illinois (Scrapbook Expo)
– Phoenix, Arizona (CK convention...woo-hoo no air travel required!)
– Las Vegas, Nevada (Memory Trends)

Finished up back-to-school shopping with the boy and the teen yesterday. UGH!

The boy had a specific pair of shoes in mind - and nothing else would do. Nothing else. And, being that he takes after his father, he couldn't understand why the shoes weren't at the first store we went into. I tried to tell him that "shopping" implies "searching". Not an easy lesson for an 11 year old boy. So while the teen dragged the teen guy around the mall checking out make-up counters and dress shops, the boy and I searched. High and low. Almost everywhere. My last hope was to hit Sports Authority on the way home. Success! The color and size he needed! And while it pained me, just a bit, to pay that much for a pair of sneakers that I know he'll only fit into for 4 months, I feel a bit better knowing that at his current size...we got more for our money that someone who only wears a 7! Hey, I have to find solace somewhere! The kid wears a men's 9.5! That's bigger than my foot. Quite a bit bigger than my foot, in fact.

The teen is pretty well set. She scored a bunch of shopping before her Spain trip. And I keep pointing that out to her. We're still in search of one final piece for her "first day of high school" look. But I'm not worried. I might check in Charlotte this weekend - it's tax-free shopping this weekend in North Carolina. In preparation for back-to-school. How cool is that?

Finished up some scrapbooking over the last couple of days. I feel like I haven't scrapped all summer long. But with new beach pictures, and a gazillion Spain pictures - I couldn't hold off any longer...

I snapped this picture from my beach chair - and I realized later that I got my leg in the shot. But then it dawned on me that this is exactly what I saw for 3 days. My leg, crossed over my knee, and the sand and the water. So I didn't crop it - used it as is! LOVE IT!

And while both of these shots were blurry, because I was taking them covertly and quickly, I scrapped them anyway. They were just too cute. Two 14 year olds, building sand castles like their younger siblings had been doing all morning long. They worked for about an hour - it was precious. Glad I got it recorded, blurry and all!

These are pictures of the Farmer's Market in my hometown. Nothing like a Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market. I so long for the same thing here - but it's just never going to happen. I deal with it - but I can still be jealous! And when I talk to friends there, they don't realize how good they have it.

And finally - my first scrapbook page of the teen's pictures from Spain. This is Valencia - on what I think was one of her favorite afternoons. She and her cousin, wandering around (and getting slightly lost) in Valencia...by themselves. I'm glad I didn't know of their plans beforehand, because I would have been a basket case worrying. But they had fun, saw things that they wouldn't have been otherwise - and lived to tell about it! So FUN!

And NOW - on to today!

- pedicure
- laundry
- packing
- Target for hairspray and Powerbars
- grocery store for the fam
- pack up supplies and samples for the booth
- check in and confirm flight
- print out MapQuest directions
- pack camera and speakers
- exchange the boy's shirts
- email out instructions for "100 things" class in September
- print out convention schedule for 2008

Dear husband will be home this afternoon. Flying in from Charlotte. I leave for Charlotte tomorrow. Too bad we couldn't have combined our trips - now THAT would have been fun. He could have come to the crop...and I could have shopped while he worked!

Still enjoying the morning calm. Because the fury is coming - - - luckily I LOVE IT!

until then - - -

I GET TEASED QUITE A BIT...

2007-07-28T01:55:00.000-07:00

about my lime green obsession.

But let me ask you, how can anyone look at this...

and NOT AT LEAST crack a small smile?

Lime green is just a happy color. Plain and simple.

So I won't quit you lime green. I won't change to pink. Or to some hideous orange shade.

All LIME all the time!

I now return you to your multi-color world!

until then - - -

GIGGLES, SNICKERS...

2007-07-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

and guffaws all around.

Seriously. We're absolutely rolling around on the floor, here at Casa de Keuter.

All because of a SNAKE UTERUS.

A who? A what? And why is that so funny? Well, it's funny for a couple of reasons...

#1 - snakes lay eggs - therefore, no uteruses (or is it uteri?)
and
#2 - snake uterus is one entry on a list of anagrams, that we made at Wordsmith.

Who knew anagrams could be so hilarious! We've been giggling all morning long.

So while my name, rearranged, spells out SNAKE UTERUS - and we think it's pretty funny - yours might be even funnier!

until then - - -

I TAKE BACK EVERY SNARKY COMMENT I EVER SAID...

2007-07-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

about my husband's computer stuff.

You know. The stuff he always has to have because it's the NEWEST and the COOLEST and the most TALKED ABOUT. I take it all back.

Because right this very second - I am cruising west, on Interstate 40 - about 100 miles outside of Flagstaff, AZ.

Yep - this very second. Hooked up to the almighty internet via this cool little satellite card. Which means he has been able to check his email on this trip. Connect to his company's home page. Even check on a few Mapquest directions while we were in Albuquerque. All from the car.

And I can blog. While he's driving - doing 81mph. The kids are watching RV, he's listening to his iPod and I'm blogging.

This is what family vacations have become in 2007.

We used to play "I'm going on a picnic..." We used to sing "John Jacob Jingle-heimer-schmidt" We used to make our own versions of alphabet B-I-N-G-O. And we passed the days away just fine.

But now it takes three iPods, three cell phones, four sets of earphones, two computers, one BlackBerry and this handy-dandy little satellite card. And we could drive all day.

Oh wait. We have been driving all day. For the last two days. But we'll be home tonight!

Oh joy!

My dogs. My bed. My tomato plants. My keg-o-rator. My recliner. And my office!

Can't wait! Oh sure we'll have lots of work to do tonight and tomorrow. Unpacking has never been one of my favorite tasks. But I leave next Thursday, so there is a sense of urgency this time.

Home sweet home - Arizona!

From Exit 269 - Jackrabbit Road - somewhere east of Flagstaff.

until then - - -

SO BY NOW YOU'RE ALL ASSUMING...

2007-06-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

that I can't function without the teen here.

I can't email. I can't write. And I sure-as-heck can't blog when she's gone. Right?

WRONG!

We're simply having too dang-much fun since she's been gone. Who has time to blog?

But that ends today. Because the world traveler returns tonight. Home from an amazing trip. The sights were amazing. The accomodations were over the top. The experiences unforgettable.

We spoke every night - and I was assured each and every day that all was going well. Some days we spoke twice...if something extra cool happened. I looked forward to each call from her.

It has been proven, for the record, that she is indeed a scrapbookers daughter. She called when she filled up an entire one-gigabyte memory card in just Granada, Spain. From what I've heard, Al Hambra is definately photoworthy. But it sounds like the teen was duly impressed. ONE GIGABYTE!

One of the courtyards at Al Hambra...

and reportedly one of the "most photographed" sights in Spain, the reflecting pool at Al Hambra...

But from phone conversations, it sounds like Madrid and Barcelona were her two favorite cities. Madrid, because she got to see such an "insiders point of view" from my friend Carmela, and they got to do so much chummy, city walking...

and Barcelona because it's on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and in her own words, "a color of blue I have never seen"...

I can't wait to get ALL of her photos uploaded to the computer and start reliving her travels with visuals. It's going to be fun to watch!

She says she's coming home bearing gifts. I just hope mine is not a t-shirt that declares, "My daughter went to Spain and all I got was to pay the cell phone bill!".

Hahahahah - just kidding sweetie! As long as your minutes to me outnumber your minutes to the teen guy, you're just fine!

She'll be home soon - and then the debriefing begins. But she'll have to talk fast, because I leave for Chantilly, VA tomorrow afternoon. So here's to hoping my lime green suitcase survived Spain.

Because I need to pack it TONIGHT!

Great American Scrapbook Convention, right outside of Washington DC is where I'm headed - and I get to spend the weekend with Jennifer and Justin. Hanging out in the QuicKutz booth, housed within the Scrap-Mart booth. Answering questions, schmoozing the scrappers, doing some demos and dazzling them with some QK coolness. It's a fun time. It's a good time. Doing it all with cool people makes it even better!

Bienvenodos mi hija - welcome home!

until then - - -

LITTLE DOES SHE KNOW...

2007-06-11T10:13:00.001-07:00

but I've cancelled her return flight to the United States!

Why, you ask?

Oh, the answer is oh-so-simple!

I'm not letting her come home because this is what she does when I try to take pictures...

Now I ask myself - what did I do to deserve this? GRRRRRR...

Oh well - she did call when she landed in London. Just like I asked. And she did call from the hotel in Spain. Just like I asked. She is currently waiting for our friend, Carmela, who lives in Madrid. She's an attorney there, and offered to hook up with the teen on her first night in town. To give me a "mother's view" of how it's going! I think they are going to do some walking around and have dinner. It will all be wonderful - because Carmela is charming, and wonderful, and generous and oh yeah...she's Spanish!

All kidding aside - here is the teen and her two cousins.

Her traveling companions, along with their grandmother, for the next 10 days. Her cousins are roughly ten years older than her, but I think she can hold her own (granted neither of them toted a stuffed dog along for the plane ride...but that's AOK by me!).

The boy and I are off, around town, to plan dinner for tomorrow's big jazz concert. Greek pasta salad, a la gal pal Kimberly Kwan, and some rhubarb crisp. YUM-OH!

until then - - -

ONE TIRED MOMMA...

2007-06-11T00:36:00.000-07:00

because I had to stay awake.

Just had to.

And I'm glad I did. Because while tracking the teen's flight online, I found this cool widget. One that will tell me what time it is in Spain. Right now, this very second.

And for some strange reason, that gives me comfort!

Knowing what time it is, where she is.

But for now, I know that she is safely on the other side of the Atlantic. Probably people watching at the London airport. Waiting for her 2-hour, early morning flight to Spain.

I however, am going to bed!

until then - - -

SHE'S LEAVING, ON A JET PLANE...

2007-06-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

don't know when she'll be back again.

Oh wait - I do. She'll be back on June 20th.

She's got her English to Spanish dictionary...and has half of it committed to memory. She's organized, she's got addresses, she's got her cell phone charged. She knows when she is supposed to call - because she knows the time change involved. She's prepared, she's got her Euros and her suitcase is locked shut. She's toting exactly 38.5 pounds of ziplock-organized luggage...

they really do make for very tidy packing. And we're all about staying tidy while overseas!

Leaving for the airport shortly. Meeting her traveling companions at the Omaha airport. They fly into Chicago, with a quickie 2-hour layover. Then, it's on to London. Then thru immigration as she enters the European nation. A couple of hours to people watch in London, and then straight into Madrid. 11:40 am Monday is when they arrive - which means I should be getting a phone call about 5:00 am. Can't WAIT!

Vaya con dios mi hija!

(Go with God my daughter!)

until then - - -

SO LET'S JUST ADMIT IT...

2007-06-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

I suck at posting from the road. But I have an excuse. Really I do.

You see, I'm at home. As in - staying at my parents house. And I've got three kids to watch after. And while they really aren't that much trouble - it all makes for one worn-out-tired-as-all-get-out blogger. Basically I'm too pooped to post!

And the fact that my mother is a bad influence. Scrabble and martinis - that's what we do at night. When I usually post to the blog. What's a girl to do...say NO to her mother?!

But I promise - some more pictures soon.

We sent the short dude home today. On the plane. And he was all set. Seriously. As we sat at dinner last night, we asked him what seat he wanted to sit in. He said..."the second row". Okay, easy enough. But which seat? He said "the middle one". Since I usually pick the aisle, I asked why the middle? He looked me straight in the eye, momentarily stopped chewing his green beans, stretched out his arms and said, "so I can have a cute girl on each side of me"!

He's SEVEN! Momma - you better watch out. I think you've got a ladies man on your hands!

Lots to do tomorrow. Seeing that the teen is leaving the country in 72 hours. The luggage issue is killing me. Which one to send, whether to pack a duffle bag inside her other bag. What to have her carry on. What should she use as a purse. All of these issues are flying through my head. She has no real opinion...she's more concerned about making sure we've got her iPod charger figured out for European plugs. And deciding how she's going to live without text messages for TEN DAYS!

But we'll get it figured out. TOMORROW. After I get a good night's sleep tonight. And possibly crack open my new bottle of peach bellini mix. Peaches and champagne - now THAT is a recipe for a relaxing evening and a good night's sleep.

Don'tcha think?

until then - - -

TOTO - I DON'T THINK WE'RE IN KANSAS ANYMORE...

2007-06-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

actually we never were in Kansas - but that doesn't really matter!

We made it to Nebraska this evening - about 7:30 - after a long THIRD day in the car. The short dude spoke with his sister on the phone tonight and said to her, "we've been driving for ninety two hours". It wasn't quite that long - but it felt like it!

For the short dude's folks back home - a little photo catch-up...

When we left Santa Fe Saturday morning - THIS is how chilly it was...

the boys were actually COMPLAINING about the temperature. I kept saying "enjoy it"...but they weren't buying it. They just wanted sweatshirts and a blanket! WEENIES!!

The drive through New Mexico was basically uneventful - THIS is what New Mexico looks like...

YEP - the entire state. Makes for an enjoyable drive...until you're behind a parade of trucks going up one of the mountains. Which I usually seemed to be!

To fill up the hours yesterday, and today - the boys had DVDs, Gameboys and PSPs. They realized half way through yesterday that the earphones for the DVD player, also worked on the Gameboys.

That was a welcomed relief to those of us in the front seat. The teen and I were listening to a book-on-tape, and had been playing "dualing volume controls" with the backseat for over 200 miles. This solution was ideal!

As we drove - we decided that Colorado is just as pretty as New Mexico.

Different, YES, but equally beautiful!

When we got to Loveland, last night, the boys were ready to burn off some energy. And the boy remembered Aunt Arlene's croquet set. Within minutes they had the wickets set up, and a strategy mapped out. It started out fine -

but eventually turned in a ball-whacking competition. Which was fine - it kept them busy, and happy for quite some time. (and isn't Arlene's backyard gorgeous!!)

Sunday morning - we woke up to a delicious breakfast. We were all famished and made quick work of almost an entire casserole dish of egg goodness! Thanks again Arlene - much appreciated - and muy delicioso (that's Spanish for very delicious!)

Then the entire group of us headed to church. The kiddos were wonderful, and the short dude was especially observant. He noted all of the similarities. Catholic church in Colorado, Catholic church in Arizona - IDENTICAL MASS. Those things go unnoticed to most of us - expected even. But to him, it was very interesting - shocking even. Fun to witness that!

He also took special note of all the stained glass in the building...he loved it. And I agreed with him - very beautiful!

But, the best part of church in Colorado - if you'd ask the three children I was with this morning - would be unanimous. Donuts after mass! We think this should be implemented everywhere. Because nothing puts the finishing touches on a great homily - better than a glazed donut. Especially when you get to enjoy said donut with family and friends!

We left town around 11:30 - which was later than I had planned, but AOK in the long run. We made a mad dash across the eastern part of Colorado - and hit the western edge of Nebraska. Just as we crossed into the state - we recorded our high temperature for the day...SEVENTY FIVE!

Hello June in Nebraska!

Everyone was excited - everyone was anxious. The kids were getting a little punchy about Kearney, so I finally pulled over to get some food. Trail mix, apples, licorice and juice packs weren't going to hold them much longer! And I caved - caved BIG TIME...

UGH - McDonalds. Oh well, it IS vacation! And they were so excited. They thought I was joking at first. But it was sheer laziness. Exit 302, gas station, hotel and a McDonalds. If we'd wanted anything else I was going to have to drive further into town - away from the interstate. McDonald's it was!

And now we're here! Nana and Bubba were waiting in the driveway. Dinner was on the stove, the toy cupboard was waiting, the pitcher of Peach Bellinis was prepared...VACATION HAS BEGUN!

Glad to have the driving behind us. Glad to have the fun stuff ahead of us. Tomorrow we're all sleeping in. Then maybe we'll wander downtown and show the short dude what us Nebraskans do for fun around these parts!

(wink, wink)

You ever tipped a cow?

hahahahaha

until then - - -

AND FINALLY WE ARRIVED...

2007-06-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

in Loveland, CO. And we couldn't be happier!

It's currently 56 degrees - a slight rain is falling from the sky, the house is open, a breeze is blowing through the kitchen and the kiddos are in the basement practicing calf roping!

We might never leave!

KIDDING MOM!

Aunt Arlene rolled out the red carpet for us - even though she wasn't physically here when arrived - we were greeted by notes! Notes of what to snack on, where to find the goodies, where the "pop" was to be found and the general "make yourselves at home". THANKS ARLENE! So fun to walk into a house and feel right at home! Even when the homeowner isn't there!

But she soon arrived - we visited, ate and she was off again. An arena football game with her grandson who is turning 16 tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID! Wow - I hope I'm as with-it and organized and full of life when I'm a retired grandmother! You GO GIRL!

The kids have been running non stop. Checking out Uncle Dick's saddles, cowboy hats, spurs, and mounted prize fish. The short dude wants to catch THESE kind of fish in Nebraska. HMMM - might be a tall order, but you never know!

No pictures to add tonight - I'm too pooped to upload my camera right now. But I took several today - so I'll add them tomorrow. Of course, once we hit Lincoln I'll lose track of time...so don't set your watch by that promise!

The teen has been texting her way across the country. To me, the mother, phone calls sound easier and more fulfilling. But I was told that phone calls are PUBLIC whereas texts are more PRIVATE. So, now I know!

Off to run the kids through the shower and dish out the ice cream. I think a movie has been slated for tonight - sounds OK by me. I'm sure I'll be asleep by then anyway!

But before I turn in for the night - I'll spend a few more minutes out on the back porch - sipping a glass of wine. I don't want to waste a minute of this weather! It's pure heaven right now...

until then - - -

THIS IS FOR THE MOMMA...

2007-06-01T19:45:00.001-07:00

who got left behind in Arizona. Who was so brave this morning, in the driveway, as we drove away from her house...with her youngest son...the short dude.

Just for her - a photo update of our first day of travel. En route to Nebraska. Via Santa Fe and Denver.

--------------

Wheels up this morning at 6:30 - and after a slight detour for a photo album and a Quick Trip run - we were on our way. This is how the boys looked in the car, as we pulled out of the QT parking lot.

Keep in mind - this is BEFORE they consumed the entire bag of cotton candy, the 3 foot licorice whips and the Costco sized bag of beef jerky you sent with us. (THANKS A LOT FRIEND!!)

First pit stop of the day was at Sunset Point along I-17. Bathroom breaks (YES, the boys went in together!) and a little parking lot aerobics, and the guys were off to check out the scenic overlook. They couldn't quite figure out the telescope...ha ha ha...

but the teen came to the rescue and straightened them both out!

WHEW! Good thing we brought her along - huh??

A few more quickie potty stops - and we were finally in Gallup, NM for LUNCH!

The short dude had NEVER been to Cracker Barrel - and it's one of our road-trip faves! So Cracker Barrel is was! The boy taught the short dude to play the customary Cracker Barrel table game - but we got many looks from fellow diners...

guess we were having just a bit too much fun!! Lighten up people!!

We FINALLY got to Santa Fe - a bit behind schedule and just in time to hit 5:00 traffic. But we survived...by having a hand farting contest. (you can thank me for that one later :) At the hotel - the POOL was first in line of things to do...

and the boys didn't have ANY fun! KIDDING - I was trying to burn off their pent up energy...and I think I succeeded. They are exhausted!

Pizza, wings and some Star Wars on the hotel tv - and it's all WONDERFUL!

Here's a last look at your tired short dude - all the way from Santa Fe, NM.

He's sharing a bed with the teen - little does he know SHE'S A HUGE BED HOG!

He's been wonderful - polite and kind and funny and patient. Thanks again for letting him come with us - tomorrow is going to be BIG - Aunt Arlene here we come!

Good night!

until then - - -

OHMYGOODNESS...

2007-05-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

it's May 30th already.

Which means TWO things.

ONE - it means that in less than 48 hours I'll be on the road with the kiddos. Car packed, maps printed, snacks on ice. Headed north to Flagstaff and then basically in an eastwardly direction. And I'm SO NOT READY.

TWO - it means that today is my parents 43rd wedding anniversary!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GUYS! And thank you!

Thank you for being such good examples. Examples of how to be kind, how to be loyal, how to be parents, how to be friends, how to have fun, how to be married. Thanks for putting up with my flakiness, my forgetfulness and my lack of gratitude at times. Thanks for loving my husband, loving my children and accepting that we live so far away. Thanks for long phone calls, goofy emails, Starbucks gift cards and listening to me whine. Thanks for everything that makes me what I am today...the good, the bad and the oog-lee (cuz it's a package deal!).

We'll be there on Sunday - and we can't wait. The teen is psyched, the boy can hardly wait - and our guest doesn't know what he's in for. The lore of lightening bugs, Jazz in June, the farmer's market, Runza-Bunza, the capitol, Kornpopper popcorn and Bubba burgers are almost too much for him to comprehend right now!

But he'll know soon enough. And in showing him what's so much fun about coming to your house, the kids and I will reaffirm why it is exactly that we love you guys so much...

because you're YOU and you're OURS.

Happy forty-third. WOW - it sounds impressive. And even though I know dad is saying "Forty-three, huh...it feels like SIXTY"...I know he wouldn't exchange one single day. (Right dad?!?!?!)

And I'm sure mom is thinking "Forty-three??? How can THAT be when I just turned forty-nine??" But she wouldn't take do-overs either!

I'm proud to call you my parents. Glad to have you in my life and the lives of those I love. Tickeled that we get to spend the next month with you.

We'll be there on Sunday guys. Me and the three.

Have to get dear husband ready to go bachelor-style for the next 30 days. Oh yeah - I probably need to do laundry and pack a few things too!

Of course taking dirty laundry to mom's house wouldn't be the strangest thing I've ever done (wink, wink)

LOVE YOU GUYS - have a great day!

until then - - -

A WEEK-IN-REVIEW...

2007-05-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

before my mother disowns me!

I promised her some promotion & party pics on Thursday night. Today is Saturday. So here goes - better late than naver...right mom?!?!

Promotion at the jr. high was a pretty big deal. Music, speeches, certificates - the whole shootin' match!

We got to the school at 7:45 a.m. - and this is what it looked like -

within 20 minutes though, it looked like this -

CHAOS! Organized chaos - but chaos all the same! Luckily, we had snagged our seats under the lunch ramada...SHADE!

The students all enter the school courtyard - and I have to admit, I got a little choked up. Most of them looking all proud and polished..

the teen, scanning the audience for us.

And teen guy sporting his retro-Aviator shades...

(and NO, I can't explain the leprechaun he's walking next to?!)

Her name was called (and pronounced correctly!) and she was beaming...

she glanced our way - and that's when the tears started! I couldn't help it - because it dawned on me just how fast the next four years are going to go! GULP!

Actually remembered to have someone snap a shot of the two of us...

but then I forgot to get one of her and dear husband! Can't get 'em all I guess!

After a return trip home - and a few stops for ice and soda, the party was ON!

The boys started by shooting hoops. They left the basket at 7.5' so they could hot dog a little - heck, it was a celebration, they earned a little show-off time...

especially since there was a pool full of girls, watching!

There was swimming, and a belly-flop contest...

OUCH!

There were ice-cold watermelons, and opportunities to smoosh it in everyone's face...

YUM!

There were pictures posed in the waterfall nook...

and lots of flirty splashing...

The hot tub was a popular spot, because the pool water is still just a bit chilly...

but not too chilly to play some serious games of CHICKEN. The teen and teen guy were a pretty unbeatable team!

The best though - was overhearing some of the conversations. Big talk about high school, athletics, clubs, summer plans, jr. high memories...all so serious.

All so touching. Very fun to witness and be a part of.

Our kids have great friends. We know that. Different names, different neighborhoods, different family backgrounds, different interests. But all friends! It makes this mom really proud. The thank yous we got as everyone left, blew me away. Not one child left without finding us. To tell us they had fun, to tell us thanks, for making their promotion day extra fun.

Ahhhhh - such good memories. Memories to cherish for years to come.

And to my teen - dad and I are proud of you! Proud of what you did over the past two years, proud of what you've got facing you in the years to come. Keep up the great work. Keep your friends close. Keep your options open and keep your feet facing forward. WE love you!

And that's about it! Now we're into countdown mode to departure day...Nebraska here we come!

until then - - -

LET'S SEE IF THIS WORKS...

2007-05-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

and see if you can read just how cool this is!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Click on the buttons, and see if you can tell just how TRUE this is. All about ME!

Click where it says "GET YOUR OWN' and do it for yourself. Very FUN and very eye-opening!

Promotion Party Pics tomorrow - I'm too pooped to blog photos right now!

until then - - -

TODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU...

2007-05-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

by the letter "B".

B is for...

Bad Back
Broken Bones
Basketball
Bikinis

AND

Bugaboo!

YEP - it's been a Busy couple of days.

So let's jump right in!

My Back is killing me. And it's Howard's fault. He has to stop Being so dang funny. I laughed all weekend long. Laughed so hard I cried. Laughed so hard I threw my back out when he was telling us the story of shooting whippoorwills in his front yard in Oklahoma.

OHMYGOSH can he tell a story. But OUCH, my back is KILLING me.

Got a phone call yesterday afternoon from teen guy's mother. Seems teen guy took a spill during gym class and broke his arm. Spent the afternoon in the emergency room. He is currently sporting a cast and a sling - which will greatly limit his activities at the party on Thursday afternoon. But he's on some good drugs...which will help his mood! Sorry big guy about your injury...really I am! But be warned...teen girl left for school with an arsenal of Sharpies - I think your cast is in for a lunchtime makeover!

Basketball in the driveway has taken on a new level of excitement - because the boy has discovered that our little girl golden retriever has a keen interest in the sport. He is dreaming of "Air Bud" right now - and they are out practicing daily. It's funny to watch - I need to get some pictures because she is pretty good. She actually catches the ball with her front legs. Hilarious!

The teen has finally decided which swimsuit she'll be wearing to the big party tomorrow. And YEP - it's the bikini. Don't know what her father will say - but don't know if he'll get a vote. When I agreed to let her buy it, it was under the agreement that it was for "backyard" use only. And YES - said party is in a backyard. But it's all good...I say, if you're comfortable enough in your own skin to actually put a bikini on - then GO FOR IT! And it's SO CUTE!

And my final B for the day is Bugaboo. My fave restaurant we discovered in Manchester, NH.

They have good drinks, good food, a great big ol' fireplace (that was in use on Saturday night!) and they have a friendly moose...

a VERY friendly moose! Hope and I so enjoyed meeting the moose, as you can see! Thanks Howard...for the wonderful dinner! Thanks Hope for all the giggles. Thanks Manchester for the good memories!

That's enough Bs for one day. I'm in need of some more ibuprofen anyway!

until then - - -

I'M THINKING ABOUT A NEW TATTOO...

2007-05-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

right across my forehead! In big ol' grungy letters - that announces to the world the truth about who I am...

How do I get myself into these situations? You'd think that as I get older, I'd learn. But I just keep doing it. Agreeing to things. Taking on new challenges. Offering my assistance. Stepping up to the plate.

So here I go again...

- last week of school, and I've promised the boy a "lunch date" before the last day
- jr. high promotion party this week...30 8th graders, a pool, some sun and a whole lotta food!
- that scrapbook that I promised myself I'd have done for the teen before promotion
- the page samples that I need to get done before the next show in Chantilly, VA
- the brochure that I've agreed to design for my friend's son
- the fact that I'm getting ready to send the teen to Europe...and we haven't even looked at the packing list yet
- the travel journal I want to have made for the teen and said trip to Europe
- gearing up to drive across the country with my boy, my teen, our friend's son AND the 18 month old dog
- promising to have my girlfriend's calendars done before I leave
- thinking that I need to get all of my photos backed up before I turn my computer off for June
- knowing that I have to get the car in to the shop for it's 60,000 mile check-up
- needing to schedule dentist appointments

But it'll all get done. I just have to stop adding to the list. So from now on - "NO!" is my phrase that pays!

Manchester, NH was fabulous...cool weather, great rain, green surroundings and kind scrappers that all say "YUH". We decided it meant yes, until we heard someone using it as no...so then we decided it's just a response that means "I'm listening and don't really have an opinion". Cracked us up. Hilarious! YUH! I'll post some pictures tomorrow...got some fun ones of the rockin' dance-off at the Friday Night Crop!

Big week starts now...right now!

until then - - -

CAN YOU SAY...

2007-05-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

cooling trend?

As in weather. As in, I leave for Manchester, NH in the morning and it is approximately 56° cooler there than it is here!

YIPPEE! 100 today - 44 tomorrow! Can't wait! Seriously, can't wait!

BIG couple of days - really BIG!

First - some scrapping:

Picture of the teen on Valentine's Day...

and some golden oldie pictures of our trip to NYC...two years ago!

love those bling-circles!

Had a great Mother's Day. Calm, peaceful, relaxing, nothing much to do but sit and laugh and scrap and BE. Gotta love days like that. Wish Mother's Day came once a month. Anyone up for it?

Here's what we had for lunch...

salad anyone?

YUM-OH! It was delish. And I don't care how boring lettuce, tomatoes and green peppers are...they are unbeatable when you've grown them all yourself!

Thanks for the great day family-o-mine. Much appreciated. Much, much, much appreciated!

Tonight was the teen's final jr. high band concert. And they ended with a bang. They sounded fabulous...even the 7th graders sounded wonderful! But she's not always happy when I bring my camera to the concerts...

She was looking at her personal cheering section (thanks Chris and Jenna for joining us!) but she noticed me holding the camera. Her big grin disappeared, and I'm pretty sure she rolled her eyes at me. But it's all good - her spot in the first chair is duly recorded for all time. And some day she'll thank me. I'm just sure of it! Good job babe - we're proud of you! Proud of your hard work, your successes and your determination. Thanks for always holding your head high...and putting up with your camera-foolish mother!

Tomorrow I head out to Manchester, NH. So excited. Mainly because my jackets and long sleeves are packed, but also because I missed this show last year. Never been to Manchester - and I'm expecting big things. Have a 300-person crop Friday night, where I'll be running a contest and handing out awesome prizes. Very fun. Also going to catch a Red Sox game with my buddy Howard. Very excited. Fenway Park in May - sounds lovely doesn't it?

The only problem with going to Manchester though - is actually getting there. Arizona to New Hampshire equals a long-ass day of travel. Really long. But it's all good. Have a loaded iPod, new songs, new books, new podcasts. My travel pillow, my new Martha Stewart magazine and some fun snacks stashed in my carry on. It's going to be a great day...really it is!

So as I head to close up my suitcase tonight - I leave you with this...it's a quote from the packaging of my new favorite body lotion...INNER GRACE from Nordstroms. The bottle says...

"to know peace is to know God. within the context of peace we can know joy, love and happiness. in the absence of peace, we own nothing but the turmoil of our minds that jump from one thought to the next. to find pace you must shut off your mind and open your heart to the only thing that matters; the gift of the present moment, it is peace personified."

Love this. The lotion. The perfume. The body spray. The body wash. And the packaging. Seriously great quotes on the packages. Love 'em!

Peace be with YOU. Stay warm. Or cool, as the case in AZ may be!

until then - - -

MY MOMMA WORE ARMY BOOTS...

2007-05-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

but it was just for a Halloween costume. She'd never wear them all the time because they'd probably scuff the kitchen floor!

Today is Mother's Day, and my mother is swooshing through the skies. Returning from a fun-filled four days in San Francisco with my father. I'm sure my Mother's Day card to her probably isn't waiting for her - because I didn't mail it until Thursday. But then, that's ME! Her card to me arrived perfectly in time, but then, that's HER!

Other than my card-mailing-ability...much of what I have learned in my life I owe to my mother. All the good stuff that makes ME, ME, I am pretty sure I can trace back to her!

Some of the things that I"ve learned from my mother (in the 18 years that I lived WITH her and the next 22 years that I've watched her from a dorm room, apartment or home of my own)...

- good gifts matter. The price of said gift doesn't really count, it's the thoughtfulness that went into said gift. So a funny gift that has real meaning behind it is more valuable than a miscellaneous chatchkey that fills a bill.
- presentation of gifts make good gifts great! Curling ribbon on packages, and stickers on envelopes are highly under rated!
- snacks are BIG! Call them what you will, hors d'oeuvres, munchies, tidbits, nibblers, etc. - but a well thought out snack can make or break any event.
- too many people lack a sense of humor...and they don't realize what it is that they are missing. Quick wit, sarcasm and inside jokes are things we cherish in our family. They are what we remember!
- almost all problems can be solved with a 30 minutes nap. AHHHHH - - -
- organization is a good thing. A really good thing. Mainly because it helps one be spontaneous...and spontaneity is a wonderful thing!
- being interested in lots of things, lots of people and lots of topics means you'll always be surrounded by cool people!
- love what you do, whatever it is you're doing. Eating and drinking and talking with friends is wonderful, but every once-in-a-while you have to love doing laundry and scrubbing toilets. It's easier to do it if you convince yourself for 10 minutes that you love it!
- love doesn't have to be spoken, especially when showing it truly means so much more. We may not gush to each other "love you" all the time...but I never pass up a 45-minutes Saturday phone call with her, or call her when I see something hilarious that made me think of her, or pop off an email to her when one of the kid did something that would make her smile at work.

For all of the gestures, the vacations, the cards, the phone calls, the lessons, the tears, the family jokes, the $10 bills tucked in cards, the tanks of gas, the bond with my children, the fact that you love my husband, how you tolerate that we live so far away. For forty years of putting up with me and all of my faults, my forgetfulness, my lack of thank you cards and my daughterly expectations - - - THANKS MOM! I know you love me unconditionally - and I hope you know the same!

I can't wait for June. One whole month of Scrabble, Jazz concerts, TJ Maxxing, Corn Popper popcorn, martinis, and Triv. Memories waiting to be made. I am counting down the days.

Love you mom. I know it - my family knows it - and my family echoes that love! They love ME - and everything that I do has a little bit of you at its core!

Happy Mother's Day...

FRIDAY RANDOMNESS...

2007-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

and some shout-outs to round out the package!

My parents are enjoying the weekend in San Francisco...

so my in box was full of pictures this morning. Lombard Street, the Buena Vista Cafe and views of the bay - what a way to spend Mother's Day weekend. Have fun you two - and behave yourselves!

My girlfriend emailed me some hilarious pictures the other day...just had to share! Gotta love it when churches show off their sense of humor...

and my FAVORITE one...

thanks for the morning giggles!

ALSO...

how come there is no nutritional information on the can of Folgers?

the new dollar coins have been out for quite a while now, and I still am having to explain what they are to people...the gal at Starbucks even asked if I had something else to use instead of my four coins. WHAT?

one month from today the teen will be in Madrid, Spain...two months from today we'll be lounging in the sand in Newport Beach, CA. The teen can't get a hold of her cousins, who are going with her to Spain, but we're already shopping for swimsuits, cover-ups and flip flops for Newport Beach. Consequently, guess which trip has the most excitement surrounding it?

do scorpions serve any purpose in this world? Seriously, what would we be missing if they all just disappeared?

bad days come and bad days go - but great days seem to linger on and on...and I love that!

awesome phone calls ROCK!

awesome emails ROCK!

awesome friends ROCK!

the value of a real piece of "happy mail" in your mailbox is highly underrated!

Big weekend plans - girlfriend coming over tonight for a few cocktails and some scrappin'. Suns play tomorrow night - so we'll be screaming our heads off. Followed by Mother's Day goodness! I've got big plans to get accomplished - and the family is all on board...lovely, relaxing, peaceful, BLISS!

While all of this is going on, the teen will be practicing her backstroke. Serious practicing. Why, you ask? Because this is what you get when you plug Gilbert, AZ to Madrid, Spain into Google Maps...click here to see the map, but pay particular attention to step #39...

Get practicing girlie. You're going to need it!

Birthday shout-outs to my girlfriend Cheri! Celebrating a milestone tomorrow. Make it a good one. Enjoy your day. Surrounded by family it's bound to be a good one! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Friday everyone. Happy weekend. Let your celebration start NOW!

until then - - -

WE KNEW HIM WHEN...

2007-05-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

he was just a junior high student.

YEP - that's what we'll be saying in the years to come! I'm just sure of it!

Major, major KUDOS to the teen guy...

who spent this morning with his parents at the junior high accepting his award for "Male Student of the Year". Nominated by six individual teachers for the award - how cool is that? His mother was crying, his father was beaming and teen guy just wanted to kindof brush off the whole thing, and get to class.

He's honest, he's humble, he's gentle, he's kind. He treats my daughter like a queen, he treats my son like he's part of the family and he respects me. He loves his mother - and isn't afraid to say it OR show it...and that warms my heart! He watches over his younger brother and sister like a big ol' lion, and he can quote Larry the Cable Guy verbatim. He pays attention to details, he remembers seemingly insignificant facts and knows exactly when to use both of them! He's intelligent, he's wise, he's sensitive and he's living his faith.

We're proud to know you bud. Glad we can consider you part of our "family". Loved listening to your momma this morning tell me all of the details. She was ready to bust. Love hearing that kind of excitement...loved being able to share it with her.

So live it up - celebrate with reckless abandon. You've earned it. You deserve it. Seriously! I don't think you could have shopped for a more perfect Mother's Day gift for your mother. She'll never forget this day...thanks for letting me share in it!

Lots to do today - trying to get all of my mom chores done today. Because I'm planning on starting my Mother's Day celebration early - like tomorrow night. Heck, don't you think we deserve a whole weekend? I sure do!

- laundry
- cleaning
- groceries
- emails
- work projects
- phone calls
- packing lists
- passport check-up
- dinner plans

It's all doable. It's all good. Sure beats the alternative!

And once again, congratulations to our very favorite Student of the Year!

until then - - -

ONE HUNDRED DEGREES...

2007-05-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

here in Arizona. Actually, the forecast is for one-oh-four. I'm not ready for the heat. Not ready for it at all.

And then dear husband sends me this...

He woke up to this view yesterday morning. Pikes Peak as seen from Colorado Springs, CO. Doesn't that look nice and cool and refreshing?

So I'm trying to think cool thoughts today. Half day of school today (UGH) so the kiddos and I are heading to the mall - where it's COOL! I'll sit and have a Starbucks and turn the fourteen year olds loose. That'll be COOL. And they'll love it!

Getting my Mother's Day weekend all lined up. Major scrappin' plans...all day Sunday...just exactly what I requested! THANKS in advance family - seriously - thanks!

Happy HOT HOT HOT Wednesday! Stay cool. Think of the snow. Think of the rain. Cool thoughts for everyone!

until then - - -

TOMATOES, PEPPERS AND PEAS...

2007-05-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

oh my!

Today is garden day.

Need to weed.
Need to stake.
Need to thin.
Need to plan.
Need to dream a little more.

And then I need to look for some tomato recipes. Because my two tomato plants are literally exploding...

We're going to have enough tomatoes to feed the neighborhood...and then some. I only planted cherry tomatoes though. The sweet "grape tomatoes" and the standard "salad tomatoes". YUM-OH! We've had a few ripen already - but in just days we're going to be overflowing with red, juice, delicious, non-cardboard tasting tomatoes. That I grew myself! Can't wait!

The peppers are just too cute.

About golf ball size right now - and I think I'm going to pick them early. So they are tender and sweet, and not as spicy. I think the kids will like them better that way. They sure are easy to grow - I highly recommend them for backyard gardens in Arizona!

And then there are my peas. They are currently trellising all over the antique headboard I have in the garden.

Love their white blossoms. But the birds like them too. Not sure how many peas we'll actually get to eat...but they are fun to watch, twisting and twining. They seem to grow overnight!

Veggies galore - just hoping that they all mature in the next few weeks - before we leave for Nebraska. Because Lord knows that dear husband will not appreciate them when we're gone. Sorry hon, but it's the truth!

Off to the paper store - big scrapbook class this Sunday and I need neutral cardstock upon which to print my words. "100 things I LOVE" and the ladies all have GREAT lists! Some for Father's Days, some for weddings this summer - great stuff. Really!

Happy Friday - have a great weekend - and if you are choosing to partake...HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!

until then - - -

CONGRATS ALL AROUND...

2007-05-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

and the ever present boy!

First of all - some CONGRATULATIONS. Or as someone once said to me - some KEUTER KUDOS...

- to Vince and Karen, for their new grandson. Born yesterday afternoon to his proud momma and daddy in New Mexico! Little "V.T." (Vince the Third) is doing well, and his parents couldn't be happier!! (now, send us some PICTURES please!!!)

- to teen guy, for his induction into the National Jr. Honor Society. We're proud of you bud!

- to the Phoenix Suns - WOO HOO! How fun is this going to be?!

It was a big day here yesterday - gotta love GOOD, FUN, EXCITING news.

And now, onto the boy. I got a phone call last night from my mother. Checking in on the boy. Because he hasn't been blog fodder for awhile. She was afraid I had forgotten about him...or possibly had him tied-up and stashed in the attic (sorry, family joke!).

But as evidenced here - he's alive and kicking. Leaving for carpool, just this morning...

He's counting down the days to the end of school. He's so ready to be a sixth grader - can't wait!

The boy and I always have a few minutes on the front porch, waiting for pick-up, to chat. It's here that we have our best conversations. His most insightful stuff comes out. Like this morning. We're watching the birds in the front yard, and I notice these little yellow guys playing in the daisies.

I've never seen them before - I'm guessing they are yellow finches. I was telling him that I thought it was appropriate that they were in the yellow flowers. Did they know that they matched the blooms so well? What a neat picture it would make, them bouncing in the breeze. Yellow on yellow. How cool that was!?

He looks over at the flowers and casually says, "I think it's cool that they can sit on those flowers, and the flowers actually hold them up!"

And you know what? He's right! These are wimpy, thin stemmed flowers. And the little cluster is holding up two birds. Very cool son. Very cool!

So the boy is fine mom. He's up to his normal, usual, routine kind of stuff. You know...blowing my mind!

DH comes home today - and it's about stinkin' time! He's the one that needs to be tied-up and stashed in the attic. But that sounds like something for a different post all together! (grin)

Happy today - wherever you are, whatever you're doing!

until then - - -

I'VE BEEN THE BUTT OF A FAMILY JOKE FOR YEARS...

2007-05-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

but it ends today. Right here. Right now. The joke is over.

Because my knowledge of genetics has been validated!

It started in college - when I failed Genetics 202. Yep - a big fat F! Right there on my transcript - to haunt me for all time. An F. But it really was the professor. He was unreasonable. In other words...a jerk!

So I took the class over in summer school, with a different teacher. I aced the class this time around - with an A.

But no one in my family remembers the A. They only focus on the F. Whenever there is a conversation at the Christmas gathering, or a birthday celebration - and red hair, or freckles, or rolling tongues comes up, someone says it. (And it's usually my father...but then, he paid for the class twice, so I guess he's entitled!)...

"Ask Suz - she's the genetics whiz!".

Then we hear the whole story again. About the F. Only about the F. Never about the A.

BUT - the joke ends right now. Seriously. Because the teen aced her genetics exam yesterday. Big, fat, juicy A. She even got the bonus question correct...and it was a killer!

Bonus Question: What is the correct spelling for the image below?

The teen's answer: Deoxyribonucleic Acid
My answer: Dee Inn Aye

So she got me on that one! She's a great speller. Always has been, always will be.

But then, spelling ability is probably genetic? I'm sure it's a recessive trait though - represented in a Punnett square as "Sp".

until then - - -

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS...

2007-05-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

and they involve the teen.

Yep - that teen. My teen, the one in the middle...

The teen that, in less than 6 weeks, is boarding a plane to Europe. The teen that is counting down the days to the last day of jr. high AND the first day of high school. The teen that can't wait for her passport to arrive. The teen that did a great job last weekend, running the household, when I was in Texas.

That teen.

The decision? Do I tell her that her Platinum MasterCard for her trip arrived today? Or could I just give her a $10 Staples gift card and forget about the credit card?

Hmmmmm - trying to decide what she'd rather know today after school.

I think I was 20 years old before I saw my name on a MasterCard. I guess it's all just freaking me out a bit...

the good-bye at the airport.
the flight to Chicago.
the flight to London.
the flight to Madrid.
the 10 days away from me.
the adventures that I won't have first hand knowledge of.
the pictures that I won't be able to take.
okay - yeah - AND the MasterCard thing!

But I'll get over it. I'm sure of it.

But for now, I'm going to go and look through the tub of baby clothes I have in the linen closet. That'll make me feel better.

At least I think it will...

until then - - -

TIRED - EXHAUSTED - POOPED...

2007-04-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

yet totally giddy at the exact same time!

Got home yesterday from Salt Lake City and Austin. Lots of miles of flying, lots (and LOTS) of learning about new products and a whole lot of crazy/fun scrappers thrown in for good measure!

So here is a brief run-down...

MELANIE ROCKS!

She is the Marketing Director for QuicKutz...and she is a gem! She picked me up from the SLC airport Thursday morning and we hit the ground running! She's a great drive-and-point tour guide..."did you know that Kentucky Fried Chicken's first restaurant is in SLC - there it is!" Loved it!

QUICKUTZ ROCKS!

Then we got to the QK offices...and the fun really started! Their offices are beautiful...everyone was kind and welcoming and happy! I felt like a celebrity! But the working fun was just starting. We spent the rest of the day in the "play room"...scrapbooking nirvana. Tools, papers, supplies, doo-dads, cutters, computers, stickers & albums. WOWZERS! We talked, we practiced, we played, we dissected, we cut, we brain stormed. I was in heaven. It's fun to be so excited about what you're getting paid to do! And in between coughs, a stuffed head and some nasty coughs - I think we got everything covered we needed to (thanks Mel for the lotioned Kleenex...my saving grace!).

HOWARD & LAURA ROCK!

But no resting now - a late night flight into Austin. And although I thought my head was going to burst as we landed...I left the plane basically unscathed. Howard volunteered to do the late night airport run - and I appreciated it so much. THANKS HOWARD! He and his wife Laura own/run the booth where I was going to be spending this convention weekend. They have a scrapbook store in Oklahoma - and are great people! (if you're looking to purchase any QK products...they have the BEST prices on product AND shipping!!) Had a blast hanging out with them all weekend. Shared a few cocktails, a couple of meals and a whole lot of laughs!

AUSTIN ROCKS!

I talked to hundreds of scrappers. I learned that I still have things to learn. I calmed a few people down. I happily got several more excited. I gave away a bag of QK lipgloss to ecstatic wee-scrapper-wannabes! I tossed around ideas. I listened to some suggestions. I made notes. I sent text messages. I ate and drank. I took huge quantities of drugs.

DEAR HUSBAND ROCKS!

And I was thrilled when I came home to a shiny-clean house! It's nice to be missed...thanks gang!

Thanks Austin! Thanks Melanie! Thanks Howard! Thanks Laura! Thanks oh-husband-of-mine!

Next stop - Manchester, NH. Can't wait.

But before then - gotta get through life here in Gilbert...
- we have an interview tonight for the video they are making at church
- the teen was asked to give a speech at the National Jr. Honor Society induction ceremony...so proud of her!
- dinner reservations to make for following the ceremony
- planning to watch the teen's friends perform their final concert of the year
- final jr. high band concert also coming up very soon
- someone needs to buy food for this house...guess that's me
- dry cleaning needs to be picked up, and more dropped off
- have to submit my first-ever expense report to QK
- must figure out soon where all of my new "toys" are going to go that I brought home
- really should schedule some scrappin' time with the girls...you know, things to share and show off

AND

- I'd really LOVE to take a NyQuil-nap today

I love Mondays, because the whole week lies ahead. Lots to do, lots to learn, lots to enjoy! Hope you have a great one!

until then - - -

SPEAK UP SWEETIE...

2007-04-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

my head is so congested I can't hear a thing.

I can't get sick. I've got a big week ahead of me. But alas...I am. Smack dab in the middle of yucky-gross-sickness.

But I've got a plan...it involves lots of rest, lots of tissues, positive thinking (lots of positive thinking) and a stack of drugs (thanks Leslie!)

And maybe a face plunger. Because the thought of getting on an airplane Thursday morning with this much pressure in my head scares me. I think my head might explode. And that would not be a good way to meet my new employers. You know, with an exploded head. EWWWW gross!

So I'm home today, slathered in Mentholatum Ointment, downing the decongestants, sucking on the echinacea lozenges and drinking gallons of water. And visualizing myself healthy, and cute, and perky when I board the plan Thursday.

Visualize it. Healthy...strong...creative...solid. Can you see it? Can you visualize it with me.

Don't answer out loud, just raise your hand...because right now...I CAN'T HEAR A SINGLE THING. WAHHHHHH....

There is a rumor going around that chicken soup is on the way (thanks Lisa). Tea is brewing right now. And my pillow is calling.

Visualize it folks. A healthy me....THANKS!

until then - - -

LOOK WHO HAS...

2007-04-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

left the nest!

They are so adorable! As often as I check on them throughout the day, I'm amazed that I didn't see this happen. But this morning, they were both sitting on the block wall, right under their nest. And they haven't moved yet. Momma is no where in plain sight, but I"m sure she knows where they are.

So there they are, ready to start their weekend non-nest-bound. This will be FUN to watch. I just hope the dogs don't notice them!

BIG party tonight...I have a killer dress...don't even know if I'll be able to post a picture of it here. It's PG-13 in my book! (But dear husband loves it!) We're heading out early, for some pre-party fun! Then dinner, dancing, music and gondola rides! YEP - gondola rides! So looking forward to it.

Lots to do today - you know, all of the "mom" stuff. Mainly because it sounds like we'll be having another houseguest on Sunday night. Can't wait!!

happy weekend...be safe and have fun!

until then - - -

SINCE NO ONE CAN RESIST THE OLD BOY'S FACE...

2007-04-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

I'll let Sheffield send the birthday greetings.

(because she'll probably kill me when she sees this!)

So I need to temper her reaction to me publicly saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" with a little canine love!

My girlfriend is reaching a milestone today...a big one. But I'm going to tell her that she should look at it as a good thing - not a bad thing. Not just a big ol' number. More like a badge of honor.

Because remember when you were younger...like newly married. And the job was still new, and the routine was still new, and the future was unknown, and times would get tricky. I remember saying to myself..."this will all seem so trivial WHEN I GET OLDER!". Because, of course, I wasn't OLDER at the time.

Then you'd reach a decision-making point in your life. Do we buy it? Do we go? Do we stay? Do we start now? Do we wait? Can we now? I remember thinking to myself..."these decisions will be easier WHEN I GET OLDER!". Because, again, I wasn't OLDER at the time.

I look at my girlfriend, and would say she's got a delicious life. She's got a son who is an old soul - and faithful warrior - a kind and loving guy! Her daughter is beautiful and embodies golden peace. And her youngest son makes me smile just thinking about him. She has shaped him into the essence of joy...and everyone who meets this little guy knows it immediately. I would do anything for any one of them! She's got a husband who saves lives and restores dreams. She's got her head on straight, her eyes facing where they belong and herself firmly rooted lock-stock-and-barrel in her faith, and she's not afraid to say it! She is generous and kind, funny and caring, beautiful and full of life. She loves a good time, has an infectious laugh and is a blast to spend an afternoon with! I just love her!

Sure, things are hard sometimes. Days get long, plans change, husbands work for 36 hours striaght, bees take up residence in your front yard, kids forget to do things and religion teachers bail on you. But you know what...WHEN YOU GET OLDER it really won't matter!

And today - you are older! Older than me (by gee...a whole decade!). So by default then, you know how to make decisions, how to hand tough situations, how to handle disappointment. You know that a late night at the ER and one forgotten trash can really aren't huge in the scheme of your life. Oh sure, they are big at the moment...and therefore I'll listen to you complain any time night or day. But in the whole picture of your life...they just aren't that memorable.

So happy birthday dear friend.
Have a wonderful day sweetie.
Know that I look up to you.
Know that I'm learning from you.
Know that you crack me up.
Know that I love you and
don't ever forget...that you're older than me!!

[the foregoing was published because I mean it AND BECAUSE I CAN!]

until then - - -

UGH, SIGH, HURUMPH, WHINE...

2007-04-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

with a little bit of sniffling thrown in for good measure!

Fourteen years ago, right this second, dear husband and I were still just that...dear husband and I.

It was a Saturday. There was an amniocentesis, a series of blood tests, a consult with an anesthesiologist, a visit with my endocrinologist and and couple of quick prayers. And before I completely grasped what was happening I had an 8 pound 12 ounce gooey little baby laying next to my head in the operating room. (c-sections go quickly...very quickly)

We were parents. And I remember a strange feeling as we left the hospital 5 days later. The realization that the nurses were just going to let me stand up from the wheelchair, hand me this little pink bundle and wave goodbye to me as we drove away from the hospital curb.

What were they thinking? I was 26. I still didn't really like doing laundry. Stacks of newspapers on the stairs didn't drive me crazy. Dinners of popcorn and beer were just fine with me. And they were letting me leave with a baby?

But they did. And I learned what to do. The cool thing is you really don't need to know it all at once. Both baby and parents learn together - as needed. I'm pretty sure it was intended that way. Don'tcha think?

So from baby blue eyes...

to bermudas and blue jeans...

she's survived basically unscathed. I don't think I've failed her on too many fronts. I'm pretty sure we've taught her what she needs to know...at fourteen.

And YES, we've learned a few things from her as well. As my grandma used to say, "she came to us an old soul". And I believe that.

I'm not sure what I've done right. I'm not sure what I've done wrong. And I think that's really the goal of any parent...to just keep moving forward. To not get stuck on any one step. Just do it. Do it to the best of your ability, and the good Lord willing, it'll all work out.

And it has!

she's survived -
bumps
bruises
birth of a brother
and braces

she's looking forward to -
high school
marching band
overseas travel
and boys at the beach

I'm proud of you sweetie. We love you more than we ever knew we could. It's a frightening amount of love. It startles me sometimes. That's why I'm so protective. It's the momma bear in all of us women.

Keep up the great work. You are a wonderful example - at home, at school, with your friends and in your church.

Happy birthday baby. It's going to be a wonderful FOURTEENTH year!!

until then - - -

MY LIFE IS AWESOME...

2007-04-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

In fact, if I wasn't terrified of climbing ladders, I'd shout it from the roof.

My life rocks!
My life is #1!
My life is better than your life!

Okay, that may be a bit harsh...but you get my point!

I'm pretty happy right now - and obviously, I have to share!!

Saturday morning we all awoke bright and early to find a yard full of angels...

Our friends knew that today was the teen's confirmation day...so in the middle of the night they came and "angeled" our yard. Is that cute or what? They were in the front, on the side, in the planter by the door. Angels were fluttering everywhere. And at 6:45 am, as the sun was just peeking up over the houses, they looked simply beautiful! THANKS guys. LOVE having such great friends (but that is hopefully the last time two 14-year old boys will be creeping around my front yard at 1:00 in the morning!!). And love that my great friends love my daughter so much!

After months of classes, and studies and deep thinking...finally it was time for confirmation. The teen's sponsor picked her up and these two beautiful ladies headed out to get signed in at the church in plenty of time...

We followed a little bit later. The church was packed, but with such a joyous event, who could complain about crowds!? The Bishop's representative presided over the Mass, and it was wonderful. He said beautiful things, things that sounded like he was talking specifically to each one of us. And with a sign of the cross on her forehead...

she was marked. Marked forever and ever as a member of our faith. Very awesome. Gave me goosebumps...and I love it! So proud of you, daughter of mine. So proud!

Back home, being followed by friends, to celebrate, eat and relax. Fish tacos, strawberry shortcake and a few pitchers of margaritas did the trick. I know we laughed until late - the kids played, the teens talked and the adults reminisced about our kiddos growing up. Where exactly does that time go? Thanks guys for sharing this day. We appreciate your support. We love our faith...and love sharing that factor with you. We love all of you!!

Sunday morning we were cooking up a serious surprise for the teen. Kindof a post-confirmation, pre-birthday event. When the doorbell rang in the afternoon, we made her answer it. The bell ringers turned out to be my aunt and uncle who had just driven in from Vermont...

They were trying to make it in time for confirmation, but got held up last week by the storms in the midwest. The teen wasn't expecting them either way - so it was a HUGE surprise. Hugs, laughs, squeals and pictures started off a wonderful Sunday afternoon!

We did a teeny bit of sightseeing with dear aunt and dear uncle - but came back home to some Sunday snacks and some overdue visiting. Which translates into "time to drag out the albums". When I saw these pictures this morning, I realized right away that THIS is why I scrapbook...

the kids were telling the stories. The adults were listening - enthralled. My children love their scrapbooks. They love sharing them, they love showing them off and they love that I make them. I know they do. Because they tell me.

So the house cleared out this morning. DA and DU will continue on their journey to the Grand Canyon. The kids go back to school. Dear husband is preparing for his big convention - and I'm working on everything else. But I'm not complaining.

- I have laundry to do - because we have clothes to wear.
- I have dishes to do - because we had wonderful food to eat last night.
- I have a bathroom to clean - because I have friends coming over to scrapbook Wednesday night.
- I have birthday presents to wrap - because my beautiful daughter turns 14 tomorrow.
- I have a track meet to go to tomorrow - because my daughter's friend is aiming for his personal best!
- I have cupcakes colors to dream up - because I have a very special friend celebrating this week.
- I have chicken wire to put up - because my garden is bursting at the seems and the birds love my lettuce...

(but I'm not blaming these guys...

I'm blaming the big ugly black birds!)

AND

- I have some scrapbook pages to complete - because I have amazing pictures of this amazing weekend.

And THAT is how I know my life is awesome!

until then - - -