Back to Reality!

I'm back from vacation...back to the real world. We had a really great time. Very relaxing...but not boring...just the righ mix! So here's what we did:
Amie and Lillie were with us for the first 3 days:


We went to a cave:

Played miniature golf:

Raced Potty's...yes, that's right...remember, we were in Alabama!

Vacation Time!

Tomorrow morning we head out on our much needed vacation. "Where to?" you say? Well we are vacationing outside of Birmingham, Alabama. Now I know that doesn't sound very exciting, but here is the story on that. Our kids are almost grown and they aren't able to come with us anymore because of jobs and school :( So we decided to stay somewhat close to home (in case they need us) and where there is something for Joey and I to do that we enjoy. Well Joey is a big golfer and there just happens to be a bunch of very challenging golf courses around Birmingham...so he's pretty excited about that. He already has tee times for each morning. And I am (as I'm sure you know) a bit obsessed about scrapbooking. And there is a really interesting scrapbook store there that I just know I'm going to have a good time in.:) I'm also bringing some scrapbook projects to work on. I'm gonna lay out by the pool and scrapbook...My idea of a vacation!! Now Amie and Lillie will be with us the first part of the week, so I'm looking forward to spending time with them...maybe shopping, going to the zoo, swimming. Then it's just me and Joey for the rest of the time....YAY!
Hope you all have a great week and I'll fill you in when I get back!
Oh, I haven't updated my diet progress lately so here it is:

  

I'm Scrappin' today and it feels so good!

  
of course, i should be getting ready for our vacation...leaving saturday morning..but i'll get to that stuff later....i'm having too much fun...i'm suddenly inspired.

I read this on Karren Russells blog today. I really appreciate her sharing this. Hope you enjoy it too :)

TODAY'S UPDATE:

Here's an update on what's going on in my life lately:

1. Yesterday was Christian's 17th birthday. I can't believe my baby is 17, a senior in high school, and all ready to take on the world! She has brought so much joy to our lives....God truly blessed us with great kids! Her Daddy took her shopping yesterday and then we got her 2 tickets to a Nick Lachey concert in Nashville in October. She seemed to really be excited about that.

2. For the last 2 days I have spent 16 hours hearing every thing I never wanted to know about Life Insurance! I'm getting my life insurance license so that I can better help Joey in his business and to do this you must go to a school to learn every thing you need to know to pass the state exam. It really wasn't that bad. But I have helped Joey off and on for many years so a lot of it I was familiar with. But if I had never heard of any of it before I would be totally lost. I have to take the test on Friday at 8am.... so pray for me if you think of it!

3. Adam is in his 4th week at the Fire Academy. He is so excited each night when he gets home. He has to give us a play-by-play account of every thing he did that day. So we just sit there and listen to him totally amused at his enthusiasm! We are very proud of him...can you tell?!

4. I'm still on my diet...and all though the weight loss has slowed down I'm proud to say that I have lost 19 pounds in almost 6 weeks. YAY! And I can really tell that my body is changing. YAY Again!!

5. Amie and Lillie are doing good. No news there is good news!

I guess that's about it. I have a class to teach in the morning then I'll spend the next day and half studying. I'll let you know if I passed on Friday. Man I hope I pass it...if I don't I'm gonna feel like a total idiot! Nerves!!

Lillie's Home!

 

We went and picked up Lillie tonight about 6:30. There was a lot about this week that I couldn't really share here but, believe me, it has been very stressful for all of us - including Lillie. But she is home safe and sound. Thanks to all of you that prayed for her and thought about her this week. It really means a lot to me. 

We had a good visit at Lee University yesterday. I was a very HOT tour (like I think it was about 100 degrees outside) but Christian got to see nearly everything she had questions about. The only thing she didn't get to check out was an actual dorm room because they were completely occupied by a very large group of middle school campers. But everything was so nice. It is the nicest campus I have seen and I'm sure the rooms are nice too. So that pretty much seals the deal for her...she will be sending in her application next week. Joey and I are very happy with her choice.
 
 
 
 



and
LILLIE COMES HOME TOMORROW!!! YAY :) 

Okay, only 2 1/2 days until Lillie comes home. Keep praying for her. I'm trying to keep my mind occupied with other things.

Today, Joey and I are taking Christian (our daughter) to Lee University for a campus tour. She has pretty much decided to make this her final choice but just wanted to see the campus one more time because the first time it was pouring down rain. We have heard a lot of good things about Lee and with their scholorships and the Tennessee Lottery Scholorship she has a full ride her freshman year. The following years will depend on her GPA.

Tonight I will be at work in charge of a crop room full of ScrapNuts. This will be their clubs first crop night so it should be interesting. I have some fun stuff to show them.

Well, I hope ya'll have a great day.....and keep praying for Lillie!

It's been a tough week for me and I just haven't felt like bloggin' but thought I'd give everyone an update. This week Lillie (my granddaughter - she's 3) has been with her father because he's on vacation. He didn't go anywhere, just hasn't been working. This is Amie's (and therefore our) first experience at having Lillie away for so long. Usually it's not more that 1 night. But this week has been the longest week. We all just keep wondering what she's doing and if she's okay. Yesterday was the worst. Amie called her just to talk and it made Lillie's dad and his girlfriend mad and everyone was screaming at each other. Lillie was crying into the phone saying "nobody cares about me mommy. please come get me." Then Amie got to talk to her last night while she was at her other grandma's house and she had calmed down. But she told Amie she was scared. That just breaks my heart. Okay, tears are rollin' down my face again. I'll update later.

Tootin' my own horn!

okay, I'm gonna toot my own horn here because it's my blog and I can say whatever I want, right? So here it goes......


I've lost 14 pounds. YEA! ::doing the happy dance:: Whoo-Hoo!!


That's it! I'm done now!


Have a great day! :)

Veggie Tales

So this morning we took Lillie to Opry Mills to see Jonah and I gotta tell ya, I was quite amused! I had not watched a Veggie Tales movie before, but Joey and I quickly found out that the movie was going to be entertaining for us as well as Lillie (maybe even more for us!) I can't tell you how surprised I was when half way through the movie I saw a theater full of preschoolers dancing and clapping to the Veggie Tales singing "God is a God of Second Chances." What a blessing that was to see...it really touched my heart.

After the movie, we shopped for a little bit, had lunch, then walked back to the car only to find out that it wouldn't start. I think the fuel pump went out on it. So we had to call a tow truck and have it towed all the way back to Murfressboro. There wasn't enough room in the truck for all of us so Amie and I had to stay and shop for a couple more hours! That's usually dangerous for us to shop together, but I think we did pretty good. I got an outfit and another adorable pair of shoes. Did you know I love shoes!! Anyway, then Joey had to make his second trip to Nashville to pick us up.
But it was a fun day just being with my daughter and granddaughter...and of course getting a new pair of shoes!

Sneek Peek!

I've been busy working on upcoming classes for Scrappin' USA Superstore. Our Class Preview Party is this Saturday for 11-2. All of the teachers will be there showing their upcoming classes for the next 3 months along with a make-n-take. Stop by if you're 'round these parts!

All American Coin Holder Album






Bazzill & Chatterbox - What could be cuter!(Mini-Album)


Sunflower Fun Mini Album



And I'll be teaching my Baby Album in a Day class again. This class has definitely been my most popular. It's 20 8x8 layouts in 3 hours and it uses the adorable Daisy D's Lullaby papers.

It's been busy, busy around here lately. So here's an update on my life:

My diet: It's been going surprisingly well. I've lost 12 pounds and feel so much better (not quite so uncomfortable). I still have a lot to lose but I think I can actually do it this time. In case you are interested in how I'm doing it just click here.

Reconnect with old friends: Last week I saw an old friend out shopping and she invited me to coffee at her house along with a lot of other old friends. It was so good to see them and just talk. Very therapeutic! Then we got together the next evening for a girls-night-out cookout. Again, Very Therapeutic! Thanks, Nancy!

Trip to the Zoo: Last Friday I took Lillie to the Nashville Zoo. We had a good time even though she actually threw a temper tantrum...yes, she did! I could not believe she did that, she doesn't usually show out that bad. But I found out later she had stayed up very late the night before, so I'm blaming it on excessive tiredness!
But I got a couple of good pictures out of it:



Doesn't this face just crack you up?! Lillie and I got a good laugh watching this...whatever he was.
And last but not least, Adam begins his training at the Fire Academy today. It's and 8-week program and I think he's pretty nervous about it and so am I. We have heard that's it pretty rough physically (like boot camp) but also very tough academically! I’m just praying for his safety…like any mother would!

So that’s my life, updated. I gotta rush out the door to go to work. Hope you have a great Monday!

For as long as I can remember, the 4th of July holiday has been a big event in my family. Big gamily gatherings, amazing food, games, fireworks, hot days...this is what I look forward to all year.













Lots of Fishing!




Lots of Swimming!



Lillie filling water balloons!











My Dad!



UNO Tournament!






Celebrating Life!



Celebrating Freedom!

Just Sharin'

 
 
I just thought I'd share a couple layouts I did. Nothing Spectacularly Amazing about them, but they're about family. And that seems to be what's on my mind the most lately. 

Shoes. Shoes. I love Shoes!

 
 
I got these yesterday at Kohls. They were even on sale. Yippeeee! I even love the box they came in!

So, I'm going to a big yard sale today at Scrappin' USA...try to pick up a few bargains. Then Lillie and I will be lounging in the pool!
Hope you have a great day, too! 

She's the Amazing Puzzle Girl!

 
Lillie's only 3. Not even 3&1/2. Just 3 years old and she has this really amazing ability to put together 100 piece puzzles. And it's so funny to watch her because she doesn't start with outside peices like adults do. She starts on the inside and works her way outwards. She's fast too. She can put me to shame! Just wanted to brag on Lillie a little bit!

Okay, now I'm off to Target and Kohls. I need some new shoes and I have a gift card from my birthday just burning a hole in my pocket! Thanks Mom! 

I had a great weekend...did you?
On Satuday I began cleaning the house and noticed all of the little things that need fixing like cabinet doors missing a screw, door closer that was broken, burned out lightbulbs, etc, etc. So I ended up fixing all of that stuff and didn't get to experience my pedicure. Oh well, I'll save that luxury for another day. It felt good to get that other stuff done.
Yesterday we went to the Nashville Flea Market. I got a few little treasures, but next time I'm going by myself. Joey does appreciate my love for little trinkets, he just doesn't share my love for it. So whenever I was digging through an old musty box of postcards or pictures I could feel him standing there in the smoldering heat just wishing he was inside. So next month I'm going back without him. Anyone want to come with me?!
Today I have to work all day then I have a class tonight. I saw this quote on my Hobby Lobby sales flyer email this morning:

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
Mother Theresa

I'm going to focus on that today...using kind words to make an impact on someone's life. (not always an easy thing to do!)
Have a great day!

Yay Yay Yay...It's Saturday!
So I have the whole day to myself...don't have to work...what the heck am I going to do all day? I'm thinkin' about cleaning the house, getting a pedicure, going to Kohl's, lounging in the pool (but it's cloudy right now, maybe it'll clear up), I need something fun to do tonight. If anyone has any suggestions of something going on in the Boro, please let me know.
I started a new diet on Thursday. I felt so yucky the first day, but yesterday I felt better and today, so far, I feel pretty good. I hope I stick to it this time... I can't tell you how many times I start a diet program, then do it for a couple weeks, lose a few pounds, then just quit. I keep telling myself this time I'm not quitting, this time I have to stick to it all the way. I really have to lose a lot of weight 'cause I don't like myself the way I am.
I have come across a couple of blogs that have something inspirational or motivational (or whatever you want to call it) posted each day. This one is by Ali Edwards. And this one is by Rhonna Farrer who does a 21 day challenge (which I never do, but I enjoy reading her posts!)
Enjoy the Day!

{SHE's a trendy girl}

 
Been playing a little today in between laundry and lillie!
I really like how this layout turned out. 

Present Time!

Look! Look! Look at me and the wonderful present my hubby got me!















Okay...that's not really me. This is me opening the wonderful present...
I really raked it in on my birthday this year. It's a funny story really. Last year I turned 40 and I was really upset by that. Money was tight, I didn't like (and still don't) the way I looked and didn't want to start a new decade looking like that, and 40's just sounds old. So I wouldn't let anyone celebrate my birthday. No party. No presents. Just another day. But now that I've gotten over that milestone I have come to accept that I can't do anything to stop the years from flying by. So, my family made it up to me this year and really got me some great gifts...A water lounge so I can float in the pool and barely get wet! A mp3 player so I can listen to music and our pastors sermons while I walk. A TV for my scrapbook room. And my kids gave me money...I mentioned that I wanted a home photography studio (which Creating Keepsakes featured in last months issue). They knocked themselves out trying to find it but unfortunately, there is no such product around to be purchased either in a store or online. They said they even emailed CK and never got a response. So anyone know what I'm talking about and you know where to find it, please let me know!
Now, we are off to La Siesta to have some fun. Those of you that know me very well know what I'm talking about!

Well, we finally got that darn grill put together yesterday...only took us 2 hours. But we did it and it worked great last night.

So,today's my Birthday. Yep, it really is. I'm 41 today. Joey's taking me to IHOP for breakfast, which is something we have never done...just talked about then decided to go somewhere else. But today we are actually going to do it! Then I have to go to work to design those darn layouts (still didn't get that done!) BTW, if you are taking my class on Wednesday I promise those darn layouts will be darn cute! Then I'm coming home, laying out around the pool for a couple hours, getting all prettied up, and my family is taking me out somewhere....they won't tell me what's going on tonight but they have something planned.

**Okay, I was just proofreading this post before posting and I noticed I use the word darn a lot. Sorry!
Have a good day!

wow, that week went by quick. Sorry I haven't been keeping up on my blogging duties...the time has just whipped by.

Happy Fathers Day. My kids chipped in an got Joey a new grill today. It needs to be assembled so I guess I'll do that this morning. Then I'm going to the grocery store and get stuff to make Shish-ka-bobs (?sp) and a really good salad for dinner. I hope it doesn't rain this afternoon cause the kids will all be here for dinner.
Also, I have a class on Wednesday and I haven't even designed the layouts for it(ahhh...panic!) I have to get 5 layouts together today so I'll be doing a little bit of work today too.

Last night we went to the Nashville Sounds game. We go at least once every summer. It was fun but not as much fun as a few years ago when the kids went with us. Oh well, we are really moving into a new stage of life.

Okay...now to get going on all the things I need to do today. I'll post pictures later (hopefully)!