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!

Okay, okay, I'm blogging today.

Sorry I'm such a blogger let down. It's really bothering me that the entry below (my pirate name) isn't centered. Arrrr, I can't get it right. Oh well, what's going on with me? ? ? Today is Lillie's 3rd birthday. We celebrated at Chuck E. Cheese last night, which was her third time to celebrate a birthday there. But I must say that last night was the most enjoyable of all parties... no kids! Just our immediate family and 1 of Amies friends. Oh, and no uncomfortable adult situations. Lillie's dad's family did their own party with her this year. It was sooooo much more enjoyable than past parties! I wish I had a picture to post but my digital camera sucks and the battery was dead when it was time to go to the party so I had to use my film camera. I'll get the pictures developed today and post one tomorrow.
Other big news here in the Davis household.....We bought a Select Comfort bed last friday. Can't wait to get it...it's in trasit from S. Carolina. I'm tracking it on UPS. We have to currently own the worst mattress ever. It was an expensive one but it feels like we are sleeping on the floor. We got new pillows too and have been using them which has helped our sleeping experience a little bit. I'll let you know how great the new one is.
I gotta get going working on class projects. I'm behind as usual and have to have them all completed before tomorrow. I'm such a procrastinator.

I am such a sap....I watched You've Got Mail again last night. I bet I've watched that movie at least 50 times. I just can't help myself. If I'm flipping through the channels and I come across this movie I have to watch it. The same goes for Sleepless In Seattle. I guess the chemistry between Meg & Tom just clicks. Anyway, I just wanted to share what I sap I am!!!

This Is Me!

I had a great time last weekend participating in a cybercrop at the Simple Creative Crafts site.  I really got a lot done.  If your wondering what a cybercrop is....it's where each person who wants to join in works on anything scrapbook related that they want to during a period of time and posts their creations in the gallery to share with the others.  The site also had some contests going on and I won a set of rub-on's  Whoo-Hoo!  It really was a lot of fun!  Above is a layout I did which I've been meaning to work on for a long time.  I finally had a picture of me that I like and I wanted to do a page layout about me.  I like how it turned out.

Taggity Tag

I've Been Tagged by
Sonia

4 Jobs You Have Had in Your Life
1. Cashier at Winn Dixie
2. Receptionist for an Architect
3. Administrative Assistant for Insurance and Investment guy
4. Work and Teach classes at a scrapbook store (current)

Movies You Could Watch Over
1. Sleepless in Seattle
2. You've Got Mail
3. Shreck
4. Dumb and Dumber!!

4 Places You Have Lived
1. Spring Hill, KS
2. On a boat on the Carribean (1 year)
3. the Florida Keys
4. Murfreesboro TN (current)

4 TV Shows You Love to Watch
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. The Office
3. American Idol (starts again tonight!)
4. The Biggest Loser

4 Places You Have Been on Vacation
1. Bermuda
2. Mexico
3. Snow Skiing in Colorado
4. Las Vegas

4 Websites You Visit Daily
1. Two Peas
2. Blogs - Sonia Greta Tiffany Stacy Julian
3. Simply Creative Crafts
4. AmSouth (checking my bank accounts!)

4 of Your Favorite Foods
1. Lay's Potato Chips and Sour Cream dip
2. Homemade Lasagna
3. Chocolate Chip cookies
4. Fresh Salsa

4 Places You Would Rather Be Right Now
1. reading a book on the warm beach
2. shopping
3. ?
4. ?

4 Bloggers You are Tagging
1. Greta
2. Nancy
3. Amanda
4. Anna

A simple layout using the Christmas Cards I received this year. Got the idea from Sonia who got the idea from Ali Edwards!

Soooo, do you like my new blog skin. I love this kitchen. I wish it were my own, but I can dream and pretend it's mine to any new people who wander onto my blog!
Yesterday I spent the whole day scrapbooking and I really got a lot done. I still have piles of projects on my table but it was fun catching up on layouts I had actually forgotten were at the bottom of the piles. I finally got Lillie's 2nd birthday layout done...she'll be 3 in March @@! But above are a couple of my favorites.

Okay, I'm back!

Sometimes I just don't have anything to say. That's why I haven't blogged in so long...sorry. Last Saturday the only 2 people that ever read my blog both commented on my blog absence so I figured what better time than the beginning of a new year to start blogging again.
We had a pretty good Christmas although it was extremely busy. On Christmas morning we got up and opened presents and ate breakfast before getting on the road by 9:00 am. We traveled 3 hours to my parents house, opened presents and ate lunch. Then drove 45 minutes to DH parents house, ate dinner then opened more presents, then spent the night with them. The next morning we drove back to TN so that Christian and I could both be at work by 1:00. By the time I got home from work that day I couldn't remember anything that anyone had given me. So it was like Christmas all over again sorting through my gifts and putting things away. Next year we are going to have to figure out something else...it was just too crazy!
As for New Years Eve, we stayed home and Joey watched a football game. About half way through I couldn't keep my eyes opened so I fell asleep at 10:30 and completely missed the ball falling. Man, are we getting old or what?
One more thing...for Christmas I got Joey XM satellite radio for his car, but you can also listen to it online. So for the last 3 days we have been checking out all the talk stations and different music genres. But our favorite by far is the 70's station. There was some really great music that came from that decade! I highly recommend satellite radio!

I'm Off

I'm off to Florida tonight. Well, technically, early early tomorrow morning. 3:00 am to be exact. I'll be traveling with my boss, her husband, and a co-worker to Orlando for an EK Success (big scrapbook product company) workshop. I'm very excited. I get to take a bunch of classes, they give us free products (whoo-hoo) and they wine-n-dine us while we stay at the Contemporary Resort in Disney World. It should be a fun time. We will leave to come home after lunch on Saturday, so I'll be home in my bed hopefully by 2 am Sunday morning. I'll post a picture of my goodie stash when I get back!

** I really enjoyed reading a friend of mine's blog this morning. She's got some good words to live by today.
Sonia

Enjoy today!

Busy Week

Wow, I'm tired. I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster that just won't stop. I have so many different things going on all at the same time and it's wearing me out. I'm going up to see my mom & dad tomorrow in Paducah and I'll spend Thanksgiving with them. Joey and Adam will come up on Thursday just in time to eat, then they will go on to Joey's family's house to eat again, and I'll come home to spend some kind of time with Christian. She has to work at KMart on Thanksgiving day from 7 am-1 so she isn't able to come with us. But my good friend, Debbie McGowan, graciously invited her to come over and spend a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with them. Christian is very excited about that....could be because Debbie has 3 sons!
After Thanksgiving I will work Friday & Saturday and I know it's gonna be busy! I teach classes Monday & Tuesday nights, then Wednesday morning (2 am) I leave for Florida for a scrapbook industry educational workshop thing. I'll be back on Sunday night. Have to work Monday and then teach that same night. I have all of my classes already prepared, which makes me feel very organized. But, now can you understand why I'm tired. Too many things going on. I just want to get off the ride and sit and watch for a while.
Today is a special day. Can't tell you why just yet. But maybe soon I'll be able to relax and get off that silly rollercoaster.

2...two...dos...zwei

2 names you go by
1. Laura
2. SugarMama (by Lillie, then she laughs and laughs cause she knows I don’t like it!)

2 parts of your heritage
1. Dad's side: American Indian - Cherokee
2. Mom's side: Swiss

2 things that scare you
1. roller coasters
2. my adult children when they make bad choices

2 of your everyday essentials
1. curling up with into my cozy bed at night (2) with a cup of hot tea

2 things you are wearing right now
1. make-up
2. my favorite jeans

2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment)
1. Keith Urban
2. Rascal Flatts ( I know this is not like me, but lately I’ve had an appreciation for country music)

2 favorite songs (at the moment)
1. Better Life (Keith Urban)
2. Praise You In This Storm (Casting Crowns) http://echotools.echomusic.com/client_images/castingcrowns/1129326605_02-PraiseYouInThisStorm.mp3

2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love)
1. Authenticity
2. Understanding

2 truths
1. It’s time to go to work
2. I'm tired

2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex)
1. eyebrows
2. good teeth

2 things you enjoy besides scrapbooking
1. reading
2. computer (email, googling, blogging, 2Peas, etc.)

2 things you want really badly
1. Cannon Rebel Digital
2. my life to be calm again

2 places you want to go on vacation
1. Israel
2. Arizona

2 things you want to do before you die
1. Go to Israel
2. Go on a mission trip

2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick
1. I own a tremendous amount of shoes
2. I love romantic comedy movies

2 things you are thinking about now
1. I’ve got to get off the computer and go to work.
2. I’m tired

2 stores you shop at
1. Scrappin’ USA Superstore
2. Target

Tag....you're it!
Ok, we're gonna play "Tag" you're it! (Cause my good friend Sonia wants me to play!) Okay, here we go:

Last 2 tv shows you watched:1. Missing 2. Fox News
Last 2 things you ate or drink:1. Hot Tea 2. Toast
2 pieces of clothing you put on:1. Jeans 2. shoes
Last 2 people you told you loved:1. DH 2. Lillie
Last 2 people you kissed:1. DH 2. Lillie
Last 2 people who have replied to your blog:1.Sonia 2. Greta
Ok, now tag you're it!

This is where the last 2 people who have responded to my blog are supposed to post this same thing on their blog and pass the tag game along. I just have 1 problem. I think Sonia is really the only person (besides my family) who reads my blog. But, Nancy A, if your reading this you can play along!

It's A Great Day!

Today has been a great day. I had a class this morning but then I came home and worked in my scrapbook room with the radio on...very therapeutic, renewing, fun. It's unusual for me to be all alone at home. Lillie's at Preschool and Joey's at meetings, so it just me. I love it. I've been scrapbooking just for me...no design team projects...no classes...just me. Above is what I've created so far. I've got about 30 more minutes until I have to pick up Lillie, so I'll let you know what else I can get done.

Postscript: Nov 2 10:03 pm:
I got this one done after Lillie went home tonight. I'm really pleased with it.

Hallelujah Harvest Hoedown

WORLD OUTREACH CHURCH October 30, 2005
We took Lillie and Amie to an event that our church puts on for the community every year...the Hallelujah Harvest Hoedown. They expected about 12,000 people this year and it felt like we exceeded that goal. It is completely free to the public and it's so big and so fun. We spent most of our time in the Preschool tent where Lillie got to experience cookie decorating, face painting, and huge bubbles. She also got to go outside to the petting zoo and ponie rides. But Lillie's favorite thing was watching and singing along to the Girly Girl’s sing praise and worship songs. My favorite thing was watching Lillie sing praises to the Lord. It was precious!

Senior Picture Time!

We got Adam's Senior pictures this week and I'm so pleased with how they turned out. He's such a cutie, don't ya think?!!!

I love Sundays

I love Sundays.... especially in the fall. I make a pot of chili and some cornbread. We watch football all afternoon - even though our Titan's keep loosing! Today Adam even watched it with us. It was so nice having him home for a change; we talked about his upcoming college choices and what he wants to do in the future. Then Nikki came over for a while and I baked them some cookies. Amie and Lillie stopped by and Papa Joe read to Lillie. Christian came home from shopping. My whole family was together for about 30 minutes and it felt so good. I needed that closeness with them. I miss them.

Oh my, how time flies by!

Today my son, Adam, turned 18 years old. How can that be? It seems like yesterday he was outside playing all day with trucks and bikes and bugs. Why did it all have to go by so quickly? I long for those days of dirty face kisses and dirty hands hugs again. But those days are long gone.
When he was born I dreamed of the never-ending football and baseball games we would attend. But you know what, Adam was never really interested in sports. For a while that really bothered me. I had grown up in a family where playing sports was just what boys did. But then I started to accept Adam for who he is and really appreciate what makes him unique.
Let me tell you a little bit about Adam. He is just the neatest guy. I truly admire him. He can fix anything. He loves to work on cars and trucks and motorcycles. He knows everybody around and everybody seems to like him. He can relate to people who are 20 years older than he is or 10 years younger than he is. He can find his way anywhere…he has my Indian sense of direction! He recently joined the Walter Hill Volunteer Fire Department, which I think is such an “Adam” thing to do. And he has a good heart…a really good heart. That’s what I love most about him. Happy Birthday, Adam. I love the man you are becoming. 

Encouragement For Amie!

 

Be Thankful

We've been on a string of bad luck... or trials... or valleys... or whatever you want to call it lately. My son was in a wreck about 3 weeks ago and totalled his truck. We ran into a little financial snaffo that we were so not prepared for about 2 weeks ago. This week we've been dealing with Amie's situation.
Every day I say to my husband "Surely it can't get any worse" and then you know what happens? IT DOES! Joey pointed this out to me last night and I told him he was crazy!
But then I got an email from PayPal saying that they are reversing a payment out of my account that I received after I sold something on ebay. I sent to package to the buyer weeks ago. They said there is some kind of problem with her account. Now that buyer is no longer an ebay-er and not answering any emails. I guess I was scammed. And Joey's words coming rushing back into my mind.
So I'm trying to remember that in life there are always problems. I just need to learn how to deal with them without losing focus. That's my new thing...to realize that it could always be worse, be thankful for everything right in my world, and to just trust God that He has my best in mind.

There is no better time of day than when Mommy comes home! I found these forgotten pictures on my computer and decided I need to scrap these next.  

Yesterday was a stressful and hurtful day at our house. My daughter's boyfriend turned violent. That's about all I can say. She is okay physically, but emotionally fragile as you can imagine. Please pray that she will recieve bits of wisdom from the people who care about her.

My Favorite Quote

I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
-edward hale, author and clergyman

{Granddaughter} Lillie

This is what Lillie's Aunt Christian has been teacher her...to make gestures with her hands!
Actually, Christian taught her that L is for Lillie. 

Young Love

My son, Adam, and his girlfriend, Nikki on the 1st year anniversary of their first date. They are soooo cute, don't you think?! That morning Adam showed up at her door before school with a dozen red roses. Then, for dinner he took her to Nashville to eat at The Melting Pot and for a carriage ride.
I love the way the lights are blurry in the background but somehow the two of them are in focus. They said they found some drunk guy on the street to take this picture. Maybe that's the tip I needed to take better pictures! Just Kidding! :)