I had a great day at work yesterday because the Bazzill Chicks are around teaching classes, having fun. Kelli taught a "stinkin' cute" 8x8 album class using the new Scenic Route paper...just loved it. Then Amy taught a 5x7 little album. They just have the greatest style...simple but fun. I wish I could think more like them. I seem to try to make things too complicated. I'm really going to try to simplify my classes. Well, I get to hang out with them today, which I am totally looking forward to...hope some of their creativity rubs off on me. We are scrappin' at the store then were going to lunch at Miller's Grocery...can't wait.
And, did I mention Donna Downey is coming tomorrow. Yep, that's right, i get to hang out with Donna. Can't wait!

 
I'm home today...yea!! So this is what I've done along with laundry and picking up after Lillie! The center area is an altered puzzle from a swap I participated in. I just mounted it on a canvas and collaged around it. I used up a lot of dimensional embellishments that I don't use anymore cause they are too thick. Really had alot of fun just being creative! 

Just having fun with my new camera and one adorable little girl wearing a new watermelon hat and purse given to her by her (great)Grandma Bobbe. Thanks Mom!

I have been waiting for this book for months. This is the hottest book about scrapbooking out there. The first 2 printings sold out so quickly, but my favorite store finally got some more in today and I grabbed mine as soon as I walked in the door. Stacy Julian is an amazing scrapbooker and really an amazing person. So, I'm taking my very special book out to the front porch and reading it right now...instead of making dinner!

What a great day it's been. My family all attended church, which was awesome. I go to the most amazing church. They never cease to amazing me with the things they come up with to make people feel welcome and grow them in their walks with Christ. It was truly a blessing to see the entire Murphy Center full. We had the privledge of hearing Steven Curtis Chapman do a few songs. Then our pastor, Allen Jackson (yep,that's his name!) spoke. Really a great service.
I actually cooked a Traditional Easter meal and the kids hung around all afternoon. They even let me get a family picture. We finished up the afternoon with an Easter Egg Hunt with Lillie. She had a fun time searching for eggs all over the yard. Papa Joe filled them with candy and money. The search ended at a new sand box. We just have so much fun spoiling her! That's what Grandkids are for, right?!

I decided to make Adam's graduation announcements myself. I just thought they would be more personal and nicer. So, here's what I came up with.

Can I brag?

 
Can I brag on my son a bit? Well it's my blog, so yes I can! This week he was chosen as one of his school's "High Profile Patriots". To get this award you must be nominated by a teacher (actually he was nominated by 3 teachers). The principle described it as an "all around great student award", nominated because a teacher thinks you are responsible, easy to teach, enjoyable to be around, etc.
Wow, we are so proud of you, Adam! You have been a joy to us through the years and I can't wait to see the person you grow into over the next stage of your life.
Love, Mom 

I'm slacking on my photo-a-day challenge. Sorry.
Last Friday we had a lot of storms move through Middle Tennessee. Eight people lost thier lives due to Tornados. I can't believe the destruction that can happen in the matter of seconds. Many, many people are left with major damage to their homes and businesses or left with no homes at all. Please pray for these families as they try to rebuild.
I'm very thankful that all we experienced at our house was hail. It did ding up the cars but insurance will cover that. I got my new camera that same afternoon, so I opened up the box just in time to get this video from my front door:
Hail Storm

I worked today and I am sooo tired. I swear I'm going to start wearing a pedomenter to see how far I walk in a day at work. Oh well, I just wanted to let whom ever reads my blog, if anyone, that I don't have a picture today. Christian took my camera with her on a school trip to Chicago. But I do have exciting news, I ordered a new camera and it's shipping to me tomorrow. so here's a picture of it. ain't she pretty!

General Jackson

 
We just got home from a cruise on the General Jackson showboat. We had a great dinner, saw a fun show, and had wonderful time. If you've never gone before I would highly recommend it!
I know Joey looks like a lobster. He keeps forgetting to put sunscreen on. I guess your mind really does go when your 45! 

Hello Kitty Happy Birthday Cupcakes

 
I just had to post this picture of the cupcakes Lillie picked out for Papa Joe's birthday. He was truly humbled by her thoughtfullness! 

 
 
I can't believe I'm married to a 45 year old man! Yes, today is Joey's birthday and he's FORTY-FIVE. I'm mean, that's like half way to 90. No, that IS half way to 90. Wow. But ya know, he still Rocks my World!!! Happy Birthday Joey. Have fun today. 

It's a beautiful day!

 
A beautiful view from my front door this morning. I really love my front porch. It's a sit and listen to the birds, play with the dogs, wave at the neighbors kind of porch! A great place to relax on such a beautiful morning! 

One Happy Girl

 
This is my photo of the day. It was actually taken a couple weeks ago at Lillie's 3rd Birthday Party. I love this picture because it totally captures her personality. Happy and Free. I call her my little Free Bird. She loves to experience everything that comes her way. Never a fear or concern, just totally consumed by the moment. I hope she never loses that. 

 
I'm taking Sonia up on her Photo-A-Day Challenge during April. This is the first day for me to wear sandles this year. I even gave myself a pedicure, but I still hate the way my toes look! 

We went to Union University yesterday with Christian and Megan (her friend whom she is trying so hard to convince to go away to school with). Joey and I were so impressed. Now granted, it is a Christian college. We met with one of the Biology professors and the first question he asked Christian about was what God was doing in her life. She thought that was very cool. They went on to discuss the Biology department and what she could expect while she was there and also how UU could prepare her for getting accepted into a great Physical Therapy program following graduation. When they were done with the meeting he asked if he could pray with her, I wish I had a picture of that scene (only a scrapbooker would understand that!) Christian was so excited after we left. I think she has her mind made up already, but we are going to Murray State on Saturday and they she wants to visit UT @ Chattanooga too. But UU will be hard to beat. Our concern is that it is a private college therefore very expensive. We have discussed how we will help her as much as we can but she will have to get some loans and we hate for her to have that on her shoulders as she begins a career.

I forgot to mention earlier.......I HATE Playdough!!!! OK, I got that out, and now I feel better. Now I'm going back to scraping the little playdough particles out of the carpet.

I finally committed to Weight Watchers today. I've been meaning to go for quite a few weeks now but something always came up. I had really been blaming it on Lillie, thinking she wouldn't behave if I took her with me. But I took her with me today and she was so good. Then we went for a walk on the Greenway, which she really enjoyed because it was so darn pretty out. Lots of mom's with strollers today, so I fit right in. Hopefully, I'll take control of my life again. I feel like I'm not really "ME" anymore.
Tomorrow, we are going to visit Union University with Christian. Then on Saturday, we are going to Murray State, which is where Joey went. This college searching process is so exciting to Christian and Joey and I are enjoying watching her move into this next stage of her life.
Oh yeah, I loved the movie last Saturday: Failure To Launch. It was just my kind of movie. A cute little romantic comedy. No violence. Really no suspence. Just a light funny movie. So go see it if you get a chance!

Just got home from my LSS Class Preview Party. I've been workin' like a dog on class projects for the next 3 months to show today. It went pretty well although I would have like more people to come. I think alot of people are on their way out of town for spring break. But anyway here are some classes I came up with:
Baby Album in a Day! 20 page album that will highlight each month of baby's first year.
Not Your Ordinary Easter Paper Bag Album! just a fun colorful mini album made out of gift bags I wish I had a picture of the inside because it's kinda interactive. The other class I'm teaching is called Simplicity. The concept is to do Simple layouts and really get some scrappin' done...5 simple layouts each month. sorry I don't have a picture for this one.
Well, Joey and I getting ready to go to the movies. Gonna go see Failure to Launch . I let you know how it is!
Laura

Ahhhhh!

That's all I can say. Ahhhhh! We got our new mattress yesterday and last night we both had the best nights sleep we've had in a very long time. I love it. It's very cozy and soft and comfy. The pillows are wonderful too!
Gotta work today. I have to teach a class this morning, then we are putting out new product the rest of the day. I like it when we are busy with customers and busy putting out the new stuff. Maybe tonight I can post a picture of Lillie's B-day.
Have a great day!